Chapter 281: I Have Indeed Brought a Great Treasure
Chapter 281: I Have Indeed Brought a Great Treasure
Lu Dongxuan spoke seriously, "Junior Brother, don't worry. The old man is already buying us time, so you're temporarily safe.
"Use this time wisely—hurry to the East Sea while you still can!"
He Tianchou took out a storage ring and solemnly handed it to Shen Mo.
"Elder Shen, this contains tokens of appreciation from me, Ouyang Wei, and many elders whom you've saved in the past.
"It's enough to sustain your cultivation for a long time.
"Go to the East Sea and focus on cultivating. We believe you will achieve the Divine Transformation Realm.
"When you reach that level, it won't be too late to return to the sect!"
With that, he forcibly placed the storage ring in Shen Mo's hand.
Shen Mo, still confused, asked, "What's going on?"
Zhao Yaolu's face turned serious. "The Supreme Purity Sect and the Provincial Governor's Office have launched a joint attack. They've deployed armored cloud ships, capturing two cities within a day. They're also collaborating with internal traitors, coordinating attacks to surround four of our key industries.
"Fortunately, we had agents inside the Supreme Purity Sect who warned us in advance, allowing us to evacuate personnel and resources from one of the industries in time.
"But the remaining three industries, including the vital Golden Iron Valley, have been surrounded."
Shen Mo's expression turned contemplative.
He knew the Golden Iron Valley was the most crucial artifact-forging industry of the Jade Cauldron Sect.
The forging techniques used to create the Azure Lotus Robes, Crowns, and Boots that Yang Qiye obtained had all originated from the Golden Iron Valley. Over twenty sets had already been crafted.
Now, the valley was surrounded by the Supreme Purity Sect and the Provincial Governor's Office.
Although they hadn't attacked yet, the Golden Iron Valley was clearly at their mercy. It was only a matter of time before they decided to strike.
For the Jade Cauldron Sect, this was a devastating loss.
Lu Dongxuan gritted his teeth. "They haven't launched an attack yet but have the valley completely surrounded.
"They've made it clear—if we hand you over, they'll withdraw immediately."
"Yang Qiye has already allied with the Fourth Elder and others, demanding that you, as an elder of the Jade Cauldron Sect, sacrifice yourself for the greater good of the sect."
Lu Dongxuan continued, "Yang Qiye has joined forces with the Fourth, Seventh, and Ninth Elders.
"However, the Grand Elder, Fifth Elder, and Eighth Elder stand with me against them.
"The Third and Sixth Elders remain undecided, unwilling to take a firm stance.
"As for the Sect Master, he hasn't expressed an opinion. After all, Yang Qiye and his faction are his senior elders, making his position delicate.
"To break the deadlock, the Sect Master proposed another topic: the long-vacant position of the Young Sect Master.
"He suggested appointing you as the Young Sect Master. According to the sect's founding rules, once someone assumes this position, the sect must do everything to protect them.
"However, Yang Qiye and his faction are obstructing this proposal, leaving the situation at an impasse."
"The current stalemate won't last long. Every second those industries remain surrounded plunges the sect deeper into torment.
"If the losses become too great, affecting every elder, steward, and disciple, more people will eventually demand you be handed over."
He Tianchou sighed. "Yes, after all, they don't care about you, Shen Mo. They see it as your death in exchange for their safety. Why would they care?"
Shen Mo smiled faintly. "I don't think it's worth worrying about.
"Becoming the Young Sect Master isn't all that difficult."
Zhao Yaolu scratched her head. "Junior Brother, with your talent, temperament, and contributions, it's true that if the ten elders united, you'd become the Young Sect Master with ease.
"But right now, the elders are split into two factions of equal strength.
"Your chances of becoming the Young Sect Master are slim unless..."
She seemed to think of something but stopped short of saying it.
Lu Dongxuan pondered aloud, "Unless the Guardian of the Sect explicitly supports you, breaking his own rules to intervene in sect affairs."
He Tianchou sighed again, unable to find words.
The Sect Guardian was the Jade Cauldron Sect's ultimate safeguard, a last resort.
Since the departure of the sect's founder, the Guardian had refrained from intervening in sect matters, avoiding internal disputes.
For him to break his own rules for a young junior like Shen Mo would be unthinkable.
Lu Dongxuan added, "I know you have a good relationship with the Guardian, and he even granted you a token for access to the valley.
"But that's not enough. Unless the Guardian openly supports you as the Young Sect Master, it's all meaningless."
He Tianchou nodded. "Elder Shen, please listen to us. Take this time to flee to the East Sea."
Shen Mo chuckled but felt a warmth in his heart.
He hadn't expected his senior sister and brothers to come to him immediately and even arrange an escape plan.
He Tianchou, Ouyang Wei, and others had also shown their goodwill.
Looking at the three of them, Shen Mo shook his head firmly.
"No, I don't need to run.
"The Guardian will support me as the Young Sect Master."
As Shen Mo brushed past the trio, he headed straight for the Hengtai Mountain Range.
Zhao Yaolu, Lu Dongxuan, and He Tianchou froze, baffled by Shen Mo's actions.
"Isn't that the direction of the valley where the Guardian resides?" A glint of realization flickered in Lu Dongxuan's eyes.
"Could it be that Junior Brother has some ace up his sleeve to force the old dragon to support him?" Zhao Yaolu said with a hint of surprise.
He Tianchou was even more astonished by her words.
What could possibly make the Guardian willingly break his own rules to intervene in sect affairs?
No one could think of an answer.
"Let's follow him and see," Zhao Yaolu said, her curiosity tinged with uncertainty.
Lu Dongxuan and He Tianchou nodded and quickly followed.
Dragon Valley
The old dragon lounged idly on the ground, holding a sharpened tree trunk in its claw and using it as a toothpick.
Its demeanor was utterly relaxed, showing no concern for the current chaos in the Jade Cauldron Sect.
Grumbling to itself, the dragon muttered:
"Why hasn't Shen Mo come to chat with me?"
"Could it be that he's died in the Fire Pill Palace?"
"Hmph, if Li Zhendao let Shen Mo die there, I'll have to give him a good thrashing."
At that moment, a streak of light descended at the valley's entrance.
The disciples guarding the valley recognized the familiar figure and immediately allowed him passage with respectful bows.
However, their gazes toward Shen Mo were a mix of emotions: admiration, fear, pity, and helplessness.
Shen Mo smiled and nodded at them before striding confidently into the valley.
"Guardian, I've come to see you."
The old dragon's eyes lit up with joy. "You're here? I've missed you so much!"
"This whole time, Li Zhendao hasn't visited, Ye Yan hasn't come, and you've been absent too. You have no idea how bored I've been—I'm practically growing mushrooms out here!"
"So, how was your time at the Fire Pill Palace? Did you gain anything?
"Do you have any treasures for me?"
"Things have been a bit chaotic in the sect lately, but don't worry. As long as you stay here, no one will dare lay a finger on you."
The old dragon chuckled, exuding an air of unshakable confidence.
Shen Mo felt a surge of warmth in his heart.
The old dragon clearly understood the situation outside, and these words were meant to reassure him.
"I did bring a treasure—an extraordinary one at that," Shen Mo said with a smile.
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