458 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

Chapter 458: Laying All Cards on the Table After returning from the Huanghou An family, Qi Xiu suggested that Chu Shentong directly approach Wan Tiangang and have an open and honest discussion. “If you want to leave some room for maneuver in this matter, it's essential to clarify Wan Tiangang's stance. Is he helping the Gao family against us, or is he merely ensuring his family's future, wanting to avoid any more grudges with the Gao family? If it's the former, then there's nothing more to say. But if it's the latter, he wouldn't risk a complete fallout with us over the Gao family and will surely try to smooth things over.” Chu Shentong, as always, heeded Qi Xiu’s advice without question. Within the Qi Yun mountain range, there was no fear of anyone forcibly making a move against them. They immediately set off, riding on a cloud towards Shuwu Peak. Shuwu Peak, as the name implies, manages the economic affairs of Qi Yun. It is said to be the most worldly of all peaks within the Qi Yun mountains. Though located in the core region, it is relatively on the outer edge and not far from Chu Yun Peak. Establishments like Guanghui Pavilion, Wanbao Pavilion, and Lingyao Pavilion are all based here. The grand master of the divine transformation only comes out to oversee these affairs every century. For significant matters, a rotating elder oversees, related parties execute, and the council of stewards meets to make decisions. Gao Guangsheng once served as a rotating elder, succeeding Pei Lao of the Pei family, who had good relations with the Chu family until his unlucky demise in the trial for the pill, souring relations between the families. The role has since been held by Wan Tiangang, with Wanbao Pavilion surpassing Guanghui Pavilion to become the leading business association of Qi Yun. Speaking of these business associations, it’s important to note that Wanbao Pavilion is not solely owned by the Wan family. Its internal structure is extremely complex, with people from other peaks potentially being stakeholders too. Interest exchange, family rise and fall, all influence the shifts within these associations. The most prominent example was when Gao Guangsheng, backed by Guanghui Pavilion, desired to push certain family forces out of consensus to monopolize the profits from building a city in the Heihe Square. He was caught off guard by Chu Zhen, who rallied dissatisfied forces and defeated him outside Qifu City. After traversing the formations and arriving at the base of Shuwu Peak, Qi Xiu felt a tinge of disappointment. Hidden amidst the clouds and mist was only an unremarkable mountain, with verdant green camouflaging the low, Qi Yun-style structures. Its spiritual land rank might be fourth, but this was the core of the Qi Yun mountains, hardly living up to one of its major peaks. “Heh, no one likes to linger in a place full of mundane talk of wealth,” remarked Chu Shentong with a cheery smile as he explained briefly before leading the way up. The path was serene, devoid of other figures, and they quickly reached the top, entering an unguarded hall. Following behind, Qi Xiu felt a sudden dizziness as he stepped through the doorway. The [Mind Awakening] technique activated automatically, clearing his head instantly, revealing that he stood on the summit of an unfamiliar celestial mountain. The surroundings were ethereal and natural, with no trace of human craftsmanship. Monkeys leapt and cranes danced in harmony—such was the scene when Wan Tiangang sat casually on a massive stone slab, setting down his book to look at them with a smile. “Shentong, do you remember your childhood?” Before either could give their respects, Wan Tiangang took the lead, catching Chu Shentong off guard with his seemingly unrelated question, to which he could only respond with uncertainty. “Haha, have you forgotten? Back then, your playmates thought you a slow thinker and gave you the nickname ‘Dummy’?” As he spoke, Wan Tiangang lightly tapped the air, and a cushion appeared before them. “Uh, yes, I remember that,” Chu Shentong responded awkwardly, sitting down. Qi Xiu followed suit after offering apologies. “Heh, this time around, you were still slow to react. But there’s an advantage to being slow. Those more clever like the young Shenting once was, didn’t have as long-lasting a path as you, ending in an earthy grave.” Wan Tiangang had not only anticipated their purpose but shamelessly admitted it, distancing himself with an air of offering guidance. This caught Chu Shentong and Qi Xiu off guard since they came prepared to demand an explanation. Observing their reactions, Wan Tiangang subtly smirked, as if concealing a sense of disdain. “Gao Hetong, like you, is someone I watched grow up. I won’t interfere in your conflicts any longer. However, having assisted him before, I’ll now grant you a benefit…” Indeed, he intended to stay impartial, valuing non-confrontation. Qi Xiu inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, seeing no point in holding him accountable for Wanbao Pavilion’s past involvement in Gao Guangsheng's death. The primary concern was to avoid enmity with such a figure. Wan Tiangang proposed two benefits: First, after Lianshui Alliance moves its northern branch to Qi Yun, a four-tenths stake of Qifu City would be given to the Shuangchu faction. Second, a portion of the aboriginal cultivators and mortals from the disbanded Ximeng Sect would migrate south and join Nantianmen. These benefits were like offerings borrowed from others to gift, with uncertain value to Shuangchu. Lianshui’s northward move implied the inevitable downfall of the Wuxing Alliance and excessive damages to the Dan Alliance, potentially leaving the northern Qifu City under Hehuan Sect control. Rivals might emerge within Qi Yun to covet Shuangchu’s gains, making this a hot potato inviting further conflict. The second offer seemed even less viable. Nantianmen, though a formal sect, was always dominated by the Chu family. During migration in Chu Zhen’s time, recruits were mainly from smaller declining powers like Chu Qin Sect, stationed in far-off areas like Heihe. With Qi Wushuang’s demise, even then, Nantianmen’s recruitment of non-production-focused cultivators was restricted, evidencing the Chu family’s inclinations. Introducing an entity as significant as Ximeng Sect risked overwhelming Nantianmen, which Chu Hongshang would not permit for stability’s sake. However, Wan Tiangang did share a reassuring message: the majority of Lianshui’s main force, specifically Lianshui Sect, would migrate, excluding their Nascent Soul patriarch and various other families. The fertile grounds of Ximeng Sect would not solely fall into his hands, and Lianshui Sect’s departure only granted them peripheral benefits. As Qi Yun’s influence subsided, only some Jindan stage cultivators remained from Lianshui’s migration, significantly reducing their threat to the Chu family. Meanwhile, Lianshui still posed some resistance in the future five element battles, sparing them from an outright collapse. Yet, their abrupt severance from allies left much to be desired ethically. It was unwise to haggle with a nascent stage late master, especially the rotating elder of Shuwu Peak. Having gained sufficient information, Qi Xiu signaled to Chu Shentong, who caught on and initiated their departure. As they were leaving, Wan Tiangang’s voice lingered behind them, “When in a place like Baishan, Lianshui Sect remained virtuous and adhered to righteous principles for thousands of years, which is commendable. This was a major factor in our sect’s ease in accepting them. Conversely, others embraced Baishan’s foul nature, reveling as if they belong there. Such contrasts are stark, Shentong, do keep your eyes open…” Qi Xiu understood the underlying message, recalling battles in the trial swamps with He Yu, his unconscious capture by the Ji family, the near theft of his life by the ‘benevolent elder’ Nangong Mu, and the deceit by Wan Tiangang. Each scenario replayed in his mind, stoking a flame of unspoken rage, “What gives you the right to pass moral judgment on me!” he roared internally. Yet, unable to fully suppress his retaliation, he muttered through clenched teeth, “Has Wan Senior not heard that righteous valor often springs from the lowest ranks…” before Chu Shentong tugged him away. (To be continued)