Playing the Pig to Eat the Tiger

"Abbot, the people from Dajue Temple have arrived. Wu Wang is personally leading them..."

Outside the main hall, a disciple's report drifted closer.

At his words, a cold glint flashed through Venerable Du'e's eyes before vanishing. He asked blandly,

"Did they invite any other help?"

"Reporting to the Abbot, Wu Wang only brought a few personal disciples on this trip. Besides that, there are several insignificant people from minor sects and schools following behind them."

As soon as those words fell, the other three exchanged glances before chuckling in unison.

Venerable Du'e also sneered. His gaze swept over the three beside him, his tone dripping with mockery.

"What a waste of an opportunity!"

"Never mind a few minor sects unworthy of the stage—even if you could invite the Buddhas of the Nine Heavens to aid you, you still won't escape this certain death today!"

As he spoke, he was the first to stride toward the hall's exit.

"Come, everyone. Bring your disciples and attendants, and follow this monk to the Dharma Assembly to meet my Martial Uncle Wu Wang..."

On the western side of Spirit Mountain, five-colored banners blanketed the hills, while smoke curled from nine great cauldrons, lending the place an air of solemn majesty.

The Dharma altar had been set upon the broadest flat ground at the mountaintop. The high platform was richly carved and painted, and treasure light flowed across the tables.

Below it, people had already gathered like mountains and seas. Martial artists from every faction stood or sat according to their sects' ranks, each in their proper place.

Yet this year's Dharma Assembly was vastly different from those of previous years.

On either side of the principal seat at the center of the altar—the seat symbolizing Xumi Temple's supreme status—three new seating areas of identical