Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 359 Morale Deteriorates
April weather is always warm and pleasant, with gentle sunshine and everything coming to life.

The scenery outside the Beast Taming Sect's mountain gate is even more pleasing to the eye. The boundless plains are filled with the fluttering of orioles and butterflies. A gentle breeze blows, and the silver-flowered trees sway, with silver leaves rustling down, creating a beautiful scene.

However, Song Xian had no interest in appreciating the beautiful scenery; he was anxiously awaiting an audience with the Beast Taming Sect.

He waited for two whole hours before a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect came up to him, looked him up and down, and asked, "Are you Senior Song Xian of the Hunyuan Sect?"

"It's down."

"Please follow me." Song Xian followed him through the mountain gate and arrived at a grand hall. After waiting for a while, Jiang Feng entered from outside, unhurriedly.

"Greetings, Steward Jiang." Song Xian hurriedly stepped forward and bowed. Jiang Feng was the only person in the Beast Taming Sect with whom he had a good relationship and influence, so he specifically asked to see him by name.

"What brings you here? What brings you here?" Jiang Feng glanced at him, his attitude somewhat cold. He had previously instructed Song Xian to keep the gambling den and market at Stone Ridge a secret and to give him a share of the profits privately, but Pang Tong had reported it to the sect.

Although the fault did not lie with Hunyuanzong, he understood that Song Xianding had not done his best in handling the matter, so he did not treat him well and deliberately ignored him for several hours before summoning him to meet.

"The Luoyun Sect has rebelled. Taking advantage of your sect's attack on Humen City, they have colluded with the Fengxing Sect to seize Luojia Mountain and Tianshan Mountain, which were occupied by our sect. We implore your sect to send troops immediately to quell the Luoyun Sect's rebellion."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Feng's eyes narrowed and his body gradually stiffened: "What happened? Tell me in detail."

Song Xian then recounted the entire incident, including how he used the "golden cicada shedding its shell" strategy to lead his sect's disciples out of Bianxi City.

"Well done, Luoyun Sect. In the end, they've turned against us and sided with Yunxuan Sect." Jiang Feng's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Master Jiang, this matter must be reported to your sect leader immediately! The defection of the Luoyun Sect will inevitably lead to a pincer attack with the Fengxing Sect. Not only is Humen City in danger, but the disciples of your sect who are supporting Humen City and the cultivators recruited by various sects in other cities are also in grave danger."

"Wait here for a while." Jiang Feng got up and left the main hall. After a while, a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect arrived and led him to a hall on another mountain.

Besides Jiang Feng, there was a fair-skinned, beardless middle-aged man sitting in the upper seat in the inner room. He was Wang Xuan, the chief of the inner cabinet of the Beast Taming Sect. Song Xian had met him once when he broke through to the Foundation Establishment Realm at the Beast Taming Sect's mountain gate. Now he had broken through to the Golden Core Realm.

"This junior greets Senior Wang."

Wang Xuan waved his hand gently: "Fellow Daoist Song, I heard you say that Luoyun Sect has betrayed our sect and joined Yunxuan Sect. Do you have any evidence?"

Song Xian was startled. What did Wang Xuan mean by that? While Fengxing Sect was attacking Humen City, Luoyun Sect was launching a sneak attack on Hunyuan Sect, which had close ties with Yushou Sect. Wasn't that a clear act of betrayal? Why ask such a question?

He looked questioningly at Jiang Feng, who was sitting down below him, hoping to get some hints from him. But Jiang Feng sat upright, staring straight ahead. He noticed his gaze but didn't even look at him.

"The Luoyun Sect knows that our sect was established by your sect. With our sect around, they will never be able to unify Bianxi City. So, taking advantage of the time when Fellow Daoist Pang Tong was leading the Bianxi City conscription team to support Humen City, they attacked our sect. Their intentions are obvious. If they hadn't secretly reached an agreement with the Yunxuan Sect, why would they attack our sect for no reason?"

Song Xian keenly sensed that something was amiss, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. In his imagination, the higher-ups of the Beast Taming Sect shouldn't have been so nonchalant about this matter, as if it were none of their business.

Perhaps he was overthinking it, but Wang Xuan's words were indeed puzzling. He didn't know what the other party was thinking, so he could only tell him the truth.

After listening, Wang Xuan nodded calmly: "Fellow Daoist Song, do you have some kind of conflict with the Luoyun Sect?"

Song Xian's pupils dilated slightly as he finally realized what was wrong. It seemed that Wang Xuan was intentionally trying to exonerate the Luoyun Sect.

His opening statement denied the fact that Luoyun Sect had sided with Yunxuan Sect, and then he dragged Luoyun Sect's actions into the personal conflict between the two sides, making his intentions all too clear.

