Chapter 133: Damn it, everyone

Hearing Gao Xuan’s words, Mo Xingjian and Zhou Qing stared at him in disbelief.

Neither had expected the first to voice opposition would be Gao Xuan, the very one they had long suspected.

And he struck straight at the heart of Tianji Men’s Xuanjizi.

Facing Gao Xuan’s words, Cao Zhengyang hesitated, then said: “Gao’s concerns are not without merit, but we have no other choice. Besides, Tianji Men wants the balance among the Five Sects preserved more than anyone else. I believe it’s worth the gamble.”

Gao Xuan was about to speak again, but Mo Xingjian stood up, bowed to all present, then said: “This time, I stand with Senior Brother Gao. I also believe Tianji Men cannot be trusted.”

Gao Xuan turned to Mo Xingjian in shock, then seemed to realize something, his gaze shifting to Zhou Qing standing nearby.

Zhou Qing lowered his head in silence, as if deep in thought.

Cao Zhengyang frowned tightly and said: “Gao, Mo—time is running out. We need unity now, not division. Why the sudden disagreement?”

Then Cao Zhengyang turned to the several Supreme Elders beside him.

Mu Zhus and the other Supreme Elders sat still, eyes closed, as if the world outside held no relevance to them.

After all, Cao Zhengyang was the current Sect Master; their duty was to protect the sect.

Mo Xingjian’s expression turned solemn. He bowed to all and declared loudly: “Brothers, sisters, fellow cultivators—now is the time to remain rational. We must not act rashly.”

“The people and matters we ignore are often the most deadly. I’ve received secret intelligence: behind Tianji Men stands Cangyan Dao Palace. Don’t ask me how I got this info—just answer: do you dare gamble your lives on someone else’s word?”

Mo Xingjian directly challenged the assembly.

Instantly, murmurs spread through the hall, whispers rising in waves of suspicion and speculation.

Cao Zhengyang’s frown deepened, and his gaze turned to Zhou Qing.

Last night, when Xuanjizi came to discuss the plan, everyone agreed without hesitation—even Mo had added several details.

But after Mo left today, he returned with Zhou Qing, and his stance shifted abruptly. Even this secret meeting was brought to him.

What kind of poison has this boy poured into Mo’s ears?

“Sect Master, I ask you: what if? At least half the Peak Masters and Hall Masters must go. If this decision fails, next time we meet, there won’t be many left.” Mo Xingjian said.

At these words, the council hall fell into deathly silence.

Cao Zhengyang said nothing, lost in thought.

“Your secret source…”

“I don’t know!” Cao Zhengyang had barely opened his mouth when Mo Xingjian cut him off sharply.

This left Cao Zhengyang speechless.

Mo Xingjian’s stance was clear: do you trust outsiders—or your own brothers?

After brief thought, Cao Zhengyang turned again to Zhou Qing: “The turning point must lie with you, Zhou Qing. Explain. At least give us a reason to believe.”

Zhou Qing never expected the Sect Master to suddenly fixate on him.

As Cao Zhengyang’s words ended, every eye turned to Zhou Qing—even the Supreme Elders, who had kept their eyes shut since the meeting began.

Since this boy lost his cultivation, none of them can even enter the Cave Heaven. The dozens of Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment disciples sent before all failed—utterly unable to withstand the wandering souls.

Now pinned under so many stares, Zhou Qing looked bewildered and said: “I don’t know.”

Mo Xingjian quickly interjected: “What does my disciple have to do with this? Don’t change the subject.”

Cao Zhengyang was utterly exasperated. He looked at Mo and said: “After all this, what’s your actual proposal?”

Mo Xingjian replied immediately: “We cannot trust Xuanjizi. But we can use this chance to turn the tables.”

“You mean we openly take the first route?” Cao Zhengyang frowned.

Mo Xingjian nodded vigorously: “Exactly. It might even go faster than expected—after all, Tianji Men will be guarding us.”

Cao Zhengyang fell silent, then rose, pacing back and forth with his hands behind his back. After a long while, he looked up at them all.

No one spoke. All watched Cao Zhengyang in silence.

You are the leader we willingly chose. No matter which direction Taiqingmen sails, we will follow without complaint.

Then Cao Zhengyang turned his gaze to Gao Xuan and Mo Xingjian—and suddenly smiled strangely.

“Try it. Then you’ll know.”

…………

On Xiao Ling Peak, Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu followed closely behind Mo Xingjian as he packed his belongings.

Zhou Qing’s face was etched with worry, his heart uneasy, fearing his mistaken guess might drag everyone into the abyss.

