Yu Zhenzi's expression remained unchanged. In his view, since the old Celestial Master had already nodded his agreement, this matter should have been a sure thing. He was surprised that they had bumped into an obstacle, which had cost him face.
Yu Yangzi nodded and did not deny it either, "My master did bring up this matter. I am not against it, but I require a guarantee from all of you."
He was persistent and had his reasons for wanting this, even if it meant potentially being punished by the old Celestial Master afterwards.
Pei Xuanjing understood now and spoke plainly, "It seems that you are worried that we might go back on our word?"
On the utterance of this, Yu Yangzi's face shifted slightly, as he had not expected Pei Xuanjing to lay bare this concern so directly.
"You!" Yu Zhenzi's face turned slightly cold. If it were not for the fact Pei
Xuanjing was present here and this was Dragon Tiger Mountain, with the next Celestial Master being from the latter's ranks, he would have taken action already.
For Yu Zhenzi, the identity of the successor of the Shenxiao lineage had given him the strength to survive through many difficult days. Bringing up these subjects was an immense insult.
Pang Hong's face subtly changed as well. He cared more about the suspicion being cast upon his teacher.
Qingyang Zi, on the other hand, had an epiphany and his expression turned strange, clearly recalling something.
Pei Xuanjing raised his hand to stop Yu Zhenzi from becoming further enraged, and he smiled lightly, "I absolutely won't repeat the mistakes of the past. I wonder, are you willing to believe me?"
The truth was that Yu Yangzi's current behavior reflected his ultimate fear of the Shenxiao lineage that Pei Xuanjing represented.
What Pei Xuanjing referred to as "the past" were incidents that had happened two hundred years ago involving the actions of a few individuals from the Shenxiao Sect.
Normally, the Shenxiao Sect should have a close relationship with Dragon
Tiger Mountain, dating back since its establishment. Even when Jinmen's Feather Guest led Shenxiao rise and competed with Dragon Tiger Mountain for the leadership of the Taoist School, the two sects never had any major conflicts in the end.
Until two hundred years ago, when Shenxiao wanted to implement the
Godsealing Plan once again, apart from allying with the True Martial Sect and Bai Xiaosheng, they naturally wouldn't have missed out on roping in Dragon Tiger Mountain.
However, not only did they make mistakes, but they also almost dragged Dragon Tiger Mountain into the mess. In the end, Dragon Tiger Mountain suffered a silent loss.
Given the lessons of that day, Yu Yangzi wouldn't recklessly repeat those mistakes today and chose to exercise carefully.
He wanted Chunyang Sect and Baiyun Temple to join, not only to watch out for the Shenxiao lineage, but also to share the risks.
Qingyang Zi interjected, "The collapse of Shenxiao was karma. You should understand that although Longevity inherited Shenxiao's legacy, he is not an ungrateful person. Why do you need to be so suspicious?"
He paused before adding, "Look at us. Even for the True Martial Sect, we can only control one state. If we invite the other two sects to join, the distribution becomes thinner and thinner. It won't benefit anyone."
Originally, with the strength of their three sects, they could have accomplished this matter. The addition of Dragon Tiger Mountain was just to share risks and prepare for possible accidents.
But if they were to rope in Chunyang Sect and Baiyun Temple, it would inevitably cause a situation of too many monks and not enough porridge.
"You make a good point. hilt we must have some assurance for Dragon Tiger
Mountain."
Yu Yangzi also understood the situation and looked to Pei Xuanjing, waiting for his response.
He needed a guarantee that Dragon Tiger Mountain would not repeat past mistakes.
Seeing Yu Yangzi's reply, Qingyang Zi understood that Yu Yangzi had been persuaded. He turned to Pei Xuanjing and said, "Longevity, what do you think?" At that moment, all eyes were on Pei Xuanjing, waiting for his decision.
Pei Xuanjing was quickly weighing the options in his mind.
After a while, he finally spoke, "Then let's proceed as you suggested."
Qingyang Zi nodded and said, "Yu Yangzi, since Longevity has spoken, why not let True Martial Sect guarantee it. Our reputation should be trustworthy enough for you!"
Yu Yangzi slightly frowned. Given Qingyang Zit s stance, he couldn't say much more. If he kept insisting, it wouldn't be appropriate.
