The Perilous Heavy Responsibility

Lan Star.

Moon God Pavilion.

The sea of clouds shimmered with the golden hues of the setting sun, shifting into countless forms, bringing Yi Feng a sense of tranquility as if he had returned to his carefree days of idleness.

As another day passed, he gradually grew accustomed to his identity as "Elder Yi" and the leisurely routine that came with it.

Following his usual habit, Yi Feng was about to enjoy some fruits and pastries before sneaking out for a stroll, gathering information about powerful figures along the way.

Suddenly.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Thud! Thud!"

This was a familiar occurrence by now—likely another outsider seeking an audience, hoping to curry favor with him as an elder.

He hadn’t even sorted out his own affairs yet; how could he spare the time for such matters?

Just as he was about to retreat indoors for dinner, a familiar voice called from outside.

"Elder Yi, it’s Hu Weixuan! The sect master has summoned you for urgent business!"

A summons from the sect master?

Yi Feng paused at the sound, then rose and opened the courtyard gate.

There stood Hu Weixuan, visibly anxious, his face breaking into a practiced smile as he bowed, his demeanor noticeably more cordial.

"Young Master Yi!"

"Please come with me at once—the sect master has urgently called all elders!"

Recognizing the urgency, Yi Feng quickly followed.

They passed through courtyards and grand halls, with disciples bowing along the way, though Yi Feng paid them little mind. Noticing Hu Weixuan’s agitation, he seized the chance to inquire, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"What’s happened?"

Hu Weixuan glanced back as they approached the main hall’s courtyard.

Seeing no one else around, he leaned in and whispered with a respectful bow.

"Young Master Yi, our sect has recently encountered a formidable enemy. Today, the sect master has summoned all elders to discuss countermeasures. Didn’t your elder’s token receive the message?"

Yi Feng blinked in confusion, his curiosity deepening.

"No, I found the token too conspicuous, so I stored it in my spatial ring. I didn’t sense anything."

"What kind of enemy is so formidable that the sect master would summon all elders?"

Hu Weixuan drew closer, lowering his voice.

"It’s like this, Young Master Yi. There’s a sect called the Crimson Heaven Sect. It rose to prominence abruptly within just a few days, known for its ruthless methods—they’ve already annihilated several sects. Recently, they’ve had increasing conflicts with our Moon God Pavilion. A confrontation seems inevitable. Please brace yourself and choose your words carefully later."

Hu Weixuan’s grave expression and cautious tone made it clear—this summons was no ordinary meeting.

What Yi Feng had assumed would be a dull gathering of old men turned out to involve a fearsome enemy, one so formidable that even the Moon God Pavilion seemed wary. Could this be… a stroke of luck?

Yi Feng’s spirits lifted instantly.

"Is the Crimson Heaven Sect truly that powerful?"

"Extremely so!"

Hu Weixuan nodded solemnly, then gestured respectfully.

"I shouldn’t say more. Please proceed to the main hall for discussions. I must take my leave here—forgive my abrupt departure."

His secretive urgency only heightened Yi Feng’s anticipation.

With a firm nod, Yi Feng strode forward.

Passing through towering immortal gates and a jade-paved path winding around a cloud-veiled plaza, he finally arrived at the majestic hall.

Raising his gaze, he beheld an ancient plaque above, its three characters—"Moon God Hall"—radiant under the sunset, exuding an aura of sacred inviolability.

Though an elder, this was Yi Feng’s first time entering the Moon God Pavilion’s main hall. The sight stirred his heart, filling him with awe for the sect’s might—and even greater excitement for the legendary, ruthless enemy they faced.

Stepping inside, he found the hall already filled with the sect’s most powerful figures.

Elders lined both sides, most silver-haired and venerable.

Seated at the head of the right column was the Holy Maiden, Qing Yin Xianyun, her serene presence marking her exalted status.

Though fewer than twenty figures sat in the vast hall, their collective aura was overwhelming. Each elder bore an extraordinary demeanor, their refined appearances leaving no doubt of their prowess—a testament to the Moon God Pavilion’s profound heritage.

At the center, atop a throne of celestial jade, sat a middle-aged man with an elegant, unassuming bearing. His calm demeanor belied the authority that subdued all present.

This was none other than Sect Master Xue Fengtian of the Moon God Pavilion.

Surveying the assembly of formidable experts and the clear hierarchy, Yi Feng quickly grasped the gravity of the situation—and felt a thrill of anticipation.

Attending his first elder’s meeting, he couldn’t deny a flicker of nervousness.

Especially when, the moment he entered, every gaze in the hall turned toward him. The weight of their scrutiny was undeniably intense.

