Everyone didn't know how to react to those words. They never expected the Heavenly Demon Sect, the hegemon of the demonic sects, to enter such a predicament. Even though they wanted to deny it, they knew the First Grand Elder's words had merit.
No one who had cultivated to their level was a fool. They all were people who had seen countless intrigues and schemes. They all have walked out of many dangerous situations that surprised them. So, they know that sometimes things appearing calm are just a prelude to a storm.
"How did we end up here?" one of the elders asked with an ashen face.
"I am still investigating that," the First Grand Elder sighed heavily. "We have made a lot of enemies over the year. But, with our prestige and strength, we have suppressed them until now. But prestige and strength alone will not be enough in the coming days."
"The Sect Master's actions have caused us to suffer a loss of prestige in recent years. I do not know whether it is intentional or not. Earlier, I didn't worry much because the situation wasn't critical. But, with the arrival of that opportunity, things have taken a drastic change."
"But, why would the Sect Master do this?" one of the elders cried in alarm.
At that moment, Feng Feixuan remembered Liang Tianye's words. The need for Heavenly Demon Sect's establishment has ended. It was what Liang Tianye had said. Just remembering it made her shiver inwardly.
"As I said, I am not sure whether the Sect Master did it intentionally. It is only natural to keep a low profile when you are about to make a breakthrough," the First Grand Elder commented calmly. "The situation and the Sect Master's response would have been fine in ordinary times. But, these aren't ordinary times. The next few years would definitely be turbulent. Thus, we are in this predicament."
"What do you think we should do, First Grand Elder?" one of the elders who hadn't spoken until now spoke in a calm voice quelling the emerging murmurs.
"Ah, Little Xu, you have always had a steadfast personality. No wonder you remain calm even at this moment. Right now, it is imperative that we don't do things hastily. As they say, haste makes waste. This is the time for us to be cunning," the First Grand Elder said solemnly.
"Confronting the Sect Master before we know his true intentions would be disastrous. His strength has just broken through and I am not sure I will be able to take him on even with the help of Second Grand Elder. After all, the Sect Master is in control of the defensive formation," the First Grand Elder analyzed causing others to nod.
"I will send for the Third Grand Elder to return. With his help, we three old men would be able to suppress the Sect Master even if he has the defensive formation to aid him. But, that is only if he did these things intentionally. If not, then there is no need to make an enemy of a powerful cultivator like him."
"I agree," Elder Xu nodded in agreement.
The other elders nodded as well.
"Now, we have two important tasks ahead of us. One is to establish our prestige back. Two, we need to figure out the Sect Master's motives. Leave figuring out the Sect Master's intentions to me. Me and old Second will take care of it. What you all need to do is to reestablish our prestige," the First Grand Elder said solemnly.
"What are your orders, First Grand Elder?" Elder Xu asked.
"While we can't massacre the experts gathered near the Grotto Heaven, we must show a strong front to them. We must not back down on this. And we have a very good opportunity for that as well," the First Grand Elder's eyes twinkled merrily.
"I don't understand, First Grand Elder," Elder Xu said in confusion.
"First Grand Elder is asking us to intimidate the gathered experts," Feng Feixuan said catching on to the old man's thoughts.
"Exactly," the First Grand Elder smiled happily. "Elder Feng, you have always been smart. I know you have figured it out. Can you explain it to the rest of them?"
"We all know how our disciples are," Feng Feixuan said smiling. "They are very arrogant and care little for the rules. They would be feeling indignant right now because of the entry of the disciples of the righteous sects. Moreover, the Sect Master had ordered them not to enter the main hall. Can you all guess how these lawless louts will react?" Feng Feixuan asked snickering.
"Ha ha ha… they would be causing all kinds of chaos in there," one of the elders laughed.
"Exactly," Feng Feixuan smiled. "There are no rules inside the Grotto Heaven. Our disciples would obviously not be obedient. They would be creating as much chaos as they could get away with. It is only normal."
