Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 379 Do your best
"I am deeply grateful that Fellow Daoist Yang has not forgotten our old friendship and is willing to come out to meet us at this time. It is true that new clothes are worse than old friends, and in times of crisis, old friends are the most reliable."

Although Jin Yuanxing felt somewhat aggrieved, he had no choice but to compromise since he needed someone's help. He still wore a fawning smile on his face.

Yang Jinzhang waved his hand impatiently: "Alright, I don't have time to waste with you. Fellow Daoist Jin, if you keep beating around the bush and rambling on, I'm leaving."

"Then I'll be frank. Fellow Daoist Yang, could you introduce me to Senior Song?"

Yang Jinzhang snorted coldly: "Fellow Daoist Jin, you must be joking! What is the current situation? What are the identities of your Luoyun Sect members? You still want to see your father-in-law? If you dare to approach within fifty miles of our sect's gate, we'll arrest you as a spy with ulterior motives. Do you believe that?"

“Of course I know that. We will send an intermediary to meet with you on behalf of our sect.” Jin Yuanxing flipped his hand and took out a stone box with intricate and beautiful patterns: “This is a small token of our sect’s appreciation. We hope Fellow Daoist Jin will not find it offensive. After the matter is settled, our sect will offer a generous reward.”

Yang Jinzhang took the stone box, opened it, and glanced at it. His eyes narrowed slightly. "Finding a middleman is not out of the question, but it depends on my father-in-law's mood."

"Then I'll have to trouble Fellow Daoist Jin to put in a good word for our sect with Senior Song."

Yang Jinzhang put the stone box into his pocket, his tone softening slightly: "Fellow Daoist Jin, if you want me to speak on your behalf, you must tell me why you want to see your father-in-law?"

Jin Yuanxing said with a fawning expression, "With Fellow Daoist Jin's wisdom, how could you not understand?"

"You want your father-in-law to speak well of you in front of the sect leader to preserve your sect and forgive your past betrayals? That won't be easy. To tell you the truth, everyone in our sect is furious about your disloyal behavior. In terms of the degree of anger, among all the sects in the cities under Xijiang County, apart from Fengxing Sect, your Luoyun Sect ranks second."

Jin Yuanxing appeared trembling with fear: "Our sect dares not presume to forgive our past transgressions, but only hopes to be given another chance. Whatever the conditions, our sect is willing to accept them. Fellow Daoist Jin, please convey our sect's message to Senior Song."

"Our sect was forced to join the Yunxuan Sect. At that time, the Fengxing Sect attacked Humen City and claimed that after capturing Humen City, they would take action against Bianxi City."

"Yunxuan Sect and the Murong family keep sending people to pressure us. If our sect continues to follow your sect, they will help Fengxing Sect to take over Bianxi City."

"Our sect knows that we are no match for the Fengxing Sect and do not want to get involved in these conflicts. Therefore, we mistakenly believed the words of the Yunxuan Sect and formed the Bianxi City Independent Alliance."

"Who knew that Emperor Yunxuan would go back on his word and break his promise, and then forced our emperor to send troops to attack Humen City from both sides."

“I am not trying to justify my sect’s actions. My sect does have its difficulties. Moreover, among the five cities under the jurisdiction of Xijiang County, my sect is the third to betray us. It was by no means a willing decision.”

After saying this, Jin Yuanxing flipped his hand and took out a dossier: "If Senior Song can ensure the safety of our sect, our sect is willing to offer up all our savings. This is the list, please pass it on to Senior Song. Of course, there is also your share, fellow Daoist. As long as Senior Song agrees to speak well of our sect to your sect leader, our sect will immediately offer it up."

.........

Under a clear, cloudless sky, in the spacious and bright main hall of Xiaoxiang Mountain, the site of the Mingyue Sect in the northern part of Xijiang County, Song Xian was chatting with a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Mingyue Sect.

After a few polite exchanges, a thin, gray-haired old man with a smile entered from outside.

The Foundation Establishment cultivator quickly stepped forward and bowed, addressing the sect leader as "Sect Leader."

Song Xian also rose and bowed: "Master Xu, it's been a long time. I apologize for disturbing you."

