The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, becoming a disciple of Yue Buqun.

Upon reaching Mount Hua, when it was time for the master and disciple to have a private conversation, Yue Buqun said.

"When you went up the mountain just now, was your Uncle-Master Mo asking you about Liu Zhengfeng?"

"Ah."

Jiang Ning nodded.

"Ugh."

Upon hearing this, Yue Buqun shook his head.

He couldn't say anything about the two fellow disciples.

After letting the matter drop, Yue Buqun got down to business.

"Many martial arts practitioners are gathering at Mount Hua. It won't be long before we have to fight Ren Woxing to the death. But we must be wary of Shaolin."

Given Yue Buqun's understanding of Fang Zheng, he knew that Fang Zheng would not refuse such a powerful opportunity. He would most likely go with the flow, but Fang Zheng would inevitably try to seize control of the narrative and lead the campaign to suppress the Demonic Sect, thereby enhancing Shaolin's prestige.

Yue Buqun had anticipated this, so why would he do something for someone else? Yue Buqun was already preparing to use the submission of the strange beasts as a pretext.

Chapter 685: Imperial Edict

Jiang Ning had no objection when he learned that Yue Buqun wanted to use this incident to build momentum, because it would indeed make the Huashan Sect more famous.

"What does Master need me to do? This disciple will cooperate fully."

Jiang Ning said.

Yue Buqun shook his head and smiled, "No need, you've done enough. You can leave the rest to your master."

The sight of Jiang Ning riding a giant tortoise, accompanied by a giant python, all the way back has been seen by many martial arts practitioners, and it is indeed enough to cause a huge discussion.

Jiang Ning nodded.

Yue Buqun then got down to business: "There are now quite a few martial arts masters gathered at the foot of Mount Hua, including some spies sent by the Demonic Sect. They have taken the opportunity to cause trouble among the crowd and have already caused several disputes."

After Yue Buqun issued the proclamation to exterminate the demon, many martial arts figures responded and came to Mount Hua. However, Ren Woxing did not sit idly by. He planted many spies to observe their movements and stirred up trouble from within, trying to undermine the demon-suppressing operation.

Fortunately, these incidents were discovered in time, and the spies from the evil cult were eliminated on the spot, thus preventing a larger chaos.

Faced with this situation, Yue Buqun frowned. These were martial arts figures who had gathered from all over the country. If someone instigated them, trouble was bound to happen.

"We can't delay any longer."

Yue Buqun said, "The leaders of various sects will be holding a meeting in the main hall tonight. You should come too."

Hearing this, Jiang Ning knew they were about to set off, so he nodded.

"Yes, Master."

night.

Lobby.

"Everyone, the proclamation to exterminate the demon has been issued, and many righteous people in the martial world have responded. There are now nearly 10,000 people gathered at the foot of Mount Hua, and many more are on their way to Mount Hua. I think it's time to prepare to set off."

Yue Buqun said.

Master Mo, Abbess Qingzhu, and the other three exchanged glances. Finally, Abbess Dingxian spoke up and asked, "Alliance Leader, what is the reaction of Shaolin, Wudang, and Kunlun?"

Yue Buqun shook his head and said, "Although I have already issued a proclamation to exterminate the demons, I have not extended an invitation to these three factions, so I do not know what their plans are."

Normally, Yue Buqun should have sent letters to these three factions and extended invitations after issuing the proclamation, but considering his relationship with Shaolin, Yue Buqun did not do so.

"However, I have already received news that the Kunlun Sect leader Zhenshanzi has arrived from Kunlun Mountain with his Kunlun disciples. As for Shaolin... I believe that Master Fangzheng will not refuse."

Yue Buqun laughed and said, "Shaolin is already entangled in the Beggars' Sect and Ren Woxing's affairs, and can no longer extricate itself. Now that I have issued this proclamation, the choice is no longer up to Shaolin."

"Now only Wudang has not yet made a move, but under the current circumstances, Wudang cannot possibly remain uninvolved. These three sects actually have no other choice."

Those present were all leaders of various factions within the Weiyi Alliance, so Yue Buqun spoke more frankly.

The other four sect leaders nodded in agreement, finding it reasonable.

