C15 [calculation Unit: Soong Qingshu]

"Grandfather, Wuji and Master have come here because there's an urgent matter to discuss," Zhang Wuji broached the main issue.

"Oh?" Yinn Tianzheng raised an eyebrow in mild surprise before inviting, "Come, have a seat and we can talk it over."

Lin Yuanjian and Yinn Yewang took their seats once again. Zhang Wuji glanced at Lin Yuanjian, gesturing for him to speak.

Catching the cue, Lin Yuanjian paused thoughtfully before speaking, "Eagle King, have you heard the rumors that the six major sects are rallying their forces, intending to besiege the Bright Cult at Bright Peak?"

Yinn Tianzheng nodded in acknowledgment. "The six sects have been quite active; I'm aware of their movements. I've also been reaching out to former members of the Bright Cult to strategize against them. Even though I've founded the Celestial Eagle Cult, I can't simply ignore the Bright Cult's plight."

Yinn Yewang snorted disdainfully, "These so-called righteous sects have no shame."

"The pressing issue," Lin Yuanjian continued, "is to reconcile with the Bright Cult's former allies, including Wey Yixiao, the Left and Right Emissaries, and the Five Divisions, setting aside past grievances to unite the fragmented Bright Cult into a formidable force."

"I've been working on that, but progress is slow. When Cult Master Yang was present, we could coexist and collaborate. But since his disappearance, the infighting has only intensified as everyone vies for leadership. The animosity remains unresolved to this day. If only Cult Master Yang would return," Yinn Tianzheng lamented, his frustration evident. He wouldn't have left to start his own sect if he hadn't been so disillusioned by the constant strife.

Lee Tianyuan looked at Lin Yuanjian with a puzzled expression. "Young Master Lin, you seem quite knowledgeable about the Bright Cult."

Lin Yuanjian replied serenely, "I make it my business to understand the dynamics of the world, the shifts of power, and the intricacies of the martial arts community and the imperial court."

Yinn Tianzheng's bushy white eyebrows twitched with curiosity. "Really? And what insights might you have, Young Master Lin?"

Lin Yuanjian spoke deliberately, "The martial arts world may label the Bright Cult as devilish, and the various sects may call for their destruction, but from what I've learned, the Bright Cult's members are not the evildoers they're made out to be. Quite the opposite—their creed is to do good, eradicate evil, and rescue the oppressed, staunchly opposing the imperial court. Essentially, they are nothing like those factions obsessed with obtaining the Dragon Slaying Blade and claiming supremacy over the martial arts world. The imperial court oppresses the people, causing widespread suffering. Isn't the Bright Cult's resistance aimed at saving these very people from tyranny?"

Yinn Tianzheng felt a twinge of embarrassment, recalling how his Celestial Eagle Cult had once vied for the Dragon Slaying Blade and held a grandiose display of power on King Pan Island.

Lee Tianyuan sighed, "Those days are long gone. The Bright Cult is now in disarray, and the rebel forces are scattered, lacking a unifying leader."

Lin Yuanjian went on, "The current imperial court is on its last legs, beset by troubles from within and without. Rebellions are breaking out across the land. A regime that loses the people's support is doomed to fall. The Bright Cult is the largest anti-imperial force, and the court has always seen the martial arts community as a significant threat. The six sects and the Bright Cult destroying each other—that's exactly the outcome the imperial court desires, as it plays right into their hands."

These words struck Yinn Tianzheng and the others like a sudden revelation, sending shivers down their spines.

"So, Young Master Lin is suggesting that the six major sects' joint attack on the Bright Cult is actually instigated by the Imperial Court in secret?" Yinn Tianzheng felt an ominous chill. Should the Imperial Court's scheme succeed, the entire martial community of the Central Plains would be decimated in this catastrophic conflict.

Lin Yuanjian observed, "To understand the essence of a matter, consider who stands to gain the most. Clearly, as the six major sects and the Bright Cult clash, the Imperial Court is poised to reap the benefits like a fisherman watching the fight."

"The goal of Wuji and my master's journey," Zhang Wuji interjected, "is to find a peaceful resolution to the feud between the six major sects and the Bright Cult, thwarting the Imperial Court's plot before it can take root."

Yinn Yewang's hand came down hard on the table. "Easier said than done. Those so-called righteous sects have long been itching to eliminate us. Why would they simply back down?"

A look of concern crossed Zhang Wuji's face. "It pains me to even contemplate Wudang clashing with the Bright Cult."