The visitor was none other than Xu Zhuoxuan, the leader of the Mingyue Sect. After Humen City was captured by the Fengxing Sect, Xu Zhuoxuan led the remnants of the Mingyue Sect to Xijiang County to seek refuge with the Yushou Sect, and was assigned to settle in Xiaoxiang Mountain.

Compared to the Hunyuan Sect, the Mingyue Sect has a closer relationship with the Beast Taming Sect and is the Beast Taming Sect's most steadfast and powerful supporter.

Xu Fengling, the previous leader of the Bright Moon Sect, was the husband of the niece of Hong Haoran, the leader of the Beast Taming Sect. Xu Zhuoxuan was Xu Fengling's son.

In other words, according to seniority and kinship, Xu Zhuoxuan is Hong Haoran's grand-nephew. Because of this relationship, the Mingyue Sect has always received a lot of care from the Beast Taming Sect. When the Mingyue Sect attacked the Xinyue Sect, the Beast Taming Sect not only did not stop them, but also secretly helped them.

Therefore, when Yunxuan Sect stirred up trouble in Xijiang County, the leading sects in the other cities were all wavering and had their own ulterior motives, but Mingyue Sect remained loyal to it.

Song Xian's visit was for the sake of the Luoyun Sect.

Although the Hunyuan Sect is not as powerful as the Mingyue Sect, they belong to the same camp and both have suffered from the Luoyun Sect's attacks. It is believed that they also hate the Luoyun Sect to the bone. If they can win over the Mingyue Sect, they will have a better chance of success.

Leaving aside the fact that the Bright Moon Sect holds a much higher position in the Beast Taming Sect than the Hunyuan Sect, just considering the personal relationship between Xu Zhuoxuan and Hong Haoran, he should be able to meet Hong Haoran. If he can say a few words to Hong Haoran, his influence may not be less than that of Jiang Feng and Xu Xiansheng.

"Sect Leader Song, it's been a few years since we last met, but you still retain your former glory. Our two sects are truly brothers in misfortune, so let's not stand on ceremony and please have a seat," Xu Zhuoxuan replied with a smile.

The two of them took their seats as host and guest.

"Sect Leader Xu must have already heard that the Xuan Yuan Sect has ordered the Yun Xuan Sect and the Murong family to return the resources and territories they have seized without compensation. The war in Xijiang County has finally come to an end. Your sect should be able to return to Humen City soon. I have come here specifically to offer my congratulations."

Xu Zhuoxuan remained calm, still smiling: "I am not as optimistic as Sect Leader Song. Although the situation is good now, until the very end, who can guarantee that our sect will be able to return to Humen City smoothly?"

"Given the relationship between your sect and the Beast Taming Sect, the Beast Taming Sect will certainly not stand idly by and watch your sect be bullied by the Windwalking Sect. They will definitely help your sect reclaim Tiger Gate City."

"Then let's take advantage of Sect Leader Song's auspicious words!"

Seeing that he kept giving perfunctory responses, Song Xian took the initiative to explain his purpose: "To be honest, Fellow Daoist Xu, I have been to the Beast Taming Sect's mountain gate before. They have clearly guaranteed that our sect can return to Bianxi City, but they did not say how to deal with those rebellious sects, such as the Windwalking Sect and the Falling Cloud Sect."

"What I'm worried about is that the Beast Taming Sect will eventually turn a blind eye to these rebellious sects. If that happens, even if we go back, we won't be able to live in peace and will have to be on guard against them at all times."

“I know that you have a special relationship with Senior Hong, the leader of the Beast Taming Sect. If you can speak to Senior Hong and take this opportunity to completely eliminate these rebellious sects, then we can rest easy.”

Xu Zhuoxuan smiled slightly: "Sect Leader Song overestimates me. How could I possibly influence the Beast Taming Sect's decisions? If I could influence the Beast Taming Sect's decisions, they wouldn't have withdrawn their troops from Humen City in the first place. Let's just wait and see how the Beast Taming Sect arranges things. We don't need to worry about anything else."

Song Xian put away his smile and said with a serious face: "I cannot agree with what Sect Leader Xu said. The so-called 'do your best and leave the rest to fate' is about the future development and even the life and death of our sect. How can we not do our best?"

