Making a Big Scene

The three major sects have governed the Zhao Kingdom for just three hundred years. The families established by the disciples of the Netherworld Sect are not numerous, and most have not yet developed. The vast majority of the Netherworld Sect's affiliated families are the "remnants of the Zhao clan" from back then.

These families, whether coerced or willing, had participated in the war against the three major sects, and the blood feud between both sides was still remembered.

The three major sects aimed to maintain stability, digest their gains quickly, and strengthen their power.

The Netherworld Sect adopted a divide-and-conquer strategy towards the "remnants of the Zhao clan," annihilating any families that intermarried with the Zhao clan or caused significant casualties to the Netherworld Sect.

As for families not closely related to the Zhao clan, a conciliatory policy was adopted, though punishment was not absent.

When Netherworld Sect disciples established families, they seized the territory and resources of many old families, leading to mutual animosity.

The Netherworld Sect was powerful and strictly prohibited infighting among its affiliated families. Although new and old families engaged in covert struggles, they maintained a facade of harmony.

With "Golden Toad's" words, the hidden strife was brought into the open. Ostensibly, he was scolding the Wang family, but in reality, he was targeting all the old families.

The Li and Wang families were both old families, and furthermore, they were representatives of the old families that had gravitated towards the Netherworld Sect.

Li Xinghe's younger brother, Li Xinghai, possessed exceptional talent and had been accepted as a disciple by a Violet Mansion Elder of the Netherworld Sect. He was already in the middle stage of Foundation Establishment. With him, the Li family could be considered quasi-direct descendants of the Netherworld Sect.

Although the Wang family had no Foundation Establishment disciples within the Netherworld Sect, they were known among the old families for their obedience, following the Netherworld Sect's directives without question.

Not to mention the Clear River Carp incident four years ago, which caused quite a stir. The Wang family voluntarily handed over the Clear River Carp, earning the responsibility of raising it for the Netherworld Sect. This position was not assigned to an individual within the Wang family, but to the family itself.

If a position were given to a person, it could be transferred to another upon their death. However, this position was given to the Wang family; as long as the Wang family existed, the position would remain theirs.

It was rare for an entire family to hold an official position within the Netherworld Sect; most direct descendant families did not even have this privilege.

It could be said that the Wang family's status within the Netherworld Sect was even higher than the Li family's. The Wang and Li families were prime examples of local families integrating into the Netherworld Sect, serving as the "horse bones" that the Netherworld Sect had "bought with a thousand gold."

And today, these two "horse bones," who should have been treated well, were publicly slapped in the face. This slap also landed on the faces of all the families that had thrown themselves into the embrace of the Netherworld Sect.

In the eyes of the Netherworld Sect's direct descendants, the old families were "remnants," and those actively aligning with the Netherworld Sect were dogs that could be disposed of at any time.

Seeing the expressions of the assembled family cultivators change, "Golden Toad" realized he had spoken out of turn. However, he was too proud to retract his words.

Now, "Golden Toad" found himself in a dilemma: initiating a fight would not lead to a swift victory, and alerting the Netherworld Sect Elders in the city would put him in a precarious position. Taking a step back and retracting his words would mean losing face and disgracing the Violet Mansion ancestor. Leaving without engaging or backing down would not only be embarrassing but also incur the blame for creating internal conflict.

With no other recourse, he hardened his heart and prepared to strike decisively. Even if the situation escalated, he could shift the blame onto the Li and Wang families.

Even if they had connections within the sect, they wouldn't dare to openly confront a Violet Mansion Elder. It was likely that the matter would be downplayed.

The other families and rogue cultivators present would not offend a Violet Mansion Elder for the sake of two minor families and would likely stand by idly...

Wang Daoyuan had been observing "Golden Toad" intently. Seeing his unusual expression and the vicious glint in his eyes, he knew the old fellow intended to act. He immediately sent a telepathic message to the clan leader: "Clan Leader, be careful. This Golden Toad intends to make a move against you."

"Golden Toad" waved his hand, and a flying sword shot out from his sleeve, heading directly for Wang Zhian.

