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Seven Stars Sword Sect.

At this moment, Lin Xuan had fully recovered from his injuries.

He was contemplating his next move—whether to venture out for training or to focus on mastering the technique to refine Elder Yan's body.

Just then, the sect leader summoned him via a long-distance voice transmission.

When Lin Xuan arrived, only two people were in the room: the sect leader and Li Hongtao, a Mahayana-stage cultivator from the Emperor Heaven Sect.

"What matter requires my presence, Sect Leader?" Lin Xuan sensed the solemn atmosphere and realized this was no ordinary discussion.

"Indeed, there’s a matter I’m uncertain about and would like your opinion on."

Lin Xuan was puzzled. "Surely there are others more suited for such deliberations?"

As a member of the younger generation, why was he being consulted instead of the elders or other senior figures?

The sect leader explained, "Don’t underestimate yourself. Many of your decisions have led to success, so I trust your judgment and want to hear your thoughts."

"Very well, go ahead."

"We’ve decided to crush the Heavenly Demon Sect." The sect leader spoke through gritted teeth, his resentment palpable. After all, not long ago, the Heavenly Demon Sect had nearly destroyed their sect.

"Do we have the upper hand?"

"Yes."

"Then crush them."

The sect leader was momentarily stunned before shaking his head with a wry smile. "You’re even more decisive than I am. I can’t deny my age anymore."

He had agonized over this decision for a long time.

"So, what’s the battle plan?" Lin Xuan asked. This wasn’t the first time they’d talked about destroying the Heavenly Demon Sect, yet it had never come to fruition.

Li Hongtao chuckled. "Truly bold."

But considering Lin Xuan’s past efforts to unite the sects of the South Continent against the Heavenly Demon Sect, this reaction wasn’t surprising.

Li Hongtao continued, "Now is the perfect opportunity. Our spy in the Heavenly Demon Sect recently sent word—they’re no longer a threat."

"A spy? Who?" Lin Xuan was intrigued. So, the Emperor Heaven Sect also had a mole in the Heavenly Demon Sect.

"You might be shocked to hear this—North End Demon Lord is our spy."

"What? How is that possible?" Even Lin Xuan couldn’t hide his astonishment.

To infiltrate to such a high rank was impressive.

Then again, thinking of Su Luo, given enough time, it didn’t seem impossible.

That made sense.

"So, we can strike. He’s promised to cooperate with us this time," Li Hongtao said confidently.

Previously, North End Demon Lord hadn’t defected because he believed the Heavenly Demon Sect couldn’t be destroyed.

But after several weakening blows, the chance of success had risen significantly, prompting him to act now.

Of course, if they failed, North End Demon Lord could never return—his cover would be blown.

Li Hongtao trusted North End Demon Lord’s word, as the latter had proven a reliable spy, providing crucial intelligence multiple times.

This was why the sect leader sought Lin Xuan’s opinion—with North End Demon Lord’s inside help, victory seemed assured.

But to ensure absolute certainty, he’d turned to Lin Xuan.

Clearly, Lin Xuan’s support sealed the decision.

The three continued strategizing, basing their plans on the intelligence provided by North End Demon Lord. It would be a waste not to utilize such a valuable asset.

Once the broad strokes of the plan were finalized, Li Hongtao departed to relay the details to North End Demon Lord for coordination.

This time, they would annihilate the Heavenly Demon Sect for good.

Alone with Lin Xuan, the sect leader smirked. "Heavenly Demon Sect… it’s our turn now."

He harbored no goodwill toward them—not after they’d unleashed a heavenly tribulation above his sect. Thankfully, they’d survived.

This time, the Heavenly Demon Sect would pay tenfold.

Yet Lin Xuan cautioned, "We should keep a backup plan."

"What? You don’t trust Li Hongtao?"

They’d already agreed on the strategy—why hold back now?

"It’s not him I distrust. I’m skeptical of North End Demon Lord. He might be lying."

The sect leader’s expression darkened as realization dawned.

Lin Xuan pressed on, "I don’t deny that North End Demon Lord was once a spy for the Emperor Heaven Sect. But after all this time, does his loyalty still lie with them?"

Suddenly, Lin Xuan thought of Su Luo.

Had Su Luo’s allegiance shifted too?

Had he become immersed in the Heavenly Demon Sect?

Yet, recalling recent events, it didn’t seem so.

Even lately, Su Luo had aided him.

Lin Xuan glanced at the Thousand Falling Thunder Bell—proof of Su Luo’s assistance. If Su Luo hadn’t wanted him to have it, he’d never have obtained it.

Though Lin Xuan didn’t understand why Su Luo had someone else impersonate him or what he was plotting, one thing was certain: Su Luo would never waver.

His resolve surpassed even Lin Xuan’s own.

......

Nangong Xiyun departed once more, humming to herself, "Seven more days, seven more days, la la la..."

Su Luo prepared for the upcoming events.

Just then, the Right Enforcer paid him a visit.

"What brings the Right Enforcer to me?"

"I’ll cut to the chase—will you serve under me?"

"My apologies, but I am the Demon Lord’s subordinate."

A diplomatic answer—safe and unchallengeable.

"Think carefully. The Heavenly Demon Sect is unstable lately. Only I can protect you."

"What do you mean, Right Enforcer?"

"Simply put, your life is at risk. Call for me, and as long as you’re my subordinate, I’ll ensure your safety."

The Right Enforcer had heard unsettling rumors from the Earthly Fiend Sect—the Seven Stars Sword Sect might retaliate against the Heavenly Demon Sect, though nothing was certain.

He was hedging his bets, extending an olive branch in case it proved useful.

Even if the Seven Stars Sword Sect acted, the Heavenly Demon Sect, though weakened, was still formidable and wouldn’t fall overnight.

If it did collapse, he’d simply retreat with his followers to the Earthly Fiend Sect.

With that, the Right Enforcer left.

Su Luo understood his intentions—an attempt to recruit him.

Unfortunately, he had no interest in joining the Earthly Fiend Sect.

Su Luo opened his diary.

[...]

[The Left Enforcer has gone missing, his fate unknown. Well, not dead—such a figure is reserved for Lin Xuan to kill personally, though he’s not yet strong enough.]

[So, the Left Enforcer is temporarily written off, to reappear later for Lin Xuan’s solo kill.]

[A solo kill carries more weight than a group battle—this is to let Lin Xuan show off.]

[Thus, the Heavenly Demon Sect fractures, suffering heavy losses. Without the Demon Lord, it scatters.]

[And so, the Heavenly Demon Sect is temporarily no more.]

Su Luo closed the diary.

[Diary entry completed. Reward: Speed +2, Strength +4, cultivation advancement by one stage. Current cultivation: Late-stage Mahayana.]

Simple and straightforward.

Su Luo made his preparations. Another battle loomed, and once again, he would play the role of the Left Enforcer.

As for his own affairs, he entrusted them to Little Yu.

The Left Enforcer’s role was too crucial to risk any major discrepancies.