“The Windwalking Sect and the Falling Cloud Sect aren’t fools either. In this situation, they will definitely try every means to protect themselves. The only thing we can rely on is the Beast Taming Sect. If we don’t take this opportunity to persuade the Beast Taming Sect to eliminate them, it will cause endless trouble for both of us.” “To be honest, before coming here, I had already met with Senior Jiang Feng and Senior Xu Xiansheng of the Beast Taming Sect and tried my best to persuade them to take this opportunity to eliminate the Windwalking Sect and the Falling Cloud Sect.”

"It's a pity that I'm not qualified to meet Senior Hong, the leader of the Beast Taming Sect. Otherwise, I would have done my best."

"As the saying goes, man proposes, God disposes. As long as we do our best, we will have no regrets no matter what the final result is."

"These are my heartfelt words. I hope Fellow Daoist Xu will forgive me for any offense I may have caused."

Seeing his earnestness and the sincerity of his words, Xu Zhuoxuan composed himself and said, "Sect Leader Song is right. In that case, I will go to the Beast Taming Sect's mountain gate."

.........

The sun was shining and the sky was clear.

Inside the magnificent and imposing hall, the high-ranking members of the Beast Taming Sect gathered together. Hong Haoran sat high on the main seat, looking as dignified as ever.

"Yunxuan Sect and the Murong family have withdrawn all their troops, and our sect has gradually taken back the lost territories. With the guarantee from Xuanyuan Sect, there is no need to worry about Yunxuan Sect causing trouble anymore. However, in return, Xuanyuan Sect forbids us from settling scores with them later. But Xuanyuan Sect has not made any specific demands on those sects in the cities that have defected."

"The main reason I've gathered you all here today is to discuss this matter: how to deal with these rebellious sects. Please feel free to share your opinions."

"Of course, we should wipe them all out." Xu Xiansheng's voice was loud and clear as he took the lead without hesitation. "If we don't take this opportunity to eliminate these two-faced traitors, they will surely become a future problem. Who can guarantee that the Xuan Yuan Sect will not change its attitude in the future? If the Yun Xuan Sect and the Murong family cause trouble again, these sects will become their henchmen."

“We must eliminate them one by one and replace them with a group of loyal sectarian forces, or have our sect take over directly.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a middle-aged man nodded and said, "Senior Brother Xu is right. Since the Xuan Yuan Sect has not explicitly requested that those sects be spared, we should seize this opportunity to carry out a major purge."

Seeing that Xu Xiansheng had already expressed his opinion and that others supported him, Jiang Feng chimed in, "I also believe that we should wipe out the rebellious sects in each city with overwhelming force."

After he finished speaking, several other people expressed their support.

Only then did Song Zhongping cough lightly: "I think we can't lump all the betraying sects together, much less wipe them all out. For example, those small forces in the cities that were swept along, they had no choice. If we were to exterminate all the sects, they would inevitably unite to resist us. The sects and forces of all sizes in the five cities combined must have at least tens of thousands of cultivators!"

“Even if our entire sect were to mobilize, it would likely come at a considerable cost to eliminate them all. I intend to only punish the ringleaders; we need not concern ourselves with the smaller factions that were dragged along. They have little say anyway, and their assistance to Yunxuan Sect was out of necessity.”

Xu Xiansheng said expressionlessly, "I'm referring to those leading sects in various cities who spearheaded the betrayal. At least the other smaller forces, even if we don't wipe them all out, should be taught a lesson."

Song Zhongping remained calm and composed: "Apart from the Mingyue Sect in Humen City, the other four leading sects together have at least six or seven thousand people, if not ten thousand."

“They will certainly not sit idly by and wait to die. They will inevitably unite to resist, and they will certainly bring together all the forces, large and small, under their control to fight against them. They say they will wipe out the leading sects in each city, but in reality they will fight against all sects. There is no difference.”

"Moreover, I dare say that even if Yunxuan Sect and the Murong family are pressured by Xuanyuan Sect and dare not send troops to support them, they will definitely provide support in secret."

"Our sect has suffered greatly from years of war and loss of life. We should not engage in such large-scale warfare again. The sects that have betrayed us in various cities are merely minor ailments, not a serious threat."

"Our greatest enemy is still the Yunxuan Sect. If we suffer heavy casualties again in order to wipe out the sects in various cities, it will be a loss that does not outweigh the gains. The Yunxuan Sect is willing to see us fighting against the sects in various cities."

