Chapter 569: The Collapse of Wuluan Mansion

Chapter 569: The Collapse of Wuluan Mansion

January 31, 2025

In the open space, a group of young disciples gathered, discussing among themselves.

The one who had just spoken to comfort them was Che Yanchang, the Second Senior Brother of Wuluan Mansion.

Usually, their senior brothers and sisters had a certain influence over the others.

Most of the junior disciples would listen to their advice.

However, after Che Yanchang finished speaking, only a few responded to him.

The complaints among them continued incessantly, showing no signs of abating.

Anxiety filled the hearts of these core disciples as well.

But their worries weren't as profound as those of the other disciples.

As core disciples, they had the privilege of being accompanied by a Hua Jing realm expert wherever they went.

However, the other disciples didn't have such treatment.

Their different positions naturally led to varying levels of worry and anxiety.

Seeing that Che Yanchang's words weren't effective, Jun Han, standing beside him, spoke up.

"The outer perimeter of the mansion is already being protected by Zhenfa formations. Even if you're worried, there's no need to be overly concerned, fellow junior disciples.

As long as he can't enter our Wuluan Mansion, we'll be safe here."

Jun Han and Che Yanchang, who usually didn't get along, now found themselves in agreement.

People always choose their stance based on their interests.

These core disciples didn't want Wuluan Mansion to fall into chaos.

A stable order was more beneficial for them.

If chaos ensued, many of the privileges enjoyed by the core disciples would become unattainable.

Usually, when the senior brothers spoke, their words carried weight.

But this time, as Jun Han finished speaking, someone from the side contradicted him.

"When Su Chen was only a Wu Pin Zhen Fa Master, neither of you, Jun Senior Brother and Che Senior Brother, could match him.

Now he's a Hua Jing realm martial artist.

If he finds any flaws, both of your lives will be in danger.

When you're advising us not to worry, aren't you worried yourselves?"

As soon as one person finished speaking, another immediately chimed in.

"When the senior brothers and sisters go out, they are accompanied by the elders of the mansion.

It's natural that they don't have to worry.

This madman can't harm them, but he can hurt us."

The public opinion was taking a turn they hadn't anticipated.

The resentment among the junior disciples was even greater than they had imagined.

A few words left them speechless.

"If you truly want us not to worry, senior brothers and sisters, why don't you take a walk around the perimeter of the mansion?

You don't even have to go far from the mansion.

Just within a ten Li area around the mansion will do.

Are you willing to do that, senior brothers and sisters?"

More disciples stood up to challenge them, asking them to lead by example.

However, under the current circumstances, neither Jun Han nor Che Yanchang would dare to leave the protection.

When Su Chen's strength was inferior to Jun Han's, he had still managed to severely injure Jun Han in a surprise attack.

Even now, Jun Han hadn't fully recovered from those injuries.

Jun Han was more aware than anyone of the extent of Su Chen's capabilities.

There was no way he would risk his life.

"What's the matter?

When it comes to facing danger yourselves, senior brothers and sisters, you suddenly have nothing to say?

You were so quick to advise us, but now you're silent.

It seems the saying holds true, those who stand and talk are not the ones who feel the pain.

Since it doesn't concern them, they can speak and suggest freely.

But when it affects them, it becomes a matter of utmost importance."

Among the younger generation of Wuluan Mansion, the public opinion began to show signs of collapse.

The younger generation's minds were the most susceptible to agitation and the hardest to calm.

If they were to lose control, the entire Wuluan Mansion would be affected.

Seeing that their words weren't convincing, Jun Han and the other core disciples eventually chose to leave.

With their departure, the fermenting opinions would only intensify.

Over the next two days, the younger generation's conversations made it seem like Wuluan Mansion was on the brink of destruction.

In the main hall of the mansion that day, all the core elders were present, along with the other elders who had been summoned.

"Even at the fastest speed, it should take at least four days to complete.

However, once the formation is set up, the safety of the mansion will be guaranteed for a long time.

You can rest assured, elders, about the abilities of a Wu Pin Zhen Fa Master.

Even the Liu Clan and Sang Clan, those major aristocratic families, have their clan lands protected by Wu Pin Zhen Fa Masters.

There's no doubt about the security it provides."

