Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 369 Find another way out
As the two were talking, a disciple came to the outer room and reported to him: "Sect Leader, Uncle Jiang has arrived and says he has something to ask of you."

Tao Jinyuan nodded: "Please invite him over!"

"Yes." The disciple responded and left. Soon, Jiang Jian entered the room.

"Sect Leader, Huang He, a disciple of the Hunyuan Sect, has arrived outside the mountain gate. He wishes to join our sect and requests to be accepted."

"Huang He?"

"He was originally a cultivator from the Tianshan Sect, serving as the head of the Supervisory Hall of the Hunyuan Sect, and was one of the members of the Hunyuan Sect's inner cabinet. According to him, there were more than twenty Hunyuan Sect cultivators who wanted to join the sect along with him."

Tao Jinyuan stroked his chin and pondered for a moment: "Since they have come to join our sect, let them stay! You go and receive them."

"Yes." Jiang Jian responded and left.

Duan Quan frowned slightly: "These people aren't spies sent by Song Xian, are they? What does the sect leader plan to do with them?"

Tao Jinyuan didn't care: "What use are a mere twenty-odd Qi Refining cultivators? Besides, I won't put them in important positions. Accepting them is just to show the sect's tolerance."

“Since these people are from the Hunyuan Sect, they must have friends within the sect as well. We can use them to develop inside information within the Hunyuan Sect, and they might be useful in the future.”

"If that doesn't work, we can have them recruit more people from the Hunyuan Sect. That would at least help in dismantling the Hunyuan Sect."

……

Under a clear blue sky, in the spacious and bright main hall of the Beast Taming Sect in Xijiang County, Jiang Feng was reporting to Wang Xuan the details of the Battle of Humen City.

“The Bright Moon Sect was very worried that the Wind Walk Sect would make a comeback after we left, and they tried to leave some of their people behind to help guard the area. In the end, Uncle Zhan made the decision and left five hundred people behind.”

Wang Xuan nodded: "You've all worked hard. I will issue rewards to the meritorious disciples as soon as possible, and the appointments of those to be promoted will also be approved quickly."

"There's another small matter. The Hunyuan Sect also returned to Xijiang County with us. Song Xian approached me several times, hoping that the sect could provide them with a second-tier spiritual vein for temporary accommodation to help them overcome the crisis."

Why didn't they stay in Humen City?

"Of course, we are also worried that the Fengxing Sect will make a comeback. This time, the Hunyuan Sect has done its best to help Humen City resist the Fengxing Sect. Not only did everyone join the battle, but many people were also killed or wounded. Song Xian even killed a Yunxuan Sect cultivator at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment in the battle, helping us capture an important camp of the Fengxing Sect."

Jiang Feng remained calm and spoke highly of Hun Yuanzong, not only because he had personally promoted Hun Yuanzong, but also because Song Xian had performed exceptionally well in this battle, which impressed him greatly.

Therefore, both privately and publicly, he did not want the Hunyuan Sect to collapse.

Wang Xuan made a "zh" sound: "Really? This person has such abilities? He, a Foundation Establishment Level 5 cultivator, actually killed a Foundation Establishment Level 8 cultivator from the Yunxuan Sect?"

“I witnessed it with my own eyes. At that time, we attacked the great formation together. The enemy leader led the garrisoned cultivators out in full force. He killed the enemy leader, causing the enemy to suffer a great defeat. After the battle, he asked me repeatedly when the sect would send troops to Bianxi City. He was very much looking forward to it.”

"Unexpectedly, the sect eventually withdrew to Xijiang County, causing internal chaos and leading to the defection of some members. If this continues, the sect will inevitably collapse."

Wang Xuan remained silent for a moment: "Let me consider this matter."

“Senior Brother Wang, this is what I’m thinking. The Hunyuan Sect has always been loyal to our sect. Now that they’ve been driven out of Bianxi City by the Luoyun Sect and have come to us for help, if we ignore them and give them no support, letting them crumble, it will not only be a blow to our sect’s prestige and reputation, but it will also affect the sects in Humen City and Tianshui City that are loyal to our sect.”

"Seeing the fate of the Hunyuan Sect, they might turn to the Yunxuan Sect. Especially under the current circumstances, we need to set an example to restore the confidence of the Western Frontier Sect in our sect."

"Let them know that even if they lose their territory, the sect will still provide them with protection so that they can continue to survive."

"The saying goes, 'A thousand pieces of gold are spent to buy a bone horse.' A mere second-tier spiritual vein is nothing compared to the trust that Tiger Gate City and Tianshui City place in our sect."

"Besides, it's just a temporary loan to the Hunyuan Sect, not an allocation to them. Once they recapture Bianxi City, they will naturally return to Bianxi City."

Wang Xuan glanced at him, unsure whether Jiang Feng had received benefits from the Hunyuan Sect or was genuinely concerned for the sect's sake, which was why he was speaking up for the Hunyuan Sect.

