Chapter 13: The Sect Prepares for Battle, United as One
The news Lin Yu brought back from the depths of the dark clouds made everyone in the Qingxuan Sect acutely aware of the gravity of the situation. The Sect Master immediately summoned all elders and core disciples to the sect's grand council hall to discuss strategies for countering the threat of the Outer Realm Demonic Path.
"This faction from the Outer Realm Demonic Path comes with ill intentions, and the black formations and bizarre crystals they have deployed undoubtedly conceal a massive conspiracy. We must make thorough preparations as quickly as possible to meet the impending war," the Sect Master said with a solemn expression.
An elder frowned deeply and said with worry, "However, we know nothing about that black crystal and have no idea how to deal with it. Moreover, the demonic forces are concealed within the dark clouds; if we launch a rash attack, I fear we will find ourselves in an unfavorable position."
Lin Yu stepped forward and said firmly, "Although our current understanding of the black crystal is limited, we can plan our next steps carefully. The most urgent task is to strengthen the sect's defensive power while simultaneously raising the disciples' strength."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Thus, the Qingxuan Sect began its intensive preparations for battle.
First, the elders led the disciples in conducting a comprehensive inspection and reinforcement of the sect's grand defensive formation. They expended massive amounts of Spirit Crystals and rare materials to enhance the power of the formation, enabling it to better withstand attacks from the Demonic Path. At the same time, various concealed traps and early-warning arrays were deployed around the perimeter of the sect to guard against sneak attacks by the demonic forces.
To elevate the disciples' strength, the sect opened all cultivation chambers and spirit fields, allowing the disciples to cultivate in an environment rich in spiritual Qi. Lin Yu also shared some of the techniques and insights he had comprehended during combat with the other disciples, helping them enhance their combat capabilities.
Furthermore, the Qingxuan Sect dispatched distress signals to neighboring immortal cultivation sects, hoping to unite and jointly resist the forces of the Outer Realm Demonic Path. Several sects on friendly terms with the Qingxuan Sect responded one after another, expressing their willingness to dispatch reinforcement forces.
While preparations for battle were underway, Lin Yu and several elders proficient in formations and Demonic Path research continued to study the information Lin Yu had brought back regarding the black formation and the crystals. They consulted numerous ancient texts in an attempt to find a method to break them.
After several days of effort, they finally made a breakthrough. As it turned out, that black crystal appeared to be an evil treasure known as a "Demon-Gathering Crystal", capable of gathering the demonic Qi between heaven and earth and transforming it into formidable power. The Demonic Cultivators were likely intending to use the power of the Demon-Gathering Crystal to shatter the Qingxuan Sect's grand defensive formation and subsequently invade the sect.
"Now that we know their objective, we have a countermeasure," a trace of resolve flashed in Lin Yu's eyes. "We can attempt to destroy the formation surrounding the Demon-Gathering Crystal before it gathers sufficient demonic Qi, rendering the Demon-Gathering Crystal useless."
Upon hearing this, the elders nodded in approval. However, approaching and destroying the formation was easier said than done; the dark clouds were thick with demonic shadows, and numerous Demonic Cultivators stood guard. Yet the members of the Qingxuan Sect did not show the slightest hint of backing down. United as one, they were resolved to fight a decisive battle to the death against the forces of the Outer Realm Demonic Path to defend their home and their path of immortal cultivation.
As time passed, the Qingxuan Sect's battle preparations gradually neared completion. The reinforcing immortal cultivation sects also arrived successively, joining forces with the disciples of the Qingxuan Sect. A thrilling battle between righteousness and evil was about to unfold, and Lin Yu would once again stand at the very forefront of this battle, fighting to defend justice.