Hu Nan nodded slightly and exchanged pleasantries with everyone before taking a seat on a nearby chair.
Jiang Lijuan sat upright to one side of the main seat, her gaze slowly sweeping over everyone present. She spoke first, "Today is our Heavenly Sword Sect's annual gathering of Foundation Establishment cultivators."
"In the past, we were all either in seclusion, diligently cultivating, or training on the front lines, rarely having the opportunity to gather together. Today, we take this opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss the sect's affairs, both big and small, over the past year. If you have any cultivation insights, feel free to share them, helping each other and improving together."
Jiang Lijuan's words were exactly what everyone wanted to hear. The path of Foundation Establishment cultivators was solitary, mostly operating independently. It was rare to have the opportunity to interact with fellow cultivators of the same level. This allowed them to learn about the sect's activities and learn from others' cultivation experiences—a truly beneficial opportunity that no one would refuse.
The first to speak was Wu Yong, Elder Qingxuan's disciple: "Speaking of the major events in the sect this year, the most celebratory is that five more of our inner sect disciples have successfully reached the Foundation Establishment stage!"
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, their faces showing approval.
The Foundation Establishment stage is the first crucial hurdle on the path of cultivation. Those who successfully break through possess both talent and hard work. For five disciples to achieve Foundation Establishment within a year is indeed a great joy for the Heavenly Sword Sect.
Following this, another cultivator spoke, mentioning the sect's treasures and opportunities: "There's another matter, which I'm sure you've all heard about. When the sect's secret realm opened, Junior Brother Zhang was extremely lucky, finding a mid-grade Xuan-level Heart-Protecting Jade deep within. It not only resists magical attacks but also nourishes the mind and spirit—a truly rare treasure, the envy of many."
Everyone chatted amongst themselves, discussing the major events in the sect over the past year, their words filled with both envy and satisfaction at the sect's development.
Qin Changsheng, remaining silent in the courtyard, carefully noted down these important events.
As the conversation flowed, the topic gradually shifted to the situation outside the sect, and his tone grew increasingly serious.
"Everyone, the number of demonic beasts near our sect is increasing!"
"Many outer sect disciples have already perished in their jaws!" Wu Yong added.
These words instantly created a tense atmosphere in the private room.
The smiles vanished from everyone's faces, replaced by frowns and expressions of worry.
The rampant demonic beasts not only threatened cultivators on their training expeditions, but if allowed to continue, could even endanger the safety of the Heavenly Sword Sect's mountain gate.
"Junior Brother Wu is right," Jiang Lijuan nodded, her tone becoming serious as she added, "The sect elders have already realized the seriousness of this matter. After discussion, they have decided to send a group of Foundation Establishment cultivators to Qingyun Lake and the Misty Forest a month from now to clear out the surrounding demonic beasts. This is partly to protect the disciples who are out training, and partly to curb the rampant spread of demonic beasts and defend our Heavenly Sword Sect's mountain gate."
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.
Clearing out demonic beasts is both a sect task and the responsibility of every Foundation Establishment cultivator. Moreover, in the process of clearing out demonic beasts, one can not only hone their skills but also potentially obtain treasures such as demonic beast cores and hides—a fortuitous opportunity.
Jiang Lijuan's gaze swept over the crowd as she slowly said, "For this campaign to exterminate the demonic beasts, the sect will allocate tasks reasonably based on everyone's cultivation level and combat strength. I've invited everyone here today to inform you in advance, so you can prepare and await the sect's orders at any time."
The crowd bowed and replied, "We will obey the sect's orders!"
Qin Changsheng, far away in the courtyard, also heard this news.
When he heard Jiang Lijuan mention that the sect was sending Foundation Establishment cultivators to exterminate the demonic beasts in Qingyun Lake and the Misty Forest, Qin Changsheng's previously calm expression shifted slightly, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and his mind immediately became active.
To others, exterminating demonic beasts might just be a sect task, an opportunity to train themselves and earn a small amount of spirit stones and demonic beast materials. But for Qin Changsheng, it instantly reminded him of the secret treasure of Qingyun Lake.
He knew that an ancient treasure lay hidden deep within Qingyun Lake, and if he could find it, it would greatly enhance Qin Changsheng's strength.
This opportunity, however, came with deadly danger. Deep within Qingyun Lake, a Golden Core stage demonic beast guarded the area, its strength formidable and its aura terrifying, far beyond the capabilities of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Over the past few years, he had secretly sent Hu Nan to Qingyun Lake several times to probe the beast's defenses and try to find the treasure. Each time, Hu Nan was killed by the beast.