“What you must do now is make everyone see that Taiqingmen is fully prepared, ready to rush to support at any moment!” Mo Xingjian said, carefully inspecting his gear.

Zhou Qing asked hesitantly: “Do you really have full confidence?”

Mo Xingjian’s lips curled into a mysterious smile, his eyes faintly glowing with admiration. He lowered his voice and whispered to the two: “Actually, we’ve all been fooled by the Sect Master.”

“Wh…what?” The two froze.

Mo Xingjian instantly used telepathy: “I just found out myself. This old man’s acting is better than mine. After Gu Tao’s betrayal and Liu Long’s self-destruction yesterday, the Sect Master distrusts everyone. How could he possibly trust outsiders?”

Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu still looked confused.

Mo Xingjian continued: “Damn it, everyone’s acting—only I took it seriously. Today’s meeting was a test. Do you think ‘support’ means leading hundreds of thousands of disciples in a grand parade to fight the enemy head-on?”

The two nodded: “What else?”

Mo Xingjian shook his head: “I thought the same at first. But the Sect Master’s words opened my eyes. Support doesn’t require hundreds. Even a dozen can suffice—if they tear open a few gaps, letting Qingyu Immortal Sect strike, then it’s none of our concern.”

“Why sacrifice so many of our own disciples for someone else’s war? If it comes to that, we can just relocate. Our foundation remains. As for the Cave Heaven? To hell with it—we don’t need it.”

“For generations, we’ve probed endlessly, never even crossed the Blood River. Each time we return badly wounded. Now, with the wandering souls, we can’t even enter. What use is it? Opportunities are good—but they’re also chains that have bound Taiqingmen for centuries. Sometimes, letting go brings true freedom.”

“And beneath the gravity zone—that thing? It’s a great gift. Of course, I didn’t say that. The Sect Master did. That old man sees further than anyone.”

Hearing this, Zhou Qing’s eyes filled with admiration—and a deep sigh of relief.

These old foxes—all of them!

“So you’re going to reinforce them now?” Zhou Qing asked.

Mo Xingjian nodded: “Correct. If there’s an ambush, our eighteen late Soul Transformation cultivators, unburdened, can escape unscathed. If there’s no ambush, it confirms your suspicion.”

“Eighteen? All the Peak Masters and some Hall Masters?” Yan Xiaohu asked.

Mo Xingjian said: “Except Senior Brother Gao Xuan. He’ll temporarily assume the Sect Master’s role, staying behind with the Supreme Elders to guard the sect.”

Hearing Gao Xuan would stay behind, Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu both gasped. Wasn’t that too risky?

“I know what you’re thinking. But it’s the Sect Master’s order. Before, I’d have refused outright. Now, I trust every decision he makes. Don’t worry—he has his reasons.” Mo Xingjian said.

With that said, what could the two say?

“Alright, you two stay put. Don’t wander off. Wait for our good news!” Mo Xingjian patted their shoulders, then shot off as a streak of light toward Shen Yue Peak.

There, a short-range teleportation array had already been set up—just like when Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu went to Lingyun Prefecture.

After all, the main gate was surely monitored—even some hidden moles within Taiqingmen.

When the two emerged, they saw towering warships hovering in the sky, like ancient beasts lying in wait, their metallic hulls gleaming with cold luster, runes swirling as they radiated immense spiritual energy.

Banners snapped in the wind, disciples came and went, continuously reinforcing powerful defense and attack arrays.

Below, disciples from Xiao Ling Peak—true disciples, inner disciples, and outer disciples—flowed like a tide, forming neat ranks, armor gleaming.

Numerous stewards hovered in midair, robes fluttering, eyes blazing as they scrutinized the disciples, issuing commands.

As ox-horn horns blared, they marched in formation toward Shen Yue Peak.

Wind howled. The entire world brimmed with deadly solemnity.

The two exchanged glances, deeply troubled.

Perhaps no one knew—the reinforcement had already begun.

But since they chose to act, they’d play it to the end.

The two headed toward Shen Yue Peak as well.

When they arrived, the sky was choked with warships, blotting out the sun—each vessel a steel beast radiating chilling pressure.

Heavy solemnity filled every inch of space. Everyone felt the tension, the looming storm of battle.

“Senior Brother Zhou!” Lu Yaoyao rushed over the moment she saw Zhou Qing land from Yan Xiaohu’s flying sword, her face filled with worry, eyes trembling with fear.

Zhou Qing smiled gently and whispered: “Don’t worry. It’ll be fine.”

Clearly, only his Master had told them. The other Peak Masters knew nothing.

