Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Golden Core Command
Upon seeing Ji Haoyuan and his group arrive, Ji Yunhai and the others present couldn’t help but sigh with relief.
Ma Qiulin, the man in red robes, sneered coldly and said to Ji Haoyuan and his companions:
"You all certainly kept me waiting."
Clearly, he said this deliberately.
After all, from the time Ji Haoyuan received the transmission until they arrived at the meeting hall, it hadn’t been long at all.
Claiming they kept him waiting was outright nonsense.
It’s uncertain why he would say such a thing.
Could it be that he has some kind of relationship with the Celestial Spirit Root of the Zhang Family?
Or perhaps, is he trying to curry favor with them by deliberately making Ji and his group uncomfortable?
If that’s truly the case...
A hint of coldness flashed in Ji Haoyuan’s eyes.
But just at that moment, Ji Bochang, standing beside him, stepped forward with a smile and said:
"I apologize sincerely, Mr. Ma, we truly had some pressing matters to handle just now, which delayed us.
If there was any offense, I ask for your forgiveness, Mr. Ma."
As he spoke, Ji Bochang solemnly bowed to Ma Qiulin.
Seeing Ji Bochang behave like this, even if Ma Qiulin wanted to take advantage of the situation, he couldn’t say much now.
Meanwhile, all the elders of the Yun Family present wore unpleasant expressions.
No matter what, Ma Qiulin forcing their patriarch to act this way greatly undermined the Ji Family’s dignity.
However, they also knew Ji Bochang’s actions were out of helplessness.
Being in the territory ruled by the Crimson Sunset Sect meant they had to be cautious.
If they were to fall out with the sect now, the ones to suffer would be the Ji Family.
"By the way, Mr. Ma, coming all the way from the Crimson Sunset Sect, what matters bring you here?"
Ji Bochang continued with a smile: "If there’s anything the Ji Family can assist with, we will certainly do our utmost."
Upon hearing this, Ma Qiulin collected himself and then said earnestly:
"You’re surely aware of the Demon Cultivator appearances within our Crimson Sunset Sect territory, aren’t you?"
Indeed.
Hearing Ma Qiulin’s words, Ji Haoyuan, Ji Bochang, and Ji Yunfan all felt a slight chill in their hearts.
"To be frank, the Crimson Sunset Sect has already engaged in numerous skirmishes with the Netherworld Sect.
It’s just that these battles weren’t within our territory, so you might not have heard about it."
Ma Qiulin’s comments shocked Ji Haoyuan, Ji Bochang, and the others in attendance.
The Crimson Sunset Sect and Netherworld Sect have already had multiple skirmishes?
This news was indeed something they hadn’t heard.
It seems the Crimson Sunset Sect has deliberately kept it under wraps.
But why do they do this?
Under normal circumstances, there’s no need to hide such news.
Unless there’s a specific reason...
With that thought, a heavy feeling crept into the hearts of Ji Haoyuan and the others present.
They were starting to sense that the conflict between the Crimson Sunset Sect and the Netherworld Sect might have unknown aspects.
Including the recent appearance of those Demon Cultivators within their territory, which carried ominous undertones.
Yet, these thoughts remained solely in their minds, unspoken.
"Currently, the situation has changed somewhat."
Ma Qiulin continued: "Given the current circumstances, our conflict with the Netherworld Sect might escalate further.
Therefore..."
His tone suddenly became solemn.
"According to the orders of our sect’s Golden Core patriarchs, all cultivators within the Crimson Sunset Sect territory must adhere to our directives.
When necessary, you may need to join our sect’s cultivators on the front lines.
Do you all understand?"
Across the meeting hall, Ji Haoyuan, Ji Bochang, Ji Yunfan, and others all showed changes in their expressions.
This essentially meant involving them in the conflict with the Netherworld Sect, didn’t it?
Two great sects clashing, and if these Foundation Establishment families get drawn in, their very survival is uncertain.
In the worst case, they might end up mere pawns in the struggle between the two Golden Core sects.
But facing such circumstances, would such small Foundation Establishment families have the power to refuse?
Obviously not.
Their faces grew increasingly grim with this realization.
Ma Qiulin, however, seemed indifferent.
He spoke again: "I’ve conveyed the message on your behalf, so during this period, I hope you refrain from going out casually, to avoid missing the sect’s orders.
The consequences of such a mistake need no further explanation.
Oh, and if any Demon Cultivators are sighted within your family territory, they must be eradicated immediately. They cannot be allowed to act wantonly within our sect’s domain.
This is the decree of the True Man, so don’t seal your own fate."
Having spoken his final words, Ma Qiulin lingered no longer, swiftly exiting the Ji Family’s meeting hall, disappearing from sight.
From then on.
For a long time.
No one spoke in the hall.
Everyone wore heavy expressions.
The news Ma Qiulin brought was undoubtedly significant.
It wasn’t until a transmission fell into Ji Haoyuan’s hands that the atmosphere was stirred.
Almost by instinct, all eyes turned to Ji Haoyuan.
Unconcerned, Ji Haoyuan opened the transmission before everyone.
The transmission was from Feng Wanqing of the Feng Family in Danyang County.
She informed Ji Haoyuan that traces of Demon Cultivators had appeared within their territory too.
Moreover, what intrigued Ji Haoyuan most was that someone from the Crimson Sunset Sect recently visited the Feng Family, saying similar things as Ma Qiulin.
It appears this ongoing conflict between the Netherworld Sect and the Crimson Sunset Sect is something these Foundation Establishment families under the sect might find hard to avoid after all.
With these thoughts, Ji Haoyuan didn’t hide the information, sharing the situation of the Feng Family with everyone present.
Upon hearing this, the already somber mood grew even more tense.
Everyone realized one thing.
In the coming time, the prices of various magical artifacts, talismans, and pills are bound to see a sharp rise.
Ji Haoyuan then said: "Everyone, you surely understand the situation clearly now.
From now on, you need to find every possible way to strengthen yourselves, and your family members.
Try to purchase a variety of magical artifacts, talismans, and pills.
Additionally, if you come across any first or second-grade minerals, try to acquire them."
"On my side..."
Before Ji Haoyuan could finish speaking, the Identity Jade Talisman belonging to the Exquisite Treasure Pavilion suddenly began to emanate a faint glow.