Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 488 Bluffing
"Sect Leader, Wang Yang from the Beast Taming Sect has arrived. He says he has something to discuss with us and is currently waiting in the Guest Hall." As the two were talking in private, a disciple from the Bright Moon Sect came to the outer room and bowed to report.

"Go and see him! See what he has to say." Xu Zhuoxuan seemed to have expected this, and nodded calmly.

Nie Liang responded, got up and left the room, and went to the council hall. Not long after, a thin old man dressed in the Beast Taming Sect's robes entered from outside. He had a harmless smile on his face and seemed very friendly, like a neighbor visiting.

If one did not know his identity, one would never guess that he was the Beast Taming Sect's resident official in Tiger Gate City. This was because he did not possess the aura of a Beast Taming Sect disciple, nor did he have the arrogance of a local official. Instead, he seemed like a rogue cultivator with no background who needed something from others.

"Fellow Daoist Nie, I hope I haven't disturbed your cultivation so late at night." Wang Yang smiled and bowed respectfully.

“I apologize for not greeting you properly, Master Wang. The sect leader has important matters to attend to and has specially sent me to greet you. If you have important matters to discuss with the sect leader, I can inform him.”

"It's alright. Since Sect Leader Xu is busy, there's no need to bother him. Anyway, it's nothing serious, and it's the same if we talk to Fellow Daoist Nie." The two exchanged a few polite words and then took their seats.

"What brings you here, Manager Wang?"

“Fellow Daoist Nie, we are old acquaintances, so there’s no need to beat around the bush. I’ve come here because of the recent conflict between your sect and the Hunyuan Sect. I’ve heard that your sect has gathered its forces. I wonder if you are planning to attack Bianxi City?”

“Since it is Master Wang who has inquired, I dare not conceal the truth. The Hunyuan Sect has gone too far. First, they ambushed and killed our Foundation Establishment cultivators, and then they secretly harmed many of our disciples. How can this be tolerated? If our sect does not retaliate, wouldn't we become a laughing stock? Therefore, our sect will teach the Hunyuan Sect a lesson.”

Wang Yang nodded with a smile: "I understand. But no matter what grudges exist between your sect and the Hunyuan Sect, I hope your sect can prioritize the overall situation."

Nie Liang looked serious. He knew Wang Yang's character; he always kept to himself and never interfered in other people's business. Since taking office, he had never acted like the head of the Beast Taming Sect, nor had he ever gotten involved in any messy matters.

His attitude towards the Bright Moon Sect has always been friendly, and even appears somewhat weak from an outsider's perspective.

Besides the objective factors that he was mild-mannered and not particularly skilled, the main reason was that he had very little say over the Bright Moon Sect in front of the Beast Taming Sect.

Unlike the Beast Taming Sect leaders in other cities, the Bright Moon Sect has a special relationship with the Beast Taming Sect. Even before Xu Zhuoxuan broke through to the Golden Core stage, his words carried much more weight in front of the Beast Taming Sect's higher-ups than Wang Yang's.

Given Wang Yang's status, it would be almost impossible for him to be summoned by Hong Haoran, the leader of the Beast Taming Sect, while Xu Zhuoxuan was able to meet with Hong Haoran alone.

No matter what it is, Xu Zhuoxuan can go directly to Hong Haoran; he doesn't need Hong Haoran as a middleman at all.

In terms of closeness to Hong Haoran, Xu Zhuoxuan was much closer than Hong Haoran, who was just a Foundation Establishment disciple.

Therefore, Wang Yang was quite sensible and, since taking office as the head of Humen City, he has almost never interfered in the affairs of the Mingyue Sect.

To put it bluntly, his position as head of the sect is entirely nominal. Not only can he not control the Bright Moon Sect, but he also has to curry favor with Xu Zhuoxuan. Otherwise, if Xu Zhuoxuan were to say a few bad things about him when he meets Hong Haoran in private, he wouldn't even be able to hold onto his position.

Other Beast Taming Sect leaders in other cities would send someone to summon him if they wanted to discuss matters with the leading sect in the area, but he always came to the Bright Moon Sect in person.

Especially after Xu Zhuoxuan broke through to the Golden Core stage, Wang Yang became even more obedient, almost always listening to Xu Zhuoxuan's words. If he weren't wearing the Beast Taming Sect's attire, outsiders would definitely think he was a disciple of the Bright Moon Sect if they saw the two of them together.

But now Wang Yang has intervened in the conflict between the Mingyue Sect and the Hunyuan Sect, and even advised the Mingyue Sect to prioritize the overall situation. This is clearly not his own intention, but rather someone behind the scenes gave him instructions.

"Master Wang, has your clan issued instructions? If so, please let us know."

"The sect has not given me any instructions yet, but I received a message asking me to come and persuade your sect to restrain itself a bit."

Upon hearing this, Nie Liang frowned instantly. This was not a compliment; it clearly expressed his dissatisfaction.

