Chapter 448: Daoist Sects Gather at Yuanqing Sect

Inside Wuji Hall, Fuyin Zhenren stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the Hunyuan Instrument, lost in thought.

Just then, Hanyang walked up to the hall, bowed with cupped hands, and addressed him as "Acting Sect Leader Uncle-Master."

"Have the Daoist orders been distributed?" Fuyin Zhenren asked without turning his head.

"One hundred and twenty-eight orders were issued; sixty have returned to the sect, thirty are still on the way, twelve have gone to lobby other sects, and twenty-six did not receive the orders."

"Hmm..." Fuyin Zhenren responded, then said nothing more.

These twenty-six disciples were likely in grave danger; relying on a mere hundred or so people, with their uneven cultivation levels, made it impossible to contend with the Demon Race.

Now, they could only pin their hopes on those twelve disciples.

Seeing Fuyin Zhenren's grave expression, Hanyang could not help but worry: "Uncle-Master, are those sects truly willing to come and help?"

Fuyin Zhenren remained silent, staring motionlessly at the Hunyuan Instrument, and only let out a soft sigh after a long while.

"Hanyang, you must remember: in ordinary times, there might be some friction between Daoist sects, and that is quite normal."

"After all, no matter how we cultivate, we are ultimately mortal, constrained by the seven emotions, so minor squabbles are unavoidable."

"But people of the Daoist Sect will never be confused about matters of great right and wrong."

"We who cultivate focus on the heart, with labor as a supplement; following one's true heart does not mean doing whatever one pleases."

"Think of Lingxiang; why would someone so arrogant and unrestrained in daily life risk herself to enter the tiger's den?"

Hearing this, Hanyang pondered for a moment, and after understanding, he bowed apologetically: "This disciple was narrow-minded."

No sooner had the words fallen than a hearty laugh came from outside the hall: "A profound insight, fellow Daoist!"

Fuyin Zhenren turned around to see a person wearing a crane-patterned cloak, walking toward him with long, steady strides.

Upon seeing the visitor, Fuyin Zhenren hurriedly went to greet him: "Brother Xuanhuai, I trust you have been well since we last met."

It was none other than the Sect Leader of the Kunwu Sect, Xuanhuai Zhenren.

The two exchanged Daoist salutes and introduced their respective disciples to each other before beginning to discuss serious matters.

"I am immensely grateful for your righteous assistance, Brother."

After Fuyin finished speaking, he bowed again, but was stopped by Xuanhuai.

"Why say such things, fellow Daoist? If not for you and the Small Elder back then, my Kunwu Sect would have become prey for the Demon Race. Now that your sect has issued a call, and it involves the Demon Race, we naturally cannot stand idly by."

Hearing this, Fuyin stopped being overly polite, gestured for his guest to proceed, and led Xuanhuai Zhenren toward Guanxing Terrace.

As soon as the two were seated, Xuanhuai wore an apologetic expression.

"The Kunwu Sect is thin on manpower; seventy percent of our strength is only fifty-some people. Remembering the hardships of our ancestors, to ensure the continuation of the sect, the remaining young disciples were left under the guidance of Junior Brother Xuantan. I am ashamed that I could not exhaust all our strength, and I hope you will not take offense, fellow Daoist."

Fuyin Zhenren naturally understood the difficulties of the Kunwu Sect and quickly waved his hand: "The continuation of a sect is a major matter. For the Kunwu Sect to offer help in such dire straits is truly a great righteousness. Yuanqing is too grateful to be offended; please do not blame yourself, Brother."

"Indeed! Could it be that in all the world, yours is the only Daoist sect?"

Before the person was seen, his voice was heard. Everyone hurried out to greet him, and they saw an old man walking with vigorous strides, followed by Huiyan. The visitor was none other than Xunfeng Zhenren of the Taishang Sect; since the passing of Lieyang Zhenren, the heavy burden of the Sect Leader had fallen upon him.

After exchanging greetings, Xunfeng Zhenren tucked his hands into his sleeves and leaned toward the two True Persons, pretending to whisper.

"When I was on my way here, I stopped by the Lingji Sword Pavilion. The Pavilion Master should be on the road with other Daoist sects by now."

