Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 356: No Time to Lose
Seeing that his expression gradually darkened, Song Xian knew that he was wavering, so he revealed the whole plan.

"The problem now is how we can get out unscathed. Since the Luoyun Sect is determined to eliminate us, they will not allow us to leave Bianxi City safely. I'm sure there are many Luoyun Sect spies lying in ambush near Luojia Mountain right now, observing our movements."

“If we openly and blatantly withdraw, the Luoyun Sect will surely pursue us once they get the news. So we must first lull them into a false sense of security and use the Golden Cicada Sheds plan to quietly leave Bianxi City. Then we should ask the Beast Taming Sect to send a large force to wipe out the Luoyun Sect, and then we can retake Bianxi City together with them.”

Lin Zixiang's eyes flickered slightly: "According to what the sect leader said, if the Luoyun Sect has really made full preparations and secretly contacted the Yunxuan Sect, and if the Yunxuan Sect sends troops to support the Luoyun Sect and helps the Luoyun Sect defend Bianxi City, what should our sect do then?"

Song Xian narrowed his eyes slightly and remained silent for a while.

"Then there's no other way but to seek refuge with the Beast Taming Sect, lie low, and wait for an opportunity."

.........

Inside the dimly lit room of Luoyun Sect, Tao Jinyuan and Jin Yuanxing were having a private conversation when a knock came at the door. Tao Jinyuan waved his hand, and the stone door opened. A slender middle-aged man entered and bowed to him.

"Sect Leader, Senior Brother Jin, news has come from Luojia Mountain. Zhou Hua has informed Song Xian about Black Turtle Island, and everything is progressing smoothly."

"Can Zhou Hua be trusted?" Jin Yuanxing was clearly not so at ease.

"This person is a disciple trained by the Hunyuan Sect since childhood. He is now the squad leader of the Hunyuan Sect's intelligence peak. He has revealed internal information about the Hunyuan Sect to us many times before, so he should be trustworthy."

"Song Xian should not be underestimated. He is meticulous, calm, and resourceful, far superior to ordinary people. Under his leadership, the Hunyuan Sect has grown from an extremely weak sect to the second most powerful force in Bianxi City in just a few decades. His methods and strategies are evident. In particular, his plan to seize Tianshan was meticulously planned and flawless. To deal with such a person, we must be extremely careful and not be careless in the slightest."

Tao Jinyuan nodded: "Song Xian's talent is first-rate. Tianshan, which was originally a desolate place, is now thriving under his development. The gambling house and market on Shitouling are famous far and wide, and their scale is even approaching that of Qingfengfang. It's just a pity that this person cannot be used by our sect, and he has too close a relationship with the Beast Taming Sect, so we have no choice but to get rid of him."

"The others in the Hunyuan Sect are not a problem, but we cannot let Song Xian go. Otherwise, if he escapes, there will be endless troubles later."

The middle-aged, thin man replied, "Rest assured, Master, as long as Song Xian comes out of Luojia Mountain, we will make sure he never returns."

Jin Yuanxing remained deeply suspicious: "Song Xian has been extremely cautious lately. He has declined several invitations to banquets, which shows that he is very wary of our sect. Now that the Fengxing Sect has invaded Humen City, and Pang Tong has personally led the western border city's conscription team to Humen City to assist in the battle, I am worried that even if he does not doubt the authenticity of Zhou Hua's information, he will not be willing to go out easily at such a tense moment."

The middle-aged man pondered for a moment: "According to the information we have, Song Xian is very interested in this special flame. Over the years, he has inquired about it more than once, asking his sect's intelligence peak to find out about the special flame. Obviously, this thing is very important to him. If Zhou Hua doesn't reveal any flaws, based on my understanding of him, he will go there in person."