How could this be? This shouldn't be happening!
In his mind, the higher-ups of the Beast Taming Sect would surely be furious upon hearing this. How could they possibly defend the Falling Cloud Sect? Could it be that the Falling Cloud Sect had already established connections with the higher-ups of the Beast Taming Sect?
"Senior, you are wise. Our sect and the Luoyun Sect have never had any enmity. Steward Jiang knows this. The Luoyun Sect's attack on our sect is definitely not for personal grudges."

Wang Xuan remained calm and composed, speaking in a gentle tone: "Fellow Daoist Song, it's not that I don't believe you, but the situation is still unclear. I haven't received any news or intelligence about Luoyun Sect joining forces with Yunxuan Sect, and even you yourself don't have any solid evidence."

"You said that Duan Quan of the Luoyun Sect released false information to ambush you. Regardless of whether it's true or not, even if it is true, is it possible that this was Duan Quan's personal act and had nothing to do with the Luoyun Sect?"

"Even if Duan Quan was instructed by Tao Jinyuan, the leader of Luoyun Sect, it does not prove that they betrayed our sect and joined Yunxuan Sect. They may just feel that your sect poses a threat to them and want to get rid of you."

"I'm not saying your judgment is wrong; it's possible that your judgment is correct."

"But our sect cannot attack Luoyun Sect based solely on your word."

"Our sect will investigate thoroughly. If the Luoyun Sect has indeed sided with the Yunxuan Sect, our sect will definitely take action. If it is merely a personal grudge between you, our sect will also send someone to mediate."

"Don't rush, just settle down here in Xijiang County first."

This argument was so logical and well-founded that Song Xian had no reply.

"If you don't believe me, senior, then just wait for news from Bianxi City. I'm certain that Luoyun Sect has secretly reached an agreement with Yunxuan Sect and will definitely follow the example of Anyuan City and Yongning City to organize an independent alliance for Bianxi City, or even directly announce an alliance with Yunxuan Sect."

Wang Xuan remained noncommittal: "I heard that everyone from your sect has withdrawn from Bianxi City? Where are you staying now?"

"The spirit ship carrying our disciples is still on its way to Xijiang County. I have come to inform your sect in advance. If your sect sends troops to attack Luoyun Sect, our sect is willing to be the vanguard and join your sect in annihilating Luoyun Sect."

"You have always been loyal to our sect, and everyone in the sect knows this. Rest assured, our sect will never abandon you. So, Junior Brother Jiang, find a place for these Hunyuan Sect cultivators to settle down."

"Yes," Jiang Feng replied.

"If you encounter any difficulties, you can come to me. Our sect will provide you with protection."

"Thank you, Senior Wang. However, what our sect needs is not stability in Xijiang County, but to return to Bianxi City. This retreat is merely a strategic move to preserve our strength. If your sect is willing to send troops, our sect will serve you with utmost loyalty and devotion until death."

"Once our sect has investigated thoroughly, we will give you an answer. Someone, take Fellow Daoist Song to rest." Wang Xuan directly issued an order to leave.

“Senior Song, please.” A disciple of the Beast Taming Sect approached him and gestured for him to proceed. “If Senior has no further instructions, I shall take my leave. My disciples are still on their way to Xijiang County, so I will not stay at your sect’s gate to rest.”

Wang Xuan nodded slightly, and Song Xian turned and left, heading straight out of the Beast Taming Sect's mountain gate.

This trip was completely different from what he had expected. Wang Xuan's attitude was hard for him to understand, which gave him a bad feeling.

He originally thought that the higher-ups of the Beast Taming Sect would take this news very seriously, and if not immediately send troops, at least give a promise and guarantee. But judging from Wang Xuan's appearance, he didn't seem to care about it.

What he fears most now is that the Luoyun Sect will take advantage of the situation and then announce that after taking Luojia Mountain and Tianshan Mountain, it was just a private feud between them and the Hunyuan Sect.

In that case, he would never have another chance to return to Bianxi City.

As long as Luoyun Sect doesn't openly betray Yushou Sect, Yushou Sect will never send troops to Bianxi City for the sake of Hunyuan Sect.

Although Wang Xuan made nice promises, saying that he would send someone to mediate even if it was a personal grudge, it was basically all nonsense.

Mediation? How can we mediate? Are we to make Luoyun Sect spit out the flesh they've swallowed and return Tianshan to Hunyuan Sect?
.........

"Senior Brother Wang, are we just going to leave Luoyun Sect to its own devices? There are too many properties belonging to our sect in Bianxi City. Are we just going to abandon them all?" Jiang Feng asked as Song Xian walked away.

“You know the sect’s current situation. Where can we mobilize so many people to attack Bianxi City? Right now, we can only turn a blind eye to Luoyun Sect. As long as they don’t openly announce their allegiance to Yunxuan Sect, we can maintain a superficial relationship.”

"What if they announce an alliance with Emperor Yunxuan?"

