Let's Make Some Plans

The others merely glanced at Chu Xingchen before turning their attention to Wang Ling, who had removed his mask.

After all, what was the point of arguing with a fool? It was far more entertaining to simply watch one.

The scene was silent, yet it seemed to brim with unspoken laughter.

Wang Ling pursed his lips slightly and glanced at Ye Antao, who was burying her head like an ostrich. He wanted to tell her that this was a futile attempt at hiding—why not just take off the mask and join him in being laughed at as fools?

But… that clearly wasn’t happening.

Wang Ling then turned his gaze back to Chu Xingchen. Just where had this idiot come from?

"Fellow Daoist, are you messing with me? Do you even know who Daoist Yuyang is?"

"I do. The personal disciple of the Taidao Sect’s sect master," Chu Xingchen replied calmly. "And I stand by what I said—he’s no match for me."

Wang Ling’s breathing grew slightly ragged.

Daoist Yuyang wasn’t famous just because he was the Taidao Sect master’s disciple. It was because his strength was downright absurd.

Even among the Eighteen Immortal Sects, he stood at the very pinnacle of combat prowess within his realm.

At the Nascent Soul stage, his mastery of the Great Unity Divine Art had crushed countless prodigies beneath him.

Even Bai Xuanling, the "Living King of Hell" from the Central Continent, had once given Daoist Yuyang the highest praise—calling him the "Flawless Daoist."

After Daoist Yuyang ascended to the Divine Transformation realm, he rarely appeared in public.

But there was no doubt—he was a long-reigning, undefeated champion among peers in the mortal world.

Among peers! Even if Daoist Yuyang had just stepped into the early Nascent Soul stage, as long as he hadn’t reached Divine Transformation, he remained invincible.

Wang Ling could rattle off an endless list of his legendary feats.

Even a proper, run-of-the-mill Divine Transformation cultivator would likely be subdued by Daoist Yuyang before even getting a taste of the Great Unity Divine Art.

And most of the cultivators present were only at the Nascent Soul realm.

What, are you telling me you’re at the Unity realm or something?!

Wang Ling’s gaze shifted to Chen Mouguang, who stood beside Chu Xingchen.

"Fellow Daoist, do you have anything to say?"

Behind his mask, Chen Mouguang wore a faintly bitter smile. But he had no objections to Chu Xingchen’s claim.

After all, in terms of reputation, Daoist Yuyang still paled in comparison to Bai Xuanling.

And this Brother Chu had earned Bai Xuanling’s personal recognition.

If Chu Xingchen claimed he could defeat Daoist Yuyang outright, Chen Mouguang might have doubted him. But saying he could hold his own for an hour or two? That, Chen Mouguang believed was entirely possible.

Bai Xuanling’s endorsement was absolute proof—unless Bai Xuanling had also gone blind and decided to trust a fool just to mess with them.

If that were the case, Chen Mouguang would accept it.

Trust those you employ, and don’t employ those you distrust!

Facing Wang Ling’s question, Chen Mouguang reached up and removed his mask, speaking in a composed tone.

"Chen Mouguang—of the Tianyan Sect. That’s my answer, Fellow Daoist Wang Ling."

Actions always spoke louder than words.

Seeing Chen Mouguang’s decisive move, the crowd’s expressions shifted instantly, their eyes now filled with skepticism as they studied Chu Xingchen—was this man telling the truth?

Wang Ling hesitated for a moment before cupping his hands and asking Chu Xingchen,

"Fellow Daoist… could you be a Unity realm expert?"

Chu Xingchen replied flatly, "Divine Transformation."

Wang Ling’s gaze darted back to Chen Mouguang—was this another peerless genius from the Tianyan Sect?!

Chen Mouguang’s expression remained unreadable, his tone steady.

"It’s not you who’ll be fighting Daoist Yuyang. Why would my brother lie about something that’ll get him beaten up?"

A moment later, Ye Antao removed her mask as well.

At this point, her dignity was already in tatters—what was a little more embarrassment?

Might as well drag the others down with her.

Indeed, having someone take the lead made all the difference.

Soon, the others began removing their masks one after another.

After all, the reasoning made sense—the Tianyan Sect was a reputable sect. They wouldn’t joke about something like this.

Perhaps this brash, outspoken man was the real deal?

Chu Xingchen also took off his mask. "If I say Daoist Yuyang is nothing but a paper tiger, then he is."

Wang Ling felt his composure cracking. No longer casual, he spoke with newfound seriousness.

"I think… we should carefully discuss our plans."

As soon as he finished speaking, someone in the corner couldn’t hold back a snicker.

Mist Mystic Temple.

On his third day at the temple, Daoist Yuyang had investigated many things. Though he encountered some distasteful matters, nothing had crossed the line—yet.

Today, he intended to see for himself the person who had been "deified" through the Path of Faith.

Inside the grand hall, Daoist Yuyang frowned at the statue-like "Divine Being."

He could barely sense any emotion or consciousness from the figure before him. The "Divine Being" might as well have been a roadside rock.

Were it not for the occasional flicker of soul energy, there would be no difference at all.

Before coming, Daoist Yuyang had read the reports Mist Mystic Temple submitted to the Taidao Sect.

They had mentioned this phenomenon, but…

Clearly, the severity had been downplayed.

This wasn’t just a dying man failing to withstand modified faith energy—his soul was buckling under something far more sinister!

Daoist Yuyang reached out and touched the elderly man before him. After shielding his divine sense, he cautiously probed inward.

Though the old man’s cultivation was pitifully weak—only at the third level of Qi Refinement.

Soon, Daoist Yuyang withdrew his hand, deep in thought.

There’s a missing piece here…

It shouldn’t be this simple.

What could possibly drive the temple’s leader to push forward with this plan, no matter the cost?

Though he loathed to assume the worst of people, sometimes only the darkest motives could explain such actions.

His thoughts were interrupted as his gaze snapped toward the temple entrance.

A robed elder was slowly approaching.