Under one person: I, Zhang Zhiwei, the arrogant Zhang.

The Xuanmen and Kongmen issued their pronouncements one after another, and in an instant, the entire world of supernatural beings was filled with excitement, and many responded.

Various sects of extraordinary individuals, such as the Huode Sect and the Shuzi Sect, also voiced their support, and the anti-Japanese sentiment rose to an unprecedented level.

However, the sectarianism between the factions was deeply rooted, and although everyone issued statements, they were unable to immediately form a unified front against the Japanese pirates.

The slogan has been shouted, but how to do it in detail, who will give command, and who will take the lead have become huge and sensitive problems.

Everyone is waiting for someone who can convince everyone to take the lead and unite this immense force into a single force.

During this period, this matter has been the subject of much discussion in the martial arts world.

Meanwhile, in a small inn, a burly man with a full beard, holding a jar of wine, said:

"Fellow practitioners! With the Japanese pirates invading and our nation in peril, if we, the extraordinary ones, remain a disorganized mob, fighting our own battles, we will surely be defeated one by one by those sons of bitches! The most urgent task is to elect a leader who can command respect, unite our forces, and fight against foreign aggression together!"

After he finished speaking, another man chimed in, "That's right! In my opinion, this person is none other than Zhang Zhiwei, the Little Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain! The Little Celestial Master is righteous and hates evil like poison. He formed a blood feud with the Japanese pirates in his early years and thwarted their plots several times. He is very experienced. His strength is unprecedented and his prestige is overwhelming. With him leading the way, who would dare to disobey?!"

As soon as these words were spoken, someone immediately echoed, "That's right! The young Celestial Master is decisive and ruthless, with divine skills. We need such a ruthless person to deal with the Japanese pirates! Those timid and hesitant seniors are probably not capable of shouldering this responsibility!"

However, someone soon raised an objection: "The Junior Celestial Master is incredibly powerful, but leading a group of heroes is no trivial matter; it requires a legitimate claim. Although the Junior Celestial Master is strong, he is still young and inexperienced. More importantly, the Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain is still alive; he is the leader of the Zhengyi sect of Taoism. Logically and morally, it is not the Junior Celestial Master's place to take the lead. If the Junior Celestial Master leads, where does that leave the Celestial Master? Wouldn't that disrupt the hierarchy and break the rules? I believe that this matter requires the Celestial Master Zhang Jingqing to personally intervene."

At this moment, a monk said, "Speaking of the Celestial Master, I must mention Abbot Henglin of Shaolin Temple. Abbot Henglin's Buddhist teachings are boundless, and he is recognized as the head of the Chan school. If he were to step forward, with the influence of Buddhism, he would surely be able to unite all forces that can be united!"

Upon hearing this, a young Taoist priest carrying a sword disagreed, saying, "The monks are good at chanting sutras for the deceased, but when it comes to actually going into battle, I think they are still lacking. In fact, I think if the old abbot of Wudang Mountain, the Martial Saint Sun, had not ascended to immortality, then he would undoubtedly be one of the most suitable candidates."

Someone else said, "The Martial Saint has ascended to immortality, but the Great Ying Immortal, Master Zuo, is still here. Master Zuo's cultivation is profound, and he is detached from worldly affairs. His virtue and integrity are respected by all under heaven. Although he has severed himself from the Xuanmen (Taoist sect), it is precisely because of this that his position is transcendent. If he were to step forward, I believe that people from all walks of life would not have much objection. I think he is the most suitable person."

"Nonsense. Let me make this clear first: I also greatly admire Master Zuo, but this kind of matter still depends on Little Celestial Master."

Inside the Jianghu Inn, discussions were in full swing. From Zhang Zhiwei to Zhang Jingqing, from Zuo Ruotong to Master Henglin, even the deceased Martial Saint was brought up. Various opinions were expressed, but no consensus could be reached.

This small example illustrates a larger problem: the entire world of supernatural beings is currently like a noisy inn, filled with arguments, yet unable to take the crucial step of integrating forces and unifying actions.

While everyone was still discussing, the Gao family, one of the four major families, began to take action.

If we were to discuss the determination and action to resist Japanese pirates, the most proactive family would be the Gao family in Northeast China.

When the Japanese pirates invaded, their ancestral lands were lost, their homes were destroyed, and countless members of the Gao family died tragically under the swords of the pirates.

This deep-seated hatred had seeped into their very bones, making them wish they could devour the flesh and sleep on the skin of the Japanese pirates.

In order to forge an anti-Japanese alliance among the supernatural world, the Gao family personally went to Fujian to pay respects to the Great Ying Immortal Zuo Ruotong at the Sanyi Sect.

Outside the Sanyi Sect's mountain gate, the Gao family head straightened his clothes, his expression solemn. He respectfully bowed to the disciples who came to greet him before being led into the mountain to meet Zuo Ruotong.

