In just one night, multiple Righteous camps were destroyed and a large number of Righteous Disciples as well as Elders were killed or injured.
Such an attack, naturally, also incited rage among the lead sect of the Five Righteous Sects, the Guan Chao Pavilion.
Changyuan River, a continuous stretch of camps and buildings located here, with men and women cultivators seen walking around, some standing tall and others graceful. Lights from the flight of the Hidden Realm Elders could also be seen from time to time.
This was indeed the main camp of Guan Chao Pavilion, which was among the five Righteous Sects surrounding Ghost Ridge Palace.
Since Guan Chao Pavilion excelled in Water Manipulation, they had stationed their camp beside this hundred-zhang-wide Changyuan River.
However, today's Changyuan camp had an exceptionally solemn and heavy atmosphere; all disciples hurried their steps, their faces clouded with gloom.
The news of Ghost Ridge Palace's murderous assault had spread to every Righteous Disciple nearby through various channels, and Changyuan camp was no exception.
"A bunch of good-for-nothings, letting Ghost Ridge Palace stage an attack, is our defense really so full of holes?"
Inside a large hall, seated at the head was Zhuang Liangru, his face displaying uncontrollable anger.
Seated to the left and right of Zhuang Liangru were key figures of Guan Chao Pavilion, all of at least Hidden Realm status.
Facing the reprimands from Zhuang Liangru, the Supreme Elder, no one dared to retort but could only hang their heads in shame.
"Elder Zhuang, please calm your anger. Ghost Ridge Palace came prepared this time. Our outer defenses were mostly manned by disciples, and with the Hidden Realm Elders leading the enemy's attack, it was indeed difficult for ordinary disciples to compete."
Footsteps sounded, and a woman with remaining charms walked in on lotus steps. The visitor was Master Si Xin Ying from Miao Yin Temple.
Her disciples also suffered many casualties, and since her location was close to the Guan Chao Pavilion camp, she was the first to rush over.
"Master Si, you've come at the right time. Regarding this night raid by Ghost Ridge Palace, what are your thoughts?"
Zhuang Liangru, who was furious at the other sect elders, shifted his gaze to Si Xinying.
"Considering the strength of Ghost Ridge Palace, their sudden large-scale strike must be part of some sinister scheme. We must not be careless."
Si Xinying sat down, pulling out a jade casket from her Storage Bag, sealing inside a head – shockingly, that of a Ghost Ridge Palace Elder.
"This is one of the Demon Cultivators from Ghost Ridge Palace who attacked our camp last night, a Hidden Realm Elder. I managed to kill him. It's unfortunate that defeating him was easy, but capturing him alive proved too difficult, or else we might have been able to extract information about Ghost Ridge Palace's plans. Just questioning those ordinary disciples of Ghost Ridge Palace won't reveal much."
Si Xinying shook her head; her failing to extract information was normal.
The alliance with Soul Sect was only known by the Elders who participated in the sect's grand meeting; ordinary disciples only knew they were to battle the Righteous sects but didn't understand the details.
The present Elders all felt regret. Although they weren't afraid of Ghost Ridge Palace, the deviousness of Demon Cultivators always unsettled them, especially knowing the enemy had plots in place.
"Master Si, Elder Zhuang, I actually have an interesting piece of news."
Just as everyone was at a loss, a voice came from outside the tent.
The attendees all looked puzzled as they saw the tent flap being lifted and several young men and women entering.
The newcomers were Wei Ji, Xiao Guanglian, Mo Shiyao, and Yu Wenjing, who had hurried back from their travels.
Upon seeing Wei Ji, the Elders of Guan Chao Pavilion were shocked, not expecting to see their sect's Immortal Seed here.
"You lad, when did you return from the Capital? You didn't even visit the sect once, and we heard nothing from you."
Upon seeing Wei Ji's face, a smile immediately appeared on Zhuang Liangru's face.
Just as teachers favor good students, Wei Ji, the Immortal Seed of Guan Chao Pavilion, was extremely adored and considered the future Sect Master who would bring glory to the sect.
Not to mention Wei Ji's cultivation achievements; achieving Primordial Spirit in Yunling Realm at such a young age and advancing to Hidden Realm.
Such a prodigy, capable of sustaining the sect's glory for hundreds or even thousands of years, was treasured by all Elders of Guan Chao Pavilion.
"Having stayed in the Capital for long, I thought of visiting the sect, and besides, dealing with a Demon Sect like Ghost Ridge Palace is such an engaging matter — how could I miss it?"
Wei Ji stretched lazily, his face wearing a nonchalant smile.
"Wei Ji, what's this news you mentioned earlier about?"
Si Xinying looked at Wei Ji with a hint of envy. If her own sect could produce an Immortal Seed, even if it cost her a hundred years of her lifespan, she would be willing.
Glancing at Mo Shiyao standing behind Wei Ji, her own Direct Disciple was still hovering in the Ten Levels of Yunling Realm, far from achieving the breakthrough to Hidden Realm, let alone becoming an Immortal Seed.
Although outstanding compared to other disciples, she was nowhere near Wei Ji's level.
Wei Ji chuckled and said, "It was purely a coincidence. On my way back, I happened to encounter a group of uninvited guests in Nanyang City, a batch of Demon Cultivators from Heavenly Soul Sect, and just so, I killed one of their elders and uncovered a secret."
"Heavenly Soul Sect!"
Everyone's expressions changed slightly. Heavenly Soul Sect was a Demon Sect from Jingzhou, later forced to flee to Qingzhou with their sick and elderly after their mountain gate was destroyed.
Many Righteous Sects were aware of Heavenly Soul Sect's existence, but during this time, Ghost Ridge Palace had been the focus, leaving no time to deal with Heavenly Soul Sect.
"Yes, Heavenly Soul Sect has reached an agreement with Ghost Ridge Palace to co-operatively sandwich and attack our Righteous Sects from the front and back."