"Then the situation of our sect will be even more difficult, so we cannot let such a thing happen. Immediately send someone to Bianxi City to talk to Luoyun Sect and appease them."

"I'm afraid they've already reached an agreement with the Yunxuan Sect. If our sect makes such concessions, it will only make us seem weak and easily bullied, and in the end, we will lose face and dignity."

Wang Xuan glanced at him: "Junior Brother Jiang, do you still think it's like before? The sect has long since lost all its face. Now we need to think about survival."

Jiang Feng sighed: "What about the Hunyuan Sect? How will we settle them?"

"You decide what to do! Keep them for now; if the Luoyun Sect insists on going its own way, we might need them in the future. What do you think of Song Xian?"

"This man is exceptionally talented, insightful, and resourceful. Back then, the Hunyuan Sect was just a small sect with only ten members, settling in a low-grade first-level spiritual vein in Bianxia Town, with nothing at all. In just a few decades, under his leadership, his sect produced four Foundation Establishment cultivators, and he single-handedly built the Tianshan Gambling House and Tianshan Market, which became famous throughout the western border counties, and its momentum is growing rapidly."

Wang Xuan nodded, his eyes showing appreciation: "He is indeed a rare talent. The Luoyun Sect had all the advantages and launched an attack from the shadows, but he made them run around in circles. This shows his intelligence and strategy. If the Hunyuan Sect disbands, we can recruit him into the sect."

.........

The sky was clear and sunny, with not a cloud in the sky.

In a desolate valley, several spirit ships were moored. In the distance, a streak of light shot towards them; the newcomer was none other than Song Xian.

"Headmaster."

"Headmaster."

When Lin Zixiang, Zhang Ningyuan, Lu Yuan, Qi Xiaobai, Huang He and others saw him return, they immediately came to greet him, all looking at him with eager eyes full of hope.

Song Xian knew that everyone really wanted to return to Tianshan. The meaning in their eyes was obvious. In an instant, he felt a little ashamed and worried.

He went to the Beast Taming Sect's mountain gate with everyone's hopes. Everyone wanted to hear that the Beast Taming Sect would immediately send troops, but the result was indeed disappointing. Looking at everyone's eager eyes, he felt somewhat ashamed.

He made the decision to withdraw from Bianxi City despite strong opposition, but now he doesn't even know if the Beast Taming Sect will send troops. How can he say that?

"Let's go! We'll talk inside." Song Xian secretly adjusted his mindset and strode into the cabin of the spirit ship, with the core members of the Hunyuan Sect following behind him.

"Sect Leader, what did the Beast Taming Sect say? When will they send troops?" Lin Zixiang spoke first, and everyone's eyes turned to him.

Song Xian tried his best to maintain his usual calm demeanor: "The Beast Taming Sect said that they will take action after they have investigated the matter thoroughly."

Upon hearing this, the room erupted in chaos. Everyone looked at each other in disbelief, as no one had expected this outcome. They had assumed that the Beast Taming Sect would send troops upon hearing the news, but they hadn't anticipated any investigation.

"What do you mean by 'investigate thoroughly'?" Zhang Ningyuan's expression changed. "Isn't it clear enough? While the Fengxing Sect was attacking Humen City, the Luoyun Sect attacked us from behind. Even a fool could see that they were going to pledge allegiance to the Yunxuan Sect. Didn't the Beast Taming Sect know that?"

Huang He, contrary to his usual bluntness, questioned, "What is the meaning of taking action? It's unclear whether you're sending troops or not. Has the Beast Taming Sect betrayed us?"

As a cultivator who surrendered from Tianshan, he held a high position, but lacked seniority and had little influence within the Hunyuan Sect. He was also aware of his status as a surrendered cultivator, so he had always been cautious and timid, especially when facing Song Xian. He was always obsequious and did whatever was said without ever offering any opinions.

Today, however, he questioned me without any restraint, which shows that he was dissatisfied with the decision to abandon Tianshan and withdraw from Bianxi City.

He was an old member of the Tianshan Sect. After the Hunyuan Sect occupied Tianshan, he stayed there. For him, it didn't really matter who he followed, as long as he could protect the resources of his small area in Tianshan.

Now that the Hunyuan Sect is withdrawing, he is also leaving, especially since he was kept in the dark beforehand and was only informed after boarding the spirit ship, which makes him even more dissatisfied.

The team that withdrew from Tianshan almost had an internal conflict, with the most violent fight coming from the original Tianshan sect cultivators led by Huang He.

"Silence." Song Xian's face darkened, and although his voice was not loud, it was like a thunderclap, instantly silencing the whispers in the room.

Although many people were dissatisfied with the decision to abandon Tianshan and withdraw from Bianxi City, his prestige as the leader of the sect remained after so many years, and no one dared to disobey his orders.

(End of this chapter)