Chapter 175: Always Good Guesses?

“All sects of Qingjiang Prefecture, follow we of Shoushan Sect, to eradicate demons and evil spirits…”

After raising the big banner, the two Elders of Shoushan Sect chuckled heartily. The Dharma Ship swayed as it flew unsteadily forward, carrying the banner. Hearing the command, the surrounding disciples each activated their cultivation power. The glow of their swords beneath their feet shone as brightly as lightning, intertwining as they surged ahead. They formed a protective guard around the Dharma Ship. In an instant, dazzling sword glows, like flashes of lightning, wove together guarding the Dharma Ship, flanking the grand banner. Regardless of whether the Five Great Sects had their Golden Talismans or Divine Birds, they were abruptly made to look small and insignificant. They all appeared simple and honest, merely playing supporting roles beside the banner…

The other Five Great Sects, looking at that ridiculously conspicuous banner, were collectively speechless.

That damned Shoushan Sect! Even at a time like this, they still remember to steal the spotlight?

They exchanged helpless glances. Seeing Shoushan Sect was about to disappear into the distance, their hearts filled with reluctance, they had no choice but to follow…

Behind them, the common folk of Qingjiang Prefecture found this exceptionally new and exciting, as if celebrating the New Year. They loudly cheered, applauded, and offered encouragement. Some wished Shoushan Sect success in vanquishing the demons, shouting loudly, “Shoushan Sect is the best!” Judging by the scene, not only had Shoushan Sect visibly become the leader among the prefectures of Qingjiang, but it had also secured the number one spot in the hearts of the people.

…

“Heh, if all the sects were like Shoushan Sect, taking eradicating demons as their duty,” Old Master Fan also stood on the city wall, his face gentle and gratified, smiling as he watched the sects depart.

The old servant beside him was also smiling, but a glint of something thoughtful seemed to flicker in his eyes. He lowered his voice and said to Old Master Fan, “Shoushan Sect has indeed suddenly gained immense prestige now. However, they leveraged your esteemed reputation to boost themselves; it’s somewhat disrespectful. I doubt this tactic originated from the young Sect Master Xu of Shoushan Sect. It must be that Second Young Master Fang’s crafty idea…”

Old Master Fan maintained his smile. “After all, that boy Fang is a junior of mine. Even if he oversteps a little, as long as his heart is in the right place, naturally, I would forgive him for his elder brother’s sake. Moreover, there might be things we might need him for in the future…”

“Only you, Old Master, are so magnanimous and benevolent, forgiving because of sentiment!” the old servant chuckled. “However, whether they can obtain those 300,000 Merit is entirely up to their own ability!”

Old Master Fan lightly shook his head. “This 300,000 Merit? I fear it won’t be so easily acquired.”

The old servant was slightly taken aback. He looked at Old Master Fan and gave a pained smile. “This old servant fails to grasp the reasoning…”

Old Master Fan laughed softly. “It is easy for Shoushan Sect to take the lead. Taking on full responsibility is not difficult. Even accumulating a bit of prestige isn’t too hard. But is that Demon Hound of Crow Mountain so easily eradicated? And the Five Great Sects – are they really the type to swallow this humiliation willingly?”

“My assessment is that Shoushan Sect might have come up with a good idea, but instead of reaping benefits, they might suffer a significant loss…”

“However,” he continued calmly, “it is precisely when they suffer losses that these youngsters might learn some discretion… understand who truly wishes them well…”

The old servant looked full of admiration. “Indeed, the Old Master is truly wise…”

…

At that very moment, the members of the Five Great Sects, reluctantly following Shoushan Sect out of the city, were equally filled with resentment.

“That Old Scholar! Master of plastering things over like a slick wall! Did he mistake us for fools?”

The unveiling of the 300,000 Merit prize did cause many disciples among the Five Great Sects to momentarily crave it. Seizing the Merit wouldn’t just render a great service to their sect; it would also humiliate Shoushan Sect. It would vent the foul feelings lingering from today’s events!

However, being Elders of the Five Great Sects, they also saw things on a deeper level.

They understood that the 300,000 Merit was substantial, but it wasn’t so easily grasped!

The head of that Crow Mountain Demon Hound wasn’t a ball casually tossed on the ground; it wasn’t a matter of first come, first served.

Even with the combined effort of the Six Great Sects, it would require setting traps and formations for a coordinated siege. No single sect could accomplish this feat alone. This inevitable chaos meant that even if one sect managed to secure the Demon Hound’s head, they couldn’t monopolize the 300,000 Merit. Other sects would immediately claim their share: “My contribution to breaching the defenses! My forces distracted the enemy! We killed far more minor demons!” How could such a verbal battle be resolved?

And if it truly escalated to that point, the faction most likely to benefit was, without a doubt, Shoushan Sect.

They had already claimed the greater share of the glory. The common folk of Qingjiang Prefecture wholeheartedly believed Shoushan Sect held the firmest resolve to eradicate demons. Even if Shoushan Sect didn’t deliver the final blow to the Demon Hound, leveraging their established reputation and initiative, they could still forcibly extract a significant portion of the Merit from this campaign…

How could we five great sects allow such an advantage to be enjoyed so easily?

