Sacrificial Artifact System: From Bell-ringer to the Ancestral Patriarch of the Sect novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71: Chapter 71: Young Eagle

Inside the Divine Sword Hall.

The expressions of many Peak Masters and powerful elders were extremely grave.

Not long ago, they received news that Inner Sect Disciples of the Divine Sword Sect, on a mission to deal with the Exotic Beasts Alligator Dragon in Lanxi County of Xuan State, had a bloody conflict with disciples of the Xuanming Sect.

"Sect Leader, Xuanming Sect’s provocation is blatant. Our Divine Sword Sect must fight fire with fire, blood for blood."

The Master of Martial Peak, Xie Tiancheng, nearly pounded the table as he spoke.

In this conflict, his Direct Disciple, Ji Ming, was seriously injured.

"Xuanming Sect has gone too far; I suggest we strike back in kind."

Spirit Void Peak Master Wei Quansheng also spoke.

His disciple, Bai Wujing, was also injured.

"Calm down, both of you. This matter is not so simple. Our Divine Sword Sect has always coexisted peacefully with Xuanming Sect without interference. There must be other reasons behind Xuanming Sect’s sudden actions," said the Dishui Peak Master, Yun Lei.

"Your disciple hasn’t been hurt; spare us the platitudes," retorted Xie Tiancheng with a cold snort.

"What do you mean by platitudes? I am simply facing reality. Bai Wujing and Ji Ming are not only your disciples but also disciples of our Divine Sword Sect... Do you think I’m not angry? If our Divine Sword Sect directly retaliates, we might just fall into their trap," stated Yun Lei, the Dishui Peak Master, with a heavy tone.

"Peak Master Yun does have a point. The actions of Xuanming Sect are too unusual this time. I wonder if it has something to do with the Wang Residence of Luo?" the plump elder spoke up.

Though not a Peak Master, he was a powerful elder from Guiyi Peak.

Moreover, his disciple Nangong Bei had become a True Inheritor, allowing the plump elder to rise to the forefront among powerful elders.

"Indeed, if this is related to the Wang Residence of Luo, then Xuanming Sect’s actions would be quite normal," said Guiyi Peak Master, Hou Shuwen.

Xuanming Sect had always been closely associated with the Wang Residence of Luo.

A few months ago, the Wang Residence of Luo called for a demon-slaying conference, and after the vote, the Divine Sword Sect sent only an ordinary elder to attend perfunctorily.

"Are we to let Xuanming Sect walk all over us simply because they are related to the Wang Residence of Luo?" exclaimed Xie Tiancheng, the Master of Martial Peak, his eyes wide with anger.

"Of course not. We definitely need to retaliate... but it has to be a strategic retaliation," said Guiyi Peak Master Hou Shuwen. "I suggest exerting pressure on Xuanming Sect to make them give an explanation and compensation, as well as to punish the assailant. They claim Lanxi County as Xuanming Sect’s demon-hunting territory; then we can use the excuse of a demon threat to temporarily halt the transportation of fine iron out of Yecheng."

The fine iron from Yecheng was of excellent quality, not only supplied to the imperial court but also to the surrounding states and counties.

Institutions such as Xuanming Sect, including the Wang Residence of Luo, also used fine iron from Yecheng.

"If indeed the Wang Residence of Luo is behind this, agitating the situation, this might not be enough to make Xuanming Sect yield..." remarked an elder.

"Our targets are not solely Xuanming Sect but also the Wang Residence of Luo... The Wang Residence of Luo wants to expand their private army and need a large quantity of fine iron... They have made several requests over the past two years to increase their purchase of fine iron," Hou Shuwen, the Guiyi Peak Master, said with a light chuckle.

He speculated that a few months ago, the Wang Residence of Luo wanted to use the demon-slaying conference as an opportunity to draw in the Divine Sword Sect and get a larger share of fine iron from Yecheng.

The Divine Sword Sect, however, had its own considerations and did not wish to get too closely involved with nobles such as the Wang Residence of Luo.

"I think the method proposed by Peak Master Hou is feasible."

"Indeed, let’s start with courtesy before resorting to arms, and see how Xuanming Sect and the Wang Residence of Luo respond."

"However, we also need to be wary of Xuanming Sect and the Wang Residence of Luo taking this opportunity to escalate the conflict to our disadvantage."

"How dare they... The imperial authority still stands; does the Wang Residence of Luo really dare to assault the Divine Sword Sect?"

....

Other Peak Masters and powerful elders also joined the conversation.

Most supported the approach of Guiyi Peak Master Hou Shuwen.

"In that case, let’s proceed according to Peak Master Hou’s method," said the Divine Sword Sect Leader, Feng Shaoyu.

He naturally favored Hou Shuwen’s approach.

A direct, tit-for-tat retaliation against Xuanming Sect was clearly unwise.

Especially when the circumstances were unclear.

....

Chen Bell Platform.

Li Qian had just finished his training when he saw Liu Ming returning with a bamboo basket on his back.