This term is generally used when dealing with someone you've long disliked, or when you feel that the other person is too arrogant and domineering.

Given Wang Yang's personality, he certainly wouldn't have used this term to refer to the Bright Moon Sect unless he received a clear message. This must be the original wording of the person behind the Beast Taming Sect, and the original wording might even be more offensive.

"Please tell us, Mr. Wang, whose order came from your clan?"

Wang Yang smiled and said, "Does it matter who it is?"

"Of course, if it is Senior Hong's instruction, our sect will immediately disband and assemble the troops. But if it is not Senior Hong's instruction, our sect must know why!"

Nie Liang knew this couldn't be Hong Haoran's message, because if it were Hong Haoran, he wouldn't have sent it through Wang Yang.

This is most likely the opinion of a Golden Core cultivator within the Beast Taming Sect who dislikes the Bright Moon Sect. During the attack on Yongning City, there were many dissenting voices within the Beast Taming Sect, but they were suppressed due to Hong Haoran's prestige. This has led to some people within the Beast Taming Sect becoming dissatisfied with the Bright Moon Sect.

In their view, the Bright Moon Sect first fought a fierce battle with the Hua Yuan Sect, creating a mess, and now it is preparing to fight the Hun Yuan Sect. Clearly, the main conflict lies with the Bright Moon Sect.

Using the word "convergence" as a warning is perfectly normal.

"If Fellow Daoist Nie insists on knowing, I won't hide it from you. It was Uncle-Master Jiang Feng who ordered me to come and advise your sect."

Wang Yang did not want to offend the Mingyue Sect because he knew that Xu Zhuoxuan still had influence with Hong Haoran. The Mingyue Sect might not give up easily just because of Jiang Feng's warning. He was just passing on a message and did not want to get involved. Besides, Jiang Feng had not asked him to keep his identity a secret.

Knowing it was Jiang Feng, Nie Liang nodded calmly. Of course, he knew about Jiang Feng's relationship with the Hunyuan Sect.

Jiang Feng naturally wouldn't stand on the side of the Bright Moon Sect, which was planning to attack Bianxi City, but the fact that they sent a message through Wang Yang was still somewhat unexpected.

"I understand. I will inform the sect leader about this."

"I've delivered the message and completed the mission, so I won't bother you any longer. Farewell." Wang Yang didn't want to get involved, but seeing that he didn't ask any more questions, he got up and left.

After seeing him off, Nie Liang returned to the main hall of Xu Zhuoxuan's residence and explained the purpose of his visit.

"Jiang Feng sent Wang Yang to deliver a message. I think it was not just at the behest of Hunyuan Sect. If it was on behalf of Hunyuan Sect to make peace, they shouldn't have been so forceful and should have told our sect to restrain itself."

"He himself must be dissatisfied with our sect's plan to attack Bianxi City, and it is very likely that this is not his idea alone; there may be others behind him."

“Jiang Feng and Wang Xuan are quite close. When our sect attacked Yongning City last time, we refused Wang Xuan's mediation, which made him dissatisfied. Therefore, I think this may be Wang Xuan's idea. However, since our sect refused his mediation last time, he didn't want to send someone again, lest he be rejected again and lose face. So he sent Jiang Feng instead.” Xu Zhuoxuan's eyes flickered, and he remained silent.

Seeing that he remained silent, Nie Liang continued, "Regardless of whether Jiang Feng's words were Wang Xuan's intention, it is certain that he is not the only one in the Beast Taming Sect who has objections to this. If our sect insists on going its own way, they will definitely intervene. Senior Hong may not necessarily stand on our side this time either."

"Don't attack Bianxi City yet. Move the troops to the border area of ​​Bianxi City and wait for orders." After a long silence, Xu Zhuoxuan finally spoke.

…………

"Reporting to the Sect Leader, the majority of the Bright Moon Sect's troops stopped at the border with this city and set up camp there."

Inside the council hall of Luoyun Mountain, several core members of the Hunyuan Sect gathered together, their expressions solemn, discussing how to counter the Mingyue Sect. Yang Shen entered from outside and bowed to report to him.

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes turned to him.

Upon receiving intelligence that the main force of the Bright Moon Sect was heading towards Bianxi City, everyone became tense and thus gathered in the council hall.

They had prepared for battle, but unexpectedly, the Bright Moon Sect stopped at the border between the two cities.

"Is the news confirmed? How many people from the Bright Moon Sect are encamped there?" Song Xian was also very surprised and immediately asked.

"According to the scouts, at least a thousand people have set up camp there."

"Understood, go ahead! Report any news of movement within the Bright Moon Sect immediately."

"Yes," Yang Shen replied and left.

"Why did the Bright Moon Sect suddenly stop? Could it be that they were just putting on an act?" Lin Zixiang spoke first, looking at Song Xian.

The expressions on everyone's faces varied, and no one seemed relieved by the news.