Upon seeing Patriarch Gao, the Left Sect Master clasped his hands and said, "Patriarch Gao, it's been many years since we last met. You've suffered so much!"

Upon hearing this, even this man who had fought bloody battles in Northeast China for many years couldn't help but have tears well up in his eyes. His expression was earnest, and his words were resolute:
"Master Zuo! The Japanese pirates are wolfish and their ambitions are an outrage against both gods and men! The sons and daughters of Northeast China have already shed their blood! Now that the nation is in peril, we need a respected elder like you to raise your voice and call upon heroes from all over the world to join us in this national crisis and drive out the Japanese pirates!"

Zuo Ruotong listened quietly, her expression calm and composed. Only after the Gao family head finished speaking did she slowly open her mouth: "Gao family head, I understand your purpose. The Sanyi Sect's determination to fight the Japanese pirates remains unchanged. But I am unable to take the lead in this matter."

"Why?" the Gao family head asked urgently, "Looking across the world, besides you and the Celestial Master, who else has such prestige?"

"Prestige is not a basis for acting arbitrarily." Zuo Ruotong's gaze was deep and calm; he was not shirking responsibility.

As the leader of the Sanyi Sect, he knew better than anyone the responsibilities he carried.

"Although I am the head of the Sanyi Sect, I consulted all the disciples in the sect about the matter of going out to fight against the Japanese pirates. I even consulted those disciples who were crippled due to their cultivation of the Reverse Life Triple Realm. They also had the right to make the decision. In the end, the vast majority of disciples were willing to do their best for the country, so I made this decision."

"If I treat my own sect this way, how dare I presume to make decisions for all fellow practitioners in the world? Unifying the opinions of a single sect is already incredibly difficult, let alone unifying the entire world of extraordinary individuals in China?"

“Patriarch Gao, do you know that the Quanxing sect has been rampant for hundreds of years, and only one acting leader has emerged who can barely command respect? Our righteous sects are numerous, and their sectarianism is even greater than that of the Quanxing. You can imagine how difficult it is to elect a universally recognized leader. I think I am not virtuous enough to bear this responsibility, nor can I control the fate of so many people.”

“Moreover,” Zuo Ruotong’s tone shifted, “since I have led my disciples out of the mountains, I must do everything in my power to protect them. If I were the leader of the alliance, my energy would be divided, and I fear it would be difficult to do both. This is not what I wish for.”

Upon hearing this, the Gao family head fell into a long silence. He could sense the sincerity and helplessness in Zuo Ruotong's words. This Great Ying Immortal was not cowardly, but rather had his own principles and responsibilities. He sighed in disappointment, bowed deeply once more, and took his leave.

After failing to persuade Zuo Ruotong, the head of the Gao family returned in disappointment and immediately went to Longhu Mountain. According to etiquette, he first went to pay his respects to the old Celestial Master Zhang Jingqing.

"Celestial Master!" Patriarch Gao bowed deeply. "You are the leader of the Taoist sect, wielding the talismans of the Three Mountains, and can command the Zhengyi sect throughout the land. Your prestige is well-established. It is undoubtedly the will of the people that you should lead this anti-Japanese alliance! We urge you, Celestial Master, to consider the well-being of the people and shoulder this heavy responsibility!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jingqing slowly shook his head, giving an answer almost identical to Zuo Ruotong's: "Patriarch Gao, this old Daoist is not virtuous enough to be the leader." He further explained: "Patriarch Gao, this old Daoist appreciates your intentions. However, anyone can be the leader, but this old Daoist, the 'Celestial Master,' cannot be one."

"I still have some say in the Zhengyi lineage. But if I were to join the Quanzhen lineage, they might not give me that kind of face. Besides, the conflict between Buddhism and Taoism has a long history, so who would be willing to be subservient in such a matter?"

"If I were to take the lead, I fear those eminent Buddhist monks would rather fight alone than submit to the Taoist sect. At that time, before the alliance is formed, I fear that internal strife will break out before we can even fight against external enemies."

Seeing the disappointment on the Gao family head's face, Zhang Jingqing suggested, "The Gao family head might as well find someone who is respected by all walks of life. Master Zuo is the best candidate. His virtue and cultivation are respected by all under heaven. If he comes forward, the Buddhist sect will not have much objection."

The head of the Gao family smiled bitterly: "Celestial Master, I came from the Left Gate Master, and he... also did not want to take on this important task."

Zhang Jingqing said helplessly, "Master Zuo's virtue and methods are both superior to my old Taoist's. Even he feels that he is not up to the task, so naturally I am even less capable."

