Chapter 502

Chapter 502: Behind the Crisis

Zhou Luo’s words were far too profound for Zhou Changtian, who was still in his teens. Half-understanding, he then asked, "What if others aren’t lured?"

"Then run, as far away as possible."

To this day, Zhou Changtian still remembered the grave earnestness in his father Zhou Luo’s tone when he said that.

The so-called indirect strategy was actually just a method for the weak overcoming the strong.

When the method failed, running became the most straightforward and effective solution.

Currently, Lieyang Mountain stood in the position of the weak. Its enemy, strictly speaking, was not any single entity but the entire sect itself.

In such circumstances, for Lieyang Mountain to escape unscathed from this onslaught, he needed the sect to be enticed by some minor benefit.

And that minor benefit was the sect’s reputation.

Though termed a minor benefit, it was, in fact, utterly critical to Wan Gu Sect at that moment.

Even if they realized this was a threat against the sect, they’d have no choice but to accept it.

Because Wan Gu Sect couldn’t withstand the repercussions of a tarnished reputation.

Zhou Luo would never have imagined that an offhand reference he once made to the Art of War would profoundly influence his son to this extent.

And that influence offered the ideal solution to Yao Wu’s crisis today.

Upon hearing these words, Yao Wu’s eyes lit up, while disciples throughout the hall who’d kept their heads lowered showed varied expressions, their thoughts unknown.

"Senior Brother, threatening the sect like this might be unwise," stated a young man with sharp features from across the room.

He was Yao Wu’s second disciple. Though older than Zhou Changtian, he entered the sect later and thus ranked second.

Beyond this status as Second Brother, he bore a far more significant identity: he carried the bloodline of the sect leader’s lineage.

Indeed, his ties to the Wan Gu Sect’s sect leader ran deep.

When Yao Wu first sought disciples, the sect leader who’d personally tutored her mentioned a descendant with outstanding talent and bloodline. To avoid favoritism, he suggested sending him to Lieyang Mountain to aid her.

Of course, this was mere pretense—the sect leader’s real aim was to secure a foothold for his descendant within Lieyang Mountain.

Thus, if this descendant later became a Golden Core master, with careful maneuvering, Lieyang Mountain might well pass into the sect leader’s lineage.

He hadn’t anticipated, however, the sheer talent Zhou Luo’s son possessed—even his descendant couldn’t compete, failing to secure the title of Senior Brother.

And now, hearing Zhou Changtian propose threatening the sect, this disciple immediately voiced dissent.

Zhou Changtian observed him calmly, his gaze as still and clear as water, mirroring Zhou Luo’s own eyes.

Yet that very tranquility unsettled the other disciple, leaving him feeling exposed and flustered.

"Junior Brother, Lieyang Mountain suffers such injustice, yet no one from the sect speaks up. Shouldn’t we resist?"

"Or could it be… you believe Master did this too?"

Zhou Changtian’s voice remained gentle, like a soothing breeze. Yet to the listeners, it struck like thunder.

The implication was especially explosive—causing the young man opposite him to tremble.

He quickly rose to deny it, "Senior Brother, that’s not what I meant! I just worry the sect might hold a grudge against our Lieyang Mountain."

"Hold a grudge? With Master’s reputation damaged now, do you think the sect won’t have opinions?" Zhou Changtian shot back.

The speaker was instantly rendered speechless and fell silent.

On the throne, Yao Wu, observing this scene, revealed a trace of a smile.

It had to be said, her husband Zhou Luo’s judgment had been correct.

Even this so-called son of hers had resolved quite a few troubles for her.

Understanding the implied meaning behind his words, she finally spoke up, "Chang Le isn’t entirely wrong, but Qing Shu also makes a valid point."

"After all, we are part of the Wan Gu Sect; how could we threaten the sect?"

"I will reconsider this matter. But if there really is no other way, we might have to resort to such an inferior strategy."

When uttering these words, Yao Wu deliberately adopted a troubled expression.

"Master is righteous!" Zhou Changtian raised his clasped hands and declared loudly.

Other disciples echoed in unison.

Thus, through the cooperation of this mother and son, Lieyang Mountain’s crisis was effortlessly resolved.

It was believed that after today, the sect’s higher-ups would understand Lieyang Mountain’s stance and no longer stand idly by.

Yet, today’s coordination was merely one insignificant instance among the countless interactions of this mother-son pair.

Even now, Lieyang Mountain remained the most dazzling treasure in that dark forest, coveted by countless who wished to claim it for themselves.

As long as Yao Wu did not become a Golden Core master, the crises threatening Lieyang Mountain would never cease.

She was well aware of this fact.

Therefore, she had been engaged in Closed-Door Training, diligently cultivating.

If not for this sudden incident, she likely wouldn’t have left seclusion.

Soon after this matter reached the ears of those higher authorities,

the Law Enforcement Grand Hall issued a response within a few days.

It clearly stated this was a baseless frame job; the disciple who poisoned a fellow sect member had already confessed. Furthermore, the sect leader personally employed the Soul-Searching Great Technique, confirming Lieyang Mountain’s innocence in the affair.

He also decreed that any further incidents falsely accusing Lieyang Mountain would result in severe punishment for all involved.

And so, the matter was ultimately settled.

However, this resolution was only concerning Lieyang Mountain.

In a room elsewhere, on another mountain, a young woman with bright eyes and white teeth flew into a rage upon learning the news.

"Impossible! How could that person dare commit such an act? It must have been arranged by the Mountain Master Lieyang!" she exclaimed.

"The sect must be shielding her! I knew it! She’s the Blaze Flare Master’s sole disciple, so the sect can’t afford to see her compromised!"

"But my brother is innocent! He cannot have died for nothing!"

The young woman, Feng Yao by name, sister to the disciple who had his cultivation crippled before leaping off a cliff, wore an expression of fury, shouting incessantly at her fellow sect member across from her.

The siblings had depended on each other since childhood and were discovered simultaneously by their master, joining the sect together.

Among them, Feng Yao possessed exceptional talent. Though young, she was already a Second Level Gu master. Despite being only at the mid-level Foundation Establishment stage, her powerful Gu techniques allowed her to fear no one, not even late-stage Foundation Establishment realm experts.

During the recent Gu refinement competition, she ranked second, falling short against Zhou Changtian.

Originally a cause for celebration, her brother’s tragedy became her downfall.

To her, her brother was not just an elder brother—he was practically a father figure.

Now that he had fallen victim to such a scheme, how could she accept it?

Were it not for her master restraining her, she would have stormed Lieyang Mountain herself.

She had truly believed the sect would deliver justice.

Instead, the matter concluded so abruptly.

She simply couldn’t accept this outcome.

"Yaoyao, the sect leader personally used Soul-Searching; it must be true," the woman opposite smiled bitterly.

"Impossible! My master told me—behind it all, it must be the Mountain Master Lieyang! She’s taking revenge!" Feng Yao hissed vehemently.