Chapter 1198: Infighting and Usurpation

Krrooah! Krrooah! Krrooah!

In the bright sky, the cries of cranes were clear and resonant as they positioned themselves in formations and flew in circles among the clouds. This stunning sight was truly reminiscent of what the legends said about the dwellings of immortals. Across the vast Eastern Wilderness, however, there were only a few places where it could be seen.

The White Crane Domain was one of them.

This domain was home to the eponymous White Crane Sect, an upper sect. Their inheritance cultivation technique was known as Crane Cries to the Nine Firmaments. In this sect, each disciple that reached Foundation Establishment would be rewarded with a spirit crane. They would become symbiotic cultivation partners and boost each other immensely in combat. When the disciple entered the Nascent Soul Realm, their crane would carry them up, roaming the skies with them!

Even so, there were not usually this many cranes in the sky of the White Crane Domain. Only during a special time like this, when the Eastern Wilderness was united against demons, these cranes were deployed to stand guard from high viewpoints in case the enemy launched a surprise attack.

Suddenly, the cranes in the sky stopped in place and stared in alarm at a building somewhere halfway up a steep mountain. From there, a powerful and sharp aura was spreading unabashedly. Several cultivators were already headed that way.

Elsewhere far, in a fourth-tier cave residence, a white-haired old man with a long beard slowly opened his eyes.

There's movement from the teleportation formation connecting to the East Sun Sect. But who would come here at a time like this?

While contemplating this, he floated out of the cave residence. As soon as he stepped into open air, a white crane flew beneath his feet with perfect timing, as if it had always waited for that one step, and carried him toward the teleportation hall.

They were there in just a few moments, and the disciples guarding the place immediately paid their respect.

"Supreme Elder, you're out!"

"Master!"

The old man nodded to the middle-aged man who saluted last, then looked at the figure materializing in the teleportation formation.

The person that had appeared upon the runes was a tall, dark-haired man clad in white. Before his energy even stabilized, he nonchalantly spoke up. "Old pines stay graceful despite their decay; wild cranes peck at leisure despite their hunger[1]. You must be Sage Idle Crane. Sage Lu of the East Sun Sect told me you're a good friend of his."

Idle Crane's expression turned somewhat serious.

The teleportation formation hadn't yet finished this operation, meaning that a huge amount of spirit energy in the void was still impacting the user. This was the time when the user was most vulnerable; they had to not only resist the tremendous pressure of the formation itself, but also guard against possible enemies. Yet under such circumstances, this man was chatting carefreely, as if he were in the middle of a stroll in the park...

Idle Crane put his left hand over the right hand that was holding a fly-whisk, in a respectful greeting. "That I am. May I know who you are, fellow Daoist?"

The man in white lifted his foot and exited the teleportation formation in a single step. "I am Luo Chen!"

By the time he finished this curt introduction, he was already before Idle Crane.

Idle Crane frowned. No title, no background? But he mentioned that guy from the East Sun Sect, so he should be trustworthy.

"This is not the place to talk. If you'd please, come with me, fellow Daoist Luo."

"I'll have to thank you, then. I actually have some matters I would like your guidance on."

Plastering a friendly smile on his face, Luo Chen followed Idle Crane and his disciple. Once they were out of the teleportation hall, the old Sage waved his fly-whisk. Two cranes flew in, landed on the square in front of the building, and prostrated before them.

Luo Chen raised his brow when he saw that they were third-tier spirit cranes.The one at Idle Crane's feet even emitted the aura of Perfection, which meant that its cultivation was higher than that of Idle Crane's disciple.

"Please, go ahead!"

"Thank you for your hospitality, fellow Daoist."

Luo Chen followed Idle Crane onto the back of his spirit crane, and the bird carried them to a pavilion on a high peak.

"Zhao Wu, serve us tea!"

"Yes, Master!"

The middle-aged looking man called Zhao Wu took out a tea set. Setting it on the stone table in the pavilion, he started brewing spirit tea. In the meantime, the two Sages took this opportunity to assess one another.

Information about the White Crane Sect also replayed in Luo Chen's mind.

The members of this sect were good at fighting, but they were not fond of starting fights. For one, they were fond of cultivating their mind and their temper; for another, they somewhat lacked resources. A good portion of what they had was invested into their spirit cranes, so the sect had a fairly low number of cultivators compared to its peers. In fact, this had been one of the considerations when the twenty-one upper sects in the rear of the Eastern Wilderness decided to make the White Crane Domain one of the five bases for the Suicide Army.

The Windflower Palace was also not massive in terms of numbers. The Mu Manor was a cultivation family and mostly kept to its territory. The Thousand Sword Pavilion adhered to the principle of quality over quantity and thus had few members as well. Geographical factors aside, only the Hundred Beast Sect had been selected for its skills in dealing with demonic beasts. The other four had been chosen because they had less people and their estates occupied relatively small areas of their domains, which meant more space for survivors from the front lines.

In Luo Chen's knowledge, the White Crane Sect only had two Sages, and one of them was not even human but a demon cultivator who had evolved a human form.

