Taiwu Zhenren created a terrifying thunder domain, trapping all forty-seven elders, including Baoyun Zhenren, within it.
But in the next second, the thunder domain was shattered by their combined efforts.
"Boom!"
From the terrifying lightning, dozens of figures scattered. Baoyun Zhenren, riding on a vast expanse of snow, let out a wild laugh, engulfing the entire world in a white haze.
"Baoyun, stop right there!"
Du'e Zhenren, following behind, grabbed a radiant orb that shone like the sun, condensing it into a sphere and throwing it into the swirling snow. A scorching torrent erupted, instantly turning the blizzard into pouring rain.
Below, countless Zhenren and disciples from various Taoist temples watched this scene with stunned and shocked expressions.
The internal strife of Tianshi Mountain was unfolding so brazenly, right after the recently concluded Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony?
"The Old Heavenly Master's celestial body has not yet been interred in the ancestral land, and you are already rushing to seize power. You truly do not consider us elders to be of any consequence!"
Cihang Daoist from Biyun Peak, his body radiating molten lava, emerged from the downpour along with Nanling Xianweng, Huanglong Zhenren, Fuyuan Xianweng, and over twenty other elders. With their domains expanding, they formed a pincer attack against Taiwu Zhenren and his group.
Baoyun Zhenren's expression remained unchanged. He led ten people forward in their attack, while the remaining thirty-odd elders turned their backs, blocking the reinforcements.
The two sides engaged in a fierce battle, their domains interlocked. Gale-force winds and raging thunder shook the Tongtian Pagoda. Flames ignited out of thin air, soaring tens of thousands of meters, and several great rivers poured down from the heavens.
On Tianguang Peak, countless Taoists scattered in panic, fearing the terrifying conflict would engulf them.
The Great Zhenren of the five realms and above from the various Taoist temples looked on with grave expressions, helping their disciples evacuate before gathering in small groups.
Among the Maoshan sect, a middle-aged Taoist in a yellow robe conjured a golden talisman. The light emanating from it formed a giant umbrella, sheltering those within a hundred-meter radius.
Beneath the umbrella, a Zhenren from the Quanzhen sect looked at an elder with a grave expression and bowed, asking:
"May I ask, Daoist Yuantian, what are your thoughts on the White Cloud Taoist Temple's stance on this matter concerning Tianshi Mountain?"
The Great Zhenren from Maoshan, Wudang Mountain, Longhu Mountain, and other Taoist temples heard this and turned their gazes towards the crowd from the White Cloud Taoist Temple.
As the foremost and most powerful sect in the contemporary Taoist world, the White Cloud Taoist Temple's declaration was undoubtedly of great importance, capable of influencing many people's decisions.
Daoist Yuantian heard the question. His sharp Adam's apple twitched slightly, and his chiseled face remained expressionless as he said:
"What opinion can I have? They are not managing it themselves, so should we outsiders interfere?"
The Quanzhen sect Zhenren, hearing this, turned his head and glanced a thousand meters away at the Tianshi Mountain elders gathered together, or standing alone and bewildered in the rain. He furrowed his brow slightly.
"Tianshi Mountain has only five peaks, yet four factions have emerged."
"Those wholeheartedly protecting the new Heavenly Master and those determined to help Liangduan ascend—these two groups have already joined the battle."
"The remaining are led by Lanqi Zhenren, Wuji Zhenren, and others—over a dozen elders from each peak who support Zhao Qingdong. Zhao Qingdong's life or death is still unknown, so they are likely at a loss as to what to do."
"And the remaining thirty-odd elders stand alone, their faces bewildered, clearly not knowing who to help. They have never been involved in factional struggles, and both sides of the conflict are like flesh and blood."
The old Taoist's eyes were deep, and he immediately analyzed the situation at Tianshi Mountain with perfect clarity. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
As the ancestral seat of Taoism, Tianshi Mountain possessed formidable strength. With so many Domain Masters, it was likely that only the White Cloud Taoist Temple could challenge its numbers among all Taoist sects. However, the problem was that Tianshi Mountain was now fractured.
Some were unwilling to see the situation worsen, but in such circumstances, they did not know what they could do.
