East Rising Pavilion's Decision

"There is no doubt about it. This aura surely belongs to the Demonic Forbidden Grounds!" The Pavilion Master of the East Rising Pavilion spoke with unwavering certainty. As the master of the renowned East Rising Pavilion, his knowledge and understanding of the cultivation world far surpassed that of any other individual with a similar cultivation base. Thus, after careful consideration, he expressed his absolute certainty regarding the origin of the aura.

The elders in the hall listened attentively to their esteemed Pavilion Master. His words carried great weight, and his expertise in such matters was well-respected among the members of the pavilion. His discerning judgment and decisive nature had earned him the position of Pavilion Master, and his guidance had led the East Rising Pavilion to its current esteemed status.

In light of the Pavilion Master's proclamation, the gravity of the situation intensified. The Demonic Forbidden Grounds was a place of great peril, and the emergence of its aura signified potential upheaval and danger in the cultivation world. As the members of the East Rising Pavilion absorbed this revelation, their minds were filled with concern for what lay ahead. The Pavilion Master's certainty reinforced the seriousness of the situation, and the need for decisive action became apparent.

"Then what should we do now, Pavilion Master?" one of the elders couldn't help but ask. As an elder of the East Rising Pavilion, while he might not possess the same level of knowledge as the Pavilion Master, his understanding of the cultivation world was still highly esteemed.

He knew the significance of the emergence of the Forbidden Grounds, just like all the other elders in the hall. They were well aware of the unprecedented opportunity the Demonic Forbidden Grounds presented.

The Pavilion Master considered the question carefully, knowing the weight of their decisions in this critical moment. "We must act with prudence and speed," he replied, his voice carrying a sense of responsibility. "The Demonic Forbidden Grounds can bestow great rewards, but it is equally fraught with dangers."

He paused for a moment, allowing the gravity of the situation to settle in. "We will assemble a select group of our most skilled and reliable disciples," he continued. "They will be equipped with the necessary resources and protections to increase their chances of success. However, we must not recklessly risk all of our disciples' lives. We will send only a well-prepared and cautious team."

The other elders nodded in agreement, understanding the balance that needed to be struck between opportunity and caution. The Pavilion Master's words carried immense weight, and they trusted in his leadership to navigate them through this pivotal moment.

With the Pavilion Master's guidance, the elders began to discuss and plan, pooling their collective knowledge and wisdom to make informed decisions for the East Rising Pavilion. The fate of their sacred ground and the hopes of their disciples rested on their shoulders, and they were determined to approach this situation with the utmost care and wisdom.

No one denied the authority their Pavilion Master held. Not only was he exceptionally skilled in managing the entire pavilion, but his cultivation base was also remarkably high.

As a result, no one dared to oppose his orders, nor did they have any reason to do so. After all, the solution he proposed was the most optimal and logical approach. The Demonic Forbidden Grounds only allowed Elemental Stage cultivators to enter; others simply lacked the qualifications to set foot in any Forbidden Grounds.

With unanimous agreement among the elders, the plan to send a select group of highly skilled Elemental Stage cultivators was set into motion. The Pavilion Master's wisdom and authority guided them, ensuring that they would navigate the dangers of the Demonic Forbidden Grounds with prudence and caution.

The elders and disciples of the East Rising Pavilion trusted in their Pavilion Master's expertise and leadership, knowing that his decisions were made with the pavilion's best interests in mind. With their preparations underway, they embraced the challenge that lay ahead, eager to seize the extraordinary opportunity presented by the emergence of the Demonic Forbidden Grounds.

The Forbidden Grounds indeed had a mysterious and formidable protective barrier. Only Elemental Stage cultivators were granted entry, while those with higher cultivation bases were repelled by an invisible force. This enigmatic phenomenon baffled all who attempted to understand its reason.

Various approaches were tried to decipher the secrets of the Forbidden Grounds. Cultivators with strong bases attempted forceful entry, but they were instantly obliterated, leaving no trace behind. Even skilled Divination experts attempted to unravel the mystery through their divination skills, but all their efforts proved fruitless.

Some experts resorted to using secret divination or Forbidden Divination Arts to gain insight, but the result was the same—swift and silent death, with their souls shattered or stolen. Medical experts examining their lifeless bodies were shocked to find that the Divination Masters' souls were completely absent, adding to the enigma surrounding the Forbidden Grounds.

The terror and uncertainty caused by these incidents sent shivers down the spines of cultivators, leading them to abandon all attempts to probe the Forbidden Grounds' mysteries. The Forbidden Grounds had always yielded immense benefits to those who entered, making the pursuit of its secrets seem unnecessary and perilous.

As a result, the focus of Elemental Stage cultivators remained on maximizing their gains within the Forbidden Grounds, as the potential rewards outweighed the risks involved in trying to uncover the Forbidden Grounds' enigmatic nature. The mysteries surrounding the Forbidden Grounds remained untouched, shrouded in a veil of fear and awe that discouraged any further investigations into its secrets.

"Elder Cooper, supervise this matter. You will take these juniors and lead them into the Demonic Forbidden Grounds," the Pavilion Master of the East Rising Pavilion spoke, addressing one of the elders in the room.

The elder he referred to had a long white beard and moustache that practically hung to his chest. Clad in black robes, his aura exuded a terrifying presence that could send chills down even Ethan's spine.

This elder was none other than Elder Cooper of the East Rising Pavilion, the sixth elder, and possessed considerable authority within the pavilion.

"They are to enter solely to gather as many rare treasures as possible," the Pavilion Master continued. "While their personal growth is of significance, their top priority must always be the collection of rare treasures."

"As you wish, Pavilion Master," Elder Cooper responded with a bow, acknowledging his orders.

"By the way, take Melissa along with you. She is at the peak of the Elementary Stage. The emergence of the Demonic Forbidden Ground is a great opportunity for her. She shouldn't miss it at any cost," the Pavilion Master of the East Rising Pavilion suddenly spoke before leaving the room.

The mention of Melissa's name caused a stir among all the elders present. Melissa, a 14-year-old girl, possessed a remarkable business mind, unparalleled at her age. Her acumen in handling complex matters and her vast network of contacts with top factions across the continent left people in awe. Her talents extended beyond business; her combat skills were equally exceptional, instilling fear in those who witnessed her prowess.

What made her even more extraordinary was the fact that she was the daughter of the Pavilion Master himself, adding to her already esteemed status. Being a genius in both social and combat skills, her presence commanded respect from all, regardless of age or rank.

Not only was Melissa a prodigious talent, but she was also renowned for her beauty, making her a truly exceptional individual in every aspect.

As the elders heard the Pavilion Master's request to include Melissa in the expedition, they all understood the significance of her participation. With her abilities and potential, the Demonic Forbidden Grounds presented a rare and valuable opportunity for her growth. Despite her junior status, her name was synonymous with excellence, and the elders couldn't help but treat her with the utmost respect and admiration.