However, having said all that Jiang Feng had to say, he couldn't refuse any longer. He needed Jiang Feng's help, both within and outside the sect, especially since Jiang Feng was nearing the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment and might become a Golden Core cultivator like him in the future. Besides, there was nothing wrong with what Jiang Feng said.

"Alright! I'll consult with the sect leader."

.........

Huayuan Valley.

The disciples of Hunyuan Sect gathered together, each with a different expression. Most of them looked solemn, disappointed, and preoccupied, and not a single one of them had a smile on their face.

"The reason I've gathered everyone here today is to discuss the sect's future plans." Song Xian's expression remained calm, and his words were clear and resonant, reaching everyone's ears.

"I know that you may be disappointed, or that you may feel that the future of the sect is bleak. But I am here to assure you with certainty that the Hunyuan Sect will absolutely not collapse."

"Back when we settled in Bianxia Town, we only had a small place called Guzi Peak, a first-grade low-level spiritual vein, three low-level cultivation rooms, and a full complement of people. At that time, our total assets amounted to only a few thousand yuan."

"How many spirit stones were there again, Senior Brother Lu?"

Lu Yuan raised his head, his gaze firm, unlike the others who were dejected: "Less than three thousand."

"Yes, there were less than three thousand spirit stones at first. But as the sect grew bigger and bigger, it first annexed Tianshan and then took over the Kong family's mountain gate."

"Although we are facing some difficulties now, it is a world of difference compared to our situation back then. We still have a hundred brothers who are loyal to the sect, we have enough spirit stones, and we have the support of the Beast Taming Sect."

"As long as we unite as one, we will surely overcome this difficulty. We will become stronger in the future, and everyone here will become the backbone of the sect."

"Everyone has worked very hard during this period. I have decided to increase everyone's basic salary by 50% starting today."

Song Xian's words were firm and resonant, carrying an indescribable sense of security. The crowd, who had been dejected and listless, perked up slightly upon hearing his words.

"The Master is wise."

"We will live and die with our sect..."

It's unclear who started it, but everyone joined in the shouting. Seeing this, Song Xian nodded in satisfaction; the sect's morale had almost plummeted to rock bottom recently.

The expedition to Humen City was a complete disaster; not only did they fail to recapture Bianxi City, they also suffered heavy losses.

In addition, Huang He led some of the Tianshan disciples away, causing panic among the sect members. Therefore, he convened a meeting of all sect members to boost morale and unite the people.

But this can only guarantee temporary protection. The continuation of a sect cannot be achieved by simply giving pep talks or spouting motivational platitudes.

Fortunately, the finances are very sufficient. Once things stabilize, the Jade Fragrance Pill industry can be used to maintain the disciples' salaries, so there is no fear of running out of food.

Afterwards, Song Xian delivered a passionate speech and encouraged his disciples to speak freely.

The meeting lasted until the evening, and after everyone left, only George Lam remained.

"Sect Leader, we don't know how long the unrest in Xijiang County will last. Even if the fighting stops, the Beast Taming Sect may not send troops to attack the Falling Cloud Sect again. Although our finances can still support us, we don't have cultivation rooms to meet the needs of cultivation. If this goes on for too long, we still won't be able to retain the sect's disciples." Lin Zixiang said with a solemn expression.

"I have already mentioned this to Jiang Feng, hoping to borrow a second-tier spiritual vein from the Beast Taming Sect."

"Would the Beast Taming Sect lend us its spiritual veins for nothing? If they refuse, what are the sect leader's plans?"

Seeing his expression, Song Xian knew he had a plan: "What is Senior Brother Zixiang's idea?"

"Why should we get involved in the conflict between the Yunxuan Sect and the Beast Taming Sect?"

"Huh?" Song Xian didn't expect him to say that and was confused for a moment, but seeing his serious expression, he didn't seem to be complaining or talking nonsense.

Do we even have a choice?

"Of course. We can leave Xijiang County and start anew elsewhere. After all, we have lost all our assets in Xijiang County. Why should we stay here and risk our lives for the Beast Taming Sect? We can go back to Pingyuan County. The three-hundred-year protection period of the Qingyun Sect has long expired. With our strength, we are enough to take back the Qingyun Sect's mountain gate."

Song Xian glanced at him with some surprise, completely unexpected that he would make such a suggestion. This was not like his usual style, as he usually did not pay much attention to sect affairs and had no ideas of his own. Why would he suddenly think of returning to Pingyuan County to reclaim the Qingyun Sect's assets?

"Was this Zixiang's own idea, or was it someone else behind it?"

Lin Zixiang did not hide anything and replied truthfully: "When Senior Brother Zhong was alive, we discussed this matter. He said that if we really had no other way out and could not stay in Xijiang County, we could take back the Qingyun Sect. Some time ago, Yu Lian also said something similar to me, and I think it makes sense. Now the sect is almost at its wit's end."

