Chapter 174: Shoushan Sect’s Swag
Chapter 174: Shoushan Sect’s Swag
“Even Old Master Fan says so…”
Amidst the cheers of the common folks along Qingjiang, the Elders of the Five Great Sects sighed inwardly; the tide had truly turned against them.
Honestly, the moment they saw the overwhelming tide of popular support, they had already sensed what was coming. Yet, deep down, they clung to a sliver of hope, thinking that with Old Master Fan himself stepping in, perhaps this abnormal situation could be reversed. But now, seeing that even the venerable Elder echoed the people’s words, they all understood clearly: the matter was settled…
Elder Xiu of Leshui Sect glanced at Elder Ge of Nine Immortals Sect and slowly shook his head.
The meaning was plain: there was nothing left to argue.
Shoushan Sect had orchestrated such a massive spectacle; it was decided this would go their way. How could the Five Great Sects possibly withstand the fury of Qingjiang’s populace—let alone the wrath of this Old Master Fan—if they refused?
“Haha, Shoushan Sect possesses the heart to slay demons, and the Five Great Sects are equally duty-bound! This old man knows it well!”
Noticing the displeasure in the Five Sects’ Elders’ eyes, Old Master Fan chuckled warmly. “Any disagreements just now were merely minor differences in the demon-slaying plan. Why let such trifles harm the harmony of the Six Great Sects?”
The Five Great Sects’ Elders heard the placating tone in Elder Fan’s words, yet resentment still burned inside them.
Down below, the roars of the common folk surged like waves; hardly anyone paid attention to the Old Master’s words anymore.
Someone was still shouting: “Shoushan Sect is the best! The Five Great Sects? What are they even?”
Old Master Fan gestured for quiet, his smile gentler. “Since the people of my Qingjiang have all gathered to bear witness, this old man will speak plainly before them. I care not for how few or how many men you bring! I care not for the strength or weakness of your sect’s reputation! I care not even for your words! Only the result matters! The Demon Hound has committed heinous crimes. Slaying it merits great Merit! I shall not be stingy with rewards! Which of your Six Great Sects can hang the Demon Hound’s head upon Qingjiang City’s gates? To that sect, I promise a bounty of Three Hundred Thousand points of Merit!”
“Whoa…!”
The announcement made everyone freeze, above and below alike.
The common folks didn’t truly grasp what 300,000 Merit represented, but the sheer number alone sounded enormous.
The leaders of the Six Great Sects, however, inwardly gasped upon hearing “Three Hundred Thousand Merit.”
Initially, when Old Master Fan first mentioned the Demon Hound, he hadn’t set such a high Merit reward. But now, Shoushan Sect had stirred this affair into a massive public spectacle. Instead of halting it, the Elder Fan had simply… raised the stakes.
A full Three Hundred Thousand Merit!
Even for the Nine Immortals Sect, this was a figure impossible to ignore!
And for Shoushan Sect? With Three Hundred Thousand Merit, they could leap directly back into the ranks of the Six Great Sects!
…
…
“This…”
Inside the Dharma Ship, Young Sect Master Xu heard the number and gasped first, then couldn’t help but shake his head.
He smiled bitterly. “Old ginger is hot after all. Elder Fang, you created such momentum, seemingly pushing the Five Great Sects’ reputations into the mud. But the Elder’s single sentence reframed the whole affair. Ultimately, it will be decided by which of the Six Great Sects actually manages to take the demon’s head!”
He left the rest unsaid: Shoushan Sect had created so much hype, gaining overwhelming prestige.
If, in the end, they failed to claim that dog’s head, they might end up looking even worse before the people.
Looking at how things unfolded, Shoushan Sect gained enemies, the Five Great Sects suffered reputational damage, and the only one truly benefiting? Only this Old Master Fan. His reputation was already immense. After this? He might truly be pushed onto the pedestal of a “Sage”!
“Old Master Fan’s prestige was already sky-high. What harm if it climbs a little higher?”
Fang Cun remained noncommittal, chuckling lightly. “After all, no one grows wings to fly to the very highest peak… what comes next is the fall…”
Young Sect Master Xu suddenly remembered the arrangements Fang Cun had made earlier and couldn’t help but shiver.
…
…
“Since we have the Old Master’s promise, we will naturally exert ourselves to the utmost!”
High above Qingjiang City, the Elders of the various sects exchanged looks and eventually nodded their assent.
The massive pressure from the assembled populace, combined with Elder Fan’s unprecedented offer of Three Hundred Thousand Merit, left the Five Great Sects with no other choice. No matter how they looked at it, they had no remaining grounds to refuse the demon-slaying duty…
The tide was unstoppable. The joint demon-slaying expedition of the Six Great Sects was inevitable!
Though the expressions on their faces made it quite clear they weren’t happy about how this had turned out.
“Haha, excellent! This old man shall wait here to host a feast in honor of your success!”
Seeing the great sects agree, Old Master Fan was immensely pleased. He threw his head back and laughed heartily, even promising a celebratory banquet.
“Haha! Thanks to Old Master Fan presiding with fairness here! Shoushan Sect offers gratitude first!”
Elders Green Pine and Cold Stone also beamed with excitement, seemingly oblivious to any pitfalls the Elder Fan might have set, as if the 300,000 Merit was already safely in their grasp. They almost acted as if Shoushan Sect was the core leader of this Six-Sects coalition. They laughed uproariously in mid-air, cupped their fists at the populace, and threw out their arms: “Six Great Sects! Let us depart!”
The Five Great Sects’ Elders listened to this bossy command, forcibly quelling the urge to strike them down.