"Indeed, our disciples are not the best examples of people abiding by rules," one of the elders smiled.
"Heh, we are from the demonic path. What rules are you talking about?" another elder sneered.
"It is most likely they would be killing and robbing those idiots from the righteous sects," another elder snickered.
All the elders laughed uproariously hearing that. They would have done the exact same thing. For demonic path cultivators, rules are mere hindrances to be discarded. Apart from the Sect Laws, nothing else needed to be obeyed.
"I know," Feng Feixuan smiled mockingly. "It should be the case inside. But, once those righteous path disciples come outside and get back up from their elders, things would become a bit tricky."
"Indeed," Elder Xu nodded. "Those disciples would seek their elders to get justice after being bullied inside. I can foresee tensions running high when the Grotto Heaven closes."
"Exactly," Feng Feixuan nodded. "Obviously, some of these elders would want to stand up for their disciples. That is exactly where we come in. This is our territory. We can't give them an inch here. At that time, the First Grand Elder wants us to kill a few chickens and warn some monkeys."
"Indeed," the First Grand Elder said nodding. "Well said, Elder Feng. While we can't massacre everyone present like the Sect Master wanted us to do. We can kill a few people to establish our prestige first. As long as we don't cross the line, the hegemons of the righteous path wouldn't stir. Without them, we can crush all the others like a bug."
"Ha ha ha… Indeed. This looks like a great plan," one of the elders laughed aloud.
The rest joined him and nodded happily. They agreed with this plan. This was how things were done for centuries. As long as they stayed within the line, they would be able to do whatever they wanted. The problem comes only when they cross the line.
Usually, they wouldn't care about crossing those invisible lines. After all, they are from the demonic path. They didn't care much about the rules that those righteous sects abide by. But, the situation was different. The First Grand Elder's words had enlightened them.
None of them have lived this long by not taking account of the situation. They were all old hands in acting as per the situation. A demonic cultivator who doesn't know when to retreat wouldn't live long in this world.
This world had far more righteous sects than demonic sects. One who causes too much noise will be hunted down. They know the principle of practicing prudence. So, they weren't averse to toning down their actions and acting according to the situation.
"However," the First Grand Elder warned in a solemn tone. "You all must remember. You can never back down. There will be people probing us for weakness. You can never show it."
"What about the experts from other big sects? What if they want to interfere?" one of the elders asked anxiously.
"Kill them," the First Grand Elder said ruthlessly causing everyone to widen their eyes. "The Sect Master was right about one thing. We must show them who we are. It doesn't matter if they are silent. But, once they try to interfere, you must show no mercy. This world must remember why they shouldn't provoke us."
The First Grand Elder's eyes were cold as he instructed them. There was a ruthless gleam in it that caused several elders to shift uncomfortably. The aura that emanated from the First Grand Elder almost suffocated them at that moment.
"I have said what I wanted to say. You all know what to do. Do not back down no matter what happens," the First Grand Elder dismissed them all with his final piece of advice.
Elder Xu hesitated a bit as everyone filed out of the abode.
"Little Xu, do you have something to say?" the First Grand Elder asked coldly.
"It's just that Sect Master has…"
"No need to say anything else. I am still the First Grand Elder of the sect. The Sect Master must listen to me when I make my stance clear. I will deal with the Sect Master," the First Grand Elder harrumphed and waved everyone off.
*****
"Senior Brother, it looks like that old coot has spoiled your plans," Liang Tianye said with an amusing tilt to his voice.
The Sect Master glanced at him and looked away. He didn't reply. But, he looked to be in deep thought as he watched the First Grand Elder walk away after issuing his new orders.
"Who knew that just after hearing about the opportunity, this old coot would act so decisively," Liang Tianye chuckled. "I can almost recognize why he was selected to be the Grand Elder now. He still has a sharp mind."
The Sect Master merely grunted in reply but didn't speak.
"So, what are we going to do now?" Liang Tianye asked with a sharp glint in his eyes.