It turns out it was Zhong Wenyuan and Yu Lian; that makes no surprise.

Zhong Wenyuan dedicated most of his life to the Qingyun Sect, and even on his deathbed, he was still concerned about the Qingyun Sect. It was understandable that he wanted to take back the Qingyun Sect. Although the sect was fine when he was alive, the situation was already tense. He could foresee that one day, the Luoyun Sect would join the Yunxuan Sect and squeeze the Hunyuan Sect out of Bianxi City.

As for Yu Lian, he was originally part of Zhong Wenyuan and Lin Zixiang's group. He had spent most of his life in the Qingyun Sect, and given the current situation of the sect, it was only natural for him to want to return to the Qingyun Sect.

Song Xian was initially worried that someone with ill intentions was instigating Lin Zixiang behind the scenes, perhaps with some bad intentions. After all, this was a very sensitive time, and anything could happen.

Now that it was Zhong Wenyuan and Yu Lian's suggestion, they didn't take it seriously.

"We've been operating in Bianxi City for so long. Tianshan Market and Tianshan Gambling House were all built up by us bit by bit. Although the sect is currently facing difficulties, we can't just give up like this."

"The Beast Taming Sect hasn't completely lost power; we still have a chance to retake Bianxi City. If we leave Xijiang County like this, we'll never be able to come back. Besides, the Qingyun Sect has definitely been seized by the Yuanyi Sect; it won't be easy for us to take it back."

Lin Zixiang remained stubborn: "But the Beast Taming Sect is barely able to protect itself now. Besides, they tricked us in Tiger Gate City, and many members of the sect have already died fighting for them. Given the current situation, it seems like taking back Bianxi City is a long way off. Are we still going to follow the Beast Taming Sect down this dark path?"

"After all, Bianxi City is where we started, and we can't leave it easily unless absolutely necessary. Of course, I will seriously consider Senior Brother Zixiang's suggestion, but we'll talk about it later!"

As soon as Song Xian finished speaking, Lu Yuan entered from outside and bowed to him: "Sect Leader, the Beast Taming Sect has sent someone, saying that they are here on Jiang Feng's orders."

Song Xian's expression brightened, and he immediately ordered him to bring the person over. There were only two possibilities for Jiang Feng to send someone here at this time: either he was conscripting Hunyuan Sect cultivators to participate in the battle, or it was about the spiritual veins.

As for the matter of the spiritual vein, it would definitely be good news, since Song Xian had mentioned it to him several times before. If it hadn't been accomplished, he wouldn't have sent someone to inform him.

Soon, the visitor was led here and handed a jade slip.

"I understand, I'll go right away." After Song Xian entered the jade slip with his divine sense, he nodded calmly.

"This junior will take his leave now." The Beast Taming Sect disciple turned and left.

"Is there any result regarding the spiritual vein? What did Jiang Feng say?" As soon as the person left, Lin Zixiang couldn't wait to ask.

“That’s right, it’s about the spiritual veins.” Song Xian finally showed a smile.

"The Beast Taming Sect has agreed to allocate a second-tier spiritual vein to us?" Lin Zixiang's eyes immediately brightened. No one wanted a cultivation room more than him. The reason he suggested to Song Xian that they leave Xijiang County was because staying here could not meet his cultivation needs.

Upon hearing that the Beast Taming Sect was going to allocate a spiritual vein to them, they instantly forgot what they had just said.

"Although Jiang Feng did not explicitly state this in the jade slip message, I guess it must be good news, otherwise he wouldn't have sent someone to call me to discuss this matter."

After giving a few instructions on sect affairs, Song Xian left Huayuan Valley.

.........

As night fell, the moon was bright and the stars were few. In the brightly lit hall at the gate of the Beast Taming Sect, Jiang Feng entered from outside. Song Xian quickly stood up, bowed, and greeted him: "Greetings, Master Jiang."

"Sit down!" Jiang Feng walked to the main seat, waved his hand, and gestured for him to sit down. "I have mentioned your request to the sect. As you know, the sect has never done this before. I put in a good word for you, and considering your long-standing loyalty and the significant contributions you made during the Battle of Tiger Gate City, the sect made an exception and agreed to provide you with a spiritual vein to stay in."

"Thank you very much, Steward Jiang. Our clan will never be able to repay your great kindness and virtue." Song Xian immediately stood up and bowed deeply.

"Don't thank me yet, I haven't finished. The sect has decided to lend you the place called Huangyu Mountain. It's a mid-grade second-tier spiritual vein, located in the northwest, far from the enemy's headquarters, so it's relatively safe. But the sect isn't lending it to you for nothing. You have to contribute to the sect. Half of the disciples need to be sent to the front lines, and you'll be responsible for their salaries and other expenses."

Song Xian remained silent. The Hunyuan Sect now only had about a hundred people left, and if half of them had to be transferred to the front lines, he feared that the sect would be wiped out before the war ended.

(End of this chapter)