Qingxu Temple, Taiqing Hall. The hall doors were closed, powerful sound-isolation formations activated, separating inside and outside into two worlds. The hall atmosphere could barely be wrung dry of moisture. Temple Master True Immortal Xuan Xuan appeared rare from closed cultivation, sitting on the main cushion, though his aura was still somewhat weak, eyes sharp, commanding without anger.
Below, all core elders and true disciple leaders were present. Even usually uninvolved seniors like Xuan Gu and Ming Xin were invited. Detailed intelligence about the Red Flame Valley conflict, including Tang Xiaoqi's latest transmission, Elder Han Feng's arrogant statements and ultimate retreat without daring direct war declaration, sat before everyone. "Overbearing!
Simply overbearing!" A war faction elder's hair stood on end, smashing the table: "Destroying our markers, occupying our veins, injuring our disciples, imprisoning our people, now spouting nonsense about redrawing borders! Liyang Sect clearly thinks we are weak after the demonic disaster! If we retreat now, what is left of Qingxu Temple's face? In my view, we should immediately gather elites, march on Red Flame Valley, expel those ruffians with thunderous force, defending sect dignity!" "Elder Lu, please calm down." Another more cautious elder interjected, brow tightly locked: "Liyang Sect's strength is not weak.
Their Pavilion Master Yan Yang True Immortal has profound cultivation, many Golden Core cultivators in their sect. Now they dare provoke like this, behind them may be support. If we rashly start war, outcome uncertain. Even if we win, it will betragicvictory, our recovering strength exhausted again. Then, if Shadow Snake Pavilion remnants or other hostile forces take advantage, unimaginable!
Perhaps first send envoys to negotiate, explainsharpharm, possibly avoid fighting?" "Negotiate? How negotiate?" Another elder angrily said: "Knife is at our throats, should we grovel and cede territory? Such humiliation, how can sect disciples accept? If hearts scatter, how can we lead?" "One cannot say it that way.
Preserving sect strength is fundamental! Patience achieves grand goals!" "Compromise? Continue compromising and they will shit on our heads!" "Fight! Must fight! Show Qingxu Temple's might!" "Fight? With what? Can the sect treasury support several major battles? Have disciples just recovered from demonic disaster to be thrown into battle again?" War and peace factions argued endlessly, each insisting on their own, unable to convince the other.
The hall filled with gunpowder, atmosphere increasingly tense. True Immortal Xuan Gu's face was gloomy, silent, clearly internally struggling. Elder Ming Xin stroked his beard, eyes lowered, seemingly calculating. Temple Master Xuan Xuan sat motionless at the head the entire time, merely listening to everyone's arguments, gaze deep, thinking unknown.
Just as arguments grew most heated, almost turning to shouting, Tang Xiaoqi stepped forward, saluting: "Temple Master, respected elders, disciple has words." The hall instantly quieted. All gazes focused on him. This young Protector Elder's status in the sect was transcendent; his opinion carried great weight. "Liyang Sect's provocation this time, their intent is malicious and cannot be compromised.
Sect dignity cannot be trampled." Tang Xiaoqi first established position, making war faction elders' expressions slow and. But he then turned: "However, reckless war is also not optimal. As several uncles mentioned, the sect's strength has not recovered, strong enemies surround us, need long-term consideration." He paused, surveying everyone from appearance: "Disciple believes we should 'courtesypastcome.'" "Oh? How 'courtesypastcome'?" Xuan Xuan finally spoke, voice calm, carrying inquiry.
"Liyang Sect dares such arrogance only because they think our sect weakened post-demonic-disaster, hollow strength." Tang Xiaoqi analyzed: "Since that is the case, we show them clearly, Qingxu Temple is still not to be lightly insulted!" "Disciple is willing to personally lead, go to Red Flame Valley again. This trip is not direct war, but as sect special envoy for formal negotiations. First, retrieve our imprisoned disciples, treat their injuries. Second, demand Liyang Sect immediately withdraw from illegally occupied areas, repair markers, compensate losses, formally apologize for provocation.
Third, take this opportunity to display sect strength and resolve, making them stimulated difficult and retreat." His eyes shone, tone carrying powerful confidence: "If Liyang Sect is wise and accepts conditions, this matter resolves peacefully, avoiding bloodshed, gaining sect recovery opportunity, deterring surrounding troublemakers. If they stubbornly persist, refusing to withdraw." Tang Xiaoqi paused. A trace of his blood-tempered, demon-slaying imposing manner emanated briefly, just a moment, yet made everyone's hearts tighten as if seeing blood sea and mountain of corpses imagery. "Then we fight!" He finally spat three words, decisive.
The hall was silent. Tang Xiaoqi's plan both maintained sect dignity, showed hardline attitude of not fearing war, yet also offered possibility of peaceful resolution, avoiding immediate full-scale war, including strategic intent of displaying strength and deterrence. Both firm and yielding, advancing or retreating appropriately. True Immortal Xuan Xuan's eyes showed appreciation, nodding slightly: "Xiao Qi's words are mature strategy.
'courtesypastcome,' display strength, seek peace, prepare for war. This is optimal." Even the most radical Elder Lu, after careful thought, slowly nodded: "If Elder Xiao Qi personally goes, with his prestige and strength, indeed can maximize deterrence, perhaps truly achieve victory without fighting."