Starting Cultivation During a Trip

"If you’re not deaf, blind, or dumb, you can’t sit in my position..."

"On the contrary, if you’re truly deaf, blind, or dumb, then you’re not far from death."

"I still don’t understand." Zhang Fan shook his head.

"In the world, things are never just black or white. The Wuwei Sect and the Daoist Sect have fought for so many years without being eradicated. Since you can’t eliminate it, you must allow it to exist, but under certain rules..." Lou Hechuan said faintly.

Just like between nations, even if there’s hostility, in circumstances where you can’t completely annihilate each other, neither will start a conflict. They’ll only compete in areas like economy, technology, and armament, and, when necessary, sit down for bilateral talks.

"The problem of the Wuwei Sect is no longer about extermination..." Lou Hechuan said gravely.

If extermination is possible, that’s great, but since it can’t be done, you have to change your approach...

"The key is balance. Why has Jiangnan Province remained so stable all these years?"

"Did you reach an agreement with them?" Zhang Fan asked in a deep voice.

"There can be friction, there can be competition, but it must remain within the red line..." Lou Hechuan said faintly.

For so many years, the Daoist Sect and the Wuwei Sect have been testing each other, consuming each other in their tacit friction.

When this probing and consumption reaches a certain critical point, the conflict erupts, and that’s...

Breaking Mountains and Attacking Temples!

"The demise of the three Celestial Masters was a catalyst; the balance in Jiangnan Province was broken... Many factions of the Wuwei Sect were purged..."

"They might soon retaliate in counteraction." Lou Hechuan sighed.

"What I want to know is... does this big fish only you know about, or does the higher-up know as well?" Zhang Fan asked the crucial question.

If the higher-up knows, then the Daoist Alliance is also suspect. He didn’t believe the Daoist Alliance would sit idly by without reaction, even if it meant paying a price.

The so-called balance also requires weighing pros and cons.

"Only I know, but it’s hard to say now." Lou Hechuan shook his head. "After all, Jiangnan Province is no longer under my control."

"You don’t believe?" Lou Hechuan looked at Zhang Fan’s expression and couldn’t help but laugh.

"The reason I kept this big fish might be for other considerations, like now, trapped in prison; if I offer this big fish at this crucial moment, it would be a great merit, immediately allowing me to clear my name and leave."

"Is that what you mean?" Lou Hechuan said smilingly.

"I have to admit, I have always underestimated Chairman Lou." Zhang Fan sighed.

Lou Hechuan, appearing as merely occupying a position without achievement, sitting as chairman of the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance, seemed to be good for nothing but taking the blame. In fact, he knew everything; he was clear about everything and saw through people’s hearts.

"If I had such intentions, the position I occupy today would definitely be much higher than it is now."

Saying that, Lou Hechuan’s voice turned colder: "This big fish is bigger than you imagine."

"What do you mean?" Zhang Fan asked.

"Do you know what your close friend’s stepmother is?" Lou Hechuan sneered.

"Aunt Yun?"

"She’s the Lord of the Profound Palace of the Wuwei Sect..."

"Her!?" Zhang Fan’s eyes narrowed slightly, while Jiang Yunxian’s figure appeared in his mind.

"If I wanted to sell, I would have sold them long ago, and for a big price..." Lou Hechuan sneered.

"Now I’m even more confused." Zhang Fan shook his head.

Such an action has nothing to do with the balance Lou Hechuan mentioned. If the Lord of the Profound Palace and Human Xiao could be eliminated in one fell swoop, the Wuwei Sect would surely be greatly weakened. For the Daoist Sect, even if it causes brief chaos or incurs a cost, it would be worth it.

"Aside from the night of the South Zhang’s extermination... thirty-five years ago, that should have been my last visit to Qin Ancient Town..." Lou Hechuan spoke softly, his eyes showing a hint of reminiscence.

"That year, your grandfather was still around, and your father was only about fourteen or fifteen, although immature, the Daoist skill of Dragon Tiger Mountain was already quite advanced..."

Zhang Lingzong, showed astonishing talent in his youth. At fourteen, he completed the Divine Investiture Ceremony in Northern Zhang Land, sealing the God Sealing Statue and earning the title of Lingzong, establishing the God Sealing Statue as the Great Spirit Sect King.

At that time, whether it was South Zhang or North Zhang, it was a matter receiving great attention.

Because Lingzong was an upper grade Daoist title, that year, among the North Zhang disciples, only one person earned an upper grade Daoist title; his name was Zhang Qianxuan.

"It was that year, I met a young man at the Zhang Family Ancestral Mansion, his age was similar to your father’s, also your father’s close friend..."

"My father’s close friend?" Zhang Fan’s heart stirred slightly.

"Correct, that young man was very special. Although his surname was not Zhang, his Daoist skill was extraordinary. Even among the young generation of South Zhang, only a few could outshine him." Lou Hechuan lamented.

South Zhang disciples, upon reaching the age of fourteen, were allowed to go to Northern Zhang Land to seal the God Sealing Statue. That young man’s ability to stand shoulder to shoulder with them shows his talent was as phenomenal as a demon.

"That day, under the bright sun, he and your father had a magical combat in the courtyard of the Zhang Family Ancestral Mansion, the fight was evenly matched..."

"At that time, I thought such an outstanding young man would one day become famous worldwide..." Lou Hechuan’s expression was a bit dazed.

Such an extraordinary person, even looking back now, the years have not dimmed the brilliance on him.

"Who is he? I haven’t heard my father mention him." Zhang Fan asked.

Lou Hechuan paused slightly, looking at Zhang Fan, his eyes filled with meaning.

"That young man’s name was..."

"Li Cunsi!"