Unexpectedly, Qianmu Fan revealed his apprehension before even heading out.
After some consideration, it seemed that Qianmu Fan’s arguments were justifiable.
Furthermore, the higher-ups in Qianjin Hall didn’t want Qianmu Fan and his team to get too involved.
With these thoughts in mind, the two made a plan.
Qianmu Fan intended to quietly leak this information to Shen Han, as a warning that danger was approaching.
Yet, he would still aid You Wanying and his group.
If You Wanying triumphed and Shen Han was eradicated, everything would remain as usual.
If Shen Han truly survived the ordeal,
then by providing him the tip, at least he could gain a Protective Talisman for himself.
In this way, he was hedging his bets, securing both outcomes.
Thinking of this, Elder Ding retrieved the Sound Transmission Magical Artifact from Tang Chenyang.
Elder Sizhi was close to Shen Han, and they planned to use this connection to relay the message.
Receiving this news, Elder Sizhi immediately sought out the Sect Leader of Five Immortals City.
Elder Sizhi wanted to rally reinforcements for Shen Han.
Others might be unaware, but he knew about Hui Taoist.
In Chaomu Mountain, there is a temple, where those who enter carry no regrets.
Hui Taoist secluded himself in Chaomu Mountain, and when it came to strength, he was a notch above You Wanying.
However, Hui Taoist did not excel in using poison, so the fear he instilled was not like that of You Wanying.
Elder Sizhi hoped that Five Immortals City could formally protect Shen Han.
After all, Shen Han was publicly recognized as a Direct Disciple of Five Immortals City.
The decisions made by the Vice Sect Leader previously had indeed wounded the hearts of the Sect Disciples.
Though unspoken in front of us Elders, privately, grievances abounded.
A sense of belonging is a mysterious thing; once lost, it is very difficult to regain.
Previously, disciples from Five Immortals City, particularly those from the Outer Sect, felt a strong sense of belonging.
If they got into trouble, the sect would somewhat protect them.
But starting with Shen Han’s case, many disciples started to change their way of thinking.
The disciples became more apprehensive and timid.
They understood that, whatever they did, the sect wouldn’t stand up for them.
Being cautious isn’t inherently bad, but most of the disciples weren’t merely cautious.
When doing tasks for the sect, they were simply going through the motions, just getting by was enough.
The Sect Leader’s courtyard.
Nalan Xing was a person who kept his word. Previously, he promised to resign from the Sect Leader position after a year, and now he was taking steps towards it.
Logically speaking, upon the Sect Leader’s resignation, the Vice Sect Leader would be the most suitable successor.
However, it was clear that Nalan Xing was somewhat dissatisfied with Shen Xiang, the Vice Sect Leader.
Moreover, Shen Xiang had already been stripped of the Vice Sect Leader title.
As for the people of Five Immortals City, they strongly opposed Nalan Xing’s resignation.
Nalan Xing was a figure of extraordinary strength, one of the top powers within Five Immortals City.
Additionally, Nalan Xing had an excellent sense of the big picture.
During his tenure as Sect Leader, Five Immortals City had scarcely made wrong moves on major matters.
Each step was steady, allowing Five Immortals City to develop as it had.
The courtyard was crowded, and Elder Sizhi wisely stood in line, waiting outside while other Elders discussed first.
After waiting for about half a two-hour period, it was finally Elder Sizhi’s turn.
In the courtyard, besides Nalan Xing, Shen Xiang was also present.
Of course, nowadays Shen Xiang could not be called the Vice Sect Leader anymore.
But over these years, many affairs in the sect were handled by Shen Xiang, who was more knowledgeable of the details.
Nalan Xing had him listen on the side to facilitate smoother and quicker handling of matters.
Besides, Shen Xiang was Nalan Xing’s junior disciple; although Nalan Xing had scolded Shen Xiang that day,
there was still a bit of camaraderie between the brother-disciple duo after all these years.
Elder Sizhi bowed to both of them.
Even though Shen Xiang had been removed from the Vice Sect Leader title, Elder Sizhi still gave him due respect.
After bowing, Elder Sizhi relayed all the information he had received to the two.
Upon hearing it was more news about Shen Han, Shen Xiang’s expression subtly changed.
