Chapter 492: Undercurrents
Chapter 492: Undercurrents
In the depths of night, within the city of Nanyue, an elderly man with white hair had appeared in the residence of the Si family.
Seated at a table, his expression was grave, and the tea before him had grown cold as he hadn't even taken a sip.
Si Tufang furrowed her brows and asked, "Elder Wang, what did the clan say?"
The elderly man, known as Si Tuwang, knitted his brows and shook his head as he sighed, "The clan doesn't have any manpower to spare..."
Si Tufang's brows furrowed further. "Our Si family is, after all, a third-rate aristocratic family. It's impossible that we can't spare even a dozen Qi Refining cultivators. Does the clan not trust us?"
Si Tuwang nodded. "That's also a reason."
He heaved a sigh. "Eighty Iron Corpses and tens of thousands of Walking Corpses... It's just too outrageous."
Even the entire second-rate province might not be able to gather enough strength to counter such a force.
Si Tufang sighed softly.
In truth, she also found it hard to believe, or rather, she dared not believe it.
However, since Mo Hua had discovered this information, and the Bai siblings had delivered the message, even if she didn't dare believe it, she knew that it was most likely true.
Mo Hua's actions were often unpredictable.
Despite his young age, he sometimes displayed an audacity that knew no bounds.
Yet, when it came to executing his plans, he was always thoughtful and thorough.
Ever since she had known Mo Hua, his words and deeds had been reliable, so she believed that he wouldn't lie about something like this.
It was just that others might not believe it...
Si Tuwang asked, "I heard that this news came from a young cultivator?"
Si Tufang nodded.
"How old is he?" Si Tuwang inquired.
Si Tufang fell silent for a moment before replying softly, "Thirteen..."
Si Tuwang was at a loss for words. "Thirteen years old... Even if I believe it, the clan won't. Who would believe a thirteen-year-old...?"
Si Tuwang shook his head.
Cultivators enjoyed long lifespans.
Those from cultivator families, with their abundant resources and favorable conditions, appeared even younger than their actual age.
Usually, cultivators below the age of twenty still looked like children.
Thus, it was hard for Si Tuwang to fathom that a thirteen-year-old child could uncover such momentous information.
It was only because he and Si Tufang shared the same lineage, and he had watched her grow up, that he knew her character and had come here personally to assess the situation.
Si Tufang could only explain, "Mo Hua is a first-rate array master."
Si Tuwang was taken aback. "Who?"
"The young cultivator I mentioned," Si Tufang clarified.
Si Tuwang's palm trembled, and he exclaimed softly, "Thirteen years old? A first-rate array master?"
Si Tufang nodded.
Si Tuwang, forgetting his status as an elder, asked in a hushed tone, "Is that true?"
Si Tufang replied helplessly, "How could I deceive you? If you don't believe me, you can ask Elder Jin."
Mo Hua's talent was extraordinary, but his young age made him an easy target for jealousy and resentment.
Therefore, Si Tufang had refrained from publicizing his abilities, and only two elders in the Si family, including herself, knew about Mo Hua.
Si Tuwang was lost in thought, murmuring, "Thirteen years old, a first-rate array master... How did this young cultivator's mind develop to be so extraordinary?"
Si Tufang said, "Now that it's coming from him, his words should carry some weight, right?"
Si Tuwang frowned as he pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded. "If that's truly the case, we can't treat him as an ordinary young cultivator anymore. A first-rate array master holds a respected position even in a second-rate province, and they wouldn't treat such matters lightly."
Si Tufang's eyes sparkled as she asked, "Then, Elder..."
Si Tuwang still shook his head. "I can only try my best to persuade them, but whether the clan agrees or not is not up to me."
"Is it because of the zombie disaster?" Si Tufang inquired, her brows furrowed.
"Indeed..." Si Tuwang sighed. "This matter is too dangerous."
"The combination of such powerful Iron Corpses and an overwhelming number of Walking Corpses, all under someone's control, forming a tide of zombies, is extremely terrifying."
"Zombies are different from ordinary cultivators..."
"When fighting against cultivators, if you get injured, you can usually find a way to treat it without any major consequences."
"But when fighting zombies, once you're injured and your blood is spilled, the zombie virus invades your heart, and it spreads uncontrollably. The aftermath is simply unimaginable..."
