Chapter 1739: Lesser Yang (I)

But Minghui merely shook his head and sighed bitterly. "Daoist Master, you do not understand. This path to death does not lead to true death... Sometimes, the path to death is the only path to survival. If I do not die now, I will truly perish later!"

Daoist Master Changyun was a shrewd man. That single remark was enough for him to gather some idea of Minghui's predicament. He lowered his eyes in thought, still somewhat uncertain. "If that is what you have in mind... It is not as though there are no Purple Mansion Realm cultivators of Song before Shanji. I hear you are sent out on missions every day. How difficult could it be to find an opportunity to die?"

Minghui shook his head again and replied, "Daoist Master, you do not understand. Gongsun Bei and Ch'i Lanyan are currently at Profound Peak Gate. Although they never intervene, they keep a close eye on my clashes with Tinglan. At most, this humble monk can sustain a few injuries. Where would I find an opportunity to die...

"But if I fail to die and sustain many injuries instead, will my chances of preserving my life not be even slimmer when the true calamity arrives..."

Changyun nodded slightly. If there truly were some means of escaping this predicament, how could he possibly know more than Minghui, an accomplished Buddhist cultivator?

Minghui had clearly come because he needed something from him, so Changyun asked, "What does the Maha require of me? Please tell me."

Sure enough, Minghui replied quietly, "I came south to this place years ago at the request of the Great Mahayana Dharma Realm. Now that I cannot extricate myself, I naturally turned to them to resolve this calamity. Yet after waiting all this time, the one sent by the Great Mahayana Dharma Realm... turned out to be... Guangchan..."

Minghui's expression darkened at the mention of Guangchan. Changyun, meanwhile, appeared thoughtful and asked, "The Bright Yang descendant who took his seat in the [Jeweled Fang Golden Land] after the [Undefeated King of Brightness]..."

Minghui stared at him blankly, seemingly surprised. Then he suddenly recalled that the man before him had already visited the Pavilion of Profound Order and might have encountered quite a few Buddhist cultivators there.

He nodded. "That is him... The Great Mahayana Dharma Realm acquired the [Jeweled Fang Golden Land] and expanded its Buddhist land, while he became one of the lord's favorites... Yet precisely because his Ground of Non-Retrogression lies within [Jeweled Fang Golden Land], he feels little affinity for the [Great Mahayana Dharma Realm] and does not approve of its teachings... There is simply no common ground between us!"

A troubled look appeared on his face, but Changyun shook his head and said quietly, "I think there is more to it than that... You are intent on protecting yourself, and your esteemed temple does not wish to become involved in Bright Yang's fall. He came south for the White Qilin, so how could the two of you possibly find common ground? He would prefer that you die at the hands of the south and drag your esteemed temple into the conflict."

Seeing that Changyun understood the situation perfectly, Minghui said nothing further and began flattering him. "Your insight is truly remarkable, Daoist Master... I am currently caught in the most difficult position... It was only when I learned that you were heading south that I saw a chance to turn things around. Once you are serving under Ch'i Lanyan, I dare not hope that you will have me transferred to your command, but at the very least, when you clash with the south... I hope you can offer me some assistance."

His emotions swelled as he spoke, and he pleaded anxiously, "Daoist Master, you are the only person I can rely on!"

Changyun gave no indication of whether he agreed. He merely examined the Maha before him.

The great tide has only begun to rise, and the time has yet to arrive. Jiangbei may appear impregnable while the south can only defend and cannot attack, but human strength has its limits. How could it contend with my lord's methods?

As True Essence continues to ascend and Bright Yang grows ever more unstable, Jiangbei will become increasingly difficult to hold. My lord made his arrangements long ago, so my opportunity will inevitably come...

Before then, however, I will inevitably have to bow my head to the Pavilion of Profound Order... If I rely solely on myself, there is no telling how Ch'i Lanyan might scheme against me. The Lotus Temple has no desire to throw the world into turmoil and only wishes to retreat north, so it would be convenient to secure them as an ally...

After pondering for a while, Changyun rose and said, "You and I have been friends for many years... It is not that I cannot help you, but rather that I have plans of my own. If I save your life on this journey, I will need you to yield to me in the future."

Both men spoke as though they were closer than anyone, invoking their many years of friendship and their deep bond. Yet they both understood the other's nature. They also knew that pure friendship was rare between Purple Mansion Realm cultivators with divine abilities, much less those belonging to different factions. At its core, their relationship was still an exchange of interests.