Now, core disciples poured in from all directions. Though unaware of the plan, the fact that two Soul Transformation cultivators had tried to blow them all up meant they’d repay tenfold.

Of course, this was the first time anyone had seen Taiqingmen’s true strength—so many gathered in one place.

War drums thundered like lightning; ox-horn horns roared like tigers and dragons—each note stirred blood, raised goosebumps.

An invisible, surging battle fury made hearts tremble.

Watching this, Zhou Qing fell silent.

What remained was to wait until nightfall, then meet up with Tianji Men.

If his guess was right, Cangyan Dao Palace had laid a net along the second route.

Their job was to delay as long as possible, then return under any pretext when the time came.

But this overwhelming sense of impending battle left Zhou Qing with a quiet unease.

It might stem from the unknown—or from the fake Gao Xuan—or from Jiang Pu, the elder guarding the Soul Lamp Tower.

Thinking of this, Zhou Qing pulled Yan Xiaohu aside and whispered: “I’m worried about my Master.”

Yan Xiaohu froze, then seemed to understand. His face lit up with excitement: “You want to sneak off to Qingyu Immortal Sect?”

Zhou Qing stared at him, stunned.

Something’s off. You’re acting strange.

Yan Xiaohu met Zhou Qing’s gaze, grinning widely, eyes blazing with eager fire: “We’re truly brothers—we thought the same thing! I’m broke right now. This is the perfect chance to get rich.”

“Once the battle starts, storage bags are just lying around. Spiritual stones and elixirs? Critical war supplies. Every side will have massive quantities.”

Zhou Qing looked at him: “When did you start thinking like this?”

Yan Xiao scratched his head and replied honestly: “Just a few breaths ago. I was planning to sneak away alone—you’re our sect’s precious treasure, can’t afford to lose you, so I wouldn’t dare take you along on this risk.”

Zhou Qing chuckled.

“If I were afraid of this, I’d already be locked up like a caged canary, pampered and protected by the sect, with everything I wanted. But that would turn me into a hollow, useless waste,” Zhou Qing said.

Yan Xiao knew Zhou Qing wasn’t afraid of such things, so he explained: “My Nascent Soul amplification can temporarily boost me one sub-realm, and over these past days, I’ve specifically trained several powerful secret arts—I can protect myself easily.”

“As long as I don’t draw attention, no one will notice me. If things go wrong, I can just call Uncle Mo—after all, our elders will all be there. But if I take you, I’m afraid Uncle Mo will break my legs afterward…”

Zhou Qing said: “Don’t forget your Retreat Drum technique requires two people to activate.”

In truth, this sudden change of heart came with his own worries and thoughts.

First, the Qian Dafu incident still weighed on him—after all, who could truly see through the innocent faces hiding what intentions and schemes beneath?

Just like Xuanjizi, who appeared so ethereal and transcendent—who could have guessed that Tianji Sect, which claimed to uphold the stability of the Five Great Sects, was one of the war’s instigators?

His master and all his senior uncles were his family—he would not allow anyone to harm them.

But the words spoken by his third senior brother still troubled him.

What if Qingyu Immortal Sect was also one of the players in this chess game?

Were they deliberately feigning weakness, waiting to reap the benefits while other sects crippled each other, then striking at the perfect moment?

Remember, Second Uncle had, out of old friendship, sent word to Xuanyou Immortal, revealing that the Three Flowers Topper was at Taiqingmen.

That’s why, during that time, she visited frequently—even coming in person after my Golden Core was shattered.

The Three Flowers Topper is guaranteed to reach at least the Cutting Spirit realm—she, as sect master, naturally wanted to save herself, but more likely, she feared that neighboring sects would rise from this chaos, threatening Qingyu Immortal Sect’s status, even risking its annihilation.

When the choice between sect and self is before you, which path do you think she’ll choose?

When the two sides meet, joint combat is unavoidable—what if she stabs us in the back and plunges Taiqingmen into utter ruin?

At least by binding myself to her, I can roughly discern her intentions—it’s safer that way.

“I must go!” Zhou Qing declared firmly.

Yan Xiao looked into Zhou Qing’s resolute eyes and knew this guy, once decided, couldn’t be swayed.

In fact, staying in the sect wasn’t safe either—what if that fake Gao Xian suddenly had evil intentions?

“Fine, I’ll arrange it!” Yan Xiao paused to think, then nodded.

Zhou Qing immediately smiled.

“Brothers united, their strength can sever gold!”

Beside them, Lu Yaoyao watched the two exchanging whispers, her face full of curiosity—she wanted to know too.