In the central position, Elder Cui explained the recent arrangements regarding the formations.

Upon hearing this, the other elders' brows remained furrowed.

This matter was far from over.

There were many other situations they needed to monitor.

"If you have any opinions or requests, please state them directly.

We have gathered here today to settle this matter.

It's pointless to brood over it alone."

All of you have already voiced your complaints, so let's not dwell on them anymore. Instead, let's focus on finding a solution to this issue.

Our esteemed sect is not so weak that a single Hua Jing realm cultivator can bring it to the brink of collapse."

As the master of the mansion, Hao Yuan's words broke the silence among the elders.

One elder rose to his feet and stepped forward.

"Since you've spoken so frankly, Master, I'll do the same.

I have two attendants under my command who were held captive by Su Chen yesterday.

Su Chen forced them to reveal information about our Wuluan Mansion.

In the face of Su Chen, even our mansion's guards and attendants are powerless to protect themselves.

From now on, will everything have to be done personally by us elders?

If that's the case, our Wuluan Mansion will be in complete disarray.

We can protect the mansion by setting up formations, but how can we ensure the safety of everyone in the mansion outside its walls? Should we forbid anyone without Hua Jing realm strength from leaving the mansion?"

This elder's words struck at the heart of the matter.

The problem facing Wuluan Mansion was not something that could be easily solved by formations alone.

Setting aside the question of how effective these formations might be, the people of Wuluan Mansion could not possibly stay confined within its walls.

These words made everyone realize that the discussion today seemed pointless.

The scenarios they had been considering held no relevance to Wuluan Mansion's situation.

Even Hao Yuan struggled to find the right words to say.

A moment later, an elder abruptly stood up.

His face carried a hint of ruthlessness, and his intentions were clear even before he spoke.

"In the end, there's only one way to thoroughly resolve this issue.

Eliminate him.

We considered getting rid of him when he was only at the Fifth Grade.

Now that he has reached the Hua Jing realm, does that mean we can't eliminate him anymore?

Our Wuluan Mansion has no shortage of cultivators in the Middle and Perfect stages of the Hua Jing realm.

Do we really need to fear a novice Hua Jing realm cultivator?"

This person was actually on Fan Chengyan's side.

Everyone knew that eliminating an opponent was an excellent solution.

However, no one wanted to be the first to suggest it.

Dealing with Su Chen would come at a high cost, and there was even a chance that some elders might get injured.

Fan Chengyan was the one who had caused this predicament.

It would be inappropriate for her to propose this idea; it would be better for someone else to bring it up.

"Only through countless trials can one become a powerful cultivator.

For our Wuluan Mansion, this is an opportunity to temper ourselves.

Look at those top cultivators; who among them didn't grow through adversity and hardship?

When faced with threats, our disciples will encounter dangers.

But as long as they can endure these trials, the benefits they gain for their future will far surpass those of their peers."

As this elder finished speaking, another elder immediately stood up in agreement.

"Elder Li's words are spot on.

There's nothing wrong with what Elder Ping said.

Look at our mansion's disciples; many of them have been caught up with or even surpassed by their peers in recent years.

As one of Jin Kingdom's top sects, our younger generation lacks the vigor of our predecessors.

Without experiencing and facing challenges, how can they possibly take over in the future? Let's use this opportunity to temper the younger generation."

These elders were also on Fan Chengyan's side.

In their words, they completely ignored the threats and drawbacks of the situation.

Instead, they made it sound like a good thing.

"Elder Li and Elder Ping, you make it sound so easy.

Did you have to face enemies in the Hua Jing realm when you were young?

And not just any enemy, but one skilled in disguise and stealth attacks.

Didn't Wuluan Mansion provide you with a stable environment for cultivation back then?"

After these words, an elder beside him spoke with increased solemnity.

"The threat posed by Su Chen is just one part of the challenges we face.

The real trouble is far more extensive.

Haven't you considered that other sects might take advantage of this situation? Elder Fan has offended countless people over the years.

If they secretly take action against us and then blame it on Su Chen, do you think we can tell the difference? If we can't, do you think more and more forces will try to deal with us in this manner?"

This elder's words caused the atmosphere to turn colder.

