Chapter 696: East Sea Turmoil, Sowing Discord

However, the opposition had more people, including those who had lost their reason due to fear, as well as some who had long harbored jealousy toward Lin Xuan.

There were also some fence-sitters who leaned toward the side with more people, following the direction of the wind.

The final voting results were released: twenty-one votes in favor of suspension, sixteen votes against.

A narrow margin, but enough to pass the resolution.

Jian Wentian wore a triumphant smile on his face: "The voting results are out."

"According to the Alliance charter, Lin Xuan's position as Alliance Leader is suspended effective immediately."

"Until the investigation concludes, I shall serve as the interim acting Alliance Leader."

"Now, in my capacity as acting Alliance Leader, I issue my first order: Lin Xuan is required to immediately cease private operations in the Southern Region and return to Guardian Peak to cooperate with the investigation."

The cultivators who supported Lin Xuan turned pale, but the vote had concluded, and the result could not be changed.

A few hours later, this recall order was delivered to the Southern Region via a flying Dharma Artifact.

At this moment, Lin Xuan was standing in a slaughtered village, holding an ancient stone tablet in his hand.

This village was called Peach Blossom Village; it originally had over three hundred villagers, but now they had all vanished.

Just like the Green Lotus Sword Sect, the buildings were intact, but all life had disappeared.

The difference was that Lin Xuan had discovered this stone tablet beside the ancient well in the center of the village.

The stone tablet was carved with ancient Runes, emitting an evil aura.

Through the power of the Genesis Bloodline, Lin Xuan was able to decipher its contents.

This was actually a portion of the first volume of the Nine Nether Demon Scripture, recording the detailed incantations for the Life Absorption Art.

"It seems the enemy has already found parts of the Nine Nether Demon Scripture," Lin Xuan said with a grave expression.

"And they are using the life force of these villagers to conduct some kind of evil ritual."

Nezha said angrily: "These beasts! They won't even spare ordinary villagers!"

Just then, a messenger bird landed on Lin Xuan's shoulder.

Zhang Wuji took the letter, and after reading it, his expression turned extremely ugly in an instant.

"Lin Xuan, take a look at this."

Lin Xuan took the letter and remained silent for a long time after reading it.

He had been suspended, and was also required to return immediately to cooperate with the investigation.

If he did not comply, he would be considered a defector from the Alliance.

After reading the letter, Nezha tore it to shreds: "These bastards!"

"We are here risking our lives to investigate the truth, yet they are playing political games behind our backs!"

"Lin Xuan, we aren't going back!"

Zhang Wuji also said indignantly: "Right, we will continue the investigation."

"Even if it means breaking away from the entire Alliance, it is a price worth paying!"

Several accompanying cultivators from small sects also expressed their support for Lin Xuan one after another.

Although their strength was not great, their character was noble, and they knew what was right.

Lin Xuan looked at the stone tablet fragment in his hand and fell into deep thought.

If he returned to Guardian Peak now, these evil beings would have more time to complete their conspiracy.

By then, it might not just be the tragedy of a few villages, but a catastrophe for the entire cultivation world.

But if he remained, it meant breaking away from all his former allies.

From then on, he would become a lone wolf, with no support whatsoever.

The voice of his master, Hun Yuanzi, echoed in his heart: "Xuan'er, the true test has arrived."

"What you must choose is not right or wrong, but responsibility and duty."

"Sometimes, insisting on the correct path is destined to be endured in solitude."

"But this is the fate that the strong must bear."

Lin Xuan slowly raised his head, a firm light flickering in his eyes.

"I have decided," his voice was calm and resolute.

"I will not go back, nor will I stop the investigation."

"The safety of the world is more important than personal reputation."

"If they want to label me a rebel, then let them."

Nezha said excitedly: "Good brother! I knew you would make this choice!"

"We will bear it with you!"

Zhang Wuji also nodded and said: "Right, better to be a righteous rebel than a wrong-headed loyalist."

Lin Xuan looked at these loyal friends, and a warm current surged in his heart.

Although he had lost the support of most of his allies, there were still these people willing to live and die with him.

That was enough.

"Then from this moment on, I officially announce my withdrawal from the Righteous Alliance."

Lin Xuan's voice echoed through the village, every word filled with determination.

"I will continue to pursue the conspiracy of the evil beings as an individual."

"Those willing to follow me may stay; those who are not may return immediately."

"I will not force anyone to do anything against their will."

Everyone chose to stay without the slightest hesitation.

Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from afar.

A troop of knights clad in black armor was galloping toward the village.

The lead knight held a black banner, embroidered with a blood-red skull.

This was the symbol of the Demon God Xintu.

"Finally found you." The lead knight removed his helmet, revealing a hideous face.

"Lord Withered Bone Demon General requests your presence, Lin Xuan."

"He says there are some things he would like to discuss with you in person."

Lin Xuan sneered: "Is that so? That's perfect, I also have some things I'd like to ask him."

"For instance, the whereabouts of the Nine Nether Demon Scripture, and their true purpose."

The black-armored knight chuckled: "Very well, come with us."

"But I must warn you, this may be a road of no return."

"Our Demon General's temper is not very good."

Nezha raised his Fire-Tipped Spear: "What kind of bullshit Demon General, come if you have the guts!"

Zhang Wuji also drew his Long Sword: "Just as well, let's settle old and new scores together!"

Lin Xuan waved his hand, stopping the two from acting impulsively.

"Lead the way, I'd like to see what kind of skills your Demon General has."

Ten Thousand Demon Island in the East Sea, the holy land of the demon race.

This island is situated in the vast East Sea, spanning a thousand miles, and is shrouded in mist all year round.

The island is covered in exotic flowers and rare herbs, with dense Spirit Qi, making it a paradise for the demon race to cultivate.

The ruler of Ten Thousand Demon Island is the Nine-Tailed Fox King Bai Suxin, a powerful demon king who has cultivated for three thousand years.

She is not only unfathomably strong, but her wisdom also surpasses that of ordinary people, and she enjoys supreme prestige among the demon race.

For thousands of years, she has maintained a delicate balance between the human race and the demon race, preventing countless potential wars.

But today, the tranquility of Ten Thousand Demon Island has been completely shattered.

A massive black vortex suddenly surged on the sea surface, and a group of Mysterious Persons clad in black robes emerged from the vortex.

They walked upon the sea, and the seawater beneath their feet was instantly dyed black by an evil aura.

Leading them was an extremely aged figure, none other than the Withered Bone Demon General.

His withered body exuded an aura of death, and his green eyes flickered like ghost fire.

Following behind him were over a dozen Demon God Xintu also clad in black robes, each exuding a powerful evil aura.

The guardian demon beasts of Ten Thousand Demon Island immediately discovered these uninvited guests.

Hundreds of demon beasts of various forms flew out from the island, surrounding the Black-robed Men.

There were giant eagles with massive frames, fire lions spitting flames, and thunder leopards covered in lightning.

Although these demon beasts varied in form, they all had one thing in common—their eyes were filled with hostility.