Nine Truth Sect

Zhou Chengxue that Penglai received a large sum of money from the Prince of Poyang to protect his family, but it was clear that the Nine Truth Sect was very dissatisfied with the Xiao Family. The only people escorting this ship of women, children, orphans, and widows were three Golden Core Stage disciples. Although probably no one in the East Sea would dare to hijack this ship, it was clear that they weren't even interested in sending a few more Nascent Soul Stage cultivators to escort them the whole way, just to save face for their long-standing alliance.

It's not surprising, really. Ruler Xiao's Country was a two-timing opportunist who paid taxes to the Three Realms on one hand and made offerings to Penglai on the other, playing both sides. Anyway, he was capable and knew how to make money. He had managed to keep all the surrounding forces in check, which allowed him to maintain his throne as the ruler of the country for many years.

But this time it was truly humiliating. They couldn't even quell a rebellion by a traitorous general, and instead plunged the country into chaos. The paper tiger was exposed, and the Xiao family lost face. But the problem was that the Hou Gu Rebellion also caused huge losses to Penglai's industries, which utterly disappointed the immortals and almost led to a complete breakdown in relations.

Honestly, the fact that Penglai has been able to hold back until now, not personally intervening to punish the Xiao Family, and giving the Xiao princes a chance to clean up the mess and hope they can restore stability to Zhen as soon as possible, is probably the last chance the immortals are giving them out of consideration for their long-standing alliance.

However, it's conceivable that the immortals of the Nine Truth Sect will no longer trust the Xiao Family's abilities as they once did. If we take a darker view, perhaps these women, who claim to be seeking refuge, have in some sense become hostages sent out by the Xiao Family.

As I said before, we're already in a chaotic world.

"Princess Anji, what's your decision? I heard that your husband has died in the chaos of war, and the fall of Taicheng is imminent. Without the protection of the old king, do you still intend to rely on your good brothers and be sent to the Three Palaces to curry favor with those old ministers?"

Just as Li Fan and Zhou Zhenren landed at the bow of the ship, they heard a Golden Core cultivator from Penglai speaking in a sinister tone to Xiao Yushi, whose face was pale and filled with panic.

"Although you still have some savings and are quite attractive, how hard it must be for a woman to be alone in a foreign land without a man to protect her."

Although I, Cheng Qianlong, am not talented and have not yet passed the academy examination, I am still considered a person of Penglai. My grandfather, Cheng Chengzhi, is an Inner Sect disciple of the Supreme Gaozhen Palace. Penglai is currently in need of talent and will expand its enrollment sooner or later. At that time, I will surely be able to become an Inner Sect. If you agree to be my concubine, it will not be an insult to you..."

As he spoke, he smiled and reached out to touch Xiao Yushi's hair. Xiao Yushi instinctively trembled and flinched away. Cheng Qianlong's eyes sharpened, his smile turned cold, and he was about to lash out.

Before he could utter a single word, Li Fan grabbed the man by the collar, tossed him away with a whoosh, and said to the dumbfounded Xiao Yushi, "Don't worry, Madam! The Prince of Poyang spent a lot of money to ensure your safety. If anything happens, just come to me!"

Then he turned to Zhou Chengxue and winked, "Brother Zhou, do you think I did the right thing?"

Zhou Chengxue, chin in hand, watched as the man spun hundreds of times, flew a thousand meters away, and plunged into the sea with a splash, his fate unknown. He couldn't help but shudder. He waved his hand to stop the two Golden Core disciples who had drawn their swords, telling them not to come up and see him off. He then turned to Li Fan and said...

"Fellow Daoist... Alas, it was my negligence that caused Princess Anji such a fright. I will teach these juniors a lesson and prevent them from causing you any trouble."

Li Fan laughed loudly, "What's there to be afraid of? If this spoiled brat dares to mess with you again, just yell, and I'll snap his head off in one go!"

Xiao Yushi was startled by the red-haired man, but her expression quickly darkened. She bowed and thanked him, "Thank you both for your concern. It's nothing. I had an old acquaintance with Fellow Daoist Cheng, which caused him to misunderstand."

Zhou Chengxue realized that the Xiao Family was under someone else's roof and dared not make a fuss further, so he said conciliatoryly, "Since it's all a misunderstanding, we won't disturb you any longer. I will accompany you to Penglai. Princess, please rest assured."