Fear flashed in Si Tuwang's eyes.
Si Tufang fell silent as well.
"Additionally, there's one more crucial matter..." Si Tuwang looked at Si Tufang, hesitating to speak, but eventually, he did.
"This matter doesn't benefit our Si family much."
Si Tufang's expression froze upon hearing this.
Si Tuwang continued solemnly, "Our Si family has always held important positions, with our ancestors starting as demon hunters in the Dao Court. We uphold justice and detest evil..."
"However, no matter what, a family is still a family, and we must prioritize the interests of our clan."
"There's not much benefit in this matter."
Si Tuwang paused before adding, "At least, the benefit doesn't outweigh the risk we'd be facing."
While it was true that eradicating the zombie mine and suppressing the countless zombies would be a great achievement, the cost and risk involved were several times greater.
In the tide of zombies controlled by the Zombie King, it was entirely possible for all the cultivators sent by the Si family to perish.
The Si family couldn't afford to take such a risk.
"What about the Dao Court...?" Si Tufang asked, her brows still furrowed.
"The Dao Court is no exception," Si Tuwang replied. "Even if they know about it, even if they believe it, they might not take drastic action after weighing the pros and cons."
Si Tuwang's voice lowered as he continued, "The Dao Court is even more complex than our Si family, with its intricate power distribution and entangled interests. It's hard to unravel all of it."
Seeing that Si Tufang didn't quite understand, Si Tuwang elaborated, "In terms of morality and following the Dao laws, slaying zombies and eliminating demons is the right thing to do."
"But in reality, this matter is fraught with difficulties."
"Eradicating the zombie mine requires deploying Dao soldiers and spending spirit stones."
"Who will provide the Dao soldiers? Who will spend the spirit stones?"
"Deploying Dao soldiers requires logistics, and if they suffer casualties, there must be consolation. All of this requires a tremendous amount of manpower and resources, which ultimately depends on spirit stones."
"If there are heavy casualties, someone will have to take on enormous responsibility."
"Once the mission is successful and there's glory to be had, many people will suddenly appear to claim a share of the credit, even those who had nothing to do with it. Everyone will want a piece of the pie..."
"Who would be willing to take on such a huge risk, bear such immense responsibility, and pay such a high price to eradicate the zombie mine, only to have the credit taken by others in the end?"
"Unless the Lu family has truly crossed a major taboo and blatantly walked the path of evil, provoking the fury of the Dao Court, which then issues an edict to exterminate them, no one in the entire Dao Court, with its redundant bureaucracy, would want to touch this hot potato..."
Si Tufang sighed in disappointment.
Such a disciple was more worthy of cultivation than those with pure talent but flawed characters.
Moreover, as they shared the same lineage and he was the elder, Si Tuwang was reluctant to let her take risks.
"The waters in Nanyue City are too muddy. Even if we can afford to wade through them, there's no need to get ourselves dirty..."
Si Tuwang frowned deeply as he contemplated, then suggested gently, "How about you take this opportunity to leave as well, my dear?"
His brows furrowed even further as he continued, "If the situation truly worsens and takes a turn for the worse, this entire Nanyue City will become a living hell. At that time, no one can guarantee your safety..."
"Please treasure your own path of cultivation..."
Si Tufang was taken aback, but her eyes shone with sincere gratitude as she said, "Thank you, Uncle Wang."
However, after a moment's thought, she shook her head and said, "I am the magistrate of Nanyue City. Despite my low cultivation, it is my duty to do whatever I can."
Si Tuwang frowned, "But it's a futile effort..."
"If it's truly futile," Si Tufang said, "then I will consider leaving."
Si Tuwang fell silent for a moment before sighing, "Very well, then."
He took out a jade slip and said helplessly, "I'll write another letter to the clan, urging them to consider the bigger picture and send more people. We should also try to negotiate with the Dao Soldiers..."
"But how much help we'll get is up to fate..."
Si Tufang's eyes lit up, and she quickly bowed her hands in gratitude, "Thank you, Uncle!"
Seeing Si Tufang's determination, Si Tuwang felt both relieved and emotional. However, his eyes soon clouded with worry as he thought of the zombie mine, and his expression became somber.
Eighty Iron Corpses and tens of thousands of Walking Corpses...
The slightest mishap could lead to a catastrophe that would ravage the entire state.
