Lingyuan Immortal

Chapter 967 Dead End
The cool evening breeze, carrying a light drizzle, swept across the altar, making everyone present feel refreshed, but unable to dispel the gloom in their hearts.

As Tao Fengbian and the other two had predicted, after the messenger left, an uncontrollable commotion and whispers immediately arose among Sun Cheng and the other external aid cultivators.

If Zhong Chiyan were still alive, or if the three Chu brothers and Mo Wenxiu had not perished, they might still have some confidence to fight back.

But now the situation has taken a sharp turn for the worse. Fusheng is showing signs of decline, and Liangyi Temple is openly trucing while secretly exerting pressure, its words revealing its murderous intent...

They came here seeking profit, so who would willingly accompany Fusheng Temple into an abyss of no return?

Even those who once coveted the position of Elder Fusheng, their thoughts at this moment have probably begun to waver...

Fu Danian keenly sensed the fluctuations in everyone's emotions, his face instantly turning ashen. He opened his mouth to invoke the legal contract, but was stopped by Tao Feng beside him who raised his hand without making a sound.

Bringing up the legal contract at this point would be like adding fuel to the fire, and would only backfire...

Tao Feng sighed inwardly, but on the surface he seemed oblivious to the strange behavior of the crowd. He spoke in a deep voice with a deliberate calmness: "Since the discussion on the Dao is not yet over, and we have this good opportunity to rest and recuperate, fellow Daoists, please make yourselves at home and find a place to cultivate in peace."

"That's fine..."

"Yes……"

The responses were sparse and scattered, revealing a sense of absent-mindedness and alienation, as if foreshadowing an even greater predicament that Fusheng Temple was about to face.

Although the Fusheng Dharma Altar is not very spacious, the flying island beneath our feet is several tens of miles wide, providing more than enough quiet place to regulate our breathing.

However, at this moment, the crowd showed no intention of dispersing. Under the subtle signals of a few observant individuals, they gathered in small groups, quietly converging on the edge of the altar or in secluded spots on the flying island, whispering and discussing amongst themselves.

An uneasy feeling, like the impending storm, filled the air...

High in the sky, where clouds and mist shroud the sky.

Luo Feng, using his divine sense, looked down at the large group of people gathered on the flying island. He couldn't help but smile, clapping his hands in delight.
"Brilliant! Brilliant! Zhong Chiyan's departure is like removing the fuel from under the cauldron. People's hearts are completely shaken. Everyone can see that Fusheng Temple's fate is sealed and there is no way to reverse it. Junior Brother Wei's plan is truly brilliant!"

Wei Cangdong stood with his hands behind his back. Hearing this, he smiled faintly, his eyes deep, and said slowly, "Even though Fusheng has suffered casualties among the fellow practitioners he invited, there are still nearly ten of them. Among them are people with unpredictable strength, such as Chen Mu. If you say that these people are willing to risk their lives for Fusheng, I find it hard to believe."

He paused, his tone carrying an air of complete control: "At this moment, we will open a way out for them. If things go smoothly, we can make them give up half of their men without bloodshed."

"If Fusheng dares to obstruct us... ha, then we won't even need to lift a finger; their own formation will be thrown into chaos first."

As he had expected, after Zhong Chiyan left, although the cultivators did not say anything, they secretly compared themselves to him. In addition, the rumors spread by the young Daoist further fueled their desire to escape as soon as possible, just like Zhong Chiyan.

However, there is one thing that cannot be bypassed: each of them is bound by a legal contract, and if it is ignored, there will definitely be a backlash later...

"Fellow Daoists," someone in the crowd finally couldn't hold back any longer and asked in a low voice, "Does anyone have a good plan to persuade Abbot Tao... to release this binding magic contract?"

"A good plan?"

Immediately, someone scoffed, their voice laced with sarcasm, "If it were you or me, at this critical juncture of life and death, would we easily relinquish this last remaining constraint? Holding onto the legal contract tightly is the only sensible thing to do. Voluntarily breaking it? That's wishful thinking!"

"But what about Lord Zhong Zhenjun—"

“Zhong Zhenjun truly exerted his strength and was injured, while we have not made any contribution. How can we have the face to ask Abbot Tao for mercy?”

