Chapter 94: Turn Defense into Attack

Dozens of exquisite delicacies were placed on a large table, representing the highest standard of banquet at the Qilin Tower. Today's feast is naturally to celebrate the addition of Xia Duxing.
"Cheers!"
As Lu Shao shouted loudly, several people raised their wine bowls and clinked them together.
Even Xia Duxing, who always said he would not attend the banquet, could not help but show a smile.
"From now on, we are all on the same team! Come on, let's have a few more drinks!"
Until his shoulder was heavily patted by Lu Shao a few times, his face turned black again...
"Brother Xia, congratulations on avenging yourself!"
"Yeah, yeah, even the grandmaster was defeated by you and the sect master. Our Chenglan Sect is now the most prominent sect in the cultivation world..."
Yan Qingshan, Xia Duxing, and Mu Wanqing toasted one after another, becoming more and more enthusiastic as they drank. Xia Duxing, hindered by the situation, found it difficult to refuse, but after a few cups, he began to feel dizzy...
"Now is not the time to relax. Don't forget, there is still a formidable enemy standing in front of us..." He forcefully put down his wine bowl, his face stern, "I don't want to encounter a catastrophic disaster as soon as I enter the door."
Lushao nodded when he saw this: "Today's banquet is twofold. First, it is to celebrate Brother Xia's joining our sect, as he will officially assume the position of our sect's chief instructor. Second, it is to discuss with everyone our next plan…”
Upon hearing the words, everyone suddenly stiffened and straightened up.
"Han Di..."
"Understood."
Han Di immediately stood up, glanced outside the window, and nodded to everyone, saying, "Everything is normal."
Unlike the previous time, today's banquet was moved to the small building and a defensive formation was set up around it. Obviously, Lu Shao knew that today's discussion was about the future of the sect.
Kong Sisi removed the wine jar, leaving only the dishes on the table.
"Let's talk while eating..." Lu Shao took a spoonful of chicken soup into his mouth. "The situation with Jingxi Court is indeed unexpected..."
Several people heard this and looked at him one after another.
"What does the sect leader mean?"
"I think... this doesn't make sense," Lu Shao narrowed his eyes and said, "For so many years, the Falling Star sect has spent a lot of effort weaving this underground dark web. Why would they choose to expose themselves at this time?"
Several people are well aware that with the defeat of the Western Palace Young Lord Jin Zhuqiong by the Soul Demon Lord, the Falling Star Sect has officially declared war on the righteous path and the court.
"For Zhan Hong?" Kong Sisi frowned slightly.
"Just a mere Zhan Hong, is he worth it?" Lu Shao shook his head and said, "Besides, even the Lord of Soul-Devouring Demon has made a move, isn't it as easy as pie to take someone away? Why bother killing again?"
"The greatest possibility is that the Falling Star Sect has encountered an opportunity..." Xia Duxing whispered to himself.
"Opportunity?"
"After Emperor Xianqi established the sect for so many years and chose to go to war at this time, he must have seen an opportunity that we are unaware of..." Xia Duxing raised an eyebrow, "Of course, it is also possible that he knows his end is near and wants to do something earth-shattering before he dies..."
"Well, I hope it's the latter. Only God can handle those kinds of people," Lu Shao shook his head. "But looking at it from another perspective, this incident has given us a lead for investigation."
He looked at several people and said seriously, "That is the Demon Lord of Human Souls!"
"So the Master wants to start with the Demon Lord of Human Souls and pull out this net from the top?"
"Exactly! I want to uproot it."
Luo Shao's words surprised several people, but they quickly understood.
One by one, they would expose the mole, always lagging behind, and just when you find a clue, the other side might have already silenced them.
Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Affairs and various sects to search for internal spies, and they should not interfere.
It is better to strike at the root, as long as we can expose the Demon Lord of Human Souls, this dark web will naturally come to light.
"But... the Demon Lord has always been mysterious and extraordinary. No one in the martial arts world has ever seen his true face, and besides..."
"And there are all kinds of terrifying rumors about him?" Lu Shao looked at Kong Sisi, who was full of fear, and smiled, "I know, according to the rumors in the martial arts world, he is not from this world, but from the netherworld. He feeds on human souls and can control the deceased..."
People have heard of the name of the Demon Lord of Souls, and the rumors surrounding him are all exaggerated.
"In this world, there is no underworld or ghosts, it's just a fabrication by humans."
Lushao couldn't help recalling the recent battle with the Great Reincarnation King, who claimed to be the inheritor of the will of God, and yet was still a mortal with flesh and blood. In this world, whether standing or lying down, we are all mere mortals.
He squinted his eyes and looked at a few people: "No one can exist in this world completely independently, even if they have no parents, relatives or friends, and no siblings. As long as they have done one thing, there will definitely be traces left..."
"What senior-apprentice said is right. Over the years, there have been many rumors about the Demon Lord of Human Spirits, and it is impossible for every one of them to be unfounded. As long as we investigate one by one, we will definitely find some clues."
"Exactly." Lu Shao nodded, "If this net was truly woven by the Demon Lord of Souls, then he must have been walking in the rivers and lakes frequently in recent years, leaving countless traces behind. Moreover, for the sake of convenience, he is highly likely to hide among the common people. The owner of Luo Du Restaurant, the manager of Jingzhou Bank, the scholar on the street of Shu County... they all could be the Demon Lord of Souls."
Upon hearing this, several people took a deep breath.
"What do you plan to do?" Xia Duxing asked him.
"From now on, we will switch from defense to offense and take the initiative to attack!"
"Master uncle, we will follow your orders!"
Lushao nodded and looked at the excited expressions of the few people. He said, "Lao Yu and Han Di will stay at the Chenglan Sect, responsible for training new disciples and intensifying the construction of the sect. I, Xia Duxing, and Sisi will each go separately to investigate in the martial world."
Upon hearing this, Kong Sisi trembled and excitement overflowed from her expression, while Yu Qingshan and Han Di's faces darkened.
"Shifu..."
Lushao waved his hand and suppressed the two's urgent opposition.
"With the two of you staying behind in Canghai Sect, we can be at ease and focus on our tasks. This place is our home, so please make sure to guard it well."
After taking a deep breath, the two nodded solemnly.
"You can rest assured, Patriarch, we will definitely not let everyone down."
"Senior Martial Brother, when do you plan to set off?"
"I plan to visit Master Zheihai at the Wankong Temple first, to express gratitude and perhaps gather some information about the Demon Lord of Soul. So, Lao Yu, you need to finalize the gifts in the next few days, without neglecting the courtesy. Han Di, you need to hurry up and make more secret fire, we will carry it with us for emergencies."
"Yes!"
"As for the time, the sooner the better..." Lu Shao squinted his eyes, "This underground dark web must have provided them with a lot of useful information over the years. If we don't tear it apart as soon as possible, they will continue to hold the initiative in this war..."