tiān mù shān suī rán jǐn jǐn mián yán shù shí lǐ ， rán ér zhǔ fēng què cāng jìng tǐng bá ， guài shí lín xún ， qí zhēn yì shòu shù zhī bù jìn ， tóng shí yě shì dì dǐ líng mài de zhōng xīn 。
天目山虽然仅仅绵延数十里，然而主峰却苍劲挺拔，怪石嶙峋，奇珍异兽数之不尽，同时也是地底灵脉的中心。
Mount Tianmu, though only stretching for a few dozen miles, had its main peak towering and rugged, with countless rare treasures scattered about. It was also the center of underground spiritual veins.
tiān mù pài jiù zuò luò yú cǐ 。
天目派就坐落于此。
The Tiemu Sect resided here.
cǐ shí ， zài fēng dǐng de xuán jī gé lǐ ， tiān mù pài de jǐ wèi zhǎng lǎo jù jí yī táng ， zhèng shén sè níng zhòng de yì shì 。
此时，在峰顶的璇玑阁里，天目派的几位长老聚集一堂，正神色凝重的议事。
At this moment, several elders were gathered in the璇玑 Pavilion at the summit, their faces solemn as they held a meeting.
zuò zài zhǔ wèi de shì yī wèi xū fà jiē bái de dào shì ， suī rán nián jì yǐ lǎo ， rán ér hún shēn shàng xià què yǒu yī gǔ piāo yì zhī qì ， xiū wèi gèng dào le níng dān qī dà yuán mǎn ， yě jiù shì chuán shuō zhōng de jiǎ yīng jìng jiè 。
坐在主位的是一位须发皆白的道士，虽然年纪已老，然而浑身上下却有一股飘逸之气，修为更到了凝丹期大圆满，也就是传说中的假婴境界。
Sitting on the main seat was an old Taoist with all his hair and beard white. Despite his advanced age, he exuded a graceful aura, and his cultivation had reached the peak of Condensation Core Stage—what legends called the False Infant Realm.
zhèng shì tiān mù pài dí dàng jīn zhǎng mén kū mù zhēn rén ！
正是天目派的当今掌门枯木真人！
This was none other than the current Grandmaster of the Tiemu Sect, Immortal Dry Wood!
qí tā jǐ wèi zhǎng lǎo ， yǒu sú yǒu dào ， suī rán xiū wèi yào shāo xùn yī chóu ， dàn wú yī lì wài dōu shì jīn dān dà chéng de xiū zhēn zhě 。
其他几位长老，有俗有道，虽然修为要稍逊一筹，但无一例外都是金丹大成的修真者。
The other elders present were either secular or Taoist, though their cultivation was slightly lower. However, they were all accomplished Golden Core cultivators.
“ gè wèi shī dì ， duì yú zhè cì zhèng mó liǎng dào lā lǒng wǒ men zhī shì ， dà jiā yǒu hé gǎn xiǎng ？” lǎo zhě shēn qián chá jī shàng ， yī zuǒ yī yòu fēn bié fàng zhe liǎng zhāng chuán yīn fú ， yī zhāng fàn zhe jīn máng ， lìng wài yī zhāng zé hēi qì yíng rào ， bú yòng shuō ， zì rán shì zhèng mó shuāng fāng sòng lái de xìn hán le 。
“各位师弟，对于这次正魔两道拉拢我们之事，大家有何感想？”老者身前茶几上，一左一右分别放着两张传音符，一张泛着金芒，另外一张则黑气萦绕，不用说，自然是正魔双方送来的信函了。
"Brother disciples, what are your thoughts on this matter where both the Dao and Evil factions are trying to draw us in?" The old man placed two communication talismans before him—one glowing with golden light, the other surrounded by black energy. These were undoubtedly letters from both sides.
