494 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

Chapter 494: Encountering Intimidation For an institution at the level of the Lingyao Pavilion, placing individuals in certain positions is as natural and precise as breathing, and errors are exceedingly rare. Therefore, it isn't our bad luck that we encountered a Black River chief with a personal vendetta. It is their deliberate decision to place Jiang Changsheng, with whom I've had past grievances, in such a position—this itself signifies their intent and strategy. In the meditation room of Si Guo Mountain’s sect master, Qi Xiu spoke while maintaining a peculiar posture: hands pressed tightly on his sides, chest out and rear up, body twisted into an awkward shape as he gazed at the ceiling, his neck unnaturally stretched like an old goose singing to the sky. The path of the Dao is arduous; even the time for discussion must be devoted to body cultivation. As a result, the people of the Chuqin below could hardly see their sect master's face, and his joy for Gu Tan and Mingzhen’s return was wasted on the ceiling. "Ahem." Gu Tan restrained himself from sarcastic remarks and responded, "Does this mean our favorable relationship with the Lingyao Pavilion is coming to an end?" "Is it because of my pill recipe?" Doroson understood, feeling somewhat guilty. "It is, but it isn't, exactly," Gu Tan chuckled. "Our series of actions within the Alchemist Alliance's internal affairs might be their main source of discontent." "Exactly. Now that the Alchemist Alliance has trimmed away unnecessary branches and focuses solely on recovering through alchemy, competition in the pill market with the Lingyao Pavilion has intensified," Yao Qing nodded in agreement. "Our large-scale actions didn't topple anyone but Han Yanlao. Instead, the Alchemist Alliance became more streamlined than before, which contradicts the Lingyao Pavilion’s original expectations." "They cherish their reputation and didn't discuss it clearly with me beforehand. Thereby, they shouldn't blame me afterward either," Qi Xiu said. "Although Jiang Hong is a decent old man and has been quite considerate of us, Chuqin, it's not like he had any life-saving graces towards us, certainly not enough for us to risk annihilation. Back then, I merely didn’t agree to Jiang Shaoqing's reckless venture and even risked confidentiality without reporting him to the Great Zhou Academy. Jiang Changsheng holding onto such a grudge is utterly baffling." "The Jiang family is merely a Jindan family, dealing in commerce for generations. They might have some say in Lingyao Pavilion's business matters, but that's about it," Meng Jun nodded. A member of the Ximeng faction, he had his own channels within Qiyun for intel. "Exactly," Xiong Shisi slapped his thigh. "If necessary, we can simply stop doing business. I'm not afraid of him!" Opposite him, Qi Bingyan was displeased. Since his family's mountain garden was completed, their Lingcao production had increased tenfold annually; naturally, he didn't wish to lose the Lingyao Pavilion as a valuable client. "It hasn't reached that extent, has it? Let's see Jiang Changsheng's next move before deciding our response." "Rest assured, Gan Buping has always been on good terms with me. His family's influence in the Lingyao Pavilion far exceeds the Jiang family." Sha Nuo, however, was unfazed, as his two wives were from the Gan family of the Lingyao Pavilion, capable of speaking on their behalf when necessary. "Would it be problematic if Gui Qingzhi and Jiang Changsheng are in cahoots?" Gan Long queried. "Previously, Jiang Changsheng served as the executor of the Lingyao Pavilion in Jixia City, so it's not surprising that he knows Gui Qingzhi." "Indeed, Gui Qingzhi is merely a playboy from a collateral family of the Gui family in Jixia; he's not worth our attention." "Even with the decline of the Jiang family in Qiyun, they remain a Yuanying clan, and Gui Qingzhi wouldn't dare cause trouble within their territory." The meditation room was packed with the Chuqin crowd, each voicing their stance, sharing their insights, bustling with discussion. Mingzhen, sitting next to Gu Tan, listened coldly; yet, he felt inexplicably relaxed and at peace. Having spent over two decades in solitary study with Buddhist texts and having been isolated during his time with the Ming family overseas, it had been decades since he and the Chuqin Sect parted ways. Yet, now upon his return, the scene did not seem unfamiliar. Even his senior sect master's absurd posture, as his throat bobbed when speaking, was both laughable and evoked a unique, warm sense of belonging. Mingzhen's lips curved gently, and his gaze inadvertently crossed with Nangong Yanran’s. With her Jindan spiritual perception, he noticed faint crow's feet at the corners of her eyes. “She’s lost herself in worldly emotions and desires; her path to the Dao seems obstructed.” Reflecting on the rivalry when Pan Jialuo was alive, he found it petty and ludicrous, even amusing. However, Nangong Yanran couldn't perceive that layer of thought. With Gu Tan and Mingzhen both forming their Jindan and returning, her sense of crisis grew. Like a startled porcupine raising its quills, she believed her subtle intentions were well hidden. When her gaze met Mingzhen’s, she even offered a friendly smile. Once the discussion on Jiang Changsheng and Gui Qingzhi concluded, she promptly remarked, "We've been planning the overseas venture for years, spent a fortune, and utilized our ties with the Alchemist Alliance to overthrow the Long family, only for the grand yet useless Dongzong Island to be given to the Ming family, who did nothing. Isn’t that somewhat improper?" The implied cue was clear; everyone immediately turned their eyes towards Gu Tan and Mingzhen. "The blame lies with my inadequate planning." Gu Tan didn't hesitate