I Have A Cultivation World

Chapter 2835: Chapter 1317: Star Heaven Dao Sect Splits (Part 2)

Chen Mobai listened and was also quite surprised. The prerequisite for joining the Five Elements Sect was that one must not have any disputes with other forces, meaning one had to leave their original sect.

As a genius of the Star Heaven Dao Sect during its peak, Xing Huo was theoretically the next Sect Master compared to their batch of Saint Land Taoist Children.

"Not long ago, the Star Heaven Dao Sect experienced internal chaos and has now split into three branches: one decided to go overseas and align with the Star Temple; another stayed in East Yu; the third was led by Xing Huo and Xing Chen to Northern Abyss City."

Jiang Zongheng mentioned another matter significant to the East Continent but not too crucial for Divinity Transformation.

"Alas, what a pity."

Upon hearing this news, Chen Mobai couldn’t help but sigh.

When he first arrived in the Eastern Wilderness, the Star Heaven Dao Sect was a dominating force, a giant for the Divine Wood Sect.

After Chen Mobai unified the Eastern Wilderness, the only territory not under his control was the Star Heaven Dao Sect’s Myriad Acres of Coiling Dragon Spirit Rice.

Even the Four Great Holy Lands, for the sake of the Three Lights Divine Water, had to treat the Star Heaven Dao Sect with respect. During the Beidou Conference, countless sects paid homage, presenting an impressive spectacle, undoubtedly making it the foremost sect beneath the Holy Lands.

Yet now, less than a hundred years after Xing Ji failed his Divinity Transformation and passed away, the Star Heaven Dao Sect has already split apart.

"Was there interference from other forces in this?"

Chen Mobai asked.

Back when the Hun Yuan ancestor of the Five Elements Sect passed away, it was the interference of Jin Feng and Bai Wu ancestors from the East Barbarians that led to the sect’s fragmentation.

And the current situation of the Star Heaven Dao Sect was very similar to that of the Five Elements Sect back then.

Jiang Zongheng: "Ahem, outsiders speculate that it was our Five Elements Sect secretly inciting the Star Heaven Dao Sect’s internal chaos, wanting to seize the land of East Yu."

"Nonsense. Our Five Elements Sect never engages in such intrigues. If we wanted the land of East Yu, we would certainly send our troops there openly!"

Accused of something they hadn’t done, Chen Mobai was visibly irritated.

But soon, noticing Jiang Zongheng’s slightly awkward expression, Chen Mobai frowned and sternly asked, "Is it actually our Five Elements Sect behind this?"

"Master, there is absolutely no such thing, but before the Star Heaven Dao Sect’s chaos, Xing Huo did inquire with the Sect Master whether, if someday he leaves his sect, he could bring his disciples to ours to seek a livelihood."

Jiang Zongheng immediately revealed the hidden details, as E Yun had already predicted that the Star Heaven Dao Sect would follow in the footsteps of the two great Holy Lands, Burn Heaven and Ice Heaven, giving an ambiguous reply.

But perhaps Xing Huo took it seriously, feeling that staying in the current Star Heaven Dao Sect was not as good as becoming a Guest Elder in the Five Elements Sect, so he simply stopped trying to mediate the disputes among several uncles internally, directly igniting the conflict.

Afterward, Xing Huo and Xing Chen led a group of disciples to Northern Abyss City.

After hearing about the news of the Longevity Great Dao Pill being unveiled, Xing Huo immediately handed over all his disciples to Xing Chen and focused on preparing to join the Five Elements Sect.

"If Xing Huo joins us, we would certainly be accused of splitting the Star Heaven Dao Sect."

After hearing this, Chen Mobai realized this possibility.

He, with such a lofty reputation, would not tolerate tainting it with such a blemish.

"Understood, Master."

Jiang Zongheng nodded and prepared to discuss with E Yun afterward about how to design the examination questions to eliminate Xing Huo.

"However, the surrounding areas of East Yu are all ruins, and it is a crucial stronghold in the Seven Domains of Eastern Land. With Star Heaven Dao Sect now split, there aren’t enough people to guard it, so we must find a proper resolution for this matter."

Upon Chen Mobai’s further remarks, Jiang Zongheng was left bewildered, unsure of how to proceed.

If the Five Elements Sect sent troops to guard East Yu, would it not give outsiders further reason to accuse them of splitting the sect?

"This is what you’ll do: privately approach Xing Huo and inform him of these words. If he is perceptive, he will understand what to do himself."

