Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 508 The arrow is on the string
"Sect Leader, we just received news from Tiger Gate City that a Golden Core cultivator has entered the Bright Moon Sect's mountain gate." As soon as Song Xian stepped into the main hall of the mansion, Huang Ye, who was sitting inside, came up to him and said with a solemn expression.

"A Golden Core cultivator?" Song Xian paused. "Have you figured out his identity?"

"His exact identity is currently unknown, but it is certain that this person is not a Golden Core cultivator from Xijiang County."

Song Xian walked to the main seat and sat down, his eyes flashing slightly. This Golden Core cultivator's appearance at the Bright Moon Sect at this time must be an accomplice invited by Xu Zhuoxuan.

No wonder the Bright Moon Sect didn't make a move earlier or later, but only now; they must have been waiting for this person to arrive.

Having learned from his previous failure to attack the Huayuan Sect's mountain gate, Xu Zhuoxuan has now found a Golden Core cultivator as an ally to ensure success. As a result, the Huayuan Sect will likely find it difficult to hold out.

"Besides that, is there any other news from the Bright Moon Sect?"

"It is understood that they are already gathering troops and will soon take action against Hua Yuanzong."

"Reporting to the Sect Leader, the Second Elder of the Bright Moon Sect, Ding Mingde, requests an audience and is currently waiting outside the mountain gate." At this moment, a disciple came to the outer room to report.

Song Xian pondered for a moment, then said, "Bring him here directly."

"Yes." The disciple responded and left.

Before long, Ding Mingde entered from outside, bowed and greeted, "Sect Leader Song, I apologize for disturbing you."

Song Xian waved his hand: "Fellow Daoist Ding, please don't stand on ceremony, please sit down."

"I wouldn't visit you without a reason. I'm sure Sect Leader Song has already heard about the Huayun Sect's collusion with the Murong family to disrupt the affairs of Xijiang County. I wonder what your sect's opinion is on this?"

"These are all baseless rumors and should not be believed."

"This is not a rumor, but a fact."

"Oh? How do you say this?"

"To be honest, our sect has found conclusive evidence of collusion between the Huayuan Sect and the Murong family, and has handed it over to the Beast Taming Sect. Our sect is ready to attack Yongning City and take down the Huayuan Sect."

Song Xian nodded slightly: "No wonder this matter has been circulating all over the county these days. I thought it was just a rumor. Since you say you have solid evidence, may I ask what that evidence is?"

Ding Mingde did not respond directly, but he was not guilty either, looking at him openly.

"Sect Leader Song can go and ask the Beast Taming Sect. I am here today only to inform your sect of this matter. Because our sect leader has heard that your sect has formed an alliance with the Huayuan Sect, I was sent to remind you that the evidence of the Huayuan Sect's collusion with the Murong family is conclusive, and it is no longer permissible for them to have a foothold in Xijiang County."

"Our sect will soon be launching an attack on the Huayuan Sect. We hope your sect will not act as an accomplice to the enemy. Otherwise, you will not only drag yourselves into a quagmire, but you will also have a hard time explaining to the Beast Taming Sect."

Song Xian remained calm: "Judging from what Fellow Daoist Ding is saying, it seems that the Beast Taming Sect instructed your sect to attack the Huayuan Sect?"

"I didn't say that."

"That's strange. Since you say that the evidence of Huayuan Sect's collusion with the Murong family is conclusive, then the Beast Taming Sect should be the one to attack Huayuan Sect. But now the Beast Taming Sect has neither shown up nor given any instructions to your sect. Why is that?"

Ding Mingde sneered: "Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? The mere Huayuan Sect is hardly worth the Beast Taming Sect's attention. It is our sect's duty to help the Beast Taming Sect solve its problems. Back when the Beast Taming Sect found evidence of the Murong family's collusion with the Southern Han rebels, didn't the Xuanyuan Sect intervene? According to Sect Leader Song, the Murong family's collusion with the Southern Han rebels doesn't exist? Is it a frame-up by the Beast Taming Sect?"

"Fellow Daoist Ding is truly a gifted debater." Song Xian was not angry. These words were originally just for the sake of legitimacy. In a verbal battle, who wins or loses is completely meaningless. Everyone knows the real situation very well.

"I heard that a Golden Core cultivator has gone to your sect. Could it be preparation for dealing with Hua Yuan Sect?"

Ding Mingde did not deny it: "Sect Leader Song is very well-informed! This senior is a guest invited by our sect leader, but he did not come here specifically to deal with Huayuan Sect. He has other business to attend to."

"Since Fellow Daoist Ding has come to see me, I presume your sect has already made preparations to attack Huayuan Sect. When will you make your move?"

"When I set off, our sect had already gathered its forces, and they should be heading towards Huayuan Sect by now. Sect Leader Song, I have said all I need to say. I hope your sect will consider this carefully and make the right decision. I will not disturb you any longer. Farewell." After saying this, Ding Mingde got up and left.

Watching his departing figure, Song Xian's eyes flickered slightly. After pondering for a while, he ordered someone to summon Lin Zixiang, Hu Xiaobao, and Jiang Zichen to discuss the matter.

.........

The setting sun blazed like fire, and the white clouds on the horizon resembled glowing charcoal. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the lush green mountains and forests, gilding them with a golden-red glow.

Inside the Yunxing Chamber of Commerce's mountain gate, the rich spiritual energy had transformed into visible clouds and mist, surrounding the majestic and expansive Taoist temple.

In the center of the dojo, Luo Huang sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, his expression like that of a sleeping baby.

As the sun slowly set, he finally opened his eyes, his gaze piercing through the surrounding clouds as he watched the setting sun sink into the valley. After a long while, he flipped his hand, took out a golden pill, and swallowed it down his throat.

