Standing near the front was none other than Monk Hushu, the serene figure who had once accompanied him and proven himself both ally and friend.
The monk’s kasaya fluttered in the wind, and though his face bore the sa calm as always, Lin Mu could see the firm resolve in his eyes. Around him were several other elders of the Silent Lotus Temple, each dressed in kasayas of different colors, their ranks signified by the shade and embroidery.
So were golden, so crimson, so plain gray, but all radiated the tranquil yet unshakable presence of Buddhist cultivators who had spent lifetis tempering their spirits.
Even as they prepared for a mission steeped in blood, their faces carried the sa calm and peace that had always marked their order.
The Silent Lotus Temple had arrived.
The Sky Cloud Immortal Lotus Vessel hovered above the beach like a radiant sun, its petals shimring with soft light that bathed the assembled cultivators below.
The monk descended gracefully from the lotus, his kasaya flowing around him, and landed lightly on the sand before Lin Mu. A warm smile touched his lips, though his eyes carried the weight of resolve.
"Lin Mu," Monk Hushu said, pressing his palms together in greeting. "It gladdens to see you once more. We are all prepared on our side. The brothers of the temple are steady in their hearts, and the elders are ready to act at a mont’s notice."
Lin Mu returned the gesture, inclining his head. "It is good to see you again, Hushu. Your presence is reassuring." Then a mont later, he noticed sothing.
"You... broke through?" Lin Mu raised a brow.
"Amitabha, with the grace of Buddha, I did manage it." Monk Hushu said calmly.
"That assures. Congratulations." Lin Mu replied with a smile. ’Monk Hushu has reached the Sixth Tribulation Stage of the Immortal Realm as well...’ he thought.
Monk Hushu’s expression remained calm as he continued. "The Abbot is aware of the operation’s details. He has chosen to remain at the Silent Lotus Temple, yet if matters grow too complicated, he will be able to rush over. His Immortal sense is already extended, watching us from the scrying mirror."
Lin Mu’s lips pressed into a thin line for a mont before he shook his head. "It will not co to that. The Abbot should remain where he is. His strength is better reserved in case the unexpected occurs elsewhere."
At that mont, High Elder Yan Dao stepped forward.
His sharp gaze swept across the group before he spoke in his usual commanding voice. "The Patriarch of the Xian Sword Sect has also made preparations. Though he remains at the sect itself, he can act at once if we call for him. His presence is a blade ever ready to fall."
Lin Mu turned his gaze toward the elder and gave a faint smile. "That is good. But it is better that the Patriarch remains at the sect. The Ephera Sect is still silent, and we cannot ignore the possibility of their movents. The sect is far from here, yes, but distance ans little to powers of his caliber. It is closer to him than it is to us, and he can react faster if they try anything drastic."
The group nodded in agreent, the logic undeniable.
Daoist Chu, who had remained quietly watching the exchange until now, let out a low chuckle that carried a hint of humor. "With the entourage we have gathered here, it would almost be embarrassing if we had to call upon either the Abbot or the Patriarch.
Look around. Between us, we carry more strength than entire alliances of sects. If we cannot handle the Hidden Cave Sect, then perhaps the heavens themselves are against us."
There was a ripple of amusent among the elders nearby, though the truth of his words weighed heavier than the humor.
Lin Mu allowed his gaze to sweep across the gathered strike team. The presence of power was almost overwhelming when he truly thought about it.
Cattaleya stood a few paces away, her form exuding a quiet confidence. Her body cultivation had elevated her strength to a level equivalent to the seventh tribulation stage of the immortal realm.
Beside her, Grand Elder Huo radiated an aura of absolute stability, his power that of a Transcendent Immortal, a being who could topple nations with a gesture.
Monk Hushu, once more Lin Mu’s ally, now stood at the sixth tribulation stage of the immortal realm. His cultivation had clearly advanced since the last ti Lin Mu had seen him.
Elyon was ready as well, the sharp edge of his presence speaking of one who had endured countless trials. His fifth tribulation stage cultivation was bolstered by skill and cunning.
And that was only a fraction of the force assembled.
Around them stood dozens upon dozens of elders and disciples from both the Xian Sword Sect and the Silent Lotus Temple. The final strike team would consist of roughly one hundred immortals, each one an elite in their own right. That kind of strength was enough to wipe an entire sect from the continent.
Even conservatively speaking, it was overwhelming.
Daoist Chu’s earlier words rang true. Forget the collective strength. The Grand Elder alone could threaten entire continents. And yet here they were, all standing together, ready to descend upon the Hidden Cave Sect like an inexorable tide.
Lin Mu’s chest tightened slightly, not from doubt but from the sheer scale of it all. He nodded once, silently affirming to himself that they would see this through.
It was then that ng Bai approached him. The young man looked up at him with a mixture of respect and worry.
His fists clenched slightly at his sides before he spoke. "Master... please, be careful. I know your strength. I know you are capable of feats I can barely comprehend. But even so, there is no telling what the Hidden Cave Sect may have prepared. Promise you will not take reckless risks."
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