jǐ wèi zhǎng lǎo huò bì mù yǎng shén ， huò dī tóu chén sī ， dàn guò le bàn xiǎng ， què méi yǒu yī rén chū lái fā biǎo yì jiàn ， kū mù zhēn rén de liǎn sè ， bù yóu de yǒu xiē nán kàn ， qīng qīng ké sòu yī shēng ：“ zěn me ， běn mén yǐ dào le sǐ shēng cún wáng de shí kè ， zhū wèi shī dì nán dào hái shì ruò wú dǔ ， bù yuàn yì wèi shī mén chū móu huà cè ？”
几位长老或闭目养神，或低头沉思，但过了半响，却没有一人出来发表意见，枯木真人的脸色，不由得有些难看，轻轻咳嗽一声：“怎么，本门已到了死生存亡的时刻，诸位师弟难道还视若无睹，不愿意为师门出谋划策？”
Several elders either closed their eyes to rest or lowered their heads in thought, but no one spoke up for a while. Immortal Dry Wood's face turned slightly displeased as he coughed lightly: "How is it that our sect has reached such a critical juncture—life and death—and none of you are willing to offer advice for the sake of the sect?"
“ hē hē ， shī xiōng cǐ yán chà yǐ ， zhèng mó liǎng dào rú jīn hái zài hù xiāng chě pí ， jú shì suī rán jǐn zhāng le xiē ， dàn jù lí kāi zhàn ， kǒng pà hái yáo yáo wú qī ， hé kuàng běn mén piān chū yī ǒu ， hé lái dà huò lín tóu ？” yī liǎn sè yǒu hēi de lǎo zhě ， bù yǐ wéi rán de kāi kǒu le 。
“呵呵，师兄此言差矣，正魔两道如今还在互相扯皮，局势虽然紧张了些，但距离开战，恐怕还遥遥无期，何况本门偏出一偶，何来大祸临头？”一脸色黝黑的老者，不以为然的开口了。
"Haha, Brother, your words are misplaced," replied the old man with a dark complexion. "The current situation between Dao and Evil factions is still tense, but it's far from an imminent war. Besides, our sect has not been targeted by both sides; what harm could come to us?"
“ shì a ， hé kuàng zhèng mó liǎng dào lā lǒng de yòu bù zhǐ wǒ tiān mù pài yī jiā ， zǎo zài shí nián qián ， tā men jiù bù duàn de lā lǒng líng yào shān ， líng yào shān zhì jīn shàng wèi biǎo tài ， yě bú jiàn yǒu shén me huò shì chū lái 。” zhè cì shuō huà de shì yī shén tài wēi měng de dà hàn ， xiǎn rán yě zàn chéng nà yǒu hēi lǎo zhě de yì jiàn 。
“是啊，何况正魔两道拉拢的又不止我天目派一家，早在十年前，他们就不断的拉拢灵药山，灵药山至今尚未表态，也不见有什么祸事出来。”这次说话的是一神态威猛的大汉，显然也赞成那黝黑老者的意见。
"Indeed, they have been trying to draw in other sects for years. Lingyao Mountain hasn't made a move yet, so why should we be the ones facing danger?" The robust-looking man agreed with the dark-faced elder.
kū mù zhēn rén de liǎn sè hū qīng hū bái ， shí fēn nán kàn 。 běn mén zhè liǎng bǎi nián lái ， rén cái diāo líng ， dào bú shì shuō zhū wèi shī dì dì jìng jiè dī ， ér shì quē fá guǎn lǐ mén pài de jì shì zhī cái ， yí gè gè dōu zhǐ huì bì guān kǔ liàn ， duì yú shì shì de xiǎng fǎ què yòu zhì jiǎn dān 。
枯木真人的脸色忽青忽白，十分难看。本门这两百年来，人才凋零，倒不是说诸位师弟地境界低，而是缺乏管理门派的济世之才，一个个都只会闭关苦练，对于世事的想法却幼稚简单。
Immortal Dry Wood's face alternated between pale and red, looking rather distressed. Over these two hundred years, talent within the sect had dwindled not because his disciples' cultivation was low but due to a lack of management skills. Each one focused solely on seclusion and practice, lacking worldly wisdom.
