Chapter 601: Chapter 338: Past Sins, Vindication, Five Sects Seeking Alliance, Departure from the Dragon Heart Cavern (Part 2)
Xiao Wanjian said, "He Wentian is deep-minded, disappearing early on. He must have realized his tracks were exposed, fearing we’d take action to capture him, thus secretly taking his leave. If we now retrace our steps, we will certainly fall into his ambush."
Wang Zongzheng said in a serious tone, "Although the disciples are uninjured, there are merely a few hundred of them. If He Wentian uses the terrain to his advantage, laying out his troops and setting ambushes at key locations in advance, breaking through will be extremely difficult."
The elders of the Sword Sect fell silent, confronted once more with a formidable setup ahead. Duan Yixin said, "Without the bell’s influence, although our Sword Sect disciples are few in number, why would we fear He Wentian? It’s not just He Wentian; even that... that lady and that young man need not be feared."
Hou Yuande said, "Why speak of such things, Brother Duan? At present, the main focus is to draft a thorough plan. Hypotheticals, idle chatter... After leaving the tomb, it’s not too late to discuss further. He Wentian is extremely cautious and unfamiliar with the main hall; although he wields significant forces, he will be wary of entering the hall rashly. We have ample time, and there is no immediate danger. We can slowly deliberate our strategy."
Hu Yueyue said, "That makes sense; I have dispatched disciples to capture some grass snakes, wild fruits, and herbs along the way for cooking, which should last us a few days."
Xiao Wanjian said, "It’s a pity that the Sword Sect has too righteous a gate style, disdainful of tomb raiding, and including myself, is entirely ignorant of such matters." Hu Yueyue suddenly said, "If speaking of mastery in tomb secrets, among us, none are better than that person."
All the elders spoke in unison, "Is it her?" The thought of the lady in the white dress made their hearts feel odd. Xiao Wanjian said, "Humph, while the matter is resolved, it cannot be brushed off lightly. Why bring her up now?"
Hu Yueyue said, "That matter aside for now. He Wentian is also unfavorable to her; we might temporarily set aside grievances and cooperate to overcome this difficulty. We can sit down and draft a resolution plan later."
Xiao Wanjian flicked his sleeve, saying, "I have nothing to say to that disreputable woman." Wang Zongzheng paused and said, "Hu Elder, that Wen Caishang is certainly not kind. We know very little about her. Collaborating with her may be akin to bargaining with the devil. It could lead to betrayal far exceeding that of He Wentian."
The elder leaders and accompanying elders all nodded repeatedly. Wang Tiexin said, "The internal complexities are hard to articulate. Her thoughts are hard to fathom, definitely not a choice for collaboration."
Hu Yueyue said, "Wen Caishang is indeed not virtuous, but..." hesitating for a moment, "the young man beside her, Li Xian, seems quite decent."
As it turned out... Hu Yueyue was a Sword Sect Elder of Lakeside Mountain, and He Wentian secretly orchestrated treachery, leading to substantial losses for Lakeside Mountain Sword Sect, with all elders and disciples missing. Now found, she felt deeply remorseful, comforting the sect’s disciples. As they conversed frequently, they often spoke of Li Xian, gradually changing their view of him.
Xiao Wanjian said gravely, "This child is no good either. At a young age, he is peculiar and lacks the humility of the young!"
Duan Yixin said, "Moreover, his origins remain mysterious. His true name is Li Xian, and it is true he saved those women. But whether adopting the name ’Hua Wucuo’ and showing promise within the Flower Cage Sect is true, it remains a fact as well. Although he did not capture those women, can we consider him innocent given such background?"
Wang Zongzheng said, "My perspective differs. This young man’s background is indeed not clean, but he doesn’t seem to be a villainous type." Hou Yuande nodded and said, "That sounds true."
Xiao Wanjian intensely disliked Li Xian, hearing others praise him, feeling slightly displeased, "Even so, besides his immense strength, what good can he do us in countering formidable forces? Facing countless hidden foes, although formidable, could he really turn the tide?"
Hu Yueyue said, "That’s not so. Rather than collaborating with Li Xian, it would be more accurate to collaborate with Madam Wen. Li Xian is quite kind; if he acts as an intermediary, Madam Wen’s mastery of tomb secrets might help utilize the tomb mechanisms to deplete enemy forces. Or perhaps find another route to avoid multiple threats. In this situation, if Madam Wen is willing to assist us, our chances of escaping the predicament could increase by thirty percent."
The elders felt intrigued upon hearing this. Duan Yixin also said, "Madam Wen seems quite attentive to him. If he could mediate, perhaps things could indeed succeed." Wang Zongzheng clapped his hands, saying, "I think this is highly feasible. Despite her prowess, I can see that she may heed Li Xian’s advice. If Li Xian assists, though Madam Wen dislikes us, she might not oppose. Her calling him ’Mr. Li La,’ ’Little Mr. Li,’ made us all feel captivated."
Hou Yuande said, "Unexpectedly, Lady Broken Sword also has a sword that’s hard to break, yet instead chooses to become the sheath, nurturing a sharp Treasure Sword."
Xiao Wanjian observed the situation and lightly said, "In that case, seeking his cooperation wouldn’t be unwise. But beware, lest they misunderstand our intent as pursuing for harm due to his summons."
Hu Yueyue said, "That doesn’t matter, we’ll just send female disciples instead." Duan Yixin said, "That’s inappropriate; if Madam Wen gets jealous, would she still listen to Li Xian? Such fierce women love to be jealous, and when stirred, even Li Xian would suffer."
Wang Zongzheng said, "How about this: each elder leads a few people to search nearby. Be respectful and courteous during the search; if you meet them, express the intention immediately without delay."
Wang Zongzheng curiously said, "My only concern is disturbing those two..." The assembled elders conferred, forming teams to search dispersed within the hall. Xu Hu of the Yang Mountain Sword Sect led five fellow disciples towards the depths of the garden scenery.
After searching for half a day, finding no trace, he called for the disciples to sit on the large stone to rest. Calling out, he said, "You’re lucky to encounter me; I’ve secretly stored some dry food, take it and share it to eat!" Taking out an oil paper, inside were five rough buns.
