Chapter 87: A rapid turnaround

At this moment, it is nighttime.

Shen Mo is walking through the Thunder Crystal Mine, enjoying the cool mountain breeze.

Elder Li is closely accompanying him.

The stewards, disciples, and miners who see this scene are no longer surprised.

Initially, they were curious. Even though Shen Mo holds the title of the Young Sect Master, he is still only in the Foundation Establishment stage, while Elder Li is at the Core Formation stage.

Respect is due, but following him around like a servant seemed excessive.

However, after learning about Shen Mo's achievements in the Thunder Crystal Mine during this period, they understood. Elder Li's behavior made perfect sense.

Shen Mo casually asked, "Elder Li, any movements from the Heavy Weapon Sect?"

Elder Li couldn't help but chuckle, "Young Sect Master will surely find this amusing."

"Please go ahead, Elder Li."

Elder Li laughed heartily, "Since Wu Leng's departure, the Heavy Weapon Sect has been in complete chaos. Sect Master Wu Gangfei's words hold no sway, and the elders are only focused on fighting for power and profit."

"I see them as a bunch of do-nothings! Without Wu Leng's strategies, they are a scattered mess."

"The Young Sect Master was very wise to suggest delaying action!"

"Those inner sect elders never wanted to establish Wu Leng as the Young Sect Master; they must be out of their minds."

Shen Mo smiled faintly. After all, this is a world where strength is paramount.

Wu Leng has an exceptionally wise mind but lacks the overwhelming power to dominate other cultivators of the same level.

It's normal that the elders didn't support making him the Young Sect Master.

Shen Mo asked again, "Have we recruited any Core Formation stage cultivators during this time?"

Elder Li nodded, "Of course, if we didn't recruit, we'd be short on Core Formation stage cultivators."

"In just these two months, three Core Formation stage cultivators have willingly joined our Qingxuan Sect."

"And a small sect expressed willingness to merge with us."

Shen Mo was a bit surprised, "That's quite a lot."

"Indeed!" Elder Li looked pleased, "It's all thanks to the Young Sect Master obtaining that Crystal Refining Technique!"

Shen Mo smiled. That is true.

Without that Crystal Refining Technique, Qingxuan Sect would not have been able to compete with the Heavy Weapon Sect's business, nor would they have so many pleasant problems now.

At this moment, a voice called out.

"Young Sect Master, someone at the mine entrance claims to be looking for you!" a disciple at the entrance shouted.

"Bring him in," Shen Mo nodded.

Soon, a masked person walked in. Elder Li immediately stepped in front of Shen Mo, watching the person warily.

"Who are you?" Shen Mo asked.

The masked person spoke softly, "Can we talk somewhere private?"

Elder Li was about to refuse, but Shen Mo, seeing the person's life panel, nodded, "Alright, follow me."

The three of them moved to a secluded corner.

The person then removed his mask. His tone was very respectful.

He did not show the slightest disdain despite Shen Mo being only in the Foundation Establishment stage.

The masked person continued, "I am an inner sect elder of the Iron Fist Sect, here to report important information to the Young Sect Master on behalf of the Black Tiger Sect and the White Creek Sect!"

Elder Li was taken aback.

These three sects were the ones Shen Mo had singled out a month ago.

"Speak," Shen Mo nodded.

"Five days ago, the Heavy Weapon Sect suddenly sent people to order us to attack the Thunder Crystal Mine tomorrow night to create chaos, so they can rescue Wu Leng amidst the confusion."

"We do not wish to conflict with Qingxuan Sect, so the three sect leaders specially sent me to report this matter to the Young Sect Master."

Upon hearing this, Elder Li was shocked.

The Heavy Weapon Sect indeed made a move! Unexpectedly, it was this tactic.

They themselves wouldn't act but coerced smaller sects into action. This way, even if blame were assigned, it wouldn't fall on them.

"I understand," Shen Mo nodded slightly. He had anticipated this development long ago.

Making early alliances was precisely for this moment.

These three small sects responded with gratitude, just as he had expected.

Not only did they refuse to help the Heavy Weapon Sect, but they even came to Qingxuan Sect to defect, exposing the Heavy Weapon Sect's plans completely.