"Since True Martial Sect is willing to guarantee, then I will naturally agree." Seeing Yu Yangzi finally relent, a sense of relief spread across everyone's faces.
But, Pei Xuanjing broke into their joy.
"I believe there may be a misunderstanding," he said, his voice reaching their ears and halting their laughter. They all looked at him confused.
Qingyang Zi asked, "Is there something wrong?"
Pei Xuanjing shook his head. "What I meant was that we should follow Yu Yangzi's suggestion and invite Baiyun Temple and Chunyang Sect to join our plan. "
"Don't act out of spite, Longevity."
"Grandmaster! "
"My friend?"
There was a look of surprise on everyone's faces.
Even Yu Yangzi, who had initially proposed this plan, seemed confused. He didn't understand why Pei Xuanjing would make such a statement.
Pei Xuanjing raised his hand to stop the questions that were about to be asked, and calmly stated, "If there isn't enough land in one state to share among us, then why not expand the area?"
An area of one state is too small, why not enlarge the scope?
They all frowned upon hearing this with uncertain glances flashing in their eyeS.
It's not that what Pei Xuanjing said was wrong, but that it was easier said than done.
"Not only should we invite Baiyun Temple and Chunyang Sect to join, we should also include the other major Taoist sects." Pei Xuanjing's offhanded comment felt like a bolt of lightning to all present.
Has he gone mad?!
Pei Xuanjing turned to the group, "Why not use this opportunity to reorganize the Taoist School, and take the lead in the future?"
Indeed, that was a notion that had just occurred to Pei Xuanjing.
Originally, he planned to move step by step, clandestinely controlling a region, laying down formations, breaking the seal with the formations, stirring the resurgence of heaven and earth, and thereby accelerating his cultivation process.
However, because of Yu Yangzi's words, he had changed his mind.
At first, he was infuriated by Yu Yangzi's words, seeing them as a lack of trust in him. Bringing in more forces would reduce his share of the benefits.
But soon, he had come to an understanding.
Since he was laying down formations and inciting the resurgence of heaven and earth, why not seize the opportunity to achieve something greater?
The Shenxiao Sect's initial aim was to control the throne, enthrone deities, and establish a divine dynasty on earth.
But the Shenxiao Sect was too narrow-minded at that time. They had too few allies, leading not only to their failure but also to the destruction of their sect.
However, now with the Emperor dead and no new one yet crowned, the Great Ming imperial court is in a period of turbulence.
If we could seize upon this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ally with numerous forces within the Daoist schools, it just might be possible to seize the moment and accomplish this task.
As for opposition from all sides, it wouldn't be a problem if we could incite the Resurgence of Heaven and Earth. Under such vastly changing circumstances, it would be challenging for all sides to unite together.
Even at that time, if we could unify the power of the Daoist schools, we might well suppress any opposition.
"This…" Qingyang Zi's face was full of shock, and he was so taken aback by Pei Xuanjing's speech that he was even speechless.
He could never have guessed that Pei Xuanjing would harbour such a thought. This plan was totally different from their previous ones, and far grander by tens, hundreds, even thousands of times.
If the previous plan were exposed, the alliance of several forces would cause the rest to hesitate, enabling the rest of us to retreat safely.
But if we followed what Pei Xuanjing said now and failed in the end, it would likely provoke a joint attack from all sides.
Yu Yangzi also wore a shocked expression, feeling that he had truly misjudged Pei Xuanjing. He had previously thought that Pei was different from the previous members of the Shenxiao Sect.
Yet now, hearing his statements, it seemed that Pei was a direct disciple of the Shenxiao Sect. His inherited madness didn't differ by a single bit; in fact, it even surpassed it.
"What an unparalleled hero. He truly is the reviver of our Shenxiao Sect," thought Yu Zhenzi excitedly in his heart.
As an independent practitioner, besides his strength, what he valued most was his identity as a member of the Shenxiao Sect.
Every time he remembered the glory of the Shenxiao Sect in its heyday, he longed to have been born in that era when the sect ruled the Taoist schools and guided the world.
Being able to serve under Pei Xuanjing, apart from being bound by sword intent, was also due to the boldness he saw in Pei. That domineering spirit, which looked down upon the world, was something the Lord of Shenxiao Gate, who was always hiding in the shadows, could never match.
