Chapter 60: Chapter 60: Establishing Authority and the "Sweet Date
It cannot be denied that the robed man’s words made a lot of sense.
Many present nodded in agreement.
Clearly, they also strongly agreed with the robed man’s viewpoint.
However, sitting above, Yuan Shanglong’s eyes suddenly blazed with two flames upon hearing him.
These were real flames and not some manifestation of magic.
Without any warning.
Many felt a scorching sting before their eyes.
Immediately after, a hissing sound suddenly reached everyone’s ears.
The next moment, a painful groan reached everyone’s ears.
This...?
Many involuntarily widened their eyes.
The robed man, who had just been standing there, was now somehow half-kneeling on the ground.
At his abdomen, a bloody, charred hole was emitting wisps of blue smoke.
"Hiss!"
For no reason, many took a sharp breath.
With just a glance, the robed man of the Foundation Establishment stage was severely injured like this.
The power of the Hall Master of the Crimson Sunset Sect’s Law Enforcement Hall was indeed terrifying.
However, what left the crowd even more apprehensive was the ruthlessness of this Hall Master.
The man merely brought up a seemingly reasonable opinion, yet faced such a fate.
Most importantly, it was the other party who had asked if there were any objections.
However, the outcome was...
Many felt a sinking feeling.
What was this?
"Baiting"?
Or did he intend to establish authority this way?
Ji Haoyuan’s heart also tightened.
This is why Su Wen Yuan reminded him twice not to voice any objections here.
This Hall Master of the Crimson Sunset Sect’s Law Enforcement Hall truly was overbearing.
It was unclear if this was his intention or if he was instructed from above.
But regardless of the reason, given the current situation, the people present probably wouldn’t have much choice going forward.
Then, the Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall continued:
"The earlier matter was merely a warning.
I hope you all understand that what I discussed with you today is to inform, not to discuss."
With that, he no longer cared how people felt, and directly laid out the arrangements to everyone present.
The general idea was that each of their groups must send at least twenty Qi Refining cultivators.
The total number of late-stage and mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators should not be fewer than ten.
As for the Foundation Establishment cultivators...
No matter how many Foundation Establishment cultivators you have, at least one must come.
For a period of one week.
If within the specified time, someone fails to bring the required people, then you and your family will no longer need to stay within the Crimson Sunset Sect’s territory.
The Crimson Sunset Sect will personally eradicate you and your family.
A moment later.
After Yuan Shanglong left the guest hall, many present turned pale.
Meanwhile, they were filled with fear.
The fact that the Crimson Sunset Sect made such a tough demand showed that the upcoming battle would likely be intense.
How many of them would survive was uncertain.
And just then, someone else stepped into the hall.
This person was none other than Su Wen Yuan.
Unlike Yuan Shanglong, Su Wen Yuan had a smile on his face.
After entering the guest hall, he first gave a sweeping glance at those present.
His gaze paused on several people.
Among them was Ji Haoyuan.
He nodded slightly, without showing any emotions.
Then, he cheerfully said to everyone:
"Surely you all have heard clearly what Senior Brother Yuan just said, haven’t you?
Indeed.
Though our Crimson Sunset Sect has summoned you to join the war against the Netherworld Sect, we are not miserly.
As long as you achieve enough merit in the upcoming battle, our Crimson Sunset Sect won’t be stingy in rewarding you.
Here.
This is the list of rewards we can offer you in this war.
Pills, talismans, arrays.
Even the most precious Foundation Establishment Pills and secret technique manuals, our sect is willing to open to you.
As long as your achievements are sufficient, these treasured items will be yours."
With that, Su Wen Yuan distributed the reward exchange lists to each person present.
As they received and truly saw the rewards available, looks of shock and disbelief filled their faces.
Because on the list they received.
Not only were there the Foundation Establishment Pills mentioned by Su Wen Yuan, but also breakthrough pills specific to Foundation Establishment cultivators, and various second-tier array plates and superior Spiritual Artifacts.
Even the most sought-after Talisman Treasures and second-tier Spirit Vein and Spirit Mountain were available.
And these were not even the most valuable items on the list.
The most valuable were the several third-tier Golden Core techniques.
Golden Core techniques, actual Golden Core techniques!
This was the path to achieve the Golden Core stage.
Countless Foundation Establishment families and sects, even if they exhausted their resources, couldn’t acquire Golden Core techniques.
Yet now, they were laid out right before them.
Even though they knew securing a third-tier Golden Core technique would be extremely difficult.
Even if they accumulated enough merit for exchange, many requirements might limit them from acquiring it.
But even so, they couldn’t contain their excitement and hope.
Ji Haoyuan was also slightly amazed.
Even he hadn’t anticipated that the rewards offered by the Crimson Sunset Sect would be so generous.
Considering Yuan Shanglong’s prior actions and Su Wen Yuan’s current conduct, he had to admit that the tactics of a Golden Core sect were indeed extraordinary.
For even he was tempted by those few third-tier techniques and the rare spiritual objects.
This truly was...
Temporarily clearing his mind, Ji Haoyuan regained his clarity.
He hadn’t forgotten that any high reward invariably concealed high risk.
The willingness of the Crimson Sunset Sect to offer such a reward hinted at the war’s brutality.
If one only pursued achievements, disregarding their safety, they were likely to meet a tragic end.
So.
Merit should indeed be pursued, but only when one’s safety could be reasonably assured.
This was the mindset to have in the face of this war, the most sensible attitude.