Feigning profound wisdom, Chen Mobai subtly indicated that some matters were not appropriate for him, as a sage, to address directly. Moreover, issuing explicit instructions would create another thread, so it was best for those below to comprehend on their own.

Jiang Zongheng pondered briefly, vaguely guessing Chen Mobai’s intent, then nodded in realization: "Yes, Master."

After descending, Jiang Zongheng first approached E Yun to discuss the matter. Two intelligent individuals analyzed the situation and quickly grasped Chen Mobai’s thoughts.

"The old master still desires the territory of East Yu but does not wish to damage his reputation by invading directly, so he aims to let Xing Huo handle it."

"Xing Huo, as the previous Taoist Child of the Star Heaven Dao Sect, has the legitimate right to return and claim a portion of East Yu. However, this would inevitably lead to conflict with the remaining Star Heaven Dao Sect, but with our support, he might set things right and not only secure a foothold but even reverse the situation and reabsorb the Star Heaven Dao Sect."

"After he occupies East Yu and voluntarily leads his sect to submit to us in allegiance, the reputation of Old Master Chen would remain untarnished, and even be further elevated. Xing Huo can express admiration for Old Master Chen’s sage reputation, claiming that under his rule, an immortal prosperous era could be brought to East Yu."

E Yun, trained by Chen Mobai into a Sect Master, precisely pinpointed Chen Mobai’s intentions in just a few words.

"Would Xing Huo agree to this?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zongheng was skeptical.

If he could occupy the whole of East Yu, he would certainly think of restoring the former glory of the Star Heaven Dao Sect, becoming its revival leader, and not simply submit to the Five Elements Sect.

"The Star Heaven Dao Sect cannot provide him hope for Divinity Transformation, but our Five Elements Sect can!"

E Yun spoke with confidence.

Why did such an ordinary Guest Elder examination in the Five Elements Sect draw so many Nascent Soul cultivators? It was solely due to the Longevity Great Dao Pill!

This was even with the news that the Five Elements Sect could exchange Deity Transformation Pills being deliberately kept under wraps; otherwise, even more Nascent Soul cultivators would have come.

What does it matter if Xing Huo sat in the former position of Xing Ji?

The Star Heaven Dao Sect no longer has leverage for negotiating with the Holy Lands.

They can’t expect North Zhou Star Celestial Temple to provide Deity Transformation Resources, can they?

"But if our sect provides support, would it not also make outsiders believe we caused the Star Heaven Dao Sect’s split?"

Jiang Zongheng presented another concern, mindful of safeguarding Chen Mobai’s reputation.

"We certainly won’t overtly side with Xing Huo; we’ll even call for reconciliation of the divided forces within the Star Heaven Dao Sect from a major sect perspective. But as for civilian forces trading with and providing resources to Xing Huo and his group, we do not control that."

After discussing with E Yun, Jiang Zongheng felt admiration.

Though he had established a prosperous dynasty in the Mortal Realm, due to his identity as a cultivator, he basically crushed his way through most situations. This delicate manipulation, where the overall situation needed fine handling and consideration of all aspects, was indeed beyond him compared to E Yun, a sect leader who grew in the chaotic times of the Eastern Wilderness.

"Thank you, Sect Master, for your guidance. I will take care of this matter."

Jiang Zongheng, cultivating the Emperor’s Scroll and inheriting the Crown of Heaven and Earth from Chen Mobai, saw this task of expanding territory as the best opportunity to refine his Taoist skills.

"Junior Brother, remember not to give Xing Huo any leverage; avoid being too explicit."

E Yun reminded him one last time, preventing Jiang Zongheng from being explicit enough to leave any evidence with Xing Huo.

Jiang Zongheng nodded solemnly.

...

Three months later, the results of the Five Elements Sect’s Guest Elder examination were announced, with mixed feelings among the various parties.

Xing Huo, initially confident, found himself incredulous upon seeing he did not make the list.

At night, Xing Huo and Xing Chen, two Nascent Soul cultivators, drowned their sorrows at the Sky Meal Building.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Zongheng, a disciple of the Eastern Wilderness Qing Emperor, was in the adjacent room. He heard about their presence and chose to come over and offer a toast. After a brief conversation, he left a parting remark: "Friend, joining our Five Elements Sect might be underutilization of your talents, and for our sect, we do not lack a Nascent Soul Realm Artifact Refiner like you. Perhaps a change of identity could lead to an opportunity akin to that of your sect’s predecessor, Xing Ji, offering a chance for Divinity Transformation in the future."