Although the sect had only sent a Foundation Establishment cultivator this time, a Golden Core cultivator was also present.
If he could get a Golden Core cultivator to restrain the Golden Core demonic beast, he might have a chance to seize the treasure.
Just then, Lin Hao, who had been silent all along, suddenly stood up.
Seeing Lin Hao stand up, everyone's gaze turned to him.
"Everyone, there's something else, which I suppose you don't know yet," Lin Hao said, seemingly somewhat smug.
"What is it?"
"Senior Brother Lin Hao, is there anything important happening within the sect?"
"Senior Brother Lin, please tell us!"
Everyone asked eagerly.
Lin Hao smiled and then said, "I saw Li Hu a couple of days ago!"
"He has successfully broken through to the Foundation Establishment Realm and become a Foundation Establishment cultivator."
Upon hearing this, everyone's faces showed astonishment.
The name Li Hu was familiar to everyone present.
Several years ago, in the Heavenly Sword Sect's grand competition, Li Hu was one of the most talented outer sect disciples. With profound cultivation and formidable combat power, he fought his way through the rounds, reaching the finals and showing promise of winning the championship and a substantial sect reward.
But just before the finals, Li Hu suddenly and mysteriously disappeared without a trace. Some said he met with misfortune, some said he betrayed the sect, and others said he found some fortuitous opportunity and left alone to train. For five years, there had been no news of him, and he was gradually forgotten by everyone.
No one expected that five years later, Li Hu would suddenly return to the sect, and even more astonishingly, he had become a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Hearing Lin Hao's words, Qin Changsheng's expression also turned solemn in the courtyard.
Others might not know Li Hu's identity.
But Qin Changsheng knew very well that Li Hu was the young master of the Blood Demon Sect.
The reason Li Hu left back then was because he had consumed the Blood Demon Pill.
At the same time, Qin Changsheng was also very clear in his heart that Li Hu's sudden return to the sect was probably for the secret treasure within Qingyun Lake.
Perhaps this large-scale mobilization of Foundation Establishment cultivators to exterminate the demonic beasts around Qingyun Lake was all his doing.
"Everyone, there's one more thing I haven't finished saying," Lin Hao continued, "After Li Hu returned, upon learning that the sect was sending Foundation Establishment cultivators to exterminate the demonic beasts around Qingyun Lake, he volunteered for this mission."
Upon hearing this, the astonishment in the private room gradually faded, replaced by a chorus of admiration.
The Foundation Establishment cultivators nodded in agreement, their gazes towards Lin Hao now filled with approval, their words brimming with praise for Li Hu.
"As expected of Junior Brother Li Hu, who possessed extraordinary talent back then! He's only just returned to the sect, yet he volunteered for the beast-slaying mission. His courage and sense of responsibility are truly admirable!"
"The area around Qingyun Lake is rife with demonic beasts, guarded by Golden Core demonic beasts. It's fraught with danger, yet he dared to go there so soon after reaching Foundation Establishment. His boldness far surpasses that of ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators."
"Junior Brother Li Hu was missing for five years, but not only did he not neglect his cultivation, he successfully reached Foundation Establishment. Now he's even taking on a sect mission. This kind of character is truly rare. He must have undergone considerable trials in these five years to achieve his current growth."
Everyone praised Li Hu, their words filled with recognition and admiration.
Only Qin Changsheng knew Li Hu's true thoughts.
While the surrounding cultivators were all captivated by Li Hu's "courage" and "responsibility," Qin Changsheng saw through it all.
Li Hu wasn't genuinely interested in participating in the beast-slaying mission or contributing to the sect; he was clearly after the secret treasure hidden deep within Qingyun Lake!
While the sect's Qingyun Lake beast-slaying mission was a training opportunity and a responsibility for others, for Li Hu, it was the perfect chance to seize the treasure.
By using the sect's mission as a pretext, he could legitimately approach Qingyun Lake and leverage the power of numerous Foundation Establishment and Golden Core cultivators to restrain the Golden Core demon beast—a win-win situation.
What convinced Qin Changsheng even more was that Li Hu, as the young master of the Blood Demon Sect, was no fool.
His proactive participation in the mission was certainly not impulsive; he had already made thorough preparations and even devised a detailed plan. How to restrain the Golden Core demon beast, how to break through the blockade, and how to seize the treasure—he must have it all figured out.