Chapter 400: The Yellow Turban Monarch
Chapter 400: The Yellow Turban Monarch
September 25, 2017
Wing Province, Juelu.
A seemingly modest tavern, its doors were tightly shut despite it being midday.
Inside, in the main hall, about a hundred people were divided into two levels, sitting almost haphazardly.
Among them were men and women, mostly young, and they shared two common identities: members of the Yellow Turban Sect and 'Outsiders'.
Of course, these hundred or so individuals were just a small fraction of the Yellow Turban Sect's membership, but they were considered part of the organization's upper echelon.
Each of these individuals held significant influence within the Yellow Turbans, with some controlling the sect's forces in a single county, while others commanded power over an entire prefecture. Among them were also wandering cultivators, who, despite lacking territorial control, were not to be underestimated.
In this world where martial might was amplified and all sorts of peculiar artifacts existed, the strength of a single individual could sometimes be formidable.
The gathering of these Yellow Turban members wasn't for any particular reason; it was just their monthly get-together.
The Yellow Turban Sect was a loosely organized group, lacking much internal cohesion. It was more of a platform for Outsiders to gather and trade than a traditional organization.
However, in recent times, these gatherings had lost their usual casual and peaceful atmosphere. Many of the members had been assigned tasks to accelerate the plot's progression, and this 'defying fate' storyline had captivated some while also revealing immense potential rewards to others. Naturally, the risks were equally significant.
Yet, in the face of such substantial gains, many chose to ignore the dangers. After all, there were moments when anyone could feel like the protagonist of their own story. Thus, during this period, many members of the Yellow Turban Sect became restless, and some had already taken action.
During this particular gathering, the topic of conversation, even before the meeting had officially begun, revolved around this task. The usual exchanges and trades were temporarily forgotten.
Half an hour into the meeting, the tavern's door suddenly opened, and a young man clad in an apricot yellow Daoist robe entered.
As the young man stepped in, everyone in the tavern paused, their hands halting mid-motion. It wasn't until he spoke that they snapped out of their trance.
"It seems I haven't mistaken the date, as everyone is present," the youth said, his voice calm as he scanned the room.
"Damn, how did this guy show up here?" everyone thought instinctively, though no one dared show any discontent on their faces.
Among the Outsiders within the Yellow Turban Sect, while there were many talented individuals, one stood at the very apex, looking down upon the entire sect. There were three such individuals, and the youth before them was one of them—Daoist Master Zhang Daosheng.
He was a direct disciple of Zhang Jiao, essentially the heir to the entire Yellow Turban Sect, and the only one who truly stood above all others.
In the past, Zhang Daosheng had never attended any of the Yellow Turban gatherings, as no one would invite or welcome him. However, not all Outsiders within the sect disliked him; those who did simply weren't part of the Yellow Turban Sect.
"I'm aware that none of you are particularly thrilled to see me, but I, Dao Sheng, had no choice but to intrude today."
Daoist Master Zhang Daosheng stood in the small tavern, his gaze sweeping across the gathered Outsiders.
No one spoke up, as everyone present likely knew the reason for his visit.
Unfazed by the silence, Zhang Daosheng continued, "I'm sure you're all aware of the task at hand, and indeed, such a plot-altering mission comes with astonishing rewards. I, Dao Sheng, have no intention of standing in your way."
Everyone secretly rolled their eyes, determined not to hinder this fellow, hoping he would leave them be.
True to their thoughts, Zhang Daosheng added, "However, I want you all to understand that high rewards come with high risks. Not every mission the system assigns is meant for us to complete. Some tasks are designed to trap us, like this one. We all know how high the mortality rate is for those who attempt it."
"In this world, each person only has two lives. Although we Outsiders have one more life than the natives, whether it's worth risking a life for a mission is something you should consider for yourselves."
"We understand your meaning, Daozi. Rest assured, we firmly refuse to undertake such a trap of a voice responded with a resounding affirmation from below, and there were quite a few similar responses. However, everyone knew how sincere these assurances truly were.
"I thank you for your understanding, but I know that this mission won't be stopped. I don't intend to prevent it, but I ask you all to give me three months. Within this time, I hope you can temporarily put this mission aside."
As Zhang Daosheng spoke, his gaze once again swept across the tavern, lingering on a few individuals before he concluded, "In these three months, I don't want to see any unwise actions from any of you. I've said all I have to say, and I hope you'll grant me this favor."
Everyone present was well aware of Zhang Daosheng's reputation. He appeared gentle, but since he had spoken, anyone daring to act within these three months would face a dire fate.
Indeed, while the mission offered immense rewards, those present knew Zhang Daosheng well. If he wanted someone dead, no one in the room would likely survive.
In the 16th chapter, a book, a bar, and a glance revealed no errors in this version!
So, while no one responded to Zhang Daosheng, the matter was essentially settled.
"I've said my piece. You may continue."
After speaking, Zhang Daosheng bowed in a Daoist greeting to the crowd and turned to leave.
Everyone breathed a silent sigh of relief as they watched Zhang Daosheng's departing figure. But just then, as he reached the tavern door, he suddenly stopped.
"Oh, right. Are Dao Yi and Taishi Ling not here today?"
Everyone was momentarily stunned, unsure why Zhang Daosheng had brought up these two individuals. Although Dao Yi and Taishi Ling were also Yellow Turban Sect members, they were known for their low-key personalities and rarely appeared within the sect. They had seldom displayed their strengths, making them quite inconspicuous among the Yellow Turbans.
"They haven't attended gatherings for a month or two," someone who knew them in the Yellow Turban Sect replied.
"A month or two? Thank you. I understand now."
After expressing his gratitude, Zhang Daosheng turned and left the tavern.
The tavern, once bustling, couldn't regain its former liveliness after Zhang Daosheng's departure. The Yellow Turban members hastily concluded their transactions and dispersed...
(Chapter End)
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