Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 450 The storm is rising
"What do you think?" Fang Zhongyu ignored him and instead looked at the silent Jiang Han.

"Although the Bright Moon Sect has promised the Hua Yuan Sect half of its resources and territory, let alone whether it can breach the Hua Yuan Sect's gates in one fell swoop, even if things go smoothly, it may not deliver as promised. Furthermore, if it delivers today, it may swallow it up again tomorrow. If we assist them, we will not only be making enemies of the Hua Yuan Sect, but also turning against the Xuan Yang Sect. Will Tianshui City still have a foothold then? This matter is too risky, and I hope the patriarch will consider it carefully."

Before Fang Mingxuan could speak, Fang Zhongyu immediately retorted, "If Xuanyang Sect can assist Huayuan Sect, why can't we assist Mingyue Sect? With Mingyue Sect's help, Xuanyang Sect wouldn't dare to do anything to us. Mingyue Sect openly invaded Yongning City's territory, and Yushou Sect turned a blind eye, which shows that they have obtained Yushou Sect's support. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us."

"Last time we chose the wrong side, which led to the Beast Taming Sect seizing many of our resource territories. If this continues, we will only decline further and become weaker. Now that we have this rare opportunity to turn things around, if we don't seize it, when will we ever get another chance?"

"Once this opportunity is gone, it's gone forever. The Xuan Yang Sect was never a good thing to begin with. They tricked us last time and used us as scapegoats to appease the Beast Taming Sect."

"At worst, we can turn against them and withdraw from Tianshui City. Half of Huayuan Sect's resources and territory are far more than what we currently possess."

Jiang Han slowly spoke: "The Bright Moon Sect has offered such high conditions, so they must want us to do our best to attack the Hua Yuan Sect's mountain gate. That's an extremely tough nut to crack. Even the Bright Moon Sect suffered heavy casualties when they attacked before. How many of us can hold out until the end? If people die, no amount of resources or territory can be defended."

Fang Mingxuan stroked his chin, remaining silent.

.........

As night fell, the moon was bright and the stars were few. In the desolate valley, a beam of light shot down, revealing Fang Mingxuan's figure.

"Fellow Daoist Fang has finally arrived. I am truly sorry, but I was worried that my visit to your residence would be discovered by the spies of the Xuan Yang Sect, so I had to arrange a meeting with you outside." Behind a boulder, Ding Mingde turned around, smiled, and bowed respectfully.

Fang Mingxuan remained expressionless. The main reason he went to the meeting was to see what Mingyue Sect's conditions were. He was not worried about Mingyue Sect plotting against him because there was no direct conflict between him and Mingyue Sect. Mingyue Sect would not go to such lengths to deal with him.

"Enough with the pleasantries. Your sect needs our assistance. What exactly do you require of us?"

"It's very simple, you just need to deal with Xuan Yang Sect."

Fang Mingxuan was startled, because Xu Zhuoxuan's jade slip only stated that assistance was needed and outlined the conditions, but did not specify what they were required to do. Therefore, during their previous discussions, they all assumed that they were to fully assist the Mingyue Sect in attacking the Huayuan Sect's mountain gate. They never expected that the Mingyue Sect would ask them to deal with the Xuanyang Sect.

"Fellow Daoist Ding, you must be joking! If our manor can handle the Xuan Yang Sect, why would we care about the resources and territory of the Hua Yuan Sect?"

"Of course, I know that your family is slightly weaker than Xuan Yang Sect. As long as you make some noise in Tianshui City, Xuan Yang Sect will definitely recall its people in Yongning City. In this way, the defense of Huayuan Sect's mountain gate will be greatly weakened, and my sect will be able to conquer it in one fell swoop."

Fang Mingxuan sneered: "Fellow Daoist Ding, you've got a brilliant plan! You're using my mansion to restrain Huayuan Sect so that it can benefit your sect."

Ding Mingde spoke slowly and deliberately: "Fellow Daoist Fang, are you willing to be trampled underfoot by the Xuan Yang Sect forever? This matter is risky, but the rewards will definitely outweigh the risks. Where in this world can you find such a good thing—no risk, no reward?"

"Fellow Daoist Fang knows all too well what kind of people the Xuan Yang Sect is. Back when the Yun Xuan Sect was defeated, the Beast Taming Sect originally intended to settle scores with the leading Xuan Yang Sect. But what happened? Your family was dragged out to take the fall. The Xuan Yang Sect didn't suffer much loss, but your family had many important resources and territories seized by the Beast Taming Sect."

"It's human nature to sacrifice a fellow Daoist rather than myself, and that's fine. But what about all these years? The Xuan Yang Sect has not only failed to compensate your family, but has also been constantly exploiting you. As far as I know, they have seized many of your family's properties, including your family's pillar industry located in Fengwei River. The Xuan Yang Sect has recently gotten involved as well, hasn't it!"

“If this continues, what will be left of your family? Sooner or later they will devour you completely. The reason they haven’t wiped you out yet is not because they are merciful, but simply because of the restrictions imposed by the Beast Taming Sect.”

