A Clever Tactic to Divert Disaster Eastward, Duobao: Don't Blame Me, I Also Want to Be Senior Disciple Brother

Deep within the Inspection Department.

In a majestic and imposing great hall.

A figure with profound aura, breathing Innate Spiritual Energy, radiated the rhythm of the Great Dao Law. Beside them, a Golden Cicada also emitted spiritual light in resonance, the Great Dao harmonizing and drawing them into a state of unity between heaven and man.

But not long after.

The commotion from outside roused Daoist Duobao from his seated cultivation.

A flicker of displeasure passed through his cold, stern eyes.

He had been on the verge of breaking through to the peak of the Golden Immortal realm under the unity of heaven and man, comprehending the Great Dao Law—yet who would have thought he'd be jolted awake by those Registered Disciples outside?

"Hmph... just one step away, and I would have reached the peak of Golden Immortal."

"These thousands of years serving in the Inspection Department, overseeing the disciples, have been far more fruitful than the rigid, secluded cultivation I did after first joining Master's sect. Every time I govern the disciples with an air of majesty and authority, I feel a surge of ease and clarity in my heart. Not only has my state of mind improved, but my comprehension of the Law, my insight... everything has soared."

"Why..."

"Why do I feel this way after becoming Deputy Director of the Inspection Department and managing the disciples?"

"Could it be that my Dao is truly this?"

Recalling his experiences over the years.

A complex expression surfaced on Daoist Duobao's face.

Sensing the noise outside.

He rose and walked toward the hall's entrance.

Along the way, many disciples of the Inspection Department saw him and bowed, calling out, "Greetings, Deputy Director."

Duobao's expression remained unmoved.

He merely responded with a faint "Mm" through his nose.

"Greetings, Deputy Director!"

Chang'er Dingguang Xian hurried over as soon as he saw Daoist Duobao arrive. Duobao nodded and asked, "What is happening outside?"

"Deputy Director, it's the Chan Sect—they're getting more and more oppressive! Guangchengzi and the others injured several hundred of our disciples, and then, backed by Daoist Randeng, they wounded over a thousand more of our people. They said we're nothing but wet-born, egg-hatched beasts with fur and horns, that staying on Kunlun Mountains only defiles the purity of the Xuan Sect and tarnishes the name of the Pangu Orthodox Lineage!"

Dingguang Xian said with grievance, "Deputy Director, you have to stand up for us!"

"This time, Guangchengzi and his lot are this arrogant?"

Duobao's face showed displeasure.

To be fair.

Ever since Qingyuan had thoroughly taught Guangchengzi and the others a lesson on Yuqing Peak.

The Chan Sect immortals had kept a low profile for many years.

They would take detours to avoid Jie Sect disciples, dared not start conflicts, and no longer fought over opportunities or hurled insults as before.

But ever since Qingyuan left Kunlun Mountains thousands of years ago to seek opportunities in the Primordial Wilderness, and a few more Inner Sect Disciples joined the Chan Sect, Guangchengzi and his group had grown increasingly active, clashing with Jie Sect disciples again.

Still, it had remained within controllable limits.

Just minor scuffles—the Jie Sect had many disciples, so they didn't come out worse for wear.

But everything changed a few hundred years ago when the Chan Sect gained Daoist Randeng.

This Daoist Randeng, though clearly the Vice Sect Leader of the Chan Sect, repeatedly stooped to injuring Jie Sect disciples without regard for his dignity, tilting the scales and suppressing the Jie Sect. This provoked more and more Jie Sect disciples to join the fray—from Registered Disciples to Outer Sect Disciples, and eventually even Inner Sect members like Golden Spirit Holy Mother and Wudang Holy Mother joined in, leading to an all-out brawl!!

Unfortunately.

Daoist Randeng was one of the three thousand guests of Zixiao Palace.

Though his reputation among the Innate Demon Gods was weak, his genuine Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal cultivation was undeniable.

He defeated every Jie Sect member who tried to contend with him.

"Mm, I understand the gravity of this. Where are Jin Ling and Junior Sister Wudang?"