Whether in Zuo Mingqiu's or Baoyun's faction, there were people they could not betray or harm. Therefore, most elders, even if they wished to act, could only stand idly on the peak, gazing silently at the sky.
"It is precisely because of this that Tianshi Mountain needs our declaration," said Tianqi Zhenren, the sect leader of Longhu Mountain, riding a green ox, earnestly addressing the crowd.
"Tianshi Mountain, as the ancestral seat of Taoism, is embroiled in internal strife. If not handled properly, it could affect the destiny of the entire Taoist sect, and even the White Cloud Taoist Temple would suffer. Therefore, we must make a decision as soon as possible."
Ling Su Zhenren, the sect leader of Wudang Mountain, with a youthful appearance, snorted with a stern face and said:
"There is nothing to decide. Zuo Mingqiu was chosen as the Heavenly Master through the Heavenly Sacrifice Assembly, and he was also previously designated as the Daozi by the Old Heavenly Master. If not him, who else should be the Heavenly Master?"
"In my opinion, we should charge forward right now, kill Liangduan first, then subdue the others. Let's settle it all at once!"
As Ling Su Zhenren spoke, a Yin-Yang formation disk appeared beneath his feet. Profound energy manifested in the space, causing many to see illusions.
But in the next instant, an extremely terrifying aura locked onto them. The golden, umbrella-shaped talisman was instantly torn apart, disintegrating into dust. The yellow-robed old Taoist from Maoshan let out a muffled groan, clutching his chest, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.
"Quickly retract your formation disk!" Yuan Tian Zhenren acted swiftly, striking at Ling Su's chest. The latter, startled, parried Yuan Tian's palm in haste. With a bang, Ling Su was forced back dozens of steps before he could finally stop.
This scene was observed by many. The eyes of several old Zhenren narrowed imperceptibly, followed by a subtle sigh in their hearts.
This was the White Cloud Taoist Temple.
Even Ling Su Zhenren, the most talented and powerful of the current generation from Wudang Mountain, known for his killing prowess, could not overcome the discipline of the White Cloud Taoist Temple.
"We are currently on Tianguang Peak, at the center of the Tongtian Grand Array!" Yuan Tian Zhenren looked at the sect leader of Wudang Mountain and reprimanded him with a tone of disappointment, "What did your master teach you? Daring to reveal a formation disk while the Tongtian Grand Array is activated."
"If not for Bi Xu Zhenren sacrificing himself to suppress it, you wouldn't have known how you died just now!"
Ling Su Zhenren, hearing this, looked at the surrounding space where the great Dao rules writhed like ancient dragons. He then glanced at the Taoist priest from the Maoshan sect.
His face turned pale, and he said:
"My apologies."
Daoist Yuantian heard this and walked back to his original position with a flick of his sleeve. Then, with a grim expression, he continued:
"You have all seen it."
"The matters of Tianshi Mountain can only be decided by themselves. We outsiders simply cannot interfere. With the Tongtian Grand Array here, who can enter to help?"
At these words, everyone fell silent.
Indeed, although they were all from the Taoist sect, the Tongtian Grand Array only recognized those from Tianshi Mountain.
Furthermore, if Bi Xu Zhenren could no longer suppress the Tongtian Grand Array and Liangduan Zhenren took control of it, then they, the "outsiders" who had intruded into the center of the array, would likely be instantly annihilated by the great Dao rules!
"Are we just going to watch?"
The old Taoist from the Maoshan sect, after calmly regulating his breathing, asked with some reluctance.
Among those battling overhead, many had close relationships with them. Some were senior uncles or junior brothers they had never met, while others were friends with whom they had fought side-by-side and discussed the Dao.
The Taoist sects of the world were like a single family. Although there were occasional disputes, except for Wudang Mountain and Longhu Mountain, no sect disputes had ever resulted in loss of life, most being accidental.
The old Taoist felt they had to do something.
But they could do nothing.
Yuantian Zhenren turned his head and exchanged glances with the young Zhenren whose face had reverted to youth. Then, he looked at the Wine Immortal not far away and said with a subtle expression:
"Fellow Daoists, there is no need to rush."
"Perhaps a solution to break the deadlock will present itself soon."