"Shen Beiming, today we must settle things once and for all!"

"You've come at the perfect time, Wen Shuang. You will pay for the humiliation of that day a hundredfold, a thousandfold!"

"You shameless scoundrel, prepare to die!"

"Senior Sister Wenshuang, watch out!"

A commotion broke out halfway up the mountain, with a few onlookers gathered around.

A fight breaking out at the slightest disagreement is how this world works. However, since she and Tu Hongye witnessed this scene while passing by, they found it difficult to escape.

Because people slowly gathered around, insisting that they be spectators and that they be made to witness the event.

What will we witness?

If disciples from two major sects were to fight each other and there were any deaths or injuries, these people would inevitably be implicated. If they were to be questioned, more people would mean more support, and with more witnesses, they wouldn't have to worry about being harassed.

Instead of staying far away when they see a fight, they dare to stand by and watch. Such a peculiar thought process—they're quite something.

"Amitabha! What do you think of Shen Guang, the leader of the Pingyang Sect, usually? And what about Liu Qingshui, the leader of the Qingshui Sect? Would he care if his disciples were slighted by Shen Beiming?" Xiang Wan asked with a kind and calm expression.

"Isn't that obvious? Shen Guang is a vengeful man, and Shen Beiming is no pushover either. If we run into them and pretend not to see them, we'll definitely be harassed when we go out. It wouldn't be surprising if they secretly try to kill us. If we don't hide, we might even gain some goodwill. But if we hide, the consequences will be severe. Daoist, you can't leave. You have to act as witnesses for us."

The newcomers were fierce and menacing, bullies who prey on the weak and fear the strong—that's exactly what they were like.

"Is that so? But I've heard that Shen Beiming tried to take advantage of Miss Wenshuang, which is why he was surrounded. Are we here to witness their marriage or to see them become mortal enemies?"

If they become a couple, they will surely complain that we are meddling in other people's business and enjoying the show. When the two major sects join forces, will you and I still have a chance to survive?

If they become mortal enemies, and something happens to either of them, they will definitely blame us. Will we have any good consequences after we get out?

"Gentlemen, consider whether what I have said makes sense."

"This... Hmph, stop talking nonsense. Just stay here and watch the show. If you dare to take a single step, don't blame us for being impolite!"

Being threatened while watching the spectacle is a first for me.

As dusk fell, he stood still, his eyes flashing as he gestured towards the future, hinting at his grand ambitions.

It's time to let him shine.

"Miss Wenshuang, we all support you!"

The shout drew the attention of the two fighters. Wen Shuang remained expressionless, but Shen Beiming's face instantly darkened, his venomous gaze clearly visible even from dozens of meters away.

"You...you Taoist priest, what are you shouting for? We're doomed now, Shen Beiming is definitely coming after us. Let's go, let's go, let's go!"

"Isn't it a bit too late to leave now?" Xiang Wan stepped forward and stood in front of everyone. "I'll make a bet with you all. If Shen Beiming dies here and the Pingyang Sect never recovers, then you will all join my Sanqing Sect. What do you say?"

Every three sentences he uttered revolved around recruiting people. Tu Hongye lowered his head and looked away, unable to look these unfortunate souls in the eye, afraid that his eyes would betray his emotions.

Their direct plunder of the entire sect is truly unprecedented and unparalleled in the entire Great Zhou Dynasty.

Actually, Xiang Wan hadn't initially thought that way. She just happened to be there, and it wouldn't be right not to recruit some people. Besides, they were the ones who actively stopped her, so why not do it now? If she wanted to rely on the imperial court to help establish the Three Pure Ones Sect, she needed to recruit people first. These small sects that went into the mountains for competition would most likely be absorbed by other sects after they left. It was better for her to strike first.

"If any of you have any doubts about the strength of my Three Pure Ones Sect, why not come with us? Who knows, we might just soar to new heights from here on out. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"Master, this is the contract. Let them sign it and train properly so we don't end up with a bunch of useless people who embarrass us!"

Tu Hongye pulled out a stack of signed documents from somewhere and shook them in his hand.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If our sect wins, you will be disciples actively recruited by the Three Pure Ones Sect, with status and treatment far superior to ordinary disciples. Everyone, you should think it over carefully."

Using a combination of threats and inducements, Tu Hongye played this tactic well.

No one was a fool. Seeing that Xiang Wan and her companion were only two people, yet dared to enter and even boast of winning, their strength was undoubtedly formidable. They simply wanted to increase their status so they could be recruited by major sects afterward. If, as Xiang Wan said, they could win the championship and become members of a major sect supported by the imperial court, then those of them who were actively recruited would undoubtedly see their value skyrocket, far better than being accepted as ordinary disciples by other sects.

After a moment's thought, one of them said, "Why don't we see their strength first, and then make a decision?"

Xiang Wan nodded slightly, instructing Tu Hongye to take the sword and assist Wen Shuang. She herself continued to instill the doctrines and principles of the Sanqing Sect in these people.

Of course, Xiang Wan wasn't speaking without reason. By adding some special effects, she made them listen with rapt attention, as if in a dream, witnessing Tu Hongye's miraculous moment together. From then on, they would be bound together, and if they didn't fight the Pingyang Sect together, they wouldn't have a good life outside either; they would have no choice but to follow her.

It has to be said that this trick is somewhat underhanded, but it is the most convenient method.

A community of shared interests is the most reliable relationship in the world.

Then Tu Hongye joined the battle, wielding the Demon-Slaying Sword, and the situation immediately changed.

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