"Going to war?"
As Li Xuan's words fell, Xuan Yi Xian looked at Li Xuan with a hint of confusion.
Xuan Yi Xian had initially thought Li Xuan would argue against war, given the Xuan Sect's current weakened state and the disciples' natural desire for peace. Li Xuan's advocacy for war caught him by surprise.
"Indeed, war!"
Li Xuan nodded slightly and continued, "The Sacred Sect will ambush us en route. Their preparations clearly indicate a pre-determined decision.
"The fact that the Sacred Sect made such a decision can only mean one thing: the disappearance of our Ancestor has been confirmed by them. Otherwise, they wouldn't so readily provoke a conflict between our sects."
"Our safe return this time was thanks to the timely arrival of Peak Master Cheng En, Peak Master Qing Yu, and Peak Master Zi Mo. If they had been any later, it's likely that all disciples who entered the Ying Long Cave, including Peak Master Yuan Bai, would not have survived. The Sacred Sect's intentions are obvious.
"If our Xuan Sect were to back down now, the Sacred Sect would undoubtedly exert even more pressure on us, perhaps even finding an excuse to initiate war. I believe the Sect Master and everyone here are well aware of the consequences."
"Since war is inevitable, why should our Xuan Sect be the one to initiate it? As you said, the Sacred Sect will only attack when they find an opportunity. We could wait and recuperate, using this time to search for our Ancestor. Perhaps that would be more promising!"
After Li Xuan finished speaking, Hong Cheng En pondered for a moment and said.
"Indeed. If we find our Ancestor, Sheng Tai Xu would surely not dare to declare war on our Xuan Sect!" An elder in grey robes echoed Hong Cheng En's sentiment.
"If our Ancestor were so easily found, he would have been discovered in the past decade or more. Placing our hopes on our Ancestor will likely lead to greater disappointment," Li Xuan replied, shaking his head.
The elder and the others fell silent after Li Xuan's words. Though Li Xuan's words were blunt, they held truth. If the Ancestor were easy to find, why had the search dragged on for so many years?
"Li Xuan, you advocate for war. State your reasons," Xuan Yi Xian said, his gaze fixed on Li Xuan as he noticed everyone lost in thought.
Li Xuan cupped his fists in a salute and replied, "If we proactively initiate war and confront them, other factions will undoubtedly learn of it. Whether a conflict ignites then remains to be seen.
"This way, our Xuan Sect will have a legitimate cause and also demonstrate our stance. Sheng Tai Xu, uncertain of our true intentions, will undoubtedly be suspicious. After this, our Xuan Sect will have more breathing room."
"Moreover, our Xuan Sect has emerged as the greatest winner from this Level Eight Ruin. With sufficient time, the strength of our Xuan Sect disciples will advance further. By then, even without our Ancestor, our Xuan Sect will not fear the Sacred Sect!"
Li Xuan's resonant voice echoed through the grand hall, lingering long after he finished speaking. The faces of those present displayed expressions of sudden understanding, clearly moved by Li Xuan's words.
"Let's vote. Those who agree with Li Xuan, please raise your hands." Xuan Yi Xian, surprisingly, was the first to raise his hand.
Wen Yuan Bai and Gong Zi Mo also raised their hands immediately. After a moment's deliberation, Hong Cheng En and the others followed suit.
Soon, many in the hall raised their hands. While not everyone did, it was clear that a majority had agreed.
"It seems the outcome is decided. Since that is the case, everyone prepare yourselves. We depart tomorrow. It is time our Xuan Sect's dignity was restored!"
Xuan Yi Xian's face showed satisfaction as he observed the vote. With a sweep of his hand, an immense authority permeated the hall.
"We obey the Sect Master's command!"
Li Xuan, along with everyone else, bowed in unison.
Upon rising, Li Xuan, following Gong Zi Mo and Xie Yu Shan, quickly exited the Shang Qing Palace and headed towards Lang Ya Peak.
"Yu Shan, go arrange for the disciples of the peak to prepare for departure to the Sacred Sect tomorrow. Li Xuan, you will accompany me," Gong Zi Mo said, stopping at the summit of Lang Ya Peak and turning around.
Xie Yu Shan bowed to Gong Zi Mo, glanced at Li Xuan, and then his figure shot rapidly towards the peak.
Inside the pavilion atop the mountain, Gong Zi Mo sat silently on a stone stool and began to brew tea from the teapot on the stone table.
Beside him, Li Xuan, though unsure why Gong Zi Mo had summoned him, remained silent.
As Gong Zi Mo finished boiling the water and started steeping the tea, Li Xuan felt a hint of puzzlement. Gong Zi Mo seemed entirely unconcerned.
"How is this tea?" Just as Li Xuan was contemplating Gong Zi Mo's intentions, the silent Gong Zi Mo suddenly asked.
Upon hearing this, Li Xuan took a deep breath. The fragrant aroma of the tea invigorated him.
"Excellent tea!" Feeling his internal spiritual energy stir, Li Xuan exclaimed involuntarily.
Gong Zi Mo nodded slightly and said, "Though the tea is good, it requires someone who understands the art of brewing. Each step must not be rushed. A single misstep can cause this fine tea to lose its inherent flavor."
Li Xuan was momentarily stunned, then bowed, saying, "Disciple is ignorant, please guide me, Master."
Gong Zi Mo chuckled and shook his head, "You are not ignorant; in fact, you are quite astute. While your words today hold some truth, they also carry a degree of peril. And among so many in our Xuan Sect, do you truly believe no one has considered what you have proposed?"
"It's just that everyone considers too many factors, which creates certain constraints."
Li Xuan understood the implicit meaning of Gong Zi Mo's words and immediately knelt, saying, "My actions today were indeed reckless. I beg Master for punishment!"
Gong Zi Mo waved his hand, "Rise. In truth, even without you, someone else would likely have come forward. If the Sect Master had no such inclination, your words would have been reprimanded the moment they left your lips.
"While this move is somewhat desperate, it is not without merit. Our Xuan Sect has suffered greatly at the hands of the Sacred Sect over the years. This time, I hope we can regain some face."
Li Xuan remained silent. Gong Zi Mo's words enlightened him. For the Xuan Sect to be one of the foremost sects on the Sheng Yuan Continent, they must have considered these possibilities. What was needed was someone unafraid of offending others to voice them.
If this endeavor succeeded, it would be a collective achievement. If it failed, the consequences were predictable. However, Li Xuan believed that Gong Zi Mo had already made all necessary preparations.
Despite this, Li Xuan felt like he had been made a pawn. This feeling was rather unsettling.
As if sensing Li Xuan's hint of indignation, Gong Zi Mo pushed a brewed cup of tea towards him and said, "Don't dwell on it. Even endless forbearance has its limits. Even without you today, someone else would have stepped forward. As for the outcome, let's await tomorrow's results."
Li Xuan picked up the tea cup with a bitter smile and took a sip. The tea was so bitter.