Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 362 Pressing forward step by step

Lu Yuan immediately understood his meaning: "Does the sect leader want to find a breakthrough from within the Yunxuan Sect, so that the Yunxuan Sect can force the Luoyun Sect and the Beast Taming Sect to turn against each other?"

Song Xian nodded and said, "That's right. Luo Yun Sect must have reached an agreement with Yun Xuan Sect in private. Since they dared to attack us, they must have made the worst-case scenario plan. They must have considered that this move would provoke a counterattack from the Beast Taming Sect, so they contacted Yun Xuan Sect in advance. If the Beast Taming Sect sends troops, Yun Xuan Sect will provide support. And what conditions can they offer? They can only completely side with Yun Xuan Sect."

"Now that Luoyun Sect has driven us away and seized so many properties in Tianshan, it has achieved its goal, but now it wants to make peace with Yushou Sect. I bet there are people within Yunxuan Sect who are very dissatisfied with this."

"We can use these people to put pressure on the Falling Cloud Sect and force them to turn against the Beast Taming Sect."

Lin Zixiang frowned deeply: "We are enemies of the Yunxuan Sect. How can we contact Yunxuan Sect cultivators? Do you think they will listen to us?"

"Even enemies can cooperate as long as their goals are aligned. Besides, Yunxuan Sect's enemy is not us, but the Beast Taming Sect."

"Is this okay?"

"Man proposes, God disposes; do your best and leave the rest to fate."

Lu Yuan pondered for a moment and asked, "Does the sect leader have a specific plan, and where should we begin?"

“We will split into three groups. One group will be responsible for contacting Xu Xiansheng, another for contacting Yun Xuanzong, and the third for creating momentum in public opinion. Senior Brother Ningyuan, you came to Xijiang County before and contacted the cultivators in charge of the market of the Beast Taming Sect. You should know some people in the Beast Taming Sect. I will leave Xu Xiansheng to you. Try to get him to meet me.”

"Yes." Zhang Ningyuan, who had been keeping his head down and silent, immediately perked up upon hearing this and replied with a firm look in his eyes.

"Senior Brother Zixiang, Senior Brother Lu, you are responsible for creating public opinion around two key points. First, you should exaggerate the unjust act of the Beast Taming Sect abandoning us and making peace with the Falling Cloud Sect. Second, you should proclaim that the Falling Cloud Sect first betrayed the Beast Taming Sect and secretly colluded with the Cloud Propagation Sect, and then betrayed the Cloud Propagation Sect and reached an agreement with the Beast Taming Sect."

"As for contacting Emperor Yunxuan, I will handle that personally."

Lu Yuan and Lin Zixiang both nodded in agreement.

"I'll say it again: the sect is in a critical situation right now, and the most important thing is unity. Only by uniting can we get out of this predicament. We can't tell other sect disciples about what happened in Bianxi City yet, otherwise it will inevitably lead to disunity. No one can tell anyone about this."

All three agreed and then got up to leave.

"Husband, what should I do?" Su Zhirou asked immediately after the three left.

Knowing that the Hunyuan Sect was now in a precarious state, and that this mission was extremely crucial, if they returned empty-handed, the sect might really collapse. Seeing that the three of them had missions, she also wanted to contribute.

Song Xian smiled and said, "From now on, you'll be my mouth double, and you'll curse people for me."

"I'm serious, aren't you? You're just joking." Su Zhirou gently pinched his arm, displeased that he was teasing her.

“I’m serious, there are some things I don’t know how to say, but you’re perfect for it. Didn’t you see how Senior Brother Ningyuan became obedient immediately after you scolded him? That’s much more effective than me getting angry.”

“I was just angry on behalf of my husband, and he even made fun of me.”

"I wasn't teasing you, I was praising you." Song Xian lowered his voice and whispered in her ear, "Given your excellent performance just now, I'll reward you with a meal tonight."

Su Zhirou rolled her eyes at him.

The couple playfully bickered for a while, and then Song Xian summoned Huang Ye, asking him to find a suitable candidate for Emperor Yunxuan.

Huang Ye is from the intelligence circle and knows the internal structure of Yunxuanzong better than others. In addition, he rarely appears in public, so he is the most suitable person to handle this matter.

.........

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

In the southern market town of Xijiang County, rows of neatly arranged pavilions stand side by side, and people come and go on the streets.

This is the largest market town in the southeastern region of Xijiang County, and it is now under the control of Emperor Yunxuan.

Since Yun Xuanzong arrived in Xijiang County, although a protracted war broke out with the Beast Taming Sect, the fighting has always revolved around the strategic strongholds of both sides. No one would attack the market town, as it was neither necessary nor worthwhile.

Even at the height of the battle, the markets remained bustling with activity and continued to operate as usual, and the cultivators coming and going did not have to worry about being attacked.

For most independent cultivators, the battle between the Beast Taming Sect and the Yunxuan Sect was just something to hear and talk about, but it didn't have much impact on them.

