Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 277 The storm is coming
Song Xian pondered in his heart, if it was really the Luoyun Sect that exposed it on its own initiative, that would be quite intriguing.

Generally speaking, confidential matters of this level are kept secret as much as possible, because exposing them will cause people to be uneasy and may lead to complications. Besides, being blackmailed by others is not something to be exposed.

Although Yuan Xuanzong could not afford to offend him, the Luoyun Sect was no small fry. As the leader of Bianxi City, being bullied like this was somewhat humiliating. If the matter was exposed, it would be a blow to the sect's prestige.

In the world of cultivation, the reputation of a sect is very important.

Especially as a regional hegemon, both face and substance are indispensable.

But the Luoyun Sect chose to do this. It is very likely that they are really scared and don’t even care about their face.

The purpose is to put pressure on the Beastmaster Sect in this way and force them to come forward.

Each region has a clear leader. In Bianxi City, the leader is the Luoyun Sect.

Therefore, it can collect taxes from other forces in Bianxi City. The sectarian forces in the five towns under Bianxi City not only need the consent of Luoyun Sect to open a market and take the lion's share of the profits, but also have to pay a spirit stone tax to Luoyun Sect every year.

Bianxia Town and Bianshang Town are exceptions, because they originally belonged to the jurisdiction of Tianshan Mountain and were the territory of Muhe Grassland.

After the signing of the peace agreement, Bianshang Town and Bianshang Town nominally belonged to Bianshang City. In fact, they were not under the influence of Luoyun Sect, but were directly governed by the Beast Taming Sect.

This is because before this, the Beast Taming Sect was in charge of this place. For example, Yang Jinzhang once supported the Tianshan Sect and eliminated and annexed large and small mountain forces.

Therefore, the forces in the border towns and border areas do not pay taxes to the Luoyun Sect, but only give a sum of spirit stones to the Beastmaster Sect's chief stationed in the western city every year.

The Luoyun Sect collected taxes from the sects in Bianxi City. Similarly, the Beast Taming Sect also collected taxes from the Luoyun Sect.

As the overlord of Xijiang County, it collects generous spirit stones from the leading forces in various cities every year.

With rights come responsibilities.

Since Luoyun Sect collects taxes from the forces in Bianxi City, it has the responsibility to protect them from invasion by external forces.

If the forces from Humen City or Anyuan City invade the Bianxi City sect, Luoyun Sect has the responsibility to resist.

The same is true for the Beast Taming Sect. He has the responsibility to protect the sects below from invasion by external forces.

Although Yun Xuanzong has settled in Xijiang County and is not considered an external force, by doing this, he is undoubtedly competing with the Beastmaster Sect for the position of the boss of Xijiang County and provoking its authority.

If the Beast Taming Sect is not dealt with, it will not only be a blow to its prestige, but will also cause chaos in Xijiang County.

The reason is very simple. For the sects below, I pay taxes to you, so naturally you have to protect me.

Now someone is asking me for protection money again. If you don't stop it, who will I listen to in the future?

Therefore, the Beast Taming Sect had the responsibility to stop this matter, but the Luoyun Sect still used this method to make the matter worse.

This means they were unsure whether the Beastmaster Sect would be able to deal with Yun Xuanzong, or if they could even deal with Yun Xuanzong. Therefore, they spread the news, causing a stir in the city and putting pressure on the Beastmaster Sect.

The matter has become known to everyone. If the Beastmaster Sect does not take action, it will not only be a disgrace.

Seeing that the Beast Taming Sect cannot be protected, other sects may take the initiative to move closer to the Yun Xuan Sect.

"What do you think?" After pondering for a while, Song Xian asked.

This was naturally a question to Huang Ye, and Zheng Tong tactfully kept his mouth shut.

Huang Ye pondered, "It's a bit strange. Logically speaking, the Yunxuan Sect has just established itself and shouldn't be extending its influence to Bianxi City so quickly. The Luoyun Sect's response is also unusual, actually revealing this matter with such fanfare. I think there must be a deeper reason behind this."

"The Luoyun Sect seems very worried that the Beastmaster Sect is unwilling to intervene, but common sense suggests that the Beastmaster Sect will not sit idly by. I think there is only one possibility: the Yunxuan Sect has a powerful force behind it to dare to challenge the Beastmaster Sect."

"The Beastmaster Sect must be wary of the power behind it, so they are quite cautious."

"I heard that Qi Yunxuan is a disciple of the Qianqing Sect, but it's unlikely that the Qianqing Sect would specifically care about his situation in Xijiang County."

"So I think it was Qi Yunxuan's connections that gave him the confidence to challenge the Beastmaster Sect."

Song Xian nodded. He also felt that this matter was not simple. Now after listening to Huang Ye's analysis, his thoughts suddenly became much clearer.

He vaguely felt that this matter involved not only the Beast Taming Sect, but also a struggle at a higher level.

