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Chapter 534: Visiting the Mountain Again, the Arrogant Dao Emperor Sect
Chapter 534: Visiting the Mountain Again, the Arrogant Dao Emperor Sect
"As a disciple, how dare you be so rude and address me, a Dao Child of my sect, so casually by name."
Within the Moving Mountain Sect, the complexions of the various elders changed slightly. Pan Boyang's reputation was indeed significant, having ranked within the top forty of the Dao Soldier Registry. In terms of pure strength, he was also qualified to become a branch Dao Child of the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect.
However, regardless of the reason, he was not yet a Dao Child.
To visit their sect with such an arrogant demeanor and not even bother with superficial courtesies was akin to treating the Moving Mountain Sect as a vassal of the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect!
Although in West Hong, many forces aspired to associate themselves with the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect, there was a fundamental difference between becoming their allied sect and being treated as a dog at their beck and call.
If it were the latter... the Moving Mountain Sect truly saw no need to give them this face.
To put it bluntly, North Hong and West Hong were quite distant from each other. Even if the Dao Emperor Sect was powerful, it would be difficult for them to extend their influence to West Hong while facing pressure from the North Dragon Palace.
"Quiet!"
As the chief elder, Yang Yunheng had to step in during such an awkward situation and stand in for the Dao Child.
It was better for the elders to lose face than the future sect master.
At this time, offending Pan Boyang was not a wise move. Since Shen Xiaoyou had already formed a mortal enmity with him, if the Moving Mountain Sect added fuel to the fire, this young man from North Hong might return with two senior elders in tow... and that would spell trouble.
"Go and invite the Dao Children from South Hong to stroll outside and keep them company to relieve their boredom."
Yang Yunheng signaled to the elders. On one side was the overlord of North Hong, and on the other was the local tyrant of South Hong. Despite the disparity in strength, each had their pride.
As the saying goes, kings do not meet kings.
For now, they could only ask the relatively weaker side to temporarily step aside.
After making the necessary arrangements, Yang Yunheng straightened his clothes and sighed. He grimaced for a while before forcing out a slightly obsequious smile.
Just as he was about to step out of the sect to welcome them, Yan Chongzhang emerged from the back mountain.
"What are you doing here? This doesn't concern you," Yang Yunheng said, still annoyed about the previous incident and speaking rather impolitely.
Yan Chongzhang rolled his eyes at him. "Being too afraid to show your face because of a disciple from another sect? That's a disgrace to the title of Dao Child... Let's go. Don't give him any excuse to cause trouble."
Yang Yunheng fell silent for a moment and shook his head helplessly, letting out a bitter laugh.
The two of them, like difficult brothers, headed out of the sect.
Wei Yuanzhou slowly turned around. "Forget it. Don't cause any more trouble for the Moving Mountain Sect. Just wander around."
In the past, when the South Hong Seven, once on par with the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect, visited with three Dao Children, Pan Boyang wouldn't have been qualified to attend their banquet, let alone sit at the table.
But times had changed, and when one was under another's roof, one had to bow their head. Moreover, if a dispute were to arise, the Moving Mountain Sect would be the one suffering.
Just then, Yan Chongzhang's body suddenly stiffened, and even his square face showed a hint of anxiety.
"What's wrong?" Yang Yunheng turned to him in confusion.
"Do you believe in coincidences?"
Yan Chongzhang closed his eyes, sensing that faintly familiar aura that was deliberately reminding him of its presence. He sighed inwardly.
Shen Xiaoyou understood the intricacies of human relationships. Knowing that he was in trouble and not wanting to bring trouble to the Moving Mountain Sect, he hadn't made a big fuss but had instead deliberately concealed it.
But... the timing of his arrival was just too perfect!
These two sworn enemies had actually arrived at the Moving Mountain Sect at the same time.
"You don't mean...?" Yang Yunheng reacted immediately and felt his mouth go dry. "Should I send him away, then?"
It wasn't that the Moving Mountain Sect was going back on their word, but the timing was truly inconvenient.
Yan Chongzhang's eyes twitched. "No."
