Ji Wusi spoke calmly.
Yet the Sect Master of Xuandan Gate, Xuan Feng, and the Sect Master of the Beastmaster Sect, Sang Fan, though appearing composed, were secretly grinning.
Ji Wusi was likely regretting things deeply now.
There was a mysterious smile at the corner of Xuan Feng's lips.
The Grand Elder had truly seen far ahead—he had accepted Yun Jin early on. If Wushuang Sect were to rise again in the future, wouldn't having such a connection mean they could easily share in the benefits?
Wushuang Sect might not reach its former peak, but with their support, Xuandan Gate becoming the foremost of the Four Holy Lands was no longer just a dream.
Sang Fan was smiling as well. He shared the same thoughts.
Elder Liu Li had truly lived up to her name.
The future Sect Master of Wushuang Sect was now their elder's disciple. The world would soon belong to the beastmasters.
The revival of beastmaster glory started now.
Regarding Yun Jin's identity, Xuan Feng and Sang Fan had already quietly shared it with several key figures in their sects.
With that connection in place, reaching a consensus had been easy.
This time, they were determined to support Yun Jin in reopening the hidden vault and successfully assuming the position of Sect Master of Wushuang Sect.
Lin Xiao was unaware of the political maneuvering behind the scenes. But knowing Ji Wusi's temperament, he had assumed he would support Wushuang Sect. So instead, his focus was now on Xuan Feng and Sang Fan.
"Master Xuan, Master Sang," Lin Xiao said slowly, "this world has found stability with the Four Holy Lands. Surely you, like me, don't want a fifth Holy Land to emerge, do you?"
Xuan Feng offered a faint smile. "Sect Master Lin, that's not quite right. First of all, Wushuang Sect has rendered a great service to this world. Helping them rebuild is an act of righteousness. Second, the sect is currently in ruins. Returning to its former glory will be incredibly difficult. Why should we act against righteousness for the sake of a threat that may never come to pass? Xuandan Gate is willing to assist Yun Jin in opening the hidden vault, and we'll even provide some pills to support Wushuang Sect."
Sang Fan gave Xuan Feng a surprised glance.
This old fox, known for never acting without profit, was actually siding with Wushuang Sect?
Still, this development was perfect for the Beastmaster Sect.
Sang Fan also smiled. "That's exactly how Beastmaster Sect sees it. Wushuang Sect now is but an empty shell. If we can help, we should. Consider it repaying the favor they once did by saving the world."
Lin Xiao froze.
He couldn't believe it. Besides the brainless Ji Wusi, even Xuan Feng and Sang Fan were being so short-sighted?
This was Wushuang Sect!
Even if only one successor remained, had they all forgotten the fear that sect once inspired?
Wushuang Sect didn't care about spiritual roots or innate talent—only comprehension. Once they reopened, they could recruit a large number of suitable disciples in no time. Give it a few centuries, and wouldn't they once again be a Holy Land?
Had these men truly failed to consider this?
Lin Xiao was momentarily at a loss for words, his body trembling with anger. A lifetime of honor and reputation, and yet these were the teammates fate had dealt him?
"So, it seems we have a consensus," Ji Wusi said with a smile. "Sect Master Lin, it's three to one. The outcome of this meeting is already clear."
As he spoke, Ji Wusi's tone turned solemn. "For the reopening of the Wushuang Sect's hidden vault, the Four Holy Lands will act in support. No schemes, no actions that may sabotage the process. Do we all agree?"
Xuan Feng and Sang Fan responded with broad smiles, nodding repeatedly.
Lin Xiao's face darkened. He let out a cold snort and disappeared from the scene in a flash.
Just being around these idiots felt like it was lowering his intelligence.
What logic was there in actively creating your own enemies?
But now that the three had formed a united front, his opposition was meaningless.
Qingxiao Pavilion wouldn't act openly. But if an opportunity arose, Lin Xiao would find a way to eliminate this threat.
At his cultivation level, there were certain intuitions.
If something—or someone—stood out as particularly unpleasant, it was often a sign from the heavens. Best to eliminate it quickly.
Yun Jin gave him that exact unsettling feeling.
One way or another, he would get rid of her.
If not openly, then in secret.
Besides, the outcome of this meeting only bound the Four Holy Lands.
But—
What if other sects also wanted to prevent Wushuang Sect from rising again?
Then it wouldn't be his concern.
Back at his residence, Lin Xiao immediately summoned the one managing subordinate sects. He asked for a list of sects near the Canglan Kingdom and began reviewing them one by one.
Within Canglan, there was only one super sect.
That was the Yuehua Sect.
There were a few high-level sects as well.
But what he needed now had to be discreet. Too many people involved would make secrecy impossible. Ideally, one sect alone would act.
His eyes landed on the three characters for Yuehua Sect. A super sect within Canglan, and—according to a recent report from Duan Yiwei—there had already been some conflict between Yuehua Sect and Yun Jin.
Wasn't this the perfect blade?
The Four Holy Lands were only sending disciples in the Divine Transformation realm, but Yuehua Sect had Mahayana-level cultivators. If they acted against Yun Jin, success was highly likely.
Of course, after Yun Jin's death, the remaining Holy Lands would surely be enraged at Yuehua Sect. But Lin Xiao didn't care. As long as Yun Jin died, he could even join the others in cursing Yuehua Sect, feigning righteous fury while letting them take all the blame.
Losing a super sect under his jurisdiction in exchange for Yun Jin's death and Wushuang Sect's complete annihilation—Lin Xiao found it a worthwhile trade.
Now the question was how to make Yuehua Sect willing to become his blade.
It wouldn't be hard.
Only the Four Holy Lands knew the outcome of the meeting. Yuehua Sect had no idea. If he let slip that someone wanted Yun Jin dead, and added a few empty promises he never planned to keep, those in Yuehua Sect would gladly act as his tool.
But he couldn't move personally on this.
Lin Xiao thought for a moment, then reached out to Duan Yiwei. If Ji Wusi lost his temper, he could just claim Duan Yiwei had acted without permission. What could anyone do then?
However, just as he was about to contact Duan Yiwei, a message came from the man first.
Luohua Mountain?
Lin Xiao frowned slightly. This small matter warranted a personal report?
But Duan Yiwei's mention of Yun Jin gathering ten Mahayana cultivators sparked a thought.
Wasn't this the perfect opportunity?
Yuehua Sect could easily provide ten Mahayana cultivators. They could use it as an excuse to follow Yun Jin all the way to the hidden realm, then lie in wait outside.
Once the vault opened, they could strike without warning. By the time Ji Wusi realized what had happened, it would be far too late.
If he needed to vent his anger, let him do so on Yuehua Sect. As long as Yun Jin was dead, nothing else mattered.
A smile curled at Lin Xiao's lips as he began to lay out his plan for Duan Yiwei in detail.