True! At Yao Manor, Lu Bing and Mei Qing had the same thought simultaneously, and their hearts immediately tensed.
At that time, both Lu Bing and Mei Qing had wanted to keep Bi Zhen and her daughter at the manor, believing it to be safer, unwilling for the mother and daughter to get involved in this conflict. Yet they hadn’t expected this struggle to far exceed their initial expectations. Now, Yao Manor had instead become a vulnerable point—less guarded and lacking in high-level experts.
“Father-in-law, take some people and quickly return to the estate. I’ll ask Master Ku to assist you!” Mei Qing said hastily, immediately sending a message to Master Ku for help.
Master Ku nodded slightly, and together with several elder monks, rose simultaneously with Lu Bing, flying toward the estate where Bi Zhen’s mother resided.
Before departing, Lu Bing reminded him, “I’ll leave Zhang Jingding here to assist you. Be careful. If things look bad, retreat immediately to regroup!”
Indeed! The Yao residence! Both Lu Bing and Mei Qing had the same thought, which made them feel uneasy.
At that time, both Lu Bing and Mei Qing wanted to keep Bi Zhen and her mother at the residence, believing it to be safer and not wanting them to get involved in the ongoing conflict. Little did they know that the conflict would far exceed their initial expectations, and now the Yao residence had become a relatively weak point with few experts stationed there.
“Father-in-law, take your men back to the manor quickly. I will ask Master Ku to assist you!” Mei Qing said hurriedly, immediately sending a message to Master Ku for help.
Master Ku nodded slightly and, along with several senior monks, rose with Lu Bing, flying towards Bi Zhen’s mother’s manor.
Before leaving, Lu Bing instructed, “I will leave Zhang Jingding here to assist you. Be careful, and if the situation turns bad, come to join us quickly!”
Mei Qing nodded. It was clear that Zhang Jingding was targeting Tao Zhongwen, the real person of the canon, so naturally, he wouldn’t help defend the residence. Lu Bing took Lu Xixing and the inner group’s offerings with him, leaving only Lu Zeyou here to accompany Zhang Jingding. After all, Zhang Jingding was a distinguished guest Lu Bing had intentionally invited, so someone had to stay to accompany him.
In reality, the level of the current confrontation had already surpassed the capabilities of Lu Bing’s men. Therefore, Mei Qing sought Master Ku’s assistance. Among the group of monks behind Master Ku, apart from Master Ku himself, they were all compassionate and unlikely to be of much use in battle. However, having them assist in defending the manor would surely make it as secure as a fortress. Thus, Mei Qing decided to leave Zhang Yuchong’s group behind and invited Master Ku and his monks to the Yao residence.
After making the arrangements and watching everyone leave, Mei Qing didn’t feel relieved but rather more somber. Given the current situation, he couldn’t dwell on it and had to quietly prepare and stay vigilant to prevent any mishaps.
Seeing Lu Bing and his men leave in a hurry, Tao Zhongwen and his group didn’t stop them but instead watched with a mocking smile, adding to their mysterious demeanor.
Zhang Yuchong also sensed Mei Qing’s concerns through his spiritual awareness and turned to Zhuo Wanchun, saying, “Even if there are some hidden conspiracies, what good would they do? Do you really think your strength surpasses ours now?”
Zhuo Wanchun shook his head and said, “Since when has the strength in the cultivation world been determined by numbers? As for your people—”
He looked at the people behind Zhang Yuchong and shook his head, “How many of them are truly willing to help you? Over the years, the Celestial Master sect has dominated, and the other sects have been too afraid to speak out. Do you really think they would stand with you, risking their lives to offend the Imperial Preceptor? With the Ming dynasty’s fortune flourishing, the Plum Blossom sect is destined to prevail, and all sects will naturally follow the trend.”
Zhang Yuchong’s expression stiffened, and Mei Qing also understood Zhuo Wanchun’s intentions. Indeed, Zhuo Wanchun loudly addressed the crowd, “Today, the real person of the canon has a foolproof plan to unify the Taoist sects, eliminate the rebels, and glorify the Plum Blossom sect. I boldly ask everyone to remain neutral and not take sides. When the truth comes out, we only ask for your fair judgment. How about it?”
Upon hearing Zhuo Wanchun’s words, the people behind Zhang Yuchong began to show signs of wavering.
