Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 364 Comprehensive Counterattack
"Junior Song Xian greets Senior Xu." Song Xian did not dare to meet his gaze, only glancing at him out of the corner of his eye before bowing deeply at a ninety-degree angle.

Xu Xiansheng strode past him without looking to the side and went straight to the head seat to sit down.

"You are Song Xian." His voice was loud and clear, full of energy, and carried the authority of a superior.

Song Xian had been bowing down the whole time, but after hearing his words, he straightened up, though his gaze remained fixed on the ground.

"It's the junior."

“I’ve heard of you, and I know about your Hunyuan Sect. Rong’er said you have important business to discuss with me and have come three times already. Considering your loyalty to our sect and the fact that you have ended up in such a state, I’ve made time to meet you.”

Xu Xiansheng didn't bother with any ambiguity; he went straight to the point. His expression was solemn, and although his attitude wasn't as gentle as Wang Xuan's, it was clear he was a straightforward person who said what he meant.

"Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet with me, senior. I am deeply grateful. I apologize for disturbing your cultivation today, senior, but it is for the sake of the situation in Bianxi City." Song Xian carefully chose his words, first offering a polite thank you.

"Senior should already know that the Luoyun Sect in Bianxi City has declared independence. Although I do not know why your sect has been slow to send troops to Bianxi City, I suspect that someone from your sect must have spoken with the Luoyun Sect privately. But now the Luoyun Sect has openly declared independence. I think this is probably not a condition agreed upon by your sect and the Luoyun Sect!"

"Clearly, the Luoyun Sect has played a trick on your sect, saying one thing to your face and another behind your back. Based on my understanding of the Luoyun Sect, they are definitely not people who keep their promises."

"Please forgive my bluntness, but your sect has fallen into the trap of the Luoyun Sect. The Luoyun Sect has been testing your sect's bottom line step by step. From the moment the Luoyun Sect planned to take action against our sect, they have been observing your sect's reaction."

"If your sect had taken a firm stance to stop them back then, they would have given in. But your sect chose to make peace with the Luoyun Sect, which made the Luoyun Sect think that your sect was all bark and no bite, that your sect was like a clay bodhisattva crossing a river and could not even save itself, and that they dared not turn against you. This is why the Luoyun Sect is now taking advantage of you, breaking its promise, openly reneging on its agreement, and declaring independence."

"If your sect continues to stand idly by, then the Luoyun Sect will take even more outrageous actions next. They will send troops to assist the Fengxing Sect in attacking Humen City from both sides."

"The Luoyun Sect has been coveting the resources and territory of Humen City for a long time. They have been operating in Humen City for many years. In the early years, they obtained part of Humen City's territory by helping the Mingyue Sect attack the Xinyue Sect."

"I have long heard that before the Fengxing Sect sent troops to Humen City, it had repeatedly sent people to communicate with the Luoyun Sect to plot secrets."

"While the Fengxing Sect was sending troops to Humen City, the Luoyun Sect first attacked our sect and now they have declared independence. It is clear that they and the Fengxing Sect had planned this all along."

"The next step will inevitably be for them to help the Fengxing Sect conquer Humen City and divide up its resources."

"I implore your clan to send troops immediately. Our clan is willing to serve as the vanguard, to do the best of our ability, even if it means going through fire and water."

Xu Xiansheng's expression remained unchanged after hearing these words: "Is that all you wanted to say?"

"Yes. Right now, all the sects and forces in the entire Western Frontier County that are loyal to your sect are watching your sect's actions. If your sect remains silent, it will undoubtedly frighten those who are loyal to your sect. Once everyone thinks that your sect is doomed, then your sect will truly be doomed."

"Our sect has its own plans regarding the affairs of Bianxi City. We will contact you when we need you. For now, just stay in Xijiang County and don't worry about anything else."

Xu Xiansheng remained expressionless, his tone devoid of any emotion, offering a completely formulaic answer. It was as if he said nothing at all; it was impossible to tell whether he would support the Western City's military intervention.

Song Xian hoped to get a clearer stance, but since the other party had already indicated that the matter was over, he didn't want to say anything more for fear of offending them, so he could only take his leave.

Su Rong escorted him all the way to the outside of the mansion, saying expressionlessly, "Fellow Daoist Song, go back and wait for news! My master has his own plans."

"That bastard! He took tens of thousands of spirit stones from me and didn't even give me a smile," Song Xian cursed inwardly, but put on a smile on his face: "Fellow Daoist Su, please wait. I hope you can put in a good word for our sect regarding my master. I'll take my leave now."

After leaving, he went to see Jiang Feng. Since he was already there, it wouldn't hurt to meet a few more influential people.

Although Jiang Feng has little influence among the higher-ups of the Beast Taming Sect, his relationship with Wang Xuan seems to be good, and it's possible that he can exert some influence on Wang Xuan.

Even the slightest ripple is better than nothing.

As he expected, Jiang Feng did not express his opinion, but only said a few polite and innocuous words.

.........

