Houfu did not dwell on it. In truth, the Sword Gate’s troubles went far beyond simply that. Another genius, Gu Pang, had entered seclusion alongside Cheng Gao, only earlier. By now, he was likely already in the Ignorance stage and not easily affected by such disturbances. But who could say whether it would happen again? These matters could not be shared with an outsider like Li Ximing. 0

Houfu could only worry in silence and said softly, “There is something even more troublesome. The [Great Peace Radiant Temple] has been completely defeated, and the north shows no intention of sending reinforcements. The entire Great Western Plains has fallen under the control of the [Pure Victory Dao]. Even the Great Radiant Palace has returned to their hands.0

“I heard from Daoist Master Hongyan that the [Pure Victory Dao] is rebuilding the Mifan sect[1]. They are offering sacrifices to sacred mountains and lakes, planting wind-horse...0