"Then... what about the Little Celestial Master?" the Gao family head asked, unwilling to give up. "The Little Celestial Master's reputation is widespread, and all the younger generation respects him. Perhaps if he were to step forward..."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jingqing's expression immediately turned serious: "Zhang Zhiwei's abilities are sufficient, but he can only act with reckless courage; his virtue is not enough to shoulder this heavy responsibility. Moreover, I, the Celestial Master, am still alive. Even if he were to take on this great responsibility, many people would not accept him. If it were just about going down the mountain to fight the Japanese pirates, I, as his master, would support him no matter what he did. But if he wants to take on this great responsibility, I will be the first to oppose him."

Seeing that the Celestial Master was so resolute, the Gao family head did not try to persuade him further, but only said that he wanted to see the young Celestial Master Zhang Zhiwei. Zhang Jingqing glanced at him a few times, and finally nodded.

Although he verbally agreed to Zhang Jingqing's request, after meeting Zhang Zhiwei, the head of the Gao family still proposed that he should form an alliance of extraordinary people to fight against Japanese pirates.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhiwei burst into laughter: "Does Patriarch Gao want me to be the 'person in charge'?"

The head of the Gao family nodded: "That's actually not wrong."

He thought to himself: Everyone says that the Celestial Master's Mansion on Longhu Mountain has a history of gangsterism, and this young Celestial Master keeps talking about "the person in charge," and it's true.

Zhang Zhiwei shook his head: "If you invite me to fight against the Japanese, I will do my duty without hesitation. But asking me to be the person in charge is really like forcing a duck onto a shelf, or making a difficult request. To be honest, I am not a person who can coordinate the overall situation and make strategic plans."

He chuckled self-deprecatingly, "My master often says I'm all brawn and no brains. And to be frank, I'm confident in my abilities; there aren't many in the world who can surpass me. But it's precisely this strength that makes me inclined to solve problems in the most direct way. Asking me to strategize and command is simply beyond my capabilities. I'm afraid that if I survive, many of my followers will die, and that wouldn't be good."

Zhang Zhiwei continued, "You can ask my master what he thinks about this, or try to persuade Master Zuo. With his reputation, he is more than capable of undertaking this important task."

The head of the Gao family shook his head with a wry smile, saying that he had just come from the Left Gate Master and the Celestial Master.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhiwei laughed and said, "Master Zuo and I both feel that we are not capable of taking on this important task, so I certainly cannot step forward. Moreover, I have a deep-seated grudge against Buddhism, as you know. Many sects supported me back then. If I were to become the person in charge, many monks would definitely not join."

The head of the Gao family thought about it and realized that it was indeed true. Back then, the trouble caused by the evil man Changming Yeganyuan Jin Gui of Quanxing was quite big, and the world of supernatural beings was almost divided into two factions.

"In your opinion, Little Celestial Master, what should be done about this matter?" the Gao family head asked again.

“I think…” Zhang Zhiwei thought for a moment and said, “Why don’t we just not form a separate alliance? Everyone has such strong class differences, and forcibly integrating them will definitely cause a lot of trouble later. If you ask me, let’s just go with the army. In my opinion, the troops in Yanzhou are very good. They are disciplined and dedicated to serving the people. We can’t go wrong by following them.”

Upon hearing this, the head of the Gao family frowned: "Accompanying the army...wouldn't that make us even more disorganized? Moreover, many sects harbor great hostility and distrust towards the various armies nowadays...I'm afraid the rifts will only widen further."

“That’s true.” Zhang Zhiwei shrugged. “Then it’s up to Patriarch Gao to make the decision himself.”

The head of the Gao family nodded, then bid farewell to Zhang Zhiwei and returned from Longhu Mountain in disappointment.

However, he didn't come away empty-handed; he remembered Zhang Zhiwei's advice. If forming an alliance of supernatural beings was truly impossible, then contributing his strength to the army was also a viable option.

He originally wanted to join forces with the Northeast Army, after all, his Gao family had been rooted in the Northeast for hundreds of years and had extensive connections, including many friends within the Northeast Army.

But thinking of Zhang Zhiwei's suggestion, he felt that someone like Zhang Zhiwei wouldn't speak without reason; he stood higher and could see further.

Since he gave me a hint, he must have his reasons. If it really doesn't work, perhaps I can consider it.

Subsequently, the head of the Gao family contacted the heads of the Lu, Lü, and Wang families.

After discussing it, the heads of the families came up with a new idea: since they couldn't choose a leader, they could perhaps build a loose alliance without a leader, and instead select several representatives to discuss matters together.

And these four families were the best starting point for this small alliance.

Such a major event concerning the future of the family was one that even the heads of the Lu and Lü families dared not make a decision rashly. They discussed it while trying to gauge the opinions of other sects.

Lu Xuan, the head of the Lu family, even made a special trip to Longhu Mountain again to discuss the matter with Zhang Jingqing and Zhang Zhiwei.

Zhang Jingqing thought this method was feasible; having a powerful family take the lead, maintaining a neutral stance, was more suitable than having him, a celestial master, do so. (End of Chapter)