Chapter Sixty-Two: Chaos (Second Update)

On the main hall of Danxia Sect atop Qingyang Peak, Qi Fei took a risk and cleverly devised a scheme that incited a conflict between Yang Zheng and Chu Qingyun.

Chu Qingyun, who had long harbored resentment toward Xuanzhen Temple, was now burning with anger and sneered, “Judging by this scene, does Xuanzhen Temple intend to join forces with Danxia Sect to capture me?”

Yang Zheng grew anxious and hurriedly waved his disciples away. “Your Lordship, please quell your anger. Just now, I was incensed by that wretch’s slander and inadvertently offended you. I beg your forgiveness.”

A fierce glint flashed in Chu Qingyun’s eyes as he raised his brows. “I dare not presume. Now that you have Xuanzhen Temple’s support, how could you possibly care about my mighty Marquis’s House?”

Before Yang Zheng could reply, a voice of authority sounded from behind the Xuanzhen Temple disciples. “How dare you! Step back at once and do not act rashly before the young Marquis.”

Confident in their sect’s favor with the Marquis, the disciples of Xuanzhen Temple felt little fear of Chu Qingyun. Yet, seeing their master angered, they retreated obediently.

Master Cangsong, the head of Xuanzhen Temple, wore an apologetic expression as he strode before Chu Qingyun. “I have failed in my guidance. These rebellious disciples dared to disrespect Your Lordship. Please grant this old Taoist some mercy and pardon their ignorance.”

Beside him, Elder Muyun from Yunjiao quickly chimed in, “The young Marquis is magnanimous. Xuanzhen Temple and Danxia Sect have long been intertwined. Cangsong’s disciples merely feared harm would come to Elder Yang from your experts, hence their offense.”

With Cangsong personally apologizing and Elder Muyun offering conciliatory words, Chu Qingyun, though dissatisfied with the disciples’ arrogance, found it inappropriate to pursue the matter further. He said calmly, “Master Cangsong, you must discipline your disciples well lest Xuanzhen Temple invite disaster upon itself.”

A flash of anger crossed Cangsong’s eyes, but he quickly adopted a respectful demeanor. “Your Lordship is right. I will be strict in my guidance henceforth.”

Chu Qingyun turned to Qi Fei and asked, “You claim just now that Yang Zheng harmed your sect master. Do you have any proof?”

Qi Fei deliberately hesitated, then murmured, “Our sect master has vanished without a trace, and Yang Zheng is eager to seize the position. Clearly, it was he who harmed our master. If not, with Elder Huo and my teacher still present, how could Yang Zheng ever succeed him?”

Yang Zheng was furious, about to strike down the impudent disciple of Mo Zhanpeng, when Elder Qingxu from Xuanzhen Temple quickly restrained him. “Master will uphold justice for you. Do not lose composure.”

Cangsong looked coldly at Qi Fei, then shifted his gaze to Mo Zhanpeng nearby. “The day your sect master went missing, chaos erupted in Danxia Sect. Out of respect for our years of friendship, Xuanzhen Temple helped quell the unrest. Later, for the Marquis’s sake, we spared you rebels who betrayed your sect. Now, you dare come to Qingyang Peak and act so brazenly.”

A fierce glint flashed in Mo Zhanpeng’s eyes as he retorted angrily, “The succession of the sect master at Qingyang Peak is Danxia Sect’s own affair. Why should Xuanzhen Temple and Master Cangsong meddle? You call us traitors, but your motives are clear to all present. I refuse to accept this. What virtue and ability does Yang Zheng possess to become our sect master?”

Cangsong’s cold smile deepened. “So, Elder Mo and the others have come to Qingyang Peak today to contend for the sect master’s position with Elder Yang?”

Mo Zhanpeng shook his head slowly, then pointed to Huo Zhongmou. “I know my abilities are mediocre and do not covet the position. Elder Huo, however, is highly skilled and respected; he should be able to challenge Yang Zheng for the role.”

Huo Zhongmou inwardly cursed his luck, annoyed that Mo Zhanpeng had thrust him into opposition with Xuanzhen Temple at such a moment. Still, before Chu Qingyun, he dared not show cowardice. “Elder Mo overestimates me. Now that I serve under the young Marquis, without his permission, I dare not vie for Danxia Sect’s leadership.”