Yet it was precisely because they understood each other so well that Changyun spoke frankly, while Minghui responded with equal solemnity. Raising his hand, he declared, "If you save my life, Fellow Daoist, I will owe you this destiny. How could I possibly stand by and let you die? Today, I swear upon my [Great Compassion Virtuous Lotus World Way] that I will repay you generously in the future!"

"Repay me generously..."

Changyun's expression turned peculiar, and he shook his head. "I do not particularly dare to trust the generous repayment of a Buddhist cultivator... Years ago, the master of the Emptiness Dao failed in his pursuit of the Dao, and the various factions took advantage of his misfortune. The Buddhist land collapsed, and Zhelu fled through Longdao... He received aid from [Auspicious Plaque Gate], but once he became the master of the Emptiness Dao, he hurried over and forcibly converted every last member of their gate... What a generous repayment indeed..."

Buddhist cultivators had a poor reputation, after all, and such incidents were hardly uncommon. Minghui was left deeply embarrassed and began cursing Zhelu, but Changyun paid him no mind.

Once my lord's scheme closes its net and I reveal my identity, I will have no need to worry about you failing to honor your promise!

Minghui, meanwhile, had calculations of his own. Master told me to seek out Changyun, so this fellow must possess something valuable that can protect me when the time comes... If all this maneuvering truly leaves me with nowhere to retreat, master will intervene in the end. One way or another, I must make things difficult for those two bastards...

The two quickly reached an agreement, each harboring his own designs. Minghui lowered his voice and whispered, "I considered this long ago. Once the conflict between north and south erupts, everything will hinge on two people. The first... is Yang Ruiyi. The second is Li Zhouwei."

This monk usually appeared frivolous and carefree, but his eyes were exceptionally clear at the moment. "I may be sent to fight Yang Ruiyi. More likely still, they will leave me alone on the path he is certain to take! As for you, fellow Daoist... your assignment will probably involve Yang Ruiyi as well."

His expression darkened. "After all, judging by the current situation, Ch'i Lanyan has set his sights on Li Zhouwei. The ones sent to fight him will inevitably be people like Gongsun Bei and Guangchan, who will not rest until he is dead. If Ch'i Lanyan sent you, he would certainly worry that you might not exert yourself fully... Against Yang Ruiyi, however, you would have no choice but to fight for your own survival."

Changyun nodded as Minghui continued, "Yang Ruiyi commands [Banished Essence] and will most likely be able to conceal every trace of his movements, allowing him to reach the north undetected and kill me with ease.

“My master will observe the great void with his great mana. Although he certainly will not be able to discern the movements of [Banished Essence], he will still be able to see me. The moment all traces of me disappear, he will immediately inform you!

"I am confident that I can protect myself for a short while. But you must come and save me, fellow Daoist..."

Changyun nodded slightly, settling the matter. Only then did Minghui take a jade slip from his sleeve and hand it to Changyun. He raised his brows and said, "Daoist Master Ch'i instructed me to bring this to you."

Changyun raised his brows and examined the jade slip, only to find it completely empty under his spiritual sense, without a single word inside. It was only after he opened the jade slip that he saw a line written in ink across its gleaming white surface.

The time to carve out territory and receive an enfeoffment is now. If you remain hidden within your gate, how will you repay the favor bestowed upon you from above?

Changyun sneered inwardly, So even you, Ch'i, have begun playing with fire. This 'above' of yours refers to my family's True Monarch, does it not? Very well, very well. Mock him while you still can. Wei Xuanyin will inevitably attain the Dao. When that day comes, let us see who will protect you.

Minghui kept his eyes lowered toward the table and his mouth shut as the Daoist Master smiled. "How rare. Daoist Master Ch'i has actually begun showing concern for me, worried that I might betray Lord Wei's trust!"

Minghui had no desire to become involved in their dispute. Thus, he only murmured his agreement and did not linger. After informing Changyun of the deadline for him and the disciples of Chengyun Gate to head south, he entered the great void and departed.

Changyun watched him disappear into the distance. He remained standing on the platform for a long time, pondering before he muttered, "Li Zhouwei has already attained two divine abilities... The Pavilion of Profound Order was too ruthless this time. He will need at least five or six years to recover... Ch'i Lanyan does intend to delay Bright Yang's fall..."

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