He saw in Pei Xuanjing the hope for the Shenxiao Sect to rise again and once again dominate the world. That's why he chose to submit to Pei Xuanjing in the end.
Now, hearing of Pei Xuanjing's grand plans, his first thought wasn't about what to do if they fail, but of a future where the Shenxiao Sect rises again and leads another glorious era.
Such a lord is the one whom Yu Zhenzi truly wishes to follow.
As for Pang Hong, his expression remained calm. It wasn't that he didn't understand the implications behind all this, it was more that he trusted Pei
Xuanjing to an unimaginable degree. In his eyes, there was never a time that the old teacher's plans failed.
Pei Xuanjing looked around at everyone, taking in all their eyes before he began to speak solemnly:
"Gentlemen, I understand that changing our plan this abruptly might seem rushed. But with such a rare opportunity before us, if we succeed, when Heaven and Earth are revived, we in the Daoist schools will undoubtedly be able to guide the world. We might even be able to grasp the opportunity for immortality."
Unconsciously, as his power increased, Pei Xuanjing's mindset had changed.
After experiencing battles with Bahu Si Ba and Master Sanfeng in illusions, and then a battle with the old heavenly master a few days ago, Pei Xuanjing was undoubtedly at the pinnacle of this world now.
For him, although there might still be people in the ordinary realm who could kill him, unless he was facing a siege from countless masters and refused to run away, there is nothing else in this world that can threaten his life.
That was when he realized he didn't need to fear anything anymore.
He could do what he wanted according to his own thoughts, using Heaven and Earth as a canvas and all beings as ink, to paint a beautiful world of his own.
Whether it was the Great Ming royal family oppressing the people or Zhao Baiyang intending to disrupt the world for his ideals.
No matter what.
If he wasn't satisfied with the world, why not use his own thoughts and understanding to guide its development in the direction he wants?
When poor, only care for oneself; when rich, help the world.
Of course, besides these, he can also fulfill Pei Xuanjing's pursuit.
Becoming immortal, cultivating alone was not as easy as getting help from all beings.
Using Heaven and Earth as a furnace, and all beings as workers; the life simulator as charcoal, and the knowledge of all families as copper.
Thus forging an immortal path to longevity.
All beings help me to become Dao, and I protect all beings to become immortals.
For all beings in this world, tirelessly paving the way and opening up a grand path to immortality.
At this moment, Pei Xuanjing didn't want to choose to walk the Great Tao alone, seeking immortality just for himself..
Pei Xuanjing did not reveal his grandiose plan at this moment. At least, it was not yet the right time.
He said to Qingyang Zi and Yu Yangzi, who were still in hesitation: "Gentlemen, let's end today's matter here. You can return and give it some thought, discuss it with Taoist Qingxu and the celestial master. I will personally inform Bai Xiaosheng."
"Understood ! "
With a sigh, they clearly understood that at this point, the decision needed to be made by the person higher up.
Everyone dispersed, and a few messenger eagles flew from the Dragon Tiger Mounrain.
Taihe Mountain, True Martial Sect.
Taoist Qingxu, who had been studying the array with the elders, was suddenly interrupted by a disciple. The disciple told him that Qingyang Zi, who had gone to Dragon Tiger Mountain, had sent back a message via a messenger eagle.
"What message requires my personal attention?" Taoist Qingxu frowned, visibly irritated by the interruption.
There were many capable people within the True Martial Sect, with all their plans progressing systematically. As the leader, Qingxu did not have to worry too much. Most of his energy was still focused on studying the array.
However, the disciple's next words brought a sudden change to his eyes.
"This disciple does not know. Elder Qingyang Zi's message is encrypted, and it is at the highest level of importance. Only you, the leader, can read it."
At Pei Xuanjing's suggestion, they had established a private code for communication, divided into different priority levels.
The highest priority messages were solely in the hands of Taoist Qingxu. Only he could decipher them personally.
Furthermore, using such a high-priority code meant the information held great importance and was highly urgent.
He strode forward, took the message, and walked towards his room.
Once back in his room, he sat alone at his desk, recalling the contents of a Taoist scripture, comparing the content with the message, and recalling its real meaning.
In their realm, photographic memory was second nature.
After deciphering all the information, even Qingxu, a powerful figure who prided himself on being unaffected even in the face of great adversity, couldn't help but get agitated, shocked by the message's content.
