The sun rose hours later, but few were having a good morning.
The sect leaders were gathered by the Xia Empire's representatives for a meeting and all disciples were forced to gather in one area. The atmosphere was nothing short of tense and a few seemed ready to run.
"Everyone listen!"
The Second Pillar stepped forward and looked down at the many sect leaders and thousands of disciples.
He held up a scroll and unfurled it for all to see. Pretty much everyone used qi to enhance their eyesight and saw the message.
"The emperor has made a decision after seeing last night's phenomenon. Effective now, the Mortal Heaven Turning Order has been issued!"
Everyone immediately broke out into chatter. Those who knew what the order was explained to those who were less knowledgeable.
"The Mortal Heaven Turning Order allows for the mobilization of every single sect and their disciples to aid the empire, usually in the face of a great calamity"
"Of course, if over 70 percent of the sects are against the order, it can be vetoed"
"Apparently the last Mortal Heaven Turning Order was issued over 3000 years ago when a demonic cult had risen out of control"
Sheng Tian took in all the information like a sponge.
"Not a bad idea," he praised, "Though it might be a problem if the emperor is corrupt- mph!"
Xiao Hua pressed a hand against Sheng Tian's mouth to prevent him from speaking while Bing Xue gave him a small lecture.
I recommend you don't say things like that in front of so many people. There are plenty of checks in place that prevent that from happening. The only real thing we have to worry about are traitors"
Sheng Tian effortlessly took Xiao Hua's hand off his lips, "I see, we'll have to be a bit more careful then"
He eyed the Everlasting Temple and the Sacred Blood Palace. However, he frowned when he saw that Mo Tian was nowhere to be seen.
Every single disciple who came to the central continent for the competition should have been gathered here, and despite the injuries Sheng Tian had inflicted upon him, Mo Tian should have been here regardless.
Plus, with the Sacred Blood Palace's resources, it wouldn't be a problem for Mo Tian to restore his youthful appearance and make up for the lack of blood essence and lifespan with a couple of pills and herbs.
Xiao Hua pulled him back from his thoughts with a few words, "Sheng Tian! What are you looking at?"
Sheng Tian said it was nothing and focused on the Second Pillar's speech.
"-Now we must talk about an important issue at hand. The Xuan Beasts have split into 3 parties and are now at war with each other. The sea beasts have risen and wish to take over the land, while Du Zheng and his supporters wish to overthrow the current rulers and take some of our land too"
"It only makes sense for us to support the Soaring Sky Peacock Race and the Scarlet Flame Serpent Race or to make peace until the source of the phenomenon is eradicated"
Most of the sect leaders nodded, while others were simply unresponsive. The Xuan Beast's problems were not their problems, and the Soaring Sky Peacock Race and the Scarlet Flame Serpent Race had the best relations with humans, thus, the Second Pillar's suggestions were the best course of action.
Not everyone was on board however. Mo Ling Gu and Guang Fu Mu both stepped forward and bowed.
"While I do think sir's suggestion is on point," Mo Ling Gu started, "I do think it would be better to just let them fight it out"
The Second Pillar frowned and looked at Guang Fu Mu, "I assume you think the same"
The fake monk smiled, "Yes, after all, weaker Xuan Beasts only benefit us"
"I disagree"
Everyone's heads turned to look at the person who had spoken. Yue Ling'er stepped forward and bowed to the representatives while paying no heed to Mo Ling Gu and Guang Fu Mu.
Intrigued, the Pillars and Swords decided to listen to what Yue Ling'er has to say, "Go on, Lotus Fairy Master"
"I believe that by helping the Soaring Sky Peacock Race and the Scarlet Flame Serpent Race, we can deepen the relationship between the Xuan Beasts and the humans. Its a win situation for us, as we gain the support of the Xuan Beasts and get rid of 2 hostile groups entirely"
"That makes sense..."
"Humph!"
Guang Fu Mu turned to Yue Ling'er with blatant hostility, "It seems that the Lotus Fairy Master has gotten quite bold after growing a tongue!"
She gave the monk a side eye, "It seems to me that your brain hasn't grown much after all these years"
"His hair too," said Long Chen after stepping in.
"You!!!"
"Enough!"
The First Pillar stepped forward and directly suppressed Guang Fu Mu before he exploded. Mo Ling Gu frowned when he saw the First Pillar's strength, but didn't comment. He silently retreated into the crowd.
"We'll go with the Lotus Fairy Master's idea, unless Sect Master Guang has something to say about it"
The bald man looked at Yue Ling'er with murder in his eyes. She sensed it and looked at him straight in the eye before suppressing him with her overwhelming aura.
"Ugh!"
Guang Fu Mu was pushed down to one knee and couldn't get up. Due to the difference in strength, he couldn't even circulate his qi under the suppression.
'How the hell is this bitch so strong!!!'
"So..."
He looked up and saw Yue Ling'er emitting slight traces of killing intent, "Does Sect Master Guang have a suggestion of his own?"
He turned his head around with some difficulty and saw that Mo Ling Gu had retreated into the crowd as if he had nothing to do with this conversation. Finally, he reluctantly backed away with fear in his heart.
"N-no. No I don't"
The First Pillar nodded, "Very well, we will contact Tang Fei Yun and Shang Shi Huo about this shortly after"
With one final look at everyone, he waved his sleeve, "You are dismissed!"