Chapter 2012: Strong and Weak Disparity

Things happened too fast. Just a second ago, everyone was still cursing Fang Zhonghe for being shameless. He had clearly lost, but, being a sore loser, he continued to attack a junior.

And he even used such a despicable move against the Saintess!

Although many people didn't fully understand the specifics of his "Nine-One Spring Palm," judging by the appearance of the palm and the usual conduct of the Yin-Yang Sect, it wasn't hard to guess some of its nature.

But in the blink of an eye, Fang Zhonghe was actually repelled by the Saintess's palm strike.

Everyone rubbed their eyes, wondering if something was wrong with the day. First, the Saintess defeated Elder Xi, and now even the Yin-Yang Venerable was no match for her?

However, people quickly lost the time to ponder this. A sound of tearing fabric echoed, and they saw Fang Zhonghe ripping Fang Long's clothes, pinning him down beneath him, appearing as if he intended to "execute" him on the spot.

"Dad, it's me!" Fang Long struggled desperately, but his strength was no match for Fang Zhonghe's. He himself had often bullied women this way, enjoying their resistance and struggle, which gave him a greater sense of conquest.

He had never imagined that one day he would find himself in the victim's role.

Just then, he felt a chill below, and his pants were directly pulled down.

Oh no! It's completely over!

Tears welled up in Fang Long's eyes. He was about to be treated this way by a man, and that man was his own father.

The critical part was that it was happening in front of so many people!

Even after it was over, he would probably become the laughingstock of the entire world, utterly humiliated and unable to live.

Even Li Feiqing, who had previously detested him the most, couldn't help but gasp. This scene was truly an eyesore.

Many male disciples in the hall instinctively covered their rear ends, as if fearing something.

The female disciples of the Demonic Sect, however, gasped and covered their faces with their hands, though their fingers were spread wide, revealing expressions that seemed somewhat excited.

"Hmph!"

A cold snort rang out, and Fang Zhonghe screamed, then was directly sent flying.

He crashed directly into a large tree, spitting out large mouthfuls of blood.

Lu Sanyuan stood not far away, his face ashen. Now that he considered himself the sect master, how could he allow such a farce to unfold?

Venerable Xiaoyao and Venerable Tiandi exchanged glances, both seeing horror in each other's eyes.

Although Fang Zhonghe was poisoned at the moment and couldn't unleash his full power, he was still a Grandmaster. To be struck so far away through the air and suffer such severe injuries meant that Lu Sanyuan's cultivation seemed far more advanced than they had anticipated.

At this point, the scene suddenly erupted in an uproar. Fang Zhonghe, completely disoriented by the drug, was frantically "pounding" the nearby tree.

Soon, the area of his pants was a bloody mess, making everyone's scalp tingle.

Fang Long, meanwhile, swallowed hard. If Fang Zhonghe had still been on him, he would be the one suffering it right now.

Thinking of this, he tearfully embraced Lu Sanyuan's feet, "Thank you, Sect Master Lu, thank you, Sect Master Lu!"

His "chrysanthemum" had not, in the end, turned into a "sunflower." He was so grateful that he felt like recognizing Lu Sanyuan as his father.

Lu Sanyuan kicked him away in disgust, then looked at Zu An with a grave expression: "I didn't expect my senior sister's cultivation to have advanced again."

Others might not have noticed just now, but it couldn't escape his eyes.

When the two exchanged blows, Zu An (as Yun Jianyue) had secretly channeled vital energy into Qiu Honglei's body, which then rebounded Fang Zhonghe's palm poison back at him.

At first, he genuinely believed it couldn't be Yun Jianyue, but given the skill displayed, who else in the entire Qiu Pool region could accomplish such a feat besides her?

Although he didn't understand how she had escaped, dwelling on it now was meaningless. The immediate priority was to eliminate both of them.

Zu An smiled faintly: "I, however, think Honglei has made rapid progress recently, even able to contend with masters of the previous generation."

Qiu Honglei glanced at him, her cheeks slightly flushed. This guy's tone was so old-fashioned, truly like her master. She wondered how he was so familiar with her master's way of speaking.

But at this moment, she was mostly happy. He was supporting her in front of so many people, allowing her to gain the honor of defeating the Yin-Yang Venerable.

As a cultivator, she naturally understood how much the confidence gained from repeated victories helped in cultivation, especially a victory against someone so many levels above her.

