Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 360 Different thoughts

"The most important thing for the sect now is unity. Only by uniting can we have a chance to return to Bianxi City and reclaim everything that originally belonged to us. Let me make this clear: if anyone spreads rumors that cause unrest or even instigates division, I will not let them off easily." Song Xian's sharp gaze swept over everyone, and the disciples in the room all lowered their heads, none daring to confront him.

"The people in charge of the Beast Taming Sect said that they cannot send troops to attack the Falling Cloud Sect based solely on our word, so an investigation is needed. It is an undeniable fact that the Falling Cloud Sect has betrayed the Beast Taming Sect, and the news will spread sooner or later. We just need to wait patiently."

Seeing his anger, everyone fell silent. Lin Zixiang, however, didn't care and continued to question him: "What if Luoyun Sect knows when to stop and doesn't betray Beast Taming Sect? Will Beast Taming Sect then abandon us?"

Song Xian glanced at him: "Know when to stop. How? If Luo Yun Sect dares to deal with our sect, they must have already negotiated terms with Yun Xuan Sect. If they don't switch sides, they will offend the Beast Taming Sect and lose the protection of Yun Xuan Sect, making them look bad from both sides. I predict that it won't be long before Luo Yun Sect announces this to the public."

"What we need to do now is to conserve our strength and wait for the Beast Taming Sect to send troops, then join forces with them to retake Bianxi City."

"It's not safe here yet. We need to go to Xijiang County. The Beast Taming Sect has agreed to provide us with shelter."

"You all go! Order the troops to set off, and we'll talk again when we get to Xijiang County."

Everyone got up and left.

"Senior Brother Zixiang, if you have any questions in the future, we can discuss them privately when no one is around. Right now, the sect is in a state of panic, and we need to reassure them." After everyone else had left, Song Xian kept Lin Zixiang behind and spoke earnestly to him.

Lin Zixiang remained silent, instead looking directly into his eyes with a solemn expression: "Then please tell me the truth, Sect Leader, what is the Beast Taming Sect's attitude? Will they send troops?"

Clearly, he did not believe what Song Xian had just said.

"Does Senior Brother Zixiang think I'm lying to everyone?"

"Having heard the sect leader's account, how could the Beast Taming Sect not understand that the Falling Cloud Sect has already betrayed them? What further investigation is needed?"

“They are from a major sect, so it’s understandable that they are meticulous in their work and don’t listen to our side of the story,” Song Xian explained.

At first, he was indeed puzzled, but now he has figured out the connection. The reason why Wang Xuan made excuses for Luoyun Sect was not because Luoyun Sect had bribed the higher-ups of the Beast Taming Sect, or because he had a deep relationship with Luoyun Sect.

Rather, the Beast Taming Sect did not want to get involved, nor did it want to send troops to attack Bianxi City, so it wanted to minimize the conflict and resolve the matter peacefully.

The Beast Taming Sect is now struggling to survive, its strength is far from what it used to be, and it is also being eyed by the Yunxuan Sect and the Murong family. Moreover, Humen City is currently under attack. If they were to launch an attack on the Luoyun Sect at this time, not to mention whether they could take it down, it would inevitably weaken their own defenses.

Therefore, they hoped to maintain the status quo, turning a blind eye to the Luoyun Sect, hoping that it would stop while it was ahead and not completely side with the Yunxuan Sect, as long as they could maintain a semblance of respectability.

But he couldn't tell anyone else this yet, because once the members of the Hunyuan Sect knew the true attitude of the Beast Taming Sect, their morale would surely collapse.

"If, and I mean just in case, the Falling Cloud Sect really decides to quit while they're ahead, what should the sect do next?"

"The Beast Taming Sect has promised that it will mediate the conflict between us and the Falling Cloud Sect even if it does not send troops."

Lin Zixiang slightly raised the corners of his mouth, as if mocking: "Mediation? How can we mediate? Do you think it's possible for the Luoyun Sect to return Tianshan and Luojia Mountain to us?"

"What does Senior Brother Zixiang think?"

"I don't know. Giving up Bianxi City was the sect leader's decision, and the sect leader should also decide where to go next."

Song Xian felt uncomfortable with his sarcastic tone, so he stopped being polite and said with a dark expression, "At least we are still alive now. If we had stayed on Luojia Mountain, we might already be dead."

"I hope the sect leader is right."

George Lam said nothing more, left a single sentence, and got up to leave the room.

.........

Dark clouds obscured the moon, and a fierce wind howled.

In the brightly lit room of Luoyun Sect in Bianxi City, Tao Jinyuan was secretly discussing the situation with Jin Xingyuan.

"So far, the Beast Taming Sect has not made any move. I have ordered three lines of defense to be set up on both the south and north sides of the city. The Windwalking Sect has sent people to ask us to send troops to Humen City to attack the Beast Taming Sect's conscription team from both sides."

"Has the person sent to make contact with Emperor Yunxuan returned?"

"We're back. Yun Xuanzong promised that if the Beast Taming Sect makes any moves, they will support us. We can go ahead and do our work without worry."

