The entire sect was abuzz with the news of the growing demonic threat. A sense of urgency filled the air as Master Chen called an emergency council meeting, summoning the senior members of the Righteous Sword Sect to discuss their next steps. The grand hall, usually a place of calm reflection and strategizing, was now alive with murmurs of concern and anticipation. The tension was palpable as Master Chen stepped forward, his expression a mix of resolve and concern.

"We cannot afford to underestimate the East Demonic Sect," Master Chen declared, his voice steady but carrying an urgent tone. "Their recent actions are a clear declaration of war. We must be prepared for whatever comes next. We cannot allow ourselves to be caught off guard by their schemes."

Master Chen then presented the artifact discovered by Yusup, who was now inhabited by Marcus. Initially thought to be a mere relic, the artifact had turned out to be a sophisticated communication device used by the River of the East Demonic Sect. It enabled them to coordinate their forces and issue orders, including their plans to attack Dawn Village. The discovery of this artifact added a new threat that they have to face.

"This artifact has been facilitating communication among the demonic sect’s disciples," Master Chen explained, his voice taking on a grave tone. "It has been used to coordinate their movements and their plans. They are preparing to launch an assault on Dawn Village with the intent to slaughter its inhabitants and expand their control over the region."

The revelation stunned the assembly into silence. The implications of the artifact's capabilities were staggering. The sect had previously sent three core disciples to investigate the demonic presence near Dawn Village. Despite their experience and skills, the disciples were overwhelmed by the demonic forces and failed to return. Their disappearance was a grim reminder of the severity of the threat they were up against.

Master Chen’s expression hardened as he addressed the council. "Given the gravity of the situation and the failure of our initial attempt, I am now dispatching our most experienced elders to investigate the road leading to Dawn Village and to eliminate any remaining demonic presence. Their experience and expertise will be crucial in dealing with this threat."

Elder Jian and Elder Mei, both renowned for their wisdom and formidable combat prowess, stepped forward to volunteer for the mission. Their reputation for handling dangerous situations provided reassurance to the concerned disciples gathered in the hall. Elder Jian, with his characteristic resolve, addressed the assembly. "Greets great founder, We will uncover the full extent of this threat and take all necessary actions to ensure the safety of our people. We will not rest until this danger is neutralized, we will never let your expectations on us be down."

With Master Chen’s approval, the two elders set out on their mission. The sect watched them depart with a mix of hope and anxiety, their faces reflecting the gravity of the situation.

As night fell, Elder Jian and Elder Mei arrived at the darkened road leading to Dawn Village. The air was thick with oppressive demonic energy, a palpable force that seemed to press down upon them. They proceeded cautiously, their senses alert to any signs of danger. The road, once a pathway to safety, was now tainted by a suffocating darkness.

The elders soon discovered an artifact embedded in the ground, radiating an intense and malevolent dark energy. The artifact was a focal point of the corruption that had plagued the area.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

"This must be the source of the corruption," Elder Mei said, her voice tight with determination as she examined the artifact closely. The dark energy emanating from it was almost tangible, a physical presence that seemed to seep into the surroundings.

Elder Jian nodded in agreement. "We have to destroy it, but we should be prepared for fierce resistance. The corruption it radiates is likely to have summoned demonic forces to protect it."

The artifact had the power to corrupt and control nearby animals, turning them into vicious demonic beasts. The road was overrun with these corrupted creatures, and the very atmosphere seemed to drain their strength and will. Elder Jian and Elder Mei fought their way through the demonic horde with skill and endurance. The battle was grueling, pushing them to their limits as they faced wave after wave of corrupted beasts. Despite the intensity of the combat, they managed to shatter the artifact, releasing a burst of light that dispelled the dark influence. The corrupted animals reverted to their natural state, and the road was cleared of its demonic taint.

Upon their return, the elders reported their findings to Master Chen. The news of the artifact’s destruction was met with a mixture of relief and concern. While the immediate threat had been addressed, Master Chen knew that this was only the beginning. The East Demonic Sect remained a formidable enemy, and their leader, Lei Shen, was perilously close to reaching the Creator/Destroyer Realm—a level of power not seen since the downfall of the Immortal Realm.

Master Chen, a Voidwalker himself, had once been close friends with Lei Shen. In the past, they had fought side by side with countless other cultivators against the Zhou Immortal Realm. That battle had left deep scars on the immortal world and changed the course of history. Following their defeat, Lei Shen had taken a dark path. Cut off from both the Immortal Path and the Demonic Path, and driven by an unrelenting ambition, he turned to forbidden demonic techniques. His goal was nothing short of monstrous: to sacrifice at least five million souls from the Valley of Rose County to achieve the Creator/Destroyer, using their suffering and despair to fuel his ascent.

The Valley of Lotus County was known for its wealth and prosperity, and its ruler had been a close friend of Master Chen. The valley’s rich history and its ruler's influence made the current threat all the more personal for Master Chen. The ruler's connection to Master Chen added an emotional weight to the conflict, heightening the stakes of their struggle.

Master Chen addressed the assembled elders with grave determination. "We cannot afford to be complacent. Lei Shen’s quest for power through such dark means and his plan to sacrifice millions poses a grave threat not just to our sect but to the entire Valley of Lotus County and the world at large. The deaths of our core disciples were a heavy loss, but their sacrifice will not be in vain. We must fortify our defenses and prepare ourselves for the challenges that lie ahead. The safety of our sect and the balance of the Valley of Rose County depend on our vigilance and unity. We, the Righteous Sword Sect, will not falter in the face of such a dire threat."

As the meeting concluded, Master Chen’s attention turned to Marcus, who had recently achieved a remarkable milestone. Despite the usual timeframe of achieving Foundation Establishment—four months for higher-ranked disciples, six months for middle ones, and twelve months for lower ones—Marcus, inhabiting Yusup’s body, had reached this realm in less than a month. This accomplishment was nothing short of extraordinary and drew admiration from all present.

Master Chen, visibly pleased, addressed Marcus with a warm yet authoritative tone. "Congratulations, Yusup. As expected of you, your progress has been remarkable. When I first attained Foundation Establishment, I did so in a single day. Your achievement, while impressive, is only the beginning of your journey."

He continued, his voice filled with a mix of encouragement and expectation. "Do not let this accomplishment make you complacent. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, and your development must continue unabated. Here is a secret technique of our sect, one that I trust will aid in your advancement. This is the Sword Slashing Technique, a profound and powerful method that has been passed down through the generations of the Righteous Sword Sect."

Master Chen handed Marcus a scroll containing the detailed instructions of the technique. "Memorize it carefully and practice it diligently. The mastery of this technique will be crucial for your future endeavors and for the defense of our sect. Your growth is essential to our collective strength and the success of our mission."

Marcus took the scroll with a respectful nod, acknowledging the gravity of Master Chen’s words. The assembled elders looked on with a mix of admiration and expectation, knowing that Marcus’s journey was far from over but eager to see how he would continue to contribute to the sect's efforts.