The Alliance council continued for three full days. For three days, Tang Xiao Qi, as an observer, witnessed how the cultivation world's top tier engaged in low-efficiency maneuvering in the face of crisis. The debate's focus in the hall had long since slipped from how to fastest and most effectively prevent Shadow Snake Pavilion to more realistic yet lengthy topics like who leads to gain maximum fame and profit, how to allocate resources to satisfy all parties, how to avoid risks to ensure each sect's strength remains undamaged, etc. Although they finally achieved several framework resolutions — such as establishing a Temporary Decision Committee composed of Sky Sword Sect, Vajra Gate, Xuanji Sacred Land, Medicine King Valley, and Clear Void Temple five powers; agreeing to dispatch scout forces toward Blackwater Marsh direction; each sect beginning to assemble part of combat readiness supplies, etc. — core issues like specific action plans, personnel deployment, unified command authority, remained unresolved, requiring subsequent "detailed discussion." "Detailed discussion" — these two words seemed so pale and anxiety-inducing at this moment.
Council session ended; representatives from various sects left one after another, some expressionless, some frowning, some calculating privately. Xuanying brought Xiao Qi and Xuanxu out of the council hall; outside, the sky was overcast, seemingly reflecting everyone's mood.
"Master, this..." Xuanxu could not help but speak, his tone carrying frustration, "At this rate, by the time they reach any conclusions, Shadow Snake Pavilion's formation will probably be nearly complete!"
Xuanying shook his head, sighed deeply; his expression somewhat weary: "The Alliance is not one family's Alliance; everyone has their considerations — this is normal. It is just... time is indeed not on our side." He turned to look at Xiao Qi, seeing his tightly furrowed brow and worried expression, his voice gentle: "Xiao Qi, are you disappointed?"
Xiao Qi raised his head, looking at his Great Master-Uncle's tired yet kind eyes, hesitated, then nodded, his voice low: "Great Master-Uncle, I only... only think of the villagers of Kaoshan Village, those people nearly drained of soul in the cave... they cannot wait that long. At Blackwater Marsh, if it is really as the jade slip said, who knows how many are in danger right now. Every day we spend debating here, possibly hundreds or thousands more innocent people die..." His voice was not loud, yet carried deep sorrow and anxiety. The scene in that cave, like a nightmare, frequently surfaced in his mind. He could not imagine what kind of hell it would be if a larger, more complete Myriad Soul Devouring Spirit Formation was deployed at Blackwater Marsh.
Xuanying was silent for a moment, then patted Xiao Qi's shoulder: "Your heart, I understand. But the situation is such that pulling one hair affects the whole body; some things cannot be rushed. Return to the sect first, then plan carefully."
The group silently returned to Clear Void Temple's Tianshu City residence. Over the next few days, Xiao Qi stayed at the residence recovering from injuries. His arm's bone fractures gradually healed under pills and spiritual energy nurturing. But his inner anxiety grew with each passing day. Through conversations with his senior brothers and sisters, he learned the Alliance's internal bickering continued, the secret struggle for leadership even more intense. Yet latest intelligence about Blackwater Marsh was scarce; everything seemed to have stalled. He often stood alone in the residence's courtyard, looking toward Clear Void Temple's direction, then toward the approximate bearing of southwest Blackwater Marsh. The jade pendant against his chest lay quietly against his skin, yet seemed to sense the brewing evil and despair.
"I cannot wait any longer!" A thought, like spring shoots breaking through the earth, became increasingly clear and resolute in his heart — he could not place all hope on this inefficient Alliance. He had to do something! He thought of Third Senior Sister Liu Yun who fought beside him, her superb swordsmanship, calm decisiveness; thought of Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng, steady and reliable, considering the big picture; thought of the lively yet resourceful Second Senior Brother; thought of the honest and trustworthy Zhao Tiezhu; and the mysterious rabbit spirit who always brought pleasant surprises... Relying on himself and these companions he could trust with his life, go ahead to Blackwater Marsh for investigation!
This notion was bold and risky. Just the few of them, facing Shadow Snake Pavilion's mystery and powerful organization, and potentially trapped demon formation sites, the risk was enormous. If discovered, it could mean certain death. But staying behind waiting, watching the conspiracy progress, watching innocent people constantly sacrificed — he could not do it! The Alliance's slowness strengthened his resolve. Some things must be done by someone. Since those above were full of reservations, they would be the stone thrown into stagnant water, the first light tearing through darkness!
Risks certainly existed, but they were not without advantages. Their small team meant small target, flexible movement. He possessed purifying power, his sensitivity to demonic energy surpassing others; perhaps could discover traps in advance and find the formation's key points. Third Senior Sister and Senior Brother possessed considerable strength, sufficient to handle most emergencies. Second Senior Brother's inventive creativity and the rabbit spirit's treasure-finding abilities might play unexpected roles. More importantly, they had a sincere heart — not calculating personal gains, only wanting to prevent disaster!
With this thought, Xiao Qi's gaze became infinitely resolute. He took a deep breath, turned, and walked to Third Senior Sister Liu Yun's room. He knew this decision could not be his alone; he needed to convince his sister, needed companions' support. When he knocked on her door, his heart pounded with tension and determination. When Liu Yun's cold face appeared behind the door, Xiao Qi took a deep breath, without any pleasantries, directly and clearly said: "Third Senior Sister, the Alliance cannot be relied upon. I think... we go to Blackwater Marsh."
Liu Yun clearly had not expected this; her icy eyes flashed with surprise, then narrowed slightly, examining the undeniable determination on Xiao Qi's face. She did not answer immediately; only wind rustled leaves in the courtyard, and Xiao Qi's heartbeat, audible, laden with meaning.