Comprehension against the sky, creating the Five Thunders in the real world

Most people hesitated, glancing at each other at the number of people present. Even if you added them all up, there were only seven or eight people in total. Sending such a small force to investigate would be tantamount to suicide.

The risk is simply too great.

Immediately, someone offered the opposite suggestion:
"Let's wait a bit longer and gather more fellow disciples before heading there together."

"I am not afraid of death, I just don't want everyone to die in vain..."

"Going there rashly now would likely be like walking into a trap... Sacrifices are a minor matter; the real loss is if the message from here can't get out. What do you all think? Should we wait or act immediately?"

His words sounded very dignified and respectable.

But one has to admit that there is some truth to it.

Everyone around nodded in agreement, even the Yin-Yang Dao disciple who had initially suggested going to investigate echoed, "Senior brother is indeed very thoughtful. Junior brother was too rash. We should definitely wait until we have gathered more people before making any plans."

This person secretly rejoiced.

Fortunately, the senior student rejected his suggestion in time.

He regretted it as soon as the words left his mouth.

But words spoken are like water spilled; there's no going back. On the surface, one appears righteous and awe-inspiring, but inwardly, one is constantly praying.

He pleaded with his fellow disciples not to act impulsively.

Bullets don't have eyes; life is only once, so it shouldn't be taken lightly.

"It's alright, Senior Brother just considered it a little more than you did."

"Why don't you go ahead and scout the situation, junior brother? I'll take the others and gather more manpower. If you find anything, junior brother must report back immediately. Remember to prioritize safety, don't be greedy for merit or act rashly, and be sure to act cautiously."

Look at him, what a great senior!

With just a few words, he was pushed into a dangerous situation.

The Yin-Yang Dao disciple who had just spoken was immediately dumbfounded.

He never expected that his "good senior brother" would say such a thing.

Moreover, his words implied that he was already certain he would go, making it sound so natural.

If that's the case, why start with a tone of discussion?

With such firm wording and detailed arrangements, how could he possibly refuse?

"Alright, I should handle this matter."

He swallowed hard, and to avoid having his boast exposed, he had no choice but to agree. Boasting really does come at a price; he was practically in tears.

He secretly vowed in his heart: From now on, he would never act recklessly again.

You have to fulfill the promises you make, even if you have to do it on your knees.

"Sigh, junior brother, it's not that I don't want to go, it's just that I trust your abilities more in reconnaissance." What does it mean to get the benefit and still act innocent? This "good senior brother" is a perfect example.

He clearly doesn't have to take any risks.

But these words were spoken as if all the credit should belong to him.

The others paid no attention to their fellow disciple who was about to embark on a dangerous mission.

Instead, he cast an admiring glance at his senior brother who was giving orders, his respect overflowing. Seeing this, the junior brother, who had originally intended to put on a brave face, was completely disheartened. How could this be? This thankless task was practically pushing him to his death.

Of course, he did not express these thoughts.

On the surface, he still maintained an air of generosity and willingness to sacrifice himself.

But deep down, I'd already made up my mind: Heh, I'll just give it a perfunctory response.

Is it really worth risking your life for this empty fame?
He wouldn't be foolish enough to actually risk investigating.

Just wander around aimlessly, go through the motions.

……

He found the highest hill and could see the bloody scene in the distance.

Sending him to investigate was indeed appropriate.

"Spirit Fox Howling Sky" possesses top-notch observation skills among his fellow disciples. With piercing eyes, he can clearly perceive movements several miles away, making him a natural-born scout.

He was lying on the branch of a towering ancient tree.

"At least six or seven people have died..."

"This is too cruel. Who could have done this?"

Fine beads of cold sweat had already seeped from his forehead.

His legs trembled uncontrollably, and he froze on the spot, having originally intended to leave to deliver the message. It wasn't that he didn't want to deliver the message, but rather that the look he had just received had chilled him to the bone.

His eyes were full of warning.

Indeed, Lin Beichen noticed something amiss about being watched.

Nearly a kilometer apart, Lin Beichen and Linghu Xiaotian stared at each other from afar.

With just that casual glance, Linghu Xiaotian felt as if his soul was frozen.

His intuition told him that he had been exposed.

There is absolutely no room for luck in this.

……

Meanwhile, high-ranking officials from various Taoist sects have gathered at Longhu Mountain.

In addition, numerous military representatives were also present.

After this battle, both leaders realized a serious problem: an effective communication mechanism must be established in order to unite forces and overcome difficulties together at critical moments.

"I'm sure you all know why we've gathered here today."