Therefore, through exchanged glances, the elders quickly reached a silent understanding and surreptitiously sent messages back to their respective sect headquarters.

Subduing the demon was inevitable, but how exactly should it be executed?

…

“That banner… is truly… rather awe-inspiring!”

Inside the cabin of Shoushan Sect’s Dharma Ship, Young Sect Master Xu gazed at the enormous banner, utterly dumbfounded. He then looked directly at Fang Cun.

Fang Cun himself wore an expression of deep contemplation. Seeing Young Sect Master Xu’s questioning gaze, he hastily waved a hand. “Don’t look at me! This idea wasn’t mine. If I had insisted on such a banner, well, at the very least, I certainly wouldn’t have added those gaudy gold edges…”

“Although,” he continued, looking slightly perplexed, “I genuinely didn’t expect Shoushan Sect to command such a spectacular spotlight this time. The common folk will scarcely forget us now. However…”

He paused briefly, casting a glance at Fang Cun before lowering his voice. “Second Young Master Fang, we are past polite talk. The Five Great Sects are unlikely to suffer this significant loss lightly. Despite being pressured by circumstances to join this demon-slaying expedition, I suspect… I suspect they have no intention of simply accepting this disadvantage…”

“Be confident!”

Fang Cun met Young Sect Master Xu’s gaze. “Remove the word ‘suspect’. They absolutely did not intend to tolerate this outcome!”

Young Sect Master Xu’s expression instantly tightened. “Huh?”

“When dealing with people, one must be understanding. Think from their perspective!”

Fang Cun spoke with calm detachment. “The Five Great Sects are longstanding, prominent powers in Qingjiang, deeply rooted. Yet today, Shoushan Sect suddenly snatched away their thunder. Furthermore, the initiative for slaying the Demon Hound lies entirely with us. How could the Five Great Sects possibly be comfortable with this situation? Given their discomfort, what action do you suppose they would take to vent their frustration?”

Young Sect Master Xu frowned slightly. “Race to kill the Demon Hound themselves? Claim the 300,000 Merit? To shame our Shoushan Sect?”

“That outcome,” Fang Cun chuckled lightly, shaking his head, “is precisely what Old Master Fan anticipated. It might even be the main reason he offered the 300,000 Merit!”

“But even if they succeeded in that tactic,” Fang Cun continued, his smile unwavering, “Shoushan Sect would still claim a portion of the Merit. After all, even if the Demon Hound wasn’t slain by us, who could definitively assert Shoushan Sect contributed nothing? The campaign was initiated solely by our insistence. Regardless of the killer, the overall credit, the prestige, would still undeniably belong to Shoushan Sect…”

He gave another small smile. “Therefore, do you truly believe the ambition—the vision—of the Five Great Sects would be so… limited?”

Young Sect Master Xu froze for a heartbeat, his voice turning grave. “Then… what do you believe they will do?”

Fang Cun’s smile faded into contemplative seriousness. “If I were in their position, I would disregard the 300,000 Merit entirely.” He held up a finger for emphasis. “The Merit tied to the Demon Hound remains; it won’t vanish. It will be claimed eventually, sooner or later. Instead…” his gaze sharpened, “…I would choose extreme detachment. Cold indifference. Actively allowing this punitive expedition to fail…”

His tone grew colder. “Under such circumstances, Shoushan Sect would inevitably suffer a devastating setback. Forget being officially reinstated as the Sixth Great Sect this selection cycle—recovery might well span the next three-year cycle, or even the one after that. Following such a high-profile failure, the entire populace of Qingjiang would learn anew the fearsome power of the Demon Hound. Old Master Fan would have no choice but to plead for their assistance. At that juncture…” Fang Cun paused significantly, “…far more than 300,000 Merit would likely be within their grasp.”

“They… they wouldn’t carry out such ruthlessness?” Young Sect Master Xu’s voice carried a mix of disbelief and rising anger. He clenched his fists. “Exterminating demons is a matter of paramount importance! How could personal grievances justify standing by and permitting failure?”

Unspoken thoughts swirled in his mind: Who knew how long it would be before another attempt could be mounted if this one failed? More critically: failure would mean catastrophic losses for Shoushan Sect. Heavy casualties among the disciples. Could they truly stand aside, calmly watching Shoushan Sect disciples march to their deaths?

Fang Cun’s expression remained unnervingly serene. “On many occasions,” his voice held a quiet, measured weight, “…I, too, hope that my predictions are wrong.”

At that very moment, outside the cabin, Yu Qingli arrived holding a scroll.

“The battle array diagram discussed by the Five Sects has been delivered!”

Unfurling the diagram, Fang Cun and Young Sect Master Xu examined it together. Fang Cun smiled faintly. Young Sect Master Xu’s face flushed with shock and fury.