Daoist Duobao walked unhurriedly outside.

Dingguang Xian quickly followed behind and replied, "Senior Disciple Sister Jin Ling and Senior Sister Wudang went to argue with Daoist Randeng, but they were injured and are now in seclusion recovering."

"The Chan Sect is this arrogant? They dare to injure even our Inner Sect Disciples?"

Daoist Duobao's face was full of displeasure.

Soon.

The two stepped out of the Inspection Department. Seeing Daoist Duobao arrive, a great number of Jie Sect disciples erupted in cheers, their voices like a mountain flood or a tidal wave, shaking heaven and earth. Countless eyes fixed on Duobao, and for some reason, he found himself savoring the feeling. He said calmly, "All of you, shut up! Slowly tell me exactly what happened!"

Daoist Duobao had served as Deputy Director of the Inspection Department for many years.

Managing disciples, upholding laws and regulations, meting out punishments—he naturally carried an air of authority.

The moment he spoke.

Many Jie Sect disciples immediately fell silent.

"Second Senior Brother, it's Guangchengzi and his group causing trouble! We brothers were fishing and feasting by the Jiangyue River outside Shangqing Peak, having a good time, but Guangchengzi and the others insisted we were occupying their cultivation grounds. When we argued, they resorted to violence. We couldn't stand it and fought back, but who knew Taiyi and Juliusun would ambush us?"

Qiushou Xian said angrily, "After that, I went to call for fellow disciples to help, and we beat Guangchengzi and his group into fleeing in panic. But who would have thought Daoist Randeng would step in again!!"

"He set up a challenge arena at Jiangyue River, saying he'd suppress his cultivation to fight us on equal terms. If he lost, he'd apologize and admit the Chan Sect is inferior to the Jie Sect. If he won, the Jie Sect would never again appear before Chan Sect disciples on Kunlun Mountains!"

"Second Senior Brother! Daoist Randeng is clearly the Vice Sect Leader of the Chan Sect, yet he's attacked us multiple times without regard for his status. He's a disgrace to the Zenith Heaven Golden Immortals!"

After Qiushou Xian finished speaking.

A large number of Jie Sect disciples also began indignantly complaining about the Chan Sect's domineering ways and lack of martial virtue.

"Hmm."

Daoist Duobao merely let out a soft nasal hum, and the noise of the entire crowd was suppressed.

He relished the feeling of being the center of attention.

He cast a faint glance at Qiushou Xian and said, "Qiushou Xian, what did you just call me?"

"Second Senior Brother, what's wrong?" Qiushou Xian was somewhat confused.

"Second Senior Brother?"

Daoist Duobao's voice suddenly grew loud, icy cold. "If you called me Second Senior Brother anywhere else, there'd be no problem. But right now, we're outside the Inspection Department. Tell me, what should you call me? And what should all of you call me?"

Seeing Duobao suddenly enraged.

All the disciples were greatly puzzled. Qiushou Xian was silent for a moment, then said, "Deputy Director!"

"Hmph. You're also a member of the Inspection Department, so why are you still so rash in your actions? How did you get mixed up with them?"

Daoist Duobao snorted coldly. "What should be done about gathering a crowd to cause trouble? What about gathering a crowd to fight?"

The group of disciples was stunned.

Qiushou Xian couldn't believe it. He had come back to find help after being bullied by outsiders, only to have his own people lecture him?

"Guards! Arrest all the troublemakers and lock them up!!"

Daoist Duobao shouted coldly.

Behind him, Golden Hoop Immortal, Ma Yuan, and other Jie Sect disciples moved to seize the disciples led by Qiushou Xian. As they did, they said apologetically, "Official duty, nothing we can do, fellow Daoist!"

"Second Senior Brother, on what grounds are you arresting us? We were bullied by outsiders, and not only do you not help, you bully us too?"

Qiushou Xian did not resist, letting Golden Hoop Immortal and the others restrain him.

But his face was full of defiance as he roared, "You side with outsiders instead of your own people. You're not fit to be Senior Disciple Brother's equal. You don't deserve to be the Jie Sect's Second Senior Brother!"