His master had confidently stated three days, but now it had become thirty. This indicated that Shen Xiaoyou might not have regarded Wuming Mountain so highly.
Now that he had finally come to their door, if the Moving Mountain Sect continued to put him off and made him feel that they were insincere, there might never be a next time.
As for directly informing Pan Boyang about Shen Xiaoyou's arrival...
Recalling Shen Xiaoyou's fierce action of dragging down that Dao Emperor Sect disciple from the sky, Yan Chongzhang's heart skipped a beat. If Pan Boyang found out about this, it would be strange if they didn't fight.
"I'll deal with Pan Boyang. You take Shen Xiaoyou through a side path to view the mountain and find a secluded place. Make sure there's no noise."
Yan Chongzhang quickly made up his mind and went out alone to greet their guests.
Yang Yunheng rubbed his temples hard. It seemed like a feasible plan, but for some reason, he felt uneasy about it.
...
In the azure sky, still some distance away from the Moving Mountain Sect, Shen Yi quietly awaited Yan Chongzhang's response.
Yulan and You Chang had been recalled into his spiritual sea, and he was accompanied only by An Yi, the little tiger demon.
This was because he had already offended quite a few powerful demons in West Hong, comparable to the Merged Dao Realm.
For example, the Frost Tiger Clan Leader.
If he were unlucky enough to encounter them, Shen Yi feared he wouldn't even have time to react and call upon the palace masters.
The golden bracelet artifact could indeed defend against Merged Dao Realm attacks, but since it belonged to someone else, using it would inevitably expose his aura. Thus, he could only use it in times of dire crisis.
Although it was a bit odd for him to be accompanied by a little girl, he had no other choice for the time being.
Moreover, An Yi also had a quiet and reticent personality, so her presence wasn't very noticeable.
"Shen Xiaoyou, you've finally arrived.
The tall and handsome young man wore an ink-colored shirt, accompanied by a petite girl dressed in a similar dark skirt. Their auras were strikingly similar, and even their facial features bore a resemblance.
Could Shen Xiaoyou have been spending time with his daughter during his disappearance?
"Thank you, Elder," Shen Yi acknowledged without much ado. Although he found it odd that Yan Chongzhang hadn't come, he didn't inquire further and merely nodded slightly in gratitude.
Seeing this, Yang Yunheng was taken aback for a moment before shaking his head with a bitter smile.
Comparisons are odious.
Both of noble birth and endowed with remarkable talent, the other couldn't wait to flaunt his affiliation with the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect, while this one, as long as he wasn't offended, gave off an air of a modest gentleman.
What a pity that the times have changed, and the South no longer rules.
"Friend Shen, our Dao Child is currently occupied with other matters and is unable to greet you in person. Please understand, and this way please."
There was a touch of sincerity in Yang Yunheng's warm invitation. For the Moving Mountain Sect, forging a connection with such a young genius would undoubtedly bring countless benefits and no harm.
Shen Yi didn't dawdle and followed his host directly towards the distant towering pillar.
As they drew closer, his anticipation for the secrets hidden within the nameless mountain grew more intense.
If the Shen Yue Law had already reached such a formidable level, one could only imagine the terrifying power of the succeeding techniques. If it truly was a celestial art, then this trip to West Hong would be well worth it.
"Friend Shen, please come with me this way."
Instead of leading Shen Yi to the massive palm print, Yang Yunheng guided him through a secluded area to enter the Moving Mountain Sect.
He had intended to explain that they weren't being neglectful, but he didn't expect Shen Yi to seem so understanding, deliberately suppressing his aura.
"It's truly... I wouldn't dare to offend you."
Yang Yunheng pursed his lips and offered a slightly embarrassed smile to the young man.
"I understand, and I'll be quick about it."
Shen Yi nodded. After offending the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect, it was only natural for people to avoid associating with him openly.
He turned his attention to the short mountain before him.
Then, he sat down with his legs crossed and calmly immersed his spirit into it.
"If the young miss needs anything, please don't hesitate to let me know." Yang Yunheng tried to make his aged face look more amiable.
