Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 445 On the verge of breaking out

As night fell, dark clouds obscured the moon.

Inside the spacious and brightly lit council hall at the Huayuan Sect's mountain gate, Sect Leader Luo Huang, along with First Elder Feng Ziyi, Second Elder Tian Xuan, and Third Elder Huo Youming, gathered together, each with a solemn expression.

"According to reliable intelligence, the Bright Moon Sect is secretly contacting various sects and forces in this city, coercing and enticing them to either turn against us or remain neutral. I predict that as soon as the Bright Moon Sect's celebration ends, they may launch an attack on our sect." Elder Feng Ziyi said in a low voice.

Luo Huang narrowed his eyes slightly: "We don't have much time left. Junior Brother Tian, ​​have all the disciples of our sect gathered?"

"They have all been recalled to the mountain gate and are ready to be deployed at any time."

"Junior Brother Huo, have the leaders of those sects in this city arrived yet?"

"Several leaders declined the invitation due to other commitments and only sent representatives."

"No matter who they send, have them gather their men at the mountain gate and assign them tasks. To quell external threats, we must first secure internal stability. If anyone disobeys, eliminate them first. We must use swift and decisive action to eradicate the two-faced forces within our ranks."

The First Elder, Feng Ziyi, said with deep concern: "With our strength, we are no match for the Bright Moon Sect in a head-on confrontation. Those other sects are naturally aware of this. Even if they send people to the mountain gate, once the Bright Moon Sect arrives and sees the situation is not good, they may turn against us at any time. To fight against the Bright Moon Sect, in addition to uniting all the forces in our city, we also need to win over the forces in other cities."

Luo Huang looked at Tian Xuan: "Junior Brother Tian, ​​has Xuan Yang Sect not yet given a reply?"

"No."

"In that case, go to Tianshui City again. No matter what conditions they offer, you can agree to them first. The most urgent task is to ensure that Xuanyang Sect is on the same side as us. Only in this way can we protect this foundation."

"Okay, I'll go right away." Tian Xuan replied and stood up.

"You should also make a trip to Bianxi City and pay a visit to the Hunyuan Sect. If you can win them over, our sect will be safe."

"The Hunyuan Sect and the Mingyue Sect are very close, so they probably won't help us."

"Even if they don't help us, as long as they don't help the Bright Moon Sect, they are still valuable."

"I understand."

…………

While the group was plotting this secret, the Xuan Yang Sect, thousands of miles away, was also having a heated discussion about the matter.

Inside the council hall, Su Yuan, the Grand Elder of Xuan Yang Sect, was thin with graying temples. His brows were furrowed. "The Bright Moon Sect has already received the tacit approval of the Beast Taming Sect. Even the Beast Taming Sect is not involved in this matter. What benefit can our sect gain from getting involved? Why offend the Bright Moon Sect for the sake of Hua Yuan Sect?"

Third Elder Tao Renjun, with his handsome features and imposing presence, said with a solemn expression: "Helping the Bright Moon Sect is not for personal gain, but for the survival of our sect. If we stand idly by and watch the Bright Moon Sect annex the Hua Yuan Sect, we will be next. If we stand idly by now, who will come to our rescue then?"

“The Mingyue Sect used the past incident as an excuse to annex the Huayuan Sect. They can use this excuse to attack us in the future. We and the Huayuan Sect are not only interdependent, but also in the same situation.”

"Of the five cities under the jurisdiction of Xijiang County, only our sect and Huayuan Sect were loyal to Yunxuan Sect in the past. The Beast Taming Sect is now indifferent to the life and death of Huayuan Sect and turns a blind eye to Mingyue Sect. How can we guarantee that the Beast Taming Sect will intervene when Mingyue Sect deals with us in the future?"

“We are in the same boat as the Huayuan Sect. With the Huayuan Sect around, our safety is guaranteed. Whether from a geographical perspective or from the actual situation, the Huayuan Sect is a barrier between us and the Mingyue Sect.”

"If Yongning City is captured by the Mingyue Sect, there will be no buffer zone between our sect and the Mingyue Sect. It may attack our sect at any time."

Elder Su Yuan immediately retorted: "I cannot agree with Junior Brother Tao's words. The Bright Moon Sect and our sect have never had any enmity. Why would he want to attack our sect? This is completely unfounded speculation."

"The reason why the Bright Moon Sect wants to deal with the Hua Yuan Sect is firstly because the Hua Yuan Sect contributed a lot when the Wind Star Sect attacked Humen City, while our sect did not participate at that time."

"Secondly, Xu Zhuoxuan, the leader of the Mingyue Sect, needs to cultivate a third-grade low-level spiritual vein to advance to the Golden Core stage, which is why he has his eye on the Huayuan Sect."

“The Bright Moon Sect is powerful, and now it has the tacit approval of the Beast Taming Sect. If our sect gets involved in their struggle, even if we win, we will pay a huge price and gain nothing. Moreover, we will have a complete feud with the Bright Moon Sect. If we lose, we will have no place to stand, and our sect will be destroyed.”