“First of all, Black Turtle Island is a long way away, and it would take a lot of time to go there and back. Moreover, others may not be able to deal with this black flame. According to the story we made up, it has already killed five late-stage Qi Refining cultivators. If he sends his disciples there, it will not only be a waste of time, but they may not be able to deal with it either. It may also lead to the news being leaked and others finding out and taking it away.”

"Secondly, Song Xian has a habit of doing things personally and is willing to take risks. As far as I know, he has personally led people to carry out treasure hunting operations more than once, and has even entered the Tianlan Forbidden Land."

"Therefore, I am certain that as long as he does not doubt Zhou Hua's words, he will go to Black Turtle Island in person."

"Senior Brother Jiang Jian is closely monitoring their every move near Luojia Mountain. He will send word as soon as he gets any news."

Tao Jinyuan's eyes flickered slightly: "No matter what, we have to prepare for the worst. If Song Xian still doesn't leave Luojia Mountain in the end, we'll launch a full-scale attack and wipe out the Hunyuan Sect in one fell swoop. Junior Brother Duan, go and invite those four people over! It's time to have a word with them."

"Yes." The middle-aged man responded and left.

.........

In the brightly lit mansion of Tianshan, Lu Yuan entered from the outside. His gaze swept over the two people sitting inside, and his heart skipped a beat as he felt a sense of foreboding.

These two people were none other than Zhang Ningyuan and Huang Ye.

Huang Ye's expression was solemn as he nodded slightly at him.

Zhang Ningyuan, besides being solemn, also appeared gloomy, like a volcano about to erupt. He did not greet him upon his arrival.

The atmosphere inside the room was very subtle, with a hint of tension.

Lu Yuan had never seen Zhang Ningyuan with such an expression before, so he immediately knew that something serious had happened.

"Junior Brother Huang, what brings you here?" Lu Yuan looked at Huang Ye.

"Something terrible has happened. The Luoyun Sect has sent people to ambush their sect leader and is about to attack us." Huang Ye's words were concise and startling, leaving Lu Yuan speechless and his heart filled with shock.

"Wh...what? What happened? How is the sect leader now?" Lu Yuan was so shocked that he stammered.

"The sect leader is alright for now; he has seen through their plot." Huang Ye flipped his hand, took out a jade slip, and handed it to him.

Lu Yuan took the jade slip, entered it with his divine sense, and his expression gradually changed. After a while, he withdrew from it, his face becoming complicated. He muttered to himself, "Does the sect leader want us to abandon Bianxi City and quietly withdraw from here?"

He finally understood why Zhang Ningyuan's face was so gloomy. Zhang Ningyuan had long been in charge of the sect's external affairs. He had put a lot of effort into the Tianshan gambling den and market, and spent at least half the year traveling outside.

It can be said that he watched Tianshan Market grow and develop little by little, and he participated in every transaction in Tianshan Market, putting in more effort than anyone else.

Having finally achieved its current scale and success, the gambling dens and markets were naturally unwilling to hand them over.

“No, I must go to Luojia Mountain to see the Sect Leader.” Zhang Ningyuan said firmly.

Huang Ye shook his head: "There's no time. The Luoyun Sect may launch an attack at any time. The sect leader requires you to do as he says immediately and send the sect's property and disciples away in batches."

"I must see the sect leader." Zhang Ningyuan roared like a lion, his suppressed emotions exploding as he abruptly stood up.

Clearly, the two had already had an argument once before.

Huang Ye shook his head helplessly and looked at Lu Yuan, his meaning clear: he wanted Lu Yuan to persuade Zhang Ningyuan.

"Junior Brother Zhang, don't worry. There's no use in being anxious now. Let's discuss this first and then make a plan."

Zhang Ningyuan took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and lowered his voice: "Senior Brother Lu, do you also agree to give up Bianxi City? We've worked so hard for so many years to build up our current assets, are we just going to give them away to Luoyun Sect like this?"

“Senior Brother Zhang, you must understand that the Sect Leader sent me here not to discuss this with you, but as an order.”