Moreover, the two sides have been locked in a stalemate for many years, so the people coming and going in the market have even less to worry about.

"Junior Brother Yu, who exactly are you meeting? Why are you being so mysterious?" Two men walked slowly in front of the magnificent inn's pavilion. One of them, a thin man with a bulbous nose, looked impatient.

“Senior Brother Ma, let me make this clear beforehand. I’m not involved here; I’m just relaying a message. This person claims to be a disciple of the Fengxing Sect in Anyuan City, named Huang Yue. He says he has something to discuss with Senior Brother Ma and asks me to help introduce him.”

"A disciple of the Windwalking Sect? What does he want with me? How did Junior Brother Yu meet him?"

“I only met him a few days ago. I was having a banquet at Zuihualou when he gave me a jar of spirit wine. Out of curiosity, I asked him a few questions. He said he was a disciple of Fengxing Sect and knew that I was acquainted with Senior Brother Ma. He wanted me to help introduce him. I thought, aren't we allies with Fengxing Sect? It wouldn't hurt to meet him.”

The man surnamed Ma stared at him coldly: "So, this is the first time you two have met, and you've already agreed to his request?"

"Hehe, to be honest, he did give me some benefits. This guy is very generous, I guarantee that Senior Brother Ma will only benefit from meeting him this time, and there will be no harm."

The man surnamed Ma snorted coldly and strode into the inn. He arrived at a room in the backyard and, before he could knock, the door opened. Inside stood a fair-skinned, beardless man with a friendly smile. This man was Huang Ye.

“Senior Brother Ma, this is Fellow Daoist Huang Yue of the Fengxing Sect. Fellow Daoist Huang, this is Senior Brother Ma Ji,” the man surnamed Yu introduced.

"I have long admired you. It is an honor to have Fellow Daoist Ma grace us with his presence. Please come in."

The two entered the inner room, where the table was already laden with the finest delicacies, spirit wines, and spirit foods.

"Fellow Daoist Huang, there's no need for further pleasantries. You invited me here for more than just a casual meal and chat. Just get to the point!" Ma Ji said expressionlessly after taking his seat.

“Fellow Daoist Ma is quick-witted and outspoken; I admire that. In that case, I won’t hold back either.” Huang Ye paused here, glancing at the other seated man. “Hehe, Fellow Daoist Huang, Senior Brother Ma, you two chat, I have something to attend to and need to go out for a bit.” The man surnamed Yu smiled and got up to leave.

"I've heard that Senior Ma Quan of the Yunxuan Sect is your uncle, fellow Daoist?"

"What on earth are you going to say?"

"Our sect sent me here to ask you to convey a message to Senior Ma Quan."

"What?"

"Our sect is aware that Senior Ma Quan is in charge of your sect's external liaison matters. We have heard that the Luoyun Sect of Bianxi City obtained your sect's promise through Senior Ma Quan, which is why they dared to take action against the Hunyuan Sect of Bianxi City. However, now the Luoyun Sect has gone back on its word and made peace with the Yushou Sect. This is tantamount to playing a trick on Senior Ma Quan. Our sect hopes that Senior Ma can speak up and force the Luoyun Sect to choose a side, instead of letting them remain on the fence and play both sides."

Ma Ji looked suspicious and distrustful: "I believe that the Fengxing Sect wants the Luoyun Sect to completely break with the Beast Taming Sect. However, for such a big matter, the Fengxing Sect only sent an unknown Qi Refining disciple and had to go through this kind of trouble to convey the message to my uncle. This is really hard to understand. The Fengxing Sect and our sect have always had communication channels, so why go through such a roundabout way?"

Huang Ye was exposed, but he showed no embarrassment or discomfort. He still smiled and clapped his hands: "As expected, you can't hide it from me, fellow Daoist. That's right, I am not a disciple of the Fengxing Sect."

"Then, who are you, fellow Daoist? Who is instructing you? What is your purpose?" Ma Ji did not show any surprise, but his eyes were fixed on Huang Ye.

"Who I am is not important, nor is who assigned me. What is important is that we share the same goal: neither of us wants the Luoyun Sect to be caught in the middle, trying to please both sides. The Luoyun Sect contacted your sect through Senior Ma Quan, so they must have made a promise to switch sides with the Beast Taming Sect. Now that they have gained benefits, they have made peace with the Beast Taming Sect. Senior Ma Quan must be having a hard time explaining this to your sect's higher-ups!"

"Who exactly are you, fellow Daoist? Why do you so desperately want the Falling Cloud Sect to switch sides with the Beast Taming Sect? What benefit would that bring you?"

Huang Ye pulled out a storage bag from his hand and handed it to him: "This is just a small token of my appreciation, consider it a small gift."

Ma Ji took the storage bag and glanced at it: "Ten thousand spirit stones, fellow Daoist is indeed generous."

