When Lu Lihua decided to support Ziyang City from a thousand miles away, the entire Central Plains was abuzz with this news from the Grasslands.

At Shenxiao Sect, Lin Yu, Fang Yu, and even Zhao Lingyu had gloomy expressions.

Zhao Lingyu had long been scheming to have Lin Yun become her prince consort, but now rumors spread that Lin Yun was to wed the Snow Maiden, which made her mentality explode on the spot.

What she didn’t know was that her master and the strongest elder of her sect, Lin Yu, also had a mental breakdown.

Zhao Lingyu saw that they both looked upset and understood completely.

The master must have seen his favorite disciple about to take a woman from the Grasslands as his wife and was too infuriated. Lin Yu must be feeling something similar.

The elders were all very dissatisfied with the union between Lin Yun and the Grassland People, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they soon decided to support Ziyang City.

"We absolutely cannot lose the battle for Ziyang City!"

The first to speak up was actually Jiang Chenyu.

Zhao Lingyu looked at Jiang Chenyu with some surprise. My goodness, the Lord of Guanghan Palace was almost mixed up with the elders of Shenxiao Sect. Is it really appropriate for someone from Guanghan Palace to join in the commotion at a Shenxiao Sect meeting?

Who said you’re one of us! 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Zhao Lingyu’s eyes were full of disdain, but she agreed with what Jiang Chenyu had said.

Ziyang City absolutely must not be lost, or Lin Yun will marry the Snow Maiden!

According to the message released by the Grassland People, the order was given by the Grand Shaman. If they can’t take down Ziyang City, what right does Lin Yun have to marry the Snow Maiden!

Of course, Zhao Lingyu, having mixed with the Imperial Palace, was very clear that in private, anything could be said, but in such a formal setting as the meeting of the elders, she needed to make her point more eloquently.

"Palace Master Jiang is correct, we must not lose Ziyang City. Ever since the Snow Lady moved southwards, within a few days, several cities fell, and our honor in the Central Plains was greatly diminished. If we cannot defend Ziyang City, it will greatly boost the enemy’s morale and deal a massive blow to ours.

After this battle, even if we can make a comeback, we will have lost nearly all our face and integrity."

Zhao Lingyu said decisively, "Ziyang City is our last shred of dignity, we must not have any further mishaps. We must put forth the full strength of our sect to defend Ziyang City!"

Her words rang out powerfully and resoundingly. Although Zhao Lingyu’s cultivation level was not very high, the determination she displayed had earned the recognition from top to bottom of Shenxiao Sect.

Shenxiao Sect has always been like this, accepting defeat is one thing, but never shrinking from battle before it even begins.

The new Sect Master carried on the characteristics of the Shenxiao Sect’s past leaders very well—indifferent to life and death, and ready to fight if not convinced.

Lin Yu and Fang Yu also seized the opportunity to express their firm support.

"I agree with what the Sect Master has said."

Fang Yu didn’t refer to Zhao Lingyu as his disciple, and Lin Yu firmly added, "Please issue the order, Sect Master, we shall immediately support Ziyang City!"

It’s best if the whole army is deployed to let the Snow Maiden see our strength!

Lin Yu hadn’t participated in the previous battle with the Snow Maiden but had heard from Fang Yu that she had held back and that there had been a chance to kill the Snow Maiden.

But this time, the Snow Maiden really went too far!

We who arrived first haven’t even married Lin Yun, and you want to jump the queue, not even knowing your place? No way!

This time, don’t blame us for drawing our swords!

Lin Yu and Fang Yu were determined to take serious action, and seeing their urgency, Zhao Lingyu actually calmed down. She certainly wouldn’t ignore Lin Yu’s request, as she was, after all, her cousin!

