In his eyes, there was a display of majesty as the Supreme Sect Leader raised his gaze to survey the people below, announcing solemnly:

"Announce to the Cang Mang Domain, send word to the Eight Great Sects, from this day forth, promote Jiang Shu, Daoist Monarch Taixuan, to the position of Deputy Sect Master of the True Martial Sect!"

Upon hearing these words, everyone present instantly showed solemn expressions, quickly got up to respond:

"We abide by the command of the Supreme Sect Leader!"

"Greetings, Deputy Sect Master!"

Amidst the bowing of the crowd.

The Supreme Sect Leader opened his hand.

Buzz!

A spirit light filled with the endless aura of Cang Mang suddenly rose from the open palm of the Supreme Sect Leader, its contained power of the Great Dao exceedingly rich, spreading and rising, momentarily covering the entirety of the Sect's Great Hall.

As the light receded, a palm-sized jade mirror, through which mysterious dark power of the Great Dao flowed and transformed, emerged.

"This item was refined by me years ago upon killing a Devouring Sky Hou at the peak of the Vientiane Realm, taking its Demon Core and supplementing with several kinds of heavenly materials and earthly treasures, named 'Swallowing Sky Mirror', it contains the devouring power of the demon, able to block any force unless it's from a Mixed Cave Realm Daoist Venerable!"

"Daoist Monarch Taixuan's status is now honorable, using this treasure for protection is most suitable."

With that said, the Supreme Sect Leader flicked his finger, and that mysterious dark jade mirror instantly shot out, floating in front of Jiang Shu.

Detecting the abundant power of the Great Dao within this Swallowing Sky Mirror, even Jiang Shu's eyes shone with brilliance, he could clearly sense, this mirror is likewise a Dao Artifact with extremely strong power and exceedingly rare defensive type.

Although he has newly ascended to the Vientiane Realm.

But having only ascended recently, his understanding of the Great Dao has not reached its deepest point.

His strength is only slightly stronger than a regular middle-stage Vientiane Realm.

If he faced a strong expert at the middle-stage of the Vientiane Realm, even late-stage Daoist Monarchs.

He would only be able to flee.

With this Swallowing Sky Mirror, his combat strength is uncertain how much it will increase.

More importantly, the Swallowing Sky Mirror contains the Devouring Dao, which he can further comprehend, advancing his strength even further.

Such a Dao Artifact, if placed outside, countless peak Vientiane Realm Daoist Monarchs would vie for it, causing endless violence and blood, its value is truly incalculable.

Yet now, the Supreme Sect Leader casually bequeathed this jade mirror to him!

Taking a deep breath, suppressing the thoughts in his heart, Jiang Shu solemnly accepted the Swallowing Sky Mirror, showing a serious expression, saluted respectfully towards the jade steps, and thanked in a deep voice:

"Thank you, Supreme Sect Leader, for the treasure!"

He knew in his heart, this is because the Supreme Sect Leader values his future potential, truly treating him as the cornerstone for the prosperity of the True Martial Sect.

If so, with Jiang Shu's personality, a small favor repaid profusely, not to mention the Supreme Sect Leader's genuine care.

Moreover, there is also the past sentiment of his master, Daoist Monarch Zi Ji.

Seeing Jiang Shu's attitude, the Supreme Sect Leader's smile grew more profound, nodding in satisfaction, then his deep gaze fell upon Lu Chong and others.

Their rewards certainly couldn't compare to Jiang Shu's, but are still quite generous.

Lu Chong, being the lead true inheritor, worked hard, his contributions were not small, rewarded with a Quasi-Tao Artifact, along with a large amount of elixirs, crystal stones, cultivation techniques and cultivation resources.

Meanwhile, his rank was also elevated, from sect's true inheritor, he was formally promoted to Elder, and directly appointed as a Peak Master, wielding great authority.

The other true inheritors were also appointed as Elders, each awarded precious resources.

When the rewards concluded, Jiang Shu and others took seats according to rank, Daoist Monarch Wuji stood again, looked at the Supreme Sect Leader on the jade steps, words suddenly carried a few more threads of seriousness:

"Sect Leader, the situation inside the Demon Sect's relics roughly stands as such."

"However, during this, one incident occurred, I believe it's quite peculiar, and must be explained to the Sect Leader early in preparation."

