Chapter 11: The Quarrel

As Cang Feifeng’s words fell, the room suddenly went silent.

Those who had come to this dinner were all individuals of standing; surely, they had not gathered merely to eat. Although Cang Feifeng’s bluntness seemed somewhat uncouth, it actually voiced the hidden thoughts of most people in the room. One by one, they set down their chopsticks and turned their gaze toward Yin Minjun.

Yin Minjun smiled. "Master Cang is truly forthright and bold. It makes my Hengshan Sect appear rather hesitant by comparison."

Cang Feifeng waved a hand dismissively. "Elder Yin’s hospitality is well-noted. It is just that this matter has dragged on for so long, and more people are arriving by the day. Who knows? A villain or a demon might sneak in and steal the divine martial art while we dither. That would be a catastrophe."

"We are all here for the same purpose, so let us dispense with the pleasantries. Shall we finalize the arrangements for tomorrow right now?" As he spoke, he turned to look at the leaders of the major sects, including the Beggar Sect, the Qingcheng Sect, and the Kongtong Sect.

Lao Qifeng, leader of the Beggar Sect, chimed in, "Since Master Cang has broken the ice, I shall share the Beggar Sect’s view. Let us set aside all the tedious formalities; a simpler approach is better."

"Regardless of the sect or faction, anyone below the third rank shall remain outside."

"As for those of the third rank and above, half shall remain outside to intercept any latecomers, while the other half enters to compete based on their own ability. What do you say to this?"

The moment he finished, the head of the Qingcheng Sect let out a cold snort. "Master Lao certainly has a convenient plan. Who doesn't know that the Beggar Sect has the most members and the highest density of experts here?"

"If we all send in half our people, the inside will effectively be under your Beggar Sect’s control. Where would that leave the rest of us? In my opinion, only by ensuring each sect enters with an equal number of people can we truly speak of 'competing based on ability.'"

"You!" Lao Qifeng’s face flushed as his hidden agenda was so bluntly exposed.

The representatives of the other sects began to chime in, each with their own calculations. Soon, they were locked in a stalemate of bickering.

They had promised to settle this over dinner, yet if it were truly that simple, they would not have dragged it out until now.

Yin Minjun, choosing not to participate, walked over to Li Miao and leaned in to whisper, "My lord, it is as I said."

"They argue back and forth, knowing full well that no consensus will be reached, yet none are willing to yield an inch."

"This will go on for quite some time."

Li Miao smiled. Yin Minjun was speaking from a position of comfort, like a person standing on dry land mocking those still struggling in the river.

If it weren't for Li Miao telling her that the "Wedding Dress Divine Art" was useless to ordinary people and that the Embroidered Uniform Guard would provide a safety net for the Hengshan Sect—ensuring they would not lack for martial arts in the future—she would not be acting like a spectator. She would have been deep in the fray herself.

However, this was human nature. Much like Liu Baiyun, who, after defecting to Li Miao, had shown a rather arrogant face to the Mount Tai Sect. One could only say that once a person has climbed ashore, it is difficult to avoid feeling a sense of superiority when watching others struggle in the water. Merely whispering about it behind their backs was already considered restrained.

Yin Minjun looked over at the squabbling group and added, "My lord, it will be a long time before they reach a conclusion. You have traveled a long way; you must be weary."

"I have arranged a tent in the back. Would you like to go and rest?"

Li Miao kept his eyes closed and replied, "No rush. Let us watch the show."

Yin Minjun stood by his side and said no more.

The argument dragged on for over an hour. Lao Qifeng, parched from talking, finally stepped back to pour a cup of tea to soothe his throat. As he drank, his eyes swept over the Hengshan Sect’s table, and he froze.

Right—the argument had become so heated that they were nearly coming to blows, so why was the host, the Hengshan Sect, so deathly quiet? He scanned the area to see what Yin Minjun was doing, only to find her pouring a cup of tea for Li Miao, then standing by his side like a mere servant.

Lao Qifeng grew suspicious. "Who exactly is this man? What is the Hengshan Sect planning?"

"Aside from Deng Boxuan, Yin Minjun is the highest-ranking member of the Hengshan Sect. This man looks to be in his early thirties; he doesn't look like a senior master, so why is she being so respectful?"

With a sudden thought, he called out, "Why is Elder Yin so silent?"

"You are the host tonight, Elder Yin. It is only right that you take the lead. Why are you sitting on the sidelines?"

He deliberately channeled his internal energy into his voice to draw everyone's attention. The tent was not large, and his words echoed, causing everyone to turn and look at Yin Minjun.

As the second-in-command of the Hengshan Sect, Yin Minjun was accustomed to such scenes. She smiled immediately and said, "Our Hengshan Sect has no opinion."

The crowd frowned.

"What is with the false modesty? You were arguing as loudly as anyone else just days ago. Now you act as if you’re above it all? Trying to make the Hengshan Sect look superior?"

"Waiting for us to finish arguing so you can swoop in as the peacemaker and have the final say, are you?"

The head of the Qingcheng Sect spoke up: "Elder Yin, we are here to pool our wisdom. Your sect is a major power in the Southern Martial Arts world; standing on the sidelines watching the show is hardly appropriate."

"If you have an opinion, state it. Otherwise, once we have finalized the arrangements, the Hengshan Sect will not be permitted to change its tune later."

Yin Minjun smiled. "I have no intention of watching a show at your expense."

"Since you put it that way, I will state the Hengshan Sect’s position." She glanced at Li Miao, and seeing no objection, she continued.

"The Hengshan Sect will not participate in this matter."

"What!?" The crowd was stunned.

"Is Elder Yin joking?" Lao Qifeng frowned at her.

You have brought so many people here, and you, the second-in-command, have spent over half a month and exhausted so much manpower and resources—all to say you aren't participating? Who would believe that?

Were they planning to let the rest of them fight to the death while they stayed outside to conserve their strength and reap the rewards?

They did not know that Yin Minjun’s words were a calculated retreat to advance.

Sure enough, seeing their suspicious glares, Yin Minjun sighed. "Our sect only heard that something was happening here and, fearing chaos, came to investigate out of a sense of chivalry."

"Since you do not believe me, let me explain the arrangements for the Hengshan Sect."

Yin Minjun gestured toward Li Miao. "Tomorrow, the Hengshan Sect will send only three people inside. And we promise we will not compete with any of you. I say this here, and you may all bear witness to it."

"The three who will enter are myself and two of my friends from the martial arts world."

"With me inside, you need not worry about the Hengshan Sect playing any tricks on the outside."

Everyone’s eyes turned to Li Miao.

Lao Qifeng cupped his hands toward him. "I suppose this is the gentleman who will be entering with Elder Yin?"

"I don't recognize you, sir. May I ask your name?"