“The Jia-Chou position!” Young Sect Master Xu hissed, barely containing his rage. “That’s the main array point in the Six Ding-Six Jia formation! They deliberately assign us there?” He jabbed a finger at the map. “According to this diagram, we’d effectively command the main frontal assault. We alone would absorb pressure from two directions simultaneously! Retreat? There would be no path of retreat left! Meanwhile…” his voice grew colder, “…the Five Great Sects occupy key defensive positions surrounding the flanks. They can advance to steal credit or withdraw for self-preservation as they please…” His expression twisted. “This diagram… This diagram practically dooms Shoushan Sect to complete annihilation!”

…

Meanwhile, the Elders of the Five Great Sects watched as the scroll containing the final battle array diagram was carried into Shoushan Sect’s central Dharma Ship – the one flying that ridiculous banner. A flicker of cold satisfaction crossed their expressions. They keenly anticipated the look on the faces of Shoushan Sect’s leaders—especially that Fang boy—when they grasped the implications of the positions assigned.

After communicating secretly with their respective sect headquarters, their counter-strategy had been finalized.

The 300,000 Merit was indeed considerable, but why chase it recklessly now?

This demon-slaying operation had been thrust upon the Five Great Sects; they were unwilling participants, forced by Shoushan Sect’s manipulation of popular opinion. They would participate; their physical presence was unavoidable. However… the ultimate success of the expedition? That was not under Shoushan Sect’s control.

“Hmph. Did they truly mistake that Crow Mountain Demon Hound for ripened grain in a field? Ready to be effortlessly harvested?” an Elder sneered under his breath.

“Let no one accuse us of cruelty,” another added darkly. “The world runs on order. Shoushan Sect broke the agreed rules first. If those scions Fang and Xu possess any intelligence at all,” he glanced meaningfully towards the distant Dharma Ship bearing the banner, “they would realize their predicament and immediately signal retreat. They should bear the catastrophic consequences of their rashness. Otherwise…” his tone turned grim, “…should utter sect destruction befall them… they only have themselves to blame.”

…

“It appears,” Fang Cun studied the battle diagram within the cabin, his previous faint smile returning, “…I wasn’t mistaken in my assessment after all.” He tapped the scroll. “Can’t really blame them. After all, this prestige? We forcefully swiped it.”

“But we sought the prestige precisely to expedite slaying the demon…” Young Sect Master Xu began, then abruptly halted. Comprehension dawned in his eyes as he stared fixedly at Fang Cun.

Fang Cun grinned affably. “Don’t panic,” he said, waving a dismissive hand. “First, summon Elders Green Pine and Cold Stone. I have… a little magic trick to demonstrate.”

…

“Elder Fang! Did our performance earlier today… earn those Dragon Stones we discussed?” The two ‘heroes’ of Shoushan Sect soon arrived. Chests out. Faces filled with self-satisfied pride. Their bearing exuded the aura they imagined befitted esteemed masters.

“Absolutely earned! Beyond anything Second Young Master Fang expected…” Fang Cun readily agreed, chuckling. He turned to Xiao Qingliu. “To express my deep gratitude, reward each Elder with an additional Dragon Stone!”

Upon hearing this, the two Elders, Green Pine and Cold Stone, were instantly thunderstruck. Grins stretched wide across their faces, seemingly too large for their heads.

“Shoushan Sect has gained substantial prestige from today’s gambit,” Fang Cun continued smoothly, leaning in conspiratorially towards the beaming Elders. “There remains another small matter… requiring the exceptional skills of you two Elders.” His eyes twinkled with something inscrutable. “Should negotiations prove successful… an even greater reward awaits.”

He gave them a deliberate wink.

Both Elders visibly shuddered. Their voices trembled with a potent mix of greed and disbelief. “…M-More… to earn?”

“Significantly more,” Fang Cun confirmed, his voice dropping to a persuasive murmur.

“We are all ears, Second Young Master!” The Elders practically quivered with anticipation.

Fang Cun lowered his voice further, outlining his plan. “Shortly, I will formally invite the leading Elders of the other sects aboard. I require you…” he gestured meaningfully to Green Pine and Cold Stone, “…to… negotiate… on Shoushan Sect’s behalf.” He grinned, sharp and calculated.

Nearby, Young Sect Master Xu gasped aloud. This plan was unimaginably audacious!

The two Elders immediately shot their Sect Leader a look of utter disdain for such a display of weakness. Then, turning back to Fang Cun with renewed fervor, Green Pine spoke with only a hint of hesitation, “What Second Young Master proposes… is certainly achievable. Our sole concern…” He exchanged a glance with Cold Stone, both briefly hesitant. Cold Stone voiced the shared fear: “…would they… perhaps… respond with violence?”

“Esteemed Elders, rest entirely assured!” Fang Cun’s bright smile held an unnerving glint of confidence. “The moment,” he stressed the word, “any of them lays a hand on you? Collapse dramatically! Play dead!”

The eyes of Elders Green Pine and Cold Stone widened. Then… a spark ignited. A revolutionary tactic! A novel path unveiled! Their expressions transformed into something akin to crafty delight… tempered only by lingering awe. An entire world of unscrupulous scheming seemed to crystallize before them.