Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 176: War Call
In the spacious and bright main hall, Song Xian and Zhong Wenyuan walked in from outside and saw a young man in his twenties, dressed in the black clothing of Luoyun Sect, sitting inside.

"Friend Wei, your visit is an honor to our humble sect. I apologize for not welcoming you in person." Song Xian greeted him with a smile on his face.

The man stood up calmly and returned the greeting. "Master Song, I am here on the orders of our master. I hope your sect can immediately gather all disciples and depart for ours. I have an important matter to discuss."

After saying that, he took out a jade slip and handed it to him: "This is what our sect leader asked me to give to Sect Leader Song."

Such a big thing certainly cannot be credibly handled by an unknown disciple alone.

Song Xian took the jade slip and probed inside with his spiritual consciousness. As expected, he found a message from Luoyun Sect's headmaster Tao Jinyuan, asking Hunyuan Sect to gather all its disciples to Luoyun Sect, but he did not mention what the specific matter was.

"Fellow Daoist Wei, I wonder why Senior Tao of your sect wants our sect to gather disciples?"

"I'm just following orders. I don't know what it is. Please make a decision as soon as possible, Master Song."

"This matter is of great importance. Could you please give our sect a little time? I need to discuss this with the sect elders."

"Okay, then I'll give your sect half an hour, which is enough for internal discussions!"

Song Xian then ordered someone to take him to the guest hall to rest.

"We can't afford to offend Luoyun Sect. If we don't respond to their call, our sect will have no place to stand in West City." Seeing that the disciples of Luoyun Sect had left, Zhong Wenyuan spoke.

Song Xian nodded and said, "Of course we can't offend the Luoyun Sect, especially at this time. I've decided that except for the combat personnel and the disciples in charge of the shops and alchemy, everyone else will come with me."

Zhong Wenyuan's frown deepened. "Everyone going? Isn't that too risky? If, as the Sect Master said, the Luoyun Sect is going to deal with the New Moon Sect in Humen City, then summoning us would likely mean we'd be the vanguard, serving as cannon fodder."

"I don't think we need to work so hard for the Luoyun Sect. Our sect has never taken any advantage from them. We can just deal with them lightly and send half of our disciples."

"Our sect is currently in good financial shape and its development is booming. There's no need to take such a risk."

"The New Moon Sect is not a small sect. Our limited manpower is not enough to fill its teeth. If our entire army is wiped out, the loss to the sect will be immeasurable."

Song Xian shook his head: "Either refuse outright and don't get involved. Or go all out."

"Since we have no option of refusing, we have no choice but to give it our all."

"Although getting involved in the struggle in Humen City is dangerous, it is also an opportunity. It may help us connect with the Luoyun Sect."

"No matter how powerful and overbearing the Luoyun Sect is, it is impossible for them to force other forces to work hard without paying anything in return."

"He made us work hard, so he will definitely give us corresponding rewards."

"Besides, sending only half the troops would literally mean sending them to their deaths. Think about it, what would those sent there think? Why would you let me participate in such a dangerous battle while not letting him go?"

"These people have just defected from the Qingyun Sect. It's been less than a year. If things go wrong, their morale might collapse and they might flee before they even reach Humen City."

"People worry not about scarcity but about inequality. If all of us go into battle, people's hearts will naturally settle down, and they won't have any complaints."

Zhong Wenyuan was speechless. Besides the fact that his words were indeed convincing, more importantly, he knew that Song Xian would not easily change his mind about what he had decided, and that his choices had been correct so far.

Whether it is the sale of Yuxiangdan, the restructuring of the sect, the outsourcing of industries, etc., the results are very good.

This also made him respect Song Xian from the bottom of his heart, rather than just obeying the authority of the head of the sect.

In fact, at the beginning, he didn't think Song Xian had the ability to manage the sect in an orderly manner, but after a few years, he had to admit it.

Song Xian does have outstanding management skills.

"In that case, should we call Junior Brother Zixiang over?" After a moment's silence, Zhong Wenyuan spoke.

Ever since he discovered the second-level spiritual vein in the Water Curtain Cave, George Lam has been staying there to practice. He didn't even come back for the sect's year-end financial meeting.

"No need, just let Senior Brother Zixiang cultivate well! As long as he can quickly reach the Great Perfection of Qi Refining and build his foundation, the development of our sect will be limitless. Besides, we don't have that much time to inform him now, so go call the other brothers!"

"Okay." Zhong Wenyuan responded and left. Not long after, the disciples stationed at the mountain gate arrived one after another.

Song Xian briefly recounted the situation: "I don't want to hide anything from you all. Although Luoyun Sect hasn't explicitly told us why we're gathering, there's a high probability that there will be a war. I can't guarantee that if a war does break out, everyone will be able to return safely. I can only promise that no matter how dangerous the situation, I will be with you all."

