Chapter 599: The Journey to the Southern Border, Only I Can Go

“Junior Sister Shui Yue’s words have some merit, but the power of the Beast God is unfathomable, and the terrain of the Ten Thousand Great Mountains is complex. Rushing in rashly might lead to disaster.

I believe we should prioritize reinforcing the Qingyun Sect’s protective Formation first, while simultaneously contacting Tianyin Temple, Fenxiang Valley, and other Righteous Path Schools to jointly discuss countermeasures. That would be the safest approach,” Elder Zeng Shuchang said with a deep frown.

“Senior Brother Zeng is being too conservative! Is our Qingyun Sect afraid of mere Yao Beasts? We should take the initiative while their Seal is not yet broken, strike with thunderous force, and nip them in the bud. Only then can we display the might of our Righteous Path!”

The crowd debated, some advocating for defense, others for offense. The atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly tense. Only Yu Xian sat quietly to the side, his gaze deep, seemingly contemplating something.

Sect Leader Dao Xuan noticed that Yu Xian had remained silent, so he raised a hand, signaling the other Heads to cease their discussion. He then turned to Yu Xian and asked, “Junior Brother Yu, what are your insights regarding the Southern Border matter?”

The gazes of everyone in the hall instantly focused on Yu Xian. Even Shui Yue, who had maintained a cold demeanor, couldn’t help but slightly turn her head, a flicker of unnoticeable concern crossing her eyes.

“Sect Leader Senior Brother, in my view, both proactive striking and defensive waiting have their merits, but they must be implemented in stages.

The immediate priority is not to rush into deciding an offensive or defensive strategy, but rather to first dispatch an elite squad to infiltrate the Southern Border to ascertain the specific situation regarding the loosening Seal, the current status of the Beast God, and the deployment of the Yao Beast army.

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. If we blindly attack, we might alert the enemy and cause the Beast God to break the Seal prematurely. If we only defend passively, we will miss the opportunity, and once the Yao Beasts surge out of the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, the Central Plains will fall into even greater chaos,” Yu Xian stated after surveying the crowd.

Upon hearing this, Dao Xuan and the others couldn’t help but nod. Yu Xian’s analysis indeed hit the nail on the head. An offensive requires knowledge of the enemy’s strength, and defensive waiting also requires seizing the initiative. Sending scouts first was the most prudent course of action.

“Junior Brother Yu speaks reasonably. However, the Southern Border’s Ten Thousand Great Mountains are filled with miasma, and Yao Beasts run rampant. The squad sent must consist of individuals of the highest caliber. I wonder who can undertake this crucial responsibility?” Zeng Shuchang stroked his beard and pondered.

“This matter is of grave importance; ordinary Disciples will likely be unable to cope. In my opinion, a Head must lead the team personally to ensure absolute success,” said Shang Zhenliang of Chaoyang Peak.

Hearing this, everyone fell silent. A Head is a pillar of the Qingyun Sect; any mishap involving one would be a heavy blow to the Sect.

Seeing this, Yu Xian slowly spoke up: “There is no need to trouble Senior Brothers and Sisters. I will personally make this trip.”

“Absolutely not!” Before Yu Xian could finish speaking, Shui Yue abruptly stood up, her voice carrying a barely perceptible tremor.

“The dangers of the Southern Border far exceed imagination, and the power of the Beast God is even more unfathomable. How can you, as the Head of Dazhu Peak, so easily venture into danger? This is absolutely out of the question!” Her tone was resolute, showing no intention of backing down, as if she had forgotten that she had previously advocated for a proactive strike.

Everyone was stunned by Shui Yue’s sudden, intense reaction, and their gazes snapped toward her.

It must be noted that Shui Yue had just strongly advocated for a proactive attack, her words full of decisive killing intent. Yet, she now opposed Yu Xian going to the Southern Border so fiercely. This contrast between her previous stance and her current reaction was too obvious.

A hint of scrutiny flashed in Dao Xuan’s eyes, and the other Heads exchanged glances, clearly sensing Shui Yue’s abnormality.

