Left Xiang chuckled faintly, seemingly amused at Xuan Ming’s evident nervousness. On the surface, he did not press the issue further.
“Left Xiang, your insight is unparalleled,” Xuan Ming said cautiously, trying to stabilize his nerves.
“However…” Left Xiang began, his tone shifting ever so slightly. “While I might trust Sect Master Xuan Ming’s integrity, His Majesty, the Emperor, harbors doubts about the Bright God Sect. For instance,” he continued, lifting a piece of parchment, “I hold here a list. Sect Master Xuan Ming, perhaps you should take a good look at it.”
His voice was calm, but the veiled threat was unmistakable.
The list in his hand gleamed ominously as Xuan Ming hesitated before receiving it under the scrutinizing eyes of everyone in the grand hall. Slowly, he unfolded the parchment.
His pupils shrank as he scanned the list of over thirty names. These weren’t just any names—they were those of high-ranking elders, protectors, and core disciples of the sect. Most notably, the top names read:
Liu Jinsheng (Fourth Elder)
Luo Yunmu (Seventh Elder)
Qianshan Nian (Third Elder)
Xuan Ming’s gaze instinctively turned to Qianshan Nian, who avoided his eyes, staring downward or shifting nervously.
The internal struggle was visible on Xuan Ming’s face: hesitation, turmoil, and pain. The Third Elder was a respected veteran of the Bright God Sect. But appearing on this list carried only one implication—a grave betrayal.
The hall fell into a suffocating silence. Left Xiang eventually broke it with his commanding tone:
“Sect Master Xuan Ming, have you finished reading?”
Xuan Ming nodded stiffly. “Yes, I’ve seen it.”
“Good. Now, what does Sect Master Xuan Ming plan to do about the individuals on this list?” Left Xiang asked nonchalantly, his posture imposing. “We’re all sensible people here. Their intentions and crimes are no mystery. Surely, Sect Master Xuan Ming wouldn’t feign ignorance at a time like this.”
Left Xiang’s seemingly polite demeanor barely concealed the immense pressure he was exerting. It was a masterclass in handling opportunistic “fence-sitters.”
Cornered, Xuan Ming finally gritted his teeth and made his decision:
“Great Elder, take my orders!”
“At your command!” Great Elder Jiu Huonan immediately stood.
“Qianshan Nian, Liu Jinsheng… and all other traitors on this list are to be executed immediately! No exceptions!”
His voice carried an air of finality, but it was also tinged with sorrow.
“Master, but—!” The Great Elder and several other high-ranking members were visibly shocked.
Executing the Third, Fourth, and Seventh Elders, along with many others, would be a devastating blow to the sect’s leadership. Yet Xuan Ming remained resolute.
However, Qianshan Nian, Liu Jinsheng, and Luo Yunmu exchanged glances. Desperation flickered in their eyes before they suddenly bolted toward the exit, their movements swift and decisive.
The air distorted as they manipulated space, creating a chaotic barrier to slow down any pursuit.
“Heh…” Left Xiang sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. “Foolish obstinacy.”
With a casual motion of his hand, an overwhelming imperial aura erupted from him, instantly freezing the space in the hall. The fleeing elders found themselves immobilized mid-air, their faces twisted in terror.
“An imperial aura…!” Qianshan Nian gasped, his voice trembling. “How is this possible? Without access to Xuanyuan Clan’s imperial path, how could you possibly have broken through to the Great Emperor realm?”
Left Xiang offered no response, only an expression of scorn.
With a flick of his hand, the imperial aura descended like a thunderous avalanche. The sheer force obliterated Qianshan Nian and his accomplices mid-flight, reducing them to crimson mist. The metallic tang of blood filled the hall as the sight etched itself into the memories of everyone present.
The remaining elders and sect leaders stared in stunned silence, their minds reeling from what they had just witnessed.
Finally, Left Xiang withdrew his aura and addressed Xuan Ming:
“Sect Master Xuan Ming, I trust you won’t mind that I handled those three on your behalf?”
“Of course not! On the contrary, I must thank Left Xiang for helping the Bright God Sect eliminate these traitors. We are forever grateful!” Xuan Ming said hurriedly, suppressing his sorrow as best he could.
“Good.”
“The rest of the names on the list, I leave to you. Handle them well. I expect not to be disappointed—nor does His Majesty. Remember, Sect Master, this is about more than just your sect; it concerns the fate of the Bright Emperor himself.”
With those parting words, Left Xiang turned and departed with his entourage, leaving the hall shrouded in an uneasy stillness.
Back aboard the imperial airship, Left Xiang stood on the deck, gazing into the distance. Yin Lan joined him, her expression filled with concern.
“My lord, has His Majesty said anything regarding the Bright Emperor’s situation?” she asked hesitantly.
Left Xiang gently pulled her into his arms, his demeanor softening. “Don’t worry, my dear. His Majesty is a wise ruler. The Bright Emperor’s decision to side with the Xuanyuan Clan is understandable under the circumstances, and His Majesty holds no grudge against the Bright God Sect. Once the Xuanyuan Clan is eradicated, the Bright Emperor will surely make the right choice.”
Yin Lan relaxed slightly at his reassurance, leaning quietly into his embrace as the ship sailed toward the Heavenly Abyss Forbidden Zone.