"What do you mean the Dust Valley Sect has an open war arena at the border?" the Radiant Sect Master asked with a frown.
"Yes, Sect Master. Mo Jian, the Dust Valley Sect Master only son, did it. At first, everyone was confused, but now we all understand," an elder reported.
"Why would that trash create an arena at the border crawling with vengeful spirits?" The Sect Master could not wrap his head around it.
Who would willingly fight in such a place?
As if sensing the Sect Master’s thoughts, the elder added, "But that’s not the most important thing. Mo Jian has created a weapon that is effective against the vengeful wisps."
All the elders in the grand hall widened their eyes, some even rising to their feet in disbelief.
"Tell me you’re joking," a Supreme Elder said, the shock evident in his eyes.
"I’m not," the elder replied, shaking his head.
When he first heard this news, he hadn’t believed it and had sent some men to verify it.
And behold—it was true.
All the elders sucked in a cold breath. They understood the implications this would have in the Western Region.
Currently, they were struggling to prevent the Spirit Link from spreading further into their territory, but all their efforts had failed.
In addition, they were already at war with the Dust Valley Sect. Every move they made was closely monitored, making it impossible to act rashly.
And now, the Sect Master’s son had delivered yet another devastating blow.
How could they accept this?
They needed to act—immediately.
All the elders fell into deep thought, trying to devise a strategy to counter the Dust Valley Sect’s rapid advancements.
"I suggest we copy them while launching an attack on their outpost," one elder proposed.
"Copy them?" Another elder shook his head. "That’s impossible unless we uncover the secret behind their weapons and armor."
"What do you mean? Can’t we steal a few and have our refining hall replicate them?"
"The weapons are strange. They only function for two hours. After that, they turn into ordinary weapons. How can we copy something like that?"
The elders were stunned.
How could Mo Jian, with his trashy cultivation, possibly have created such a magical weapon?
"Still, we must find a solution immediately. I’ve heard that many merchant clans are preparing to visit the Dust Valley Sect for collaboration," another elder reported.
Deep frowns appeared on the elders’ faces. With each passing day, the Dust Valley Sect was becoming more difficult to deal with.
Seated at the head of the hall, the Sect Master tapped the armrest of his chair gently. The elders held their breath, waiting for his decision.
"Increase our attacks and destroy all their mines," the Sect Master said slowly.
Since they are hellbent on standing in our way, we will crush them to pieces.
"Also, during this year’s tournament, we will make sure to kill all their talented disciples."
When the elders heard this, sharp glints flickered in their eyes.
Since they couldn’t copy their weapons, they would destroy them.
Inside the Dust Valley Sect
A group of people dressed in expensive robes entered the grand hall.
They were powerful clan leaders, second only to the two dominant sects in the Western Region.
Today, they had come to meet with the Dust Valley Sect for collaboration.
"Sect Master, Supreme Elders, apologies for coming unannounced," the Bai Clan Master said with a deep bow.
"Haha, it’s nothing. Your presence is always welcome in our sect," the Sect Master said casually.
"Please, take a seat," he gestured toward the empty chairs.
"Thank you, Sect Master."
The clan leaders sat down, and the Fang Clan Master spoke.
"We won’t waste the Sect Master’s time. We have come in the hope of forming a partnership regarding the Spirit Link."
Upon hearing this, a faint smile appeared on the Sect Master’s face.
He knew how proud these clans were. For them to come to him personally—it was clear they could no longer sit still and let such a massive opportunity pass them by.
"Why should we allow you to manufacture the Spirit Link?" the Sect Master asked.
The Lei Clan Master responded, "We all know that the Radiant Sect is blocking the sale of the Spirit Link in their region, but with us, there would be no such problem."
"Do you think we care about the Radiant Sect’s region?" The Sect Master shook his head. "It’s only a matter of time before the Spirit Link spreads throughout the Western Region and the entire Yu State."
Listening to the Sect Master’s confident words, the clan leaders exchanged subtle glances.
The situation was not going as they had expected.
Previously, they had assumed that the Dust Valley Sect would readily agree to a collaboration. But now, they realized how wrong they had been.
"Sect Master, we genuinely wish to cooperate with you. Tell us what we need to do," the Bai Clan Master said calmly, looking the Sect Master in the eye.
"It’s not impossible to collaborate with us. However, you’re missing one key point."
"The Dust Valley Sect is not in charge of the Spirit Link. That authority belongs to the Thousand Wealth Chamber."
The clan leaders’ eyes widened in disbelief.
They had thought the Thousand Wealth Chamber was merely a front for the Dust Valley Sect. But they were wrong.
"Really?" the Fang Clan Master asked.
"Yes," the Sect Master confirmed. "It was created by my son. So, if you seek a partnership, I’m not the one you should be speaking to—he is."
They sucked in a cold breath at the shocking revelation.
Everyone knew the Sect Master’s son was a so-called trash, so how could he have created such a powerful artifact?
Recovering from their initial shock, the Lei Clan Master asked, "When can we meet the Young Master?"
"You may speak to his assistant now."
At that moment, Zhao Tian entered the hall with a confident stride.
He paid his respects to the Sect Master before turning to face the clan leaders.
"The Young Master has already anticipated your arrival. If you wish to cooperate with us, please sign this contract," Zhao Tian said calmly.
Filled with confusion, one of the clan leaders took the contract and asked, "What kind of contract is this?"
"A licensing agreement."