"Since You Wanying’s Poisonous Mist Clone was defeated, Tiger Peak Manor seems to have completely closed off, no longer engaging with outsiders, and rumors suggest the manor’s power will no longer aid You Wanying in revenge.
Seeing now that You Wanying has turned to Hui Taoist for help, these rumors are likely true."
Nalan Xing spoke softly, a slight frown forming on his brow, apparently lost in thought.
Standing by, Elder Sizhi couldn’t help but inquire further: "Sect Leader, do you know Hui Taoist?"
"Yes, I understand him to an extent.
On the surface, he acts like a sage with others thinking he is some enlightened Immortal.
In truth, he’s an old scoundrel lacking virtue and morality.
His conduct is erratic, yet he often claims he’s repenting.
Perhaps he repents, but once done, he continues his muddled deeds."
Nalan Xing expressed some disdain for Hui Taoist.
"However, this person does have some skills and strength, in Chaomu Mountain, he is considered a strong Loose Cultivator."
Upon hearing this, both Elder Sizhi and Shen Xiang furrowed their brows.
Being regarded as a formidable figure in Chaomu Mountain, this Hui Taoist indeed shouldn’t be underestimated.
"They say providing timely help during a crisis is easy, but adding glamour later is difficult.
We owe Shen Han quite a bit already.
This time, we must assume more responsibility."
Elder Sizhi spoke out, wishing to secure protection for Shen Han.
With the backing of Five Immortals City, Shen Han could cultivate and advance in peace.
At the moment, although not captured by You Wanying, his previous handling of situations was relatively stable.
However, all the time was utterly wasted.
At Shen Han’s age, it’s the prime phase for cultivation and training.
Constantly on the move, anxious, it greatly hinders cultivation.
Aside from benefiting Shen Han, it could also salvage some honor for Five Immortals City.
Beside them, Shen Xiang’s face showed some indifference.
Because of Shen Han, his Vice Sect Leader title was revoked, how could he harbor any goodwill towards Shen Han?
Seated at the head, Nalan Xing slightly nodded.
"The prowess of You Wanying and Hui Taoist is formidable, but they are not beyond Five Immortals City’s capacity to handle.
In my view, indeed, we should protect that child.
For so long, he has persisted relying solely on his strength, demonstrating his immense talent, potential, and boundless resilience.
Such a promising young individual has a boundless future."
Softly speaking, Nalan Xing found himself largely in agreement with Elder Sizhi’s suggestion.
"However, this action could provoke a series of issues, so we should still deliberate with the other Elders.
At least, everyone should be prepared with contingency plans."
Hearing the Sect Leader’s words, Elder Sizhi shook his head.
"Sect Leader, you’re unaware. This news is circulating discretely.
If we inform all the Sect’s Elders, it would be difficult to ensure that the news won’t leak out.
By then, it would be detrimental to the person who leaked the information.
Additionally, if the news doesn’t leak, You Wanying and his group’s methods can be better controlled.
Arranging for Shen Han to evade You Wanying would also be easier.
The resources expended to protect him would be significantly reduced as well."
Hearing this, Nalan Xing’s brow furrowed slightly.
"According to you, it means the decision rests with the three of us here..."
After pondering for a moment, Nalan Xing looked toward Shen Xiang.
"Speak your mind, what do you think."
Upon hearing this, Shen Xiang nodded.
"Sect Leader, and Elder Sizhi, both of you support his protection, so sensibly, I should support it as well.
However, this isn’t how I truly feel."
Shen Xiang maintained a serious expression, choosing not to simply agree.
"Mm, go ahead, speak your true thoughts."
Nalan Xing wasn’t overly forceful, desiring instead for everyone to express their honest opinions.
"Hui Taoist’s strength is formidable even within Chaomu Mountain.
Moreover, as the Sect Leader just mentioned, Hui Taoist is not a righteous force.
Like Tiger Peak Manor, he is also someone adept at insidious schemes.
Coupled with You Wanying, after we protect Shen Han, the troubles we might face are countless.
Would it really be worthwhile to jeopardize others for Shen Han?"
Shen Xiang paused, casting a glance at both before continuing.
"Although the Sect Leader often emphasizes the need for justice and righteousness, we cannot ignore personal gain altogether.
Elder Sizhi, can you assure us that Shen Han would genuinely benefit the sect?"

Comments

Loading...