In the following days, Song Xian stayed in Flower Mandarin Duck Valley waiting for news. He knew that the Beast Taming Sect's decision would be made in the next few days, and whether or not troops were sent, it wouldn't take too long.

Almost everyone in the sect wore an expression of anticipation and solemnity; no one wanted to leave and return to Tianshan.

"Sect Leader." At noon that day, Zhang Ningyuan suddenly pushed open the door and barged in, his eyes gleaming like a wolf: "The Beast Taming Sect has sent people."

Song Xian suddenly stood up: "Where is he?"

He appeared calm on the surface these past few days, but in reality he was extremely anxious. Upon hearing that the Beast Taming Sect had sent people, he immediately became restless.

"I'll go bring him here." Zhang Ningyuan turned and left in a hurry, his expression as spirited as a vigorous leopard.

Soon, a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect was brought here and given a jade slip.

Song Xian took the jade slip, probed the inner room with his divine sense, and then breathed a heavy sigh of relief, his face beaming with joy.

"Sect Leader, what did the Beast Taming Sect say? Are they going to send troops?" Zhang Ningyuan looked at him expectantly, his body tense, and even his breathing became rapid.

"Senior Brother Ningyuan, gather all the disciples of the sect. We are about to set off to join forces with the Beast Taming Sect's troops and retake Bianxi City." Song Xian stood upright, like a pine tree, his voice resounding.

"Yes, Sect Leader." Zhang Ningyuan's face immediately lit up with joy, and he responded loudly.

.........

The sky is clear and the air is fresh, with not a single cloud in sight.

The spirit ship, bearing the banner of the Beast Taming Sect, sped through the clouds and mist, heading west.

After deliberation, the Beast Taming Sect finally decided that Elder Xu Xiansheng would personally lead two thousand disciples to retake Bianxi City. Song Xian left only Lin Zixiang and a few dozen disciples to guard Huayuan Valley, while the rest of the sect members went with the Beast Taming Sect.

Because the sect has a large amount of wealth in Flower Mandarin Duck Valley, it needs to be guarded. Since it is impossible to take all that wealth with us when we go to war with the Beast Taming Sect, we must send some people to guard Flower Mandarin Duck Valley.

Song Xian originally wanted to leave Su Zhirou to guard the position, but she insisted on going with him, so he had no choice but to leave Lin Zixiang behind.

The spirit ship traveled day and night and finally arrived at Humen City.

Although we came here for Bianxi City, we must first defeat the Fengxing Sect for Humen City, lest they turn their guns on us while we are attacking Bianxi City and launch a pincer attack from within and without.

Only by stabilizing Humen City can we use it as a base to launch an attack on Bianxi City.

Currently, nearly half of Humen City's territory has been occupied by the Fengxing Sect, with the eastern and southern parts of Humen City falling into their hands.

After the Fengxing Sect was defeated in its attack on the Mingyue Sect's mountain gate, it defended itself by relying on the eastern and southern parts of Humen City, establishing several camps and creating a stalemate with the Mingyue Sect, with each side confronting the other.

Inside a large formation in the western part of Humen City, Song Xian and the disciples of Hunyuan Sect were assigned to this place. The one in charge of commanding his team was none other than Jiang Feng.

Because he had served as the chief administrator of Bianxi City, was highly respected by the various sects in Bianxi City, and was familiar with the situation, he was sent to accompany the expedition.

In the spacious and bright room, Jiang Feng sat in the main seat, with Song Xian and three other Foundation Establishment cultivators below him. One of them was named Zhang Qing, who was at the third level of Foundation Establishment and was a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Bright Moon Sect.

One of them was named Feng Yue, who had reached the fifth level of Foundation Establishment and was a cultivator from the Beast Taming Sect.

There was another person, none other than Pang Tong. He and the cultivators recruited by Bianxi City were stationed in this camp, and were now under the command of Jiang Feng.

Their team now numbers a thousand, including not only members of the Hunyuan Sect, but also hundreds of disciples from the Yushou Sect and Mingyue Sect, as well as recruited cultivators from other sects in Bianxi City.

"Uncle Xu has ordered a full-scale counterattack, which will surely drive the Fengxing Sect out of Humen City. After that, troops will be sent to attack Bianxi City and wipe out the Luoyun Sect. The mission of this unit is to take down the two key enemy camps in the southern part of Humen City, Biannan Valley and Kongque Mountain."

"It is understood that the enemy forces in Biannan Valley are guarded by about three hundred cultivators, and the enemy forces in Kongque Mountain are guarded by about five hundred cultivators. I intend to attack Kongque Mountain first, and then take Biannan Valley."

"Kongque Mountain is located to the right rear of Biannan Valley. It is the most important camp that Fengxing Sect has deployed in the southern part of Humen City. The garrison cultivators inside are mostly the elite of Fengxing Sect. Once we take it down in one fell swoop, the garrison of Biannan Valley will surely be terrified and will collapse without a fight. This is the first point."