yǐ zhì yú zì jǐ jiāng dà liàng dì jīng lì huā zài chǔ lǐ mén pài suǒ shì shàng miàn 。 fǒu zé 。 wèi bì méi yǒu jī huì chōng jī yuán yīng jìng jiè 。 rú jīn zì jǐ zhǐ shèng xià bú dào èr shí nián dì shòu yuán 。 jīn shēng shì zài yě méi yǒu xī wàng 。
以至于自己将大量地精力花在处理门派琐事上面。否则。未必没有机会冲击元婴境界。如今自己只剩下不到二十年地寿元。今生是再也没有希望。
As a result, he spent much time handling trivial matters of the sect, leaving no chance to advance to the婴 Realm. With less than twenty years left, his hopes for this life were fading fast.
zì jǐ sǐ bù zú xī 。 kě dāng zì jǐ zuò huà yǐ hòu 。 zhè ruò dà dì tiān mù pài kǒng pà huì jiù cǐ shuāi bài ……
自己死不足惜。可当自己坐化以后。这偌大地天目派恐怕会就此衰败……
His death was not a matter of concern, but what would happen after his passing? The Tiemu Sect might decline...
niàn jí zhì cǐ 。 kū mù zhēn rén dì xīn zhōng yǒng qǐ yī sī bēi liáng dì qíng xù 。 tàn le kǒu qì ：“ zhū wèi shī dì 。 běn pài rú hé néng yǔ líng yào shān xiāng bǐ 。 qiě bù shuō tā men yǒu dà liàng dì liàn dān shī 。 zài zhèng mó zhī jiān zuǒ yòu féng yuán 。 ér qiě gāi pài dì shí lì 。 yě fēi wǒ tiān mù shān kě bǐ 。”
念及至此。枯木真人地心中涌起一丝悲凉地情绪。叹了口气：“诸位师弟。本派如何能与灵药山相比。且不说他们有大量地炼丹师。在正魔之间左右逢源。而且该派地实力。也非我天目山可比。”
These thoughts brought a sense of sorrow to Immortal Dry Wood's heart as he sighed: "Compared to Lingyao Mountain, our sect is far inferior. Not only do they have numerous alchemists who can play both sides, their strength surpasses ours."
“ hēng 。 shī xiōng hé bì zhǎng tā rén dì zhì qì 。 líng yào shān dì yǐn cáng shí lì 。 bù guò shì chuán yán ér yǐ 。 jiù suàn suǒ yán fēi xū 。 kěn dìng yě miǎn bù liǎo kuā dà qí cí 。 wǒ jiù bù xiāng xìn tā men mén pài lǐ 。 hái zhēn yǐn cáng yǒu yuán yīng qī lǎo guài 。” nà shén tài wēi měng dì dà hàn yī rán shì yī liǎn dì bù yǐ wéi rán 。
“哼。师兄何必长他人地志气。灵药山地隐藏实力。不过是传言而已。就算所言非虚。肯定也免不了夸大其词。我就不相信他们门派里。还真隐藏有元婴期老怪。”那神态威猛地大汉依然是一脸地不以为然。
"Humph! Brother, why encourage others? The hidden strength of Lingyao Mountain is just hearsay. Even if it's true, they surely exaggerate. I don't believe there are any old monsters in that sect," the robust-looking man remained unconvinced.
“ zhèng shī dì 。” kū mù zhēn rén dì liǎn sè yuè fā dì yīn chén le xià qù 。 hán shēng dào ：“ bù guǎn shì zhēn shì jiǎ 。 zǒng zhī shì yán zhī záo záo 。 zhè jiù ràng zhèng mó shuāng fāng xīn cún gù jì le 。 ér běn mén kě méi yǒu zhè yàng yǒu lì dì tiáo jiàn 。 rú jīn sān jù tóu yǔ jí è mó zūn dōu sòng lái xìn hán 。 yào wǒ men jiù lì chǎng biǎo tài ……”
“郑师弟。”枯木真人地脸色越发地阴沉了下去。寒声道：“不管是真是假。总之是言之凿凿。这就让正魔双方心存顾忌了。而本门可没有这样有利地条件。如今三巨头与极恶魔尊都送来信函。要我们就立场表态……”
"Zheng Brother," Immortal Dry Wood's face turned even darker as he said sternly: "Whether true or false, these letters have caused both sides to hesitate. Our sect has no such advantage. The three major factions and the Extreme Demon Sovereign have already sent us letters, demanding we take a stance..."