"Thank you, but I'm fine," An Yi replied politely, standing behind Shen Yi with her hands clasped. Her youthful voice carried a hint of detachment, and after speaking, she turned her gaze back to Shen Yi's back.
Indeed, they do resemble each other... Yang Yunheng's earlier guess seemed more plausible now.
He turned and walked towards the path outside the mountain, dismissing his attendants. He stood guard there with a solemn expression.
"..."
An Yi quietly watched Shen Yi. For her, waiting was the most ordinary thing.
She couldn't even perceive the passage of time.
After an unknown duration, the young man's fair face suddenly furrowed, and beads of sweat trickled down his brow.
A sense of desolation seemed to emanate from his entire being.
Noticing this, An Yi subconsciously raised her eyes, her dewy eyes flickering with uncertainty.
That feeling... It was so familiar from the moment they first met.
The subtle changes on Shen Yi's face and the emotions they conveyed were all too familiar to her from her own experience.
Not knowing what he was doing, An Yi dared not disturb him, only aware that he must be enduring the same pain she had once felt.
After a slight hesitation, she took a step forward, bent down slightly, and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead with her sleeve before returning to her previous position.
...
In the main hall of the Moving Mountain Sect.
Yan Chongzhang sat in the master's seat with a displeased expression, glancing at Pan Boyang beside him. Without the backdrop of the Jiangshan Map, this young man appeared merely as a slightly arrogant young cultivator. His voice lacked depth and instead carried a hint of sharpness.
"Friend Pan, aren't you being a bit excessive?"
Yan Chongzhang retracted his gaze and looked at the elders seated on either side below him. "Are you here as a guest or to chastise us?"
"Excessive?"
Pan Boyang dabbed his colorless lips with a handkerchief and chuckled. "Last time near your Moving Mountain Sect, I suffered no small injury. The fact that I can sit here quietly now instead of having my elders come to hold you accountable is already giving your sect a lot of face."
"You should know that my master is the sect leader of the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect."
The sect leader of the Ninth Division... Yan Chongzhang silently mocked in his heart, but his expression remained unchanged. "Accountability? That's a bit hard to understand. I don't recall our sect ever offending your esteemed sect. If we're being particular, I helped your sect find two demonic geniuses, and you still haven't given any compensation for that."
"Compensation..."
Pan Boyang suddenly let out a cold laugh. His eyes turned icy as he looked at Yan Chongzhang. "I won't hide it from you. I'll tell you why our Boundless Dao Emperor Sect is looking for these demonic geniuses."
"As everyone knows, our sect's Elder Brother Xue has just ascended to the position of sect leader, presiding over the Second Treasure Land. Even if you're from the barren lands of West Hong, you should have heard of his illustrious name?"
"I've heard of Elder Xue Yan, who once topped the Dao Soldier Registry. His fame has indeed reached my ears.
"It's good that you've heard of him."
Pan Boyang leaned back in his chair again and said indifferently, "Elder Brother Xue has a younger brother who, before returning to the void, was also an unparalleled genius. Unfortunately, he possesses the bloodline of a great demon and cannot cultivate the Boundless Dao Emperor Palace."
"With your sect's background, wanting to find some other profound Dao Palace Art shouldn't be a difficult task." Yan Chongzhang didn't mind chatting with his companion, as long as this young man didn't wander off and stayed put in the main hall, refraining from disturbing Shen Xiaoyou. Everything else was negotiable.
"Hmph, to become the sect master, one must cultivate the Boundless Dao Emperor Palace. This is the iron rule of our sect... Are you feeling a bit bored, thinking that this has nothing to do with you?" Pan Boyang closed his eyes, a strange curve lifting the corners of his lips.
If the pair of brothers truly became the sect masters of the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect at the same time, their status would be unquestionable.
"... " Yan Chongzhang's face twitched slightly as he heard the veiled threat in Pan Boyang's words.
"Our sect has an Immortal Monument that depicts the Dao Emperor Palaces of all our disciples. Not long ago, a unique and different Demon Palace appeared on it."