"Don't try that on me." Zhang Ningyuan waved his long sleeves, showing no more politeness towards Huang Ye. He stared intently at Huang Ye as if he were an enemy, pointing his finger at him: "Where were you when we were struggling in Bianxia Town? The sect we have now is something we built bit by bit, not you. You have no right to speak."

Huang Ye was also a little angry at his angry rebuke, but he was calm by nature and knew that arguing with him at this time would not be of any use, so he turned his head away and ignored him.

“Junior Brother Zhang, calm down.” Lu Yuan frowned. “The sect leader must have his reasons for asking us to do this. In this critical moment, if you rush to Luojia Mountain without thinking, wasting time and causing Tianshan to fall into the hands of Luoyun Sect, can you live up to the sect leader’s trust?”

Zhang Ningyuan, still furious, coldly said, "Leave the Tianshan matter to Senior Brother Lu. If you want to leave, then leave. I'll go talk to the sect leader." "Isn't it just the Luoyun Sect? Back then, Tianshan and the Kong family were both far stronger than us, yet we still destroyed them in the end."

"We still have over a hundred people, including three Foundation Establishment cultivators. We're relying on the great formation to defend ourselves, so what is there to fear?"

"The actions of the Luoyun Sect are tantamount to betraying the Beast Taming Sect. The Beast Taming Sect will certainly not sit idly by. We should inform the Beast Taming Sect of this matter, and once their reinforcements arrive, we can work together from the inside and outside to wipe out the Luoyun Sect. At that time, not only will we be able to defend Tianshan, but we will also be in charge of the entire Bianxi City."

Lu Yuan didn't express his opinion, but looked at Huang Ye: "What exactly is the sect leader thinking? Junior Brother Huang, tell us everything you know."

"What Senior Brother Zhang said, how could the Sect Leader not have thought of it? Things are not that simple." Huang Ye repeated Song Xian's words of persuasion to Lin Zixiang.

After hearing this, neither of them spoke. After a moment of silence, Lu Yuan finally nodded: "The sect leader is right. We must withdraw from Bianxi City first."

"You all go! I'll stay," Zhang Ningyuan said in a low voice.

"Junior Brother Zhang, don't act rashly. We can still make a comeback when the Beast Taming Sect sends troops."

Zhang Ningyuan's expression was firm: "I will stay on Guzi Peak to observe the situation here. Guzi Peak is our mountain gate, protected by the rules of the Qianqing Sect. The Luoyun Sect will not dare to launch a strong attack. It is safe for me to stay there."

"The sect leader has already given orders regarding the remaining personnel at Guzi Peak. Junior Brother Shen Fan will lead the people from the Puppet Hall to stay behind. They can focus on their puppet-making research at Guzi Peak. There's no point in keeping the others there; they should all be evacuated."

"I said I'm staying at Guzi Peak." Zhang Ningyuan suddenly burst out, his face flushed, and he stood up and kicked over the table next to him.

Lu Yuan opened his mouth but didn't speak. Huang Ye turned his head away, refusing to look at Zhang Ningyuan. The atmosphere in the room became unusually heavy.

No one spoke. After a while, Lu Yuan gave Huang Ye a wink and shook his head.

Huang Ye understood that staying here would be pointless and would only further anger Zhang Ningyuan, so he got up and left without saying a word.

In fact, he and Zhang Ningyuan had never had any conflicts. He also knew that the reason why Zhang Ningyuan was so furious with him was not entirely because of him, but more because of his dissatisfaction with Song Xian's decision. He was just using him as a scapegoat to vent his anger.

.........

Under the bright sunshine of Luojia Mountain, in front of the spacious and bright main hall, a second-tier spirit ship slowly came to a stop. Song Xian and Su Zhirou boarded the spirit ship and entered the cabin.

Before long, the spirit ship shone brightly, took off, and headed south. It quickly sailed away from Luojia Mountain and disappeared into the horizon.

