Cao Zhengyang spoke to this point, and Gong Zhen’s face grew increasingly sullen.
Everyone knew about Sikong Yan of Cangyan Daoist Palace pursuing Immortal Xuan You.
But this matter was not something they did at all.
Elder Gong Zhen seemed to have suddenly thought of a key point, his pupils contracted sharply, and his eyes were full of disbelief.
"Why did it happen at this critical moment? And the entire mountain gate was closed, cutting off all sources of information?"
Gong Zhen muttered to himself, cold sweat dripping down his forehead.
Seeing this, Cao Zhengyang again bowed respectfully, his attitude sincere and earnest: "Brother Gong Zhen, although we don’t know exactly what has happened within your Golden Thunder Sect, you should already have some understanding of the situation now. If you can trust us, our Taiqing Sect is willing to lend a helping hand!"
Looking at Cao Zhengyang and the others, Gong Zhen’s face was full of hesitance. This matter was too significant, and a slight mistake would make him a eternal sinner of the Golden Thunder Sect.
Seeing this, Mo Xingjian took a step forward and said in a gentle voice, "Elder Gong, precisely because we believe that the attack on Cyan Feather Immortal Sect was absolutely not done by your sect, we risked coming here to inform you. Moreover, we are only a small group of eighteen; even if we enter your sect, could we really destroy such a vast foundation? Instead, it is us who should be worried about our own safety."
"Further, if Cyan Feather Immortal Sect is destroyed, how long do you think your Golden Thunder Sect can remain unscathed?"
Hearing Mo Xingjian’s words, the indecision in Gong Zhen’s eyes deepened, then he looked down at the Imaging Stone in his hand and clenched his teeth as if he had made up his mind.
He immediately bowed deeply to Cao Zhengyang and the others, saying, "To tell the truth, our Golden Thunder Sect is currently mired in internal strife, the situation is quite complex. To put it simply, many disciples are taking sides," Gong Zhen chose to be frank.
Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengyang and the others couldn’t help but be surprised; so it was for this reason.
Gong Zhen continued, "Now, the entire Golden Thunder Sect has split into two factions, and in recent days, their conflicts have been continuous, even leading to several deadly battles. The Sect Leader has been seriously injured as a result. To prevent other sects from taking advantage, the mountain gate has been completely sealed for ten days."
"I have remained neutral all along; after all, no matter who takes the sect’s leadership in the future, I just need to take good care of the Thunder Pool. But the timing of the Vice Sect Leader and others instigating this matter is too suspicious. Right now, who knows how many disciples are still in the dark."
"If the two factions end up destroying each other and without a moment to recover, the Cangyan Daoist Palace will lead a large army to press forward under the guise of avenging the Cyan Feather Immortal Sect. At that time, not only will it be impossible for me to remain neutral, but the entire Golden Thunder Sect will face an existential threat, and our very existence will be in jeopardy."
At this point, Gong Zhen thoroughly understood the conspiracy hidden behind these events.
Clearly, they had been deliberately calculated against, yet they fought behind closed doors, not knowing the gravity of the situation.
"I implore Sect Leader Cao to lend a hand!" Gong Zhen finished speaking, immediately clasping his hands in a deep bow, pleading earnestly.
After this explanation, Cao Zhengyang and the others finally comprehended the intricate situation.
Evidently, Cangyan Daoist Palace’s instigation and meticulous planning were indispensable behind all these occurrences.
Their scheme was tightly interconnected and flawless, making defense impossible.
If the Taiqing Sect, along with Master Xuanji, went out and encountered an ambush, even if they managed to escape by luck, they would suffer heavy losses, their primordial energy greatly damaged, and they would struggle to survive.
At that time, Cangyan Daoist Palace would only need to call out, mobilizing the remaining forces of the enraged Cyan Feather Immortal Sect to launch a vengeful attack on the Golden Thunder Sect, with a predictable conclusion.
After all, the Golden Thunder Sect had already been exhausted by internal strife.
Afterwards, they could easily turn their focus to the few remaining Taiqing Sect members.
Although it’s unknown what kind of agreement Phecda Sect and Cangyan Daoist Palace reached, ultimately, those who conspire with a tiger will end up being devoured.
Thus, the eastern region of the Lingyun Mansion, where the five great sects once existed, would be dominated solely by the Cangyan Daoist Palace.
By then, what use would the so-called truth be?
What waves could the disciples, turned into stray dogs, possibly stir? There would only be two choices.
"Thank you, Brother Gong Zhen, for your trust. What should we do now?" Cao Zhengyang asked.
Upon hearing this, Gong Zhen immediately rose and took a deep breath, saying, "All of you, please remain calm. The person guarding the barrier is a close friend of mine. Let me explain the situation to him in detail, and he will know what to do!"
After speaking, Gong Zhen hurriedly turned and returned to the barrier with the Imaging Stone in hand.
About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea later, the barrier rippled again, and Gong Zhen, along with another elder, emerged one after another.
Seeing this, everyone hurried forward.
"Yu Fuchuan greets Sect Leader Cao and all the Daoist brothers!" The elder, looking anxious, hurriedly saluted.
Everyone saluted back.
"Everyone, please come inside!" Yu Fuchuan, aware of the urgency, said anxiously, while opening the barrier to invite everyone in.
Once inside, they saw several disciples lying on the ground, tightly bound with ropes, muffled cries coming from them.
"Trying to send messages," Yu Fuchuan snorted coldly, then looked at Cao Zhengyang and said, "I won’t go any further. I’ll stay here and guard the entrance, just in case something unexpected happens."
"Thank you!" Cao Zhengyang and the others bowed in thanks.
Gong Zhen spoke, "The current situation is chaotic, too many people will be a hindrance. I know of a secret path that leads directly to the Sect Leader’s main hall. If you trust me, follow me."