Daoist Competition
Chapter 99 - 14 Qi Sea Initial Transformation Ming Qi Level 1

Chapter 99: Chapter 14 Qi Sea Initial Transformation Ming Qi Level 1

"Granduncle, has Zhang Yan gone mad? How dare he capture over twenty relatives of the True Disciples from the Six Rivers and Four Islands? Does he not fear offending these True Disciples? Does he not consider the noble families behind them?"

When Feng Zhen first heard about Zhang Yan’s actions, he almost doubted his ears. The Six Rivers and Four Islands might not be great noble families, but united, they were still a force to be reckoned with. Moreover, among those captured was a Direct Lineage Disciple of the Feng Family. Zhang Yan’s actions were utterly reckless and audacious.

Feng Shang, however, leisurely waved his large fan, wearing an air of indifference, and said, "Zhen’er, you still don’t understand. Zhang Yan’s actions are a calculated move to use himself as a pivot point, leveraging the conflict between the master-disciple faction and our noble families. Until the outcome of this struggle is decided, the master-disciple faction will certainly protect him. Who would dare act against him now? Thus, what seems like madness is, in reality, a position of safety."

Feng Zhen still didn’t understand and asked, "But what about later? Does he not intend to remain in the Mingcang Sect? Does he not fear that our Feng Family or the Six Rivers and Four Islands will seek revenge on him in the future?"

Feng Shang placed both hands behind his head, half-closing his eyes, and said, "That’s a concern for a year or two later. By then, who can predict what the situation will be?"

"A year or two?" Feng Zhen exclaimed in shock. "Why wait that long? I’ve heard that our family is already joining forces with several allied noble families to pressure the master-disciple faction. Moreover, the Sect Leader seems to have made no significant move..."

Feng Shang sneered, "How foolish. Do you think the master-disciple faction’s inaction is due to concerns over the strength of our noble families? No, it’s because they view us as insignificant, an inadequate meal that won’t satisfy their hunger! The Sect Leader is simply waiting for blind fools like you to jump forward so they can catch you all in one fell swoop!"

Feng Zhen was shocked, saying, "Aren’t the noble families meant to stand together and share in mutual interests? Wouldn’t the Sect Leader’s actions risk provoking public outrage?"

Feng Shang shook his head repeatedly and replied, "This time, the master-disciple faction holds the moral high ground and is targeting only the Six Rivers and our Feng Family. They haven’t fundamentally attacked the interests of other noble families. Any sensible person will refrain from courting death with us. In fact, they might even relish the idea of us being weakened, so they can benefit from it."

Indeed, the noble families are far from united. They are rife with internal conflicts and only unite when their shared interests are threatened. Consider the previous incident when Ning Chongxuan allowed five True Disciples to be killed without interference, causing mutual fear and dissatisfaction. But this time, the situation is different. The master-disciple faction is clearly targeting only our Feng Family and the Six Rivers. "Why meddle in murky waters?" they must think. Helping us is out of the question; abstaining from taking a bite is already a kindness.

"To assault True Disciples—it’s no light accusation. Rather than reflecting on your mistakes, you even attempt to counterpress the master-disciple faction. Our Feng Family is bound to sustain heavy damage this time," Feng Shang remarked darkly, his eyes glittering. "Zhang Yan’s strategy is truly venomous. With a mere turn of his hand, he not only shielded himself completely but also cunningly set a trap for our Feng Family. He’s certainly a worthy adversary."

At this realization, Feng Zhen saw clearly that, despite the Feng Family’s façade of resistance, they were already deeply ensnared. A cold sweat broke out across his body as he quickly stepped down from his seat, knelt, and said, "Granduncle, your nephew seeks your guidance. How should we resolve this?"

Feng Shang gave him a glance and, with an indifferent expression, said, "There is a way, of course. Let Feng Ji willingly accept death. Kill him with a single stroke and deliver his body to the Zhengqing Institute. Then, send someone to appease Zhang Yan. In this way, we can cut this matter off prematurely and deny the master-disciple faction any chance to act against us."

Feng Zhen’s eyes widened in shock. "But wouldn’t this still cost the life of one of our Feng Family members? It would greatly harm our family’s honor!"

Feng Shang snorted. "Under a collapsed nest, how can any egg remain intact? You either save people and lose wealth, or save wealth and lose people. In my opinion, sacrificing Feng Ji’s life to shield the family from losses is a fair trade. Understand this: the venom in Zhang Yan’s strategy lies in the fact that no matter the outcome, it slaps our family’s face. Loss of face is inevitable—why cling to it unnecessarily?"

Feng Zhen prostrated himself further, bowing deeply, and said, "Thank you for your wisdom, Granduncle. When I return, I will inform the family elders and urge them to decide swiftly."

Feng Shang slowly shook his head but said nothing more.

Feng Zhen hesitated for a moment before growling through gritted teeth, "But Zhang Yan is too despicable! Does Granduncle have any means to eliminate him?"

Feng Shang’s fan paused mid-motion. His eyes sharp, he replied, "Do you think I helped Zhang Yan enter the Elixir Cauldron Institute without leaving any contingencies? The time is not yet ripe. We must wait for the right opportunity."