If this was indeed the case, what could they do? Everyone had the ability to discern the truth, and this elder's prediction was a very real possibility.

The domineering Fan Chengyan had always maintained a strong facade.

However, there were countless people and forces who disliked her.

These individuals and forces likely lacked the courage to directly confront Fan Chengyan. After all, if Fan Chengyan were to go berserk, they wouldn't dare bear the consequences.

But now, with the distraction, even if they targeted Wuluan Mansion, they could shift the blame onto Su Chen. Unless they were caught red-handed, there was nothing they could do.

On Wuluan Mansion's side, it would be extremely difficult to identify who was behind the attack.

The great hall grew increasingly silent. The elders, who had been chattering earlier, now fell silent.

The threat Su Chen posed was far more complex than they had initially thought. The chain reaction triggered by a Hua Jing expert like him was the most terrifying.

As the master of the mansion, Hao Yuan had naturally considered this point long ago. He just hadn't wanted to bring it up before finding a solution.

Discussing it would only cause panic among the crowd. But now that someone had brought it up, they had to address it.

"Elder He's words have been heard by everyone here. The problems we face in Wuluan Mansion are far greater than what's apparent on the surface. Fortunately, we've already set up defense formations around the mansion, ensuring our sect's land is free from hidden dangers and worries."

Master Hao Yuan looked around at the crowd, not wanting to further dampen everyone's morale. He didn't intend to pressure them further today.

"As for how to resolve this matter, everyone should think it over. My current thought is to deal with Su Xing as soon as possible. The quicker we resolve him, the less likely our anticipated problems will occur. To achieve this, I ask the elders to utilize their connections and resources, and not let this matter drag on.

This young man was originally just an unknown martial artist from a small country. It's because we've been delaying and failing to unite. Even within the mansion, there's internal strife, which has led to today's crisis."

Hao Yuan's words displeased many of the elders present. It was clear he was siding with Fan Chengyan.

Before they could respond, Hao Yuan quickly shifted the topic. "Of course, the main reason still lies with Elder Fan. Over the years, Elder Fan, you should have reflected on how many people and forces you've offended. If Wuluan Mansion hadn't antagonized so many factions, we wouldn't be in such a passive position today.

All for the sake of momentary satisfaction, acting so arrogantly and domineering. It might have felt good at the time, but the consequences are far-reaching."

Hao Yuan looked at Fan Chengyan. At this moment, Fan Chengyan, known for her domineering attitude, seemed less so. In the past, she would have immediately retorted if criticized like this.

The others in the room also glanced at her, awaiting her reaction. From her response, everyone felt the seriousness of the situation.

Her calmness indicated that the situation was already out of control. "Starting today, Elder Fan, you should sort out which factions can be appeased. If it's just minor grudges, we'll pay a price to avoid disaster or swallow our pride to mend relationships. Reducing one enemy is a great benefit for us."

After speaking, Hao Yuan turned to look at Fan Chengyan, awaiting her response.

"Master, rest assured, I know what to do," Fan Chengyan replied, earning a satisfied nod from Hao Yuan. If she had dared to be defiant today, he would have taught her a lesson.

Fan Chengyan's concession in front of everyone eased the tension in the room. The master's words didn't seem entirely biased towards Fan Chengyan.

For now, the focus should be on resolving the problem, not internal strife. After the gathering dispersed, Fan Chengyan returned to her courtyard.

As soon as she entered, she kicked over a stone table nearby, startling the servants who quickly knelt before her.

"Where are Mo Yuanyuan and Liu Zheng? I sent them a letter some time ago, why haven't they returned? It's not like they're far away, are they refusing to come back to Wuluan Mansion?"

When in a bad mood, she tended to vent her frustrations on anything. Although Mo Yuanyuan and Liu Zheng weren't far away, they wouldn't be able to return until the next day at the earliest.

Fan Chengyan's questioning was somewhat unreasonable, she just wanted to vent. The servants in the courtyard remained silent, as they had no idea when Mo Yuanyuan and Liu Zheng would return.

Fan Chengyan was seething with anger. The thought of having to apologize to other factions made her feel miserable.

That feeling of humiliation was unbearable. The once-domineering Fan Chengyan couldn't imagine how much ridicule and mockery she would face if she apologized.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end