to admit fault. "Back then, my efforts were based on enlisting external forces and embedding informants, which didn’t pan out, causing the Long family to unify gradually instead. The goal was achieved, but the effort and results were disproportionate. I admit my mistake." He swiftly shifted the discussion, "However, from this incident, I've gained a deeper appreciation for the Confucians' way of household governance." "Oh?" With a sway of his robe, Qi Xiu switched to a stance with arms extended like a white crane spreading its wings, balancing on one leg, and asked, "What insights have you gathered?" The two harmonized seamlessly. From that platform, Gu Tan began discussing how the Long family utilized cultivators to assist ordinary fishing vessels on the high seas, recounting diverse experiences he noticed and heard. "...The cultivators assume greater responsibilities, and compared to us Daoists, they govern the mundane world more rigorously and offer greater support, resulting in faster population growth. It can indeed be described as efficient governance and harmonious populace. The benevolence of the Confucian cultivators flourishes, fostering extreme unity, with not one surrendering in the final battle..." Once Gu Tan articulated the virtues of Confucian governance, Qi Xiu mused silently after listening. "I disagree." Unexpectedly, Meng Jun interjected, explicitly opposing. "There is intrinsic distinction within mountainous realms and disparity in human status, which is an inevitable fact. The harmonious governance of the Long family is ultimately top-down. The same people under Daoist leadership might not fare differently. Conversely, excessive interference by the Confucians brings greater harm if the leadership falters, whereas a 'mutual ignorance'—residual distinguished from common matters—proves better. The saying goes, 'Not a single hair, even at the expense of profit for the world, shall be taken; and all the world's benefits shall not come at a personal expense.' If all lived by such principles, the world would find order." The new affiliation of the Meng family shouldn't step out to offend others. Qi Xiu understood Meng Jun's directness and adherence to the law, which matched his own thoughts. Satisfied, he nodded and said to Gu Tan, "Your points are valid, but our foundation at Chuqin is ultimately within the Daoist gate. Thus, our actions should align with the regulations of Qiyun, without overstepping. Let's refrain from over-contemplation on this front." Gu Tan bowed deferentially. The conversation moved to gossip about Chu Wen and Miao Qing. At this juncture, a disciple rushed in, panic evident, and reported urgently, "Ancestor... at the mountain gate... outside..." "What has you in such a frenzy? Where is your usual decorum!" Meng Jun turned to reprimand at the commotion, while Qi Xiu had already closed his eyes, using his omniscient eye to see outside. There was a second-level land-bound beast at the gate, held by a disciple from the Lingmu Alliance. Four individuals lay atop, their life status uncertain. Upon closer inspection, they were the southern Chu subordinate cultivators sent as informants. Quickly instructing the reporting disciple to summon them in, Qi Xiu, with his people, flew to the grand hall at the cliff's summit to await their arrival. "On behalf of our City Lord Chai, I greet Sectmaster Qi," the Lingmu Alliance disciple, with audacity, drove the beast straight into the hall. Introduced first, he then pointed to the four atop, stating, "Today, I return these worthless flies; I hope your sects act wisely!" Finishing, after Gu Tan received the four from the beast, the disciple turned and left briskly without offering any additional words. "Damn it!" Gu Tan cursed and, upon probing with spiritual power, found two had died long ago, with traces of their souls being searched. The other two were merely restrained, still intact. "The deceased were informants sent to the Hou Tu and Rui Jin pledges, while those from Ling Mu and Li Huo were spared." He relayed to Qi Xiu via telepathy. "I see." Originally a covert mission, not only had it been entirely uncovered, but they had also suffered such humiliation. After contemplating, Qi Xiu first dismissed the others, leaving only Gu Tan by his side, lamenting, "I underestimated Chai Yi and his lot." He laughed, "This serves as a warning, and also his intimidation tactic tailored for you and Mingzhen." With suddenly two new Jindan added, Chuqin's strength increased significantly, as expected; it's unsurprising rival factions would act. Pity the two sent as informants to the Hou Tu and Rui Jin pledges. "I thought I had orchestrated it meticulously; even when the Baishan clans drove away offshore visitors, those four were still fine. Exposure must’ve been recent," Gu Tan closed his eyes in recollection, eventually opening them, "Could it have been during the campaign against the Long family, revealed to Ying Bo and others? Gong Hu was killed inside the Long family's scripture pavilion, the first attackers being the dan alliance and factions like Dongzong Island; any findings there aren't out of question. Other than this, I can't conceive of another explanation." If his assumption holds, it signifies Ying Bo is reevaluating their alliance and starting to flirt with the Elemental Alliance. "Are your informants within the Alchemist Alliance and the He Huan Sect still secure?" Qi Xiu queried. "I will verify immediately!" Gu Tan responded. Despite his unstable cultivation realm, Gu Tan tirelessly pursued this matter for half a month and finally secured definitive information. "The person we sent to the Alchemist Alliance recently went missing, and the one who infiltrated the He Huan Sect married a woman from the Zhonghang Family just the day before, rendering him unreliable now!” (To be continued)