Two strikes to cripple Mu Cheng! (Yun Qing hated nothing more than being mocked for having no one to rely on)
"...Fellow Daoists, the situation is clear. We all hail from reputable orthodox sects and ancient aristocratic clans. Some of us are even bound by marriage or alliance. With our memories muddled and friend indistinguishable from foe, if we rashly attack one another and accidentally hurt our own friends or kin, wouldn't we needlessly make powerful enemies for our sects and lineages?" Holding the Jade Flute, Feng Tianming spoke warmly, coaxing them along.
His gaze swept over the rogue cultivators opposite them, and his tone chilled. "As for those...fellow Daoists over there, their origins are unknown, a jumble of fish and dragons, their cultivation and character uneven. We cannot guarantee there aren't vicious schemers among them. Joining their company would be like sleeping with a blade in our arms. Should someone covet our merit or magic treasures and ambush us..."
He left the sentence unfinished, but everyone understood.
A Red Flame Sect disciple in flame-patterned Daoist robes immediately chimed in loudly. "Fellow Daoist Feng is absolutely right! Why not join forces to 'clean up' those rogue cultivators first? We can 'redistribute' their merit and fortune, then compete on our own merits. Wouldn't that be safer?"
"An excellent suggestion!" "That's exactly what we should do!" "Clear out the small fry first!"
In just a few exchanges, the aristocratic clans and sects swiftly reached a consensus, even remembering to drape themselves in a fig leaf of propriety.
An uproar immediately erupted among the rogue cultivators. Everyone's expression changed, anger and terror intertwining.
Wang Hu and the others clenched their fists, their faces livid.
Just as swords were drawn and killing intent filled the air, the Heavenly Dao's Dao Resonance finally arrived.
The countdown ended!
``` [Regional assembly complete.]
[The lowest-ranked participant in this region's three-day merit standings will now be announced.]
[Liu Shen,