"The Saintess is indeed remarkable." Lu Sanyuan had to admit Qiu Honglei's talent. Even with Yun Jianyue's subtle assistance, it was still Qiu Honglei who fought. Her strategies and cunning were top-notch. "In terms of teaching disciples, I am inferior to you."

"No need for flattery," Zu An's expression turned cold. "It's time to settle the score for your rebellion."

The scene immediately erupted in an uproar. Everyone had been enjoying the spectacle of Fang Zhonghe's grotesque display with the tree, when they suddenly heard such news.

What did Sect Master Yun mean by that? It sounded like she was accusing the Deputy Sect Master of plotting rebellion.

If so, then the Deputy Sect Master's previous claim that Sect Master Yun needed to go into seclusion for cultivation and thus couldn't appear became quite intriguing.

Venerable Xiaoyao and Venerable Tiandi exchanged glances, both seeing a smile at the corner of the other's mouth.

They had both sensed that something was amiss earlier but had no evidence. So, one indulged his disciple, and the other instructed his disciple, to find ways to disrupt the wedding.

Originally, they simply didn't want the Demonic Sect and the Yin-Yang Sect to unite completely, which would threaten their own sects' survival. They never expected the current outcome to be so favorable.

Now, not only was the marriage alliance off, but with Yun Jianyue's appearance, a fierce struggle between her and Lu Sanyuan was seemingly inevitable.

Lu Sanyuan chuckled: "Settle the score with me? Senior sister, you probably aren't aware of the current situation."

As he gestured, countless soldiers poured in through the courtyard gate, surrounding everyone present. At the same time, numerous archers appeared on top of the courtyard walls, aiming their sharp arrows at every person in the compound.

These were armor-piercing arrows from the battlefield, glowing with blue runes, specifically designed to penetrate cultivators' elemental shields.

Many people in the courtyard changed their expressions, and an elder couldn't help but ask, "Sect Master Lu, what is the meaning of this?"

"What meaning?" Lu Sanyuan declared proudly, "Of course, those who obey me shall prosper, and those who defy me shall perish!"

As soon as he spoke, his long hair billowed without wind, as if a blower was at his feet, and his robes fluttered.

However, for the Demonic Cult members, their expressions changed. This terrifying aura made everyone tremble with fear, unable to even conceive of resistance, as if he could kill them with a single finger.

"This... this is the aura of an Earth Immortal?" Venerable Tiandi was dumbfounded.

"No, something's not right. It doesn't seem to be a true Earth Immortal, but rather an external force used to achieve this pressure," Venerable Xiaoyao murmured to himself.

"Does it make a difference?" Venerable Tiandi rolled his eyes.

Venerable Xiaoyao offered a bitter smile. Indeed, whether his opponent was a true Earth Immortal or a half-step Earth Immortal, neither was someone they could contend with.

Facing that intimidating aura directly, Qiu Honglei's face turned pale, and she even found it difficult to breathe. Just then, a warm hand grasped hers, and she immediately felt the pressure on her body lighten.

"Ah Zu is getting more and more amazing, but this also puts so much pressure on me," she thought, looking at Zu An with eyes full of affection.

Zu An looked at the surrounding soldiers, then fixed his gaze on Lu Sanyuan: "Is this what you're relying on?"

Lu Sanyuan glanced at him in confusion: "To be honest, I'm surprised you can still be so calm. Do you still think you're the Sect Master who commands a hundred responses? Within a hundred li radius of the main altar, all forces loyal to you have already been purged by my people. Now you are all alone. What else can you rely on?"

Zu An smiled faintly, holding Qiu Honglei's hand beside him: "Who said I'm alone? I still have her."

Qiu Honglei's heart pounded. "Ah Zu, really, at such a critical juncture, in front of so many people, he still didn't forget to show affection, making me so embarrassed."

The key was that he was still using her master's appearance, which was particularly awkward.

At this moment, Lu Sanyuan also frowned. These two women were said to be master and disciple, but they looked more like lovers.

No wonder Qiu Honglei had always been indifferent to the male disciples in the sect for so many years. So this was why.

He quickly regained his composure: "Hmph, now I'll give everyone a chance. Those willing to submit to me, come to my side. Those who wish to follow Yun Jianyue, go to her side."

As he spoke, his gaze swept across the surroundings like lightning.

Many people in the courtyard were intimidated by his gaze and dared not meet his eyes.