After he finished speaking, Zhong Wenyuan immediately responded, "It takes a thousand days to raise an army, but only a moment to deploy it. As disciples of the sect, it is only natural for us to serve the sect in times of crisis. Master, there is no need for us to give orders. We will fight to the death."

Lu Yuan also immediately stated his stance: "To die for the sect is the disciple's duty."

Zhang Ningyuan also said: "As long as the master gives the order, we will charge into the battle and fight to the death."

.........

The 'elders' of Hunyuan Sect expressed their opinions one by one with solemn expressions. This was certainly not a result of telepathy, but rather something that had been discussed long ago.

When Zhong Wenyuan informed everyone about the meeting, he greeted them and asked them to support Song Xian in the meeting and respond to the call. His purpose was naturally to set an example for Yu Lian and other new disciples.

After the former Hunyuan Sect disciples had expressed their opinions, the newly joined disciples felt it was difficult to sit idly by. Yu Lian observed their expressions and was the first to stand up and say, "Although we only arrived in Bianxia Town last year, the sect has treated us equally since we joined. We have not been treated unfairly in any way. We receive the same salary and benefits as all our fellow disciples. Now that the sect is at war, we and our fellow disciples are willing to go through fire and water without hesitation."

Other former disciples of Qingyun Sect also stood up one after another to express their opinions. During this period, Song Xian did not say a word, but just looked at everyone quietly.

Only after everyone had expressed their opinions did he nod in satisfaction. Although this kind of pre-war mobilization contained some empty words and clichés, it could greatly boost morale, especially for newcomers who were about to fight the enemy for the first time. It could make them feel the cohesion of the team, which was still very necessary.

"I'm very pleased that everyone feels this way. As long as we unite sincerely, no matter how great the difficulties or dangers are, I believe we can overcome them."

"According to the rules of our sect, all participating disciples will be rewarded with 100 spirit stones each. In addition, half of the gains from the battle will be handed over to the sect, and the other half will be kept by themselves."

"If Luoyun Sect has any additional rewards, we will share them equally among everyone. In short, if there are benefits, the sect will never treat you unfairly. If there are difficulties and dangers, I will face them with everyone."

Just as he finished speaking, Zheng Xuan came in and bowed to Song Xian, saying, "Master, Wei Yan said the time is up and he wants you to give him an answer now."

He was a non-combatant and did not need to participate in the war, so Song Xian arranged him to stay in the guest hall to take care of the Luoyun Sect disciple.

"Everyone, go and get ready! If you have anything to tell your family, take this opportunity to tell them now. We'll gather here in an hour."

Everyone rose and left. Song Xian ordered Lu Yuan to prepare the instruments and talismans from the treasury and distribute them to everyone later. He also instructed Zheng Xuan to fetch the Luoyun Sect disciple. Soon, the cultivator from Wei Yan arrived at the hall. While the Luoyun Sect was nominally requesting the Hunyuan Sect's assistance, it was actually an order. Therefore, his expression was not at all restrained or humble, but rather rather a bit arrogant.

"Master Song, half an hour has passed. We should have come up with a conclusion by now!"

"Our sect has decided to gather all its disciples to go to your sect to participate in the meeting."

"Okay." Wei Yan nodded calmly. This result was within his expectations. A small sect like the Hunyuan Sect wouldn't dare to disobey its own leader even if he had ten times the courage. "I wonder how many disciples your sect has?"

"Our sect has a total of thirty disciples. Some are out guarding the property and cannot be recalled in time. Some are non-combatants. According to sect rules, they do not participate in any battles and are only responsible for daily affairs. The total number of disciples who can be mobilized is about twenty, and they are all the elite of our sect."

Wei Yan was curious after hearing this and asked, "Oh? That's strange? Your sect also has the concept of non-combatants? I'm so ignorant that I've never heard of it before."

"This is the rule set by our sect. Combatants are responsible for war and receive higher salaries than non-combatants. Non-combatants are responsible for daily affairs and do not need to participate in combat."

Wei Yan didn't say anything, just smiled and shook his head. He was ordered to ask the head of Hunyuan Sect to bring his disciples to the sect for a discussion, but there was no clear requirement on how many people Hunyuan Sect should bring to participate, so he didn't care about the number of people.

"Since your Majesty has made the decision, when can we set off?"

"In one hour, our disciples will gather and depart for your sect."

"That's not necessary. Our sect will have a spirit ship arrive here to take your disciples."

"Excuse me, Fellow Daoist Wei, besides inviting my sect, who else has your sect invited? Could you please tell me?"

"As far as I know, all the forces in Bianxi City have accepted the invitation."

"What about the independent cultivators in Bianxia Town? Did they also receive an invitation?"

