Ji Wuqing started to explain.
"According to our intelligence, the Corpse Refining Sect recently had one of its Elders break through to the Core Formation Realm. He is currently in seclusion, stabilizing his cultivation base."
"However, the signs are clear they are mobilizing and preparing to attack the nearby trade market to expand their territory."
Li Zhenghai furrowed his brow. "Why didn't the Cloud Sword Sect annihilate them earlier? Even if their sect headquarters is concealed, I refuse to believe there is anything truly hidden from the Cloud Sword Sect within the Cloud Province."
Ji Wuqing nodded solemnly. "There are several reasons behind their continued survival. First and foremost, the Corpse Refining Sect possesses a Third Order Golden Corpse, a refined corpse with strength equivalent to a Core Formation cultivator."
Li Zhenghai's expression darkened. From what he understood, the art of corpse refinement required a body that matched the realm of the corpse's intended grade.
A First Order Bronze Corpse needed the body of a Qi Refining Realm cultivator. A Second Order Silver Corpse required a Foundation Establishment realm body.
As for a Third Order Golden Corpse, only the body of a Core Formation Realm cultivator would suffice.
There was even the legendary Fourth Order Flying Corpse, which demanded the body of a Nascent Soul True Monarch, but such corpses were almost mythical, especially in the Eastern Wilderness.
"Even though the elders of the Corpse Refining Sect are only at the Foundation Establishment stage, they can still draw upon part of the Golden Corpse's strength. It's more than enough to match or stall a true Core Formation expert. And with the aid of their sect's ancient protection arrays, eradicating them would require the deployment of significant resources and manpower."
He paused before continuing. "Frankly speaking, the higher-ups deemed it not worth the cost. A reclusive demonic sect with no open hostility was considered a low priority threat. So they let it be... but it seems that decision was shortsighted."
Li Zhenghai's voice grew colder. "Now, they're not just facing a rogue sect. They're facing a newly promoted Core Formation demonic cultivator who can fully control the Third Order Golden Corpse. That changes everything."
He frowned deeply. "But where would they even obtain a Core Formation body? Before this breakthrough, they lacked the power to kill one. They shouldn't have been capable of producing a Golden Corpse at all."
Ji Wuqing slowly shook his head. "We don't know the full truth, but there's a theory. During the open war nearly a hundred thousand years ago, the Corpse Refining Sect participated in the conflict, attempting to seize a land of high grade spirit veins. They ultimately failed, and several of their Core Formation cultivators and their Golden Corpse perished in the process."
He continued grimly, "But somehow, one of their Core Formation Elders survived. Severely wounded, with his cultivation foundation crumbling, he chose to sacrifice himself for the sect. Rather than fade away, he allowed his body to be refined into a Golden Corpse, ensuring the sect's survival and inheritance would not be severed."
Ji Wuqing sipped his tea before continuing. "Now, with their newly advanced Elder and the preserved Golden Corpse, they effectively control the power of two True Persons. That's enough to tip the balance within a province."
He set the teacup down. "The second reason the Cloud Sword Sect hesitated is because of the Black Market's interference. You've likely heard the recent rumors. Officially, we raided them to retrieve a kidnapped disciple... but the real reason was to probe their strength."
Li Zhenghai's eyes narrowed slightly.
Ji Wuqing's expression was unreadable. "What we found was... troubling. The Black Market has grown beyond our expectations. Not only did they resist our pressure, but they also forced us into a stalemate. In response, we sent a Supreme Elder to their main branch to open negotiations."
He shook his head. "We still don't know the outcome of that meeting, but based on the Black Market's usual way of conducting business, they prioritize profits over ideals they likely won't interfere with open warfare.
"Still, we must remain vigilant. They are far too mysterious and well-connected. Some even speculate they are backed by Nascent Soul-level forces... and I would not dismiss the possibility."
Li Zhenghai nodded gravely. The Black Market had existed since the very founding of the Cloud Province. If someone told him they had a Nascent Soul True Monarch in the shadows, he would not doubt it.
Ji Wuqing hesitated again, then spoke more quietly, "The last and most dangerous reason we have not moved against the Corpse Refining Sect… is their suspected connection to a Major Demonic Sect, the Sky Coffin Sect."
Li Zhenghai frowned. He had never heard of such a name before.
Ji Wuqing noticed his confusion and explained, "Sky Coffin Sect is not of the Eastern Wilderness. They are an external force, based far beyond our borders. But they are powerful a full fledged Nascent Soul Sect, with multiple True Monarchs."
He continued grimly, "If Sky Coffin Sect truly decides to intervene... then even the ten thousand year foundation of the Cloud Sword Sect might be wiped out overnight."
Li Zhenghai and the other two cultivators in the room fell silent.
Nascent Soul True Monarchs, beings with power vast enough to shift the fate of entire provinces, were rare even in the Eastern Wilderness. Their number could be counted on one hand.
Li Zhenghai finally spoke, his voice cautious. "Would Sky Coffin Sect truly act so openly in the Eastern Wilderness? This is the territory of the Five Elements Sect, after all."
Ji Wuqing gave a slight nod. "Indeed. There are thirty-six provinces in the Eastern Wilderness, each guarded by a major sect and some have more. But all of them, no matter how powerful, must bow before the Five Elements Sect, the true overlord of this region."
Ji Wuqing's expression turned solemn as he continued, "To understand the gravity of this, you must first understand what the Eastern Wilderness truly is. Many mistake it for a backwater undeveloped, chaotic, untamed. But that perception is only half true."
He leaned forward, voice low and intense. "The Eastern Wilderness is not just vast, it is untamed, rich, and unclaimed. Endless spiritual veins, rare herbs, ancient relics, and primeval beasts lie scattered across it. Unlike the rigid order of the Central Continent, the wilderness is still fluid, chaotic. This makes it a treasure trove for cultivation... and a target."
He gestured out the window. "After the Ten Thousand Year Peace Pact declared by the Holy Land expired, the major powers of the Eastern Continent began to move. They saw the Eastern Wilderness as fertile hunting grounds already established by weaker forces. A place to extract resources and subjugate local sects through puppet regimes."
"But one sect stood against them all," Ji Wuqing said, voice full of restrained pride.
"The Five Elements Sect. For a hundred years, they waged brutal war against outside forces, blocking expansion, breaking alliances, and ultimately, emerging victorious."
"Afterward, they declared themselves as the Overlord of the Eastern Wilderness. Any foreign power wishing to conduct business or harvest resources in this land must first receive their blessing. If not, they would face war."
He sipped again, slowly. "Faced with such dominance, all the major sects of the provinces, including Cloud Sword Sect, have given them the utmost respect. Some even pay tribute annually to demonstrate loyalty."
"Without their presence," Ji Wuqing said, "we might not even dare to resist the Sky Coffin Sect."
"Still, this is all just speculation. It's already been more than ten thousand years since any contact was made. So perhaps... we are worrying too much," Ji Wuqing added, easing the pressure.
.....