While Tang Xiao Qi departed Tian Shu City like thunder, rushing to the northwest, inside the Three Realms Patrol Alliance headquarters, an emergency council at the highest level concerning the safety of the entire Central Plains cultivation world was unfolding in solemn atmosphere.
Inside the magnificent Patrol Hall, where major figures rarely gathered, powers from all sides were gathered. Leaders or representatives of major top-tier human sects, demon kings from several demon holy lands, special envoys from the Sea Clan Dragon Palace, and even newly joined Silicon-based civilization observers, all sat solemnly in their respective positions with serious expressions. In the center of the hall, a huge water mirror technique clearly projected the latest images returned from the northwestern border—land withered after demonic energy erosion, market turned to ruins, and corpses of mortals and cultivators covered with black aura. A and deep worry permeated the air.
Presiding over the meeting was the current rotating chairman of the Alliance, an respected imperial clan elder from Central Prefecture, at the Nascent Soul middle stage. He surveyed the entire hall, his voice slow and steady yet carrying undeniable authority: "Everyone, the northwestern demonic disaster, I presume you all understand the situation. This demonic creature attack is not accidental. The purity of the demonic energy, the strength of its erosiveness, and the height of its concealment far exceed any previous records, matching highly with the characteristics of 'Extraterrestrial Demon' direct lineage power recorded in ancient texts. Preliminary judgment confirms it is indeed a new round of infiltration by the sealed demonic entity, intended to tear our Alliance's defensive line and devour living beings to restore its power."
He paused, his tone becoming heavier: "More troublesome is that, according to front-line reports, this new type of demonic energy has extremely high resistance to conventional purification spells and formations. It can subtly erode cultivators' hearts and minds, impossible to prevent. If not quickly contained and the source found, once a demonic domain forms, the consequences are unimaginable."
After his words, a low murmur of discussion rose in the hall. Those present were all peak figures of the cultivation world, naturally understanding what this meant. This was not a local conflict but a precursor to a disaster potentially sweeping the entire world.
"An elite force must be immediately organized to go to the northwest. They must not only eliminate the demonic creatures that have appeared but also investigate the demonic energy source, find methods to deal with this new type of demonic energy, and nip the hidden danger in the bud!" An elder from the Ten Thousand Swords Sect said decisively.
"Indeed! This admits of no delay!" The Dragon Palace special envoy, a dragon clan prince with a jade horn on his forehead, echoed: "My dragon clan is willing to dispatch elites skilled in water purification methods."
"Our Celestial Mechanism Pavilion can provide divination and tracking support." An elderly man in star robes said slowly.
"Silicon-based civilization can provide energy detection and environmental analysis technical support." A cold electronic synthesized voice came from the direction of the Silicon Observer.
The willingness to provide support was unified, but who would command this crucial team became the key issue. The commander of this team not only needed extremely high cultivation and rich experience fighting demonic creatures but also needed unique abilities to restrain or even purify this new type of demonic energy, and sufficient prestige to command respect and coordinate forces from all sides.
Several old strong sects recommended their senior Golden Core late-stage elders. The demon clan and sea clan also proposed their candidates. Each side argued, unable to reach a decision for a time.
At this moment, Qingxu Temple's representative, Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng acting as temporary Sect Master, who had been silently not speaking, stood up. After bowing respectfully to the rotating chairman and various major figures, he said heavily: "Distinguished elders, I recommend one person who may take on this important responsibility."
All gazes instantly focused on him.
Mu Qingfeng spoke without arrogance or humility, his voice clear and powerful: "I recommend my sect's junior brother Tang Xiao Qi to serve as commander of this demonic suppression action!"
"Tang Xiao Qi?"
"That newly elevated True Lord?"
A wave of whispered discussion rose in the hall. Some nodded, some frowned, some showed thoughtful expressions.
Mu Qingfeng continued stating reasons, clearly organized: "First, junior brother Xiao Qi possesses the unique Azure Lotus Purification Origin, which has natural restraining power over demonic energy. This is the most critical ability to deal with this new demonic disaster. No one can surpass him. The Southern Border demonic fire, the sect defense battle, and even sealing the demonic entity all proved its effectiveness."
"Second, although junior brother Xiao Qi only recently advanced to Golden Core, his foundation's profoundness and combat strength's ferocity are obvious to all. His overwhelming performance at the Dao Inquiry Assembly in Tian Shu City, his prestige at the East Sea Dragon Palace banquet, his strength is sufficient to serve as commander."
"Third, junior brother Xiao Qi once served as 'Demon Suppression Envoy,' has deep understanding of demonic creatures' habits and demonic energy characteristics, and has rich practical experience. His name 'Qingxu Tang Xiaoqi True Lord' already echoes throughout the Central Plains. His prestige is sufficient to command respect and effectively coordinate forces from all sides."
"Fourth," Mu Qingfeng's gaze swept across several demon clan and sea clan representatives: "Junior brother Xiao Qi has good relationships with the dragon clan and some demon clan tribes, which helps coordinate this three-clan joint operation."
As he stated each reason, the opposing voices in the hall weakened. Especially the first one—that unique purification ability was crucial when dealing with this new demonic energy that conventional methods were ineffective against.
The rotating chairman pondered for a moment, looking at others: "What does everyone think?"
The elder from Ten Thousand Swords Sect took the lead: "True Lord Tang Xiaoqi's purification power is indeed the key to opposing this demonic disaster. The old man thinks he can be given a try."
The dragon clan prince nodded: "Crown Prince Ao Qin has mentioned True Lord Tang many times, praising him highly. My dragon clan supports this proposal."
The elderly man from Celestial Mechanism Pavilion calculated briefly with his fingers, slightly nodding: "Although heavenly mechanisms are obscure, this youth does have a thread of and may break the situation."
The Silicon Observer's electronic eyes flickered, producing sound: "Based on data analysis, target individual 'Tang Xiaoqi' has the highest priority matching degree in opposing highly erosive energy bodies. Recommendation to adopt."
Even the most particular old strong sect representatives, after weighing pros and cons, had to admit that Tang Xiaoqi was indeed the most suitable, even possibly the only suitable candidate under current circumstances.
"Since that is the case," the rotating chairman finally made the decision, his voice spreading through the hall: "Alliance resolution: Appoint 'Qingxu Tang Xiaoqi True Lord' as 'Chief Patrol Demon Envoy' for this northwestern demonic suppression expedition. Grant temporary decision-making authority. He may mobilize all Alliance resources at the northwestern border and personally organize the demonic suppression team. He must investigate the demonic source, eliminate the demonic disaster, and stabilize the border!"
"Chief Patrol Demon Envoy!" This title meant that in northwestern demonic disaster affairs, he held power second only to the Alliance's highest level!
As the resolution passed, a light representing the Alliance's highest directive flew out of the hall, rushing toward the northwest, chasing after the already departed Tang Xiao Qi.
The various figures in the hall had different expressions, but most were relieved, while also carrying a thread of anticipation and scrutiny. Placing such an important task on such a young True Lord's shoulders was a huge gamble, but perhaps also the only hope to break the deadlock and create a miracle.
Far away, during teleportation, rushing at full speed toward the northwest, Tang Xiao Qi did not yet know he had been pushed to the forefront, bearing the Alliance's expectations and the entire northwestern border's safety. An even more arduous, more dangerous trial awaited him. Taking command to march forth, suppressing demons to protect the righteous, the name Qingxu Tang Xiaoqi True Lord would once again face the baptism of blood and fire.