"That's right! You don't deserve to be the Jie Sect's Second Senior Brother!"

"Senior Disciple Brother once fought his way alone to Yuqing Peak and gave Guangchengzi and his lot a thorough beating. How majestic that was! But you? When fellow disciples are bullied, you join in the bullying!"

"You can't compare to Senior Disciple Brother..."

Many of the Jie Sect disciples had originally attained the Dao from Flying Birds and beasts.

Simple-minded, hot-tempered.

Easily provoked to anger.

Some Jie Sect disciples who were close to Qiushou Xian even immediately summoned their magic treasures and attacked Daoist Duobao.

"How dare you! Attacking someone right outside the Inspection Department!"

Daoist Duobao erupted in fury, sending the few disciples who tried to harm him flying with a blast. He ordered them imprisoned, then said coldly, "The Inspection Department was established by Senior Disciple Brother with the Teacher's approval as the Jie Sect's law enforcement body—to purge chaos and evil, to maintain peace. But look at what you're doing now!"

"Gathering to cause trouble in front of the Inspection Department, and even daring to attack people. Is this what you should be doing?"

"If any of you are dissatisfied, go find Senior Disciple Brother! See if his sword isn't far harsher than my warning!!"

"If Senior Disciple Brother were here today, wouldn't there be a field of dead and wounded among you?"

Daoist Duobao's words were like a bucket of cold water poured over the Jie Sect disciples.

These simple-minded ones couldn't help but resent Qingyuan.

Their murmuring grew louder and louder, which pleased Daoist Duobao inwardly, though his face showed nothing. He said sternly, "Public matters are public, private matters are private. I, Duobao, am also a Jie Sect disciple! I cannot bear to see outsiders insult our sect like this! You're angry—do you think I don't feel stifled in my heart?"

"Today, I, Daoist Duobao, will take off this Enforcement Mystic Robe and go with you junior brothers and sisters to fight the Chan Sect. Even if Senior Disciple Brother punishes me when he returns, I am willing to bear it all alone!!"

"If there is any punishment, I alone will bear it. None of you junior brothers and sisters need to plead for me!!!"

"Let's go! Fight the Chan Sect!!"

Hearing these words.

The Jie Sect disciples were silent at first, then erupted into a thunderous roar like a mountain flood or tidal wave, shaking the heavens. All were praising Daoist Duobao's goodness.

Amidst it all.

Voices complaining about Qingyuan also began to rise.

Like a mountain flood or tidal wave bursting forth.

Daoist Duobao felt a surge of joy inside, but his face remained impassive, showing a helpless expression as he said, "You don't understand—inside the Inspection Department, only laws and regulations matter, not personal feelings. Senior Disciple Brother means well for us. Don't speak ill of him anymore! Senior Disciple Brother only wants what's best for the Jie Sect. What fault does he have?"

"When Senior Disciple Brother's own disciples make mistakes, they still go to jail. How could you or I be any different?"

"But as Jie Sect disciples, how can we tolerate others humiliating our sect?"

"Let's go! Hasn't Daoist Randeng set up a challenge platform at Jiangyue River? Today, I'll stake my life in battle against him if I must! All fellow disciples, come with me!!"

Sensing that more and more Jie Sect disciples were growing dissatisfied with Qingyuan, Duobao's heart swelled with delight. He muttered inwardly: Sorry, Senior Disciple Brother, but I want to be the Senior Disciple Brother too...

"Senior Disciple Brother Duobao is formidable!"

"The Grand Senior Disciple Brother is just too overbearing and domineering. Why did he have to set up that Inspection Department out of nowhere, and even arrest Senior Disciple Brother Qiushou Xian!!"

"From now on, I'll only follow Senior Disciple Brother Duobao..."

The Jie Sect disciples' emotions were ignited, and they rallied behind Daoist Duobao as they departed.

Among the crowd, Yun Zhongzi, Wuzhiqi, and Yuan Hong furrowed their brows tightly.

They couldn't shake the feeling that Uncle-Master Duobao was deliberately steering the resentment toward their master...