"But given the current situation, no one knows what will become of Xijiang County, or even Xishu Prefecture, in the future."

"Fellow Daoist Fang should have heard that in Nanhan County, it is rumored that Tianxuan Sect is negotiating with several major forces in Chu Kingdom to recruit Chu Kingdom cultivators to support Nanhan County. Previously, only Tianxuan Sect sent troops, and the situation was already deadlocked. However, once Chu Kingdom fully intervenes, Nanhan County will inevitably fall into their hands, and the entire Qin Kingdom will be in chaos."

"By then, will the Beast Taming Sect still be able to manage the infighting between the sects in the various cities? If your family does not fight now, it will surely be devoured by the Xuan Yang Sect in the future, leaving not even a trace."

Fang Mingxuan's eyes flickered, and he remained silent. These words had truly struck a chord with him.

Over the years, Xuan Yangzong has been steadily encroaching on the Fang family's assets, and his fangs have already been revealed, making him uneasy.

Ultimately, it all comes down to choosing the wrong side. Although the Beast Taming Sect spared the Huayuan Sect, it has been suppressing it intentionally or unintentionally. In addition, the Xuanyang Sect had some of its resources and territory confiscated by the Beast Taming Sect, causing its sect finances to run out, which is why it needs to exploit others and expand.

Unable to expand outwards, they could only leech off the family from within. The resources and industries of other sects within Tianshui City were simply insufficient, so they set their sights on the Fang family.

Fang Mingxuan also knew that if the Beast Taming Sect hadn't wanted to maintain the balance of Tianshui City and not allow the Huayuan Sect to annex other sects, the Huayuan Sect would have already taken action against him.

He was certainly paying attention to the situation in Nanhan County. What Ding Mingde said was exactly what he was worried about. If Emperor Qianqing were to be defeated in Nanhan County, the Qin Kingdom would likely be thrown into chaos. No one could say for sure what would happen then.

He had already intended to join forces with the Mingyue Sect when he came to see Ding Mingde, but he was worried that in the end it would all be for nothing and he would even be harmed, so he had been hesitant to make a decision.

Ding Mingde noticed his hesitation and pressed his advantage: "Even if our sect fails to take down the Huayuan Sect's mountain gate, we won't suffer much loss. At most, we'll just have to retreat to Humen City. But if your sect misses this opportunity, you'll regret it later."

"Opportunities often only come once. If you miss this opportunity, you'll never have another chance. Take Hunyuan Sect in Bianxi City, for example. They migrated from Pingyuan County and have only been around for a hundred years. When they first settled in Bianxi City, there were only a dozen or so people. Now, they have replaced Luoyun Sect and become the leading sect in Bianxi City."

"The reason they were able to do this is because they seized every opportunity. Originally just an insignificant small force, they successively annexed Tianshan, destroyed the Kong family, and replaced Luoyun Sect. Every time, they won against the odds."

"Their success was due not only to favorable timing but also to strategic planning. Were there any risks along the way? Of course there were. A single wrong step could have led to the destruction of their sect and the extermination of their entire clan, but they dared to do it anyway."

"They were once forced to abandon their families and leave Bianxi City to live under the roof of others in Xijiang County, but in the end they replaced Luoyun Sect." "I have met Song Xian, the leader of Hunyuan Sect, many times. He is not only a man of great wisdom and insight, but also bold and meticulous. Hunyuan Sect is where it is today because of his decisions that have repeatedly defied public opinion."

"This illustrates the importance of a leader to the entire sect. In my opinion, Fellow Daoist Fang is no less than Fellow Daoist Song Xian in terms of cultivation spiritual root aptitude, strategy, or other aspects, but his courage is another matter."

Fang Mingxuan remained expressionless and coldly snorted: "Fellow Daoist Ding, there's no need for you to try to provoke me. I know who I am, and I don't need anyone to criticize me. I only have one question: Your sect wants us to restrain the troublemakers in Tianshui City and the Xuan Yang Sect. How can you guarantee our safety?"

"Don't try to fool us with talk about taking half of Huayuan Sect's resources and territory. Let's not even talk about whether your sect can conquer Huayuan Sect's mountain gate. Even if your sect succeeds, we will be unable to resist if Xuanyang Sect attacks us. What use are resources and territory if everyone is dead?"

Ding Mingde smiled slightly: "This matter is inherently risky. This is not child's play or a dinner party. It is a life-or-death struggle. It is impossible to be completely risk-free, but we will do our best to ensure the safety of your residence."

"Let me first tell you the benefits of your assistance this time. If our sect takes over the Huayuan Sect's mountain gate, as agreed beforehand, we will hand over half of Huayuan Sect's resources and territory to your sect. Then we will help your sect eliminate Xuanyang Sect and divide Xuanyang Sect's territory and resources equally."

"If our sect fails to take it, Huayuan Sect will have no choice but to negotiate with us and will cede a portion of Yongning City's resources. We will give half of them to your family."