"What a grand move, what great ambition. Compared to this, my plan seems rather insignificant."
Around the same time, Bai Xiaosheng also received the information passed on by Pei Xuanjing.
After decrypting Pei Xuanjing's message, his face revealed shock, and he couldn't help exclaiming aloud.
He had been staying in Tiandu for this period, monitoring the movements of the Great Ming imperial court, constantly passing information, and coordinating with the True Martial Sect's movements.
Because of this, he even missed the spectacular fight between Pei Xuanjing and the celestial master. He only sent a subordinate to observe.
Of course, even though he was absent, Bai Xiaosheng was fully informed of everything happening on Dragon Tiger Mountain. He knew that in the next few days, they should reach an agreement with Dragon Tiger Mountain and pass the information along.
However, what he didn't expect was that, while the information did arrive, it was not the information he had anticipated. Pei Xuanjing had proposed such an ambitious plan.
"To control the imperial throne and establish a divine dynasty on earth?" Bai Xiaosheng faintly echoed these words, looking somewhat dazed.
Being able to evoke this level of hesitation and indecisiveness in Bai Xiaosheng, who often planned everything in detail and felt like everything in the world was in his grasp, showed how shocking Pei Xuanjing's plan was.
Bai Xiaosheng originally thought his strategies were amazing and that he had calculated everything under the heavens. But after seeing Pei Xuanjing's plans today, he felt somewhat inferior.
Truly fitting for the heir of the Shenxiao Sect. This kind of ambition to dominate the world is far beyond comparison by others.
Ever since that feather guest from Jinmen had heart set on leading the Taoist School and suppressing all religious sects, every once in a while, a figure of great wisdom and talent would emerge from the Shenxiao Sect. It was truly miraculous.
Ambition is not always a derogatory term.
After all, without ambition, how can one strive to be ahead?
Phew…
Bai Xiaosheng took a few deep breaths to calm down his surging emotions, gradually making up his mind.
"Since you, Pei Xuanjing, have this ambition to swallow up the universe, how could I refuse to join you?" Bai Xiaosheng sighed, "What remains to be seen is whether that old Taoist from the True Martial Sect is willing to gamble it all."
The True Martial Sect was different from his own faction. Bai Xiaosheng had the power to make unilateral decisions for his forces.
While the old Qingxu Taoist was the current leader of the True Martial Sect, there were also some very senior Taoists within the sect. Persuading them would not be easy.
"It's a pity that I missed out on a good show," Bai Xiaosheng thought.
He gazed in the direction of Taihe Mountain for a long time before finally withdrawing his gaze.
After setting down the note in his hand, a faint smile floated on Pei Xuanjing's face. Bai Xiaosheng's agreement was expected.
He had noticed something a long time ago. It seemed like Bai Xiaosheng was always plotting something.
Although he didn't know Bai Xiaosheng's goal, Pei Xuanjing was certain about one thing. A calm and peaceful martial world did not align with Bai Xiaosheng's interests.
The proposal Pei Xuanjing made coincided with Bai Xiaosheng's plans. There was no reason for him to disagree.
What remained to be seen were the responses from True Martial Sect and the celestial master.
What Pei Xuanjing didn't know was that at this moment, the celestial master and Yu Yangzi were discussing this matter.
To be accurate, Yu Yangzi was explaining the matter to the celestial master, waiting for his decision.
Normally, being based on Dragon Tiger Mountain, the celestial master should have quickly given a response. However, since the day of the Taoist debate, the celestial master had been in closed-door cultivation and only emerged yesterday.
After hearing Yu Yangzi recount the details, the celestial master didn't seem shocked by Pei Xuanjing's plan. His face was calm, his eyes tranquil, still the same unrippled cogitation as before.
He pondered for a moment, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and looked at his disciple, "What do you think?"
As expected, Yu Yangzi thought.
Over the years, the celestial master had gradually handed many matters over to Yu Yangzi to handle.
Truth is, other than holding the title of celestial master, the matters on Dragon Tiger Mountain were completely handled by Yu Yangzi.
If it hadn't been for Bai Xiaosheng's release of the Supreme Ranking roll a few years ago that made Dragon Tiger Mountain the center of attention, and the celestial master believing that Yu Yangzi's strength was insufficient, the celestial master would have handed over his position to Yu Yangzi long ago..