Fortunately, Qing Yin Xianyun rose with a gentle smile.

"Elder Yi, over here."

Only then did Yi Feng notice an empty seat on the right, neither too high nor too low—second from the end.

This girl really knows how to look out for someone!

Yi Feng clasped his hands in gratitude and strode forward.

Their exchange didn’t escape the elders’ notice. Though their expressions remained neutral, subtle shifts flickered in their eyes as they offered polite nods.

"Elder Yi."

Yi Feng returned the greetings casually.

He also acknowledged the sect master with a perfunctory bow.

The sect master, far more magnanimous, responded with a faint smile.

"Elder Yi, no need for formalities. Please, take your seat."

Once Yi Feng was seated, the seemingly mild-mannered sect master suddenly exuded an imperious aura, his gaze sweeping over the elders and quelling any dissent with sheer presence.

"Esteemed elders!"

"Now that all have gathered, we shall begin discussions on how to address the threat of the Crimson Heaven Sect."

His solemn declaration drew every elder’s attention.

Instantly, the hall filled with a grave silence, none daring to speak out of turn.

Though new to this, Yi Feng recognized the atmosphere—it wasn’t so different from corporate meetings in his past life. His plan was simple: blend in and play along.

But mention of the Crimson Heaven Sect sharpened his focus. He listened intently.

"Recently."

"The Crimson Heaven Sect has risen abruptly from obscurity to become a dominant force, surpassing the accumulated strength of sects with millennia of history. Such rapid growth is… alarming."

"No one knows the reason behind their ascent, but their brutality is well-documented. In mere days, two major sects have fallen, with no survivors left in their wake!"

"While sect conflicts are commonplace, never have we witnessed such savagery. Now that tensions between the Crimson Heaven Sect and our Moon God Pavilion have escalated, war seems inevitable. What are your thoughts, esteemed elders?"

His words cast a pall over the assembly.

Several elders rose to speak, sparking heated debates.

"Sect Master, this elder believes the Crimson Heaven Sect’s rise is fleeting. We need not overreact!"

"Elder Chen, you underestimate the danger! Left unchecked, they will become a dire threat to our Moon God Pavilion!"

"Agreed! Conflict is unavoidable!"

"Their sudden rise suggests hidden backing. Acting rashly would be unwise!"

…

As the elders argued vehemently, their faces flushed with passion, Yi Feng began piecing things together.

This Crimson Heaven Sect was clearly no pushover—they had to be terrifyingly strong!

Otherwise, his fellow elders wouldn’t be bickering like this, to the point where Yi Feng nearly gaped at the spectacle, as if watching haggling at a marketplace.

At this rate, by the time the enemy stormed their gates, they’d still be debating.

The Moon God Pavilion Master also furrowed his brows slightly, turning his gaze toward Qing Yin Xianyun.

"Yun'er, what do you think?"

At this question,

the elders quieted down, their eyes converging on her.

Qing Yin Xianyun rose and bowed solemnly before speaking.

"Esteemed Master,"

"this disciple believes that the Scarlet Heaven Sect is no benevolent force. Given the recent friction between them and our Moon God Pavilion, future conflict seems inevitable. For now, the wisest course is to first uncover their true strength and intentions before deciding our next move."

As her words echoed, the Pavilion Master stroked his beard and nodded.

"Hmm, well said. We should indeed send someone to investigate."

The surrounding elders fell silent, murmuring in agreement.

Yet the thought of infiltrating the Scarlet Heaven Sect for reconnaissance made the old men hesitate. Especially with the enemy's strength unknown, facing such a ruthless sect carried risks beyond imagination.

All present were shrewd individuals, well aware of the peril involved.

While serving the sect with unwavering loyalty was their duty, none were fearless in the face of death. The uncertainty of this life-threatening mission left the hall steeped in apprehension.

Suddenly, the grand hall plunged into silence.

The oppressive atmosphere felt like an impending calamity—far more terrifying than a teacher's question in a past-life classroom, a testament to the Scarlet Heaven Sect's notorious danger.

Even the Pavilion Master stroked his beard, lost in thought.

Yet this very tension only invigorated Yi Feng further.

Without needing prompting, he knew the danger this time would surpass anything before—otherwise, these mighty figures who dominated the celestial realm wouldn't be so conflicted.

This was the perfect opportunity to court death!

The more Yi Feng observed, the more excited he grew. Without hesitation, he stood and clasped his hands in salute.

"Pavilion Master! I volunteer to undertake the investigation!"

The moment these words left his lips, the Pavilion Master and elders snapped their heads up, eyes widening in shock!