Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
The Legend of the Immortals Prequel: Wilderness Journey
Zeng Shuchang shook his head and said, “The Azure Cloud Sect has been established for two thousand years, and there has never been a case where a father passes the position of the sect leader to his son. I feel that this is not quite right.”
Tian Buyi replied, “Whether it is right or wrong is naturally up to my master, Master Zhenwu, and the elders like Master Zhangmen to decide. If they have no objections, what is wrong with your father passing the position of sect leader to you?”
Zeng Shuchang lowered his head, staring at his feet. After a long while, he said, “But I always feel that doing so would be like I am deliberately taking something from Liu Yan Senior Brother. It truly makes me sad. You must understand that everyone originally thought that the future position of sect leader should belong to him.”
At this point, he paused, revealing a hint of a bitter smile on his face, and said softly, “Moreover, I am well aware of my fellow brothers at Feng Huai Peak. With my current cultivation and qualifications, they will not accept me. Even if I forcibly take over as sect leader, I fear there will be countless disputes in the future.”
Tian Buyi did not know how to comfort him at this moment and could only gently pat him on the shoulder.
※※※
Meanwhile, at the top of Tongfeng Mountain, several people were gathered in the Quiet Room where Zhangmen Zhenren Chengzi was located.
After a night’s rest, the sect leader Chengzi Zhenren had awakened but still appeared somewhat weak. At this moment, he was covered with a blanket on his legs, leaning against the headboard of the bed, sitting on the bed. Besides him, there were three others in the room: Zheng Tong, Dao Xuan, and Ten Thousand Swords in One.
In this gathering after a great battle, it should have been a relaxed and reflective chat; however, surprisingly, the atmosphere in the Quiet Room was subtly tense.
“No! This matter absolutely cannot happen!”
This statement was resolute and even carried a hint of anger, coming from the usually calm Dao Xuan. He was glaring at none other than Ten Thousand Swords in One.
Despite Dao Xuan's intense gaze, Ten Thousand Swords in One showed no sign of retreating. Instead, he spoke loudly: “Senior Brother, let me finish my words. I have thought about this matter repeatedly and truly believe it is necessary.” He turned to face Chengzi, who was sitting on the bed with a weak complexion and slightly squinted eyes, looking somewhat dazed. “Master, I believe that with your divine power and the protection of our ancestors throughout history, we have greatly defeated the Demon Cult and severely injured the Demon. With the supreme power of the Zhuxian Sword, that Demon Cult Leader is bound to die. The Demon Cult will inevitably fall into chaos without leadership. Just yesterday when I descended the mountain to hunt down remnants of the Demon Cult, I personally witnessed many different factions within the Demon Cult arguing and even fighting among themselves along the way. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Dao Xuan shouted back: “So what? The factions of the Demon Cult are numerous as grains of sand; their followers are countless. Even if their leader is dead, when the tree falls, monkeys scatter. Each major faction will disperse in chaos; how can we eradicate the Demon Cult and eliminate it completely? Not to mention that our Azure Cloud Sect has also suffered significant losses in this battle; we cannot act rashly!”
Ten Thousand Swords in One shook his head and said, "Senior Brother, you misunderstand. Although I am proud, I never thought I could eradicate the Demonic Cult in one fell swoop. However, upon careful reflection of the past, I realize that my Middle-earth Righteous Path has been fighting against the Demonic Cult for many years, causing immense suffering to the common people. Yet there have been several occasions when extraordinary talents emerged, leading to great victories over the Demonic Cult and the flourishing of the righteous path. However, such glory often lasts only a few decades; the Demonic Cult always retreats to the wilderness to recuperate, and once their strength is restored, they return with a vengeance, bringing disaster to the world."
Dao Xuan snorted and said, "So what do you intend to do? Do you want me to mobilize all the elite of the Azure Cloud Sect and charge into that wilderness, which has not been reached by anyone except for the Demonic Cult Monster in a thousand years, directly attacking the Demon Cult Holy Temple?"
Ten Thousand Swords in One replied confidently, "Of course not. Although the Demonic Cult has just suffered a defeat, their strength still exists. I believe that while we cannot directly strike at their heart, we must not miss this opportunity. Now that the Demonic Cult is in chaos and various sects are fighting among themselves, it is the perfect time to send people into the wilderness to investigate the situation of their stronghold, Barbaric Sacred Hall, and understand the circumstances along the way. This will provide our Middle-earth Righteous Path with crucial guidance for eradicating this major threat in the future. This is indeed a key move related to the long-term success of the Middle-earth Righteous Path."
Dao Xuan looked angry and said, "You must be cautious. Do you know how dangerous it is to travel to the wilderness? It is no exaggeration to say it is a matter of life and death. Moreover, after this recent defeat of the Demonic Cult, many disciples will surely scatter and flee back to the wilderness. Traveling there is like walking under the watchful eyes of a Demon. Have you truly thought this through?"
Ten Thousand Swords in One stepped forward with a determined expression and said, "I believe this risk is worth taking."
Dao Xuan was furious and shouted, "Such a dangerous task—who do you expect me to send from Azure Cloud Sect? Are you sending them to their deaths? I absolutely do not agree!"
Ten Thousand Swords in One raised his voice as well, his face filled with anger as he declared loudly, "I will go!"
