Chapter 495: Making a Decision Is Difficult |
Within the current Endless Sea of Sand, there are three Gold Core forces.
After their disastrous defeat, the Northern Desert Qi Family is on the decline, and their influence remains confined to the Northern Desert, posing little threat to the Flying Swan Sect.
More importantly, the Northern Desert Qi Family is a branch of the Middle-Earth Continent's influential Qi Family. Even if the main Qi Family does not care about its exiled branch, True Monarch Qi Mingyuan has been supporting the Northern Desert Qi Family.
Though the Flying Swan Sect is dominant, they dare not ignore a Primordial Spirit True Monarch. Without a special reason, there is no need for the Flying Swan Sect to completely exterminate the Qi Family.
Taiyi Sect, as a rising Gold Core sect, has learned from the experiences of the Forest Spring Watch and Earthfire Sect. Previously, the Flying Swan Sect was weak and under external pressure, leading them to seek an alliance with Taiyi Sect.
Now, Taiyi Sect's value as an ally has decreased, especially with Meng Zhang establishing the Hanhai Alliance openly opposing the Flying Swan Sect. If the Flying Swan Sect wants to regain its prestige, they might consider targeting Taiyi Sect, given their resources.
Despite experiencing multiple setbacks, the Flying Swan Sect's overall strength remains far superior to Taiyi Sect, particularly in terms of high-end combat power, as they possess four Gold Core Daoist Masters. On the other hand, Taiyi Sect only has Meng Zhang himself to rely on since Qin Hongying is not up to par.
Meng Zhang couldn't believe how quickly the situation had changed since Wu Mingwei formed his core, resulting in a major shift in the balance of power.
This goes to show the influence of top Cultivators in the Cultivation World. The addition of a single Gold Core Daoist Master is enough to alter the power dynamics of an entire region.
Gu Yue Huaidie and Luo YeDaoist Master had already left the Endless Sea of Sand, and before departing, they informed Meng Zhang that they would no longer get involved in the conflicts in the region.
If Taiyi Sect faces extreme danger, Luo YeDaoist Master might offer assistance, but Gu Yue Huaidie is not a reliable option. Firstly, she must consider her family's position, as the Gu Yue Family wouldn't easily become enemies with the Flying Swan Sect. Secondly, despite having fought together, her relationship with Meng Zhang is not strong enough for her to directly oppose the Flying Swan Sect.
The more Meng Zhang contemplated, the more he felt the great threat posed by the Flying Swan Sect.
With no other options, he decided to make a special visit to the Qiaoshou Sect to find Jin Qiao'er and request her help in contacting her master, Jin LiDaoist Master, to deliver a letter on his behalf.
If Jin LiDaoist Master, a powerful late-stage Gold Core expert, was willing to speak up, it might make the Flying Swan Sect think twice.
Meng Zhang did not stay long at the Qiaoshou Sect and returned to the Grand Lion Ridge. A few days later, Jin Qiao'er arrived with a message from Jin LiDaoist Master.
Jin LiDaoist Master made it clear that he would not interfere in the matters between the Flying Swan Sect and Taiyi Sect. They must resolve their own issues.
Jin LiDaoist Master's response disappointed Meng Zhang. If the Flying Swan Sect were to attack Taiyi Sect, how could Taiyi Sect resist without any support?
Seeing Meng Zhang's visible disappointment, Jin Qiao'er promised to approach Jin LiDaoist Master again to seek her help.
This made Meng Zhang feel a little embarrassed, as he had now incurred another favor.
Shortly after Jin Qiao'er left the Grand Lion Ridge, another unexpected guest secretly arrived.
This visitor surprised Meng Zhang greatly, prompting him to activate the Third Rank Hu Mountain Great Formation, the Metal Wind Violent Flame Formation, in preparation to meet the guest.
"Daoist Master Scarlet Flame, how dare you come here? Aren't you afraid that I'll keep you here? Without you, Fire Cloud Sect won't have it easy," Meng Zhang spoke cautiously.
As a mid-stage Gold Core cultivator, Daoist Master Scarlet Flame's cultivation base was higher than Meng Zhang's, but within the Third Rank Hu Mountain Great Formation, both were in a precarious situation.
Daoist Master Scarlet Flame seemed unconcerned and replied, "Daoist Master Meng, there's no need for empty words. Are you truly willing to have an irreconcilable enmity with my Fire Cloud Sect for the Flying Swan Sect?"
Meng Zhang paused, realizing that Taiyi Sect and Fire Cloud Sect had no prior grievances. The hostility between Taiyi Sect and Fire Cloud Sect was due to their association with the Flying Swan Sect.
"What benefits can Taiyi Sect gain by aligning itself with the Flying Swan Sect?" Daoist Master Scarlet Flame continued, "Before Taiyi Sect, the Forest Spring Watch and Earthfire Sect had Gold Core Daoist Masters, yet they still met unfortunate ends. You should be well aware of the Flying Swan Sect's ruthless methods."
Daoist Master Scarlet Flame's words made Meng Zhang hesitate. The Fire Cloud Sect had a long heritage and profound background, surpassing that of the Flying Swan Sect. Although they were currently at a disadvantage due to a rough start, their potential to reverse the situation couldn't be underestimated.
If Daoist Master Scarlet Flame was truthful, the Fire Cloud Sect now possessed the strength to confront the Flying Swan Sect directly.
Wu Mingwei's core formation demonstrated the Flying Swan Sect's power to Meng Zhang, teaching him not to underestimate these ancient Gold Core sects. The Flying Swan Sect had True Monarch Tian Zhu behind them, while the Fire Cloud Sect had True Monarch Profound Wind.