"The cultivators in Biannan Valley are mostly composed of other sects and forces from Anyuan City, and they are mostly a rabble. If we bypass Biannan Valley and directly attack Peacock Mountain behind it, the cultivators in Biannan Valley may not dare to provide support. However, if we attack Biannan Valley, Peacock Mountain is very likely to send people to support us, launching a pincer attack from within and without. This is the second point."

"Thirdly, after we break through Peacock Mountain, the cultivators stationed there will not go to Biannan Valley, because Biannan Valley is the southernmost camp of the Fengxing Sect. There is only one camp nearby, Peacock Mountain, and there are no other Fengxing Sect troops stationed there. If we go there, we will become an isolated army."

"Therefore, they cannot retreat to Biannan Valley; they will only flee back to the Fengxing Sect's main camp. When we turn back to attack Biannan Valley, the cultivators stationed there will definitely flee at the first sign of trouble."

"If we attack Biannan Valley and break this formation, the cultivators stationed there will flee to Peacock Mountain, making Peacock Mountain's defenses even stronger. And if we break through Biannan Valley, we will inevitably lose a lot of people, and then we won't be so confident in attacking the even stronger Peacock Mountain."

Jiang Feng launched into a lengthy explanation, elaborating on his thoughts.

The others all looked thoughtful, considering his plan, but Song Xian remained expressionless. Among them, he was the only outsider, so he had nothing to say and could only obediently follow orders. Therefore, he didn't think too much about whether the attack strategy was reasonable or safe.

"Isn't taking Peacock Mountain too risky?" Zhang Qing, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Bright Moon Sect, raised a different opinion after some thought.

"Kongque Mountain is defended by enemy troops in Biannan Valley on the left and Queming Valley on the right. If we bypass Biannan Valley and go straight for Kongque Mountain, what if the enemy troops in Biannan Valley and Queming Valley come to our aid? Wouldn't we be surrounded and in a very dangerous situation?"

"I suggest we take Biannan Valley first and then Peacock Mountain; that would be safer."

Jiang Feng glanced at him coldly: "Other teams are taking charge of attacking Sparrow Valley. They are too busy to help Sparrow Mountain."

Zhang Qing fell silent. Although he was a cultivator from the Bright Moon Sect, the Beast Taming Sect was now in charge, and he knew his own limitations. Seeing Jiang Feng's expression turn cold, he immediately stopped talking.

"What are your thoughts?" Jiang Feng asked the others.

“Since Chief Jiang is the commander-in-chief personally appointed by Senior Xu, it is up to Chief Jiang to decide how to defeat the enemy. I have no objections,” Song Xian immediately stated.

"We'll do as Senior Brother Jiang says," Pang Tong replied immediately.

Jiang Feng was an inner disciple of the Beast Taming Sect. He had already clashed with him over the Tianshan Gambling House and Market, so he was unwilling to contradict him on this matter.

Another Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Beast Taming Sect, Feng Yue, also expressed his support.

The group quickly assembled and set off. Several spirit ships carrying a thousand cultivators took to the air and sped off towards the south.

After traveling for nearly a day, they finally arrived at Peacock Mountain. From afar, they could see auspicious clouds covering the mountain. Peacock Mountain was surrounded by towering pagodas, each guarded by one or two cultivators. As the spirit ships of the group sped towards them, the cultivators on the watchtowers quickly set off firecrackers as a signal, and then all retreated back into the great formation.

At Jiang Feng's command, everyone jumped off the spirit ship and arrived in front of the great formation shrouded in auspicious clouds.

As per the previously agreed plan, Pang Tong led six hundred cultivators as the vanguard into the formation, while Jiang Feng led the rest of the troops to hold the line, in order to prevent enemy reinforcements and launch a pincer attack from within and without.

The group had traveled in a grand procession, which must have already leaked word. The garrison on both sides of the South Valley to the left and the Sparrow's Cry Valley to the right of Peacock Mountain must know their movements and may come to their aid. Therefore, it is necessary to have someone outside to keep watch and prevent the enemy from sending reinforcements.

Soon, Pang Tong, along with Hu Xiaobao, Zhang Qing, and Feng Yue, four Foundation Establishment cultivators, led six hundred Qi Refining cultivators into the formation, while Jiang Feng, Song Xian, and Su Zhirou led the remaining cultivators to guard the outer area.

Not long after everyone entered the formation, a rumbling thunderous sound was heard. Golden auspicious clouds surged in the sky, and huge bolts of lightning could be faintly seen forming from the clouds, falling like a torrential rain.

Within the formation, shouts and cries echoed through the sky. As time passed, the golden auspicious clouds formed increasingly frequent restrictions, and shrill screams could be heard from within. Clearly, many casualties had occurred in the ranks.

"Uncle Jiang, we've spotted a spirit ship heading this way from the direction of Biannan Valley. It's less than a hundred miles away." In the distance, a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect swiftly descended on a flying artifact, quickly approached Jiang Feng, and bowed to report.

(End of this chapter)