"Our sect made the wrong choice by siding with the Yunxuan Sect before, and we cannot afford to make the same mistake again. We cannot bear the consequences. Please, Sect Leader, consider this carefully."

The Xuan Yang Sect leader, Gu Xuntao, was a burly man who was usually quite decisive, but at this moment he looked hesitant. After listening to the two men's words, he looked at the Second Elder, Jia Yun, who had been silent all along: "Junior Brother Jia, what do you think?"

Jia Yun frowned: "This matter is of great importance, so let the sect leader make the decision!"

.........

In the spacious and bright hall of Bianxi City, Luoyun Mountain, Song Xian was listening to Huang Ye's report.

"According to our disciples in Xijiang County, after the Huayuan Sect leader went to the Beast Taming Sect's mountain gate, he also visited the Murong family. No one knows what they talked about, but neither the Beast Taming Sect nor the Murong family made any move."

"In Yongning City, Huayuan Sect has made preparations. They have summoned various forces in Yongning City and set up camps in various places."

"The Bright Moon Sect has not yet announced its intention to attack the Hua Yuan Sect. There has also been no movement from Tianshui City for the time being."

Before Song Xian could speak, a disciple came to the outside of the hall and bowed to him: "Sect Leader, Tian Xuan, the Second Elder of Huayuan Sect, has arrived at the mountain gate and wishes to see you."

"Junior Brother Huang, go and bring the person here." Song Xian was not surprised that Hua Yuanzong had sent someone to come. He also wanted to know how Hua Yuanzong's preparations were going, so he instructed Huang Ye to bring the person here.

Huang Ye responded and left.

Before long, a thin old man of about fifty years old was brought here. This man was Tian Xuan, the second elder of Huayuan Sect.

Song Xian stood up with a smile to greet him. After exchanging a few polite words, the two took their seats as host and guest.

Tian Xuan said with a sincere and earnest expression, "I would not come to your temple without a reason. Sect Leader Song may already know that the Bright Moon Sect is trying to seize our sect's mountain gate by relying on its power. Our sect knows that your sect and the Bright Moon Sect have always had a good relationship. We hope that Sect Leader Song can help mediate and reconcile this matter. If you can help us achieve this, our sect will be extremely grateful and will surely reward you handsomely."

This was merely a way to test Song Xian's attitude. Although the two families had trade relations, he couldn't very well ask the Hunyuan Sect to help them fight against the Mingyue Sect on such a big matter. That would not be a normal or reasonable request.

"Mediation is certainly no problem. To be honest, I don't want to see the war reignite in Xijiang County either. However, given the status of my sect, I'm afraid we can't say much. Since your sect wants to find someone to mediate, why not ask the Beast Taming Sect to step in?"

Song Xian also wanted to get more information and the attitudes of all parties through Tian Xuan, so he did not refuse outright. "To be honest, our sect has already contacted the Beast Taming Sect, but unfortunately they are unwilling to come forward."

Tian Xuan did not hide anything. At this point, there was nothing left to hide. The two sides were already at each other's throats, and the Bright Moon Sect would soon make its move. At that time, all the lies would be exposed.

"Yongning City and Tianshui City are adjacent. Your sect must have already contacted Xuanyang Sect. I wonder what their attitude was?"

"Xuanyang Sect is willing to support our sect. Although they are very reluctant to offend Mingyue Sect, they know that Mingyue Sect has wolfish ambitions. As the saying goes, if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold. If Mingyue Sect takes Yongning City, it will continue to expand, and then they will be next. Xuanyang Sect has agreed to form an alliance with our sect, and we will announce this news to the public soon."

"Oh? Is that so?" Song Xian nodded thoughtfully. If Xuan Yang Sect could really assist Hua Yuan Sect, it wouldn't be so easy for Ming Yue Sect to annex Yong Ning City. However, forming an alliance doesn't mean anything.

"If your sect can work together with Xuan Yang Sect, I believe you will be safe. How about this: after you announce the alliance, I will find an opportunity to talk to Ming Yue Sect. If we can stop this conflict, I am very willing to help."

Upon hearing this, Tian Xuan was delighted. Song Xian's attitude made him realize that Hunyuan Sect did not actually want Mingyue Sect to win, which proved that Hunyuan Sect had not reached an agreement with Mingyue Sect.

"Then thank you very much, Sect Leader Song. I have something to say, but I don't know if I should?"

"Fellow Daoist Tian, ​​please speak freely."

Tian Xuan slowly spoke: "The Bright Moon Sect's wolfish ambitions are obvious. Although it will not attack your sect in the short term, if it succeeds in annexing Yongning City, it will eventually attack Bianxi City."

"Your clan controls the Tianshan Mountains and has also created the Tianshan Market. By using the Tianshan Market to conduct trade between the Muhe Grassland and the Qin Kingdom, you are making a fortune every day. Who wouldn't be envious of such profits?"

"Xu Zhuoxuan, the sect leader of the Bright Moon Sect, now wants to destroy our sect and seize our sect's third-grade low-level spiritual vein for his own cultivation needs. In the future, he will seize your sect's Tianshan Market for financial purposes."

