Chapter 147 The Grand Plan of the Penglai Sec (1/2)
t
When Li Ye heard that there had been someone providing financial aid to the temple on Boji Mountain, he thought the person would be so well-to-do that he could easily ensure sufficient food and clothing supply in the temple. He did not believe that the old master would have to wear his only Taoist robe full of patches. Having seen Cui Keli's own living conditions, however, Li Ye realized for someone who had been living a secluded life on his own, it was already impressive that he was able to aid the temple aside from being able to afford his own needs.
Li Ye left the desk and sat down on a chair.
Cui Keli sat down as well. He first asked Su Emei and Wei Xiaozhuang about their master and the temple, then Su Emei brought up the reason for their visit.
Cui Keli said, ”I'm truly sorry that I had to ask for your help. Just a few days ago, the Penglai sect sent out invitations to many powers in Pinglu to visit Penglai Island. It was said that the Penglai sect has made many new Immortal Pills, so they would like to organize a gathering and spread the Immortal's Fate they have made. We're invited as well.”
”Immortal pills and Immortal's Fate?” thought Li Ye as he laughed deep inside, it seemed Penglai had really regarded themselves as an Immortal's sect.
”Will you be visiting Penglai Island as well, sir?” asked Su Emei. Since he was just a scholar of Confucianism, why did he need to be involved with Taoist sects?
”This gathering isn't just as simple as an occasion to hold an auction for the Immortal Pills. I believe there's a much deeper intention that is hidden,” answered Cui Keli solemnly.
”Which is?” asked Wei Xiaozhuang immediately.
Cui Keli glanced at everyone, then said slowly, ”Which is, to unite the entire Jianghu of Pinglu under their influence. They plan to turn the Jianghu of Pinglu into one single power attached to the Penglai sect!”
Everyone was surprised upon hearing that. Su Emei and Wei Xiaozhuang had only had little experience in the Jianghu, so they could not understand the deep meaning behind this. However, Li Ye sensed that something was not right, so he asked, ”Penglai is indeed the top Taoist sect in Pinglu, one that is respected by all the powers in the Jianghu. However, if they truly wish to unite and rule the Jianghu of Pinglu, they must also know it's not an easy feat.”
”It wasn't easy for them before, but that's not the case now. Some changes have taken place within their sect that made this goal much easier to attain.” Cui Keli then told them a piece of news with a strict face. ”The head of the Penglai sect has just ended his private training a few days ago.”
”They want to hold this gathering once their leader ends his training. Moreover, they wish to use this chance to unite the Jianghu of Pinglu. Could it be that their leader has successfully completed the Foundation-building Stage and reached the Spiritual Master Realm?” That was the only possibility in Li Ye's mind.
”That is correct.” Cui Keli nodded gently.
Upon hearing his confirmation, Li Ye felt a little troubled inside.
The Penglai sect had always been the biggest obstacle in his plan of ruling Pinglu. Now that the head of the Penglai sect had reached the Spiritual Master Realm, this obstacle had become even harder to overcome!
”Ever since the founding of the Tang Empire, Penglai had never had any intention of seeking the throne. Why do they plan to do that all of a sudden?” asked Li Ye.
Cui Keli looked at Li Ye deeply. He probably found it strange that Li Ye hit the bull's eye immediately with his question. According to him, he was just a friend of Su Emei and Wei Xiaozhuang, so it did not make much sense to Cui Keli that he was so interested in this matter.
Cui Keli asked Li Ye, ”What do you think of Wang Xianzhi and the Huang Chao Uprising?”
Li Ye was suddenly struck by a hint of fear, he said, ”I'm afraid that the imperial court won't be able to calm the situation down so soon.”
”I think so, too. Apparently, that's what Penglai believes as well.” Suddenly, Cui Keli's eyes were filled with coldness and fierceness, and he continued, ”That means the world is about to be overwhelmed by chaos!”
”When the world is in chaos, it would be the time for the Taoist sects to intervene!” agreed Li Ye.
”Penglai has always been the leader in the Jianghu. Uniting the Jianghu would be their first step toward fighting for the power to rule the world,” said Cui Keli in a deep voice. ”Once Penglai achieves their current goal, both their strength and status in Pinglu will increase tremendously!”
Li Ye said coldly, ”If that happens, even the commissioners of Pinglu and the Pinglu Army won't be comparable to Penglai in terms of the strengths of cultivators.”
Su Emei and Wei Xiaozhuang were both deeply impressed by how insightful and fast-paced their conversation was. They could not find an appropriate spot to join in, so they just looked at the two of them. Su Emei's eyes gradually became brighter as she looked at Li Ye. Both of them were about the same age, yet Li Ye obviously was much more knowledgeable and experienced than her. All ladies admire someone who is strong, as did Su Emei.
”That's not all!”
Cui Keli continued, ”Penglai has invited all four big families of Qing Prefecture to their gathering. As long as the families send their representatives, Penglai will give each family one Golden Spiritual Pill!”
”A Golden Spiritual Pill!” Li Ye took a long, deep breath. ”They're really spending a lot on this gathering.”
He then said in a deep voice as he looked at Cui Keli, ”The Penglai sect wouldn't trade at a loss!”
Cui Keli nodded, now the way he looked at Li Ye had some sense of admiration and recognition. He said, ”By inviting the four big families to the gathering, Penglai hopes to have the four families respect them as well! At the very least, when it comes to things involving cultivators, Penglai hopes that the four families will all listen to their command in the future!”
”If they can control the cultivators in the four big families, they will have equally controlled the four families!” Li Ye started to sound cold and fierce. ”That's not the end of it. The two rising families among the four families are the central force in the Penglu Army. In this way, Penglai could even have the Pinglu Army under their control! In other words, the Penglai sect is planning to control all of Pinglu!”
”Exactly. This is the true meaning behind the intervention of the Taoist sects!”