Ling Tian Sword God-Chapter 595 - 593 Sadness Hall_1

"Everyone, please share your opinions. Who should we support this time?"

An extraordinarily robust voice emanated from the elderly man. "Xie Zhiqiu’s power has already taken shape. Although his cultivation is only at the Sky Apex Realm First Layer, his actual strength far surpasses his cultivation level. I even sensed his aura—murderous, revealing the ambitions behind him. Unfortunately, he arrogantly declares himself Sect Leader and even slaughtered one of our Sadness Hall generals. His lawlessness and wolfish ambitions are known to all."

"Venerable Elder, by rights, we should support Saintess Xia Yunxin." Suddenly, an Elder stood up. He was a renowned figure in Sadness Hall named Iron Demon Sect, with cultivation that had reached the Half-step Heavenly Extreme Realm.

"Xia Yunxin excels in both civil and military affairs, is resourceful, and her martial arts talent is exceptional. Indeed, she is a suitable candidate to lead the Holy Church."

"Regrettably, her realm is too low; she could easily be killed by Xie Zhiqiu. Even before he achieved the Sky Apex Realm, Xie Zhiqiu was already imperious, consistently overshadowing Xia Yunxin. Now that he has cultivated to that realm and obtained the Demon Saint’s legacy, how powerful will he become? Moreover, after Lu Wushuang was beheaded, all of Skypiercing Peak has submitted to Xie Zhiqiu. Even great demons like Xuanjizi, Demon Elder, and the Black and White Holy Envoy are willing to serve this man."

"If we support Saintess Hall and Xie Zhiqiu uses it as a pretext to relentlessly pursue and attack us, our Sadness Hall will not be able to withstand it."

"Iron Demon Sect, are you suggesting that we of Sadness Hall should defect to Xie Zhiqiu?" another elder of Sadness Hall suddenly interjected. "That doesn’t seem appropriate. Xie Zhiqiu’s ambitions are known to all. Even if we were to defect to him, he would trample us underfoot and utterly humiliate us. I say we’re better off supporting Xia Yunxin and fighting Xie Zhiqiu to the death! Over in Saintess Hall, Elder Beiming, Dragon Elephant Respect, and Fire Crow Taoist are no pushovers. I don’t believe they can’t defeat a mere junior like Xie Zhiqiu."

"Inappropriate. We should support neither side and watch the tigers fight from afar. What if both sides suffer heavy losses? Wouldn’t we be able to reap the benefits then?" another elder stood up and said.

"Both sides suffer heavy losses? There’s no such easy way out. When Xie Zhiqiu emerges from seclusion, he will inevitably return with overwhelming power, having advanced even further. No matter how formidable the old demons in Saintess Hall are, they can no longer be Xie Zhiqiu’s match."

"Regardless, Sadness Hall is caught in the middle this time; we’re in a difficult position. When Sect Master Sikong Yi and Saintess Liu Xiling were present, even if the two major factions had conflicts, they wouldn’t have escalated to such large-scale hostilities."

"What’s the use of saying all this now? Prepare to pick a side. Otherwise, whichever party wins will surely settle scores with us later. There will be no good end for us."

Within Sadness Hall, discussions were rampant, with everyone arguing their own points. No decision could be reached.

"Enough! Stop arguing. I must consider this thoroughly," the Heartbroken Elder said, waving his hand. The entire hall instantly fell silent.

"There’s no need for further consideration, Heartbroken Elder. Pledging allegiance to Sect Leader Xie Zhiqiu is your only choice. Otherwise, the only outcome is death!" Suddenly, a voice rang out.

"Who is it?"

The Heartbroken Elder looked up sharply, his gaze falling upon the entrance of the main hall.

Several figures walked in. Leading them was, surprisingly, the peerless expert from the Sect Leader’s side—Black-Robe.