"Yes, anyone on our sect's list has been invited."

"Does it include the Tianshan Sect?"

"Yes."

"I've heard that the situation in Humen City is tense, with a conflict breaking out between the Mingyue Sect and the Xinyue Sect. Your sect's large-scale mobilization of forces in this city is related to this, I wonder?"

"I don't know that."

Song Xian wanted to ask indirectly, but Wei Yan kept his mouth shut. He said what he should say and didn't reveal a single word he shouldn't say.

.........

At night, the moon was bright and stars were shining. Beside the Solitary Peak, a second-level spirit ship came speeding and landed in an open area at the foot of the mountain. Not long after, Song Xian, who had received the news, led everyone down the mountain.

A total of seventeen people were dispatched from the Hunyuan Sect this time. Except for Wu Lian, all the newly joined disciples of the Qingyun Sect went, plus Song Xian, Zhong Wenyuan, Lu Yuan, and Zhang Ningyuan.

Those who didn't come were either disciples like Qi Xiaobai, Zhang Yi, and Shen Fan who were responsible for refining pills and puppets.

Or they are non-combatants like Zheng Xuan, Zhang He, and He Yong.

Everyone jumped onto the spirit ship. Song Xian looked up and saw that several groups of forces were already entrenched on it, namely Luofeng Valley, Qixia Mountain, Qingyuan Sect, and the Ding Family. The four cultivators each occupied a piece of land.

Luofeng Valley, Qixia Mountain and Qingyuan Sect were originally incompatible, but now they are in the same boat. People who don’t know would think that they are allies!
There was no way. Although the two families had fought to the death in Bianxia Town, they had to compromise under the pressure of Luoyun Sect. This was the sadness of small forces. In front of big forces, they had no choice at all.

The Luoyun Sect doesn't care what grudges you have against each other or whether you can ride in the same boat.

Even if both parties have a feud of murdering their fathers and an irreconcilable hatred, they have to follow their instructions obediently, otherwise they will have to bear the consequences of offending the Luoyun Sect.

"Master Song, long time no see." Seeing Song Xian and others boarding the spirit ship, Wang Qian of Qingyuan Sect led two people over and bowed to him.

"Master Wang is here too!" Song Xian looked over and saw that there were more than ten disciples from the Qingyuan Sect. It seemed that the Qingyuan Sect had come out in full force this time.

The Qingyuan Sect had been besieged at the mountain gate for a year and was in danger of collapse at any time. They tried every possible way, but no one was willing to intervene and resolve the crisis for them.

This summons from the Luoyun Sect was undoubtedly an opportunity for them.

No matter what Luoyun Sect's purpose is, at least it has resolved their current siege crisis. Qingyuan Sect has come out in full force just to show off in front of Luoyun Sect and strive to make meritorious deeds, so that Luoyun Sect will come forward to protect their safety. This is their only chance.

"The Luoyun Sect's leader summoned us. How dare we disobey?" Wang Qian also looked at the people behind Song Xian and whispered, "This must be the disciple from the Qingyun Sect that Leader Song mentioned earlier!"

"Yes."

"Your clan is now strong and powerful!" Wang Qian sighed, seeming a little sad.

Song Xian changed the subject: "Master Wang, do you know why the Luoyun Sect summoned us this time?"

"How could I possibly know? Our sect's mountain gate is completely surrounded by them, so how could we possibly get any information? Does Sect Leader Song know?"

"I just heard about it, and I'm not sure. Rumor has it that the two major sects in Humen City are fighting fiercely. The Mingyue Sect has been traveling frequently to the Luoyun Sect many times last year. I think it might be because of this matter."

"Master Song said that the Luoyun Sect's Master summoned us to help the Mingyue Sect."

"Maybe! I'm just guessing." After chatting with Wang Qian for a while, Song Xian took the initiative to come to the Ding family disciples and exchange greetings with Ding Wenxiang.

The Ding family had clearly drawn a line between themselves and the Qingyuan Sect, resulting in a bad relationship between the two sides. Therefore, when Wang Qian talked to him just now, Ding Wenxiang did not come closer.

As the two were talking, the spirit ship took off again, speeding towards the northwest.
The spirit ship stopped at the mountain gates of various forces along the way, and took the disciples of various forces from Bianxia Town and Bianshang Town on board.

All the forces that received the invitation sent people, but the number of people varied, with the least having only ten disciples and the most having only twenty.

Obviously, most human forces do not want to be involved in this vortex of struggle, but due to the strong position of Luoyun Sect, they dare not refuse.

The only people not seen on the spirit ship were the monks of the Tianshan Sect. It was not known whether they did not respond to the call at all or sent people to go on their own.

A few days later, the spirit ship arrived at the gate of Luoyun Sect.

(End of this chapter)