"The people of Japan dare to be so arrogant on our territory. Too much time has been wasted between the discovery of the situation and your arrival at the news. I am not asking you all to join the same department, but I just want to emphasize that we must establish a smooth communication mechanism."

"If a similar incident occurs again in the future, I want to ensure that everyone can receive the intelligence as soon as possible." The military representative's statement drew nods of agreement from the leaders of the various Daoist sects.

They had never considered this issue before.

This was indeed their oversight.

But more importantly, no one expected that the Sakura Kingdom would have such audacity to openly destroy the dragon vein; this was simply defying the wrath of the gods.

It's like lighting a light in a toilet—looking for trouble (to die).

An old man eating poison—he's tired of living.

Even the empire dared not make any rash moves against China, but unexpectedly, Japan was the first to jump out and provoke them.

"There must be another force manipulating this matter behind the scenes."

"In any case, when facing external enemies, I hope everyone can put aside their prejudices and unite against them." The military representative's statement was full of reason.

No one raised any objections or offered any reason to refute them throughout the process. Everyone present was a son or daughter of China, sharing the same blood. Even if there were occasional conflicts or disputes, they were ultimately internal matters.

Anyone who attempts to interfere will pay a heavy price.

"I have no objection."

The old Taoist priest of Taiyi Sect was the first to express his opinion.

Following this, other Taoist sect leaders also spoke out one after another:

"As it should be."

Those who offend China, no matter how far away, will be punished!

Leaders of major sects such as Zhengyi Sect, Taiji Sect, and Maoshan Sect have all expressed their positions.

With these Taoist leaders expressing their stance, the overall situation is already set.

There is no need to notify each of the other Taoist branches individually—Taoist sects are numerous, and it would be cumbersome and impolite for the military to notify them one by one.

Taoist affairs have their own rules for handling.

Everyone should perform their own duties; unified coordination should only be used when truly needed.

Judging from this response, the various sects displayed a highly unified attitude towards the external enemy. Although they received the news at different times, they all chose to unite against it. It was precisely because of this that such a harmonious and united situation was achieved. The secret meeting at Longhu Mountain lasted for two full days.

Lin Beichen was mentioned several times during the meeting.

In the eyes of the military representatives, Lin Beichen was the most representative Taoist master; and the Taoist community was also full of curiosity about Lin Beichen's background and eager to know his lineage.

The military is equally eager to know this.

Unfortunately, they knew nothing about it either.

Suddenly shrouded in mystery, Lin Beichen's identity became increasingly enigmatic.

"Do you all truly not know who Lin Beichen's teacher is? If you do know, please inform us."

A Taoist priest asked this question.

They speculated that Lin Beichen's master must be a top-notch expert.

Such a senior is admirable, and they all want to pay him a visit in person. The ability to cultivate someone like Lin Beichen must be unfathomable in terms of both strength and seniority.

Perhaps it was an ancient sage who lived in seclusion hundreds of years ago.

Or perhaps, it has a deep connection with its own Taoist sect.

Which Taoist sect doesn't have a few reclusive masters these days? Which Taoist sect hasn't produced exceptionally talented individuals throughout its history? Therefore, everyone is speculating whether a certain patriarch is still alive. If possible, they are eager to find out the truth.

"Fellow Daoists, we also do not know much about Master Lin Beichen."

The military representative coughed twice and said with a slight apology.

"We respect personal privacy, and since he doesn't want to disclose it, we naturally won't force him..."

These words were spoken very appropriately.

The positive impression of the military among the members of the Daoist sects has increased once again.

Such respect for personal privacy demonstrates the military's upright conduct.

……

At the same time, Yin Yang Dao also received the news one after another.

Gongyang Bing received a message from a nearby Taoist sect.

He did not attend the Taoist assembly at Longhu Mountain; not only did the sect leader not attend in person, but he also did not send a representative. As a major Taoist sect, the Yin-Yang sect's actions were truly against the rules.

"I wonder what kind of airs the Yin-Yang Dao is putting on."

"Does he really think he's the best in the world? He actually had to trouble me to deliver the message personally." The Taoist priest who delivered the message to Gongyang Bing of the Yin-Yang Sect had been smiling and talking to him a moment ago, but as soon as he left the Yin-Yang Sect, he immediately put on a disdainful expression.

There is some connection between Yin-Yang Dao and Yin-Yang School...

Regarding this matter, each of the major Taoist sects has its own speculations.

However, considering that they were all inheritors of the Chinese tradition, everyone maintained a harmonious relationship on the surface and did not expose the truth.

But now that Yin Yang Dao has taken such action, it is hard not to have doubts.

