DiploNovel Chapter 367 : The Sect’s Festering Wound
Chapter 367 : The Sect’s Festering Wound
A Fifth-Tier Origin Talisman — the Heaven-Escape Talisman!Even with Chen Beiwu’s steadfast Dao heart, hearing of such a supreme treasure so suddenly stirred a ripple within him.
Mirror Moon Sect truly lived up to its status as a hegemonic sect inheriting the legacy of Taiyi Dao Sect. The depth of its foundations far exceeded his imagination.
Seeing the Dao Child’s expression, Zhu Wuya showed no surprise.
A Fifth-Tier Origin Talisman was a supreme treasure surpassing even a Fourth-Tier Profound Talisman. Its power could no longer be described as merely moving mountains and overturning seas.
Without exaggeration, if a Nascent Soul True Monarch activated a Fifth-Tier Origin Talisman, even a Divine Transformation True Venerable could be resisted to some extent, preventing annihilation by a mere thought.
However, the stronger the talisman, the more exorbitant the cost. Especially for a Fifth-Tier Origin Talisman—something far beyond human craftsmanship—it required a Divine Transformation True Venerable to gather the proper timing of heaven and advantages of terrain, expending immense effort and rare resources to refine.
Mirror Moon Sect no longer had a Divine Transformation True Venerable overseeing it. The inherited Fifth-Tier Origin Talismans were limited—each use meant one less. Their value was immeasurable.
Yet external objects were, in the end, merely external objects.
Compared to a future peerless prodigy like Sect Dao Child Chen Zi’ang, who had hope of attaining Divine Transformation, a single Fifth-Tier Profound Talisman was nothing.
Still, considering sect regulations, Zhu Wuya spoke calmly, “This talisman is lent to you. Remember to return it.”
Chen Beiwu did not refuse. After receiving it, he gave a solemn bow.
Though he possessed various life-preserving means, he could not reject a divine safeguard like the Heaven-Escape Talisman.
“With the Heaven-Escape Talisman protecting you, there is no need to overly concern yourself with Eight Desolations Sect. Although Ning Xuanji is a Divine Transformation True Venerable, he would not dare act rashly within the Earth Proliferation Territory.”
“As for the Five Great Sects of Earth Proliferation Territory, they appear united under the Five Sect Alliance Pact. In truth, that unity exists only to resist external enemies. The struggles over resources, territory, and Dao lineage have never ceased.”
At this point, Zhu Wuya paused slightly. “After the Sect-Knocking Battle, you have already become the target of many arrows. During this journey of experience, be wary of Blazing Flame Sect, Heavy Gold Sect, Profound Sword Pavilion, and Greenwood Sect. When those sects make secret moves, they are no better than demonic cultivators.”
“This disciple understands.”
Chen Beiwu had long known his situation and would not act recklessly.
“Oh, I nearly forgot another matter. Within the sphere of influence of Heavy Gold Sect lies a realm called Crimson River Realm.”
Just as Chen Beiwu prepared to take his leave, Zhu Wuya continued thoughtfully, “Recently, three major demonic factions have emerged within Crimson River Realm. Their leaders are True Monarch demonic cultivators wanted by the three great demonic sects of Western Expansion Territory. Their strength should not be underestimated, and they have been secretly eroding several subordinate families of Heavy Gold Sect.”
“Although Heavy Gold Sect reacted in time and suppressed the demonic cultivators in Crimson River Realm, undercurrents are already surging beneath the surface. A great war could erupt at any moment. During your travels, it is best to avoid Crimson River Realm to prevent unnecessary entanglements.”
“Grand Ancestor, this disciple does not understand one point.”
Chen Beiwu frowned slightly and voiced his doubt. “Why do the Five Great Sects not join forces to expel and annihilate the demonic cultivators of Crimson River Realm?”
In the Southern Wastes, demonic and heretical cultivators still had room to survive—even ruling entire territories, such as the three great demonic sects dominating Western Expansion Territory.
But within the Immortal Alliance, demonic cultivators were nothing more than rats in the streets. Whoever dared show their head would face the iron fists of the Immortal Alliance’s three great institutions: Artifacts Pavilion, Temple of Accord, and Law Enforcement Bureau, preventing demonic forces from growing unchecked.
The Five Great Sects of Earth Proliferation Territory formed a strategic alliance. If they allowed demonic cultivators to gain a foothold in Crimson River Realm and erode Heavy Gold Sect, would that not be destroying their own defensive wall? Heavy Gold Sect today could be any of them tomorrow.
