Things Blow Up

The Three Great Sects had taken control of the Zhao Kingdom only three hundred years ago. Not many lineages had been established by disciples of the sects themselves, and most had yet to develop. The vast majority of the Netherworld Sect's subordinate lineages were the "Remnants of the Zhao Clan" from those days.

Whether forced or willing, these lineages had all participated in the war against the Three Great Sects. The blood feud between both sides was still remembered.

In order to maintain stability, consolidate their gains as quickly as possible, and strengthen themselves,

the Netherworld Sect adopted a divide-and-rule strategy toward the "Remnants of the Zhao Clan." Any lineage that had intermarried with the Zhao Clan or inflicted enormous casualties upon the Netherworld Sect was exterminated outright.

As for lineages with little connection to the Zhao Clan, they adopted a policy of conciliation—though punishment was naturally unavoidable.

The lineages established by Netherworld Sect disciples had seized quite a bit of territory and resources from the old lineages by force. It could be said that the two sides could hardly stand the sight of each other.

The Netherworld Sect was powerful and strictly prohibited internal strife among its subordinate lineages. Though the new and old lineages had clashed in secret no few times, on the surface they remained harmonious.

Golden Toad's words had brought those hidden conflicts into the open. On the surface, he was cursing the Wang Clan, but in truth, he was cursing all the old lineages.

The Li Clan and the Wang Clan were both old lineages, and among the old lineages, they were representatives of those drawing close to the Netherworld Sect.

Li Xinghe's younger brother, Li Xinghai, possessed exceptional aptitude and had become the disciple of a Purple Mansion elder of the Netherworld Sect. He had already reached the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage. With him around, the Li Clan could be considered quasi-direct lineage of the Netherworld Sect.

Although the Wang Clan had no Foundation Establishment disciples within the Netherworld Sect, it was famously obedient among the old lineages. Wherever the Netherworld Sect pointed, the Wang Clan struck.

Not to mention the Clear River Carp affair that had caused such an uproar four years ago. The Wang Clan had voluntarily handed over the Clear River Carp and received the post of raising Clear River Carp for the Netherworld Sect. This post had not been granted to any individual of the Wang Clan, but to the Wang Clan itself.

If a post was granted to an individual, it could be passed on to someone else after that person died. But this post had been granted to the Wang Clan. So long as the Wang Clan was not destroyed, the post belonged to the Wang Clan.

There were truly not many cases of an entire lineage holding a post in the Netherworld Sect. Even most direct lineages did not receive such treatment.

It could be said that the Wang Clan's standing within the Netherworld Sect was even higher than the Li Clan's. The Wang and Li Families were the quintessential examples of local lineages integrating into the Netherworld Sect, the horse bones for which the Netherworld Sect was willing to pay a thousand pieces of gold.

Yet today, those two horse bones that should have been treated well were slapped across the face in public. That slap had also landed on the faces of every lineage that had thrown itself into the Netherworld Sect's embrace.

In the eyes of the Netherworld Sect's direct lineages, the old lineages were nothing but "remnants," while those lineages actively drawing close to the Netherworld Sect were dogs that could be killed at any time.

Seeing that the expressions of the cultivators from the various lineages had changed, Golden Toad realized that he had misspoken. Yet he truly could not bring himself to take back what he had just said.

Golden Toad was now caught between a rock and a hard place. If he fought and failed to swiftly subdue them, alerting the Netherworld Sect elders in the city, he would be unable to bear the consequences. If he took a step back and withdrew his words, his dignity would be swept away, and he would even disgrace the Purple Mansion ancestor. If he neither advanced nor retreated and simply left, not only would he lose face, he would also bear the charge of creating internal conflict.

Helpless, he hardened his heart and prepared to strike ruthlessly. Even if things blew up, he could pin the blame on the Wang and Li Families.

Even if they had people in the sect, those people would not tear all pretense of cordiality with the lineage of a Purple Mansion elder. Most likely, they would turn a big matter into a small one, and a small one into nothing at all.

The other lineages and Rogue Cultivators present would never offend a Purple Mansion elder for the sake of two minor lineages. They would most likely stand by with folded arms...

Wang Daoyuan had been watching Golden Toad all along. Seeing that his expression was strange and murderous light leaked from his eyes, he knew the old bastard intended to attack. He immediately sent a voice transmission to the clan head. "Clan Head, be careful. This Golden Toad wants to make a move against you."

