Chapter 2019: Beset by Foes Within, Pressed by Demonic Cultivators Without!

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In the main hall of Master Xuan Yang, the atmosphere was as heavy as it could get.

Within the Sect, fierce arguments erupted once again.

The conservative Elders, led by Elder Zhou, all looked despondent.

"Sect Leader! We absolutely cannot do this!"

"The Tianqing Sword Sect, the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, these are entities we cannot afford to provoke!"

"If we insist on opening the Star Gate, we will surely become the target of all! At that time, our Qingyun Sect will face utter destruction!"

"In my opinion, we should… perhaps hand over the Star Map, or at least agree to let them send members to participate, in exchange for the Sect’s safety!"

"That’s right! Knowing when to adapt makes one a wise man! We cannot ruin the millenary foundation of the Sect over a momentary impulse!"

These Elders were thoroughly scared out of their wits.

Faced with external pressure, the first thing they thought of was not resistance, but compromise and concession.

"Enough!"

An angry shout boomed like thunder in the hall.

The voice belonged to Elder Xiao, the most gentle of all.

At this moment, his beard and hair bristled with anger.

"A bunch of cowards!"

"Our Qingyun Sect has stood for thousands of years, when have we ever bowed our heads or bent our knees to anyone?"

"The Star Map was brought back by our Sect Disciple Luo Qingchen, who risked her life for it!"

"The mysteries of the Star Gate were unraveled through the countless efforts of everyone in our Sect!"

"Now, why should we surrender what we earned with blood and sweat just because of their threats?"

"The backbone of our Qingyun Sect is still unbroken!"

Elder Xiao’s words, were firm and resonant, causing those advocating for concession to blush with shame and bow their heads.

However, at this moment, an even worse piece of news arrived.

"Report!"

"Reporting to the Sect Leader, there’s an urgent report from the Sect’s outer alert array!"

"Eight hundred miles west of the Sect, a large number of black-clad Demonic Cultivators have been spotted gathering!"

"Their numbers are no less than three thousand! Among them are several with terrifying Nascent Soul Stage auras!"

"They… they have already formed a battle formation, completely sealing our Sect’s western exit!"

This news was like a bucket of ice water, pouring over everyone’s heads.

Internal foes watching like tigers, and Demonic Cultivators pressing on the outside.

The Qingyun Sect instantly plunged into an unprecedented dire situation.

Inside the main hall, silence fell once more.

All eyes were focused on the ever-silent Master Xuan Yang, who sat at the head position.

The fate of the entire Sect hung on his decision.

A long time passed.

After a long time.

Master Xuan Yang slowly opened his eyes.

In his eyes, there was no hint of fear or panic, only a deep calm like an abyss, and beneath that calm, an overwhelming fury that could burn everything.

He stood up and stepped down from the high platform, one step at a time, to the center of the hall.

His voice wasn’t loud, yet it clearly reached everyone’s ears.

"Deliver my decree."

"First, inform the envoys of the Tianqing Sword Sect and the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion."

"The Star Gate belongs to our Qingyun Sect."

"In three days, we will open it as scheduled."

"If they wish to witness it, our Qingyun Sect welcomes them. But if they intend to interfere, they must first ask whether the ’Purple Sky’ in my hand agrees."

"Second, command Qin Mingyuan to personally lead all elites of the Sect’s Battle Hall to guard the western Wangyue Valley, and keep a close watch on those Demonic Cultivators. If they dare to advance even one step, kill without mercy!"

"Third, order all Elders and Disciples."

"In three days, the Star Gate opening ceremony will proceed as planned!"

"Our Qingyun Sect would rather stand and die than live on our knees!"

His words were unwavering and resounding.

At this moment, everyone’s blood was ignited.

The pride and valor deeply rooted in the bones of the Qingyun Sect Disciples were completely unleashed.

"We will obey the Sect Leader’s decree!"

The overwhelming response echoed throughout the main peak.

Master Xuan Yang turned around, his gaze passed through everyone and fell on Luo Qingchen.

He gestured to Luo Qingchen.

"Luo Qingchen, come forward."

Luo Qingchen stepped forward.

Under everyone’s gaze, Master Xuan Yang personally handed a golden Token symbolizing the highest authority of the Sect Leader to Luo Qingchen’s hand.

"From now until the Star Gate is opened."

"You are in full charge of all matters related to the Star Gate opening, and you can mobilize all the Sect’s resources without needing to consult anyone."

"You will be the first of our Qingyun Sect to step into the Star Gate."

This decision shocked everyone.

It represented an absolute, unparalleled trust.

It also represented a responsibility as heavy as a mountain.

Luo Qingchen took the Token; it felt cold in his hand.

He bowed deeply to Master Xuan Yang.

No surplus words were needed.

But his eyes said it all.

Night.

Deep as ink.

Only twelve hours remained until the Star Gate was to be opened.

The entire Qingyun Sect was brightly lit, like it was daytime.

Numerous powerful Defensive Magic Arrays were activated to their fullest, and layers upon layers of light screens made the entire mountain range as solid as an iron wall.

Atop the Heavenly Desperate Cliff.

The ancient Star Altar had been completely cleared.

Luo Qingchen, Lin Wan’er, Su Xiaowan, and Bai Ling’er stood silently at the center of the altar.

Luo Qingchen carefully placed the complete Star Map brass plate into the ancient groove at the altar’s center.