Mei Qing was secretly alarmed. It seemed that Zhuo Wanchun was not only formidable in cultivation but also had a precise understanding of the mindsets of the various sects. By invoking Tao Zhongwen’s position as the Imperial Preceptor and the past dominance of the Celestial Master sect, he had indeed stirred unease among the crowd.
Originally, their side relied on numbers, but in terms of top-tier experts, they were not significantly stronger than the opposing side, and perhaps even less organized. If this group of people truly remained neutral, the outcome of the battle would be hard to predict. Mei Qing’s mind raced, but it wasn’t his place to speak or make decisions. He could only look to Zhang Yuchong to see how his master would respond.
Zhang Yuchong naturally understood the opponent’s strategy but didn’t rush to look at the people behind him. Instead, he sneered and said, “Since when has Brother Zhuo been able to speak for the court? Did the real person of the canon come here under the court’s orders to change the Taoist sects, like Zhang Liusun in the previous dynasty? Has Brother Zhuo also entered the court’s service, and has the Ninggu Grand Shaman also been employed by the state?”
Zhuo Wanchun’s face flushed with anger, but Zhang Yuchong’s words were indeed sharp and required a response. He forced himself to say, “We cultivators are not secular officials. Do we need the court’s rewards? We respect the state because it is related to the way of heaven and the general trend. Cultivators follow the trend and respect the way of heaven, hence our reverence. As for Grand Master Ninggu, he is here to find Mei Qing. What does that have to do with us?”
Mei Qing found it amusing. This “Little Immortal” Zhuo Wanchun was quite adept at negotiation, evading and shifting blame with eloquent arguments. Zhang Yuchong laughed heartily and suddenly turned to Tao Zhongwen, saying, “Real person of the canon, I don’t want to talk about truths and falsehoods anymore. But our decade-long feud should come to an end today. In front of all the Taoist sects, why don’t you make a statement? Do you dare to fight me?”
Mei Qing secretly applauded. His master was indeed shrewd. No matter how much the opponent talked, they couldn’t ignore Tao Zhongwen’s banner. By directly challenging Tao Zhongwen in front of everyone, Zhang Yuchong was pressing the opponent’s weak point. If Tao Zhongwen faltered, everything would become a joke.
However, Mei Qing wasn’t entirely sure if Zhang Yuchong could defeat Tao Zhongwen. Although Zhang Yuchong was a renowned Celestial Master, Tao Zhongwen came from the Plum Blossom sect and had extensive experience. As the Imperial Preceptor, he had undoubtedly gained many benefits over the years. After Zhang Yuchong’s defeat by the Plum Blossom real person, both his body and mind had suffered. In a confrontation between the two, it was hard to say who would emerge victorious.
Therefore, Mei Qing decided to step forward and take on the first battle for Zhang Yuchong.
Mei Qing wasn’t being arrogant. Although his cultivation level was somewhat lower than Zhang Yuchong and Tao Zhongwen, he had his own advantages.
The Plum Blossom sect’s techniques actually originated from the Shenxiao sect. While they might have incorporated some variations, the core remained the same. While these techniques had an advantage against other sects’ methods, they held no advantage against Mei Qing, who had mastered the orthodox Shenxiao thunder techniques.
Although Mei Qing’s experience wasn’t extensive, he had at least faced Zhang Liusun directly, so he had no psychological disadvantage. No matter how high Tao Zhongwen’s cultivation was, it couldn’t surpass Zhang Liusun’s. Therefore, Mei Qing believed he had the ability to protect himself.
Moreover, Mei Qing was a junior, precisely the person Tao Zhongwen had been targeting. With this identity, Tao Zhongwen couldn’t avoid the fight, and if Mei Qing found himself in a disadvantageous position, he could withdraw without losing face.
Thus, Mei Qing decided to test the waters for his master and laughed, “Master, as the saying goes, why use a butcher’s knife to kill a chicken? Let your disciple handle this. Since the real person of the canon has been targeting me, why not let me start the first round? If I lose, you can step in. How about it?”
Zhang Yuchong chuckled, “I have no problem with that, but I’m afraid the real person of the canon might be intimidated by you, a rising star. If he defeats a junior in front of all the Taoist sects, it won’t be glorious. But if he accidentally loses, where would he put his old face?”
Zhuo Wanchun listened to the master and disciple talking as if they didn’t take him seriously at all. Hearing them provoke Tao Zhongwen into battle, he was secretly furious and thought, “A brat still wet behind the ears dares to challenge us! If you’re so eager to meet your end, let me send you on your way!”
