Chapter 1633: Against the World

Yun Jianyue was enraged. "What's wrong with the Demonic Cult? Have we done anything to you?"

Just as she was about to step out and confront him, Qiu Honglei, who knew her temper well, quickly pulled her back. "Master, calm yourself!"

If they stepped out now, wouldn't they become targets for everyone?

The entire Golden Summit was teeming with Daoist masters; the two of them, being from the Demonic Cult, were like lambs surrounded by wolves.

Yun Jianyue eventually calmed down, but she glared intently at Guan Chouhai in the distance, clearly holding a grudge.

This left Guan Chouhai bewildered, as he wondered when he had offended Empty Bright Island.

However, he had no time for further thought and immediately accused Pei Mianman's weapon of being sinister and not originating from a righteous path.

Master Huoling naturally unleashed a torrent of criticism on him, but the leaders of the other sects had their own agendas.

They had never seen the Fu Hao Owl Zun themselves and wanted to use this opportunity to have Guan Chouhai investigate its origins.

As for Yan Xuehen, who was inherently unconcerned with worldly affairs, she naturally remained silent.

Guan Chouhai addressed Pei Mianman, "Miss Pei, if you present that bronze zun for inspection, we can determine if it's an evil artifact. This is for your own benefit, to prevent you from unknowingly carrying such an item and ultimately causing an irreversible catastrophe."

Pei Mianman pressed her lips together. She couldn't explain the origins of the Fu Hao Owl Zun, and who knew if presenting it for inspection would result in it being confiscated and branded as an artifact of evil?

Furthermore, it was a testament to the decades she and Zu An had spent together as a couple in the Yin Ruins; how could she allow others to lay a hand on it?

Seeing her silence, Guan Chouhai sneered, "Are you guilty, then, since you're not speaking?"

The surrounding disciples wore peculiar expressions. The male disciples inwardly thought that someone as lovely as Miss Pei surely appeared innocent, yet none dared to speak, intimidated by Guan Chouhai's formidable reputation.

The female disciples, however, held a different opinion, finding the woman too alluring and, to their eyes, immodest, fostering an immediate sense of animosity. Moreover, some were devoted fans of Zhi Yin; witnessing his sorry state, they instantly redirected their anger toward her, clamoring in support.

Master Huoling erupted in anger, "That weapon is my disciple's personal property! By what right should it be presented for everyone's inspection? I, for one, consider Zhi Yin's 'ball' to be an evil artifact. Why don't you demand *he* present *that* for inspection?"

No sooner had she spoken than Guan Chouhai extended a hand, summoning Zhi Yin's Shadowless Ball directly into his grasp. "The ball is right here," he stated. "If any of you wish to inspect it, I have absolutely no objections."

Master Huoling's breath hitched. She had never imagined that her impulsive words would lead her directly into a trap.

Guan Chouhai then attempted to step onto the stage, but Master Huoling once again blocked his path. "Regardless," she declared, "I will not permit you to bully my disciple!"

Guan Chouhai's expression darkened. "Master, do not be mistaken. If that object truly is malevolent, it would not only jeopardize your Azure Palace but also represent a collective threat to the entire Daoist community."

Master Huoling retorted furiously, "Enough with the excuses! In short, I will not allow you to lay a hand on Manman."

Guan Chouhai scoffed, "If Master insists on being so pigheaded, then don't blame me for causing offense." Just as the two were on the verge of conflict, Wan Tongtian stepped forward as well. "What, Brother Guan, are you suggesting my Azure Palace has no one to defend it?"

Instantly, he and Master Huoling formed a pincer, cornering Guan Chouhai between them. Should Guan Chouhai make any move, he would immediately face a devastating dual assault.

Master Huoling's usually fierce gaze softened slightly. For the first time in decades, she found Wan Tongtian remarkably agreeable.

My senior brother still cares for me...

At this moment, Li Changsheng of White Jade City approached with a smile. "Gentlemen, please discuss this calmly and don't let it jeopardize our harmony."

Though he spoke of peace, he subtly positioned himself between Guan Chouhai and Wan Tongtian, clearly favoring Guan Chouhai.

His choice was understandable. Wan Guiyi of Azure Palace was already a celebrated genius, and now Pei Mianman had emerged, even capable of defeating the renowned chief disciple Zhi Yin. The future of Azure Palace appeared limitless; they might even become the leading force among the nine Daoist sects.

No other sect desired such a scenario, naturally wanting to seize this opportunity to suppress the Azure Palace.

Wan Tongtian, discerning their intentions, was both shocked and enraged. "What exactly do you mean, Brother Li?"

Li Changsheng offered a slight smile. "We are all old acquaintances; I'd prefer we don't fall out. Why don't we each compromise, and let your niece present that weapon for our examination? I guarantee that as long as it isn't a malevolent artifact, it will be returned to its rightful owner."