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over their heads; the group immediately deflated, and could only sigh inwardly, "If only we had known... we should have fought to the death on the first day to find a reason to escape..."

The Two Elements Observatory clearly stated that after today, they would no longer hold back.

Even if they were confident in their own cultivation, who wouldn't feel apprehensive in the face of such a life-or-death situation? They were all unwilling to take unnecessary risks.

Upon hearing the sigh, many people subconsciously turned their gazes to the Wu couple in the corner, their eyes filled with a hint of unspoken envy.

At this moment, a gray-robed True Lord's eyes lit up and he said, "Although Fellow Daoist Wu and his wife did not win, they fought bravely and were seriously injured as a result."

"If you two were to plead your case, explaining that you are too badly injured to continue... Master Tao, out of consideration for our relationship, might make an exception... Perhaps we should ask you and your wife to go on our behalf..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his intention was clear: he wanted to nominate the injured couple as their representatives to negotiate and seek a way out for everyone.

Unexpectedly, Wu Daoren suddenly stood up and sneered, "Fellow Daoists, you are truly laughable. Before signing the contract, Abbot Tao clearly informed everyone of the dangers of this journey, and you all personally agreed and signed it! Now that the situation is unfavorable, you want to betray your promise and withdraw?"

With a wave of his sleeve, he created a gust of wind: "Although I am just a wandering cultivator in the mountains, I know that the words 'trust and righteousness' weigh more than a thousand pounds!"

"Such treacherous and desertive behavior is something my husband and I are ashamed to associate with. If you want to leave, go and talk to Abbot Tao yourselves. Don't try to disgust my husband and me with such vile thoughts!"

After saying this, he ignored the awkward expressions on everyone's faces, carefully helped his wife, who was breathing weakly, straightened his back, strode away from the restless crowd.

An awkward silence fell over the scene.

The gray-robed Taoist priest who had made the earlier suggestion felt his face burning and the back of his neck hot, a mixture of anger at the Wu couple's "lack of appreciation" and an indescribable shame.

Fortunately, someone spoke up to break the deadlock: "Fellow Daoist, there is no need to be angry. Mo Wenxiu, a friend of the Wu couple, died at the hands of Liangyi Temple. He will not leave so easily. If you want him to mediate between us, you have chosen the wrong person."

Upon hearing this, the gray-robed Taoist's expression softened slightly, and he stepped down from the stage, saying, "In your opinion, who is qualified for this position?"

The man smiled slightly, took two steps forward, and lowered his voice, saying, "Chen Mu, True Lord Chen..."

"True Lord Chen?" The gray-robed Taoist frowned immediately and questioned, "Isn't your statement contradictory? According to you, True Lord Chen personally killed Elder Song of the Two Elements Temple!"

"With such deep-seated hatred, he should be fighting the Liangyi Temple to the death, so why has he become the person suitable for peacemaking?"

The man remained calm and slowly shook his head, saying, "No, no."

"Precisely because Chen Zhenjun killed Song Qin, we should seize this only chance to live tonight and escape as soon as possible. Otherwise, wouldn't we really be locked in a life-or-death struggle with the Liangyi Temple tomorrow?"

Upon hearing this, everyone pondered for a moment and found that there was some truth to it.

For an ordinary cultivator, killing Elder Liangyi would be a blood feud, and there would be no reason for them to let it go.

However, Chen Mu was ultimately born into a lineage of True Immortals and possessed an extraordinary status. If he were willing to leave at this moment, even with Song Qin's blood on his hands, given Luo Feng's shrewdness and the weighing of pros and cons, he would most likely choose to endure and temporarily let bygones be bygones.

"I see……"

A knowing glint flashed in the gray-robed Taoist's eyes. He then looked up and surveyed the surroundings. "I wonder which of you fellow Taoists here has a past connection with True Lord Chen? Would you be willing to step forward and plead our case?"

The room remained silent; no one responded.

But the gray-robed Daoist had already made up his mind. His gaze finally fell on Xu Rong and the others who remained silent, and he chuckled, "Fellow Daoist Xu, why are you silent?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Rong gently shook her head, slowly stood up, and spoke in a clear and calm voice:
"Although I am not close to Chen Zhenjun, I know a little about his character. I would like to advise everyone not to... try to catch fish by climbing a tree, which is futile."