Wang Zhian, being an experienced veteran and forewarned by Wang Daoyuan, sent his back-mounted sword flying out, easily deflecting the attack.

Just as "Golden Toad" was about to attack again, a powerful pressure descended from the sky. Few Qi Refining cultivators could remain standing. On the Wang family's side, only Wang Shouye could still stand. Wang Daoyuan tried several times but couldn't get up, left to slump on the ground. Even Foundation Establishment cultivators had to circulate their spiritual energy to resist.

It turned out that the guards at the city gate, upon seeing the conflict among the queuing families, had immediately reported it to the Violet Mansion Elder within the city.

The Elder guarding Golden Goose City was named Liu Jinhui. Upon receiving news of the disturbance, he rushed over. Since flight was prohibited within the city, and with the unusually large number of people during this special period, his speed was affected.

As he emerged from the city gate, he saw the golden-robed figure attacking Wang Zhian. He wanted to intervene but was too late. Seeing Wang Zhian receive the attack unharmed, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Golden Toad was not giving up. He could only unleash his pressure to intimidate everyone.

Seeing that everyone was intimidated, Liu Jinhui finally spoke, asking, "Wang Zhian, Li Xinghe, Jin Yugui, why are your three families fighting here?"

"Golden Toad" was named Jin Yugui, the patriarch of the Jin family. The Jin family had an ancestor who was a Violet Mansion Elder of the Netherworld Sect.

Jin Yugui intended to play the victim, but Wang Zhian, being astute, gave him no chance to speak first. He preempted him, saying, "Reporting to Elder Liu, the cause of this conflict is a minor matter. The Jin family members arrived at the city gate and refused to queue, cutting directly in front of the Li family, demanding immediate entry. A young friend from the Li family, unable to tolerate it, spoke out against fellow Daoist Jin.

Fellow Daoist Jin, in his anger, decided to teach the young Li a lesson, and fellow Daoist Li intervened. Fearing the escalation of the situation, I came out to mediate. However, fellow Daoist Jin was still enraged and berated me. You have seen the rest, Elder."

Liu Jinhui asked, "What did he say?"

Wang Zhian recounted Jin Yugui's words.

Upon hearing this, Liu Jinhui inwardly cursed, realizing Jin Yugui had brought up sensitive matters into the open. If mishandled, this could alienate many of the old families.

Severely punishing Jin Yugui would offend the Jin family's ancestor. Not punishing him would mean the Netherworld Sect tacitly approved Jin Yugui's statement, making it difficult for the Netherworld Sect to rely on the old families in the future.

After intense deliberation, Liu Jinhui's sense of responsibility for the greater good prevailed, and he decided to punish Jin Yugui to appease the various families. However, to maintain unity within the sect, the punishment could not be too severe.

Having made his decision, Liu Jinhui reprimanded Jin Yugui, "All the families have gathered at Golden Goose City for the purpose of clearing out demonic beasts. This is a major affair for the Netherworld Sect. As a descendant of Elder Jin, you should not be disregarding the Netherworld Sect's important matters but instead..."

Before Liu Jinhui could finish speaking, a chilling voice echoed, "Heh heh, Elder Liu, why bother with a junior? Jin Yugui misspoke, but it's a minor matter. Why make such a fuss? Moreover, now is a time when people are needed. Let him atone for his mistakes with merit."

Wang Daoyuan followed the sound and saw a figure wearing a black cloak that obscured his face. His back was slightly hunched, and he leaned on a bone staff with his right hand, appearing to be an old man.

Just a glance at the Black Robe Elder sent shivers down Wang Daoyuan's spine, raising goosebumps all over his body.

After speaking, the Black Robe Elder transmitted his voice to Liu Jinhui: "Elder Liu, is it worth offending Elder Jin and causing factional strife within the sect for the sake of a few minor families?"

Liu Jinhui was dedicated to public service. If it were merely about offending Elder Jin, he wouldn't have been afraid. However, when factional disputes were involved, he had to consider the implications.