System's Super Sect Chapter 997 - 929: Falling Behind Comes More Suddenly Than Destruction

Following He Nian's final words, a heavy silence fell upon Pei Wu.

Truth be told, a profound sense of powerlessness had already settled in his heart, irrespective of He Nian's statement.

It was a helplessness stemming from their current predicament.

Yet, a sliver of hope persisted – a wish for the Immortal Sect to intervene, or at least absorb them as a subordinate force.

Now, that hope was extinguished.

The Immortal Sect's stance was unambiguous: no aid, no vassalage.

Whether the Wandering Inn might find a new path, or even a lifeline, should the Immortal Sect emerge victorious in the war, remained uncertain.

The only certainty was the imperative to depart.

The Wandering Inn was making a complete withdrawal from the grand stage of Heaven and Earth Lake, its future shrouded in mystery.

Pei Wu had never envisioned the decline of the Wandering Inn would stem not from the Hundred Sects Alliance's concerted efforts to isolate and suppress them, but from a sudden, insurmountable lag in progress.

Mere months ago, he stood at the zenith of Heaven and Earth Lake.

Now, in the span of six short months, he found himself at its base.

A cultivator at the Half-Step Earth Unrestricted realm, reduced to mere cannon fodder!

"Elder He, Pei Wu understands," Pei Wu replied, his voice laced with a dark resignation as he slowly rose.

Behind him, the senior figures of the Wandering Inn mirrored his somber mood.

They too recognized that Heaven and Earth Lake was no longer their arena.

Their fate was not annihilation by the Hundred Sects Alliance, but something far more devastating.

He Nian surveyed the assembled individuals, offering no further consolation, for in his judgment, this was the most favorable outcome the Wandering Inn could hope for.

In the perilous Heaven-Gazing Gorge, falling behind invariably meant destruction.

"Alliance Leader Pei, take care upon your return and tend to your recovery. The next time we meet, I shall host you with the Immortal Sect's finest wine."

With these words, He Nian clasped Pei Wu's shoulder and strode out of the tent.

His promise was sincere.

Pei Wu managed a faint smile, nodded, and responded, "Elder He, I shall remember your words and eagerly await that glass of wine."

"Farewell!"

"Until we meet again!"

As Pei Wu watched him depart, He Nian mounted his Great Demon of the Wing Race and soared away from the Wandering Inn's encampment.

Pei Wu gazed intently in the direction He Nian had vanished before slowly stepping out of the tent to take in his surroundings.

His eyes swept over the wounded moaning in pain.

He observed the landscape of Bright Mirror Lake.

Then, his gaze turned towards the distant position of the Immortal Sect.

"Relay the order: all personnel are to retreat."

As the words left his lips, Pei Wu's silhouette, elongated by the setting sun, stretched into a solitary line.

...

"Sect Leader, I have conveyed your message to Pei Wu," He Nian reported to Wen Ping as he flew towards the demon race's assembly point.

Responding via the Sound Transmission Stone, Wen Ping shifted the conversation away from Pei Wu and the Wandering Inn.

"You are not required to participate in the ensuing conflict. Return to the Immortal Sect immediately."

"Understood."

He Nian did not inquire further.

He understood the reason implicitly.

As the stakes of the war escalated, his direct involvement became less crucial.

The upcoming battles were destined to be dominated by Sword Demon, Huaikong, and their ilk. His role would likely be confined to commanding the demon army.

However, the demon race possessed capable commanders.

Shifeng could lead them.

Taishan could lead them.

Meanwhile, as He Nian journeyed back to the Immortal Sect, Wen Ping received urgent news from Chen Xie.

An issue had arisen concerning Yun Liao.

"Sect Leader, Extreme Heaven Sealing Heart has resolved to eliminate Elder Yun Liao. Black Shadow intelligence confirms Extreme Heaven Sealing Heart will ally with his three senior brothers: Venerable Alone, Du Venerable, and Angered Wind. The four of them will launch a simultaneous assault on Elder Yun Liao."

Chen Xie's expression was grave.

The intelligence indicated that Venerable Alone, Du Venerable, and Angered Wind were all individually more formidable than Wu Yan.

