Chapter 79: Xuantian Sect’s Historical Hidden Dangers

Without Fang Hanyue's influence, Li Taixing focused on hunting beasts and collecting herbs. During this period, an important event was unfolding within the Xuantian Sect, but few knew of it.

Deep in the back mountain of the inner gate of Xuantian Sect, there was a restricted area—an enigmatic and forbidden zone where no one was allowed to enter. Only the top leaders of the Xuantian Sect were privy to its secrets. Guarded by a massive formation, this area was impenetrable, ensuring that no unauthorized person could breach its perimeter.

On this day, Zhao Wentian, the Sect Master of Xuantian Sect, arrived at the entrance to this forbidden land, accompanied by several high-ranking elders. Standing atop a mountain peak, he waved his hand, and the colossal formation that sealed the area became visible to all. Through the shimmering barrier, a vast and terrifying abyss lay hidden beneath.

"These beasts have been growing restless again. According to our calculations, there are probably over 100,000 of them by now," Lin Feiyi, an elder with a long white beard, said with concern, stroking his beard as he gazed at the abyss below.

"Indeed, that number is far too large," Zhao Wentian replied with a furrowed brow. "Though we've culled their numbers periodically, this recent surge is abnormal."

"Something inside the abyss must have changed," the third elder, Zhao Dezhu, said with a grim expression. "Every time there's movement from this place, it leaves the entire leadership of our sect on edge. I can't stand this feeling anymore."

The seventh elder, Zhu Qing, bowed slightly and said, "Sect Master, I suggest we send someone to investigate. If we let this issue fester, it could grow into a major problem."

Zhao Wentian nodded, agreeing with Zhu Qing's assessment. He then turned to him and asked, "Where is the fifth elder? Has she returned?"

"I have," a casual voice suddenly sounded from behind them.

All eyes turned toward the source of the voice, and there stood Wang Xuanwu, her usual lazy demeanor present. She waved at them as if they were gathered for a mere chat.

"Fifth elder, you're finally here!" Zhao Wentian greeted her, a slight frown creasing his face.

Wang Xuanwu yawned, looking like she hadn't had enough sleep. "I'm here. What's all the fuss about?"

Zhao Wentian sighed, clearly exasperated. "You're still so carefree even now? Don't you understand the seriousness of the situation?"

Unfazed, Wang Xuanwu lazily glanced at the abyss and nonchalantly replied, "It's just a Holy Beast."

Zhao Wentian froze, his heart skipping a beat. "Holy Beast? Did I hear that right?"

The third elder, Zhao Dezhu, paled at her words. "Are you serious? A Holy Beast? Fifth elder, please tell me you're joking."

The other elders looked equally as stunned, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and fear. If there truly was a Holy Beast dwelling in the abyss, how could the Xuantian Sect possibly fend it off?

"Yeah, it's a Holy Beast," Wang Xuanwu continued, her tone casual. "It's the mother of most of the beasts in the abyss. It has a talent for reproduction, so most of the fierce beasts down there are its offspring."

Zhao Wentian's expression darkened as he recalled a past incident. Wang Xuanwu had once secretly stolen his Xuantian Order, the Sect Master's token of authority, and entered the restricted area on her own. Only recently had Zhu Qing returned the token to him. Now it all made sense—Wang Xuanwu had entered the abyss back then, giving her firsthand knowledge of what lay within.

"Sect Master, are you going to ask her how she knows about this?" Zhao Dezhu suddenly asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Zhao Wentian sighed, deciding not to press the issue any further. He knew the answer. Wang Xuanwu had sneaked in using his token. There was no need to embarrass her or himself by bringing it up now.

Clearing his throat, Zhao Wentian addressed the group, "Fifth Elder, we'll discuss this matter later. For now, let's head back."

Wang Xuanwu remained silent, her expression calm. However, as soon as they returned to the sect, Zhao Wentian called her to a private meeting.

"Xuanwu, what exactly were you doing down there?" Zhao Wentian asked, his voice stern but laced with curiosity.

Wang Xuanwu grinned and replied nonchalantly, "I was just curious, that's all."

In truth, Wang Xuanwu had discovered the situation in the abyss long before the other elders were even aware of it. To prevent unnecessary casualties, she had made a few modifications to the formation protecting the area, ensuring the beasts couldn't escape. But she didn't want to tell Zhao Wentian all the details, knowing it would only lead to more annoying questions.

Zhao Wentian's forehead wrinkled in frustration, but he ultimately held back his anger. He sighed. "Even though the formation is keeping the beasts contained for now, their numbers are still increasing. We need to address this issue before it spirals out of control."

"Do you have a plan?" Wang Xuanwu asked casually, sitting down and helping herself to a piece of fruit from a nearby table.

Zhao Wentian felt a twitch at the corner of his mouth, trying to suppress his irritation at her lackadaisical attitude. Nevertheless, he pressed on. "I'm planning to send some of our disciples into the abyss in three months for training. We'll adjust the formation to allow them to hunt the less dangerous beasts while keeping the most dangerous ones sealed."

This method was a tradition within the sect—an opportunity for disciples to gain combat experience while also controlling the beast population.

"Oh," Wang Xuanwu responded, clearly uninterested.

Inwardly, she sighed. 'These sect leaders are always thinking about how to use these beasts for their disciples' training. But what if these beasts become too strong for them to handle one day? They're all missing the bigger picture.'

If she hadn't intervened this time, the sect could have faced a far greater disaster. But Zhao Wentian and the others had no idea.

"Why the lack of enthusiasm?" Zhao Wentian asked, noticing her dismissive tone. "Do you have a better solution?"

"Nope," Wang Xuanwu replied, leaning back lazily. "You're the boss, after all. You make the decisions."

Zhao Wentian sighed, knowing he wasn't going to get much help from her. "Fine. We'll stick with the plan for now. There's still a month to go, so let's prepare. Stay at Xuantian Peak, Fifth Elder. I may need your help during the process."

"Sure," Wang Xuanwu agreed without much thought.

Her mind, however, had already drifted back to Li Taixing. She wondered how her disciple was faring in the Forest of Ferocious Beasts.

'My disciple is pretty cunning, so he should be fine. Maybe I'll call him back soon,' Wang Xuanwu mused. 'He's been out there for long enough, and besides, I'm running low on food and drinks. With such a capable disciple, why wouldn't I take advantage of him?'

Little did she know, her disciple was thinking the same thing.