All wearing icy expressions, they shook their sleeves and summoned their own disciples.
Nine Immortals Sect had brought seven disciples, all of Light Condensation Realm.
Leshui Sect brought four Light Condensation Realm disciples and ten Foundation Building Realm disciples.
Yun Huan Sect sent four female disciples adorned in black, red, green, and purple gowns…
…
…
The two Shoushan Sect Elders took one look and practically burst out laughing: “Heh? You brought this few people?”
Instantly, the Five Great Sects’ Elders shot furious looks at them, with some even rolling up their sleeves…
You bloody fools pretend ignorance once more, just try us!
Sure, we brought few disciples, but isn’t each of ours stronger than your Shoushan Sect lot?
Down below, the common folk were suddenly “reminded” by the Shoushan Elders. They stared in surprise, then quickly started counting.
A renewed wave of goodwill flushed towards Shoushan Sect:
“So that’s why they hid immediately! They barely brought anyone!”
“Yeah! Shoushan Sect alone brought so many disciples, all up in the sky, openly displayed! Much more impressive…”
“Shameless! Despicable…”
“Shoushan Sect is great! The Five Great Sects…”
“…”
“…”
“These two Shoushan Sect elders muddying the waters… truly a disgrace to Qi Refiners…”
“This was your Shoushan Sect grabbing the lead and taking charge! Why should we send more men?
“Disciples on expedition—the Merit, rewards, even healing medicine, death benefits… is that coming from you?”
Amidst the chorus of jeers from below, the Five Great Sects’ Elders couldn’t very well argue with ordinary folks. Fuming internally, they gritted their teeth. Nine Immortals Sect’s Elder Ge, seeing Green Pine and Cold Stone’s smug expressions, felt his control over his cloud qi slipping. He angrily flicked his sleeve and sharply commanded: “Disciples of Nine Immortals! Mount your clouds! To Crow Mountain! Slay demons and purge evil!”
“As you command, Elder!”
Behind him, the Nine Immortals disciples loudly acknowledged. Their auras radiated might as they channeled their Magical Power, weaving strands of cloud qi together. In moments, clustered clouds merged into a formation like a small mountain peak. Though less than ten in number, the disciples, each brandishing a Magic Treasure and standing upon the cloud mass, radiated such potent immortal might that it seemed to dim the sun overhead, leaving the onlookers awestruck.
The common folk witnessing this felt a sudden tremor. Though Nine Immortals brought few disciples, they surely looked impressive!
“Disciples of Leshui! Follow this old man!”
Before the thought even settled, Elder Xiu of Leshui Sect understood Elder Ge’s intent upon seeing his command. He deftly formed a hand seal, flicked his sleeve, and a golden streak shot out—a Golden Talisman. It expanded upon contact with the wind, shining with radiant golden light, fantastical and real. It transformed into a massive golden sheet nearly ten meters long and seven meters wide, hovering mid-air like a golden carpet.
All the Leshui Sect disciples leaped onto the talisman, standing firm against the wind. Dressed in deep blue scholar’s robes, they looked exceptionally refined and ethereal.
The people below who saw this also couldn’t help but admire inwardly: Leshui Sect wasn’t half bad either…
The female Elder of Yun Huan Sect, dressed as a Daoist nun, found the display by Nine Immortals and Leshui amusing. She giggled and produced a golden bell. A clear, crisp cry sounded immediately. A small black dot raced from the distant sky, growing steadily larger as it approached—revealing itself as a massive peacock shimmering with iridescent blue on its head and vibrant rainbow wings! Its wings spread out, shadowing the sky and ground like a small mountain.
The disciples flew onto the peacock’s back, glancing around, hands covering their mouths in giggles, clearly feeling a sense of honor.
…
…
The Five Great Sects each unveiled their spectacular sights and techniques, providing an incredible show that awed the masses of Qingjiang City. Previously, public feeling leaned towards disdain for these Sects. But witnessing such wondrous displays, a tinge of awe and admiration welled up within them. Though the Shoushan disciples had brilliant clothes, gleaming swords, and superior numbers, they couldn’t quite eclipse the others’ splendor.
“Haha, let’s go!”
Satisfied with the populace’s reaction, the Five Great Sects’ Elders chuckled, mutually signaling before flying swiftly ahead.
This upstart Shoushan Sect, trying to grab everything, seeking fame… it was laughable…
Nothing more than shallow roots!
In Qingjiang, which of the great sects lacked a heritage far deeper than this pitifully small Shoushan Sect?
“Haha! The Five Great Sects are finally showing a bit of sincerity! This old man feels gratified!”
But just at that moment, as the Five Great Sects seized the limelight, pulling back the favor Shoushan Sect had briefly won, eliciting countless murmurs of admiration from the populace below… the two Shoushan Sect Elders puffed out their chests and returned to their Dharma Ship. They exchanged a look, both breaking into satisfied smiles, radiating pure contentment. Then, with a grand flourish of his arm…
WHOOSH!
A colossal flag unfurled wildly from the Dharma Ship!
Over ten meters tall and three meters wide! Purple designs on a black field, bordered with gold and silver, snapping fiercely in the wind!
“SHOUSHAN!”
With one majestic billow of this banner, an air of divine authority spread.
All at once, the Five Great Sects’ disciples and their impressive displays… instantly looked like mere hangers-on surrounding it.
The Five Great Sects’ Elders: “…………”
Young Sect Master Xu: “………………”
The common folk of Qingjiang City: “Indeed… Shoushan Sect has more swag……”