However, at this moment, Master Mo reminded us: "These three factions... In the past, Shaolin and Wudang advanced and retreated together, while Kunlun always followed behind Shaolin. I'm afraid that if they support Shaolin this time and Shaolin takes the lead, it will be detrimental to us."

This proclamation to exterminate the demon was jointly issued by the five factions. In addition to eliminating Ren Woxing, a scourge that plagued the martial arts world, they also intended to greatly enhance the reputation of the Weiyi Alliance through this incident. If they didn't want to surpass Shaolin and Wudang, they wanted to at least make the Weiyi Alliance stand on equal footing with these two factions. However, if Fang Zheng took away the leading role and Shaolin's prestige rose to another level, it would be even more disadvantageous for the five factions.

When Master Mo brought up this issue, he was reminding Yue Buqun not to do the work for Shaolin's benefit.

Although the three nuns, including Qingzhu, did not speak, their eyes were all on Yue Buqun, clearly indicating that they agreed with Master Mo's words.

“What Mr. Mo said makes sense, and I have also thought about it.”

Yue Buqun nodded and said, "To be honest, I was indeed worried about this matter before, but my disciple Jiang Ning's subjugation of the tortoise and snake beasts has already caused a great sensation. I plan to use this matter to build momentum for the Weiyi Alliance."

It's very simple. Yue Buqun wanted to use the strange phenomenon of the beasts returning to their hearts to create momentum for the Huashan Sect, expand its influence, make the world believe that the Demonic Sect's fate was sealed and even the heavens had sent down this strange phenomenon, and make them understand that only the Huashan Sect could lead them to wipe out the Demonic Sect.

Upon hearing this, the leaders of the other four sects looked at Jiang Ning, pondered for a moment, and then nodded in agreement.

Master Mo asked, "I have no objection to the Alliance Leader's plan, but I have one question: can these two strange beasts be allowed to go to the battle together this time? Since we are going to use them as the basis for our plan, their appearance in front of everyone will maximize the impact."

At this moment, Abbess Dingxian also asked, "We also need to ensure that these two strange beasts do not become ferocious and accidentally harm the common people and our own people."

Although the two sect leaders were questioning Yue Buqun, their eyes were both on Jiang Ning, as they knew that the two strange beasts were following Jiang Ning.

If these two strange beasts become enemies and I do not distinguish between them, it will expand the influence of the Weiyi Alliance and instead plunge them into utter ruin.

"can."

Jiang Ning nodded.

Upon receiving Jiang Ning's promise, the leaders of the four sects all breathed a sigh of relief.

"Since that's the case, and everything is now ready, Alliance Leader, please give the order."

Tianmen Daoist said directly.

Yue Buqun nodded and looked at Abbess Dingxian.

"Master, what is Ren Woxing's current situation?"

The Hengshan Sect possesses exceptional intelligence capabilities, maintaining connections with virtually every nunnery in the land and having a thorough understanding of all major and minor events in the martial arts world.

Master Dingxian replied, "Not long ago, Ren Woxing and the Beggars' Clan had a battle in Runing Prefecture. The Beggars' Clan suffered heavy losses. If Shaolin had not arrived in time, the Beggars' Clan's branch in Runing Prefecture would have been lost. Now Ren Woxing has retreated and is currently active in Luzhou Prefecture."

Yue Buqun stood up.

"Target: Luzhou Prefecture."

……

As all the martial arts practitioners who participated in the demon-slaying operation marched to Luzhou Prefecture with the five factions of the Weiyi Alliance, the imperial court also issued an imperial edict to the whole country.

"Fengtian Chengyun Emperor, the imperial edict said:

I, the Emperor, have been ordained by Heaven to rule over all lands. Yet now, there are heretical sects that call themselves the "Cult of Gods." They are gods in name but demons in reality, wreaking havoc on the moral order and committing countless crimes. What's worse, they even sent assassins into the palace to murder the Emperor! Although the evil cult's plot failed, this crime is intolerable!

I have heard that righteous heroes of the martial world, with their chivalrous spirit and courage, and that the leader of the Huashan Sect has issued a proclamation to exterminate the demonic cult, seeking to unite all those of insight throughout the land to destroy this evil sect. Such an act of service to the country and its people greatly pleases me, and I hereby proclaim this to the world:

1. Anyone who is willing to rid the country of demons may carry the name card of the leader of each sect and pass through each prefecture. Local governments must immediately allow them to pass. Anyone who obstructs them will be punished for dereliction of duty!