As the aroma of tea permeated the air, Luo Chen asked about the matter that worried him the most while trying not to sound urgent. "Fellow Daoist, have you heard about the Luo Tian Sect?"

Idle Crane had been bracing himself for something serious. When he heard Luo Chen was only inquiring about a sect, he unconsciously heaved a sigh of relief.

But... the Luo Tian Sect?

Idle Crane's face betrayed his confusion at the unfamiliar name. But his disciple, who was pouring tea, hesitated for a moment before suddenly saying, "A sect with that name has recently scheduled an event called 'Ten Decisive Duels' at Skypiercing Pass. Perhaps you're talking about them, Sage Luo?"

Ten Decisive Duels?

Luo Chen's sword-like brows knitted together. He had a feeling that this was important information and decided that this was not the time to be stingy. He waved his hand, and a jade bottle appeared on the table. "This is a pill that can help enhance the cultivation of spirit beasts. I feel that it might benefit you, young friend. Is there anything else you know about this matter?"

Idle Crane also perked up. "You've got me curious as well. I've been behind closed doors recently to study a secret art, so I've missed out on the latest news. Zhao Wu, give us all the details."

With the approval from his master and a bottle of pills that smelled very promising from his guest, Zhao Wu had no more reservations. He organized his thoughts for a moment, then slowly explained, "From what I've gathered, their sect master's lineage split, and both sides wanted to have full control. After a century of infighting without a result, they've finally resorted to brute force, and that's how the Ten Decisive Duels came about. Basically, one party wants to uphold the teachings of their founder, whatever that means, while the other insists on settling internal affairs first, by which they mean electing a single leader, before the demon army reaches their territory.

"Well, that's how it appears on the surface. From the perspective of an outsider, I think the issue goes much deeper. I suspect this internal conflict is actually the joint work of Skyscraper Cliff and the Five Elements Divine Sect; they're pushing this in order to test the Windflower Palace."

When he got to this point, Zhao Wu looked at Idle Crane. "Actually, Master, the White Crane Domain is in a similar situation. Among the war survivors who have moved here, quite a few sects are still in good condition, and they've been pushing us further and further. It seems that they've set their eyes on our territory!"

Idle Crane smiled dismissively. "You mean the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect? They're far too weak for that."

Zhao Wu nodded. "Master, you've been focused on your own cultivation, so there are some things you may not know yet. Sure, they themselves pose little threat after they lost Sage Jade Cauldron, but they came from the Sword Domain and still have backing of the Thousand Sword Pavilion. They also have a genius known as the Sword Domain's Lone Swan, who has broken through to the Nascent Soul Realm on the battlefield. They are a genuine threat to our sect!"

The old man's smile faded, and he recited those names in his mind. Thousand Sword Pavilion, Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, Lone Swan!

Meanwhile, Luo Chen was anxious to know more about the situation of the Luo Tian Sect. Luckily, after giving his master a reminder, Zhao Wu returned to the main topic. "Speaking of which, I heard the Luo Tian Sect came from the Jade Cauldron Domain as well, and they used to be a subordinate of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect."

Luo Chen nodded. This was indeed true—back then, all the forces in the Jade Cauldron Domain, big or small, had been ostensibly led by the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect. It was not a lord-vassal relationship in name, but in order to make ends meet, earn resources, and access the major immortal cities, they had all paid some amount of spirit stones and other such to the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect.

Luo Chen asked, "You mentioned infighting within their sect master's lineage. Can you elaborate?"

Zhao Wu thought for a moment and replied with some uncertainty, "This probably started from when the first sect master, Sima Huiniang, passed her position to her eldest disciple, Yao Mingyue. At the time, the Luo Tian Sect was pulling back from the war with the demon race. They had new talents springing up one after another; in addition to experts of the older generation like Battle Devil Wang Yuan and Tian Kuizi, there were also promising young talents such as Prime Scholar and Dragon Fiend. Everyone expected Prime Scholar to be the next sect master, as he was the closest to Sima Huiniang and had the highest cultivation among the younger generation back then."

Zhao Wu paused, then explained with a smile, "If you don't know, Prime Scholar is actually Sima Huiniang's younger brother. His real name is Sima Wenjie."

Luo Chen's expression slightly dropped.

Zhao Wu continued, "For some reason, Sima Huiniang did not pass the position to him, who had the highest cultivation, nor to Dragon Fiend, who was their strongest in combat. Instead, she passed it to Yao Mingyue, who was ordinary in every aspect. For that reason, a rift appeared between them!"

***

Squeezed between lofty mountains and steep ridges, the majestic Skypiercing Pass Immortal City resembled a steel-firm blockage on the only proper road connecting the front line and the rear.

It was not an old city with a rich history, but rather a mighty fortress built by ceaseless effort, day and night, over the past ten years. The construction had been ordered by the Nether Origin Sect, funded by the twenty-one upper sects, and staffed by the cultivators of the twelve fallen domains. Alleged to be able to withstand the power of a late-stage Demon Emperor, this city had become the second line of defense for the human cultivators of the Eastern Wilderness; the first line was naturally the three war-torn frontline domains.

