Cao Yi's objective was simple. Since Yun Xi had already sent a warning, disciples from the Five Domains could not afford to slaughter one another. They also had to quickly root out the evil cultivators who had infiltrated the secret realm. Otherwise, whether they could leave the realm safely would be uncertain.
Wei Chenyin and her companions naturally agreed with Cao Yi's proposal. Their attention then shifted to the two Huaxian Gate female cultivators, who exchanged a hesitant glance.
Nearby, Liu Haotian understood their hesitation and spoke:
"The Daoyou from Haoran Sect is correct. The situation is unusual. We should avoid unnecessary sacrifices. If mutual suspicion continues, it will play right into the evil cultivators' hands. They do not need to act; we would die from our own distrust.
However, one thing must be clear: the disciples from the western domain are the ones who most want this secret realm expedition to proceed safely!"
Liu Haotian's words ultimately convinced the two Huaxian Gate female cultivators. They nodded, agreeing to communicate with Yunmen Temple's Buddhist cultivators.
Cao Yi then waved his sleeve to open the isolating formation but did not dismiss the trapping array.
The eight Yunmen Temple Buddhist cultivators saw the Huaxian Gate female cultivators and immediately called out:
"Amitabha! Daoyou from Huaxian Gate, beware of these western domain disciples. This secret realm exploration is a trap aimed at the other four domains."
Before they could finish, Zhang Lingrui interrupted:
"Silence! You fell into the evil cultivators' trap and now shift the blame to western domain disciples. Do you think we are easy to bully? If not for preserving our combat strength, we would have activated the killing array long ago. Do you need Huaxian Gate Daoyou to negotiate with us?"
The leader of Yunmen Temple raised a hand to stop his Junior Brother from retorting. Folding his hands in a Buddha gesture, he asked:
"Daoyou, what do you mean by this?"
This time, the two Huaxian Gate cultivators stepped forward to explain. They clarified that the message had come from a Daoyou of Haoran Sect. They had not received communications from Huaxian Gate, so the information's authenticity was uncertain. Yet continuing the fight benefited no one, so they advised Yunmen Temple's disciples to pause.
During this exchange, Liu Haotian quietly communicated with Cao Yi:
"Cao Daoyou, why isn't Junior Sister Wei with you?"
Cao Yi replied:
"Due to Yixian Gate's legacy, she is now the focus of attention. She entered the secret realm under another identity. Joining our team openly would risk revealing her disguise to familiar disciples. The realm's teleportation is random, so we were separated."
Cao Yi had only heard Liu Haotian's reputation and did not know him well. Coupled with Yun Xi's warning, he could not guarantee that no evil cultivators had infiltrated western domain sects, so he did not disclose too much.
Yun Xi, to avoid endangering them, had not contacted them from the moment of gathering to entering the secret realm. Apart from the message Wei Chenyin received, Cao Yi did not know who Junior Sister Wei was impersonating.
Liu Haotian understood Cao Yi's concerns and clarified his stance:
"I cannot speak for others, but I am on your side. Yun Xi Daoyou saved me before, and I trust her character. Her sending a warning proves this is serious. We should act together and leave no opportunity for the evil cultivators."
Cao Yi visibly relaxed. He subtly nodded, agreeing to team up with Liu Haotian and his companions:
"Liu Daoyou, then let us be cautious first and honorable later. After resolving the Yunmen Temple matter, we will swear a Heavenly Dao Oath to ensure no internal conflicts during further exploration."
"Agreed!"
While they were coordinating, Yunmen Temple's Buddhist cultivators explained why they had targeted Cao Yi and the others.
The lead Buddhist cultivator said their hostility toward the western domain disciples stemmed from an earlier event. When they were teleported to a strange forest, they had helped a frenzied western domain cultivator. Once that cultivator regained consciousness, he expressed immense gratitude. Yet when the teleportation array appeared for departure, he betrayed them, killing several Yunmen Temple companions.
Later, after breaking through the silken cocoon illusion, they discovered a disciple from the western Mingjian Gate attacking other domain disciples wrapped in cocoons, trying to eliminate them.
Fortunately, the Yunmen Temple cultivator emerged from the illusion at the right moment, counterattacking. The attacker, seeing more awakened disciples as a result of their fight, withdrew into the mist. The Yunmen Temple cultivator then used the Buddhist "Awakening Soul Mantra" to revive his fellow disciples before moving forward.
Upon encountering western domain disciples here, conflict broke out, and everything that followed was predictable.
Wei Chenyin frowned, looking coldly at the eight Yunmen Temple disciples. She restrained her urge to curse and said:
"Do Yunmen Temple disciples never venture out for experience? Did you not notice such an obvious frame-up? Just because someone wears a Mingjian Gate robe does not mean they are from Mingjian Gate. Do you recognize every disciple entering the secret realm?
Why did this person strike only after you regained consciousness? Why choose you as a witness? Why leave such an obvious clue?"
The Yunmen Temple disciples exchanged glances, thinking. Zhang Lingrui folded his arms and commented sarcastically:
"Of course, they are Yunmen Temple disciples. The most trustworthy witnesses in Weiyu Realm. As long as they leave the secret realm, they provide a reason for the other four domains to declare war on us western domain disciples."
The usually quiet Lin Keyang suddenly spoke:
"The Buddhists say: If one sees all forms are not forms, one sees the Tathagata. How can you judge a disciple solely by clothing and appearance? How do you know he is not an evil cultivator in disguise? If you had captured him alive, you might have verified his identity. Yet you did not. Why then blame us for everything he did? Account with Mingjian Gate, not Haoran Sect. Are you sure the strange forest did not influence you?"
Lin Keyang's words changed the lead Yunmen Temple cultivator's expression. He immediately folded his hands and said:
"Amitabha! Indeed, we were not careful in this matter."
Liu Haotian timely spoke:
"Since we know there are doubts, we must not kill each other. Everyone should swear a Heavenly Dao Oath: no suspicion or attacks during the secret realm exploration. Focus on finding the evil cultivators' traces. I am certain their scheme will reveal itself."
No one objected this time. The Yunmen Temple disciples swore the Heavenly Dao Oath, and as the heavenly law settled, Cao Yi waved his sleeve and removed the trapping array.
"Let's go to the city center."
This was suggested by the Huaxian Gate female cultivators.
"Good!"
The now-strengthened team moved toward the very center of the miniature city. As they approached, the city began to shake lightly and gradually shrink.
===
Wow… we've finally reached Chapter 300! ＼(＾▽＾)／
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