Li Fan knew that Zhou Chengxue was only giving him face because of his Tiger Claw Technique, so he smiled and stopped making things difficult for the orphans and widows of the Xiao Family. He waved for Xiao Yushi to leave and then asked Zhou Chengxue.

"Penglai is teeming with experts, and we still need to recruit soldiers and horses. Are we going to punish Hou Gu and help the Xiao Family restore their kingdom? Does that mean my Red-Haired Ghost Li Tang will also have a chance to become famous throughout the world? Brother Zhou, give me a definite answer. Just say the word, and Hou Gu is nothing! Watch me go up there and chop him up! I'll twist his head off in one go!"

Upon hearing this from behind, Xiao Yushi immediately slowed down and pricked up her ears.

Zhou Chengxue didn't care. He watched as the other two Golden Core disciples flew out of the boat to rescue people from the sea, and said with his hands behind his back,

"There's no need for us to take matters into our own hands. We're not the only ones with businesses in Zhen. Being too proactive would be counterproductive and could lead to conflicts with others. Besides, he's just a traitor. If the Three Palaces can't even handle this mess in Zhen, they might as well give up on ruling the country."

Even if some petty scoundrels do break the rules and cause trouble behind the scenes, matters involving the mortal realm will naturally be handled by Yuntai Peak. Fellow Li Daoyou need not worry."

Now that Xiao Yushi was certain that Penglai wouldn't make a move, she stumbled and walked away in a daze.

Li Fan found it strange. With the world in such chaos, where did they get their confidence that they weren't worried about anything happening right on their doorstep?

Before he could ask, Master Zhou explained, "Li Daoyou, you are no longer a mere rogue cultivator, but Outer Sect master of Penglai. You should be more cautious in all matters."

Those military leaders are nothing; a mere hundred thousand soldiers can be wiped out with a flick of their magic weapons. It's just that nobody wants to get involved in this bloody karmic entanglement. Ultimately, the struggle for the world still comes down to the Three Great Sects. Getting involved in these minor details is actually meaningless.

Let me be frank with you, Yuntai Peak has made a decision: the Nine Great Xuan Sects will organize forces to besiege and annihilate the Divine Sect's headquarters, Kunlun!

"What!" Li Fan was genuinely shocked. "You're going to travel all the way from the East Sea to Kunlun on an expedition? Aren't you just bored?"

Zhou Chengxue listened, smiled at Li Fan, and said nothing.

Li Fan then understood, "Damn! No wonder you guys are short-handed! If you won't go, I will!"

Master Zhou laughed heartily, "Fellow Daoist, you are indeed quite clever to have cultivated to the Nascent Soul stage as Nascent Soul Stage. There's no need for that. A good man's ambition lies in all directions. Born in a chaotic world, wouldn't it be a waste of all your abilities if you didn't strive for fame and recognition?"

You don't need to worry. Although the Demonic Sect seems powerful now, they have stirred up trouble this time. Although they gained the upper hand temporarily, they have also revealed too many flaws. My Xuanmen has many experts. It won't be long before we can find out the location of their headquarters and the fate of their destiny.

Now, word has spread from Yuntai Peak that all sects must prepare their forces to launch a counterattack into the heart of the Demonic Sect. Penglai, now one of the Nine Great Xuan Sects, certainly cannot be absent! Even if we cannot wipe out those Devil Seed this time, we must at least give them a good beating and make them suffer a great loss!

So that's how it is. The Xuanmen is going to take action themselves. Well, the Divine Sect looks so arrogant, but they only gave the Immortal Palace a good beating; the Xuanmen actually suffered no damage at all. Perhaps because the Beichen Sword Sect isn't leading the charge now, their reactions are a beat slower, but that doesn't mean the relationship between the Xuanmen and the Divine Sect has improved in the slightest. It seems that the campaign against the Divine Sect is a foregone conclusion; it's just a matter of time.

"Oh! Brother Zhou, I'm relieved that you've said so! Alright! This time, let's use the heads of those demonic cult brats to spread the fame of the Red-Haired Ghost! Don't worry, Brother Zhou! If there are any extra demonic brats, I'll just snap them off and give them to you as souvenirs! Hahaha! Hahahahahahahahahaha!"

Seeing Li Fan's maniacal laughter, Zhou Chengxue couldn't help but shrink back and wipe his sweat.

Once Cheng Qianlong was retrieved, the group continued their eastward journey by boat.

Unfortunately, this guy surnamed Cheng was lucky. He probably had some magical artifacts and took some medicine to prolong his life. As a result, his whole body was shaken so badly that his shinbone was broken and he was paralyzed from the neck down. But he didn't die. He was tied up like a dumpling and couldn't move.