With that, Zhuo Wanchun stepped forward, his sleeves flaring behind him, and an overwhelming pressure bore down on Mei Qing.
Zhang Yuchong stood to the side, chuckling, with no intention of intervening.
Under Zhuo Wanchun’s oppressive pressure, Mei Qing acted as if he felt nothing and shook his head, saying, “Little Immortal real person, it’s not that I’m criticizing you.
But at your age, how can you still be so clueless! That real person of the canon brought a bunch of thugs all the way here to find me, right? He even accused me of killing his master. Now that I’m standing here, isn’t that exactly what he wanted? What does this have to do with you, coming out to meddle?”
Seeing Mei Qing speak so nonchalantly, Zhuo Wanchun was furious. Over the years, he had traveled incognito, but his cultivation had always earned him respect wherever he went. Now, a junior like Mei Qing dared to disregard him, and he couldn’t hold back, immediately shouting, “Everyone has the right to intervene in worldly affairs. What’s wrong with that?”
In these words, Zhuo Wanchun subtly used some techniques. In the Shangqing Maoshan sect, true words were a form of technique, borrowed from the Buddhist lion’s roar and integrated into Taoist practices. In battles, Zhuo Wanchun often used this method to ambush his opponents, always achieving success. Today, seeing Mei Qing standing there so carelessly, he immediately tested him, planning to take advantage if Mei Qing couldn’t withstand the pressure and was injured, thereby establishing his dominance in today’s battle.
However, his calculations were off. Mei Qing remained standing there, smiling as if he hadn’t heard anything, and continued to say lightly, “Everyone has the right to intervene in worldly affairs? Then, conversely, I have a score to settle with the real person of the canon. He accused me of killing his master and came to trouble me. Now that everyone knows it’s false, I won’t accuse him of slander. But the problem is, he once plotted against my master. I want to settle this score with him. How do you plan to intervene, sir?”
Zhuo Wanchun, who had been exuding an overwhelming pressure, was left speechless by Mei Qing’s calm and logical response. Mei Qing’s words were indeed correct. Back then, Zhang Yuchong had nearly died from the injuries inflicted by the Plum Blossom real person, which were the result of a conspiracy by Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen. Now, Mei Qing, as a disciple, was here to settle the score. If Zhuo Wanchun interfered, it would indeed be unjustified.
But at this moment, if he allowed Mei Qing to continue arguing, they would only fall into a passive position. Zhuo Wanchun’s true words had failed, and he realized that despite Mei Qing’s young age, his cultivation was indeed formidable. Therefore, Zhuo Wanchun gritted his teeth, disregarding his pride, and shouted, “Fine, in that case, I will intervene!”
In truth, at this point, the level of the confrontation was already beyond what Lu Bing’s subordinates could effectively handle. Therefore, Mei Qing had specifically invited Master Ku for assistance. Behind Master Ku were a group of monks. If they were to fight on the battlefield, aside from Master Ku himself, the rest were likely too compassionate to be of much use. However, when it came to defending the estate, they would be like an impregnable fortress, ensuring everyone’s safety. Therefore, after a moment’s thought, Mei Qing decided to leave Zhang Yuchong’s group behind while sending Master Ku and his monks to Yao Manor.
Once the arrangements were made and everyone had departed, Mei Qing did not feel relieved. Instead, a sense of unease weighed heavier on his heart. Yet given the current situation, there was no time for deep contemplation. He quietly exchanged a few more words with Liu Xing, then began preparing himself secretly, carefully observing the surroundings to guard against any unexpected developments.
Seeing Lu Bing and the others hastily leave, Tao Zhongwen and his group did not attempt to stop them. Instead, they wore expressions of mockery, watching from afar, further enhancing their air of unfathomable depth.
Zhang Yuchong, sensing Mei Qing’s concerns through his spiritual awareness, turned to Zhuo Wanchun and said, “Even if you have some underhanded little schemes, what good will they do? Do you really think your side is stronger than ours now?”
Zhuo Wanchun shook his head. “Since ancient times, the cultivation world has never measured strength merely by numbers. As for your allies—” He glanced at the people behind Zhang Yuchong and continued, “—how many of them are truly here to help you? For years, the Celestial Master’s sect has dominated, and other sects have merely harbored resentment silently. Do you still believe they will work together with you, risking their lives and offending the Imperial Preceptor? Now, the Ming Dynasty’s fortune is at its peak, and the Plum Sect is destined to rise. All sects will naturally follow this trend.”
