75 To stand at the top 2 (1/2)

In a hidden realm accessible only from the Ku mountain, the Ku clan chief and his elders sat in a humid hall. The hall looked something like a cave. The ceiling was high and the walls were wet. If one listened over the occasional crackle of lightening as it run down the walls from the ceiling, one could hear the slight sound of water dripping from the walls.

”The Demon race are becoming more active as of recent.” an elder said.

”We have found several properties in the south under their influence. This is twice as much in one month than has been in eight decades.” another said.

”I did not call this meeting for the troubles of the Demon race. In the past month, several of the nine powers have been attacked.” the clan chief said, his muscular frame flexing as he talked.

”As for that matter, the Jade phoenix alliance seems to be the first to have been attacked. Even our Ku lightening forest was not spared.” an elder said.

”Who would have such courage? Who would dare anger the entire cultivation world?” an elder asked.

”You know who.” someone said. This caused the old men to go silent for a while.

”He would not dare!” an elder fumed.

”Is there anything Tie Nse would not dare do?” the clan chief asked.

”Even his Heaven alliance was hit too. It may not be him.” someone said.

”He completely ignores his alliance most of the time. It is possible he just walked in an took what he wanted without asking.” another countered.

”That is not why I called you all here.” the clan chief spoke at last, ”We need to know exactly what was taken from each of the powers and what he plans to do with them.”

”He just got a new disciple and is now doing this. If it is him, we need to be careful.”

”All these things he has stolen, could it be a weapon, an inscription ingredient or a pill?” one asked.

”The greatest inscriptionist is one of our own. The forge has not made any move to bring Mae Nim from exile. This kind of ingredient, only he could handle it. The only loose end is the cottage. The cottage master is the greatest alchemist and he is an enemy of Patriarch Tie Nse. Is it possible he would work for him?” someone asked.

”No one has seen the cottage master the past month.” another said.

”The Jade phoenix alliance may have once thought that it was a personal attack to Gate Lady Fulren's son, but seeing how other powers have been attacked too, there is no way they would believe it now.”

”They probably think as we do. This will make them more interested in Tie Nse and his disciple.” the clan chief said.