With Meng Zhang's current strength and vision, he wasn't qualified to judge the power comparison between True Monarchs. According to Jin LiDaoist Master's previous words, True Monarch Tian Zhu seemed to be significantly stronger than True Monarch Profound Wind.
However, True Monarch Profound Wind was an influential figure within the Jiuqu League. While the other Primordial Spirit True Monarchs of the Jiuqu League seemed to be avoiding any involvement in the conflict between True Monarch Tian Zhu and True Monarch Profound Wind, it was hard to say what would happen in reality.
If the critical moment arrived, and several Primordial Spirit True Monarchs of the Jiuqu League joined forces, even a renowned powerhouse like True Monarch Tian Zhu might not be able to withstand them.
Not to mention the vast power gap between the Jiuqu League and the Flying Swan Sect, making it even more apparent that Meng Zhang should not take these ancient Gold Core sects lightly.
Jiuqu League could easily crush the Flying Swan Sect with just a little finger. Seeing that Meng Zhang was moved by his words, Daoist Master Scarlet Flame did not push further but instead spoke calmly, "I've said all I need to say. Please think carefully about your next steps, Daoist Master Meng. No matter what decision you make, as long as Taiyi Sect does not actively oppose the Fire Cloud Sect, we will not treat Taiyi Sect as an enemy. One last reminder, True Monarch Tian Zhu behind the Flying Swan Sect did not originate from the righteous path of cultivators. In recent years, he has deviated further and become more unbearable. Under his influence, the Flying Swan Sect has fallen into the path of evil, and sooner or later, righteous cultivators will take issue with them."
"Don't rush your decision, Daoist Master Meng. Take your time to consider. Whenever you are ready, you can come find me. I will warmly welcome you," Daoist Master Scarlet Flame said before leaving.
Meng Zhang naturally did not use the power of the mountain protection formation to stop him but allowed him to depart freely. As he watched Daoist Master Scarlet Flame's figure receding, Meng Zhang fell into deep contemplation.
Daoist Master Scarlet Flame's unexpectedly mild attitude was not as fiery and arrogant as the rumors had suggested. Meng Zhang had personally witnessed the hot temper of the Earthfire Sect cultivators, who also focused on fire-based techniques like the Fire Cloud Sect cultivators. However, Daoist Master Scarlet Flame did not act aggressively; instead, he patiently reasoned with Meng Zhang. Everything he said was based on facts.
Facing the direct threat from the Flying Swan Sect, it seemed logical for Taiyi Sect to ally with the Fire Cloud Sect. If the Fire Cloud Sect's three Gold Core Daoist Masters had truly recovered, their strength might not be weaker than the Flying Swan Sect's. Transitioning to the Fire Cloud Sect would not burden Meng Zhang mentally. In the Cultivation World, shifting alliances were common.
Taiyi Sect could undoubtedly gain many benefits from aligning with the Fire Cloud Sect, but Meng Zhang, with his cautious nature, would need sufficient guarantees before fully committing. As for the words about righteousness and evil spoken by Daoist Master Scarlet Flame, Meng Zhang simply disregarded them as nonsense.
Many years ago, Taiyi Sect had already abandoned the Forest Spring Watch and joined the Flying Swan Sect. Changing allegiances once again was not a problem for Meng Zhang. However, for some reason, he felt uneasy about it. Seemingly straightforward decisions often hid unknown dangers.
After Daoist Master Scarlet Flame's departure, Meng Zhang secretly called several Taiyi Sect elders to discuss the matter together. Whether to align with the Fire Cloud Sect or maintain a hostile stance was a crucial choice.
The elders had differing opinions. Some believed that since the Flying Swan Sect was currently dominant, Taiyi Sect should follow the trend and ally with the Fire Cloud Sect to protect themselves. Others opposed this idea, arguing that the Flying Swan Sect had not shown any signs of attacking Taiyi Sect, and Taiyi Sect shouldn't scare themselves unnecessarily. The Flying Swan Sect might be stronger now, but they still needed Taiyi Sect's strength, especially considering the presence of the Northern Desert Qi Family and the pressure from the Fire Cloud Sect.
The elders debated vigorously. Yang Xueyi, Wen Qiansun, Hu Jing, Zheng Chao, and others were all younger than Meng Zhang but remained somewhat restrained in his presence.
Meng Zhang himself couldn't decide and sought the elders' advice. However, with their differing opinions, he was left without a clear direction.
As days passed, Meng Zhang became more and more frustrated with his inability to make a decision. Just when he felt the need to use his Grand Evolving Fortune to calculate and decide whether Taiyi Sect should join the Fire Cloud Sect, Jin Qiao'er arrived at the Grand Lion Ridge with some good news.
Jin Qiao'er had contacted her master, Jin LiDaoist Master, after leaving and brought back a message for Meng Zhang. Jin LiDaoist Master spent most of her time in the Deadly Sea of Sand, and it was not easy for even a Gold Core Daoist Master like Meng Zhang to meet her. However, as Jin Qiao'er was Jin LiDaoist Master's favored disciple, she could easily reach her and discuss important matters.
Jin Qiao'er wasted no time in meeting her master and asked for her help to resolve Meng Zhang's troubles. Jin LiDaoist Master's words were meant to put Meng Zhang's mind at ease. She explained that Flying Swan Sect's current strength recovery should not be Taiyi Sect's primary concern; instead, they should be wary of the Northern Desert Qi Family.
Until the Northern Desert Qi Family was dealt with, Taiyi Sect had no need to worry. Jin Qiao'er relayed Jin LiDaoist Master's words in detail, trying to clarify Meng Zhang's confusion.
However, half of the explanations came from Jin LiDaoist Master's original message, and the other half were the information Jin Qiao'er had received from her master on other occasions.
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