Upon hearing this, Fuyin Zhenren bowed deeply: "I am already ashamed for failing to protect Uncle-Master Lieyang, and now I have troubled Uncle-Master Xunfeng to travel back and forth; this junior is truly mortified."

Xunfeng Zhenren clicked his tongue, helping Fuyin up while chiding him for being overly formal.

"Brother Lieyang sacrificed himself for the Dao; that was a destined fate, what does it have to do with you? If this debt is to be settled, it must be settled with the Demon Race. Now that there is this opportunity, the Taishang Sect is eager to join!"

Xunfeng Zhenren flicked his robe sleeves, looking as if he would argue with anyone who dared to gossip, and then continued:

"Yuanqing is a sect, Taishang is a branch; we were originally one family. Now that Yuanqing has issued an order, as a branch, we should naturally provide full support. Where does this talk of 'trouble' come from?"

Just then, another voice came from outside the door:

"Since Uncle-Master says so, Yuanqing will shamelessly accept this kindness. Once we are victorious, we will certainly visit to express our deep gratitude."

As the words fell, four figures filed in from outside the hall; they were Shangqing Zhenren and three Yuanqing Elders.

After another round of pleasantries, once everyone was seated, Fuyin Zhenren stood up to confess his fault:

"Fuyin acted on his own authority to crusade against the Demon Race without reporting to you, Senior Brother Sect Leader. I hope for your punishment."

Please... you... collect... the... book...!

Shangqing Zhenren waved his hand: "The authority of the Sect Leader was entrusted to you; how to make decisions is up to you. Where is there any talk of punishment?"

Then he smiled and teased Qianyuan Zhenren: "Sixth Junior Brother is so serious, it makes me look like the one in the wrong."

Qianyuan Zhenren also nodded in agreement, praising Xunfeng Zhenren: "Sixth Junior Brother took on this responsibility in a time of crisis; for three years, you have labored and toiled, keeping the sect in perfect order. You are far better than us two old bones."

After everyone laughed, Fuyin Zhenren sat down and explained the plan for the Substitute Technique to the group.

"It is indeed a sound strategy, but in doing so, Sixth Junior Brother, your sacrifice will be too great. I fear that in the future..." Chengxin Zhenren said with concern.

Fuyin Zhenren shook his head: "Back then, Lingxiang risked herself to protect all living beings, and we still do not know if she is safe. What is my mere lifespan and cultivation compared to that?"

He then lamented: "I only hate that I cannot go myself to slay the Demon Lord and avenge Master and Fifth Senior Brother."

"Since that is the case," Shangqing Zhenren held down Chengxin Zhenren, who was about to speak further, "relying on Sixth Junior Brother alone is likely not enough. How about..."

"Count me in," said Xuanhuai Zhenren. "Tumi Xianzi has shown kindness to Kunwu, and little friend Lingxiang saved Kunwu from the demon's grasp. How can we not repay such kindness?"

Fuyin Zhenren was about to stop him, but Xuanhuai Zhenren waved his hand with a smile: "Little friend Lingxiang has such resolve; could it be that I, an old man, would lose to her?"

"How about this," Shangqing Zhenren said: "The disciples' cultivation is still shallow and they do not need much talisman power; that can be left to Brother Xuanhuai and Sixth Junior Brother. The talisman arts of Uncle-Master Xunfeng and Junior Brothers Chengxin and Donghui can be handled by me and Junior Brother Qianyuan."

"No!" Fuyin Zhenren hurriedly tried to stop them: "You seniors have not yet fully recovered from your severe injuries, and it is already improper for you to have forcibly come out of seclusion at this time. How can you perform the Blood Talisman Technique?"

Shangqing Zhenren replied: "We are old; the sect will eventually have to be handed over to the next generation. Planning and sacrificing for the younger ones is only right and proper. Why should you be concerned, Junior Brother?"

Qianyuan Zhenren added: "Do not worry, Junior Brother. Eldest Senior Brother knows what he is doing. He and I still want to watch our disciples and grand-disciples make Yuanqing flourish."

Fuyin Zhenren wanted to say more, but Danyang and Danzhu walked into the hall at this moment.

Zhuzhang Laoren had arrived.

When the four from Shangqing came out of seclusion, the two of them had specifically gone to invite Zhuzhang Laoren. With him presiding and protecting the Dharma, everything could be more secure.