Daoist Competition-Chapter 991 - 235: Peng Yuan’s Fateful Ties (Part 2)

Liu Sheng thought about it and said, "Master, it turns out Elder Mu is still afraid of the Taihao Sect’s reputation. Though I insulted her several times, she dare not react. This indicates the rumor is incorrect; she has not yet sided with another sect, or perhaps she has thought about it but hasn’t taken action."

"Indeed," He Daoist said with considerable appreciation in his eyes, "Your talent may not match that of your late Brother Huo, but you are much cleverer, and it wasn’t a mistake for me to hold you in high regard."

The Taihao Sect originally intended to watch Peng Yuan Sect and Demon Sect disciples conflict, waiting until they could no longer withstand it before stepping in to clean up the mess. In this way, they could smoothly take control of Jingchen Heavenly Palace.

However, later rumors emerged that Peng Yuan Sect had switched allegiance to another sect. He Daoist’s actions just now were meant to probe, and Mu Bingxin’s immediate reaction of mostly fear suggested that this was likely a rumor; otherwise, she surely wouldn’t tolerate this.

He Daoist stroked his three strands of long beard, pondering, "The previous rumors must have been released by Peng Yuan Sect itself, hoping to force Taihao Sect to intervene and assist."

Liu Sheng whispered, "Mu Bingxin is a respected elder of a sect; if you insult her like this, aren’t you afraid you will provoke her anger and fail to negotiate?"

He Daoist glanced at him and said, "What do you understand? Now that we are here, I am here to play the villain. If we don’t cut through the confusion swiftly, by the time of the Sixteen Sects Sword Competition, there might not be a resolution. Consider it a reminder for her — if she doesn’t recognize the situation, then there’s no need for courtesy."

Liu Sheng bowed his head and said, "Master speaks wisely."

He Daoist patted his shoulder and said, "Shan Huizhen, after all, has Hua Dan Cultivation and is Sect Leader He’s direct disciple of Peng Yuan Sect. If you could form a Daoist couple with her, it wouldn’t be a grievance for you. Later, you can strive to seize Jingchen Heavenly Palace, and that would be a great achievement. If you don’t like it later, just change another one."

Liu Sheng quickly expressed his heart, saying, "Master, I am solely devoted to cultivation and have no thoughts about these matters. I just hope to bring you peace of mind and be content."

He Daoist glanced at him and said, "I hope you truly think this way."

With a wave of his sleeve, he launched the escape skill and took Liu Sheng through the clouds.

Meanwhile, inside the cabin, after reading the letter, Mu Bingxin trembled with anger, saying, "Taihao Sect, this is too much! Such arrogance!"

The contents of the letter enraged her exceptionally. At first, it proposed that if Liu Sheng and Shan Huizhen were to form a Daoist couple, they would assist Peng Yuan Sect in overcoming its crisis, which was reasonable. But there was a prerequisite that Sect Leader He must step down and Shan Huizhen should take over as the sect leader.

Mu Bingxin clearly saw the ulterior motive here—if Shan Huizhen became the sect leader, Jingchen Heavenly Palace would naturally fall into her control. Liu Sheng borrowing this treasure would become legitimate, allowing both people and treasure to fall into Taihao Sect’s hands.

She bit her silver teeth and struck the table, saying, "Taihao Sect, though my Peng Yuan Sect is small, we don’t need to follow your orders."

She turned to instruct the maid at her side, saying, "Inform Huizhen not to go out or meet outsiders for the next two days."

The maid, sensing her bad mood, responded tremblingly and hastily left.

Mu Bingxin held her forehead, frowning deeply in thought. After about an hour, she made a decision, got up from the cabin, and ascended the clouds, quickly reaching Zhang Yan’s resting place. She said, "True Master Zhang, Mu Bingxin has something to discuss with you. I wonder if it’s convenient to meet."

After a moment, Zhang Yan stepped out from inside, bowing and saying, "Ah, it’s Elder Mu here. Forgive me, please come inside and sit."

Mu Bingxin quietly thought, "True Master Zhang, though from a Great Sect, doesn’t put on airs."

She bowed slightly and walked inside. After they sat down, she formally said, "True Master Zhang, this humble one seeks your assistance with a matter."

Surprised, Zhang Yan asked, "Oh? Please, Mu Zhenren, speak."

Mu Bingxin presented the letter, saying, "True Master Zhang, please take a look."

After Zhang Yan finished reading the letter, a sense of lament arose within him.

Mu Bingxin, after all, is the Supreme Elder of Peng Yuan Sect, even the sect leader dare not easily insult her. But He Daoist apparently doesn’t regard her at all, symbolic of the sorrow of lesser sects—their strength insufficient, they can only rely on others.

Had he joined such a sect back then, even enduring many hardships to reach his current cultivation level, he wouldn’t have earned the respect of Great Xuanmen Sect disciples. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

He closed the letter, speaking in a serious tone, "What assistance does Daoist seek from me?"

Mu Bingxin bit her lip, "Our sect leader sister’s most prized disciple is nephew Shan, who is destined to succeed the sect leader position in the future. I’ve heard Daoist Zhang’s fifth disciple Jiang Zheng is outstanding and as noble as bamboo. If Daoist approves, perhaps they could become a Daoist couple and cultivate together."

After speaking, she tightly grasped her clothing’s hems, watching Zhang Yan with slightly tense anticipation.

This suggestion implies using Mingcang Sect to block disaster. Rather than concealing it, it’s better to openly state it and appear forthright.

Zhang Yan pondered for a while, weighing the pros and cons.

He doesn’t particularly concern himself with Taihao Sect. This sect is allied with Nanhua Sect, inherently at odds with Mingcang Sect, so offending them is no issue.

However, since Shan Huizhen is expected to succeed as the sect leader of Peng Yuan Sect, if she and Jiang Zheng form a Daoist couple, Jiang Zheng will inevitably be unable to continue cultivating at Zhao You Heavenly Pond.

As his master, if he simply decides on his behalf, it would be unfair. Hence, he said, "I have no objection, but I don’t interfere in the private matters of disciples. Upon returning to the sect, I will send my disciple to Peng Yuan for a couple of days; whether it succeeds or not is up to him to decide."

Upon hearing this, Mu Bingxin felt both anxious and relieved, but at least there was still a glimmer of hope, allowing her mind to slightly relax.

She thought for a moment and then softly added, "True Master Zhang, regarding True Master He..."

Zhang Yan lightly smiled, waved his sleeve, and said, "If he comes to spite you, let him find me, and I will discuss it with him myself."

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)