Chapter 282: Request
When showing respect to others, there is usually a request to be made. Flying Swan Sect must have a significant demand to offer such generous gifts, and undoubtedly, Meng Zhang needs to pay a considerable price in return.
Indeed, Meng Zhang covets the items listed on that list, as many of them are rare spiritual treasures he has long yearned for. However, there's no such thing as a free lunch, and he fears that Flying Swan Sect might ask for a price he cannot bear.
Meng Zhang hesitated, remaining silent for quite some time. His purpose in coming to Flying Swan Sect was merely to establish a connection and secure a retreat route for Taiyi Sect. He didn't want to tie himself to Flying Swan Sect's chariot so early on.
"Sect Master Meng, are you unsatisfied with the items on the list? If that's the case, I can go and request the Gold Core Daoist Masters in the sect to offer items from their personal collections," Fei Hongzi said in a magnanimous manner.
"Senior, please state your request directly. If it is within my capabilities, I will undoubtedly accept it without hesitation. If it is beyond my abilities, then I apologize for my incompetence," replied Meng Zhang with a bitter smile, abandoning any thoughts of trying to deceive Fei Hongzi.
As for the idea of reaping benefits first and then turning his back on the deal, Meng Zhang had long dispelled such thoughts. If he were to truly anger Flying Swan Sect, they might not be able to harm Forest Spring Watch directly, but they had plenty of ways to deal with Taiyi Sect.
Fei Hongzi spent so many words, waiting for Meng Zhang to say these words. No longer beating around the bush, Fei Hongzi straightforwardly stated his demand.
"My request is simple: Taiyi Sect must proactively attack Forest Spring Watch and strive to completely exterminate them."
As soon as Fei Hongzi finished speaking, Meng Zhang began shaking his head continuously. This was absurd! Taiyi Sect, a mere Foundation Building sect, attacking Forest Spring Watch, a Gold Core sect, and trying to completely wipe them out? Fei Hongzi was asking too much; this was an impossible task.
"Sect Master Meng, please don't rush to refuse. Our sect won't let Taiyi Sect go to its demise without a plan. We propose this request because we firmly believe that Sect Master Meng can accomplish it," Fei Hongzi comforted in a gentle tone.
"Senior, please don't jest. This is simply impossible, and I implore you not to speak of it again. I realize my mistake and won't dare to disturb you any further," pleaded Meng Zhang repeatedly.
"It seems that Sect Master Meng doesn't trust me. Well, I understand that empty words alone are not convincing. I can make a Ghost Oath to guarantee that I will fulfill everything I have said," said Fei Hongzi.
Upon hearing Fei Hongzi mention the Ghost Oath, Meng Zhang fell silent, gazing at Fei Hongzi with a mix of surprise and uncertainty. In the Cultivation World, there were various ways to make oaths to ensure trust and agreements between cultivators.
Ordinary cultivators could make a Blood Contract, using their blood essence to guarantee the fulfillment of promises. If the oath was broken, the cultivator's own blood essence would backfire on them. Blood Contracts were common but had weaker binding power, and many high-level cultivators could circumvent them with secret techniques.
Another method was the Heart Demon Oath, where a cultivator swore upon their own Heart Demon. If they broke the oath, they would be plagued by their Heart Demon, hindering their cultivation progress and making it easy to fall into madness during training.
Of course, breaking a Heart Demon Oath wouldn't immediately lead to punishment, and there was usually enough buffer time. Especially for cultivators who had already severed their path of cultivation, the cost of breaking such an oath was not too high.
Therefore, the power of Heart Demon's oath is not strong enough, and its restraint is insufficient. On the other hand, the Ghost Oath is witnessed by the Netherworld Ghost Deity. Cultivators swear their oath under the witness of the Netherworld Ghost Deity, and if they violate it, the Ghost Deity will drag them into the Netherworld, resulting in their demise. Even a Gold Core Daoist Master cannot resist the power of the Netherworld Ghost Deity. Taking the Ghost Oath is equivalent to pledging one's life and the restraint it imposes is formidable.
As for the legendary Heavenly Dao Oath, it can only be sworn in the presence of the Heavenly Dao by a Primordial Spirit True Monarch. Ordinary people need not even think about it.
Fei Hongzi's willingness to take the Ghost Oath shows his sincerity, and he is genuinely not trying to deceive Meng Zhang, who already seems interested.
Seeing Meng Zhang's intrigue, Fei Hongzi continues, "Sect Master Meng, our sect has a comprehensive plan to deal with Forest Spring Watch. However, due to the need for secrecy, we will not easily divulge it until you agree to join."
"Sect Master Meng, rest assured, I bear no ill intentions. Letting Taiyi Sect attack Forest Spring Watch is something we are fully confident about, and we can ensure the smooth progress of the matter," Fei Hongzi says earnestly.
Despite Fei Hongzi's sincerity, Meng Zhang is still not willing to take sides so quickly and is especially reluctant to engage in battles with Forest Spring Watch.
"I do not doubt Senior's intentions, but this matter is of great importance, and I cannot make a decision on my own. I need to return and discuss it with the elders of my sect," Meng Zhang says, trying to find a way to leave the troublesome situation.
Fei Hongzi seems to have not seen through Meng Zhang's intentions and responds in an agreeable tone, "Indeed, such important matters require careful consideration and listening to the opinions of the elders. I won't force you, Sect Master Meng. Take your time to discuss it, and when you have a decision, you can inform me."
"As for this list, feel free to keep it. If you find anything you like, just let us know, and someone will deliver it to you," Fei Hongzi says generously.
"Alright then, there are still many matters in our sect to attend to. It was a fruitful meeting with Sect Master Meng today. Let's conclude our discussion here, and I'll take my leave first."
"Sect Master Meng, you can stay here as our guest or explore Flying Swan City. All expenses in Flying Swan City will be on our sect's account. Of course, if you decide to return, no one will stop you," Fei Hongzi's attitude is surprisingly accommodating, almost too good to be believed.
Despite Fei Hongzi's seemingly benevolent demeanor, Meng Zhang cannot help but suspect that there might be hidden schemes or plots. However, after Fei Hongzi bids farewell and Lao Jian accompanies Meng Zhang without interference, none of the expected conspiracies occur. Fei Hongzi proves to be as accommodating as he seemed, which surprises Meng Zhang.
Flying Swan Sect has ruled the Endless Sea of Sand for many years, and their success has not come from being softhearted. As the Sect Master of Flying Swan Sect, Fei Hongzi is undoubtedly not a benevolent person. Meng Zhang is convinced that Fei Hongzi must have some ulterior motive waiting for him, but he cannot discern it at the moment.
Meng Zhang regrets his impulsive decision to come to Flying Swan Sect. He had only intended to make contact and understand Flying Swan Sect's stance to keep a retreat for Taiyi Sect. Unexpectedly, he encountered Flying Swan Sect's Sect Master Fei Hongzi and became entangled in an unforeseen situation.
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