In fact, their suspicions were not unfounded. Gongyang Bing had long since strayed from the right path. The Taoist priest who originally led the Yin-Yang school had been ousted from power by Gongyang Bing's machinations.

He even nearly lost his life.

If Lin Beichen hadn't arrived in time, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

"It seems I need to be more wary of the Yin-Yang School in the future, and be alert to any possible collusion between them and the Yin-Yang School of Japan." He thought to himself, finding it hard to have a good impression of the Yin-Yang School.

Especially after seeing the true colors of Gongyang Bing and his son.

After sensing the atmosphere inside the Yin-Yang Dao.

He then felt that the Yin-Yang Dao had completely gone astray and was beyond any hope.

……

At this moment, Linghu Xiaotian was still hiding on the treetop, trembling as he observed the movements below.

Although he was extremely reluctant to meet their gaze, he still had to force a fawning smile. He knew he had run into a tough opponent this time, and one that was burning hot.

"Look over there, do you recognize that person?"

Lin Beichen said with a smile to Xu Gu and the others.

Upon hearing this, everyone looked in the direction he was pointing.

They then spotted a figure perched on a tree branch in the distance. Even from a great distance, they could immediately recognize the person's appearance and origin.

This also shows that Xu Gu, Xu Fang, and Xu Lan, among others, all possessed superior natural talents.

If it were an ordinary person, it would be absolutely impossible to see the face of someone several miles away.

“I recognize this person. Nowadays, almost everyone in the Yin-Yang Dao is a confidant of Gongyang Bing and his son, and he is one of them. His talent is quite outstanding.” Xu Fang’s expression was solemn and his tone was low as he explained the other person’s identity and background in detail.

Lin Beichen nodded slightly after hearing this and said to Xu Fang:
"Why don't you go and bring that person over on behalf of your master? Or perhaps we should go together and take a look."

A deep smile played on his lips.

The more you know, the more dangerous it often becomes. Clearly, Linghu Xiaotian witnessed something he shouldn't have seen.

If he hadn't stumbled upon Xu Gu's complete recovery, Lin Beichen wouldn't have bothered arguing with him. He could only blame his bad luck for seeing something he shouldn't have, and the only solution was to silence him forever. And in this world, only the dead can truly keep secrets.

“Okay!” Xu Fang replied solemnly.

He understood the unspoken meaning in Lin Beichen's words.

Throughout the entire process, Lin Beichen never explicitly revealed Xu Gu's true physical condition.

But through observation, he already knew perfectly well that his master's injury was far more than just a simple matter. It was likely inextricably linked to Gongyang Bing and his son. Judging solely from his master's condition, one could deduce… that the Grandmaster had probably also met with misfortune, perhaps even perished.

Thinking of this, Xu Fang's mood became heavy.

Yin-Yang Dao was the place where he had grown up since childhood, but he never expected the changes to come so quickly.

Although he was unwilling to accept it, he understood that reality was cruel. Things in life rarely go as planned, and since it had happened, he could only face it.

The group went straight to the tree where the spirit fox Xiaotian was hiding.

The spirit fox Xiaotian remained perched on the branch, too afraid to come down.

If you look closely, you'll notice that his crotch area is wet.

Clearly, he had already wet his pants in fear.

"Are you going to come down yourself, or should I ask you to come down?"

Xu Fang spoke calmly, yet every word clearly reached the ears of the spirit fox Xiaotian.

Without the slightest hesitation, he scrambled down from the tree.

The moment his feet touched the ground, he knelt down in front of Xu Gu with a thud.

He kept kowtowing and begging for mercy, claiming to repent, his expression one of extreme fear.

"Please, everyone, spare my life! I was forced into this situation! I've never done anything to wrong you, I won't tell anyone, please believe me... give me a chance... I don't want to die, I'm still young, I haven't started a family yet, and I hate Gongyang Bing and his son to the core..."

He kept kowtowing.

In just a few words, blood marks appeared on his forehead.

To show his determination, he quickly made a solemn oath:
"I, Linghu Xiaotian, swear to the heavens that I will never reveal a single word of what I have seen and heard today! If I break this oath, may I be struck by lightning and never be reincarnated!"

This oath is incredibly ruthless.

Linghu Xiaotian left himself no way out.

"Now... you'll believe me, right...?"

He timidly looked up, his voice weak.

The man before him spoke with absolute certainty, his resolve undoubtedly stronger than gold. But none of this concerned Lin Beichen; he simply observed quietly.

Ultimately, the internal affairs of the Yin-Yang Dao must be handled by themselves.

Ultimately, I am still an outsider.

He simply ignored Xu Fang's questioning gaze. (End of Chapter)