Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

"Then what about external relations..." Han Lin hesitated.

"Towards others, what we need to do is neither to flatter nor to show off, but rather... to demonstrate sincerity and offer benefits." A faint, enigmatic smile appeared on Shen Mo's lips. "We are going to hold a 'Dharma Assembly'."

"A Dharma assembly?" Everyone was taken aback.

"Yes, the Azure Cloud Dharma Assembly." Shen Mo said with his hands behind his back, "We have invited fellow practitioners from the Southern Region to celebrate my condensation of the Golden Core, and also... to celebrate our safe exit from the Abyss of Myriad Laws. At the assembly, we will not flaunt our martial prowess, nor will we discuss seniority; we will only talk about the exchange of Daoist teachings."

He looked at Su Xiao: "At that time, we can take out a small amount of resources that we don't need or that are duplicates as 'prizes' to add to the Dharma Assembly, such as some good quality spiritual herbs, ores, or even... we can open up a few peripheral trial slots in the 'Minor Myriad Laws Secret Realm' as the highest reward."

Su Xiao's eyes lit up: "Does the sect leader mean... to feign an attack while secretly advancing? To use the Dharma assembly and these small benefits to divert outside attention, ease tensions, and at the same time demonstrate our sect's magnanimity and strength, attracting forces that are truly interested in making friends?"

"Not only that," Shen Mo said, "but we also need to draw a clear line. We want everyone to see that while our Qingyun Sect has obtained an opportunity, we are willing to share (limited) benefits with our fellow practitioners, adhering to the 'rules.' Whoever follows the rules will reap the rewards. Whoever tries to break the rules…"

His tone was calm, yet carried a chilling undertone: "That would mean becoming an enemy of all forces in the Southern Region that are hoping for peaceful development."

Han Lin stroked his beard, seemingly lost in thought: "In this way, we can appease the people, occupy the moral high ground, and buy time for development... Brilliant!"

Shi Tie scratched his head: "That makes some sense... but I still feel it's a waste to give it to those guys!"

"Junior Brother Tie," Shen Mo looked at him, "think long-term. Giving up a share today will bring ten years of peace and allow our sect's strength to increase several times over. Then, will you still be afraid of not being able to snatch something even better?"

Shi Tie thought for a moment, then grinned widely: "Hehe, now that the sect leader says so, I understand! We'll use their resources to support our troops! Then we'll take them back with interest!"

Shen Mo remained noncommittal, looking at everyone: "Since that's the case, the arrangements for the Dharma Assembly are settled. Elder Han, you will be in charge of the overall preparations, and all expenses will be covered by public funds, ensuring that our sect displays its grandeur. Su Xiao, you will be in charge of the guest list and security, and the Shadow Guards will keep a close eye on all parties' movements."

"Xiaocao, Qingyan, you two quickly compile a list of resources that can be used for exchange or as prizes. Shitie, Zhantang is in charge of security inside and outside the sect during the Dharma Assembly; keep things relaxed on the outside but tight on the inside."

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.

"Furthermore," Shen Mo added, "before the Dharma assembly, disciples of each hall must be strictly disciplined. They must not bully the weak or speak ill of other sects. Those who violate this rule will be severely punished."

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines, knowing that the sect leader was about to "cool down" the sect, and they all accepted the order.

The meeting adjourned, and everyone left with their own thoughts. Shen Mo stood alone in the hall, watching the gradually brightening sky outside the window and the spiritual mist rising from the distant mountains.

A quiet room had been temporarily set aside in a side hall of Liuyun Palace. The sun shone brightly through the window, casting shimmering spots of light on the bluestone floor. The air was filled with the faint fragrance of fresh ink mixed with sandalwood.

Shen Mo sat behind a long table, several sheets of plain white Xuan paper spread out in front of him, the ink still wet on them. Han Lin and Su Xiao stood by his side. In one corner of the table, there were some exquisitely made blank invitations, made of the finest "flowing cloud paper," warm to the touch and faintly glowing.

"Sect Leader, these are a few drafts I have prepared. Please take a look." Han Lin gently pushed over a sheet of Xuan paper covered with writing, his white beard trembling slightly, indicating that he was somewhat nervous.

This was the first time in many years that the Qingyun Sect had so openly invited so many heroes. The wording of the invitation concerned the sect's reputation and contained hidden veiled meaning.