Pan Boyang slowed his voice, "Elder Brother Xue observed it for a long time and finally found a new path for his younger brother. Moreover, he has already made initial progress. If we can obtain that Glazed Green Phoenix, it will help his brother overcome a major obstacle, and Elder Brother Xue will surely be delighted... But now, that Glazed Green Phoenix is dead and utterly worthless."
"It died because of your sect's aiding the evil and abetting the tyrant!"
Upon these words, everyone in the hall was shocked.
Yan Chongzhang abruptly stood up straight, his expression indifferent as he said, "Pan Daoist, you can eat whatever you like, but you can't talk nonsense. What do you mean by aiding the evil and abetting the tyrant?"
"Why are you in such a hurry?"
Pan Boyang also stood up slowly and casually. "You watched as he attacked me, but you did not interfere. What were you thinking? It's just as I said."
"Now, do you still think I've gone too far?"
He casually flicked his sleeve, "Rest assured, there's a reason for every grievance and a debtor for every debt. As long as I get to vent this anger, I'll pretend I never saw the incident with the Glazed Green Phoenix. Yan Daoist, don't dawdle, call out everyone who was present that day. I want to question them one by one until we find out that young man's identity."
"... "
Yan Chongzhang's gaze quickly swept over the elders sitting below.
The elders quietly clenched their fists, all of them understanding the situation.
Of course, they knew what that mysterious cultivator from South Hong meant to the Moving Mountain Sect. Shen Xiaoyou was the key to unlocking the secrets of Wuming Mountain, and currently, he was the only one.
Since the Daoist intended to seize this hard-won opportunity, they couldn't hold him back.
"Since you refuse to believe us, then please go ahead." Yan Chongzhang slightly turned his head, then sat back down.
Don't forget, Shen Xiaoyou is currently within the Moving Mountain Sect. No matter how angry he was, he could only suppress it for now.
"You're quite calm." Pan Boyang smiled lightly. That day, when this Daoist from the Moving Mountain Sect tried to mediate, his behavior was already strange to the extreme. Given the Moving Mountain Sect's current situation, having the chance to associate with the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect was like their ancestors' graves emitting smoke—a stroke of incredible luck.
Yet, the other party had acted in such an abnormal manner.
Saying that it had nothing to do with them? They really took him for a fool.
"You, come here."
Pan Boyang pointed at one of the elders, summoning him with a contemptuous gesture.
This disrespectful action caused the elder's face to turn ashen. As a top power from West Hong, how could he endure such humiliation? But at Yan Chongzhang's signal, he forcefully suppressed his anger and walked over.
As time passed...
Pan Boyang chatted casually, speaking to each of the elders in turn.
Fortunately, Yang Yunheng had already given strict instructions to ignore all mentions of South Hong. No matter how Pan Boyang tried to pry, the answers he received were consistent.
"Are you satisfied now? If you are, then as a gentleman, you shouldn't spread baseless rumors." Yan Chongzhang made a gesture to see the guest out.
"Satisfied?"
Pan Boyang didn't seem to be in a hurry, his smile growing wider as a cold light flashed in his eyes. "If I'm not mistaken, your sect's chief elder hasn't shown his face yet. Don't tell me he's away on sect business?"
As time dragged on, this young cultivator finally revealed his true intentions.
From the moment he visited the sect and saw Yan Chongzhang come out to greet him alone, with no one accompanying him, Pan Boyang had his suspicions.
Why would they let a Daoist face such humiliation alone? It was because they were hiding something.
Moreover, during the killing of the Glazed Green Phoenix, the chief elder had seemed hesitant and anxious, as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself.
Pan Boyang's suspicions grew stronger.
"Now, I'll trouble you, Yan Daoist, to go and invite that chief elder over."
Just as Yan Chongzhang was about to lose his patience, Pan Boyang sat back down, his expression calm and relaxed.
Yan Chongzhang gritted his teeth. It was only now that he realized how troublesome these North Hong cultivators were.
"Then I can only ask you to wait."
Yan Chongzhang turned and strode out of the main hall.
(End of Chapter)
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