“ zhè xiē jiā huo yě wèi miǎn tài bù jiǎng lǐ le 。 wǒ men tiān mù pài yǔ tā men sù wú jiāo jí 。 yě bù xiǎng juǎn rù zhèng mó dì fēn zhēng lǐ qù 。 jǐn jǐn shì xiǎng piān jū běi jiāng 。 guò zì jǐ dì rì zi 。 nán dào yě bù xíng ma ？” yǒu hēi lǎo zhě mǎn liǎn dì nù qì 。
“这些家伙也未免太不讲理了。我们天目派与他们素无交集。也不想卷入正魔地纷争里去。仅仅是想偏居北疆。过自己地日子。难道也不行吗？”黝黑老者满脸地怒气。
"These fellows are too unreasonable! We Tiemu Sect has never had any dealings with them; we just want to live in seclusion in the northern borderlands. Why can't they leave us alone?" The dark-faced man's face was full of anger.
“ shī dì ……” jiàn dào tā qì fèn dì yàng zi ， kū mù zhēn rén yǒu xiē kū xiào bù dé ：“ nǐ hǎo dǎi xiū dào yě yǒu sān bǎi nián le 。 suī rán bù wèn shì shì 。 dàn xiū zhēn jiè jī běn de guī jǔ zǒng yīng gāi dǒng ， zài zhè yǐ lì fú rén de shì jiè 。 jiǎng jiū de shì quán tou de dà xiǎo ， shuí yǔ nǐ jiǎng dào lǐ 。”
“师弟……”见到他气愤地样子，枯木真人有些哭笑不得：“你好歹修道也有三百年了。虽然不问世事。但修真界基本的规矩总应该懂，在这以力服人的世界。讲究的是拳头的大小，谁与你讲道理。”
"Brother..." Immortal Dry Wood couldn't help but chuckle at his expression: "You've been a cultivator for three hundred years, even if you don't concern yourself with worldly matters, shouldn't you know the basic rules of this world? In a place where might makes right, who listens to reason?"
yǒu hēi lǎo zhě náo le náo tóu ， yī rán shì mǎn liǎn de bù jiě 。
黝黑老者挠了挠头，依然是满脸的不解。
The dark-faced man scratched his head, still confused.
kū mù zhēn rén yě lǎn de yǔ zhè zhǒng bù tōng shì wù zhī rén suo ， zhuǎn guò tóu ， kàn xiàng lìng wài yí gè xiū zhēn zhě ：“ níng shī dì ， nán dào lián nǐ ， yě méi yǒu shén me hǎo de jiàn jiě me ？”
枯木真人也懒得与这种不通世务之人嗦，转过头，看向另外一个修真者：“宁师弟，难道连你，也没有什么好的见解么？”
Immortal Dry Wood had no patience for such an unworldly person and turned to another cultivator: "Ning Brother, do you have any good ideas as well?"
cǐ rén dà yuē sān shí chū tóu ， shì zài zuò zhǎng lǎo zhōng nián jì zuì qīng de yí gè ， xìng níng ， míng tiān yǔ ， sān nián qián cái gāng gāng níng dān chéng gōng 。
此人大约三十出头，是在座长老中年纪最轻的一个，姓宁，名天宇，三年前才刚刚凝丹成功。
This man was in his thirties, the youngest among the elders. His name was Ning Tianyu, who had only recently condensed his essence three years ago.
suī shì tiān mù pài zī lì zuì qiǎn ， xiū wèi yě zuì ruò de yī wèi zhǎng lǎo ， dàn kū mù zhēn rén duì tā què xiàng lái qì zhòng ， yuán yīn wú tā ， cǐ rén pǒ yǒu jì shì zhī cái a ， suī rán bù rú zì jǐ ， dàn bǐ qǐ qí tā jǐ wèi bù chéng qì dì shī dì ， hǎo le yǐ jīng bù zhī fán jǐ 。
虽是天目派资历最浅，修为也最弱的一位长老，但枯木真人对他却向来器重，原因无他，此人颇有济世之才啊，虽然不如自己，但比起其他几位不成器地师弟，好了已经不知凡几。
Though he was the newest and weakest elder in terms of cultivation within the Tiemu Sect, Immortal Dry Wood always held him in high regard due to his potential for governance. Unlike himself, but far better than the other incompetent disciples, he was a valuable asset.