As soon as these words were spoken, silence fell over the Quiet Room, with only a few heavy breaths coming from the two brothers who were still confronting each other.
※※※
After a long while, someone suddenly coughed lightly; it was Zheng Tong, who spoke up from his seat. He then slowly said, "There is no need for both of you to argue. In my opinion, both of your points have some merit. However, how we should proceed should be left for our Master to decide."
Dao Xuan and Ten Thousand Swords in One fell silent for a moment. After exchanging glances, they turned around to look at Chengzi, who was currently sitting on the bed.
However, since earlier, Chengzi had appeared lost in thought. Even when Dao Xuan and Ten Thousand Swords in One, his two beloved disciples, were nearly arguing right in front of him, he showed no change in expression. At this moment, as everyone's gaze fell upon him, Chengzi still seemed oblivious.
The three waited for a while but found that Chengzi remained unchanged and showed no intention of speaking. For a moment, they were all at a loss for words. Finally, it was Zheng Tong who stood up and walked over to the bedside, gently nudging Chengzi, whispering, "Senior Brother, Senior Brother..."
Chengzi shuddered, opened his eyes, and looked around with a hint of confusion, saying, "What happened?"
Zheng Tong frowned, feeling that his senior brother seemed a bit strange. However, he thought it was probably due to the impact of yesterday's life-and-death battle, so he didn't pay much attention to it. He briefly explained to Chengzi the argument between Dao Xuan and Ten Thousand Swords in One, and finally asked, "Senior brother, how do you think we should decide this matter?"
During the explanation, Chengzi appeared to be in a daze, as if he was distracted by other thoughts and not too concerned about this very important issue. Strangely, his breathing was somewhat erratic—sometimes rapid, sometimes slow—and occasionally a flicker of something unsettling flashed in his eyes, only to vanish in an instant.
Zheng Tong asked a question but noticed that Chengzi did not seem inclined to respond, so he raised his voice to ask again.
Only then did Chengzi react. He furrowed his brow and said, "This matter seems like it could..."
Before he could finish speaking, Dao Xuan interjected urgently, "Master, this matter is far too dangerous; you must think it over carefully."
"Uh..." With Dao Xuan's interruption, Chengzi hesitated again and said, "In that case, perhaps it's better to remain still rather than act."
Ten Thousand Swords in One stepped forward and said solemnly, "Master, I believe this matter is extremely important. It concerns the long-standing conflict between our Middle-earth Righteous Path and the Demonic Cult. Moreover, our Azure Cloud Mountain guards the vital paths of the wilderness in Middle-earth. If the Demonic Cult rises in power, they will almost certainly target our Azure Cloud Sect. For many years, countless elite disciples from our sect have fallen in bloody battles against the Demonic Cult Monster, leaving behind deep-seated enmity that still lingers among these green mountains. Though I am unworthy, I am willing to venture into the wilderness for the sake of our righteous cause and for the lasting peace of our Azure Cloud Sect."
This speech from Ten Thousand Swords in One was filled with pain and passion, inspiring admiration from those present. Even Chengzi was somewhat shaken and stared at Ten Thousand Swords in One for a long time without speaking.
On the other side, Dao Xuan had a complex expression as he looked at Ten Thousand Swords in One, wanting to say something but hesitating.
After a moment, Chengzi suddenly said, "Since that's the case, then we shall proceed with this matter."
Ten Thousand Swords in One was overjoyed while Dao Xuan was taken aback. They both stepped forward and spoke in unison.
"Thank you, Master!"
"Master, absolutely not!"
Chengzi did not wait for them to say more, suddenly extending a hand to stop their words, sighed, and said, "I am a bit tired; you all can leave now."
Without caring for the other three, he struggled to turn his body and lay back down on the bed, closing his eyes to rest.
The other three in the Quiet Room exchanged glances. After a while, Zheng Tong stood up, gently waved to his two junior disciples, signaling them to leave first, and then led the way out.
Dao Xuan and Ten Thousand Swords in One stood in silence for a moment before quietly stepping out as well.
After closing the door, Chengzi's figure was quietly hidden behind it, no longer visible. The three standing at the door suddenly felt a bit awkward, as if no one knew what to do next. However, after a while, Dao Xuan suddenly spoke up: "If this must be done, I will go; you stay."
Zheng Tong and Ten Thousand Swords in One were both startled and turned to look at Dao Xuan in disbelief, only to see Dao Xuan's serious expression, showing no hint of jest.
After a moment of shock, Ten Thousand Swords in One firmly shook his head and said, "Senior Brother, do not joke. Since this matter was proposed by me, it should naturally be me who goes."
Dao Xuan took a deep breath and said, "Jian Yi, listen to me. This matter is indeed too dangerous. Moreover, since it concerns the future of our Azure Cloud Sect, as the current chief disciple of Qingyun Sect, how can I shrink back? For both emotional and logical reasons, it should be me who goes. However, after I leave, you must take care of everything here..."
A look of excitement crossed Ten Thousand Swords in One's face as he said, "Senior Brother's words are mistaken. The journey into the wilderness was proposed by me. If it ultimately leads you into danger and something goes wrong, how can I show my face in Between the Earth? How can I face all the disciples of Azure Cloud Sect? This absolutely cannot happen!"
Comment 0 Comment Count