"Oh?"

Seeing the previous person's serious demeanor, the Supreme Sect Leader couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, his eyes showing curiosity, asked in return:

"What's the matter?"

Daoist Monarch Wuji saluted, then proceeded to disclose in a deep tone the news that the Beast Taming Sect might possibly betray the sect, to everyone present.

Unsurprisingly, once this shocking news was delivered, the crowd instantly erupted.

Excluding Jiang Shu, Lu Chong, and others who were privy to the situation, the other Peak Masters and Elders' faces drastically changed, several impatient Elders unexpectedly jumped up with disbelief, urgently questioned:

"What?! Daoist Monarch Wuji, is this true?"

"For thousands of years, the Eight Great Sects have always been united, how could the Beast Taming Sect make such a retrogressive move?"

"Indeed not impossible, numerous reports from the front lines indicated war plans were leaked. If only Elders and disciples had leaked the information, spreading it would be extremely difficult, but for an entire sect, it becomes much easier."

Seeing Daoist Monarch Wuji solemnly nod in confirmation, everyone couldn't help but glance at each other, with a heavy cloud of gloom suddenly looming over their hearts.

If the Beast Taming Sect has long colluded with the Demon Clan Demon Sect, then the defensive line built by the Eight Great Sects with countless resources in the Endless Sea is nothing more than a figurative gesture, not providing much obstruction to the Demon Clan Demon Sect.

Even the Supreme Sect Leader on the jade steps his smile instantly vanished, brows furrowed with doubt, whispered:

"Such is the matter, it seems the Beast Taming Sect is dissatisfied being at the bottom of the Eight Great Sects for so many years, constantly overshadowed by Dao Yi Sect, plotting something else."

This conjecture, exactly aligns with Daoist Monarch Wuji's earlier thoughts.

With slightly narrowed eyes revealing a chill, the Supreme Sect Leader's boundless aura suddenly began circulating, rolling out like a tidal wave.

"Secretly betraying the Eight Great Sects, the Beast Taming Sect's actions could leave them no retreat, should they truly collude inside and out, sparking rebellion, the entire Cang Mang Domain will be in ruin."

"However, since the news has now been exposed, the Beast Taming Sect can no longer make any small moves."

Almost instantly, the Supreme Sect Leader formed a plan, eyes focused, scanning the crowd below:

"Transmit my command, ordered…"

Soon enough, as the True Martial Sect announced the appointment of Jiang Shu as Deputy Sect Master across various sects, spreading in all directions, the name of Daoist Monarch Taixuan also resounded throughout the True Martial Thirty-Six Cities.

Spreading across the entire Cang Mang Domain.

It is not the initial stage of the war now, many people in different dynasties have already heard about it, living in daily apprehension, fearing the spreading flames of battle.

A sect having a newly ascended Daoist Monarch, sufficient to prove that within the war, the Eight Great Sects firmly hold the upper hand.

Stabilizing the populace!

...

Meanwhile.

Thousands of miles across the Endless Sea.

The wind howled, dark clouds filled the sky.

The overwhelming evil qi, like giant blades, roared in the wind.

Under the gloomy firmament, within a deep and mysterious valley, blood-colored mist lingered year-round, twisting and curling.

At the intersection of the abyss and the black river, through the drifting blood mist, an imposing temple built of white bones, faintly appeared.

The towering blood energy, emanating from the valley's mysterious patterns, carried with it a thick evil qi, capable of eroding the divine soul of any living being who unknowingly enters, transforming them into a zombie.

The temple corners dangling with wind chimes made of skulls, with every gust of cold wind, the wind chimes swayed, clashing sounds like wailing spirits, mournful and tragic.

Ordinary cultivators, upon the slightest sound, would be engulfed by heart demons, turned into zombies.

Such sinister and eerie scenery, at a glance, instills inevitable fear, difficult to suppress.

This place, known as 'Soul Suppressing Valley', is the main stronghold of the Demon Sect!

At this moment, after countless years of stillness, the blood mist suddenly churned open, several shadowy figures emitting cold auras slowly emerged from it.

Leading them, his face stern, brow furrowed, clad in a blood-pattern black robe, was indeed Daoist Monarch Xuan Ming, returning from the Demon Sect's relic.