Demon Sword Sect's Undercover

Hou Niao feigned ignorance, "Hui Yuan, you must be joking. The Sword Sect has always been plain; what treasures could we have?"

Hui Yuan was relentless, possibly because he had received guidance from Taiqing Yuqing. Having lost their treasures, how could they swallow their anger?

"I noticed on the agenda for the Dushan ceremony, the final item is your sect's sword ceremony. Dare you advance the sword ceremony? Let everyone witness the master's demeanor? And by chance, settle the matter of these treasures?"

Hou Niao hesitated. He had a knack for luring people into pitfalls, trained by old foxes like Master Xiao.

"It was merely a jest, Daoist, did you take it seriously? While Dushan might be simple, it has no interest in safeguarding treasures for everyone. Once lost or damaged, it's hard to explain; I believe no sect would willingly take on such a responsibility. Treasures should be kept and maintained by their owners for daily upkeep. Perhaps bring them next time when another mountain gate hosts a continental gathering. Would everyone agree?"

No one objected; this was indeed the most sensible suggestion. They couldn't leave treasures out in the open attracting thieves and would need significant defensive arrangements.

Owners naturally reclaim their treasures. Anyone who hasn't reclaimed theirs is known to all, and no one can deny it. Despite possessing spirit, treasures need regular nurturing to remain intact.

But Hui Yuan wouldn't let it go, "Sect Hierarch, don't sidetrack us with other topics; we're talking about your Sword Sect's treasures. If you bring them out, our treasures at the next conference may remain for the worthy. And perhaps those who've already contributed one might offer another next time; what harm in that?"

Hou Niao continued to evade, "Hui Yuan, you only represent yourself, not everyone, so your suggestion holds no meaning."

Watching him evade repeatedly, Daoist Zhi Xuan stood up, "What Hui Yuan said represents all of us; we aren't forcing the Sword Sect to offer treasures. But such conferences focus on participation, and we shouldn't favor one over others, right?

This treasure reclaiming left fifty-nine pieces, and I believe their owners may not wish to fully retrieve them yet but to temporarily keep them for future displays. Am I correct?"

Those fifty-nine exchanged looks and resignedly nodded. Since treasures were already presented, none could take them back openly. It would be embarrassing, and in the future, they might strengthen prohibitions against their removal.

Zhi Xuan looked at those who lost their treasures, numbering around thirty, "Next time, if such conferences occur, surely everyone won't lack a treasure? In this grand world, we possess this degree of grace, do we not?"

Helplessly, they nodded. Their sects' reputations were important, and a single treasure couldn't tarnish it.

Below the altar, Jinxiu Cultivators expressed cheers, and Zhi Xuan regained some face, smiling:

"Sect Hierarch, look, isn't the problem solved? I know the Sword Sect isn't fond of external objects, but your treasures are revered throughout the Cultivation World as true artifacts. Who dares belittle the Sword Sect's flying swords? Since you intend to hold a sword ceremony eventually, why not grant swords now, merging two events into one, sparing everyone's concerns, as it's distracting from the ceremony."

Hou Niao hesitated, "Is this proper? Offering flying swords now isn't significant, but wouldn't it be seen as the Sword Sect taking the opportunity to entice the world's heroes?"

Flying swords are not merely handheld longswords for everyone. They need nurturing in the Purple Mansion like the lifebound treasures of Magic Cultivation; placing a flying sword in the Purple Mansion signifies allegiance to the Sword Sect. Otherwise, if housing such an item, how could one cultivate other legacies?

If Hou Niao volunteered this suggestion, it would seem opportunistic; though if urged by others…

Zhi Xuan chuckled, "It's only about attitude; that's all we ask for."

He was genuine because he knew the Sword Sect couldn't produce them! These words meant to tease while grasping their challenged situation. Yet this isn't intending for everyone to compete for flying swords.

Each Daoist practitioner here was an elite core, immersed for decades or centuries in their fields. Who would abandon their sect's legacy to pursue flying swords? Crazy! Their masters would kill them on the spot!

Addressing the cultivators, "For the Sword Sect's ceremony, any willing ones can come forth to try. To attain is fate, to fail is destiny. The Sword Sect is hospitable, and let's all celebrate!"

He boldly made decisions for Hou Niao, seemingly usurping authority. Yet, the Taiqing legacy gave him standing, along with the Daoist Sect's generosity, so asking the Sword Sect to show sincerity was justified.

Zhi Xuan waited, hoping Hou Niao would admit losing swords publicly, restoring face. But unexpectedly, Hou Niao remained dawdling, perhaps hoping during these days to find the Sword Tomb Cave Heaven?

Hou Niao sighed deeply and proclaimed, "Our sect has newly established the Sword Tomb Cave Heaven, intending to showcase it during the grand ceremony for lively engagement. Unexpectedly, it attracted the attention of Daoist masters.

Why not? We reluctantly oblige, but with limited quantity and quality, hoping not to disappoint.

Please wait briefly, needing to arrange the Heavenly Sword Platform to prevent any mishaps with the flying swords."

Zhi Xuan hinted, "No rush, Sect Hierarch, take your time planning..."

Alterations in ceremonies isn't uncommon in conferences, always expect the unexpected; thousands of practitioners anxiously ponder the fate of treasures. Anything else wouldn't calm them.

Meanwhile, rumors spread privately, saying the Sword Sect prepared dozens of flying swords intended for their disciples' use, providing returning guests a chance—it went on.

This seemed like Sword Sect's influence-building, yet executed strangely by a group of Magic Cultivators.

Few seriously considered the offer, as flying swords are undeniably treasures but unusable outside the Sword Sect, occupying precious lifebound space—why burden oneself?

Zhi Xuan wasn't wrong; it's about attitude. Flying swords weren't previous treasures, requiring direct placement into the Purple Mansion for personal upkeep, not easily retrieved even if admired.

On the Heavenly Sword Platform, Sword Sect masters busily arranged arrays, preventing flying swords from departing uncontrollably. Unsought-after flying swords would return to the Sword Tomb Cave Heaven until next time, it's a first-time ceremony lacking experience, thus arrangements needed careful consideration, avoiding embarrassment under watchful continental Daoist practitioners' eyes.

"Convincingly done, quite the act," Jue Mingzi chuckled.