“You still see this too simply,” Zhu Wuya chuckled softly, thinking the Dao Child still somewhat young.
“A pack of stray dogs dares to rampage so brazenly in Crimson River Realm without being fully eradicated by Heavy Gold Sect. How could they not have a master behind them?”
“Grand Ancestor means the issue lies within Heavy Gold Sect?” Chen Beiwu quickly grasped the implication.
Indeed. How could three True Monarch demonic cultivators—driven out as stray dogs by the overlords of Western Expansion Territory—have the strength to divide Heavy Gold Sect’s domain?
“Correct.” Zhu Wuya smiled approvingly. “Those so-called wanted demonic True Monarchs are, in plain terms, dogs raised by the upper echelons of Heavy Gold Sect.”
Chen Beiwu was momentarily stunned. There were truly sects that raised dogs to bite their own subordinate forces.
“Heavy Gold Sect is not a single iron plate. Certain high-ranking members, seeking advantage in internal struggles to seize greater authority and resources, secretly nurture demonic cultivators—playing the trick of raising bandits to strengthen themselves.”
“But who can they fool? In the eyes of the other four sects, the demonic cultivators of Crimson River Realm are no external invasion. It is merely Heavy Gold Sect’s own forces biting one another, weakening themselves through infighting.”
“As long as the fire does not burn their own houses, everyone is content to watch the spectacle. Who would intervene in another sect’s dogs fighting?”
At this, Zhu Wuya glanced at Chen Beiwu and advised, “When governing a sect, one cannot judge by appearances alone. Many troubles that seem like external threats, once peeled back, are festering sores of internal strife.”
Chen Beiwu nodded thoughtfully.
Infighting was often the first sign of a sect’s decline.
Fortunately, he had joined Mirror Moon Sect rather than the internally fractured Heavy Gold Sect.
Otherwise, some high-ranking member might have secretly targeted him to eliminate obstacles or seize power.
“In addition, I have arranged for a False Nascent Soul Cultivator to accompany you as protector.”
Seeing Chen Beiwu about to speak, Zhu Wuya raised a hand. “Rest assured, the sect’s False Nascent Soul Cultivator will remain hidden and will not interfere with your decisions unless you face mortal danger.”
The Great Dao was arduous, and not all cultivators succeeded.
Some Golden Core peak cultivators, when attempting Nascent Soul breakthrough, failed due to insufficient foundation, heart demons, or incomplete Golden Cores—unable to refine their Yang Spirit prototype into true pure Yang. If they survived the failed attempt, they became False Nascent Soul Cultivators.
There was a saying in the Southern Wastes cultivation world: “Once False Nascent Soul is formed, the path ahead is severed!”
Though such cultivators gained extended lifespan and mana surpassing Golden Core True Persons, they were failures. Their status was far below that of a Nascent Soul True Monarch.
Their Nascent Soul was inherently flawed and could not mature further. Their cultivation path was frozen, and the Great Dao lay beyond reach.
Even in terms of battle strength, an early-stage Nascent Soul True Monarch could easily suppress three to four False Nascent Soul Cultivators.
However, true Nascent Soul True Monarchs valued their future and would not abandon precious cultivation time to act as guardians for sect prodigies. False Nascent Soul Cultivators were different.
Given sufficient contribution rewards, they would willingly lower their pride to guard a peerless prodigy—especially for the sake of future descendants.
“Forgive this disciple’s bluntness, but the matter of a protector should be set aside.”
After thanking him respectfully, Chen Beiwu chose his words carefully. “It is not arrogance, but if Grand Ancestor dispatches a False Nascent Soul Cultivator to protect this disciple, when the time comes, it may be unclear who protects whom.”
“Since you have made your decision, so be it.”
Sensing the confidence in his tone, Zhu Wuya nodded and said no more.
…
Mirror Moon Sea Region, within a heavily restricted secret cave dwelling.
A smooth water wall slowly reflected the figure of a cultivator.
If a disciple of Mirror Moon Sect were present, they would immediately recognize him as the sect’s Vice Sect Master, Fog Sea True Monarch Lin Zimo.
“How did it go?” Fog Sea True Monarch asked indifferently.
“Sect Master, the Dao Child refused protection. This subordinate cannot accompany him.”