Since he couldn't cultivate by Moon Worship now, and it wasn't convenient to go into the inner cabin to interact with the women, Li Fan came to find him to play. He first patted the other man's dangling thigh and said...

"Kid! Cheng Qianlong, right? See this? I'm Li Tang, an outer sect elder of the Supreme Divine Palace! You know I'm an outer sect elder, right? Let me tell you! I despise scum who bullies widows! If it weren't for Brother Zhou's sake, I'd snap your head off in one go! Your grandfather is an inner sect disciple? That just goes to show off the power of the Crimson-Haired Devil! Remember to go back and call him over to fight me! See if I don't snap your head off in one go..."

Zhou Chengxue, "Ahem."

"Brother Zhou, are you sick? Are you feeling unwell?" Li Fan had no choice but to reattach his broken thigh and turned to ask with concern.

Cheng Qianlong was unable to move and could only watch as Master Zhou begged for mercy in a low, whimpering voice.

Zhou Chengxue rubbed his temples, saying, "Fellow Daoist, please don't make things difficult for this junior. You've only just begun your training; it's not good to offend someone..."

Li Fan laughed heartily and patted him on the shoulder, "Thank you for thinking of me, Brother Zhou, it's nothing! I understand! Don't let my rough exterior fool you, I'm actually quite shrewd, and I'm only stopping short of things!"

Zhou Chengxue and Cheng Qianlong stared at him, wide-eyed. "... What do you mean?"

So Li Fan picked up the token and gestured, "Look! I'm Outer Sect of the Shenzhen Palace, right? This kid's grandfather is from the Gaozhen Palace. When we get to Penglai, his grandfather will see that I messed with his grandson. According to the normal plot, he'll definitely come to challenge me to a duel. At that time, I'll chop his grandfather's head off! ("Cough cough!") Giving him a beating will not only enhance my reputation, but also show that I'm on the Shenzhen Palace's side and have no ulterior motives!"

"Don't worry! It's a pledge of loyalty! I've been a gangster since I was a kid, I've done tons of things for the boss and his second-in-command, you know what I mean! One look from you, and I'll snap that kid's whole family's heads in one go! No questions asked!"

Cheng Qianlong looked like he was about to faint.

Zhou Chengxue was stunned for a long time, organizing his thoughts for a while before sighing, "Alas, Li Daoyou, Brother Li, I am very pleased that you are so eager to join us, but our sect does not have that kind of internal strife..."

Li Fan snorted, "Brother Zhou, there's no point in saying that! Although I'm a rough man, I know that a sect as large as yours, with three mountains and nine palaces, must have factions and cliques! I'm too honest to understand those intricacies, so to avoid choosing the wrong side later, I'd better drag his grandfather out and beat him up first, cutting off my own escape route, to show my loyalty to the Shenzhen Palace!"

"What kind of loyalty is this!" Zhou Chengxue was at his wit's end, so he had no choice but to pull Li Fan outside. "Sigh... alright, alright, I'll explain the sect's affairs to you clearly, just don't cause any trouble and drag me down with you."

"Oh! Thank you for your guidance, Brother Zhou! Come, come, I have some wine and food here, let's eat and chat!"

When Zhou Chengxue saw Li Fan skillfully setting up the table to start the meal, he was taken aback. The cups, teacups, and tea leaves were actually quite elegant, which didn't quite fit the style of this Red-Haired Ghost. But then he figured that this guy probably stole them from someone else, so it made sense. He accepted the offer and began to tell Li Fan some secrets of the Inner Sect Penglai.

Indeed, as Li Fan said, wherever there are people, there is a world of intrigue. Even a large organization like Penglai has its own factions. The fact that nine palaces branched off from one sect signifies divisions and factions. This is because an elite master-disciple system like the Xuanmen inevitably presents an unavoidable problem.

When it comes to passing on the leadership of a sect, should it be passed to one's own disciple, one's junior brother, or one's senior uncle?

Ideally, the sect leader's direct disciples would inherit the position, with the leader's fellow disciples becoming elders and protectors. But what if the junior disciple has higher cultivation and better aptitude than the apprentice? Or what if the junior disciple's apprentice has higher cultivation and better aptitude than the apprentice? If someone objects, won't there be internal strife? If not, won't the sect split up?