"What is the current situation of the battle at Humen City?"

"The Windwalking Sect's attack seems to be going poorly, and they have lost a lot of manpower."

As the two were talking, there was a knock on the door from the outside.

Tao Jinyuan said "Come in," and a disciple of the Luoyun Sect pushed open the door and entered, bowing and saying, "Reporting to the Sect Leader, Pang Tong of the Beast Taming Sect has arrived and is waiting outside the mountain gate."

Upon hearing this, the two exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.

Clearly, neither of them expected that Pang Tong would dare to come to the Luoyun Sect's mountain gate at this time, especially since he had come all the way back from Humen City.

Did he come alone?

"Yes," the man replied, then, mindful of the tense situation and fearing any mistake, added, "We only found him."

"This Pang Tong has quite the nerve. He personally led a team to Humen City to recruit him before, and now, under these circumstances, he still dares to come alone." After a brief moment of surprise, Jin Yuanxing's face showed admiration and appreciation.

Tao Jinyuan raised his eyebrows and smiled slightly: "The Beast Taming Sect has come to sue for peace."

Jin Yuanxing smiled and said, "Just as the sect leader expected, the Beast Taming Sect doesn't want to turn against us because of the Hunyuan Sect."

"It seems we made the right bet. The Beast Taming Sect is now outwardly strong but inwardly weak. They are unable to spare any more troops to attack us, so they want to make a big deal out of it and then let it go, as if it never happened. Since they have taken the initiative to seek peace, we can gain even more benefits."

.........

In the spacious and bright hall, crystal chandeliers hung high, emitting a soft white light that illuminated the hall as if it were daytime.

Pang Tong strode in, his body ramrod straight like a pine tree. His gaze swept over Jin Yuanxing and Duan Quan, who were seated on either side below, before settling on Tao Jinyuan, who was seated in the main seat.

The two locked eyes, neither willing to back down, like needles clashing against wheat awns.

Pang Tong raised his head, waved his sleeve and ran off, sitting down in the lower seat without saying a word, as if he were the master: "Pour tea."

Then he snorted, "Like father, like son. Those above are untrustworthy, and those below are just as unruly, lacking even basic manners."

Seeing that he still looked so arrogant, Jin Yuanxing and Duan Quan both frowned.

Tao Jinyuan narrowed his eyes slightly: "Fellow Daoist Pang, have you come here to interrogate me?" "So what if I have? So what if I don't?"

Tao Jinyuan was not to be outdone. His expression turned cold, and his voice was like a knife: "If that's the case, then you won't be able to leave the Luoyun Sect's mountain gate today. If not, our sect has its own way of treating guests."

“Since I, Pang, dared to come, I have already disregarded life and death. I do not believe that Fellow Daoist Tao would kill me here. To our sect, a mere Pang is nothing! However, to your sect, killing me will incur our wrath. Fellow Daoist Tao has always acted with prudence and should not do such a bad deal.”

Seeing his arrogance and fearless demeanor, Jin Yuanxing snorted, "Things are different now. Your sect is no longer the only one in Xijiang County. I'm afraid your sect isn't as glorious as it used to be!"

"Fellow Daoist Jin, haven't you heard that even a starved camel is bigger than a horse? Even if our sect is on its last breath, if we were to unleash our full fury, we could easily wipe out the Luoyun Sect. You should really think carefully about whether the Yunxuan Sect is truly trustworthy."

Tao Jinyuan clapped his hands lightly: "Fellow Daoist Pang is indeed courageous. However, if you came here today just to say these things, we will not keep you company."

"I will not concern myself with the grudges between the Hunyuan Sect and you. However, there is one condition: you are not allowed to touch any of my sect's properties in Bianxi City. From now on, I will not conscript your disciples to participate in the war, but you are also not allowed to assist the Yunxuan Sect. If Sect Leader Tao agrees, this matter will be considered as if it never happened. If he does not agree, I will immediately send troops." Pang Tong did not waste any words and directly stated the conditions.

Jin Yuanxing and Duan Quan exchanged a glance, then simultaneously looked at Tao Jinyuan, who was seated above them.

Tao Jinyuan did not immediately respond. He tapped his fingers lightly on the chair, seemingly deep in thought, before finally replying: "Add another clause: cancel all taxes and tributes paid by Bianxi City."

Pang Tong remained silent, rose and left. Only after he had left the main hall did he say, "It's settled then."

"The sect leader has agreed to the Beast Taming Sect's conditions. How should we explain this to the Yunxuan Sect?" Jin Yuanxing asked after the other had left.

Duan Quan frowned: "The Beast Taming Sect is not trustworthy. This is just a delaying tactic. Once they recover their strength, they will definitely settle scores later."

Tao Jinyuan smiled confidently and said, "I know this is a temporary measure by the Beast Taming Sect, but it's entirely beneficial to our sect. We've gotten what we wanted and avoided war. Isn't that great?"