"Since Elder Lin has volunteered to fight, then this battle shall be supported by Elder Lin leading the disciples to Ziyang City. Ziyang City lies within the territory of Guanghan Palace. Elder Lin, please be extremely careful on your way to avoid any ambushes,"

Here, Zhao Lingyu didn’t explicitly mention being wary of any ambushes from Guanghan Palace, after all, the two forces are now enemies, but on the surface, both Guanghan Palace and Shenxiao Sect belong to the Righteous Path alliance. Guanghan Palace has always been committed to branding Shenxiao Sect as part of the Demonic Path but has not yet succeeded.

If they are of the Righteous Path, then scheming against their own allies who also stand against the Grassland is not the act of those on the Righteous Path.

As the Sect Master, Zhao Lingyu can be cautious of Guanghan Palace, but she can’t speak too directly at such a critical meeting to avoid giving others a handle against her.

In this period, she had indeed rapidly grown into a qualified Sect Master.

Fang Yu looked on approvingly. Lin Yu also understood the underlying message and nodded, "Please rest assured, Sect Master, I will take caution in my actions."

Zhao Lingyu nodded and then turned to the other Elders, saying, "In this battle, all Elders above the Celestial Knowing Realm should join Elder Lin in the fight. Elder Fang, you will stay to guard Purple Cloud Mountain to prevent treacherous surprise attacks."

At this time, the only ones to be wary of are the Demon Sect and the other five major sects, who are also from the Central Plains.

Deep down, Fang Yu knew that Zhao Lingyu’s arrangement was relatively safe, but she couldn’t help feeling uneasy about not being able to join the fight herself.

"Why not have Elder Lin guard the mountain while I go to support?"

Zhao Lingyu shook her head. Fang Yu had previously tried to build her authority within Shenxiao Sect, so Zhao could also disregard Fang Yu’s opinions.

Moreover, since Zhao Lingyu had heard Fang Yu’s indescribable sounds, her reverence for Fang Yu had diminished considerably, though she still deeply respected her master. Even though she appeared dignified on the surface but was quite unrestrained in private, Fang Yu was still a good master.

But now that she is the Sect Master, she must trust her own judgment.

"Elder Fang, you have already been at a disadvantage in your prior engagement with the Snow Maiden, while Elder Lin has not yet faced her. There may still be a chance for victory,"

Lin Yu also took the opportunity to nod and said, "Yes, let me be the one to go. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of her."

Lin Yu spoke these words through gritted teeth.

She had made up her mind; if she didn’t give the Snow Maiden a thorough thrashing this time, she’d reverse her own surname!

Besides, this time she had secretly brought along a powerful weapon, Wang Wanqiu.

Although Wang Wanqiu’s cultivation level and understanding of Heavenly Dao were not as advanced as hers, her offensive power was extremely formidable. It was said that the Snow Maiden could defend and attack, advance and retreat — it remained to be seen if she could withstand Wang Wanqiu’s power, which was capable of shattering the void.

While Shenxiao Sect was actively mobilizing, the big shots of the Three Teachings of the Demonic Path were also discussing sending reinforcements.

Dongfang Hongyue and Lin Yu had similar intentions; she was already preparing to tear apart the homewrecker with her bare hands.

However, unlike the unanimous aversion of Shenxiao Sect, there was discord in the opinions within the Demon Sect.

Dongfang Hongyue was, of course, a strong proponent for war — how could she tolerate someone else trying to steal her husband?

Although she had already been publicly shamed enough, Dongfang Hongyue always remembered that she was the legal wife, and her status was unshakeable.

But now, someone wanted to marry Lin Yun before her?

That was unacceptable; she was there first!

Even without a Divine Artifact in hand, Dongfang Hongyue was still determined to confront the Snow Maiden.

In the past, she managed to overcome the Snow Maiden’s home field advantage on the Grassland by turning fire against water, defeating the Snow Maiden once, and if there was a first time, there could be a second!

Yet her proposed battle plan was ruthlessly rejected by Zhang Biyu.

"I think we should not join the battle. Letting Ziyang City fall into the hands of the Grassland would be the course of action most beneficial to our interests!"