Yu Xian, however, felt a warmth in his heart. How could he not understand Shui Yue’s feelings? She wasn’t opposing the attack; she simply didn’t want him to place himself in harm’s way.

He smiled reassuringly at Shui Yue, signaling her to remain calm.

“Sect Leader Senior Brother, Senior Brothers and Sisters, the journey to the Southern Border, only I can go.

Firstly, my cultivation level is sufficient to handle the risks encountered along the way. Secondly, I also have some research into Formations and Restrictions, which will make the investigation more convenient.

Most importantly, this matter is of great significance. If I go personally, I can ensure the most accurate intelligence is brought back to provide a basis for subsequent decisions,” Yu Xian said with a steady tone and firm gaze.

“Junior Brother Yu!” Everyone was astonished by Yu Xian’s decision.

It should be known that Yu Xian was now the top fighting force of the Qingyun Sect, its pillar. Furthermore, he had only recently taken over Dazhu Peak, and his lineage was just beginning. If he suffered any accident, it would be an incalculable loss for Dazhu Peak and even the entire Qingyun Sect.

Zeng Shuchang couldn’t help but try to dissuade him, his tone carrying a hint of anxiety. “You bear a heavy responsibility for the Sect; how can you act so rashly? Why not select several experienced Elders from the Sect, accompanied by elite Disciples, to form an investigation team? They can certainly complete the mission.”

“Senior Brother Zeng speaks truthfully,” Shang Zhenliang concurred. “Junior Brother Yu is the future hope of our Qingyun Sect. You must not place yourself in danger for a moment of bravery. Although the Southern Border matter is urgent, there is always a way to resolve it. Why must you go personally?”

The crowd spoke one after another, all trying to persuade Yu Xian to abandon the idea of going to the Southern Border himself.

Shui Yue stood to the side, biting her lip, her face somewhat pale, but she did not speak again. She only stared intently at Yu Xian with her clear eyes, which were filled with worry and reluctance.

Yu Xian looked at the concerned gazes of everyone and felt a surge of warmth in his heart, but his determination to go to the Southern Border did not waver.

“Senior Brothers and Sisters need not worry; I know what I am doing. This trip is not about confronting the Beast God directly, but mainly about investigation. Once the situation is clear, I will return immediately.

Then, based on the actual circumstances, we will formulate a detailed countermeasure. If the time truly comes when we must unite against the enemy, our Qingyun Sect, with one heart, can certainly overcome this calamity,” Yu Xian said seriously.

“The journey to the Southern Border, my mind is set. Some things must be done by someone. As the Head of Dazhu Peak in the Qingyun Sect, trusted by the Sect Leader Senior Brother, how can I retreat in this time of crisis?

If we lack even the courage to investigate the enemy’s situation, how can we talk about protecting the Sect and safeguarding the common people of the world?” Yu Xian continued.

Dao Xuan looked at Yu Xian’s resolute eyes and nodded secretly in his heart.

He knew Yu Xian’s character; once a decision was made, it would not be easily changed. Moreover, what Yu Xian said was not without reason; with his strength and wisdom, he was indeed the best candidate to scout the Southern Border.

It was just that he still had a slight reservation in his heart, as the power of the Beast God was too mysterious and unpredictable; no one could foresee what might happen.

“Junior Brother Yu, have you truly decided?” Dao Xuan asked in a deep voice.

Yu Xian nodded firmly.

Dao Xuan was silent for a moment, then finally let out a long sigh and said, “Very well. Since your mind is made up, I will no longer stop you. However, you must be extremely careful on this journey and must not be careless. If the situation proves too difficult, return immediately, and do not act rashly.”

“This Junior Brother understands. Thank you, Sect Leader Senior Brother, for granting permission!” Yu Xian cupped his hands in salute.

Shui Yue looked at Yu Xian, her worry deepening, but she also knew that any more words now could not change Yu Xian’s decision.

However, she had also decided: she would go with him! It would be better to have someone to look out for him then. If something truly unexpected happened, she… she would follow him as well.