If Chen Mu truly intended to escape, why would he so ruthlessly strike and kill Song Qin on the spot?
The gray-robed Taoist and his ilk were ultimately being too wishful.

After speaking, Xu Rong said no more and turned to leave.

Upon seeing this, Guo Zizhe hesitated slightly, but after only a moment's hesitation, he followed.

Only the True Monarch in green stood rooted to the spot, his expression shifting between light and shadow several times, yet he remained motionless. Guo Zizhe hadn't gone far when he noticed the anomaly and turned back in surprise, asking, "Fellow Daoist Qingyu?"

The True Lord in green robes seemed to dare not meet the eyes of the two, and only lowered his head slightly, remaining silent.

In fact, it can be seen from the fact that Zhong Chiyan had previously tried to extort bribes and that he had tried to persuade Xu and Guo to back down that this person has always been afraid of taking risks.

The reason they came to help Fusheng Temple was because they had a large number of people and were confident that they wouldn't be defeated in an instant. That's why they signed the contract with a bit of luck, hoping to gain favor and abundant resources.

Unexpectedly, the situation took a sharp turn for the worse and collapsed to this point...

Seeing this, Xu Rong and Guo Zizhe understood and both shook their heads and sighed.

People have different personalities, and you can't force them to have their way.

The two exchanged a glance, then, without lingering, strode off to the other side of the altar.

After the two left, the Green-Robed True Lord spoke up, saying, "I have also spoken with True Lord Chen, and I would like to go and invite him."

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces lit up with joy, and they immediately said in unison, "We're counting on you, fellow Daoist."

The Azure-Robed True Lord waved his hand, said no more, and immediately leaped into the air, flying straight towards where Chen Mu was meditating. He arrived in an instant, descended from the clouds, and landed not far away, respectfully bowing and saying, "True Lord Chen, I apologize for disturbing you."

Chen Mu stood up and chuckled, "So it's Fellow Daoist Qingyu. You've come alone. May I ask what brings you here?"

The True Lord in Green Robe hesitated for a moment before finally explaining in detail why everyone wanted him to step forward and plead with Tao Feng to lift the legal contract.

Upon hearing this, Chen Mu's smile remained gentle, yet he showed no hesitation, and he said directly, "I regret that I cannot grant your request."

Seeing Chen Mu's decisive refusal, the Green-Robed True Monarch felt a pang of anxiety, yet dared not press the matter further. He hesitated for a moment before finally letting out a helpless sigh and bowing once more: "In that case... I shall take my leave."

After saying this, he turned and left dejectedly.

If Chen Mu is unwilling to take the lead, who else has the qualifications and influence to do so?

On the way back, the True Lord in green robes had a solemn expression, as if a huge rock was pressing on his heart.

Just as his thoughts were in turmoil, he saw a streak of light rushing towards him from the front. Judging from its appearance, it seemed to be coming specifically for him.

The Green-Robed True Monarch's heart stirred. Upon seeing the newcomer's face clearly, his spirits lifted, and the almost extinguished flame of hope was quietly rekindled. He blurted out, "True Monarch Sun? What are you...?"

The newcomer was Sun Cheng. He had just learned what everyone was thinking from the gray-robed Taoist, and he also had the same idea of ​​leaving.

He originally came to follow Zhong Chiyan, but now that Zhong Chiyan has left and the situation has become so dangerous and unpredictable, although he was extremely reluctant to give up the generous reward promised by Fusheng Temple, his life was ultimately more important, so he decisively came to seek out Qingshan Zhenjun.

"Fellow Daoist, what did True Lord Chen say?"

The Green-Robed True Lord shook his head and sighed: "True Lord Chen will not respond."

“In that case,” Sun Cheng’s eyes flashed, and he volunteered, “I am willing to go and plead with Abbot Tao on behalf of all of you. What do you think?”

Upon hearing this, Qingyu's eyes immediately lit up with surprise.

Aside from the unfathomable Chen Mu, Sun Cheng had at least won a match, so his presence carried enough weight.

He immediately replied, "It is my pleasure that True Lord Sun is willing to step forward and mediate. I will accompany you, fellow Daoist!"