But just then, Second Brother He Han walked over from the other side and whispered a few words into her ear.

After a brief hesitation, Lu Yaoyao followed him away.

“Niu Guangmo, we entrust you with matters on Xiao Ling Peak—we’re leaving first!”

Yan Xiao gathered eight True Disciples, including Niu Guangmo, gave them detailed instructions, then hurried off with Zhou Qing.

“I need a set of clothes,” Zhou Qing said.

At this moment, he regretted not learning Second Uncle’s mysterious transformation arts—if he had, he wouldn’t have to worry at all.

Yan Xiao also changed his attire, even donning a mask.

“You wear one too—after all, we’re here to loot the dead. If they spot us, they might come knocking at night demanding their stuff back!” Yan Xiao said.

Zhou Qing was speechless—he had ten broken top-grade fire spirit stones on him; he wasn’t short of money.

Still, he reached out and took the mask.

Once everything was ready, the two quickly reached the sect’s outer barrier—already heavily guarded.

“What are you two doing at this hour?” Elder Wu Zhu asked upon seeing them.

Yan Xiao stealthily pulled Elder Wu Zhu aside and whispered: “Uncle, we’ve been given a secret mission—don’t make a fuss.”

Elder Wu Zhu gave Yan Xiao a skeptical look.

With your lazy, irresponsible attitude, who’d entrust you with a mission? Especially not with Zhou Qing, who’s just an ordinary person?

“Go back now, or I’ll arrest you as a spy!” Elder Wu Zhu said.

Yan Xiao looked serious: “It’s true—and personally ordered by the Sect Master. If you delay us, you won’t be able to bear the responsibility.”

Seeing Yan Xiao’s solemn expression, Elder Wu Zhu grew suspicious and immediately pulled out his identity token to contact the Sect Master.

Yan Xiao swore: “After the Sect Master gave us the secret order, he got busy—you won’t be able to reach him.”

Indeed, Elder Wu Zhu’s inquiry received no reply for a long time.

“See? You still don’t believe me? Do I look like someone who lies? We’re leaving!” Yan Xiao turned to go, but Elder Wu Zhu blocked him.

He frowned: “If it were someone else leaving, I might believe it—but you two? One unreliable, the other with no spiritual power at all—it’s suspicious. At this critical moment, I won’t allow anyone to leave and endanger the sect.”

Yan Xiao exploded: “What do you mean ‘others are fine but not us’? Why are we unreliable? This is blatant discrimination—”

Before Yan Xiao finished, Zhou Qing pulled him away—hadn’t he seen Elder Wu Zhu preparing to go serious?

Qingyu Immortal Sect’s mountain barrier had been breached from within—from Elder Wu Zhu’s perspective, he had every reason to suspect anyone and take forceful measures.

“That stubborn old man—you think this is the only way? I’ve got other tricks, Fourth Brother, let’s go!”

Yan Xiao snorted and turned away with Zhou Qing.

Soon they reached another spot, grumbling: “Only three chances total—wasting one on our own territory? Feels like a waste.”

As he spoke, Yan Xiao pulled out a small white jade bead, no bigger than a pigeon’s egg.

Zhou Qing leaned over curiously: “Third Brother, what’s this?”

Yan Xiao grinned: “When you and Master and Sister went out to break through, you thought I just served your brother-in-law for forty days for nothing? This was my reward.”

Zhou Qing was stunned.

Yan Xiao said: “Your brother-in-law had a bead the size of a fist—it could pierce any barrier. That’s how he snuck into the sect. I begged him for days before he gave me this tiny one.”

Hearing this, Zhou Qing was deeply alarmed.

This white crane could pierce Taiqingmen’s mountain barrier with just a bead?

If he had ill intent, the sect would be in grave danger.

“Enough talk—hold on tight!” Yan Xiao grabbed Zhou Qing’s arm, activated the bead, and both vanished instantly.

When they reappeared, they were outside.

“Incredible! Next time I see your brother-in-law, I’ll beg for more!” Yan Xiao stared at the scenery outside, awed.

Zhou Qing was equally stunned.

After changing clothes, the two immediately raced off into the distance.

………

Under the night sky, eighteen figures advanced at top speed toward Qingyu Immortal Sect, successfully passing through the area they believed most likely to be ambushed.

Everything was clear now.

“Go!” Cao Zhengyang suddenly changed direction, heading northwest.

There lay the territory of Jin Leizong.

The group paused, sensing something, but said nothing—only silently followed their Sect Master.

Thank you to [Wei Miu Wei Xiao] for the 1100 donation—thank you, great patron!

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(End of Chapter)