Trouble in the Sect

Above the sky, an airship pierced through the heavens.

On either side of the airship, there was a distinctive peach blossom emblem, making it highly conspicuous.

On the deck stood an elderly man with white hair and beard, exuding an aura of profound mystic energy. This force kept the surrounding cold air and clouds at bay, making his disciples, standing behind him, oblivious to the cold despite being ten thousand meters high and traveling at great speed.

They could not feel even the slightest chill.

"Senior Elder Zhou," a voice called out. An elderly woman approached from the rear, smiling lightly. "Judging by this area, we are not far from the Moon Grasping Sect."

"Indeed," Elder Zhou nodded slightly, maintaining his aloof demeanor. "The Moon Grasping Sect has been declining for years and should have long been delisted from the ranks of third-rate sects. However, considering those five old fellows, our neighboring sects have not pressed them too hard, allowing them to survive until now."

"Who would have thought that instead of us causing trouble for them, they would dare to abduct our disciples."

"Even though none of those abducted are fit to enter our sect, the dignity of our sect must not be sullied."

"They must be taught a lesson."

"Elder Wu, do you understand?"

"Of course," Elder Wu pondered. "However, we shouldn't push them too hard, right?"

"Naturally," Elder Zhou nodded. "Those five old fellows are not easy to deal with. You have just entered the Cave Heaven realm and are not their match."

"To completely eradicate the Moon Grasping Sect would require us to mobilize the entire Peach Blossom Sect, which would come at a significant cost. A cornered beast fights desperately; if we leave them no way out, they will fight to the death. Therefore, our purpose this time is not to annihilate the sect but to assert our own prestige and..." He lowered his voice, "to save face."

"I see," Elder Wu suddenly understood. "No wonder the Sect Master had us bring along the newly inducted disciples and wait for over a month before making a move."

"As long as you understand," Elder Zhou smiled. "What's the point of us old folks fighting to the death? Without fortuitous encounters, neither you, I, nor those five old fellows will ever progress beyond the Cave Heaven realm. Our futures are clear as day. The vitality of our sect lies in the future, in its legacy. They too must have recruited some new talents this year. After training for a month, we will have our disciples engage theirs in combat, thoroughly crushing them. This will instill confidence in our disciples and smooth their future cultivation."

"I understand," Elder Wu nodded in realization.

"Alright, let's speed up," Elder Zhou instructed.

"Yes, Elder!" 

The airship increased its speed.

At this moment, the disciples at the back, who had been marveling and excited, suddenly exclaimed, "Look over there! What is that?!"

"It's huge!!!"

"Another airship!"

"Wow, there's a giant eagle engraved on their airship, and it's golden."

Elders Zhou and Wu exchanged glances, both frowning. "It's the Golden Eagle Sect."

"The Golden Eagle Sect is ruthless. Although their strength is comparable to our Peach Blossom Sect, they have a notorious reputation. Avoid conflict with them; they're as annoying as a sticky plaster."

"Yes, Elder."

The disciples now understood who the newcomers were.

The airship altered its course, trying to avoid them.

Moments later, Elder Wu pondered, "Their direction seems almost the same as ours."

"Could they also be heading to the Moon Grasping Sect?"

"Perhaps. It's said that the Moon Grasping Sect didn't just carve those words on our sect's path."

"Hmph, they're courting death!"

"Ignore them, let's continue on our way."

They didn't dwell on it and resumed their journey.

Before long, they encountered another airship.

"It's from the Eight Sword Sect."

"Judging by their direction, are they also heading to the Moon Grasping Sect?"

"What a coincidence."

"It seems that after today, the Moon Grasping Sect will be utterly crushed."

"Hehe, that's actually good news. Our Peach Blossom Sect is closest to the Moon Grasping Sect. If they disband, we can easily annex their territory."

"Although their mountain is ordinary, it's still a spiritual mountain and can enhance the prestige of our Peach Blossom Sect!"

Elder Zhou's smile grew brighter.

However, he was certain that the Golden Eagle Sect and the Eight Sword Sect would not go for the kill.

The five elders of the Moon Grasping Sect were indeed formidable. If they fought desperately, they could at least drag a few Cave Heaven realm experts to their deaths. Why bother?

Before long, the elders of the three sects realized they shared the same destination and began communicating via voice transmission.

"It seems our three sects have the same destination."

"The goal should be the same for all of us."

"Heh, the Moon Grasping Sect has shown such disrespect towards our sect. Naturally, they need to be taught a lesson!"

"Today, we'll ensure their newly recruited disciples join the Yellow Springs."

"Of course, but let the disciples of the Golden Eagle Sect strike first!" 

As they chatted, the elder from the Golden Eagle Sect began to make arrangements.

The elders of the Peach Blossom Sect and the Eight Sword Sect frowned but did not immediately object. It wasn't that they feared the Golden Eagle Sect, but rather, the Golden Eagle Sect was notoriously shameless and persistent.

Dealing with them was more troublesome than confronting powerful foes.

***

Fang Kun and Zuo Qingqing were meditating at the sect's gate.

Having just broken through last night, they needed to consolidate their cultivation. Since no one usually visited during the day, they could focus on their training without interruptions.

Suddenly, an overwhelming pressure descended from the sky, making them shiver and almost fall over. They snapped their eyes open and stood up, gritting their teeth.

"Who's there?!"

"What... what is that?"

The next second, they saw the three menacing airships and their faces changed drastically.

***

Inside the Moon Grasping Sect.

Lin Fan suddenly opened his eyes. 

"This feeling… Such powerful pressure, and they're not hiding it at all. Enemies at our doorstep? Weren't we supposed to face minor crises once a year? It's only been a month, and a crisis has already arrived?"

Lin Fan's scalp tingled. 

"I wonder if we can hold them off."

He took a deep breath and strode out.

At the same time, everyone on the mountain felt the pressure and rushed out of their training grounds, immediately spotting the three airships approaching. Their expressions shifted.

"Peach Blossom Sect, Eight Sword Sect, and Golden Eagle Sect!" Second Elder Wu Xingyun, who was on duty, had a grim look on her face. "They dare trespass on our mountain! How audacious!"

In a flash, she sped off.

***

Xiao Ling'er exited her meditation, her beautiful face tense. "Could they have followed me here?"

"No," an old voice echoed in her mind. "It's people from the nearby small sects. If I guess correctly, they are here to retaliate for what the Moon Grasping Sect did before."

Xiao Ling'er quickly understood. "The words carved on the paths leading to their sects?"

"Most likely," the old voice replied again. "Ling'er, do you regret it?"

Xiao Ling'er gritted her teeth and shook her head. "Not for a moment! My master, the elders, and my fellow disciples have all treated me sincerely. They have never wronged me. They strive to get me whatever I need. Even the sect's treasure, the Core Earthfire—when I asked for it, Master gave it to me without hesitation. Where else could I find such a sect? If I had gone to the Peach Blossom Sect, would they treat me this way?"

"Hmph." She snorted coldly. "Today, as the sect faces trouble, I too must contribute!"

She stood up and dashed down the mountain.