Zhongtai Sect is one of the five Great Sects of East Victory Continent. Over a thousand years ago, the sect even had three Cave Heaven True Masters presiding. Although it is not as powerful as it once was, it remains immensely formidable.

In Chu Daoist’s eyes, the Divine House Mountain Realm is merely a corner of the continent, hardly capable of opposing such a Great Sect. Therefore, he believed that if this letter was genuine, submission was the only path forward.

Zhang Yan saw him looking flustered and shook his head with a smile, saying, "Master Shen in those days was a hundred times more aggressive than me, yet Zhongtai Sect couldn’t do anything to our Han Yuan Sect. So, why is Junior Brother Chu so frightened now?"

Hearing Zhang Yan’s implication seemed to suggest a willingness to contend, Chu Daoist was immediately shocked and exclaimed, "Pavilion Master, think thrice! Zhongtai Sect is mighty, our sect stands no chance against them."

Zhang Yan smiled, pressed his hand downward, and said, "Alright, I understand your concerns, Junior Brother." Then he waved his hand, "You may go back for now."

Chu Daoist wanted to persuade further, but since Zhang Yan had already dismissed him, he could say no more. Frustrated, he bowed and took his leave.

Zhang Yan pondered deeply within the Tower Pavilion for a while, then said, "Child, go bring Junior Brother Zhao here."

After exiting the Tower Pavilion, Chu Muran returned to the Cave Mansion with a worried face. His concubine noticed his distress and approached to ask, "Master, what’s troubling you?"

With a heavy heart, Chu Daoist recounted the entire story to her and sighed, "How could we provoke the Zhongtai Sect? But I see that the Pavilion Master seems intent on opposing them, which spells great disaster for our Han Yuan Sect."

His concubine consoled him, "Master, perhaps someone is just impersonating the Zhongtai Sect?"

Chu Daoist sighed and said, "Upon reflection, the seal on that letter was indeed from Zhongtai Sect, so it might not be false."

The concubine was immediately flustered too, "But wasn’t there no trouble when Master Shen was here?"

Chu Daoist shook his head, "It’s different. Master Shen was in the Nascent Soul Third Realm back then, so Zhongtai Sect dared not act rashly. But the Pavilion Master’s cultivation is still far inferior."

Perhaps when facing the E Mountain Sect, he had the courage to resist, but when faced with the behemoth that is the Zhongtai Sect, his confidence completely evaporated.

After pacing back and forth, he suddenly stopped and said, "No, I need to discuss with Junior Wen and Junior Zhao; we must find a way to persuade the Pavilion Master."

Stomping his foot, he flew out of the Cave Mansion.

He first went to the Lower Court to find Zhao Ge, but upon reaching the latter’s Cave Mansion, a disciple informed him that Zhao had been invited by the Xuyi Sect’s Sect Leader, Sun Tong, to discuss Dao and wouldn’t return soon. Hesitating for a long time, he decided to consult with Daoist Wen instead.

When Chu Muran arrived, Daoist Wen was meditating inside his Cave Mansion. Seeing Chu’s visit, he happily said, "I’ve heard you’ve been busy running about for the Pavilion Master these days. How do you have time to visit me?"

Chu Muran let out a long sigh. After sitting down, he recounted in detail the matter of the letter sent by Wang Guangyuan and his conversation with Zhang Yan, concluding with, "Our Han Yuan Sect is now far stronger than before. Even if we take a few steps back, it’s no big deal. Why risk the doom of our sect just to measure up with the Zhongtai Sect? Besides, if this news spreads, it will surely unsettle people, and I foresee half our newly recruited disciples scattering."

Upon hearing this, Daoist Wen flared up in anger, saying, "If the Zhongtai Sect wants to come, let them come. I, Wen Liang, fear them not! If they can, let them take my head. As long as a spirit remains, once I reincarnate, I’ll seek them for revenge!"

"Alas, Junior Wen, your fiery temperament..."

Chu Muran stomped his feet repeatedly, complaining, "The Pavilion Master came from an Outer Continent and isn’t familiar with East Victory’s matters. Why are you also so oblivious? How can we provoke the Zhongtai Sect? You’re going to doom our Han Yuan Sect into an abyss of destruction."

Daoist Wen scornfully said, "Brother Chu, you seriously lack backbone! Are we to let our Han Yuan Sect be at the mercy of others? I disagree!"

Chu Muran anxiously said, "Zhongtai Sect was originally an Upper Sect. Paying more tribute isn’t a big deal; why can’t you all adapt?"

Daoist Wen suddenly stood up, pointing at Chu Daoist, angrily cursing, "Nonsense! What Zhongtai Sect? Our Han Yuan Sect is now under the Upper Sect Mingcang Branch. Why should we defer to others? Chu Muran, I’m telling you, if you wish to survive by submitting, go ahead and do as Gao Zhongyuan did; no one’s stopping you!"

With that said, he swept his sleeve and stormed off inside.

Chu Muran’s face alternated between red and white. He knew he had let slip words unfit for the occasion, and suddenly, it seemed as if his strength abandoned him, leaving him slumped in the chair in dismay.