Golden Toad waved his hand, and a Flying Sword flew from his sleeve, shooting straight at Wang Zhian.

Wang Zhian was also an experienced veteran of Battle Formations. Having received Wang Daoyuan's warning, the sword on his back flew out and easily blocked the attack.

Just as Golden Toad was about to continue attacking, a wave of pressure descended from the heavens. Few Qi Refinement cultivators could remain standing. On the Wang Clan's side, only Wang Shouye could stay on his feet. Wang Daoyuan tried several times but could not rise, and could only sit collapsed on the ground. Even Foundation Establishment Cultivators had to circulate spiritual power to resist it.

It turned out that the guards at the city gate had seen the lineages waiting in line break into conflict and immediately reported it to the Purple Mansion elder in the city.

The elder stationed at Golden Goose City was named Liu Jinhui. As soon as he received word that someone was causing trouble, he hurried over. Since flying was forbidden within the city, and there were especially many people during this unusual time, his speed had been affected.

The moment he left the city gate, he saw the man in golden robes attack Wang Zhian. He wanted to intervene, but it was already too late. When Wang Zhian received the attack without a scratch, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Golden Toad still refused to let the matter rest, so Liu Jinhui could only release his pressure and give everyone a show of force.

Only after seeing everyone cowed did Liu Jinhui ask, "Wang Zhian, Li Xinghe, Jin Yugui, why are your three lineages fighting here?"

Golden Toad's name was Jin Yugui. He was the Jin Clan head, and one of the Jin Clan's ancestors was a Purple Mansion elder of the Netherworld Sect.

Jin Yugui wanted to accuse the victims first, but Wang Zhian was far too shrewd to give him the chance to speak first. He cut in, "Reporting to Elder Liu, this conflict began over a trivial matter. When the Jin Clan arrived before the city gate, they refused to queue and directly cut in front of the Li Clan, demanding to enter the city at once. A young friend of the Li Clan could not stand it and spoke up to rebuke Fellow Daoist Jin.

Fellow Daoist Jin became angry and attacked to teach the Li Clan youngster a lesson, but Fellow Daoist Li intervened. Fearing that things would grow out of hand, this junior came forward to mediate. Unexpectedly, Fellow Daoist Jin was in the heat of anger and cursed this junior. Elder, you have seen the rest."

Liu Jinhui asked, "What did he curse?"

Wang Zhian repeated Jin Yugui's words.

The moment Liu Jinhui heard them, he inwardly cursed. Jin Yugui had brought words that should never have been spoken into the open. If this matter was mishandled, it could very likely chill the hearts of countless old lineages.

If he severely punished Jin Yugui, he would offend the Jin Family Ancestor. If he did not punish him, it would amount to the Netherworld Sect acknowledging Jin Yugui's words. In the future, it would be difficult for the Netherworld Sect to make the old lineages work for it.

After an intense inner struggle, Liu Jinhui's character of putting the greater good first prevailed. He decided to punish Jin Yugui and pacify the various lineages. However, for the sake of unity within the sect, he could not punish him too severely.

Having made his decision, Liu Jinhui rebuked Jin Yugui, "The various lineages have gathered in Golden Goose City this time to sweep away Demon Beasts. This is a major matter for the Netherworld Sect. As Elder Jin's descendant, not only do you fail to consider the Netherworld Sect's great cause, you instead..."

Before Liu Jinhui could finish, a hair-raising voice sounded. "Heh heh, Elder Liu, why lower yourself to the level of a junior? Jin Yugui merely misspoke in a moment of carelessness. It is only a small matter. Why make such a grand show of it? Besides, this is precisely a time when hands are needed. Let him redeem himself through meritorious service."

Following the voice, Wang Daoyuan saw that the newcomer wore a black cloak that concealed his face. His waist was slightly hunched, and his right hand leaned on a bone staff. He appeared to be an old man.

With just one glance at the Black Robe Elder, Wang Daoyuan's hair stood on end, and goosebumps covered his body.

After speaking, the Black Robe Elder sent Liu Jinhui a voice transmission. "Elder Liu, is it worth offending Elder Jin and provoking factional strife within the sect for the sake of a few minor lineages?"

Liu Jinhui was wholeheartedly devoted to the public good. If it merely meant offending Elder Jin, he truly was not afraid. But since it involved factional strife, he had no choice but to consider it.