Scared by the Wind

Saint Mother Wudang did not explicitly take sides; she stood with the overall interests of the Sect of Interception from beginning to end.

She did not want to see infighting, nor did she want to see the Sect of Interception split into several factions fighting amongst themselves.

The Sect of Enlightenment next door was divided into three factions.

The first faction consisted of Guangchengzi, True Person Taiyi, Chijingzi, and True Lord Qingxu Daode. They were a group of disciples most favored by Primordial Heavenly Venerate, and each of them was armed to the teeth.

The second faction was Daoist Burning Lamp, Manjushri, Cihang, Samantabhadra, and Juliusun. Daoist Burning Lamp, in order to consolidate his position, won over the four individuals, supporting and cultivating them fiercely.

The third faction was True Person Yu Ding, True Person Huang Long, and other honest people.

They focused on their cultivation and did not participate in the factional struggles of the Sect of Enlightenment.

Even so, the first two factions did not yield to each other. While there was no open strife, the underhand struggle never stopped.

The situation within the Sect of Interception was relatively good; Daoist Duobao alone suppressed all other factions.

Ordinary disciples were like ants before Daoist Duobao. Not to mention resisting him, their future was not even in their own hands.

Those who could contend with Daoist Duobao were all people who valued friendship and righteousness; they were unwilling to confront Daoist Duobao.

However, precisely because of this, although Fang Yang did not receive Saint Mother Wudang's support, he still prepared to win her over.

Fang Yang's words were harsh, but in reality, he acted with a sense of measure.

He displayed different personalities in front of different people.

He was arrogant in front of Meng Zhen because Meng Zhen had just come out of school and still had a youthful temperament.

He was bold but not rude in front of Sect Master Tongtian because Sect Master Tongtian was his Master. One should show respect to one's Master but not be afraid.

In front of his fellow disciples, Fang Yang had to act as someone decisive in killing and ruthless.

He claimed he would execute everyone who was unfavorable to the Sect of Interception, except for Daoist Duobao.

Sect Master Tongtian doted on Daoist Duobao like a son. If he killed Daoist Duobao, how could he continue to mix in the Sect of Interception?

Fang Yang had self-awareness; in Sect Master Tongtian's eyes, a hundred of him combined were not as good as one Daoist Duobao.

He was merely a disciple of Sect Master Tongtian. How could a disciple compare to an adopted son?

His absolute words were actually to express his determination.

As for the issue between Sect Master Tongtian and Daoist Duobao, Fang Yang would let them resolve it themselves; he certainly would not get involved.

Saint Mother Wudang believed Fang Yang's words because his acting skills were too good; he had just acted to the point where he almost believed it himself.

"Senior Sister Wudang, I know you have doubts in your heart. Why don't you transform into a believer of our sect and come with me to a place? I will show Senior Sister some things. After Senior Sister has seen them, she will understand everything."

Saint Mother Wudang was indeed unwilling to accept her fate. She had come here full of confidence and did not want to return with nothing.

"Very well, I shall accompany Junior Brother to take a look."

Immediately, the two transformed, becoming two ordinary Daoists of Shangqing Dao.

The Daoist robes of Shangqing Dao were usually embroidered with a green lotus leaf, recognizable to any Immortal who wasn't ignorant.

Under Fang Yang's guidance, the two arrived at a small human tribe.

Although called a tribe, it wasn't savage and ancient, for it was an Immortal Tribe.

In this era, the situation in the world was unstable, with Demon Race remnants frequently attacking humans.

Stronger tribes were fine; they had the ability to shelter themselves and defend their homes.

Weaker tribes were miserable, forced to wander the land like nomadic people.

When strong enemies invaded, they would transfer with all their tribe members and resources.

The Primordial World was too much of a law of the jungle. The Protagonist of Heaven and Earth merely possessed more destiny; they still had to follow this rule.

Whoosh!

Two streams of immortal light descended, and Fang Yang and Saint Mother Wudang landed at the tribe's entrance.

Though a temporary encampment, it was built with a civilized atmosphere.

The roads were wide and flat, spiritual fields stretched as far as the eye could see, and a guardian formation was established on the outskirts.

This formation wasn't powerful; even a Mysterious Immortal could pierce through it with ease. However, it was the strongest defensive means this small tribe could muster.

Unfortunately, the human social system was not yet unified, with many tribes still stuck in slavery.

If they didn't want to be slaves to larger tribes, they could only struggle for survival in the outside world.

However, Mysterious Immortals weren't encountered easily. Such areas with relatively thin spiritual energy couldn't satisfy the cultivation of a Mysterious Immortal.

"The mortal world is like a prison; all beings suffer."

Upon seeing this scene, Saint Mother Wudang subconsciously recited her Void White Lotus Sutra.

Fang Yang, however, shook his head:

"What suffering is this? At least they can strive for survival. There are other beings for whom survival itself is an extravagant hope. If Senior Sister feels all beings suffer, why not join me and resolve those who create suffering for them?"

Saint Mother Wudang's expression stiffened, leaving her speechless.

She was naturally aware of the actions of the outer disciples of the Jie Sect, but she had never done anything about it.

Right now, she was lamenting "all beings suffer" outside this small tribe, which made her seem hypocritical.

As Saint Mother Wudang was rendered speechless, Fang Yang spoke again, "Senior Sister, you don't need to worry. I'm not satirizing you; I'm merely stating a fact. If you're unwilling to face your own true heart, when will you be able to slay the three corpses and achieve the Venerable Quasi-Saint realm?"

People are often unwilling to face their true selves because their true selves are always imperfect.

Saint Mother Wudang's speechlessness stemmed precisely from her inability to accept her own imperfections.

However, Saint Mother Wudang did not understand that the so-called perfection and imperfection are defined by others.

As long as she accepted herself, she would be perfect.

In terms of cultivation, Fang Yang could not compare to Saint Mother Wudang. But in terms of comprehending the Daoist scriptures, Saint Mother Wudang was far inferior to Fang Yang.

Saint Mother Wudang was stunned by his words. She wanted to say something, but Fang Yang had already stepped into the tribe.

"Esteemed Daoist, we are from Shangqing Temple on East Su Mountain, and we have come to your tribe to preach the Dao."

Meanwhile, Fang Yang was already conversing with an "Ancestor" at the Heavenly Immortal level.

In this small tribe, a Heavenly Immortal was already an Ancestor-level existence.

The "Ancestor" was a Mortal World Immortal clad in a dark green long gown.

A Mortal World Immortal is an Immortal who has not joined a Daoist sect, let alone become a monk.

Immortals who believe in the Three Pure Ones are as numerous as stars, but there are also many Immortals who do not believe in the Three Pure Ones.

"Shang... Shangqing Temple? Are you perhaps Heavenly..."

The "Ancestor" scrutinized Fang Yang again and again, his expression growing more unfathomable.

Upon confirming that Fang Yang was merely a believer of a Saint, he quickly took his leave.

When Fang Yang walked into the interior of the small tribe, no one appeared before him anymore. Everyone in the small tribe had disappeared.