Elder Yun Liao, having bested Wu Yan single-handedly, was already extraordinary.

How could he possibly withstand a concerted attack from these four disciples of Domain Masters?

How could he possibly prevail?

Yet, Wen Ping's response was remarkably calm, "Elder Chen, you are underestimating Elder Yun, and also underestimating the Five-Element Mage."

"Sect Leader, are you not concerned?"

Chen Xie pressed, his tone filled with curiosity.

Could it be that Elder Yun had not unleashed his full strength during his engagement with Wu Yan?

With this thought, the gravity on Chen Xie's face began to dissipate.

It was replaced by a hopeful delight.

Wen Ping stated confidently, "There is no cause for worry. Elder Yun's power is such that he will not fall within the Red Domain."

Wen Ping did not underestimate anyone.

However, he also refrained from overestimating them.

The Red Domain was remarkably confined.

What if it became a four-against-one situation?

Yun Liao's magical cultivation did not specialize solely in single-target offensive techniques.

Upon hearing the Sect Leader's unwavering conviction, Chen Xie chuckled, "It appears I was overthinking things; Elder Yun is clearly more than just that."

Wen Ping added, "Notify me when the challenge commences."

"Sect Leader, will you be observing the match?"

"Merely for the spectacle of it all."

Wen Ping responded nonchalantly.

With an air of a mere onlooker.

Yet, what Wen Ping truly wished to witness wasn't Yun Liao's display, but rather the reactions of others.

Should Extreme Heaven Sealing Heart and the like meet their demise.

Would the Domain Masters truly lose control?

Would they opt for forbearance, much like Di Chen had done?

...

At the newly established base of Jisheng Hall.

After observing the ongoing match for a duration, Di Chen and Jin Busan diligently focused on making necessary adjustments to Jisheng Hall's new headquarters.

As word from the Domain Master finally arrived.

Jin Busan, upon seeing Di Chen clutching the communication, anxiously inquired, "What directives did the Domain Master issue?"

They had meticulously detailed every recent action taken by the Immortal Sect.

What would be the Domain Master's eventual stance on these matters?

This was what weighed most heavily on his mind.

"Precisely as you anticipated, the Domain Master has opted to indulge the Immortal Sect's prerogatives. After all, the Immortal Sect holds significant importance to the Domain Master himself." Di Chen expressed no surprise at this development.

For such an outcome was practically preordained.

However, as his perusal continued, Di Chen's demeanor shifted dramatically. He swiftly turned to Jin Busan, relaying, "Nonetheless, the Domain Master maintains a distinct position regarding the predicament of Extreme Heaven Sealing Heart. He has specifically instructed us to inform Extreme Heaven Sealing Heart that securing the top spot in the Red Domain is an imperative, as this will serve as their trial."

"This is hardly a mere test for Extreme Heaven Sealing Heart; rather, it is the Domain Master's method of subtly chastising the Immortal Sect," Jin Busan mused thoughtfully.

Di Chen offered a nod of agreement, concurring with Jin Busan's astute interpretation.

"Could the Domain Master genuinely intend to proceed down this path? If Extreme Heaven Sealing Heart were to actually eliminate Yun Liao, it might provoke the Immortal Sect into..." Di Chen remained uncertain about the precise repercussions for the Immortal Sect, but he was certain it would create significant friction with the Domain Lord's Mansion, thereby jeopardizing any future collaborative efforts.

Why had the Domain Master abruptly curtailed their sphere of influence?

Having initially chosen to coddle the Immortal Sect...

Why would he suddenly aim to antagonize them, thereby fostering discord with the Domain Lord's Mansion?

Jin Busan cast a discerning glance at Di Chen at this precise moment before remarking, "Must all matters be laid bare when my work operates from the shadows? Your comprehension remains somewhat elementary. The unspoken intentions of the Domain Master, you fail to perceive. Regardless, if Yun Liao's life is imperiled, intervene and offer assistance."

"But why?"

"After your encounter with the Domain Master, you were subjected to a kick; was that the extent of it? Did you receive absolutely no boon or any other form of compensation?"

Jin Busan shook his head, a faint, resigned smile gracing his lips.