"As for the Beast Taming Sect recovering its strength and settling scores later, that's a matter for the future. Given the current situation, it's hard to say whether it can stay in Xijiang County. It's impossible for it to defeat Yunxuan Sect in the short term."

"What our sect needs is to maintain a neutral stance, playing both sides to gain the greatest benefit. Since the Beast Taming Sect has taken the initiative to show goodwill and is unwilling to fight, why not?"

"As for Yunxuan Sect, I have also come up with a solution. We have withdrawn the disciples who participated in the Tiger Gate City recruitment, and we will no longer assist the Beast Taming Sect. With these two things, we can give Yunxuan Sect an answer. If all else fails, we can just spend more spirit stones."

"It is said that Pei Xuanming of Yun Xuanzong is an extremely greedy person. Let's send him more money and gifts so that he can say more good things about us."

"As long as the Beast Taming Sect doesn't send troops, we don't really need to rely on the Yunxuan Sect."

.........

The sky was clear and the sun was shining, with a gentle, intoxicating breeze.

In the desolate valley, flowers of various colors bloom in profusion, pleasing to the eye, and the fragrance of flowers intertwines with the scent of grass, refreshing the soul.

Schools of fish can be seen leaping in the nearby lake, and the sunlight shines on the water, making it sparkle.

In the distance, mountains rise and fall, with towering cliffs and swirling clouds and mist, while several eagles soar and cry out in the sky.

The scenery was undeniably beautiful, yet Song Xian frowned, showing no interest in appreciating the natural beauty.

This place is already within Xijiang County, and it is less than a few hundred miles away from the gate of the Beast Taming Sect. It is their place of residence.

The Beast Taming Sect allocated this area to them, allowing them to set up camp here.

A few days ago, he went to see Jiang Feng again to inquire about the Beast Taming Sect's deployment of troops. Although Jiang Feng claimed that he had sent people to investigate and that once the matter was clarified, troops would definitely be dispatched.

However, judging from his attitude and tone, he sensed that things were not as he described. When he first told Jiang Feng about this, Jiang Feng's attitude was rather sharp.

However, after meeting Jiang Feng last time, his attitude was very indifferent, clearly just going through the motions.

What bothered him even more was that the disciples of the sect were all restless and kept clamoring to return to Tianshan.

His trusted core members not only failed to stop him, but were even suspected of fanning the flames.

People like George Lam, Zhang Ningyuan, and Huang He would occasionally meet with the disciples who were clamoring to return to Tianshan.

On the surface, they were advising them to behave themselves, but in reality, they were being sarcastic and unsettling.

That's just how people are. When things are going well, everyone's all smiles and harmony, but once they encounter difficulties and troubles, they're quick to abandon each other in the face of disaster.

Song Xian couldn’t help but reminisce about the time when they set off from Qingyun Sect to Xijiang County. Back then, the situation was so difficult, but everyone was able to unite as one. Why is it that now, when the situation is so much better than it was back then, everyone’s thoughts are separated and it is difficult to work together?

He could understand others, such as the original disciples of the Tianshan Sect and the newly joined rogue cultivators. These people were not very loyal to the sect and did not have a strong sense of belonging. They were unwilling to give up the good food and living conditions in Tianshan. It was only natural for them to be displaced from the sect.

But George Lam and Cheung Ning-yuen actually stood on the same side as those complaining disciples; they had gone through hardships and enjoyed good times together.

Zhang Ningyuan, in particular, who has always been loyal and hardworking, now has quite a few complaints.

"Husband." Su Zhirou walked up from behind and stood beside him. She took his hand in her soft little hand, her fingers threading through his, and they intertwined tightly. Her gaze was gentle and tender.

Song Xian tightened his grip on her hand, smiled slightly, and his worries eased considerably.

The two understood each other perfectly. Without saying a word, they simply stood side by side, gazing at the beautiful scenery of the valley, like a pair of traveling companions.

Song Xian's worries gradually dissipated, and he began to genuinely appreciate the flowers that were vying for attention.

At this moment, a disciple descended on a magical artifact and quickly approached the two: "Reporting to the Sect Leader, disciples from the Beast Taming Sect have come to request an audience. Elder Lin is currently receiving them and has instructed me to report this."

Upon hearing this, Song Xian's spirits lifted. Since he settled here, the Beast Taming Sect had not sent anyone; he had always gone to the sect's mountain gate to pay his respects. This time, the sect had taken the initiative to send someone, so it must be something important, most likely about Bianxi City.

He immediately returned to the camp, and before he even entered the room, he heard Lin Zixiang's voice, who was inquiring about Bian Xicheng, a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect.

"Sect Leader." Upon his arrival, Zhang Ningyuan and Lin Zixiang both stood up and bowed.

"This is Fellow Daoist Huang Qian from the Beast Taming Sect," Lin Zixiang introduced.

"Sect Leader Song, I have come on the orders of Uncle Jiang to invite you to the mountain gate. I have something to discuss with you." The man rose expressionlessly, bowed, and handed him a jade slip.

"Okay, I understand, I'll go right away."

"I'll take my leave now." The man turned and strode away.

(End of this chapter)