Wan Tongtian and Master Huoling's expressions turned grim. The condition "as long as it isn't" was suspiciously vague; who knew how they would ultimately judge the weapon's nature?

In a two-on-two standoff, however, they held no advantage and could only await the stance of the other sects.

At this point, Elder Xuandu of Kunlun Void stroked his beard. "This old man believes an inspection would do no harm. As the saying goes, 'the pure are self-purifying,' and it would also alleviate everyone's doubts."

Kunlun Void, Azure Palace, and Li Hentian were historically among the three most ancient and powerful branches within the Daoist community. Their past was undoubtedly fraught with rivalry and animosity, each secretly hoping for the others' decline and their own complete dominance.

While these three sects had now declined, no longer possessing their former glory, this deeply ingrained competitive spirit persisted.

Elder Xu of Mount Luofu, Deputy Master He Yuan of Qingxu Manor, and Master Mu, one of the two cave masters of Taixuan Cave, all voiced their agreement, naturally using high-sounding, righteous words.

Yet, each harbored their own motives. These sects were considered lower to middle tier among the nine Daoist schools, consistently weaker than the Azure Palace and its peers. Naturally, they hoped for the Azure Palace's strength to diminish, allowing them to rise in its stead.

Witnessing this, Qiu Honglei couldn't help but remark, "Master, I've realized these so-called righteous individuals are even more shameless than those in the Demonic Cult. We are openly wicked, but these people, brimming with malice, speak with such feigned righteousness."

Yun Jianyue sneered continuously. "Are you only just realizing this? They are no different in essence from us in the Demonic Cult—*tsk*, I mean our Sacred Cult. Our biggest drawback is our lack of pretense and facade, which is why we're universally condemned, whereas they can deceive a multitude of gullible fools."

Qiu Honglei mumbled, "But I thought you were quite proud of this, Master, and I've never seen you ask us to change."

"Of course, I'm proud. If we were that hypocritical, wouldn't we be no different from them?" Yun Jianyue replied, as if stating the obvious.

Qiu Honglei was speechless.

It seemed the Sacred Cult's image was unlikely to change anytime soon.

In the arena, Wan Tongtian and Master Huoling were now both astonished and enraged. The strength of a single sect, after all, could not withstand the combined might of so many others.

So Wan Tongtian addressed Wang Wuxie, "Senior Brother Wang, as the host here, won't you offer your opinion?"

Wang Wuxie was actually indifferent, as the Righteous Yang Sect currently held the greatest power anyway.

However, since the majority now favored an inspection, he didn't wish to provoke widespread anger, particularly as Li Changsheng also supported it.

In his estimation, Li Changsheng, being an elder of White Jade City and Yan Xuehen's senior brother, naturally represented Yan Xuehen's views.

So he offered a slight smile. "Since everyone agrees an inspection is appropriate, I see no harm in it. Palace Master Wan, Master Huoling, there's no need to be overly concerned. We are all reputable individuals; surely no one would embezzle your treasures in front of so many disciples."

Hearing his words, Wan Tongtian's expression fell. It was exactly as he had anticipated.

He then quietly said to Master Huoling, "Junior Sister, why don't we simply let them inspect it? We'll be watching, and if they truly intend to embezzle it, it won't be too late for us to object then."

Master Huoling's expression shifted between doubt and anger. Though she possessed a fiery temper, she was not so reckless as to disregard consequences. She understood the current power dynamics; escalating the conflict would not benefit Azure Palace.

Yet, agreeing to the inspection felt deeply humiliating. Her disciple had defeated the chief disciple, and instead of honor, she was met with scrutiny and suspicion.

Just as she found herself in a predicament, a chilling voice suddenly broke the silence: "It seems you haven't asked for my opinion yet?"

Everyone turned towards the sound and saw Zu An, who appeared to harbor a faint, hidden anger.

Upon hearing Zu An speak, Pei Mianman, who had been feeling apprehensive on the stage, offered a sweet smile. However, her worry quickly returned; after all, the assembly consisted of grand figures from various sects, and while Ah Zu was formidable, he was still too young compared to them.

Yun Jianyue quietly scoffed, "I knew it. Your philandering boyfriend would never pass up an opportunity like this to play the hero rescuing a damsel."

Qiu Honglei, however, worried about her master's displeasure and quickly interjected on his behalf, "On the contrary, I admire him even more for this. He would protect his woman, even if it means standing against the world."

"You're not jealous at all?" Yun Jianyue stared at her, a hint of surprise in her eyes.

"Why would I be jealous?" Qiu Honglei's eyes gleamed brightly. "I imagine if I were the one on stage right now, he would just as surely stand against everyone for me."

Yun Jianyue paused, her mouth slightly agape, but she uttered no words.

At that moment, Elder Xu of Mount Luofu scoffed, "This is an internal matter of our Daoist sect. Why would we need your opinion?"