A hundred miles southeast of Luojia Mountain, in a desolate mountain forest, a beam of light descended, revealing the figure of a slender man, Jiang Jian, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Luoyun Sect.

"Uncle Jiang." On the treetop, a figure emerged from concealment, leaped down, landed in front of the man, and bowed.

“Just now, a second-tier spirit ship from the Hunyuan Sect sailed out of Luojia Mountain and headed south. It may be the spirit ship that Song Xian was on. You should report this news to the sect immediately.”

"Yes." The man replied and was about to leave when he suddenly saw a figure in the distance riding a flying magical artifact straight toward him.

The man immediately pulled out an invisibility talisman, intending to conceal his presence, but Jiang Jian waved his hand: "No need, it's Lu Kui."

Upon hearing this, the man put away the invisibility talisman, and soon the figure arrived in the forest, still wearing the clothing of the Hunyuan Sect.

"What news?" Jiang Jian asked when he saw him arrive, knowing that there must be important news. Before he could speak, Jiang Jian asked.

"Song Xian and Su Zhirou both boarded that spirit ship."

"you sure?"

"I saw with my own eyes that, besides them, there were more than a dozen other people who went along with them."

"Okay, well done."

"What about what you promised me?"

"Don't worry, you won't be treated badly. Now come with me to see the sect leader." After saying that, Jiang Jian waved his hand, and spiritual energy enveloped Lu Kui. The two of them took to the air and sped away.

.........

Inside the dimly lit room of Luoyun Sect.

"Reporting to the Sect Leader, Song Xian and Su Zhirou have boarded the Hunyuan Sect's second-tier spirit ship and are heading towards Anyuan City."

In the dimly lit room, Jiang Jian entered from outside and bowed to Tao Jinyuan.

"Who is this person?" Tao Jinyuan looked at Lu Kui, who was dressed in the attire of the Hunyuan Sect.

"He is the person we planted on Luojia Mountain to deliver messages to our sect. His name is Lu Kui. He personally witnessed Song Xian and Lin Zixiang boarding the spirit ship."

"You saw it with your own eyes, can you guarantee it's accurate? Besides those two, were there any other people?"

“I’m willing to stake my life on it, those two are on that spirit ship. Besides them, there are more than a dozen Qi Refining disciples.”

"Alright, I will reward you handsomely after we take down Song Xian and capture Luojia Mountain."

"Sect Leader, it's time to close the net," Jin Yuanxing said from the side.

Tao Jinyuan's eyes flashed with a sharp light: "Senior Brother Jin, you, Junior Brother Chen, Junior Brother Xu, and the four helpers you've invited should go and ambush Song Xian. Their spirit ship is a big target, and the journey is long. The speed of a second-tier spirit ship is far slower than yours, so you should be able to catch up. If you can't find him along the way, go to Black Turtle Island to ambush him. The others don't matter, the main thing is Song Xian. We absolutely cannot let him escape."

"There are only two Foundation Establishment cultivators, Song Xian and Su Zhirou, on that spirit ship. Is it really necessary to have so many people? I think we should leave more manpower to attack Luojia Mountain and Tianshan Mountain! If they fight to the death, the sect might have a hard time if it is short-handed."

“Even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit. We have more than enough manpower. Our sect also has seven Foundation Establishment cultivators and more than a thousand disciples. Attacking Luojia Mountain and Tianshan Mountain will be a piece of cake. The Hunyuan Sect is mostly composed of newly recruited rogue cultivators. They are a rabble and dare not resist. The key is Song Xian. If this person is not eliminated, he will eventually become a problem.”

"Okay, I'll go right away." Jin Yuanxing stood up and strode away.

"Someone come here," Tao Jinyuan called out, and a disciple entered from outside: "What are your orders, Sect Leader?"

"Immediately summon everyone in the sect to stand by."

(End of this chapter)