"In just a hundred years, Sect Leader Song has led the originally weak Hunyuan Sect to replace Luoyun Sect and become the number one sect in Bianxi City. No one can help but admire your ability and strength."

"Even the Xuan Yang Sect can see this point and is willing to ally with our sect. I believe that Sect Leader Song must have also seen this hidden danger."

"Stopping the expansion of the Bright Moon Sect's power is not only a matter of life and death for our sect, but also involves the safety of your sect."

“If your sect is willing, it is entirely possible to stop the Bright Moon Sect. You don’t even need to send anyone or anything. Just announce that your sect is allied with our sect. With the addition of the Xuan Yang Sect, the three of us can advance and retreat together. I believe this will deter the Bright Moon Sect and prevent it from acting rashly.”

So that's what they were planning. Song Xian smiled slightly: "The matter of forming an alliance is not within our sect's consideration. Fellow Daoist Tian, ​​you should find someone else more capable!"

"If your sect is afraid of offending the Bright Moon Sect, I think there is no need to worry at all. Once our alliance is formed, the Bright Moon Sect will be helpless. In addition, as long as your sect is willing to form an alliance, you can make your demands, and our sect will do its best to meet them."

"Fellow Daoist Tian, ​​to be honest, I sympathize with your sect's plight, but our sect does not wish to be involved in your conflict. If you need mediation, our sect is willing to lend a hand. Of course, if you need talismans, pills, formations, or other items, you are welcome to come and purchase them. If it is inconvenient for you, our sect can arrange for someone to deliver them to your door. As for other matters, let's not discuss them."

"If the Bright Moon Sect insists on going its own way, your sect will not help the Bright Moon Sect, will it?"

"of course not."

"Alright, then I won't bother you any longer."

Having received a definite answer, Tian Xuan said no more, got up to take his leave, and Song Xian then instructed Huang Ye to see him off.

.........

Tian Xuan did not exaggerate. Two days later, Xuan Yang Sect indeed announced an alliance with Hua Yuan Sect. They announced the news before Ming Yue Sect could send troops, hoping to make Ming Yue Sect back down.

However, they clearly underestimated Xu Zhuoxuan's determination. The day after they announced the alliance, which was also the day of the Mingyue Sect's celebration, Xu Zhuoxuan hosted a banquet for guests from all directions. In the midst of the gathering of guests, he openly declared that he would settle old scores with Huayuan Sect.

Anyone who interferes in their feud is an enemy of the Bright Moon Sect. This statement was undoubtedly meant for the Hua Yuan Sect.

Song Xian did not witness this scene firsthand, as he did not attend the celebration himself, but instead sent Lin Zixiang instead. Lin Zixiang told him about it after he returned.

The representative of Huayuan Sect was present at the time. Upon hearing this, his expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly left the Mingyue Sect's mountain gate.

A few days later, the Bright Moon Sect summoned the sect forces of Humen City and Anyuan City, and Xu Zhuoxuan personally led the team to Yongning City.

.........

Tianshui City, Xuanyang Zongshan Gate.

Inside the spacious and bright hall, Tian Xuan frowned, looking anxiously towards the door from time to time. Finally, he heard light footsteps and quickly stood up.

Before long, Gu Xuntao, the leader of Xuanyang Sect, walked in with a solemn expression.

"Sect Leader Gu, I apologize for disturbing you." Tian Xuan quickly stepped forward, bowed, and paid his respects.

Gu Xuntao waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down. The two sat down as host and guest respectively: "There's no need for so much formality now. I already know that the Bright Moon Sect has mobilized the masses to send troops."

"I earnestly request that your esteemed clan send troops to assist us immediately."

Gu Xuntao sighed: "I also very much want to help your sect, but with the strength of my sect, we are no match for the Bright Moon Sect, and there is nothing I can do to help. It was agreed that my sect would announce an alliance with your sect, but that was not really to fight against the Bright Moon Sect together. I have done my best in your sect's matter, fellow Daoist, you should find someone else!"

A few days ago, Xuan Yang Sect announced an alliance with Hua Yuan Sect, but this was merely to express their support for Hua Yuan Sect and to discourage Ming Yue Sect from taking action.

However, this move was clearly a miscalculation. The Bright Moon Sect did not back down because of this. On the day of the celebration, Xu Zhuoxuan openly declared in front of the Xuan Yang Sect representative.

The next day, the Mingyue Sect sent a representative to the Xuanyang Sect's mountain gate and invited the Beast Taming Sect's resident official in Tianshui City. In front of him, the Mingyue Sect promised that as long as the Xuanyang Sect did not interfere in its feud with the Huayuan Sect, the Mingyue Sect would never make trouble for the Xuanyang Sect.

In addition, the Mingyue Sect proposed several cooperative matters that would be profitable for the Xuanyang Sect.

Gu Xuntao did not want to be enemies with the Mingyue Sect. The reason he announced the alliance was because he was afraid that the Mingyue Sect would threaten his own safety after taking Yongning City. Now that he had the guarantee from the Mingyue Sect and there was something to gain, he naturally went along with it and reached an agreement with the Mingyue Sect.

(End of this chapter)