Zhang Yuchong’s expression stiffened. Mei Qing also understood Zhuo Wanchun’s intentions. Sure enough, Zhuo Wanchun loudly addressed the crowd: “Today’s matter has already been fully planned for by the Imperial Preceptor. Unifying the Daoist sects, eliminating rebels, and glorifying the Plum Sect—all will be accomplished today. I dare to ask everyone here to temporarily remain neutral, not aiding either side, and once everything becomes clear, merely serve as witnesses. How about that?”
Sure enough, upon hearing Zhuo Wanchun’s words, the expressions of those behind Zhang Yuchong began to waver.
Mei Qing was secretly alarmed. It seemed Zhuo Wanchun not only possessed formidable cultivation skills but also understood the mindset of various sects with remarkable accuracy. Now, by invoking Tao Zhongwen’s position as Imperial Preceptor and recalling the past subjugation of other sects by the Celestial Master, he had indeed stirred the underlying anxieties of the crowd.
Originally, their side had relied on sheer numbers, but when it came to the top few experts, their strength was not necessarily superior to the opposing side. If this group indeed remained neutral, the outcome of the impending battle would become uncertain. Mei Qing’s mind raced, but at this moment, it was not his place to speak or make decisions. He could only look toward Zhang Yuchong, watching how his master would respond.
Zhang Yuchong naturally understood the opponent’s intentions, but he did not immediately turn to look at his allies. Instead, he sneered coldly, “Since when has Brother Zhuo been able to speak for the imperial court? Has the Imperial Preceptor come here today on the emperor’s orders, to restructure the Daoist sects as Zhang Liusun did in the previous dynasty? Has Brother Zhuo already entered the court’s service? Has even the great shaman Ninggu been employed by the state?”
Zhuo Wanchun’s face flushed with anger, yet Zhang Yuchong’s words were indeed sharp and required a response. He forced himself to reply, “We cultivators are not ordinary officials needing imperial titles. We respect the dynasty merely because it aligns with the heavenly Dao and the grand trend. Cultivators follow this trend, attuned to the will of heaven, hence our slight reverence. As for Master Ninggu, he came here seeking Mei Qing. What does that have to do with us?”
Mei Qing inwardly chuckled. This “Junior Immortal” Zhuo Wanchun indeed possessed some skill in negotiation—skilled at shifting blame and evading responsibility, speaking with great eloquence. Zhang Yuchong burst into laughter, then suddenly turned to Tao Zhongwen and said, “Imperial Preceptor, I don’t wish to speak of truth or falsehood anymore. But our grudge of over a decade must finally be settled today. Before all the Daoist sects of the world, why don’t you just say clearly—do you dare to face this old Taoist in battle?”
Mei Qing secretly cheered. His master was indeed seasoned and shrewd. No matter how much the other side spoke, they could not shake the banner of Tao Zhongwen. Now, by directly challenging him in front of everyone, Zhang Yuchong had struck at the heart of the enemy’s position. If Tao Zhongwen were to falter in battle, all their talk would become meaningless.
However, Mei Qing could not be certain whether Zhang Yuchong could truly defeat Tao Zhongwen. Although Zhang Yuchong was the Celestial Master of a generation, Tao Zhongwen came from the Plum Sect and had undergone extensive trials over the years. Having served as the Imperial Preceptor, he had naturally gained many benefits. As for Zhang Yuchong, after his defeat by the Plum Sect’s Grandmaster, both his body and spirit had suffered damage. Now, facing each other in battle, it was uncertain whether he could surely emerge victorious.
Therefore, a thought stirred in Mei Qing’s mind—he wanted to step forward and take this first battle for his master.
Mei Qing was not arrogant. Although his cultivation level was somewhat inferior to both Zhang Yuchong and Tao Zhongwen, he still had his own advantages.
The Daoist techniques of the Plum Sect actually originated from the Shenxiao Sect. Although they might have incorporated some variations, their essence remained unchanged. When facing techniques from other sects, they held an advantage, but against Mei Qing, who had studied the authentic Shenxiao Thunder Dao, this advantage would vanish.