Unexpectedly, Sun Cheng waved his hand slightly, a shrewd smile on his face: "The two of us alone are probably not enough. My intention is to invite all of you fellow Daoists to come together."

Although he was willing to take the lead, he was also well aware of his own limitations.

If everyone only supports him from behind, it will be difficult to change Tao Feng's mind. This is precisely the key reason why he came to Qingyu to form an alliance.

Qingyu had no objection to this, and the two hit it off immediately. They returned to where the cultivators had gathered, gave a brief explanation, and then encouraged everyone to set off together, flying in a grand procession toward the core of the Fusheng Dharma Altar.

When they met Tao Fengbian, Sun Cheng took the lead, cupped his hands, and frankly stated his purpose.

To his surprise, Tao Fengbian showed no anger whatsoever upon hearing of the group's intention to leave; his expression was as calm as a deep pool of water.
"Since you fellow Daoists are willing to leave, my Fusheng Temple will not force you to stay or restrain us."

Sun Cheng was overjoyed, but fearing that Tao Feng might go back on his word, he immediately pressed his advantage and said, "The abbot is very wise and understanding, so please... release the binding of the legal contract."

Tao Feng turned his gaze to Fu Danian, whose face was so gloomy it was almost dripping with water. Suppressing his anger, he raised his hand and threw the legal contract binding everyone into the air, saying in a harsh voice, "Take it, do with it as you please!"

Sun Cheng reacted swiftly, snatching the magic contract and immediately channeling his magic power.

In a flash of inspiration, the contract that carried the binding agreement instantly turned into dust and scattered with the wind.

He then bowed respectfully to Tao Fengbian and the others, before turning around and leading the eager cultivators away from the Fusheng Altar as if granted a pardon.

"Although the items on the gift list are unattainable, taking the lead in making this happen has earned us a great deal of goodwill, so it can be considered a loss on one front and a gain on another."

As he fled into the light, Sun Cheng secretly plotted, feeling quite pleased with himself.

After everyone left, Fu Danian finally couldn't hold back any longer and said in a deep voice, "Senior brother, how could you... how could you let them go? If this happens, how can we possibly have any strength left to contend with the Liangyi Temple?!"

Before Tao Fengbian could answer, Yan Rongmu spoke up, his voice steady yet tinged with a weary understanding of the world: "Junior brother, this is Liangyi Temple's psychological warfare tactic. Even if we forcefully detain you, bound by the legal contract, our fellow practitioners may not immediately turn against us, but when Liangyi Temple truly attacks..."

"It's hard to guarantee that no one will back down in the face of battle, or even turn against us. Rather than leaving this hidden danger, it's better to... let go as soon as possible."

Fu Danian was struck dumb, standing there speechless for a long time.

Finally, he slumped down to the side, utterly dejected, as if all his strength had been drained away...

Watching the streaks of light fly away from the Three Immortals Valley, Yan Rongmu's expression turned solemn, and he slowly shook his head and sighed.
"Senior brother, once these people leave, the Liangyi Sect will surely launch a major attack tomorrow, and they may even disregard the previously established rules for the duel... How should we deal with this doomed situation?"

Tao Fengbian also sighed deeply, his voice filled with exhaustion: "What Junior Brother Yan said, how could I not know? But... if I were to bow down and admit defeat, and hand over the foundation of Fusheng Temple, I, Tao Fengbian... would truly be unwilling!"

Yan Rongmu perhaps sensed the unspoken meaning in Tao Fengbian's words, and lowered his voice to tentatively ask, "Otherwise... we'll agree to Uncle Tang's conditions?"

Tang Shangyuan coveted the future incense offerings to Fusheng Temple. Previously, they were extremely unwilling and even intended to use Liangyi Temple to get rid of this thorn in their side.

However, the plan failed, and seven or eight out of ten of the cultivators who came to help were gone. Now, if they want to preserve their lineage, it seems that... only agreeing to Tang Shangyuan's offer is the only way out.

Fu Danian's expression changed repeatedly, but in the end he didn't say anything, clearly recognizing the precarious situation.

Tao Feng lowered his eyes and said, "If there is still a glimmer of hope... how can we resort to such a desperate measure as drinking poison to quench our thirst?"

He didn't say it outright, but both Yan and Fu knew that there was absolutely no chance of survival left...

……

(End of this chapter)