It seems that without Wu Leng, the Heavy Weapon Sect is indeed making one blunder after another.

Shen Mo continued, "Now, go back and tell the three sect leaders to act as if they know nothing, and on the surface, continue with the plan to attack the Thunder Crystal Mine."

"When the time comes, wait for my signal to turn against them. We will eliminate the other small sects and severely damage the Heavy Weapon Sect. Our Qingxuan Sect will support you."

The masked man was overjoyed, "Yes! Thank you, Young Sect Master!"

After the man left, Elder Li immediately showed a look of admiration, "Young Sect Master, what a strategy! You had already made preparations in advance!"

Shen Mo smiled slightly, "Elder Li, quickly make the arrangements. Remember, on the surface, we must act as if we know nothing."

"Understood!" Elder Li nodded repeatedly.

...

The next evening came quickly. This night was as ordinary as any other.

The miners had finished their dinner and returned to the large dormitory to rest.

The night patrol disciples diligently patrolled the walls, roads, and other parts of the mine.

However, outside the Thunder Crystal Mine, several teams were already arriving from various directions, quietly hiding in the forest outside the mine.

All these people were without exception Core Formation stage cultivators.

The Heavy Weapon Sect's order to these small sects was to deploy their Core Formation stage cultivators.

This way, there wouldn't be too much commotion, avoiding early detection by Qingxuan Sect.

Before long, the Heavy Weapon Sect's people arrived.

It was none other than Shi Fei, the inner sect elder whom the Heavy Weapon Sect had recently ransomed at a high price.

He scanned the area and nodded with satisfaction, "Iron Fist Sect Master, I didn't expect you to bring all the Core Formation stage cultivators from your sect."

"And the Black Tiger Sect Master, White Creek Sect Master, you've all done well."

The three sect masters nodded repeatedly, "Of course, of course, since we're rescuing Young Master Wu, we naturally have to give our all!"

The Iron Fist Sect Master tentatively asked, "Elder Shi, since we're putting in so much effort, can the Heavy Weapon Sect lower the price of crystal refining artifacts in the future…"

Shi Fei waved his hand, "Putting in effort is one thing, lowering the price of crystal refining artifacts is another; these cannot be lumped together."

"However, the Heavy Weapon Sect appreciates your contributions. In the future, we will definitely reduce some prices for you."

He spoke dismissively, clearly just paying lip service.

The Iron Fist Sect Master and the other two sect masters exchanged glances, a cold gleam flashing in their eyes.

Shi Fei then looked at the other small sects, his expression turning cold.

"What's with you other sects? You only brought one or two Core Formation stage cultivators? Are you unwilling to follow the Heavy Weapon Sect, harboring second thoughts?"

The sect leaders hurriedly shook their heads, "No, no, Elder Shi, you're joking! It's just that we also have places in our sects that need to be guarded, so we really can't send all our Core Formation stage cultivators here."

"Hmph, I will certainly report this to the Sect Master!" Shi Fei snorted coldly.

Those sect leaders immediately wore distressed expressions.

If Wu Gangfei learned of this, he would definitely raise the price of crystal refining artifacts on purpose.

They would have to bleed more money.

"Alright, it's almost midnight. At that time, the defensive formation of the Thunder Crystal Mine will briefly shut down to replace the spirit stones. That's when you act!" Shi Fei ordered in a low voice.

"Yes!" the crowd responded softly.

The Iron Fist Sect Master and the others slowly shifted their positions, almost surrounding the others.

Some noticed the oddity but said nothing.

After all, everyone was working for the Heavy Weapon Sect and had no personal grudges.

Moments later, it was midnight.

The faint glow covering the mine disappeared as expected.

Someone shouted, and all the Core Formation stage cultivators immediately charged toward the mine!

As they approached within a hundred feet of the mine walls, a flame suddenly rose from within the mine.

"What is this..." some Core Formation stage cultivators were puzzled.

The next moment, the attacks of the Iron Fist Sect Master and the other Core Formation stage cultivators suddenly turned against those around them!

The three strongest cultivators, including the Iron Fist Sect Master, launched attacks at Shi Fei from three directions!

This sudden turn of events left Shi Fei and his companions bewildered.

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