No sooner had Huo Zhongmou finished, Chu Qingyun spoke loudly, “You are too modest, Master Huo. Though you serve under me, you remain an elder of Danxia Sect. You are well-respected; why not compete with Yang Zheng for the sect master’s seat? The capable should lead. Since Master Cangsong is so invested in Danxia Sect, surely he hopes for a new master to bring the sect to greater glory.”

A shadow of worry flickered in Cangsong’s brows. He wondered to himself: though Seven Absolutes Gate had slain Huo Zhongmou’s disciple and blamed Xuanzhen Temple, why should Xuanzhen Temple risk angering the Marquis’s son? Chu Qingyun’s words were reasonable; Xuanzhen Temple could not refuse. Yang Zheng’s abilities paled in comparison to Huo Zhongmou’s. If they competed, Yang Zheng would surely lose. It seemed he would have to risk offending Chu Qingyun to force him to retreat.

Just then, a Xuanzhen Temple disciple rushed in, flustered. “Master, the Seven Absolutes Gate’s leader, Sima Yan, has arrived outside the hall with his disciples.”

Cangsong thought, “Seven Absolutes Gate comes with ill intent; Sima Yan could not resist stirring trouble on Qingyang Peak. With many sects’ experts backing him, Cangsong remained calm and said, ‘Why panic? Today is the Danxia Sect’s succession ceremony. All visitors are guests. Go invite them in.’”

Before the disciple could act, Sima Yan’s hearty laughter echoed from outside. “Such a grand occasion on Qingyang Peak—I couldn’t miss it. We arrive uninvited and hope Master Cangsong will not take offense.”

With that, Sima Yan led a procession of Seven Absolutes Gate experts into the hall, busy exchanging greetings with sect leaders.

Though Xuanzhen Temple had cultivated ties with several sects, the Seven Absolutes Gate’s master was a martial expert of innate cultivation, with disciples who had distinguished themselves in the Marquis’s army. Clearly, Seven Absolutes Gate arrived with hostile intent. If Sima Yan opposed Xuanzhen Temple, should the other sects intervene? The experts looked troubled, choosing to wait and see.

Cangsong greeted Sima Yan warmly, laughing, “This old Taoist is forgetful, having neglected to remind Elder Yang to invite Master Sima. Please forgive any slight.”

Sima Yan smiled lightly. “My disciples had some complaints, claiming Xuanzhen Temple ignored Seven Absolutes Gate. I scolded their ignorance at once, knowing Master Cangsong’s age brings forgetfulness. How could we hold grudges? Today, it seems that is indeed the case!”

The grand hall fell into dead silence. Sima Yan’s words stunned everyone; was Seven Absolutes Gate truly about to break with Xuanzhen Temple here on Qingyang Peak?

Cangsong was furious, quickly signaling his disciples not to lose composure, and sneered, “Master Sima jests. If Seven Absolutes Gate insists on opposing Xuanzhen Temple, then so be it. You are an innate martial master—no need for empty words.”

Sima Yan ignored Cangsong’s retort, glancing at Qi Fei before turning to Chu Qingyun, clasping his hands in respectful greeting. “Your Lordship, I did not expect you here today. I was delighted to see old friends and regret neglecting you. Please forgive me.”

With Seven Absolutes Gate’s influence in the Marquis’s army, Chu Qingyun naturally wished to befriend its master. He replied with a smile, “No harm done. Like you, I am here uninvited and cannot compare to Xuanzhen Temple’s honored guests. Earlier, we nearly fell into their hands, but now, with Seven Absolutes Gate’s support, I can rest easy.”

Chu Qingyun and Sima Yan openly joined forces, disregarding Xuanzhen Temple. Cangsong was furious but dared not confront them under so many eyes.

Xuanzhen Temple’s disciples were shocked at the apparent alliance against them.

The other sect experts in the hall hesitated as well. If they acted rashly to help Xuanzhen Temple, disaster might follow. Now, all they could do was watch how Xuanzhen Temple would respond.