Although Mei Qing’s experience could not be considered extensive, he had at least faced off against Zhang Liusun directly, leaving him with no psychological inferiority. No matter how high Tao Zhongwen’s cultivation might be, it could not surpass Zhang Liusun’s. Therefore, Mei Qing believed that at the very least, he could ensure his own safety.
Moreover, Mei Qing was a junior apprentice, yet precisely the person Tao Zhongwen had been loudly seeking. With this identity, Tao Zhongwen would find it hard to avoid battle. If Mei Qing found himself at a disadvantage during the fight, withdrawing would not be considered disgraceful.
Therefore, Mei Qing resolved to test the waters for his master. He laughed and said, “Master, as the saying goes, ‘Why use a butcher’s knife to kill a chicken?’ When there’s work to be done, the disciple should shoulder it. Since the Imperial Preceptor has come specifically for me, why not let me take the first step? If I am defeated, then you can step in.”
Zhang Yuchong chuckled, “I don’t mind at all. I just worry that the Imperial Preceptor might fear this rising star, and in front of all the Daoist sects of the world, defeating a junior apprentice would bring no glory. But if he carelessly loses, where would he even put that old face of his?”
Hearing the master and apprentice speaking as if they had already dismissed him, and listening to their taunts pressuring Tao Zhongwen to fight, Zhuo Wanchun was secretly furious. He thought to himself, “A mere youth still wet behind the ears dares to challenge me! If he’s so eager to meet his end, I’ll gladly send him on his way!”
With that, Zhuo Wanchun stepped forward, his sleeves flaring behind him, and a formidable pressure suddenly surged toward Mei Qing.
Zhang Yuchong stood aside, chuckling and showing no sign of intervening.
Under Zhuo Wanchun’s overwhelming pressure, Mei Qing appeared completely unaffected, shaking his head repeatedly as he said, “Esteemed Junior Immortal, I must say, you’re rather confused. You’re old enough, yet you can’t seem to grasp the situation. That so-called Imperial Preceptor brought his gang of thugs all this way just to find me, right? He even accused me of killing his master. Now I’m stepping forward, isn’t that exactly what he wanted? What business is it of yours to interfere?”
Seeing Mei Qing so nonchalant and speaking so freely, Zhuo Wanchun was furious. In his years of cultivation, even when he had hidden his identity, his skills had earned him respect wherever he went. Now, this young apprentice actually dared to disregard him completely—how could he possibly hold back any longer? He immediately roared, “Why shouldn’t the people of the world involve themselves in matters of the world!?”
These words were subtly infused with some secret techniques. In the Mao Shan Sect of Shangqing, true words formed a path of cultivation, adapted from the Buddhist method of the Lion’s Roar. In past battles, Zhuo Wanchun had often used this technique to launch surprise attacks, always achieving success. Today, seeing Mei Qing so casually standing there, he immediately tested him with this method, secretly planning that if the young man couldn’t withstand it and was injured, he would seize the opportunity to strike first, eliminating this fellow to establish dominance in today’s battle.
His calculations seemed sound enough, but as he watched, Mei Qing still stood there smiling, as if he hadn’t heard a thing, cheerfully continuing, “People of the world should involve themselves in world matters? Then conversely, Mei Qing also has a score to settle with the Imperial Preceptor. He accused me of killing his master, coming to seek revenge. Now everyone naturally knows that accusation was false, so I won’t accuse him of slander. The issue is, he once plotted against my master. I want to settle that score. I wonder, sir, how you intend to involve yourself in that?”
Zhuo Wanchun had originally exuded an overbearing pressure, like a mountain bearing down, yet Mei Qing completely ignored it. With a few light words, Mei Qing effortlessly left Zhuo Wanchun momentarily stunned. What Mei Qing said was indeed true—long ago, when Zhang Yuchong had nearly died fighting the Plum Sect’s Grandmaster, it had been the result of a plot by Shao Yuanjie and Tao Zhongwen. Today, Mei Qing, as a disciple, had come to settle old scores. If Zhuo Wanchun were to interfere, it would indeed seem unjust.
Yet if he allowed Mei Qing to continue speaking and reasoning things out like this, they would only fall into a passive position. Just moments ago, Zhuo Wanchun’s true words had failed, and he already knew that although this young man was young, his cultivation was indeed formidable. Therefore, clenching his teeth, disregarding his dignity, Zhuo Wanchun shouted loudly, “Fine! If that’s the case, then I shall involve myself!”
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