Before the water wall stood a sallow-faced, turbid-eyed middle-aged cultivator, bowing respectfully.
“Useless. You cannot even handle such a minor matter.” Fog Sea True Monarch frowned impatiently. “If he travels alone, his whereabouts are difficult to trace. Without your eyes following him, how am I to grasp his movements and arrange a perfect accident at the optimal moment?”
As a False Nascent Soul Cultivator of Mirror Moon Sect, Xiang Yuanbai held a status far above Golden Core True Persons. Yet before a true Nascent Soul True Monarch, he was insignificant.
He knew this well.
Better to deceive an old man than bully a youth.
His cultivation path was over, but sect Golden Core prodigies—even with slim chances—still possessed some possibility of reaching Nascent Soul.
“This subordinate is incompetent,” Xiang Yuanbai admitted calmly.
Lowering his head before a Nascent Soul True Monarch to secure his future was no shame.
“Very well. Activate the backup tracking guide. Though inferior to following him personally, it can at least determine his approximate location,” Fog Sea True Monarch ordered.
“Yes, this subordinate will see to it immediately.”
“Remember, if there is any mishap, you know the consequences.”
As his voice fell, the figure on the water wall dissipated, and silence returned to the cave.
Xiang Yuanbai sighed, troubled.
Allegiance determined thought. Even if the matter was perilous, he had no choice but to risk his life.
Fortunately, risk equaled opportunity.
If successful, he might seize a sliver of fate to defy heaven and continue his broken path.
Meanwhile, Taiyi Hall.
A shadowy figure appeared silently and bowed.
Zhu Wuya did not raise his eyes. “Xinyu, has that side behaved recently?”
“Reporting to Grand Ancestor, Vice Sect Master Lin has remained within the Sect Master Hall handling affairs and has not left.”
Zhu Wuya chuckled softly. “Lin Zimo always leaves no trace.”
The words bore neither praise nor reproach.
“If not for knowing his nature, I might truly believe his ‘wholehearted devotion to the sect.’”
“But such temperament and patience have been misapplied.”
“If we treat Lin Zimo as a whetstone, do you think the Dao Child can pass his test?”
Xinyu hesitated. “Vice Sect Master Lin calculates flawlessly. The Dao Child may face mortal danger.”
“You always leave yourself room to revise your words.”
“So you believe Lin Zimo would win?”
Silence.
Without interference, Lin Zimo’s chances of successfully plotting against a Golden Core True Person were extremely high.
But since Grand Ancestor had noticed, Lin Zimo’s outcome would likely not be favorable.
“Humans find contentment hardest.”
“Water too pure holds no fish. I once agreed with Lin Zimo’s view—prodigies deserve prodigious treatment.”
“Even if he embezzled spirit stones and diverted resources, I could overlook it.”
“But his hand reached too far—far enough to blur the line of sect interest.”
“In matters of sect interest, even a Nascent Soul True Monarch is not irreplaceable.”
Xinyu’s heart trembled.
“Withdraw. If Lin Zimo dares act, you know what to do.”
“This subordinate understands.”
…
Elsewhere, in the Beast Taming Lineage’s Ten Thousand Beasts Valley.
Within the Beast Taming Hall.
Jade slips piled high upon a rosewood desk.
Shu You sat at the head seat handling affairs, less cold than before, more authoritative.
“Reporting to the Lineage Master, Deputy Hall Master of Hall of Mysteries, Golden Core Elder Yun Cang seeks an audience,” a guarding disciple announced obsequiously.
Shu You frowned slightly at the flattery.
“The Beast Taming Lineage has only one Lineage Master—Lord Chen Zi’ang. Address me as Deputy Lineage Master.”
“Yes, disciple understands.”
“Invite True Person Yun inside.”
After a quarter hour, watching Yun Cang depart, Shu You felt as though ages had passed.
If not for Lord Chen Zi’ang’s decisive appointment years ago, she might still be a Moon-Choosing Envoy.
Now, even Golden Core True Persons treated her as an equal.
She inhaled deeply, steadying herself.
This grace of recognition—she would repay it.
At that moment, a voice sounded outside again.
“This disciple pays respects to the Lineage Master!”
Shu You frowned—until her divine sense perceived the tall figure at the entrance.
Her irritation turned to joy.
She stepped forward swiftly and bowed deeply before Chen Beiwu.
“Shu You was unaware of Lord’s arrival and failed to welcome you from afar. I beg Lord to forgive me!”