"Furthermore, regarding the security of your residence, if the Xuan Yang Sect attacks your sect, our sect will immediately request the Beast Taming Sect to intervene. The Beast Taming Sect does not want the Xuan Yang Sect to monopolize Tianshui City, and given the relationship between our sect leader and the Beast Taming Sect, they will definitely get involved."

"Even in the worst-case scenario, your family would only be squeezed out of Tianshui City. If your family were to obtain the resources and territory of Yongning City, you could establish a foothold there; it would simply be a matter of moving."

Fang Mingxuan narrowed his eyes slightly: "How do I know you won't abandon me after using me?"

"Fellow Daoist Fang should be well aware that the main reason our sect attacked Huayuan Sect was for that spiritual vein. We don't care much about anything else."

"Moreover, we have a common enemy, namely the Xuan Yang Sect. The Xuan Yang Sect's assistance to the Hua Yuan Sect this time has already made them mortal enemies of our sect. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. If your family turns against the Xuan Yang Sect, it will not be for any other reason than to contain the Xuan Yang Sect. Our sect will not sit idly by and watch your family be swallowed up by the Xuan Yang Sect."

Fang Mingxuan fell silent, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. Ding Mingde did not urge him either. The whistling wind in the valley made their clothes flutter.

After a long while, Fang Mingxuan finally spoke: "Do you know why Xuan Yang Sect is assisting Hua Yuan Sect?"

"Why?"

Hua Yuanzong gave Gu Xuntao a Golden Yuan Pill.

"Oh?" Upon hearing this, Ding Mingde was both surprised and delighted. The Mingyue Sect had been secretly watching the Xuanyang Sect's every move and knew that the Huayuan Sect had repeatedly sent people to contact the Xuanyang Sect's leader, but they were unaware of this matter.

Logically speaking, such a private matter should be unknown to outsiders, but Fang Mingxuan knew about it. There is only one possibility: that there is a spy from the Fang family by the side of Gu Xuntao, the leader of Xuanyang Sect.

This person must be Gu Xuntao's confidant, otherwise he wouldn't know such a secret matter.

The fact that Fang Mingxuan told him even this kind of thing shows that he has already made up his mind to turn against Xuanyang Sect.

"No wonder. I was wondering why Xuan Yang Sect would be so kind as to go to such lengths to help Hua Yuan Sect. I originally thought that Gu Xuntao was farsighted and worried that our sect would threaten them after taking Yongning City. It turns out it's all for this Golden Yuan Pill! But it's only human nature. He has already reached the ninth level of Foundation Establishment and has the hope of breaking through to the Golden Core stage, so of course he will do everything he can to get it."

Ding Mingde paused for a moment, then looked at Fang Mingxuan with a half-smile.

"Since Fellow Daoist Fang has told me about this, you must also be eyeing that Golden Essence Pill!"

"Two conditions: First, kill Gu Xuntao. Second, hand over the Golden Essence Pill to me," Fang Mingxuan stated his demands succinctly.

In fact, these two conditions are equivalent to one, because if Gu Xuntao is not eliminated, he will never willingly hand over the Golden Yuan Pill.

Killing Gu Xuntao would not only plunge the Xuan Yang Sect into chaos with no leader, but also create a blood feud between the Ming Yue Sect and the Xuan Yang Sect. This way, he wouldn't have to worry about the Ming Yue Sect betraying him and reaching a reconciliation with the Xuan Yang Sect, allowing him to turn against the Xuan Yang Sect without any worries.

Of course, what's more important to him personally is that Golden Core Pill. He has already reached the seventh level of Foundation Establishment, and with this, he will have the opportunity to break through to the Golden Core stage in the future.

From the moment he learned that Hua Yuanzong had given Gu Xuntao the Golden Yuan Pill, he was tempted to seize it for himself.

However, Gu Xuntao's cultivation level was not only higher than his, but the strength of Xuanyang Sect was also far greater than that of Fang Family. Even if he used tricks and schemes to seize the Golden Yuan Pill, he would inevitably suffer fierce retaliation from Xuanyang Sect.

The moment Xu Zhuoxuan sent someone to his door, a plan had already formed in his mind.

Taking advantage of the Mingyue Sect's eagerness, he could propose conditions to eliminate Gu Xuntao and obtain the Golden Yuan Pill with the help of Xu Zhuoxuan. At the same time, he could have the Mingyue Sect provide cover so that the Xuanyang Sect would not suspect him, which would be killing two birds with one stone.

“I can’t make the decision on this matter myself; I must report to the sect leader. But I estimate it won’t be a big problem. From the moment Xuan Yang Sect sent troops to help Hua Yuan Sect, it has been our sect’s enemy. Helping you get rid of Gu Xuntao is just a piece of cake. However, this will require the use of the spy you planted next to Gu Xuntao, working together from the inside.”

"As long as Headmaster Xu agrees, I will take care of Gu Xuntao's side. I can get his schedule. If all else fails, we can devise a plan to lure Gu Xuntao out of the Xuan Yang Sect. Besides that, I have one more request: you must cover for me afterwards, and this matter cannot be related to me."

(End of this chapter)