The power struggle between the Beast Taming Sect and the Yun Xuan Sect in Xijiang County is just a prelude, the tip of the iceberg.

He seemed to have seen that a huge storm was about to sweep across, but he didn't know where the storm would come from or when it would start.

For him, of course he did not want to see chaos in Xijiang County. The current Hunyuan Sect was still very weak. If it was affected by the struggle between the Beastmaster Sect and the Yunxuan Sect, it would definitely not be a good thing.

If the two sides really fight, it will be almost impossible for him to stay out of it, because the Hunyuan Sect was supported by Jiang Feng. The reason why others dare not easily grab the fat piece of meat of Tianshan is not because they can't afford to offend the Hunyuan Sect, but because they are afraid of the Beast Taming Sect.

If it weren't for the protection of the Beast Taming Sect, the Hunyuan Sect would never have had the chance to call the shots in Tianshan. It would have been occupied by the Luoyun Sect and the Kong family long ago.

"You must pay close attention to this matter and report any new information immediately."

"Yes." Zheng Tong responded.

At this time, a disciple came outside and reported to him, "Master, the Beastmaster Sect has sent someone here, saying they are here to see you on the orders of Senior Jiang Feng, and they have something important to tell you."

Upon hearing this, Song Xian and Huang Ye couldn't help but look at each other. They had just talked about the Beast Taming Sect, but they didn't expect that they would send people so soon. They wondered if they came for the matter of Yun Xuanzong. Could it be that the Beast Taming Sect was preparing to go to war with Yun Xuanzong?

"Understood. Bring the person to the meeting hall and wait."

"Yes." The disciple responded and left.

"You guys go first! Do as I say. During this time, find out more about Yun Xuanzong and keep a close eye on the Luoyun Sect and the Kong family."

The two men got up and left.

Song Xian arrived at the sect's meeting hall and just as he sat down at the main seat, a man dressed in Beastmaster Sect attire walked in and bowed to him, "Greetings, Senior Song."

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, you're welcome. Please take a seat. I heard you came here on the orders of Fellow Daoist Jiang. I wonder what your mission is?"

"Uncle Jiang invites you to our headquarters to discuss something." The man pulled out a jade slip and handed it to him. "Okay," Song Xian nodded calmly. "Fellow Daoist Zhou, I heard that Yun Xuanzong sent people to collect taxes from Luoyun Sect. Is this true?"

"It is true. A few days ago, Senior Tao, the head of Luoyun Sect, came to our headquarters in person to meet my uncle. As for what they talked about, I don't know." The man had often received benefits from Hunyuan Sect in the past, so he did not shy away from it.

"Did Fellow Daoist Jiang summon me alone?"

"Yes."

"Emperor Yunxuan is demanding tax payments from the Luoyun Sect. I wonder what your sect's attitude is?"

"I don't know about this. I only know that Uncle Jiang has reported this matter to the sect."

"Oh! Did Senior Jiang discuss this matter with the Luoyun Sect and the Kong Family?"

"A few days ago, Uncle Jiang summoned the head of the Kong family to our headquarters. I don't know whether they discussed this matter."

Song Xian probably had an idea in his mind, so he didn't ask any more questions. "Fellow Daoist Zhou, you've come a long way and must be very tired. Please rest in our sect before leaving. Someone, take fellow Daoist Zhou to the guest hall to rest and treat him well."

"Yes, please come in, Brother Zhou." The disciple following Song Xian stepped forward immediately.

"Then I will take my leave. Please leave as soon as possible."

"I understand. I will go to your department immediately after I finish the matters at hand."

After the Beast Taming Sect disciple left, Song Xian immediately summoned Zhong Wenyuan and briefly recounted the incident.

The two of them couldn't come up with any clues, so they could only take it one step at a time.

"Senior Brother Wenyuan, you have reached the great perfection of Qi Refining, right? What are you preparing for, the foundation-building stage?" Xijiang County was on the verge of unrest, and there might even be a big fight. Song Xian naturally hoped that the sect could have one or two more foundation-building cultivators, but now in the sect, only Zhong Wenyuan had reached that level.

"I want to further refine my skills and participate in the foundation-building competition in a few years. If I can go to the Beastmaster Sect's mountain gate to build my foundation, that would be the best. If not, I will find another way."

"I do have a technique here that is suitable for Senior Brother Wenyuan to practice. It can greatly enhance the power of fire attribute." Song Xian planned to pass the Xuantian Ronghuo Jue to Zhong Wenyuan because he has a fire attribute spiritual root and can practice this technique.

The reason why he kept it secret and didn't teach it to other people in the sect was not because he wanted to monopolize the benefits. Kung Fu is not like an elixir, which will be gone once he uses it.

It’s just that this technique is too important. If it is leaked and spread out, it may bring disaster to the sect.

Moreover, this technique relies on the stone coffin in the initial stages of practice, and it is impossible for everyone to practice using the same stone coffin.

Zhong Wenyuan has always been cautious and loyal, so there should be no problem passing it on to him.

