The Rebellious Son Becomes a God

"Alright, alright, every meeting ends up so unpleasant," the monk, who had been watching the drama unfold, spoke up quickly to defuse the situation before it escalated out of control.

This monk was Master Hui Kong, the second seat at the Great Xiangguo Temple, holding a high status within the Buddhist order. He was deeply skilled in Buddhist teachings and known for his smooth and worldly ways, especially adept at mediating tense situations like this one.

Master Hui Kong pressed his hands together, his face adorned with his signature peaceful smile, and chanted a Buddhist phrase: "Amitabha, Duke Jiang, Sect Head Zhou, both of you are paragons among men, why let a few words of discord harm your rapport? All things in this world have their causes and effects; do not let a moment's anger plant the seeds of future troubles. Let us first discuss the real matters at hand."

Upon hearing these words, Jiang ZhenTing's expression remained composed, though the coldness in his eyes slightly receded.

He nodded slightly to Master Hui Kong, smiling lightly and saying, "Master Hui Kong is absolutely right."

Zhou BuChong, however, snorted coldly, his face full of disdain.

Although Jiang ZhenTing and Zhou BuChong still harbored some resentments, they did not wish to continue their dispute in front of Master Hui Kong and thus both temporarily held their tongues, though their expressions remained far from amicable.

Master Hui Kong, seeing the situation, nodded slightly and continued, "Duke Jiang, the reason we have invited you today is that there is important business to discuss. In recent years, have you noticed that many small forces in the world have been acting frequently, showing signs of restlessness?"

Jiang ZhenTing frowned slightly, a hint of gravity flashing in his eyes. He said in a deep voice, "Master is absolutely right, I have also noticed. Although these small forces usually can't create any big waves, their frequent actions now might indicate that someone is secretly plotting something behind the scenes."

Master Hui Kong added, "Not only that, but some cult forces have also become restless, enticing people everywhere, spreading heresies, and disturbing the peace of the world. Moreover, the unusual movements of the beasts are also quite noticeable, with beasts appearing out of nowhere, attacking villages and towns, causing the common people great suffering. All these signs indicate that the world is becoming unstable."

Zhou BuChong snorted coldly on the side and said, "Humph! These cultists and beasts should be severely eradicated to prevent them from constantly causing trouble."

Master Hui Kong nodded in agreement, then lowered his voice and said, "We suspect that there are some major forces behind these events, instigating and fermenting these issues with the intention of destabilizing our Great Han Nation."

Master Hui Kong looked at Jiang ZhenTing and asked, "Duke Jiang, do you have any plans regarding this matter?"

Jiang ZhenTing, with a composed expression and hands clasped behind his back, replied calmly and deliberately, "Master, rest assured that I have taken note of these developments, and everything is under control. However, it is indeed time to rein in those individuals, to quell their arrogance, and to ensure that the common people of this land can live in peace."

Upon hearing this, Master Hui Kong felt somewhat reassured and chanted a Buddhist phrase: "Amitabha, with Duke Jiang's words, this monk can set his mind at ease. Yet, although this matter may seem insignificant, it is not a trivial issue and requires a concerted effort from all parties involved."

Jiang ZhenTing nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping around the surroundings before he suddenly inquired, "By the way, why are only representatives from your two sects present? Logically, someone from the Wuji Sect should also be here. Why haven't they sent anyone?"

Upon these words, the expressions of both Qinglian Sect's Sect Head Zhou BuChong and Master Hui Kong became rather grim.

Zhou BuChong's face darkened, and he spoke irritably, "Humph! Jiang ZhenTing, aren't you asking deliberately? In recent years, the Wuji Sect has become increasingly ruthless, causing much friction with members of our two sects, leading to many unpleasant encounters. Every meeting is filled with sarcasm and underhanded tricks; who would still want to deal with them?"

Master Hui Kong also shook his head gently, his face full of helplessness as he said, "Alas, the way Wuji Sect is acting now is truly vexing. I have tried to persuade them many times, but they continue to act on their own accord, completely disregarding the principle that as major sects, we should stand together and progress as one!"

Jiang ZhenTing listened and pondered privately that there might be hidden reasons behind the changes in Wuji Sect. But he did not inquire further at the moment, only frowning slightly as he said, "Even so, this matter concerns the overall situation of the world, and they should not be so detached from it."

Zhou BuChong sneered, "They don't care about the world's overall situation; they only focus on cultivating their path of detachment, acting stranger and stranger."

The group discussed the matter further, but with differing opinions and no consensus, the atmosphere gradually became somewhat gloomy.

Eventually, seeing that no conclusion was being reached, Jiang ZhenTing clasped his hands and said, "If that's the case, then let's adjourn for today. When there is new information, we can discuss it again."

With that, he did not wait for Zhou BuChong and Master Hui Kong to respond and turned to leave.

Zhou BuChong watched Jiang ZhenTing's retreating figure and snorted coldly, "Go ahead and leave. Humph! There's nothing more to say to him anyway."

Master Hui Kong shook his head gently, muttering a Buddhist chant under his breath, his face filled with regret.

Jiang ZhenTing slowly descended the mountain path of Qinglian Sect, still contemplating the matters discussed earlier. The situation in the world was becoming increasingly complex, with various forces in conflict, and it seemed that achieving stability would not be easy!

As he walked, he suddenly heard faint footsteps ahead. Jiang ZhenTing looked up to see a man in a black robe approaching slowly. The man had a stern expression and exuded a cold aura; it was none other than the Vice Sect Head of Wuji Sect, Shang Wuyin.

Upon seeing this person, Jiang ZhenTing felt a slight chill in his heart. He stopped in his tracks and looked at the man calmly.

The man from Wuji Sect approached Jiang ZhenTing, scrutinizing him from head to toe, a mocking smile playing on his lips as he said, "Isn't this Duke of Peace, Jiang ZhenTing? What, had another argument with Zhou BuChong?"

Jiang ZhenTing's expression remained unchanged as he replied indifferently, "That is between him and me, none of your concern. However, your Wuji Sect, why didn't you send anyone to such an important event today?"

The man listened and burst into laughter, his laughter filled with disdain, "Humph! Our Wuji Sect has always followed its own rules, unlike you all, constantly bickering over trivial matters."

A flash of coldness passed through Jiang ZhenTing's eyes, and he said coldly, "Your Wuji Sect's actions have become increasingly arrogant. Do not forget that this world is not solely dominated by your sect. If your capriciousness ruins important matters, can you bear the responsibility?"

The man sneered and said, "Jiang ZhenTing, do not pretend to lecture me here. Do you think being the dog of Emperor Xuanyuan is a sign of loyalty?

Humph! Your Duke of Peace's residence hasn't done a few shady deeds behind the scenes, has it?

If you continue to act recklessly, those who commit injustice will surely perish by their own hands."

Upon hearing these words, Jiang ZhenTing's expression darkened, and his eyes filled with murderous intent, but he still forcibly restrained himself and said coldly, "Do not slander me here. I, Jiang ZhenTing, act with integrity and sit with dignity, and my loyalty to the Xuanyuan royal family is as clear as day."

However, the man from Wuji Sect was not intimidated by Jiang ZhenTing's warning at all. Instead, he took a step forward, getting closer to Jiang ZhenTing and lowering his voice, "Then let's see who will perish in the end."

With that, the man from Wuji Sect turned and left, leaving Jiang ZhenTing standing in place, his face gloomy as he watched the direction in which the man disappeared.