Chapter 696 279: Dubhe

While Chen Qing was secretly making plans on True Martial Peak, the atmosphere in the main hall of the primary peak, located in the core region of the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect, was grave.

Sect Leader Jiang Lishan sat high on the main seat. Below, to her left and right, sat the recently returned Luo Zhixian, along with Ke Tianzong, the Vein Master of the Mystic Sun Lineage; Li Yu-jun, the Vein Master of the Nine Heavens Lineage; and Han Guxi, the Vein Master of the True Martial Lineage.

These five individuals constituted the very core of the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect's highest authority.

"Brother Luo, thank you for your hard work."

Jiang Lishan gave a slight nod, her tone steady.

Luo Zhixian simply gave a faint nod, saying nothing more.

Jiang Lishan took a deep breath and said, "You experienced this journey personally, so what you saw and felt is the most authentic account. Regarding the Celestial Star Seventy-Two Islands and the Infinite Demon Sect, please share all of your findings and thoughts for our consideration."

Ke Tianzong, Li Yu-jun, and Han Guxi all turned their gazes to Luo Zhixian as well.

They had, of course, all received the shocking news that Luo Zhixian had single-handedly stormed Feiyan Island and grievously wounded the five elders of Yanzi Dock with a single spear strike, but the details and hidden messages behind this event still required his personal confirmation.

Luo Zhixian raised his eyelids slightly. "The collusion between Yanzi Dock and the Demon Sect runs far deeper than previously estimated. It's certainly not a simple case of providing shelter in exchange for benefits. I'm afraid the shadow of the Celestial Star Alliance looms behind them, and possibly even..."

As soon as he spoke, everyone present, including Jiang Lishan, grew grim-faced.

They understood from Luo Zhixian's words that the matter with the Demon Sect was not so simple; one wrong move could lead to a major stumble.

"Since Yanzi Dock is involved with the Demon Sect and the Celestial Star Alliance's stance is ambiguous," Han Guxi, the Vein Master of the True Martial Lineage, began slowly, a sharp glint in his eyes, "we might consider a temporary alliance with the Cloud Water Upper Sect."

Although the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect and the Cloud Water Upper Sect were neighbors, their relationship had always been unremarkable, far from harmonious.

The Celestial Treasure Upper Sect's true ally was the Lingxiao Upper Sect, located to the Southwest.

However, now that they faced a common potential threat—the Thousand Reefs Sea Region, which was colluding with the Demon Sect and potentially infiltrated by the forces of Yanzi Dock and even the Celestial Star Alliance—seeking cooperation with the Cloud Water Upper Sect had a basis in reality.

Upon hearing this, Ke Tianzong, the Vein Master of the Mystic Sun Lineage, furrowed his brow even more tightly.

He had a long-standing grudge with a certain high-ranking member of the Cloud Water Upper Sect, and they had clashed secretly several times in the past.

But he also knew how critical the situation was. He did not voice any opposition, merely remaining silent. It was a clear, tacit acknowledgment that personal grudges must be set aside for the good of the Sect.

"The more you pull, the more comes with it. The deeper we dig into the Infinite Demon Sect, the more frightening things we uncover."

Jiang Lishan said slowly.

The Infinite Demon Sect alone was not enough to cause serious harm to the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect as it stood today, but the potential involvement of Yanzi Dock and the Celestial Star Alliance was another matter.

It was enough to place considerable pressure on the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect, which had only just recovered some of its Primordial Qi from the internal chaos of Li Qingyu's treason.

Just then, Li Yu-jun, the Vein Master of the Nine Heavens Lineage, rose and said, "Sect Leader, in my opinion, the situation has already come to this. The Sect should activate its highest response mechanism—it's time to open the 'Dubhe Pavilion'."

The Dubhe Pavilion!

At the mention of this name, everyone present was visibly stirred.

This was the highest body of power and decision-making in the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect, one that was only activated when facing a major crisis that threatened the Sect's very existence, or when preparing to wage an all-out, large-scale war.

Once opened, it meant the Sect would enter a state of full war readiness, with all manpower, resources, and finances Within the Sect being consolidated under a unified command.

Li Yu-jun continued, "This isn't just my opinion. It's the result of a discussion with Senior Brother Su, who is still on the front lines at Soul-Breaking Gorge."

The Senior Brother Su she mentioned was none other than the Vein Master of the Jade Celestial Lineage.

This Vein Master was currently at Soul-Breaking Gorge, so his words carried considerable weight.

Jiang Lishan's gaze swept over Ke Tianzong and Han Guxi.

Ke Tianzong pondered for a moment, then nodded. "I have no objection. The situation is escalating. If we cannot concentrate our forces under a unified command, we'll just be led by the nose, fighting our own separate battles. That would be detrimental to the overall situation."

Han Guxi also took a deep breath, his smile fading as he said gravely, "I have no objection either. It's time for everyone in the Sect, from top to bottom, to be on high alert."

"This will also serve to show outsiders our resolve."

"Very well!"

No longer hesitating, Jiang Lishan made her decision. "In that case, we shall open the Dubhe Pavilion! All qualified individuals from the Sect's Four Veins and thirty-six peaks—especially those from the Hidden Peak whose Cultivation has reached the standard and who are not yet two hundred years of age—must enter the Dubhe Pavilion and await orders. Since this matter was jointly proposed by Junior Sister Li and the Master of Jade Celestial, Junior Sister Li will take the lead. You are to draft a list of personnel to enter the pavilion and their respective tiers, and also set the date for the Dubhe Pavilion's first session."

"Yes, Sect Leader," Li Yu-jun replied with solemn acceptance.

Finally, Jiang Lishan looked to Luo Zhixian. "Brother Luo, once the Dubhe Pavilion opens, the seating arrangement within follows the iron law of the Sect: it is determined solely by strength and contribution. When that time comes, you shall be a core decision-maker in the 'Dubhe Position'."

The Dubhe Pavilion was divided into three tiers.

The Dubhe Position: Composed of the Sect Leader and the four Vein Masters, a total of five people.

They formed the core of the Dubhe Pavilion, possessing the ultimate decision-making power and determining the Sect's strategic direction and final resource allocation.

The Earth Balance Position: Composed of the various Peak Masters, senior Elders whose strength met a certain standard, and those who had made exceptional contributions to the Sect.

They had the right to deliberate, participate in discussions on major decisions, and propose suggestions and strategies. They were the pillars of the Sect.

The Human Position: Composed of the Elders from each peak, the outstanding members of the younger generation, and the Stewards responsible for crucial affairs.

They had the right to be present and observe meetings, keeping them informed of the Sect's highest-level directives. They were the ones who would carry out the decisions made, and they represented the hope for the future.

Luo Zhixian's strength was unquestionably at the apex of the Sect, making him a natural choice for the core of the Dubhe Position.