"Your insights are more enlightening than a decade of study," Yinn Tianzheng praised. "Young Master Lin, true to your name, you possess remarkable vision. Your words have opened my eyes. However, as Yinn Yewang pointed out, the deep-seated enmity between the six major sects and the Bright Cult means this battle is inevitable."

"There's always a solution," Lin Yuanjian replied with unruffled composure. "Once we expose the puppeteer behind the curtain, the truth will come to light, and we can naturally broker a ceasefire."

"One can only hope," Yinn Tianzheng said, shaking his head, his skepticism clear.

At that moment, a chilling, sinister laugh echoed from outside the hall, and a shadowy figure darted inside.

"Is that the Green-winged Bat King, Wey Yixiao?" Lin Yuanjian exclaimed in recognition.

"Is he the infamous Bat King?" Zhang Wuji appraised the notorious figure of the martial arts world.

"Hahaha, Bat King Wey graces us with his presence," Yinn Tianzheng said, rising to greet the newcomer.

Clad in green, with a narrow, pallid face, the man exuded an aura of icy Yin energy. He was none other than Wey Yixiao, one of the Bright Cult's four Dharma Kings.

"Old ghost, this is from Yang Xiao," Wey Yixiao announced, flinging a letter into Yinn Tianzheng's hands.

After perusing the letter, Yinn Tianzheng's expression softened. "Yang Xiao has a good grasp of the situation. Now that the five scattered ones have returned, I shall soon lead the Celestial Eagle Cult to Bright Peak."

"Yang Xiao's prediction was accurate. You old ghost wouldn't forsake the Bright Cult," Wey Yixiao remarked.

"Indeed," Yinn Yewang affirmed. "Would the Celestial Eagle Cult ever abandon honor?"

Yinn Tianzheng chuckled darkly. "Let's get one thing straight. Once the six major sects are repelled, I, the White-browed Eagle King, will not acknowledge Yang Xiao as our leader. Afterward, we'll each go our own way."

Wey Yixiao remained noncommittal. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, let's focus on repelling the six major sects." He then licked his lips, his gaze roving over Lin Yuanjian and Zhang Wuji. "And who might these two young fellows be?"

"That's my nephew, Zhang Wuji. And this gentleman here, Young Master Lin Yuanjian, is quite the expert," Yinn Yewang said, casting a knowing glance at Lin Yuanjian, deliberately playing coy.

Lin Yuanjian offered a wry smile. "Could it be that Bat King Wey has taken an interest in me?"

Wey Yixiao squinted, "Yinn Yewang claims you're an expert. I, Wey Yixiao, am eager to see that for myself."

"Bat King Wey, no offense, but my money's on you not lasting more than five moves against Young Master Lin," Yinn Yewang retorted, clearly irked at feeling shortchanged and looking to bait Wey Yixiao.

Wey Yixiao bristled at the challenge. "Ridiculous! There's nobody under the heavens who can take me down in five moves."

"Hahaha, quite the confidence! Why not put it to the test?" Yinn Yewang goaded.

"Fine, let's have at it," Wey Yixiao said, his gaze fixed on Lin Yuanjian, his voice dripping with challenge. "Kid, do you have the guts to spar with me?"

Not this again. Yinn Yewang really had a knack for stirring the pot, Lin Yuanjian thought, somewhat exasperated.

Yinn Tianzheng and Lee Tianyuan simply smiled, silent spectators to the impending spectacle.

"After the wearying journey here, I'm feeling a bit fatigued. Since Bat King Wey is so keen, perhaps my disciple Wuji would oblige you with a couple of moves," Lin Yuanjian suggested amiably.

Zhang Wuji was taken aback, his master's suggestion catching him completely off guard.

Yinn Tianzheng and the others were equally shocked. Was this some kind of joke? Sending Zhang Wuji to face Bat King Wey? Surely he wouldn't be left swinging in the wind?

You may be formidable, but is your disciple equally skilled?

"Go on, don't let me down. And remember to measure your force," Lin Yuanjian advised, giving Zhang Wuji a gentle shove forward.

With a resigned sigh, Zhang Wuji resigned himself to the challenge. Yet, he couldn't help but feel torn. He was acutely aware of his own extraordinary abilities. He had to uphold his master's reputation without making a complete mockery of Bat King Wey. What level of effort would be appropriate?

Soong Qingshu had been no match for even a fraction of his power, and Bat King Wey was among the world's elite, capable of dispatching seven or eight Soong Qingshus without breaking a sweat.

How many Soong Qingshus would Bat King Wey equate to?

Poor Soong Qingshu could never have imagined that he would become a yardstick for measuring prowess.