Chapter 209: Having own axe to grind
Chapter 209: Having own axe to grind
Aunt Jin and Ruan Dadao were considering whether they could join forces with Taiyi Sect's Meng Zhang and Gu Tanghai to take down the people of Forest Mountain School and go to Flying Swan Sect to seek credit and forgiveness in exchange for their lives. It was quite a surprise to see Guang HongDaoist from Forest Spring Watch appearing here.
Guang ZhiDaoist Master of Forest Spring Watch was undoubtedly the person Flying Swan Sect hated the most. As a disciple of Guang ZhiDaoist Master, Forest Spring Watch had long been targeted by Flying Swan Sect for elimination. If they could capture Guang HongDaoist and present him to Flying Swan Sect, the people there would undoubtedly be delighted.
Aunt Jin and Ruan Dadao, who harbored ulterior motives, exchanged glances, contemplating how to persuade Meng Zhang and Gu Tanghai to stand with them while keeping it a secret from Forest Mountain School and Forest Spring Watch.
Guang HongDaoist also exchanged glances with Xu Yishan. Facing the overwhelming attack from Flying Swan Sect, Forest Spring Watch was too weak and needed to make use of any available strength to resist the invasion. Their plan was to rally several sects to stand against Flying Swan Sect together.
Meng Zhang observed the situation coldly, knowing that everyone had different thoughts despite being Foundation Building cultivators like himself. He could read some surface-level thoughts using Mind Reading and understand their intentions.
Aunt Jin and Ruan Dadao had a good plan, but they were unaware that Gu Tanghai was associated with the Shi Family, remnants of the Purple Gold Sect, and had conflicts with Flying Swan Sect. Even if the Shi Family surrendered to Flying Swan Sect, there was no guarantee they would be accepted.
Guang HongDaoist's idea was even more laughable. At this point, who would be foolish enough to sacrifice for Forest Spring Watch? What could Forest Spring Watch offer to win others over?
Forest Mountain School was deeply involved and had no way out. Given any other choice, who would be foolish enough to follow Forest Spring Watch to their doom?
As for Gu Tanghai, he was a mid-Foundation Building cultivator, and his cultivation level was higher than Meng Zhang's, making it challenging to read his thoughts. Additionally, Gu Tanghai was cunning and kept a poker face, revealing nothing of his intentions.
Meng Zhang couldn't truly fathom Gu Tanghai's thoughts.
To be honest, he felt uneasy about turning on his allies so quickly, but when pushed to the brink, Meng Zhang had no choice but to harden his heart and change sides if necessary. After all, the survival of the sect was paramount.
The only thing that made Meng Zhang hesitate was that even if Taiyi Sect allied with Qiaoshou Sect and Golden Blade Sect, they would still have no advantage against the other three sects, including Flying Swan Sect. The balance of power was unfavorable.
Meng Zhang remained silent, and so did everyone else. They didn't want to show their stance as it would immediately determine their fate – friends or foes.
After a while, perhaps unable to bear the awkward silence or thinking that continuing like this was not a solution, Guang HongDaoist coughed lightly, preparing to speak, but was interrupted by Gu Tanghai.
"Guang HongDaoist, you don't need to say much. At this point, we cannot risk our lives and our sect to stand with Forest Spring Watch," Gu Tanghai stated.
Aunt Jin and Ruan Dadao appeared pleased, thinking Gu Tanghai was siding with them and ready to take action against Guang HongDaoist.
However, Gu Tanghai continued, "But I have known you all for some time, and I don't wish to engage in hostilities. I've decided to leave Singing Sand City immediately with my subordinates and avoid the wrath of Flying Swan Sect."
Gu Tanghai declared his neutrality, leaving Aunt Jin and Ruan Dadao somewhat disappointed but firm in their final decision. They immediately stood up from their seats, and Jin Qigu, who was seated behind Aunt Jin, also stood with them.
The three of them stared at Guang HongDaoist with a fierce gaze. Aunt Jin addressed Meng Zhang, "Sect Master Meng, the situation is settled. With your intelligence, you surely know how to make the right choice."
Meng Zhang sighed. He really didn't want to make this choice, but at this point, what else could he do?
Guang HongDaoist could only blame his luck. Why didn't the heavens favor Forest Spring Watch?
Forest Spring Watch staked their sect's fortune, finally cultivating a Guang ZhiDaoist Master, only for him to be hunted down and facing uncertain life or death.
Seeing Meng Zhang stand up, Xu Yishan pleaded, "Sect Master Meng, we fought side by side before, risking our lives. Do we have to become enemies now?"
Meng Zhang looked at Xu Yishan and inwardly cursed himself for not being cunning enough. In this cutthroat Cultivation World, honesty and friendship were detrimental.
Thinking about Taiyi Sect's survival, Meng Zhang finally made up his mind. He couldn't afford to hesitate anymore.
Aunt Jin exclaimed urgently, "Sect Master Meng, you must think carefully. Even if you don't care for yourself, you must think for Taiyi Sect. If Flying Swan Sect attacks, all dissenters will be annihilated."
The decision was so difficult.
Thinking of Taiyi Sect's survival, Meng Zhang finally made his final decision. No longer hesitating, he prepared to summon his flying sword and strike first, catching them off guard.
However, just as he was about to act, a frantic voice interrupted from outside.
"Something's wrong, something's wrong! Flying Swan Sect's army is coming!"
Everyone heard the news and quickly left the meeting hall to see what was happening.
In the distant sky, numerous flying boats with Flying Swan Sect insignias were approaching Singing Sand City. Many Flying Swan Sect disciples rode various flying beasts, guarding the flying boats.
At the forefront of the formation, more than ten Foundation Building cultivators led the large group of people, flying towards Singing Sand City.
Flying Swan Sect was indeed not one to remain idle. Once they made a move, it was with tremendous force.
Their overwhelming strength could crush any resistance and easily destroy the sects present.
Seeing the enemy approaching in the sky, everyone present turned pale and felt bewildered.
Aunt Jin and Ruan Dadao had decided to surrender to Flying Swan Sect, but they hadn't made prior arrangements or captured Guang HongDaoist to present as an offering. They didn't know if Flying Swan Sect would accept their surrender.
If the Flying Swan Sect army attacked without distinction and annihilated everyone in Singing Sand City, they would be in big trouble.
Gu Tanghai also wore a bitter smile, "I wonder if surrendering now would still be possible?"
Flying Swan Sect's army had arrived too quickly, disrupting their plans and catching them off guard. They didn't know how to respond.
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