Chapter 215 - 125: Each with Their Own Scheme (Part 2)

Chapter 215: Chapter 125: Each with Their Own Scheme (Part 2)

Mu River shot to his feet. "What on earth do you mean by that?" he asked.

Chu River chuckled. "Junior Brother Mu River," he asked, "why do you think the Celestial Permanence Sect is eyeing the Dragon Image Sect like a hungry tiger?"

Before Mu River could respond, Chu River declared in a loud voice, "Because the Celestial Permanence Sect’s Grotto Heaven Zhenren has also long since passed away!"

"What?" Once one part clicked, everything fell into place. Mu River suddenly understood the entire cause and effect of the matter. "Senior Brother, you mean...?" he asked, his voice trembling.

Chu River sneered. "The Celestial Permanence Sect’s Grotto Heaven position is vacant, yet both Jiang Chengzi and He Haojun have reached the Nascent Soul Third Layer, one after the other. Who is to inherit the Grotto Heaven position? When such a position is at stake, do you really expect brotherly affection and deference?"

"He Haojun and Jiang Chengzi have long been united in appearance but divided in spirit. If not for the path we, the Divine Flow Sect, have offered, it was only a matter of time before they turned on each other."

"So... does He Haojun desire to usurp our Divine Flow Sect’s lineage?" Mu River’s face was ashen. "Is this the outcome you wanted, Senior Brother?"

"Not at all!" Chu River clasped his hands behind his back, his eyes glinting. "Two Grotto Heaven masters in one sect—setting aside whether the other three sects would even tolerate it, even if it could be done, who would be superior and who inferior? Who would lead and who would follow?"

"Neither He Haojun nor Jiang Chengzi is the type to willingly submit to another. Therefore, He Haojun won’t usurp our Divine Flow Sect’s lineage. He will sever his ties with the Celestial Permanence Sect, change his allegiance, and become the Divine Flow Sect’s Grotto Heaven Zhenren! And Jiang Chengzi has tacitly approved of this!"

Hearing this, how could Mu River not understand Chu River’s true plan? He even suspected that perhaps Chu River had never truly thought he himself could attain the Grotto Heaven position! No wonder Chu River was so endlessly indulgent of his own worthless sons...

Mu River gave a bitter smile. "Senior Brother’s plan... is a feat for the ages. It is this Junior Brother who has been shortsighted."

Chu River shook his head faintly, sat down, and remained silent for a long while before saying, "The matter of Langhe was indeed due to my own selfish reasons. After this great undertaking is complete, I will give Langhe’s descendants an explanation."

Mu River did not comment further on the matter. Instead, he asked, "How are we to deal with the True Form Temple?"

"The True Form Temple... Because of this affair, I have already caused the sect to lose Langhe. I will not make that mistake again." Chu River said flatly, "After the great undertaking is complete, it will not be too late to deal with the True Form Temple slowly."

"As for Dao Miao," a cold glint flashed through Chu River’s eyes, "he is growing so close to the Dragon Image Sect. He had best hope he doesn’t fall into my hands because of it."

——

While a debate over Langhe’s death was taking place within the Divine Flow Sect, Xuzhuang had already arrived at the Dragon Image Sect.

The Five Domains truly lived up to their reputation. The Dragon Image Domain alone was likely vaster than all sixteen prefectures of the Earth Realm combined. For such an immense and blessed land, one could only imagine the magnificence of the five Great Celestial Waterfalls.

The Dragon Image Domain Celestial Waterfall was located in a vast marshland. Influenced by the waterfall’s power, waves surged day and night without cease. There were no Spirit Island Immortal Mountains within the marsh; instead, Floating Islands hung suspended in mid-air. On them were built palaces, temples, and pavilions, planted with green pines and sturdy cypresses. They were all connected by Cloud Riding Corridors, shrouded in mist, appearing almost like an Immortal Realm in the clouds.

The scene was somewhat reminiscent of the Yunmeng Marsh.

Just as Xuzhuang was admiring the view, a crane cried out. A Dragon Image Sect disciple arrived, riding a crane, and said respectfully, "Venerable Dao Miao, please follow me."

Xuzhuang nodded slightly and followed the disciple toward a flying palace suspended in the air. Arriving outside the main hall, he was surprised to see a handsome young Daoist with a jeweled star crown and wide robes waiting before the entrance. Seeing Xuzhuang approach, the man clasped his hands in a formal bow and said, "Greetings, Venerable Dao Miao."

Xuzhuang smiled faintly. "Fellow Daoist Chao, it has been a long time."

"Venerable, you mustn’t be so courteous to a junior." Chao Wanzhan cupped his hands and said, "My master has been waiting for you for a long time, Venerable. Please, follow me."

’Compared to several decades ago, his attitude has changed so drastically.’ Xuzhuang couldn’t help but be taken aback. He shook his head and followed Chao Wanzhan into the hall.

Inside the grand hall, a strikingly handsome Daoist with his hair in a Jade Hairpin Daoist Bun stood formally, holding a duster. When he saw Xuzhuang enter, he flicked his duster, clasped his hands in a bow, and said, "This humble Daoist, Yang Bijie, has the honor of serving as the current Sect Leader of the Dragon Image Sect. Greetings, Venerable Dao Miao."

Xuzhuang was slightly taken aback. He had not expected the leader of a major sect to humble himself by personally welcoming him outside the Dragon Image Grotto Heaven with such courtesy. The sincerity was palpable. Not wanting to appear arrogant, he returned the bow and said, "This humble Daoist, Dao Miao, greets you, Fellow Daoist."

Yang Bijie smiled faintly and gestured toward a table and chairs to the side. "Venerable, please be seated."

Xuzhuang offered another bow and sat down with Yang Bijie on opposite sides of a small table. A young attendant served them Immortal Tea, then bowed and retreated, leaving only Xuzhuang and Yang Bijie in the hall.

Yang Bijie picked up his teacup. "This humble Daoist grew this tea myself. I hope it is to the Venerable’s liking."

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist." Xuzhuang paused for a moment before adding, "Fellow Daoist, there is no need for such formality. You may call this humble Daoist by my name or title."

Yang Bijie smiled freely. "In that case, this humble Daoist shall address you as Fellow Daoist Xu."

"Excellent," Xuzhuang replied. He then continued, "Fellow Daoist, you sent several letters, humbling yourself to invite me. Unfortunately, this humble Daoist was not at my sect and could not respond in a timely manner. I have caused offense and ask for your forgiveness."

"That is of no consequence." Yang Bijie asked, seemingly nonchalant, "Fellow Daoist, you have only just achieved the Nascent Soul realm. Instead of entering seclusion to consolidate your cultivation, where did you travel?"

A flicker of light crossed Xuzhuang’s eyes. He pondered for a moment, then replied, "My itinerary is not convenient to disclose, Fellow Daoist. Please forgive me."

Hearing this, Yang Bijie simply smiled and did not press the issue. He poured some more tea for Xuzhuang, then said suddenly, "Fellow Daoist, did you know that my Dragon Image Sect once had some dealings with your esteemed sect’s Venerable Dao Chen? I myself have long admired Venerable Dao Chen. It is a pity he seems to have left this realm. I wonder how the Venerable is doing now?"

Only then was Xuzhuang certain that this Yang Bijie truly knew far more than the average person in this realm. After a moment of thought, he smiled and replied, "Senior Brother Daochen has already achieved the Primordial Spirit realm. He is, of course, doing very well."