Zhang Sanfeng nodded. "Indeed. If Ghostly Villa is allowed to keep hiding in the shadows, who knows what poisonous scheme it will devise next?" The thoroughness of their planning and the ruthlessness of their methods still frightened him whenever he recalled them. Had there been the slightest accident today, the Wudang Sect would have been finished.
Song Qingshu said, "Ghostly Villa has the imperial court behind it. No matter how formidable the Wudang Sect is, we are still only a martial arts sect. We are somewhat powerless when facing the might of a state."
Zhang Sanfeng deeply agreed. "I never expected our Wudang Sect to become entangled in courtly struggles. Yet we have never involved ourselves in affairs of the imperial court. Why have we brought this disaster upon ourselves?"
Song Qingshu replied, "That is precisely what I intend to investigate."
"And how do you plan to investigate?" Zhang Sanfeng asked.
Song Qingshu considered it, then shook his head. "I have not decided yet. But the most urgent matter is to seal off news of this place, lest Ghostly Villa obtain intelligence."
Yu Lianzhou spoke at the right moment. "Rest assured, Qingshu. I have already issued the order. The mountain has been sealed since just now; no one is permitted to enter or leave. I have also sent people to watch for carrier pigeons and the like. No information will get out."
Chongxu added, "My disciples and I will impose upon Wudang Mountain for the time being. We will not return to Zhenwu Temple yet." Among Wudang's other four temples, the masters of Baiyun Temple and Shangqing Monastery were members of Ghostly Villa, so their disciples had naturally been brought under control. Daoist Ma Zhen, master of Yuqing Temple, had died amid the chaos, leaving his disciples leaderless; they were