Chang Er Ding Guang Xian sent a secret transmission to Duobao Daoren. "Senior Brother Duo Bao, we absolutely cannot remain on Golden Turtle Island. Otherwise, everything will slip beyond our control.
"Agree to him first. Even if we lose when the time comes, it will only mean the Elucidation Sect and Human Sect disciples are too strong. I refuse to believe Hong Ze would dare do anything to us."
After hearing this, Duobao Daoren felt that it made sense and immediately spoke to Hong Ze.
"Eldest Senior Brother, whether we can win at the Three Sects Dao Debate Assembly does not seem to depend solely on us.
"If the other side's cultivation and strength completely surpass mine, Duobao would naturally not dare boast that I can secure victory for Eldest Senior Brother."
Hong Ze nodded after hearing this. "Junior Brother Duobao is right. Strength truly determines everything.
"However, Junior Brother Duobao need not worry. I will absolutely not let children fight adults.
"But if the person they send out is of similar strength to you, Junior Brother Duobao, and you still cannot win, then do not blame me for expelling you from the Jie Sect on the spot."
Hong Ze's words struck Duobao Daoren's heart like thunder. Even the Seven Attendant Immortals could not help but shudder.
Expulsion from the Jie Sect was something they had never even considered.
After all, none of them had thought that Hong Ze would dare expel them from the Jie Sect without consulting Master Tongtian.
Thus, Qiu Shou Xian immediately stepped forward and snorted coldly as he spoke to Hong Ze.
"Eldest Senior Brother, you are merely our eldest senior brother, not our master, nor are you the leader of the Jie Sect. What right do you have to expel us from the Jie Sect?"
Hong Ze turned to look at Qiu Shou Xian. His previously genial gaze instantly became incomparably sharp, as though streaks of sword light were shooting from his eyes.
"I am speaking with Junior Brother Duobao. Do you think you are qualified to interrupt?"
Facing Hong Ze's fierce gaze, Qiu Shou Xian did not show the slightest worry or fear.
"What an imposing official manner. Eldest Senior Brother, do you really think the Jie Sect has become your personal domain? Do not forget that Master merely asked you to manage the Jie Sect on his behalf."
Hong Ze smiled faintly. "Since you know that I am currently managing the Jie Sect, then you should understand that I am the one calling the shots in the Jie Sect right now.
"If you dare challenge my authority again, then do not blame me for using the Jie Sect Rules to punish you, a rebellious disciple who knows neither respect nor hierarchy."
"I do not believe I have violated any sect rule or precept. If Eldest Senior Brother insists on forcing a charge upon me, I, Qiu Shou Xian, will never sit back and await death."
From the look of it, Qiu Shou Xian was prepared to confront Hong Ze head-on, which secretly delighted Duobao Daoren.
Let me see how Hong Ze handles this.
After all, given Hong Ze's cultivation, he was likely no match for Qiu Shou Xian.
Moreover, all the magical treasures on Hong Ze were defensive in nature. As long as Qiu Shou Xian did not take the initiative to attack Hong Ze, Hong Ze would have no way to deal with him.
Just as Duobao Daoren was preparing to watch Hong Ze make a fool of himself, a painting scroll suddenly appeared in Hong Ze's hand. It was the Void Painting.
Hong Ze unfurled the Void Painting in his hand and let it float directly above his head.
"Guiche, Qiu Shou Xian has shown no respect for rank and status. He must be punished."
The moment Hong Ze finished speaking, Guiche flew out from the Void Painting. He was a Nine-Headed Bird.
Guiche extended his sharp claws and grabbed directly at Qiu Shou Xian.
Before Qiu Shou Xian could react, Guiche had already lifted him into the air and then flown back into the Void Painting.
As the Void Painting rolled itself up once more, it was as though nothing had happened, leaving Duobao Daoren utterly shocked.
At that moment, Hong Ze held the Void Painting in his hand and swept his sharp gaze over Duobao Daoren and the others.
"Give me your answer now. Will you remain on Golden Turtle Island to guard the place, or will you go to the Three Sects Dao Debate Assembly and bring glory to our Jie Sect?
"Of course, if you are dissatisfied, you may go find Master right now."
Hong Ze's words sent chills down Duobao Daoren and the others' spines. For a moment, they did not know how to choose.
If they remained at Biyou Palace on Golden Turtle Island, they would be utterly humiliated.
If they went to the Hua Xu Tribe to participate in the Profound Gate Three Sects Dao Discussion Assembly, they had to win. But was that something they could decide?
Just as Duobao Daoren did not know what to choose, Wu Yun Xian stepped forward. "I am willing to accompany Eldest Senior Brother to the Hua Xu Tribe."
Ling Ya Xian and Jin Guang Xian then followed suit, declaring that they were willing to go to the Hua Xu Tribe.
Hong Ze nodded after hearing them. "Since you believe you can bring glory to our Jie Sect, then I naturally cannot deny you this opportunity.
"But you must also remember that Hong Ze never speaks in jest. If you lose, do not blame me for disregarding our ties as fellow disciples."
The three of them nodded to Hong Ze at the same time. "Rest assured, Eldest Senior Brother. Since we have chosen to participate in the Profound Gate Three Sects Dao Discussion Assembly, we naturally have confidence in victory.
"But if Eldest Senior Brother loses, should you also expel yourself from the Jie Sect?"
This immediately delighted Duobao Daoren. After all, Hong Ze's cultivation was only at the True Immortal realm.
If he participated in the Three Sects Dao Debate Assembly, it would be strange if he did not lose.
Thus, he secretly instructed Chang Er Ding Guang Xian and Pi Lu Xian to strike while the iron was hot and add fuel to the fire.
Chang Er Ding Guang Xian immediately stepped forward. "The three senior brothers are right. If Eldest Senior Brother loses, then naturally the same should apply to you.
"Of course, if Eldest Senior Brother takes back what you just said now, we can pretend none of this ever happened and head to the Hua Xu Tribe together."
Hong Ze had now been forced into a corner, yet not the slightest trace of worry appeared on his face.
Instead, he smiled and said, "Whether I can remain in the Jie Sect will naturally be decided by Master. There is no need for you people to concern yourselves with it."
Hong Ze had truly taken shamelessness to the extreme, to the point that even Holy Mother Gui Ling beside him nearly burst out laughing.
She directly whispered to Mother Wu Dang and Golden Spirit Mother beside her, "Senior Sisters, do you think Eldest Senior Brother is being a little shameless?"
Mother Wu Dang and Golden Spirit Mother both glared at Holy Mother Gui Ling, making her stick out her tongue playfully.
In truth, Mother Wu Dang and Golden Spirit Mother shared the same thought, but they had not said it aloud as Holy Mother Gui Ling had.
However, Duobao Daoren was unwilling to let the matter rest, and he immediately questioned Hong Ze.
"Eldest Senior Brother, do you think acting like this will convince everyone? Can it convince the many disciples of our Jie Sect?
"Come, let us go see Master together and have him judge who is right."
After saying that, he stepped forward to pull Hong Ze toward Biyou Palace to seek an explanation from Master Tongtian.
However, Hong Ze ignored Duobao Daoren entirely and simply waved his hand.
"Duobao Daoren, Pi Lu Xian, Chang Er Ding Guang Xian, and Jin Gu Xian will remain behind at Biyou Palace on Golden Turtle Island. Everyone else will accompany me to the Hua Xu Tribe to participate in the Profound Gate Three Sects Dao Discussion Assembly."
With that, he mounted his donkey and took the lead toward the Hua Xu Tribe, paying no attention whatsoever to the bewildered Duobao Daoren.
Before you continue