suǒ yǐ zì cóng tā níng dān chéng gōng ， gǔ mù zhēn rén jiù duì tā zhuó lì péi yǎng ， xī wàng zài zì jǐ shòu yuán hào jìn yǐ qián ， jiāng tā de léng jiǎo zài mó píng yì diǎn ， chǔ shì xùn liàn dé zài yuán huá yī xiē ， huò xǔ ， yóu cǐ rén zhí zhǎng mén hù ， tiān mù pài hái bù zhì yú hùn dào fēn bēng lí xī de dì bù 。
所以自从他凝丹成功，古墓真人就对他着力培养，希望在自己寿元耗尽以前，将他的棱角再磨平一点，处事训练得再圆滑一些，或许，由此人执掌门户，天目派还不至于混到分崩离析的地步。
Since his successful condensation, True Tomb Immortal had been grooming him, hoping that by the time his life expired, Ning Tianyu would be more polished and adept at handling affairs. Perhaps with this young master in charge, Tiemu Sect wouldn't fall into disarray.
jīn tiān ， biǎo miàn shàng shì yǔ zhū wèi shī dì yì shì ， kě shí jì shàng ， jiù shì xiǎng tīng tīng níng tiān yǔ duì zhè shì jiāng rú hé chǔ lǐ ， bì jìng jīn shí bù bǐ wǎng rì ， yī bù zǒu cuò ， jiù yǒu kě néng wàn jié bù fù ， tā gèng xiǎng duàn liàn duàn liàn zhè ge xiǎo shī dì le ， méi xiǎng dào zì cóng tā luò zuò yǐ hòu ， jiù yī yán bù fā 。
今天，表面上是与诸位师弟议事，可实际上，就是想听听宁天宇对这事将如何处理，毕竟今时不比往日，一步走错，就有可能万劫不复，他更想锻炼锻炼这个小师弟了，没想到自从他落座以后，就一言不发。
Today, it appeared as if he was consulting with his fellow disciples but was actually seeking Ning Tianyu's opinion on how to handle the situation. The stakes were high today; a wrong move could lead to irreparable consequences. He wanted to train this young disciple more, but since he sat in silence after taking his seat.
tīng dào kū mù zhēn rén xiāng xún ， níng tiān yǔ zhè cái zhàn le qǐ lái ：“ zhǎng mén shī xiōng ， yǐ xiǎo dì yú jiàn ， zhè jiàn shì qíng ， wǒ men bù yí zǎo zuò jué dìng 。”
听到枯木真人相询，宁天宇这才站了起来：“掌门师兄，以小弟愚见，这件事情，我们不宜早做决定。”
Upon Immortal Dry Wood's inquiry, Ning Tianyu stood up: "Grandmaster Brother, in my humble opinion, we should not rush into a decision."
“ bù yí zǎo zuò jué dìng ？”
“不宜早做决定？”
"Shouldn't rush?"
“ shì de ， rú jīn xíng shì bù míng ， biǎo miàn shàng kàn ， zhèng mó shuāng fāng shì jūn lì dí ， kě tiān zhī dào tā men shuāng fāng hái yǒu shén me yā xiāng dǐ de mì mì ， rú jīn wǒ men xiàn zài jiù cǎo shuài jué dìng ， yí dàn zhàn cuò le zhèn yíng ， dào shí hòu kě jiù hòu huǐ mò jí 。” níng tiān yǔ xiǎn rán shì jīng guò yī fān zhōu mì de kǎo lǜ ， kǎn kǎn ér tán ， yán chí liú lì 。
“是的，如今形势不明，表面上看，正魔双方势均力敌，可天知道他们双方还有什么压箱底的秘密，如今我们现在就草率决定，一旦站错了阵营，到时候可就后悔莫及。”宁天宇显然是经过一番周密的考虑，侃侃而谈，延迟流利。
"Yes, the situation is unclear. On the surface, both Dao and Evil factions are evenly matched, but who knows what hidden cards they might hold. If we make a hasty decision now, it could lead to regret later," Ning Tianyu spoke with confidence after thorough consideration.