After Song Zhongping finished speaking, the hall fell into a brief silence, and several of those who had originally supported the suppression of all rebellions also showed thoughtful expressions.

“I agree with Senior Brother Song’s opinion. This matter should be handled gradually and not rushed,” a man who had been silent all along said.

Another middle-aged woman who had not yet spoken up also spoke up: "Senior Brother Song's words are wise and insightful. Even the sects that led the rebellion in various cities cannot be generalized. We should selectively divide and win them over."

"I also think we can't just make a blanket decision. Among the sects that led the rebellion in each city, some were forced into it. For example, the Xuan Yang Sect in Tianshui City. Although they eventually joined the Yun Xuan Sect, it was a last resort. At that time, the sects in the other four cities either fled or rebelled. If they hadn't done that, they would have been attacked by the Feng Xing Sect, and our sect couldn't protect them at the time. Putting ourselves in their shoes, their actions were understandable."

Song Zhongping looked at Hong Haoran: "Sect Leader, I propose that we only deal with the Fengxing Sect for now. They are not only allies of the Yunxuan Sect, but also the most threatening and powerful sect in the subordinate cities. As for the leading rebellious sects in other cities, we should observe their behavior and deal with them slowly after we have wiped out the Fengxing Sect."

"If they don't behave, it's not too late to deal with them one by one. If we wipe out the Fengxing Sect first, there will be much less resistance when dealing with other sects. We can send people to talk to the sects in Bianxi City, Yongning City, and Tianshui City. Give them a chance to atone for their crimes and reform themselves."

"If they are willing to send people to assist us and do their utmost to help us wipe out the Windwalker Sect, then let them live for now."

"If they refuse to repent, then we will wipe them out as well. In this way, we can both preserve the prestige of our sect and reduce the casualties among our disciples."

Hong Haoran remained noncommittal, his gaze sweeping over the crowd: "What do you all think?"

Xu Xiansheng was the first to retort: ​​"If the four city sects rebel, and we only deal with the Fengxing Sect, it will not only make people look down on our sect, but it will also give them a false sense of security. If trouble comes again in the future, they will inevitably turn against us again."

"To be lenient towards traitors is to be cruel to the loyal. For example, the Bright Moon Sect has always followed us steadfastly, but it has not only suffered heavy losses but also lost its mountain gate."

"If we do not strike a swift and decisive blow against the traitors, no sect will remain loyal to our sect in the future."

Another person chimed in, "There are roughly dozens of forces, large and small, in various cities that have participated in the rebellion. Eliminating only the Windwalker Sect is indeed insufficient to demonstrate the sect's power. Even if we don't purge all sects, we shouldn't be so lenient."

"At least two or three of the four leading sects should be eliminated, and some of the smaller forces that have been dragged along should also be wiped out. For example, those sects in Anyuan City should not be let off easily, otherwise how can we deter them? I think it is appropriate to eliminate half of the forces in Anyuan City, and the rest can be spared if they are willing to pull back from the brink."

Jiang Feng seized the opportunity to say, "At least the Luoyun Sect cannot be allowed to remain. Not only did it betray our sect when we were assisting Humen City, but it also cooperated with the Fengxing Sect to attack Humen City from both sides. In addition, the Hunyuan Sect in Bianxi City has always been loyal to our sect, and we were also killed by them. If the Luoyun Sect is not eliminated, we will not be able to explain to the Mingyue Sect and Hunyuan Sect who are loyal to our sect."

Song Zhongping glanced at Jiang Feng and said calmly, "Compared to Luoyun Sect, Huayuan Sect in Yongning City is even worse. It is the sect that defected the fastest, second only to Fengxing Sect. I intend to eliminate Fengxing Sect and Huayuan Sect, and then wipe out half of the other forces in Anyuan City and Yongning City. This will be enough to deter others from coming. As for Luoyun Sect in Bianxi City and Xunyang Sect in Tianshui City, we can let them redeem themselves by recruiting cultivators from these two cities to attack Anyuan City and Yongning City."

Hong Haoran waited until everyone had finished expressing their opinions before finally speaking: "Pass on the order..."

(End of this chapter)