Si Tuwang shook his head and sighed, "It's so difficult..."
...
In Nanyue City, within the Nanyue Sect, a tea room filled with fragrant smoke.
The sect master of Nanyue Sect, Zhao, was in deep conversation with Elder Su.
Zhao, the sect master, was in the middle stage of foundation establishment, 280 years old, and had been leading the Nanyue Sect for 110 years. He held considerable prestige within the sect.
"Do you know about the matter with the Lu family?"
After they finished their tea, Sect Master Zhao cut straight to the point.
Elder Su frowned, "What matter is the sect master referring to?"
"The matter concerning the mines," Sect Master Zhao replied.
Elder Su remained silent for a moment before cautiously answering, "I've only heard some rumors..."
Sect Master Zhao took a sip of tea, saying nothing.
Elder Su couldn't read his expression, so he cautiously asked, "Is there really a problem with the Lu family?"
Sect Master Zhao glanced at him and said indifferently, "How could the Lu family occupy so many mines, open up Jin Hua Street, earn so many spirit stones, and live such decadent lives if there wasn't a problem?"
"Those who do not engage in production but reap huge profits are almost certainly up to no good."
Elder Su's expression turned grave, "What kind of problem could the Lu family have?"
Sect Master Zhao shook his head slightly, "There are only rumors and no solid evidence, so I can't say for sure."
He looked at Elder Su and continued, "I know that you and Lu Chengyun are quite close. I've called you here to give you some instructions."
Elder Su respectfully said, "Please enlighten me, Sect Master."
Sect Master Zhao nodded slightly, then lowered his voice and said, "Our Nanyue Sect, from top to bottom, has a good relationship with the Lu family, and we have common interests. We have also received a considerable number of spirit stones from them..."
Elder Su frowned, "Are you saying that because we've taken their spirit stones, we should stand with the Lu family?"
Sect Master Zhao shook his head, his words carrying a deeper meaning, "What I mean is that even though we've taken their spirit stones, we must not blindly side with the Lu family."
Elder Su was taken aback, "But isn't that a bit..."
Sect Master Zhao interrupted, "The sect values interests, not morality."
"Aren't the Lu family's spirit stones also in our interests?"
Sect Master Zhao explained, "Spirit stones are a short-term interest, but the sect's survival is the fundamental interest."
"While an abundance of spirit stones can bring temporary prosperity."
"If, because of these spirit stones, we blur the lines between righteousness and evil, and it affects the life and death of our sect, then we must decisively sacrifice short-term gains for long-term survival!"
Elder Su was stunned, deep in thought.
Sect Master Zhao sighed, "Many cultivators don't understand this principle."
"That's why sects and families in Nanyue City rise and fall, but only our Nanyue Sect has endured for hundreds of years."
"Even the Lu family hasn't lasted as long as us."
Sect Master Zhao looked at Elder Su and admonished, "When it's time to consider interests, consider interests, and when it's time to uphold principles, uphold principles."
"Don't let interests compromise your principles, or you will bring about a disaster!"
Elder Su nodded solemnly, "I understand, Sect Master."
Sect Master Zhao heaved a sigh of relief and said with satisfaction, "I'm past my prime now, and the position of sect master will eventually be passed on. You may not be as cunning as others, but you are loyal and righteous, and you are proficient in array formations. With more experience, you may very well become the next sect master of Nanyue Sect..."
Elder Su never expected to hear such words, and he couldn't help but ask, "Sect Master, are you... giving me false hopes?"
Sect Master Zhao glared at him, "Do you think just anyone is worthy of my false hopes? I have high expectations of you!"
Elder Su quickly lowered his head and said, "Yes, yes!"
After some further instructions, Elder Su was about to take his leave, but he still had a question on his mind.
"Sect Master, regarding the Lu family, what should our Nanyue Sect do?"
Breaking ties with the Lu family was unwise.
However, being too closely associated with them was also unstable.
Sect Master Zhao gave specific instructions, "If the Lu family doesn't get exposed, we'll pretend we know nothing. We'll continue to take their spirit stones, because that's considering our interests."
"But if the Lu family is exposed, we must clearly distance ourselves from them and even take action to suppress them, regardless of the cost. That's upholding our principles."
Elder Su finally understood.
As expected of the sect master, he was adept at balancing interests and principles.
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, everyone!
(End of Chapter)
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