“We know that Senior Ma Quan has influence in your sect, and we hope that he can speak on our behalf. If the matter is settled, I am willing to offer 100,000 spirit stones.”

Ma Ji narrowed his eyes slightly: "Ten thousand spirit stones, that's quite a sum. A sect that can come up with so many spirit stones at once can't be a small sect. But I really can't imagine which sect would be willing to spend such a large sum of money to make the Luoyun Sect and the Beast Taming Sect break off relations."

"Let me think, besides the Windwalking Sect, there does seem to be such a sect."

"The Hunyuan Sect, is that right?"

Huang Ye remained noncommittal, his smile still on his face: "Does Fellow Daoist Ma really want to know the answer?"

"Never mind, it has nothing to do with me." Ma Ji put away his storage bag, stood up and walked out: "I will pass on the message, and Junior Brother Yu will inform you if there is any news."

…………

Inside the spacious and bright hall of the Beast Taming Sect's mountain gate, Song Xian was led into the inner room and waited for quite a while before a slender, cold-faced middle-aged man slowly entered.

"I am Song Xian of the Hunyuan Sect. I greet Fellow Daoist Su." Song Xian stood up and bowed. The person in front of him was Su Rong, the disciple of Elder Xu Xiansheng of the Beast Taming Sect.

Zhang Ningyuan went to great lengths to get in touch with this person and secure an opportunity for a meeting.

Although he could not see Xu Xiansheng, he could see his disciple and have him convey the message of Hunyuanzong's attitude and stance, which was better than doing nothing. Therefore, Song Xian came to pay a visit.

The man coldly scanned him from head to toe, then sat down in the main seat, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked down at him with his head held high: "I know about your Hunyuan Sect. Just say what you have to say. I don't have much time to chat with you."

This person's cultivation level was only at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, not much higher than his, but his words and demeanor were extremely arrogant, with a haughty and condescending attitude that was off-putting.

It should be noted that even Wang Xuan gently comforted and reassured him when he met him, but this man put on airs, and anyone who didn't know better would think he was some important figure.

There's no way around it; there are bound to be such snobbish people in major sects.

If it weren't for needing Xu Xiansheng's help, Song Xian wouldn't have bothered with his attitude at all, but now he could only endure it, still wearing a smile on his face.

“Fellow Daoist Su is upright and honest. I have indeed come here on important business. Since Fellow Daoist Su is aware of our sect’s situation, I will not go into details. I have come here hoping that you can put in a good word for our sect on behalf of your master.” Song Xian flipped his hand and respectfully presented a storage bag with both hands.

Su Rong didn't stand on ceremony at all; with a wave of his hand, the storage bag was snatched into his palm.

He glanced at the contents of the storage bag, his expression softening slightly. Although he still didn't smile, he was no longer so cold.

"Speak! What do you want me to say on your behalf?"

Song Xian organized his thoughts and said in a calm and objective tone, "Anyone with eyes can see that the Luo Yun Sect's actions are an attempt to betray your sect and pledge allegiance to the Yun Xuan Sect."

"Although I do not know what happened after our sect withdrew from Bianxi City, I am certain that Luoyun Sect will turn against us. Our sect has always been loyal to your sect. If your sect sits idly by, it will not only chill the hearts of the sect cultivators in Xijiang County who are loyal to your sect, but also make Yunxuan Sect look down on us."

"Currently, the five cities under the jurisdiction of Xijiang County, Anyuan City, and Yongning City have all sided with Yunxuan Sect, and Humen City is under attack. Only Bianxi City and Tianshui City are loyal to your sect. If your sect abandons us and ignores this, Tianshui City will surely side with Yunxuan Sect as well. At that time, the situation will be even more unfavorable for your sect."

"I know that your master has always advocated fighting Yunxuan Sect to the end, and has great pity for sects like ours that are loyal to your sect. I hope you can convey these words to your master, and if it is convenient, could you introduce me to him? I wish to pay my respects to your master."

While Song Xian was speaking, Su Rong didn't even look at him, tilting his head to look out the window, clearly not paying attention. After he finished speaking, Su Rong took another sip of tea: "My master is very busy and won't have time to see you. I will pass on your words to my master at the appropriate time. If there's nothing else, I won't keep you any longer."

Although Song Xian felt somewhat aggrieved, there was nothing he could do; when you're under someone else's roof, you have to bow your head.

"Then I will not disturb Fellow Daoist Su any longer. I hope you can pass on what I just said as soon as possible."

"I won't see Fellow Daoist Song off."

"No need to trouble yourself." Song Xian strode away from the place, cursing inwardly, "That bastard, he took 30,000 spirit stones from me, and he's still acting like this."

Thirty thousand spirit stones is not a small amount, even for a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Even for a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator like Su Rong, it should be almost a year's income.

I just asked him to pass on a message, and he's so impatient. These damn vampires are ruthless, they eat people alive without spitting out the bones.

(End of this chapter)