Shen Mo picked up the draft and calmly scanned it.

The first document was addressed to Master Xuan Yang of the Lieyang Sect. Han Lin wrote it in a very polite manner, with phrases such as "I have long admired your virtue and prestige," "I sincerely invite you to join me in this grand event," and "Let us discuss and exchange ideas."

Shen Mo shook his head slightly, picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and lightly drew a line on the four characters "Discussing the Dao and Exchanging Ideas." In the blank space next to it, he wrote: "We respectfully invite the Venerable One to grace us with his presence, to appreciate the Daoist charm of the Source Pearl, and to jointly comprehend the Great Dao of Flowing Clouds."

The brush pauses slightly on the four characters "Yuanzhu Daoyun" and the ink becomes slightly darker.

Han Lin's eyelids twitched. Appraising the Source Pearl? This... this was blatant boasting, and also a reminder of the fate of the Myriad Laws Abyss. He looked at Shen Mo, only to see the sect leader's expression was calm, as if he had merely changed an ordinary phrase.

The second letter was for Jian Wuji of the Heavenly Sword Sect. Han Lin wrote it in a more tactful way, even showing some concern for Jian Wuji's "injuries".

After reading it, Shen Mo crossed out the second half of the concerned words and continued writing: "I heard that Fellow Daoist's sword heart is clear and bright. On the occasion of this grand event, I have specially invited you to meet so that we can hone our Dao path and prove whether your sword heart is flawless."

The six characters “Is the sword heart flawless?” are written in a slender yet powerful style, carrying an invisible sharpness.

Han Lin gasped. This was like rubbing salt into a wound! Jian Wuji's Dao Heart was injured in the Abyss of Ten Thousand Laws, and the Sect Leader's talk of "tempering the Dao path" and "proving the sword heart" was full of malice!

The third document was addressed to the Black Fiend Ancestor of the Xuan Yin Sect. Han Lin wrote it very briefly, only mentioning the time and place of the Dharma assembly, his politeness tinged with distance.

Shen Mo pondered for a moment, then added at the end: "Since our parting at Wanfayuan, the Ancestor's brilliance remains. This grand gathering may provide evidence for the Yin-Yang Dao. I look forward to meeting you."

"The Way of the Underworld may provide evidence," seemingly presenting a topic, but actually pointing out the other party's predicament in the abyss.

Han Lin's forehead was beaded with sweat. This invitation from the sect leader wasn't an invitation at all; it was clearly a warning!

Next was for neutral forces like the Xuanbing Pavilion. Shen Mo made few changes, only changing "jointly study the Great Dao" to "exchange Dao techniques and share resources," making the tone much more equal and friendly.

As for the message given to Chen Hao of Baibaoge, it added the line, "I have recently acquired some spiritual materials, which I may discuss with the manager," implying that there is business to be done.

Finally, there was a "call to heroes" for the numerous independent cultivators and minor sects. Shen Mo personally wrote it, with simple words and a sincere tone: "Shen Mo of Qingyun Sect, having fortunately achieved the Core Formation stage, in gratitude to the Heavenly Dao, has specially arranged a gathering at the sect. Regardless of background, all are welcome to attend. A small gift has been prepared to thank those who have traveled from afar. If one is fortunate enough, one may be granted entry into the secret realm for a visit."

There was no arrogance, only a peaceful willingness to share opportunities.

"That's fine then." Shen Mo put down his pen and pushed the revised draft to Han Lin. "Elder Han, transcribe the invitations accordingly and affix your seal. For the Lieyang Sect, Tianjian Sect, and Xuanyin Sect, use purple-gold trim; for the Xuanbing Pavilion and others, use jade trim; for the independent cultivators, ordinary gold foil stamping will suffice."

"I...I understand." Han Lin took the draft, his hands trembling slightly. He could almost see the commotion that would ensue when those purple-gold invitations were delivered to the other party.

"Junior Sister Xiao," Shen Mo said, looking at Su Xiao, "after you have copied it, you will personally arrange for the Shadow Guards to deliver it to the leaders of each sect. When delivering it, pay attention to the expressions and reactions of the recipients."

"Yes, Sect Leader," Su Xiao replied solemnly. She understood that sending the invitation was the first round of confrontation.

Three days later, nearly a hundred streams of light of various colors flew out silently from Qingyun Mountain and shot towards all directions of the Southern Region.

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