"No matter what the Bright Moon Sect is up to, we must be prepared. Knowing Xu Zhuoxuan as I do, he's not one to give up easily. But don't worry too much. We'll meet force with force, and as long as we hold our mountain gate, the Bright Moon Sect can't do anything to us..."

After Song Xian made the arrangements, the others left. He also returned to his residence. As soon as the light faded, a disciple came forward to report that Xiao Ling was waiting in the waiting room.

Upon learning that the main force of the Mingyue Sect was heading towards Bianxi City, he sent Xiao Ling out to seek help from the Xuanyang Sect and the Huayuan Sect, offering even higher terms.

He had just been discussing matters with others in the council hall, so Xiao Ling came directly to his residence to wait for him.

When he entered the hall, Xiao Ling immediately stood up and bowed.

Song Xian waved his hand, gesturing for her to sit down. Before she could speak, he asked, "What are the different versions of events from the Xuan Yang Sect and the Hua Yuan Sect?"

"I did meet with Luo Huang, the head of Huayuan Sect, this time. Although he didn't say it explicitly, his words implied that he wanted the Golden Essence Pill. Xuan Yang Sect was the same. They didn't make any demands, but they also mentioned the Golden Essence Pill intentionally or unintentionally."

Song Xian nodded calmly. The Golden Yuan Pill originally belonged to Luo Huang, the leader of the Hua Yuan Sect. Back then, in order to persuade the Xuan Yang Sect to send troops, he gave it to its former leader, Gu Xuntao.

Su Yuan, the current leader of Xuan Yang Sect, had also been coveting this item for a long time. They wanted to take advantage of the fact that Hun Yuan Sect was being pressured by Ming Yue Sect to force him to hand over the Golden Yuan Pill, which was actually within his expectations.

He had planned this beforehand. If things really got to the point of no return and the Bright Moon Sect advanced with unstoppable momentum, he would trade the Golden Essence Pills for the support of one of them.

Although the Golden Elixir was very important to him, compared with the foundation of the sect, the survival of the sect was of course more important.

The Hunyuan Sect's current status and wealth are not due to the Golden Yuan Pill, but rather to the sect's development and its position as sect leader.

If the Golden Elixir is gone, we can take our time and obtain it through other channels; there are plenty of Golden Elixir pills in the world.

But there's only one position for a sect leader. If the Hunyuan Sect is gone, he can't possibly go to another sect to take on the position of sect leader.

"There's no rush now. Let's see what the Bright Moon Sect does. I just received news that they didn't march straight in, but instead set up camp at the border. I don't think things will necessarily turn out the worst."

"Does the Sect Leader mean that the Bright Moon Sect is just bluffing?"

Song Xian shook his head: "It's not necessarily a bluff. I think it's possible they're under pressure from the Beast Taming Sect. The situation in Xijiang County is tense right now, and the Beast Taming Sect wouldn't want us to fight the Bright Moon Sect. As the saying goes, 'One effort is enough, but a second will be weaker and a third will be exhausted.' Since the Bright Moon Sect has its concerns and hasn't directly attacked Bianxi City, they probably won't make any major moves afterward."

"However, we cannot let our guard down. I have already sent Junior Brother Zichen to Xijiang County, but he has not returned yet. We do not know what the Beast Taming Sect's attitude is. Therefore, you still need to maintain contact with Huayuan Sect and Xuanyang Sect. Keep them in suspense for now and see what Mingyue Sect does next."

"Okay, I understand." After talking for a while, Xiao Ling took her leave.

.........

In a dimly lit cultivation room in Xijiang County, a middle-aged man with the appearance of a Confucian scholar was cultivating with his eyes closed. This man was none other than Wang Xuan, the chief of the Beast Taming Sect's inner cabinet.

At this moment, a knock sounded at the door. He opened his eyes, waved his hand to open the stone door, and a Foundation Establishment disciple of the Beast Taming Sect bowed respectfully outside: "Uncle-Master Wang, Uncle-Master Jiang Feng said he has important business to discuss and is waiting for you at your residence."

Wang Xuan remained silent, got up and left the cultivation room. He knew that Jiang Feng must have something important to tell him about disturbing his cultivation.

Inside the spacious hall, Jiang Feng was already waiting. Upon seeing him enter from outside, he bowed as usual, then flipped through his hand and took out a file: "Senior Brother Wang, I just received news from Nanhan County that not only has it been confirmed that Qi Yunxuan did indeed collude with the Murong family in secret, but they have also reached an agreement."

Wang Xuan's eyes lit up, and he immediately took the scroll from the other's hand. After reading it through, a smile appeared on his face, and he gently patted the scroll in his hand: "Good, with this, the Murong family can't explain themselves no matter what. Giving this to the Xuan Yuan Sect should shut them up. What's the Murong family up to?"

"Nothing unusual, just like any other day."

Wang Xuan's eyes revealed a hint of determination: "I will report to the sect leader. You all continue to closely monitor the Murong family's movements. Now is a critical moment."

(End of this chapter)