Behind him, Xuanjizi, Demon Elder, the Black and White Holy Envoy, and other prominent figures from Skypiercing Peak appeared one by one, their auras bolstering Black-Robe.

"Heartbroken Elder, you are the de facto leader of the neutral faction within the Holy Church." Black-Robe looked at the Heartbroken Elder. "We have come this time to make clear our support for the new Sect Leader, Xie Zhiqiu, to eliminate Xia Yunxin, and to annihilate Saintess Hall. Heartbroken Elder, we wish to know your stance."

My stance? The Heartbroken Elder was taken aback. With such a display, they aren’t here to ask for our opinion; they’ve clearly come to intimidate us.

"Black-Robe has always been the Sect Leader’s loyal protector. He is the Sect Leader’s voice. Now that even he has acknowledged Xie Zhiqiu’s status as Sect Leader, Heartbroken Elder, a wise person understands the times. I trust you are not an inflexible, foolish sort," Xuanjizi said.

Even Black-Robe has submitted to Xie Zhiqiu?

The Heartbroken Elder grew increasingly astonished. Black-Robe has always recognized only the Sect Leader and no one else. Why has he unexpectedly declared his stance and submitted to Xie Zhiqiu this time?

Only Black-Robe himself knew the true reason.

Xie Zhiqiu had imparted a peerless demonic cultivation technique to him. This cultivation technique was actually Half-Saint Level! There wasn’t a single cultivation technique of such a high level in the entire Saint Witch Religion. Even the Demon Emperor’s Scripture, cultivated by the former Sect Leader Sikong Yi, was merely a high-grade King Level cultivation technique.

Currently, Xie Zhiqiu had only taught him the first three layers of the cultivation technique. The remaining four layers would only be imparted after Xie Zhiqiu emerged from seclusion.

Of course, how much more would be taught depended on his performance. Naturally, he had to exert himself more diligently in Xie Zhiqiu’s service.

"Everyone, Sect Leader Xie will emerge from seclusion in a few days. As far as I know, upon emerging this time, his strength will have broken through to the Sky Apex Realm Second Layer. I believe you all know that when Sect Leader Xie had just advanced to the Sky Apex Realm, he easily slew Lu Wushuang. With his current strength, I fear even I am not his match."

"You must make your decision today. If you fail to do so, the consequences will be dire," Black-Robe stated, his expression cold.

His words struck like a bolt from the blue, stunning everyone. Even the Heartbroken Elder was deeply shocked.

"What? His strength has increased again?" an elder from Sadness Hall cried out, unable to suppress the fear in his heart.

"For Sect Leader Xie, advancing his cultivation is as simple as eating and drinking," Xuanjizi said coldly. "I advise you, time waits for no one. Those who defy him will meet a miserable end."

"Three days from now, Sect Leader Xie will emerge from seclusion, formally annihilate Saintess Hall, and unify the entire Demon Way. At that time, you are all to go and welcome him. Sect Leader Xie has already declared that if he descends and anyone fails to welcome him, it is a dead end for them. It would be best if every prominent figure in the Saint Witch Religion attends."

The Demon Elder also delivered this message calmly.

For a moment, everyone in Sadness Hall was as silent as cicadas in winter; not a single word dared to be spoken.

A short while later, the Heartbroken Elder finally nodded, a sharp glint in his eyes. "Please return and inform Sect Leader Xie that the people of Sadness Hall will definitely arrive on time."

"Since you have made this choice, congratulations. You have chosen an undeniably correct path." Xuanjizi smiled. "Let’s go, Heartbroken Elder. Accompany us to Skypiercing Peak first and await the Sect Leader’s decree. Within three days, the Sect Leader will surely break through his seclusion. At that time, sweeping through Saintess Hall and causing rivers of blood will be a matter of course!"

"As you command."

The Heartbroken Elder cupped his fist. However, his gaze shifted to another direction. In that direction, Xun Wujie nodded with understanding and then quietly withdrew.