Flying Swan Sect is the dominant power in the Endless Sea of Sand. Fei Hongzi, as the Sect Master of Flying Swan Sect, has a widely recognized appearance and reputation throughout the Endless Sea of Sand. Not to say that everyone knows him, but at least figures like Meng Zhang, another Sect Master, are well aware of him.
"Are you really Senior Fei Hongzi?" Meng Zhang deliberately showed a surprised expression.
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"I am indeed Fei Hongzi. I believe no one near the Flying Swan Sect can impersonate me," Fei Hongzi replied with an air of authority. But considering his status, he seemed quite approachable.
"Young talents like Sect Master Meng have long been famous. Meeting you today proves your reputation is well-deserved," Fei Hongzi complimented.
"Oh, you’re too kind, Senior. Your reputation precedes you, known far and wide. I’ve admired your name for a long time," Meng Zhang humbly responded.
After exchanging customary pleasantries, they finally got to the point.
"Sect Master Meng, what was the relationship between you and our Inner-Sect Disciple, Zhao Jiudou, in the past?" Fei Hongzi began with a question that seemed unrelated to the current situation.
Meng Zhang’s heart skipped a beat, and he became wary.
"There were some entanglements between Taiyi Sect and Zhao Family in history. As for me and Zhao Jiudou, there were some minor grudges between us," Meng Zhang casually remarked, seemingly unconcerned.
"I see. Forest Spring Watch contacted our sect in the past, claiming that Zhao Jiudou framed and fled after harming their disciple. But at that time, Zhao Jiudou’s soul lamp went out, indicating his death," Fei Hongzi said, sounding reminiscent.
"Because of that incident, there were some misunderstandings and disputes between Forest Spring Watch and our sect," he added.
Fei Hongzi asked casually, "According to the accounts, were you in the vicinity at that time, Sect Master Meng?"
"Yes, at that time, several forces, including ours, were called upon by Forest Spring Watch to join forces and exterminate the sand monsters," Meng Zhang honestly replied. "I didn’t witness Zhao Jiudou harming the Forest Spring Watch disciple. I heard about it from Guang Hui Daoist afterward. At that time, I was searching for sand monster nests nearby."
Fei Hongzi glanced at Meng Zhang meaningfully but didn’t press further on this question.
Meng Zhang knew that when Zhao Jiudou had his mishap, he became the primary suspect. At that time, all the sects, including Forest Spring Watch, had no motive to harm Zhao Jiudou secretly. Only he had grievances with Zhao Jiudou.
As for the speculation that Zhao Jiudou died at the hands of sand monsters, neither Forest Spring Watch nor Flying Swan Sect truly believed it. Flying Swan Sect didn’t need concrete evidence; as long as they suspected Meng Zhang’s involvement in Zhao Jiudou’s death, they had numerous ways to make him talk.
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However, Taiyi Sect was a vassal of Forest Spring Watch, and Flying Swan Sect’s relationship with Forest Spring Watch was delicate, so they couldn’t act recklessly.
Bringing up the past now was not to settle old scores with Meng Zhang. It was a negotiating tactic, attempting to intimidate him from the beginning and gain an advantage.
As a high-level cultivator at the Foundation Building late stage and a Sect Master, Fei Hongzi must have learned techniques to prevent others from reading his mind. Meng Zhang dared not use Mind Reading in front of Fei Hongzi to avoid alarming him.
After so many years in the Cultivation World, Meng Zhang had experienced numerous trials and tribulations, and he had learned to be cautious.
After experiencing numerous instances of reading people’s hearts, his ability to observe and guess their thoughts had become quite remarkable. Even Fei Hongzi’s tactics were easily seen through by him. Above the Flying Swan Sect, there were three Gold Core Daoist Masters who held real authority and were needed for significant matters. Despite being the Sect Master, Fei Hongzi couldn’t completely control everything within the sect.
Speaking of Fei Hongzi, he seemed more like the overseer of the Flying Swan Sect rather than its true master. His influence and authority within the sect were likely limited. However, underestimating Fei Hongzi based on this would be a grave mistake.
Observing Meng Zhang’s seemingly respectful but composed demeanor, Fei Hongzi abandoned his initial plans. He decided to be straightforward and not use any show of force. He addressed Meng Zhang, "As the lord of a sect, I believe you must have a clear understanding of the recent situation in the Endless Sea of Sand. Forest Spring Watch’s Guang Zhi Daoist Master and Earthfire Sect’s Elder Roaring Blaze have both formed their cores. Additionally, the Northern Desert Qi Family is watching from the sidelines. Many people may think that our sect has lost control of the situation and can’t suppress our enemies in the open or in secret."
Meng Zhang appreciated Fei Hongzi’s candor, and this openness seemed to earn him some favor. Fei Hongzi continued, "The true strength of our sect is not something outsiders would easily know. If I were to tell you that we not only have three Gold Core Daoist Masters but also an unknown Gold Core Daoist Master, would you believe me?"
Meng Zhang nodded, "I naturally believe you. After ruling the Endless Sea of Sand for so many years, the Flying Swan Sect wouldn’t lack hidden cards or secret methods."
Fei Hongzi then asked, "But do you truly know everything about our enemies?"
To his surprise, Meng Zhang felt a hint of nervousness, and he replied, "Sect Master Meng is aware..."
"Indeed, Earthfire Sect has colluded with Fire Cloud Sect. I even suspect that Daoist Master Roaring Blaze’s core formation was aided by Fire Cloud Sect."
Meng Zhang revealed this long-held secret, expecting Fei Hongzi to be surprised. However, Fei Hongzi appeared relieved, as if Meng Zhang had just mentioned a trivial matter. Unperturbed, Fei Hongzi said, "They are just a bunch of clowns. Their clandestine dealings are far from being concealed."
Meng Zhang couldn’t help but wonder why Fei Hongzi had reacted that way earlier, showing signs of nervousness. Could it be that the Flying Swan Sect also harbored hidden enemies unknown to the public? Were there other hidden forces behind Forest Spring Watch and Northern Desert Qi Family?
He quickly pondered the possibilities, but due to the limited information he possessed, he couldn’t decipher the truth of the matter. He thought he had a clear understanding of the situation in the Endless Sea of Sand, but Fei Hongzi’s behavior revealed that there were many more secrets concealed in this place than he had ever known.
Seeing Meng Zhang lost in thought, Fei Hongzi chuckled. "Sect Master Meng, there’s no need to worry about the Fire Cloud Sect. Ever since their defeat hundreds of years ago, they and the Yellow Lotus Sect East River Branch each had their Gold Core seniors swear an oath. From then on, the Gold Core Daoist Masters of Fire Cloud Sect and Yellow Lotus Sect East River Branch will never set foot in the Endless Sea of Sand." Fei Hongzi said this to ease Meng Zhang’s concerns about Earthfire Sect and Fire Cloud Sect’s collusion. Additionally, he intended to divert Meng Zhang’s attention away from Flying Swan Sect’s true adversaries.
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