For a moment, they looked at each other, whispering, finding it hard to make a decision.

After all, Yun Jianyue had always commanded high prestige, having been called Sect Master for so many years. Betraying her now made everyone feel uneasy.

Lu Sanyuan said coldly, "You have ten breaths of time to make your decision. Ten... nine... eight..."

This countdown felt like a death knell, and immediately, some people hurried to his side.

The current situation was actually very clear. Lu Sanyuan's prestige usually rivaled Yun Jianyue's, and now he had come prepared. Everyone around him was his person. According to him, the other sub-branches within a hundred li radius also seemed to have been dealt with by him. So, the outcome was decided.

With someone taking the lead, others quickly moved behind Lu Sanyuan.

What was originally a huge crowd, in the end, only a small portion remained standing, hesitating.

Lu Sanyuan's gaze then fell on Venerable Tiandi and Venerable Xiaoyao: "Brother Shen, Brother Hua, what are your intentions?"

Venerable Tiandi said with a smile, "Harmony brings wealth, harmony brings wealth."

As he spoke, he had already moved to the faction next to Lu Sanyuan.

Venerable Xiaoyao's expression changed, reflecting internal conflict. Shen Taogong, that spineless fellow, had surrendered without hesitation. If they had all stood together, perhaps there would have been a chance to fight.

In the current situation, he knew the tide had turned. Even if he stood with Yun Jianyue, it would be futile and would only bring destruction to the Way of Xiaoyao.

Seeing both of them stand on his side, Lu Sanyuan revealed a satisfied smile.

Three of the four Venerables were now on his side—that good-for-nothing Fang Zhonghe was still pounding the tree.

"Master!" Li Feiqing exclaimed, surprised that his master had also defected to Lu Sanyuan.

Venerable Xiaoyao's expression was calm: "Feiqing, come here quickly."

Li Feiqing's breathing quickened, but he finally said in a deep voice: "Master, you always taught me to rise above the mud without being stained, and that the Way of Xiaoyao is inherently noble. Your disciple truly cannot agree with your choice this time."

As he spoke, he moved to the other side.

Qiu Honglei's expression was somewhat complex: "Senior Brother Li, you really don't have to do this."

Li Feiqing shook his head: "Saintess, my action is not for you, but for Sect Master Yun. I am not one to betray my master for glory."

"Rebellious disciple!" Venerable Xiaoyao looked at Lu Sanyuan awkwardly, "Sect Master Lu, the child is ignorant, you see..."

"Young people always have impractical impulses; they'll learn once they hit a wall," Lu Sanyuan said coldly.

Venerable Xiaoyao sighed, his previously elegant demeanor seeming to age ten years in an instant.

Just then, Chi Fuzi of the Mysterious Hidden Sect suddenly walked towards Yun Jianyue, saying calmly: "Feiqing spoke well. I, too, only know that this Sacred Cult has always been led by Sect Master Yun, and I cannot bring myself to switch allegiances!"

Qiu Honglei's expression was excited: "Senior Uncle!"

She hadn't expected that at this critical moment, among the Four Venerables, it would be Chi Fuzi, usually the most detached from worldly affairs, who was willing to stay by her master's side.

At this moment, Fatty Hu also laughed heartily: "I, Hu, usually have no great ambitions. Now that I'm the only one left in the Tomb Raider Sect, even if I pledge allegiance to Sect Master Lu, I wouldn't be able to prosper. I might as well follow Sect Master Yun and repay the kindness she showed me years ago."

He came before Zu An and cupped his hands: "Sect Master Yun, you wouldn't dislike Fatty Hu for dragging you down with his cultivation and status, would you?"

Zu An was taken aback, not expecting this seemingly careless fellow to possess such an unyielding spirit: "Of course not."

Fatty Hu stood behind her, but his face fell, and he continuously muttered to himself: "It's over, it's completely over. The sole heir of the Tomb Raider Sect is going to be gone this time. Oh, why were you so impulsive?"

However, with these few taking the lead, some more of the previously hesitant crowd also moved to their side.

The Demonic Cult also had its share of hot-blooded men. They knew that choosing this path likely meant grim prospects, but everyone had their own scales of justice in their hearts.

However, the power disparity between the two sides remained vast. Of the cult members in the hall, roughly twenty percent came to Yun Jianyue's side, while Lu Sanyuan's side accounted for a full eighty percent!