Chapter 262: Chapter 207: Discussing Dao Harvest, Talismanic Skill; Negotiations Frustrated (5.2K Major Chapter)—3
Translator: 549690339
Pei Xuanjing reciprocated each one’s greeting with amusement, addressing Yu Yangzi and Yu Zhenzi as Taoist friends, while still referring to Master Qingxu as superior.
Qingxu Taoist had an irremovable smile on his face, delighted that Pei Xuanjing remained respectful towards him despite his status.
Once again, everyone took their seats. Pang Hong, having greeted everyone, started to leave, but Pei Xuanjing stopped him. “You should stay. Sit here and listen, learn something new.” Pang Hong calmly nodded and sat in the last position.
Each of the three others in the loft wore different expressions.
Knowing full well about Xuanjing’s plan to nurture Pang Hong, Yu Zhenzi was not surprised and found it quite commonplace.
Qingyang Zi sighed inwardly, conceding that Pang Hong was indeed exceptionally fortunate.
In the world of martial arts, countless contemporaries surpassed Pang Hong in aptitude, yet few had reached the Fifth Rank at his age.
It must be said that life is unpredictable. Having become Xuanjing’s disciple gives Pang Hong a clear advantage over many.
Yu Yangzi paid more attention to Pang Hong.
Looking at how Pang Hong initially referred to himself, it was thought he was merely a nominal disciple of Xuanjing. Though he was the only one, he still wasn’t an actual disciple.
As it appears now, Xuanjing seems to be grooming him as his successor, which is a stark departure from his former status.
Given Xuanjing’s current position as one of the top martial artists, backed by followers like Yu Zhenzi, and his future prospects of rebuilding the Shenxiao Sect, he is undoubtedly a major force in the martial world.
Becoming the heir of such a powerful force, even without considering strength, in terms of status, he would not be much different from him.
Pei Xuanjing noticed everyone’s expressions, but he offered no explanation because this had been his intention.
As his power grows, having allied with Yu Zhenzi and others, along with the affairs planned with Bai Xiaosheng, his workload is becoming heavier and more complex by the day.
Not that he couldn’t handle these matters, but for Xuanjing, most of these are wastes of time that would delay his cultivation.
Therefore, grooming Pang Hong to serve as his spokesman was an excellent solution. It avails him more time for cultivation while offering Pang Hong the opportunity to refine himself. A win-win situation.
In a world where power benefits oneself, as long as Xuanjing maintains his formidable strength, he need not worry about being manipulated and can provide solid support for Pang Hong.
Pei Xuanjing turned to Yu Zhenzi beside him and asked, “How did your discussion go?”
This tripartite gathering was not a coincidence, but a prearranged agreement.
Pulling in Dragon Tiger Mountain into their plan, which was conceived by Xuanjing and Bai Xiaosheng, was part of the scheme.
There are innumerable Taoist factions today, but the recognized powerhouses mainly include the True Martial Sect, Dragon Tiger Mountain, Chunyang Sect, and Baiyun Temple, with Zhenwu and Dragon Tiger standing out as the most powerful.
It’s safe to say, if they can convince Dragon Tiger Mountain to ally with the True Martial Sect, they essentially control half of the Taoist community.
With the backing of this alliance, whether to execute the plan directly or involve other Taoist powerhouses, they have the flexibility to move forward or defend, and room for maneuver.
Originally, Bai Xiaosheng, as a partner in the plan, was supposed to participate in it.
However, considering that the True Martial Sect, Dragon Tiger Mountain, and the Shenxiao Sect that Xuanjing represents are all Taoist factions, he felt it inappropriate to participate and hence, decided not to attend.
Upon Xuanjing’s question, Yu Zhenzi sorted out his thoughts and pointed out the argument in their discussion, “Taoist friend Yu Yangzi wishes us to invite members of Baiyun Temple and Chunyang Sect now.” Invite Baiyun Temple and Chunyang Sect now?
Pei Xuanjing slightly knitted his brows.
The plan of involving Dragon Tiger Mountain was tacitly agreed upon when Xuanjing fought with the old Celestial Master.
In a world where power returns to oneself, the will of Xuanjing and the Old Celestial Master determines their behind-the-scenes power dynamics.
Therefore, there was no need for Xuanjing to negotiate personally. The will of their respective forces is represented by Yu Zhenzi, Yu Yangzi, and Qingyang Zi. They only were deliberating the details of cooperation. As long as the final result did not deviate too much, there would be no significant objections.
When Pang Hong invited Xuanjing, Xuanj ing already sensed that the three-party discussion had hit a roadblock. Otherwise, Yu Zhenzi would not disturb him.
For this reason, Xuanjing asked Yu Zhenzi upon sitting down.
However, Yu Zhenzi’s response made Xuanjing frown slightly.
At this point in the plan, inviting someone to join is far from being simplified. Every time a new force is added, it means the original three forces have to yield more interests. After all, no faction would join without gaining.
Xuanjing glanced at Qingyang Zi, who was also troubled. He then asked Yu
Yangzi, “Head Yu Yangzi, may I know the reason?”
He needed to know why the other party was doing this. Only by understanding the actual reason can there be a solution, whether to agree or disagree.
Yu Yangzi knew his response, and replied seriously, “Nothing more than a guarantee to avoid being used and discarded after the purpose is served!” To avoid being used and discarded!
This barefaced statement undoubtedly expressed distrust towards them.
Upon hearing this statement, the expressions of Xuanjing and others changed slightly.
Qingyang Zi turned pale and asked coldly, “Do you distrust us, Taoist friend?”
Yu Yangzi shook his head, “In my personal opinion, each of your characters can be trusted. But there are more than thousands of disciples in Dragon Tiger Mountain, and we cannot simply risk their future.”
Yu Yangzi clearly understood that the matter they were discussing held great potential rewards, but it also posed enormous risk.
As a disciple of the old Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain and the successor of the next Celestial Master, he is not alone. He is also responsible for the lives of thousands of disciples of Dragon Tiger Mountain and cannot so easily agree.
“But the old Celestial Master has given his approval to this matter. Are you going to defy his will?” Yu Zhenzi could not help but speak out..