Second: The prefectures and counties along the route must open their granaries to provide relief and assistance, supplying grain, fodder, and horses to show the court's support.

Third: The Ministry of Justice and the Censorate shall investigate and prosecute any individuals who collude with the Demonic Cult, and their entire families shall be executed!

Fourth: Upon receiving the decree, each prefecture must immediately post the notice without delay! Each prefecture shall also establish a "Demon Extermination Division," which shall be subordinate to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. The "Demon Extermination Division" shall be responsible for collecting intelligence on the Demonic Cult. Righteous warriors who wish to exterminate demons may go to the Demon Extermination Division to obtain information on the Demonic Cult.

5. Those who are coerced by the Demonic Cult, if they can realize their mistakes and immediately escape from the Demonic Cult, and provide information about the Demonic Cult, will be punished along with their entire family.

The evil cult has committed numerous crimes. The imperial court hereby issues this edict, hoping that all righteous heroes of the martial world will cherish a heart to eliminate evil and protect the righteous path and destroy the evil cult. When the mission is accomplished, I will hold a banquet in the Hall of Supreme Harmony to invite the righteous heroes who have vanquished the evil cult, so that your chivalrous names will be passed down for generations!

Chapter 686: On Blackwood Cliff

Blackwood Cliff.

Tong Baixiong walked with a sullen face through a long, dark passage. After a while, the light suddenly came out, and he arrived at a place that seemed like a paradise.

After passing through the sea of ​​flowers and artificial hills, we arrived at the pavilion in the middle of the lake, where we saw two figures sitting inside.

Upon seeing the two, Tong Baixiong quickly stepped forward and entered the pavilion.

"Brother Tong is here?"

Seeing Tong Baixiong approach, Dongfang Bubai smiled and said.

At this moment, Tong Baixiong sat down with a solemn expression and said.

"The imperial court issued an imperial edict to annihilate Ren Woxing."

As soon as Tong Baixiong said this, before Dongfang Bubai could speak, Yang Lianting, who was standing next to him, looked surprised and then revealed a gloating expression.

Dongfang Bubai remained calm, fiddling with the embroidery needle in his hand, embroidering something that appeared to be mandarin ducks.

"Eastern Brothers".

Seeing that Dongfang Bubai remained silent, Tong Baixiong grew impatient and continued, "Should we send someone to contact Ren Woxing and join forces with him?"

"Join forces? Are you kidding me?"

Before Dongfang Bubai could speak, Yang Lianting spoke first, looking at Tong Baixiong with a questioning expression.

"Now that the righteous sects have joined forces to besiege Ren Woxing, and the imperial court has also issued an edict, Ren Woxing is already on the verge of death. We can simply sit back and watch the tigers fight, so why should we get involved? What is Elder Tong's intention in saying this?"

Yang Lianting and Tong Baixiong were already irreconcilable enemies. Although the two temporarily stopped their conflict under the intervention of Dongfang Bubai, Yang Lianting still had some disagreements with Tong Baixiong. Upon hearing this, he immediately launched an attack.

Tong Baixiong glanced at him expressionlessly, then looked at Dongfang Bubai, whose face remained calm. Although he answered, his gaze was still fixed on Dongfang Bubai.

"When Yue Buqun issued the proclamation, he did not name Ren Woxing specifically, but mentioned the entire Divine Cult. The imperial edict issued by the court was the same. This proves that the court and the righteous sects are targeting not only Ren Woxing, but also us."

“Although we are at odds with Ren Woxing, those righteous people are our common enemy. If we sit idly by and do nothing, when Ren Woxing is destroyed, it will be our turn.”

Tong Baixiong understood the principle of "if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold" very well. The proclamation issued by Yue Buqun was not directed at Ren Woxing alone, but at the entire Demonic Sect, which meant that they were also among the other party's targets.

Yang Lianting was taken aback.

What Tong Baixiong said makes sense...

"Brother Dongfang, we need to prepare as soon as possible."