The Beichen Sword Sect employs a classic solution: sword duels. If you're not convinced, fight it out, and the survivor becomes the sect leader.

Penglai's solution was quite classic: division into separate sects. Previously, there was only one Supreme True Sect. Later, multiple Enlightened cultivators coexisted, and the position of sect leader was passed down from the direct line, leading to the division of palaces. Gradually, this resulted in the coexistence of various palaces, including Lingzhen, Shenzhen, Zhenzhen, Tianzhen, Xuanzhen, Taizhen, Zhen, Gaozhen, and Shangzhen. Finally, they simply changed it to the Supreme Nine Truth Sect True Sect. To avoid dividing the sect too much and too far apart, thus weakening its strength, they didn't plan to further divide it into nine palaces. They appointed Enlightened Dao Lords as the masters of each palace, Divine Transformation cultivators as acting palace masters. These palace masters and acting palace masters would then discuss and elect the most popular person to be the sect leader.

Currently, Penglai has three Daoist Masters who have attained enlightenment, just as the three immortal mountains are each guarded by a great Daoist cultivator who has attained enlightenment.

The current leader of the Supreme Nine Truth Sect, the Lord of Penglai, is the Zhenzhen Xianhua Daojun from the Zhenzhen Palace. The Fanghu Yingzhou Two Immortal Mountains are overseen by Daoists from the Lingzhen and Xuanzhen Palaces.

The other disciples of the Six Palaces were also divided among the three mountains for cultivation. However, Penglai had abundant resources, so there was no need to compete for them. The three Dao Lords did not have such a big disagreement. At most, they would cultivate on whichever immortal island they had a better relationship with. Therefore, in theory, both the Divine True Palace and the High True Palace were cultivating in Penglai. If you had to say, they could both be considered to be supporting the faction of the Zhenzhen Palace leader.

"... So that's how it is. The Real Immortal of Penglai gather here, and its disciples are numerous; it's truly enviable..."

Perhaps because they were getting closer to Penglai, Li Fan could see a blazing sunset on the horizon and streaks of light overhead, like the aurora borealis, which must have been Real Immortal immortals riding the wind. Compared to the desolate scene of the Ancestral Hall's ancestral hall, he felt a pang of melancholy.

After finishing his drink, Zhou Chengxue said, "Having more people isn't necessarily a good thing. One minute someone makes an enemy of an outsider, the next minute someone else is in trouble outside. People come to you for help all the time. They're all fellow disciples, so it's not good to ignore them, but you can't help everyone. You don't even have time to cultivate yourself. It's really annoying."

Brother Li, I understand your eagerness to make a name for yourself since you've just joined the sect, but I advise you not to place too much importance on empty fame. In the end, your own cultivation is the most real thing. Once you've rendered meritorious service in this campaign against the Demonic Sect, you'll gain a superior cultivation method and a secluded place to cultivate. Then, go into seclusion and cultivate. The Demonic Sect is so far from the East Sea, and there's the even more powerful Emei Sect protecting you. What is there to worry about?

Alright, we've arrived.

As Zhou Chengxue spoke, he rose into the air, wielding his jade pendant. The light before Li Fan's eyes changed instantly, and he felt the sky suddenly darken. Turning his head, he saw that the bow of the ship was like a curtain being drawn back, the illusion gone, suddenly revealing a huge sea wall. Although there was no wind or waves, the sea wall was hundreds of feet high, the water as black as ink, blotting out the sky and the sun, as if a wave was about to overturn the heavens and the earth, its momentum terrifying.

Zhou Chengxue threw the jade pendant in his hand into the sea wall. Instantly, a roar resounded, the sky and earth split open, and the sea wall in front of him, with billions of tons of seawater, widened to both sides, revealing a waterway like a narrow gorge. The waves rippled, pulling the treasure ship slowly through.

From between the waters and valleys, a golden light and nine-colored rosy clouds rushed towards them, so dazzling that they could not open their eyes. After traveling for several miles, they passed between the walls of the sky and the sea, and a fairy mountain, as if it had jumped out of the sea, came into view.

Golden pavilions and silver palaces, romantic and enchanting; precious trees and rare flowers, stretching to the horizon—this is Penglai.

Pengqiu is Penglai Mountain. It faces the northeast coast of the East Sea and has a circumference of five thousand li. There is another circular sea surrounding the mountain. The water of the circular sea is black and is called the Dark Sea. Even without wind, the waves are hundreds of feet high, and it is impossible to travel there. Only flying immortals can reach that place.