Demon Sword Sect's Undercover

Master Xu's Divine Sense transmitted over, "He stole the treasures of our Sword Sect, and here he feigns generosity. In the end, the grand ceremony becomes a Daoist Sect's ceremony, entirely unrelated to our Sword Sect, thus suppressing the prestige of our Sword Sect. Who would be willing to ally with us after this?

What a cunning tactic! Although the Sword Tomb Cave Heaven might not be Zhi Xuan's doing, it surely has some connection to him. It's infuriating, how should we respond?"

Hou Niao lowered his eyes, the pressure from the Daoist Sect was real and unabashed. They cleverly controlled the oppression within a very deliberate level, neither giving you a reason to rage nor relief from the discomfort.

He could imagine, next there would definitely be other Daoist sects standing out to support, and then the Buddhist Sect might also take advantage of this, followed by the smaller Daoist sects' Preachers having to follow suit, lest they be called stingy. The final result would certainly be a hundred treasures floating in the sky above the Heavenly Sword Platform, whereas this sky should have belonged to the Flying Swords.

The Daoist Sect's methods are indeed insidious and ruthless, flawlessly executed.

"I also have treasures, from the Ran Dao Realm, the Anchor Chains, quite a few of them, but is it appropriate to bring them out now?"

Master Xu said firmly, "Of course not appropriate! These items were looted, spoils from murder, how could they be displayed in public? Are we holding a bandit's conference?

Moreover, their treasures are merely appetizers, indicating they have more treasures and methods to create them. What do you have? More stealing? More killing and looting?"

Hou Niao sighed, "That's it, since there's none, it's better not to embarrass ourselves, and let the opportunity be theirs."

He now sorely missed Senior Sister Yue Duo. If she were here, maybe there would be a way to handle this? But it's hard to say, her pockets were even cleaner than his.

The grand ceremony had just started, but as the hosts, the Sword Sect was already in trouble; as the treasure showcasing progressed, this situation would worsen.

These bull-headed old Daoists are truly difficult to serve.

"Can I ask Tianfeng to ensure the Shangqing division doesn't participate in the treasure showcase?" Xiao Zhen was doing his utmost best; the Daoist Sect being overly dominant suppressing the Sword Sect's momentum isn't good for Anhe Daoist Sect.

Hou Niao thanked, "Thank you, senior. A hundred treasures are already showcased, would missing a few from the Shangqing division make a difference? Instead, it makes Anhe a target. Don't worry, we are prepared, let us wait for another day."

Xiao Zhen shook his head, "Then do as you please, but don't try to act tougher than you are. You're quite a sneaky little fellow, hardly any of your words are true."

Hou Niao was speechless, "Senior, no matter how sneaky I am, could I compare to your century-long deceit?"

Hou Niao below was like sitting on pins and needles, the developments on the platform shifting beyond his control. It's a process that cannot be stopped, and although deviating from the planned course, stopping it would offend everyone, thus swallowing his urge and enduring.

Zhi Xuan, the Daoist, was straightforward in his words and actions, with no hesitation or unnecessary talk. After presenting the Yin Yang Umbrella, he instantly left the platform; he had an exceptional grasp on the hearts of people, knowing everyone's thoughts were on the upcoming treasure showcases, who would want to listen to his ramblings, so he simply chose not to speak, allowing those after him to continue humiliating the Sword Sect.

Next came a monk from Zhao Neng Temple, who did not conspire with Zhi Xuan in advance, but what could be done now? Zhi Xuan had set the mood rolling, who would be unlucky enough to go against it now? He certainly wouldn't fetch chestnuts from the fire for the Sword Sect. With things as they were, he had no choice but to add fuel to the fire.

With merely two sentences, he flicked his hand, a dazzling bead spun in his palm,

"This is the Five Roots Relics: Faith Root, Progress Root, Mindfulness Root, Concentration Root, Wisdom Root. These are the fundamentals of the Holy Path, hence named Five Roots.

This relic was manifested by a great virtuous monk from the Buddha Realm, possessing great power, amplifying magical powers, now I present them to this ceremony, congratulating Jinxiu, congratulating the Sect Hierarch!"

He likewise tossed the relic up, letting it leap into the air and face the Yin Yang Umbrella from afar, each emitting divine rays, as if not yielding to each other, covering the entire Heavenly Sword Platform with the glorious light of Buddhist Dao, diminishing the sword's light over the Square Tower.

The entire venue was abuzz, everyone was barely able to contain their excitement, and this was just the beginning, there would be nearly a hundred more; the Upper Realm guests had been in the realm for ten years, finally willing to showcase their true treasures.

Celebrations ensued, even some oblivious Sword Cultivator disciples joined, only the high-ranking cultivators of the Sword Sect who understood the situation grew increasingly anxious, desperate for someone to stand up and fight back, but the Sect Hierarch Hou, known for his daring, had surprisingly turned reticent, like a sealed gourd.

Had he been made foolish by the congratulations?

Yijie's speech was similarly concise and straightforward, he wouldn't preach any Buddhist Zen at such a gathering, it would be counterproductive.

He had barely stepped down before a Daoist with a sinister face jumped on the stage, even more direct, aware that mainstream Daoist traditions wouldn't acknowledge their crooked doctrines, he was remarkably forthright,

"Heartless Dao artifacts, unmatched by the Buddhist Dao and others!"

With a wave of his hand, a Demon Banner unfurled with the wind, a single vertical eye emitting a mysterious light on its surface, like a black hole, anyone with slightly less determination couldn't dare to meet its gaze, easily falling into its mesmerizing trap, losing their soul.

"One-eyed Worldly Banner, destiny lies in obtaining it. My congratulations not for Jinxiu, but to Sect Hierarch Hou, wishing years of prosperity, always like today."

This fellow was equally malicious, Yijie merely added to the misfortune, he straight-up took advantage, fearing chaos. To overthrow the Sword Sect, to ruin its reputation, the Demon Sect must be led by the Heartless Dao, seeking alliance, as there are many solitary small demonic sects on the continent, perfect to gather under his command, but first, the Sword Sect mountain must be toppled.

Therefore, he invested heavily in this banner, among the many collections he brought, it was one of the top-tier aids in battle, now for the sake of saving face in front of the Daoists and monks, he reluctantly relinquished it.

Three treasures, one umbrella, one relic, one banner, spinning continuously atop the Square Tower. The treasures are spirited and distinguish between factions, none yielding to the other. Despite no human manipulation, they are vying with mystical powers in the air, mutually unwilling to comply, captivating the cultivators below with restless minds and endless amazement.

Intentionally chosen as such, these are prime treasures even in their respective Upper Realms, meant to overwhelm these Jinxiu hillbillies, making them involuntarily revere and submit to the Upper Realm.

These treasures, not only used by Golden Core cultivators, but even Nascent Soul Masters covet them, and not to mention Foundation Establishment ones whose eyes are bloodshot out of envy. This power of the Upper Realm's Great Dao traditions, their treasures can even transcend realms, merely used with greater power by higher realms.

The atmosphere on site was feverish, contrary to expectations; members of the Sword Sect who feared emptiness originally now wished to pour a basin of ice water to cool everyone down.