If he successfully passed the foundation-building competition after practicing this technique, he could go to the Beastmaster Sect's mountain gate to build his foundation, which would increase his success rate.

The benefits of having one more foundation-building cultivator in the sect are self-evident.

Zhong Wenyuan's heart moved. He witnessed the entire process of Song Xian's competition and selection. Song Xian's performance at the First Line Peak that year was amazing, especially his use of fire-attributed magic, which was the best in the whole audience.

He had long guessed that he had practiced some secret method to enhance the fire attribute, but Song Xian did not take the initiative to tell him, so he did not dare to ask. Now, after hearing his words, he was even more certain.

"I wonder what kind of technique it is? During the competition that year, the master's fire-attributed magic skills improved by leaps and bounds. Could it be that it originated from this technique?"

"Indeed, this technique has a mysterious origin and cannot be passed on lightly, fearing it will attract covetousness and bring serious disaster to the sect. Furthermore, this technique can only be practiced by those with fire-attributed spiritual roots, so I have not made it public. Brother Wenyuan, practicing this technique will surely improve the power of your fire-attributed techniques, which can increase your chances of winning in the Foundation Establishment Competition. However, you must never teach this technique to others."

Seeing his serious expression, Zhong Wenyuan understood the seriousness of the matter and immediately stated, "I understand, Master, rest assured. I will never tell anyone else about this. However, the next Foundation Establishment Competition is only a few years away, so it's probably too late to change my cultivation method and start over."

"Practicing this technique will only benefit you and not cause you any harm. I will pass it on to you after I come back from Bianxi City." Song Xian had thought it through and would not teach the complete technique. He would only teach the first three levels. After Zhong Wenyuan had established his foundation, he would teach him the subsequent four to six levels.

In this way, not only can his combat power be enhanced, but it can also prevent the leakage of his skills and attract the covetousness of other people in the cultivation world.

.........

The moon was as bright as day. In the brightly lit houses of Bianxi City and Qiyuan Mountain, Song Xian was led into the inner room. Soon, Jiang Feng also arrived.

The two exchanged a few pleasantries and took their seats.

"Senior Jiang, I wonder what instructions you have for me?" Although Song Xian had already broken through to the foundation-building stage, there were no outsiders present. When the two of them were together in private, he still addressed him with respectful words and kept a low profile. He did not act as if he was on equal footing with him just because he had broken through to the foundation-building stage.

"Have you heard about Yun Xuanzong's incident? Have they sent anyone to look for you?" Jiang Feng asked straight to the point.

Song Xian had guessed that the reason he summoned him this time must be related to Yun Xuanzong, so he wasn't surprised. "They haven't contacted our sect. I just heard that Yun Xuanzong sent people to demand tax payments from Luoyun Sect."

Jiang Feng looked at him and said, "Yun Xuanzong has evil ambitions. He just landed in Xijiang County and he can't wait to extend his hand to Bianxi City. If they continue like this, Xijiang County will be thrown into chaos sooner or later."

Song Xian knew that this was to ask him to express his stance, because Jiang Feng was a very cunning person and even more tight-lipped, so he said this just to see his attitude.

"Our sect is where we are today thanks to the care and attention of our predecessors. If you have any instructions, our sect will go through fire and water, even death."

"Okay. I'm relieved by your words. If our sect goes to war with Yun Xuanzong in the future, we will need your full support."

Song Xian's heart trembled. What he feared would come true.

"But if you have an order, our sect has no choice but to obey it." He was worried, but he blurted out the answer without hesitation. After that, he added, "Senior, does your sect really want to go to war with Yun Xuanzong?"

Jiang Feng remained calm: "It's possible. If Yun Xuanzong insists on going his own way, war is inevitable. In short, you must be prepared. If war breaks out, we will need to recruit people from you."

"I heard that Qi Yunxuan, the head of the Yunxuan Sect, is a disciple of the Qianqing Sect. They dare to do this. Could it be that they have the support of a big shot from the Qianqing Sect?"

"I don't know a lot of things. But one thing is certain, Qi Yunxuan has left the Qianqing Sect and is no longer a disciple. This is Xijiang County, and it's not up to him, an outsider, to make things happen. If they stay put, that's fine, but if they insist on causing a stir, our sect will not hesitate to fight them."

"I heard that Yunxuan Sect has three Jindan cultivators. What are the origins of the other two? And there are so many foundation-building cultivators and Qi-refining cultivators. Where did they come from? They can't all be from Qianqing Sect!" It was rare for Jiang Feng to take the initiative to summon him, so Song Xian certainly wouldn't miss the opportunity to inquire.

"One of them is also from the Qianqing Sect, and the other is said to be the owner of an island in Nanping County. The vast majority of the foundation-building and Qi-refining cultivators in the Yunxuan Sect were recruited by that island owner."

The two talked for a long time. Song Xian asked a lot of questions and Jiang Feng answered them one by one, but there was no useful information.

(End of this chapter)