Chapter 1317: Chapter 45: Dharma Form Suppresses the Sea Whirlpool, Dragon Python Stirs the Undercurrents (Part 2)
The Python Clan, originating from the Outer Continent, was always antagonized by the Five Major Sects and consistently excluded from the East Victory Continent. Shao Zhongxiang was a former Sect Leader’s disciple of the Fengxiang Sword Sect and possessed a demon body cultivation. If he could return to the mountain gate with their support and even ascend to the position of Sect Leader, he could open a breach from within, thereby securing a foothold in the continent. Thus, the two sides quickly reached an agreement.
The green-clothed cultivator glanced down the mountain and said, "Sect Leader Shao, there is chaos within Divine House Mountain, making it the perfect opportunity for action. You must seize it."
Shao Zhongxiang clasped his hands in respect and said, "Please relay to your clan chief that Shao is ready to make a move. I will soon challenge Daoist Zhang to a fight."
The Python Clan had admonished him to seize control of the immortal city, but he previously had minor flaws in his swordsmanship, delaying taking any actual action. Later, when he saw that Zhang Yan was even more formidable than Yong Fu, he felt it necessary to delay further. Now that he has patched the deficiencies in his swordsmanship, he has no further concerns.
The green-clothed cultivator, hearing his willingness to finally confront the matter directly, responded energetically, "Do you need any support?"
Shao Zhongxiang thought highly of himself, and initially intended to say he could manage alone, but after briefly contemplating, he changed his mind and said, "Daoist Zhang has some cultivation and the Nascent Soul cultivator beside him is also skillful. To fight him, I will need one additional supporter."
The green-clothed cultivator immediately agreed, "This isn’t difficult. I will return to report to the clan chief, and news will be back in a few days."
Shao Zhongxiang cautioned, "It must not be a demon cultivator."
Though he had a demon body, his identity was unique and negotiable. If another demon cultivator were involved, especially if the immortal city control was seized, it would likely draw early attention from the Five Major Sects, hindering future actions.
The green-clothed cultivator replied, "I am aware of the appropriate measures."
As they were speaking, a sudden commotion arose from below the mountain. Shao Zhongxiang showed a displeased expression as he commanded a disciple nearby, "Go check what’s happening."
The disciple received the order and departed. After a while, he returned and reported, "Master, several disciples from the E Mountain Sect have arrived, claiming that this mountain was previously theirs but was taken over by us. They demand we vacate this area quickly, or else they will not spare our Longxiang Sect."
In truth, the E Mountain Sect disciple was courteous and polite, not saying anything offensive. However, this particular disciple feared a small issue, intentionally exaggerating the matter.
Shao Zhongxiang snorted. If Yong Fu were still with the E Mountain Sect, he might show some respect, but now he couldn’t care less and said, "Go back and tell Bai Jiyin I have taken a liking to this place. He must find another piece of land."
Before the disciple left, the green-clothed cultivator gave him a look, signaling him. The disciple nodded subtly. After a moment, he returned and reported, "Master, it’s been handled."
Shao Zhongxiang detected a faint smell of blood and suddenly turned back to the disciple, asking with a frown, "Luo Guang, did you kill?"
The disciple looked innocent, saying, "Master, the E Mountain Sect disciple didn’t know his place, outright refusing to leave and even insulting you. The disciple was truly infuriated and intended to teach him a lesson. Never did I expect the swordsmanship you imparted to be so formidable that the man couldn’t even withstand a single move, resulting in his accidental death. Master, I beg your understanding; it was never my intention."
Shao Zhongxiang stared at him for a while, then glanced at the green-clothed cultivator before snorting, "Since he’s dead, leave the body. If someone from the E Mountain Sect comes, hand it over to them."
He judged his disciples solely based on talent, ignoring character, leading to uneven standards among them. This disciple was particularly unique, as he was from the Luo Family, and even if he killed an E Mountain Sect disciple, he would find a way to protect him.
News of an E Mountain Sect disciple’s death promptly reached Bai Jiyin, and upon hearing it, an elder was furious and exclaimed, "Sect Leader, this cannot be left unresolved."
Bai Jiyin appeared grave, knowing that one misstep in response would ignite a fierce struggle between the two sects. After careful contemplation, he realized impetuosity would be unwise. Shao Zhongxiang’s dharma power cultivation surpassed his vastly, and confronting him directly wouldn’t yield any advantage, easily leading to unfavorable circumstances.
After long reflection, he solemnly stated, "Elder Mo, we still need Han Yuan Sect’s True Master Zhang to mediate this matter."
Elder Mo also understood that the E Mountain Sect was no longer as it once was. He sighed deeply and then said, "Sect Leader nephew, although what you say is reasonable, have you considered that if disciples from one’s own sect are killed, and the Sect Leader doesn’t seek justice, but relies on others, it might be tolerable once or twice. If it continues, the sect’s morale will dwindle, and over time, we inevitably become subservient to the Han Yuan Sect."
Bai Jiyin was startled, showing deep respect to Elder Mo: "Thank you, uncle, for your advice. It’s just that I’m ashamed of my inadequate cultivation, unable to uphold the sect like my mentor, and indeed feel guilty towards all elders and disciples of the sect."
Elder Mo suddenly lowered his voice, saying, "Sect Leader need not worry; rest assured, you go to face Shao Zhongxiang, as it may not be as dangerous as expected. Although Sect Leader Zhang is not personally present, Master Zhang has been sent and is currently on the nearby mountain ridge. Earlier, our E Mountain Sect supported Han Yuan Sect in numerous ways; they wouldn’t simply stand by and watch Sect Leader in trouble."
Bai Jiyin froze momentarily and then realized that Elder Mo truly intended to provoke Zhang Boyant to confront Longxiang Sect, thus preserving his own reputation within the sect. His mind quickly changing, he shook his head, saying, "This plan might succeed, but it might also cause animosity with Han Yuan Sect. It’s better to let them know first."
Elder Mo nodded: "Sect Leader’s consideration is admirable."
Bai Jiyin immediately called upon someone, saying, "Go inform Master Zhang that Longxiang Sect is wantonly killing our sect disciples, and I’m ready to seek justice." He continued, "Elder Mo, accompany me to see what Shao Zhongyong intends."
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...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)