Soon, the surrounding clouds and mist seemed to be summoned by something and began to tremble. The spiritual energy from all directions of the entire mountain range converged towards the dojo and rushed into his body.

As time went by, the spiritual energy between heaven and earth formed huge vortexes.

From dusk till late at night, Luo Huang frantically absorbed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

If someone could observe him up close, they would see that his body was shaking more and more violently, his forehead veins were bulging, and he was covered with a dense layer of sweat.

"Ah!" After an unknown amount of time, a piercing scream rang out, and the massive vortex of spiritual energy in the sky visibly disintegrated. ...

In the dimly lit cultivation room of Bianxi City, Luoyun Mountain, Song Xian was cultivating when a thumping sound came from outside. He opened his eyes, waved his hand, and the stone door opened by itself without wind. Huang Ye stood outside, his face solemn.

"Sect Leader, we just received news from Xijiang County that Luo Huang is dead."

"Dead? In Xijiang County? What happened?" Song Xian's eyes widened instantly, and countless thoughts flashed through his mind.

The Bright Moon Sect has already launched a major attack on Yongning City. At this time, why is Luo Huang not staying at the mountain gate but running off to Xijiang County?

"Intelligence reports that Luo Huang attempted to break through to the Core Formation Realm by using the Yunxing Merchant Guild's mountain gate, but not only did he fail, he also died on the spot."

He died while attempting to reach the Core Formation stage.

Song Xian slowly stood up. No wonder Emperor Hua Yuanzong hadn't sent anyone to ask for help yet; it seemed he was making a desperate gamble.

If they can successfully form their core, they might actually have a chance to stop the Bright Moon Sect's attack.

Hua Yuanzong himself must have known that it would be extremely difficult to persuade Hunyuanzong and Xuanyangzong to send troops to help, especially since Mingyuezong had invited a Golden Core cultivator to assist them, making it even more impossible to persuade the two sects.

With Luo Huang dead, it's practically a foregone conclusion that the Bright Moon Sect will conquer the Hua Yuan Sect.

After a brief analysis of the situation, Song Xian suddenly felt a sense of fear.

He was originally quite confident in his ability to form his core and believed he could succeed.

However, upon hearing the news of Luo Huang's death after achieving the Golden Core stage, a chill ran through his heart.

Although he and Luo Huang were not very familiar with each other, they had interacted a few times and he knew that Luo Huang's talent and strength were not bad.

In terms of spiritual root aptitude, Luo Huang also possesses dual spiritual roots. In terms of cultivation, Luo Huang reached the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment earlier than him and had been preparing for it for many years.

Even so, he still died during the process of forming the Golden Core, which shows how dangerous it was.

"Go and fetch Xiao Ling immediately, and have her go to the waiting room," Song Xian said after a moment of silence.

"Yes." Huang Ye responded and left.

"What are your orders, Sect Leader?" A short while later, Xiao Ling arrived at the main hall of his residence and bowed to him.

“The Bright Moon Sect is currently launching a major attack on Yongning City. The Huayuan Sect won’t be able to hold out for much longer. You should set off now to Yongning City and give this to Feng Ziyi.” Song Xian took out a jade slip and handed it to her.

"Okay, I understand." Xiao Ling didn't ask any more questions, took the jade slip, and nodded in response.

"Time is of the essence. We must deliver this to Feng Ziyi before the Bright Moon Sect conquers the Hua Yuan Sect, or before the Hua Yuan Sect withdraws on its own initiative. Go immediately and be extra careful."

"Then I'll take my leave." Xiao Ling took the jade slip and got up to leave.

……

As night fell, the bright moon hung high in the sky. In Yongning City, at the Huayuan Sect's mountain gate, the lights were on, and a group of Foundation Establishment cultivators gathered together, creating a very oppressive atmosphere.

"Let everyone share their opinions! Our sect is now at a critical juncture of life and death; it's time to make a choice," Feng Ziyi said slowly, his face ashen.

“We definitely can’t hold out any longer. Now we have two choices: either surrender to the Bright Moon Sect or leave Yongning City and join the Beast Taming Sect.” Huo Youming, the third elder of Huayuan Sect, said in a low voice.

These words caused silence to fall over the hall once again.

"Junior Brother Tian, ​​what do you think we should do?" Feng Ziyi looked at Tian Xuan.

"Ahem." Tian Xuan coughed slightly, glanced at everyone, and then lowered his gaze: "I think it's better to join the Bright Moon Sect than to join the Beast Taming Sect."

"If we lose the resources and territory of Yongning City, we will be like a tree without roots, and our sect will collapse sooner or later. Joining the Beast Taming Sect will not only bring us no benefits, but we will also be used as cannon fodder if war breaks out again."

"Furthermore, the Beast Taming Sect is unlikely to help us reclaim Yongning City. At most, they will give us a second-tier spiritual vein and let us settle down and fend for ourselves. The Murong family is an example. The Beast Taming Sect will probably treat us the same way the Xuan Yuan Sect treats them."

"By joining forces with the Bright Moon Sect, we can at least gain some influence within the sect. The Bright Moon Sect needs manpower right now, and I believe they will be willing to accept us."

Before he could finish speaking, Feng Ziyi immediately chimed in, "I agree with Junior Brother Tian's opinion. What do you fellow junior brothers think?"

The crowd exchanged glances, their expressions varied, and all remained silent. To pledge allegiance to the Bright Moon Sect was merely a euphemism; in reality, it was surrender. If this were to happen, the Hua Yuan Sect would cease to exist.

Feng Ziyi and Tian Xuan had already discussed this decision privately and reached a consensus.

But since they are not the leaders, they cannot act unilaterally. That is why they had to coordinate their efforts during today's meeting to gain the support of the crowd.

(End of this chapter)