“ kě tuō yě bú shì bàn fǎ a ！” kū mù zhēn rén chén yín le yī xià ：“ zhèng mó shuāng fāng yòu bú shì shǎ guā ， wǒ men yě méi yǒu líng yào shān nà yàng kě yǐ zuǒ yòu féng yuán de zī běn ， rú guǒ duì fāng yí dàn nài xīn hào jìn ， kě jiù shì yù shí jù fén ……”
“可拖也不是办法啊！”枯木真人沉吟了一下：“正魔双方又不是傻瓜，我们也没有灵药山那样可以左右逢源的资本，如果对方一旦耐心耗尽，可就是玉石俱焚……”
"But delaying isn't an option!" Immortal Dry Wood pondered: "The Dao and Evil factions aren't fools; we don't have Lingyao Mountain's ability to play both sides. If they run out of patience, it will be a disaster for all..."
“ hē hē ， shī xiōng duō lǜ le ， huò zhě shuō shì dāng jú zhě mí ba ， zhèng mó shuāng fāng de xìn hán lǐ suī rán ruǎn yìng jiān shī ， yī zài bī wǒ men biǎo míng lì chǎng ， kě wǒ men jiù suàn tuō xià qù ， tā men yě yě bú huì dòng shǒu de 。”
“呵呵，师兄多虑了，或者说是当局者迷吧，正魔双方的信函里虽然软硬兼施，一再逼我们表明立场，可我们就算拖下去，他们也也不会动手的。”
"Haha, Brother, you're overthinking this. Or perhaps you're just too involved. The letters from both sides are full of threats and inducements, but even if we delay, they won't make any moves."
“ ó ， cǐ huà zěn jiǎng ？”
“哦，此话怎讲？”
"Ah, how so?"
kū mù zhēn rén shén sè yī dòng ， zhèng yù zǐ xì xún wèn yī fān ， tū rán yī dào chuán yīn fú cóng wài miàn fēi le jìn lái ， tā zhuā zài shǒu lǐ ， jiāng shén shí zhù rù yī kàn ， biǎo qíng dùn shí biàn dé jí qí fù zá le qǐ lái 。
枯木真人神色一动，正欲仔细询问一番，突然一道传音符从外面飞了进来，他抓在手里，将神识注入一看，表情顿时变得极其复杂了起来。
Immortal Dry Wood's expression changed as he prepared to inquire further when a communication talisman flew in from outside. He grabbed it and injected his divine sense into it, his face turning extremely complex.
nán dào yǒu shén me yì wài dì dà biàn ？
难道有什么意外地大变？
Was there some unexpected major change?
Mount Tianmu, though only stretching for a few dozen miles, had its main peak towering and rugged, with countless rare treasures scattered about. It was also the center of underground spiritual veins.
The Tiemu Sect resided here.
At this moment, several elders were gathered in the璇玑 Pavilion at the summit, their faces solemn as they held a meeting.
Sitting on the main seat was an old Taoist with all his hair and beard white. Despite his advanced age, he exuded a graceful aura, and his cultivation had reached the peak of Condensation Core Stage—what legends called the False Infant Realm.
This was none other than the current Grandmaster of the Tiemu Sect, Immortal Dry Wood!
The other elders present were either secular or Taoist, though their cultivation was slightly lower. However, they were all accomplished Golden Core cultivators.
"Brother disciples, what are your thoughts on this matter where both the Dao and Evil factions are trying to draw us in?" The old man placed two communication talismans before him—one glowing with golden light, the other surrounded by black energy. These were undoubtedly letters from both sides.
Several elders either closed their eyes to rest or lowered their heads in thought, but no one spoke up for a while. Immortal Dry Wood's face turned slightly displeased as he coughed lightly: "How is it that our sect has reached such a critical juncture—life and death—and none of you are willing to offer advice for the sake of the sect?"