From a bird's eye view, the dark-blue city walls sported spirit cannon embrasures, flags, and faintly visible formations. Neat rows of cultivators patrolled to and fro atop these walls. Inside the city, commercial streets commonly found in immortal cities were absent; instead, solid walls alternated with open grounds on which lay countless huge military airships.

By the looks of things, the city was ready to launch into battle at any given moment.

The establishment of the Suicide Army was certainly to bring together a mass of rabble, but it also made clear to the human cultivators what they had to face. They had to fight the demons to their last breath, and retreat was not allowed, even just a step. Therefore, the cultivators in Skypiercing City normally wore stone-cold, murderous looks on their faces.

At this moment, though, the central plaza of Skypiercing Pass was packed with fanatical-looking people whose fanatical shouts filled the air.

"KILL!"

"KILL!"

"KILL!"

A team of fully armed cultivators stood before the fervent crowd, preventing anyone from getting within one li from the high platform. Compared to the crowd of deranged-looking cultivators, they appeared much calmer. They were not homeless refugees, but a law enforcement team sent by the five sects that managed the five domains, composed of their disciples and followers. Their task was to maintain order in Skypiercing Pass.

In the face of the frenzied shouts from all around, the law enforcement team all looked solemn as they chatted among themselves.

"How many-eth is this one?"

"Beats me. I lost count a while back."

"Same here."

During these hundred years of demonic onslaught, countless cultivators had abandoned their sects to climb higher, while countless others had taken advantage of the chaos to rob and kill. They had scattered like birds fleeing from a forest fire, but now, all of them had gathered in the five domains. Some were seeking revenge, some were settling scores, and even more were sorting out and purging tumors from their sects. This fighting ring had been established to provide them with a fair platform for conflict resolution, and since its establishment, it had never stopped being used.

"Isn't nonstop internal friction like this pretty bad for our side? Don't the higher-ups care?"

"And what if they care? Can they control something like this? Nah, they all know it's best to keep these things out in the open. If they ban them, you can bet people will do it anyway, but in private. And if that happens, what about the innocent bystanders?"

"Well said, junior brother. That said, this must be the largest-scale battle so far, right?"

"Sure is! All the fighters are Adepts!"

"I heard that the Luo Tian Sect was a sect that survived since the very first demon wave from Howling Moon Mountains. I didn't really believe it back then, but I'm actually convinced now. In this century of chaos, not only have they not disappeared, but they also keep producing more and more Adepts!"

"Honestly, you can't underestimate them. Each member is independent and competent, and then they also have extensive connections. I didn't think someone known as Prime Scholar could recruit so many Golden Core guest elders to help him in his power struggle."

"I'm afraid they're not working for him, but for the two upper sects behind him. I've heard one of his guest elders comes from the Five Elements—"

"Now, now, let's not talk about these sensitive matters in public. Anyway, who do you guys think will win this fifth duel?"

"Who is fighting?"

"It's Qi Emei against Dragon Fiend!"

Hearing this, those who had insider information were stunned.

Qi Emei and Dragon Fiend? Aren't they supposed to be a match made in heaven?

Back when these two were still Initiates, in the battle at Border City, they had fought alongside one another to slay a third-tier Fire-Eyed Bull King. This story had been a widespread tale for a time. Later, they had often teamed up to kill demonic beasts, demonstrating seamless coordination.

While some onlookers still wondered why they had fallen to this point, the two duelists had already boarded the high platform.

One exuded a spirited air, and her posture was as gallant as could be. A red ribbon danced alongside her hair, making her look even more beautiful.

The other was clad in heavy armor, with two metal wings spread out behind his back. He held a broadsword, and his lips were tightly pressed together. Although his face was resolute, his eyes were somewhat unfocused, as if they dared not settle on the woman opposite him.

Under the gaze of the crowd, the woman spoke first. "Zeng Yilong, why don't you dare to look at me?"

Dragon Fiend lowered his head, staring at the hilt of the broadsword he held with both hands. "What is there to see? You and I each serve our own masters now. There's no going back."

The corner of Qi Emei's mouth twitched. "If I beat you, and Prime Scholar wins the Ten Decisive Duels, then the Luo Tian Sect will merge into the Five Elements Divine Sect, and everything between us can return to how it used to be."

Dragon Fiend's lips parted for a while, only for a sigh to escape. In the end, he said, "Emei, you are not my opponent. You have never been. Not to mention, this kind of terrain is not good for you. You cannot win."

She sneered. "Is that what you think? Then you underestimate me, and you also underestimate the Divine Sect's secret art."

As she spoke, numerous fine, red threads shot out from her fingertips.

The battle was just a moment away from breaking out!

1. Luo Chen is quoting 题王处士郊居 (Tí wáng chǔshì jiāo jū, literally "On Hermit Wang's Countryside Cottage," by the influential Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi. ☜

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