"Haha, Brother, your words are misplaced," replied the old man with a dark complexion. "The current situation between Dao and Evil factions is still tense, but it's far from an imminent war. Besides, our sect has not been targeted by both sides; what harm could come to us?"
"Indeed, they have been trying to draw in other sects for years. Lingyao Mountain hasn't made a move yet, so why should we be the ones facing danger?" The robust-looking man agreed with the dark-faced elder.
Immortal Dry Wood's face alternated between pale and red, looking rather distressed. Over these two hundred years, talent within the sect had dwindled not because his disciples' cultivation was low but due to a lack of management skills. Each one focused solely on seclusion and practice, lacking worldly wisdom.
As a result, he spent much time handling trivial matters of the sect, leaving no chance to advance to the婴 Realm. With less than twenty years left, his hopes for this life were fading fast.
His death was not a matter of concern, but what would happen after his passing? The Tiemu Sect might decline...
These thoughts brought a sense of sorrow to Immortal Dry Wood's heart as he sighed: "Compared to Lingyao Mountain, our sect is far inferior. Not only do they have numerous alchemists who can play both sides, their strength surpasses ours."
"Humph! Brother, why encourage others? The hidden strength of Lingyao Mountain is just hearsay. Even if it's true, they surely exaggerate. I don't believe there are any old monsters in that sect," the robust-looking man remained unconvinced.
"Zheng Brother," Immortal Dry Wood's face turned even darker as he said sternly: "Whether true or false, these letters have caused both sides to hesitate. Our sect has no such advantage. The three major factions and the Extreme Demon Sovereign have already sent us letters, demanding we take a stance..."
"These fellows are too unreasonable! We Tiemu Sect has never had any dealings with them; we just want to live in seclusion in the northern borderlands. Why can't they leave us alone?" The dark-faced man's face was full of anger.
"Brother..." Immortal Dry Wood couldn't help but chuckle at his expression: "You've been a cultivator for three hundred years, even if you don't concern yourself with worldly matters, shouldn't you know the basic rules of this world? In a place where might makes right, who listens to reason?"
The dark-faced man scratched his head, still confused.
Immortal Dry Wood had no patience for such an unworldly person and turned to another cultivator: "Ning Brother, do you have any good ideas as well?"
This man was in his thirties, the youngest among the elders. His name was Ning Tianyu, who had only recently condensed his essence three years ago.
Though he was the newest and weakest elder in terms of cultivation within the Tiemu Sect, Immortal Dry Wood always held him in high regard due to his potential for governance. Unlike himself, but far better than the other incompetent disciples, he was a valuable asset.
Since his successful condensation, True Tomb Immortal had been grooming him, hoping that by the time his life expired, Ning Tianyu would be more polished and adept at handling affairs. Perhaps with this young master in charge, Tiemu Sect wouldn't fall into disarray.
Today, it appeared as if he was consulting with his fellow disciples but was actually seeking Ning Tianyu's opinion on how to handle the situation. The stakes were high today; a wrong move could lead to irreparable consequences. He wanted to train this young disciple more, but since he sat in silence after taking his seat.
Upon Immortal Dry Wood's inquiry, Ning Tianyu stood up: "Grandmaster Brother, in my humble opinion, we should not rush into a decision."
"Shouldn't rush?"
"Yes, the situation is unclear. On the surface, both Dao and Evil factions are evenly matched, but who knows what hidden cards they might hold. If we make a hasty decision now, it could lead to regret later," Ning Tianyu spoke with confidence after thorough consideration.
"But delaying isn't an option!" Immortal Dry Wood pondered: "The Dao and Evil factions aren't fools; we don't have Lingyao Mountain's ability to play both sides. If they run out of patience, it will be a disaster for all..."
"Haha, Brother, you're overthinking this. Or perhaps you're just too involved. The letters from both sides are full of threats and inducements, but even if we delay, they won't make any moves."
"Ah, how so?"
Immortal Dry Wood's expression changed as he prepared to inquire further when a communication talisman flew in from outside. He grabbed it and injected his divine sense into it, his face turning extremely complex.
Was there some unexpected major change?