Family Cultivation: My entire family are Villains

Chapter 191: 126, the purpose of various forces_3

"We've gotten too entangled with her, and in the end, we're certain to come to no good, and if she succeeds this time and grows stronger, what are we going to do about Old Fifth later on? Could it possibly be... we really have to let those two be together?"

After speaking, Hou Yuxiao paused for a moment and continued, "But on the other hand, she's also being overly cautious. I indeed had thoughts of switching sides, but the problem is finding no one to pledge allegiance to."

With the situation in Tongling having developed to its current state, we're no longer in a position to intervene. The awakening of Maiden Hong was an event concocted by Bailu Academy and Wanjian Holy Sect at the end of last year. Up until now, not a single person from these two Holy Lands has appeared in Tongling—the intentions of the five parties that have come are unclear. Even if I wanted to switch sides, I have no one I can trust!"

At present, Tongling County can broadly be divided into four camps.

Firstly, there is the demons' side, with Maiden Hong's goal being very clear so far: to attract more martial artists to come over, so she can quickly regain her strength.

Then there's the side representing Tongling County's native forces and the Rakshasa Holy Sect, led by Master of Brahma's Voice, Protector of the Teachings from Xingnan Prefecture. Under them are the Prefectural Magistrate's Office and the Prison Admin Department, as well as the nine mainstream powers within the county—the Hou Family is among them.

The Rakshasa Holy Sect must maintain its dignity and protect the people of Tongling. The local nine powers need to preserve their own interests. This side has absolutely no room for reconciliation with the Blood Demon—the greatest conflict lies between these two sides.

The third side is made up of the culprits behind the Blood Demon incident: Wanjian Holy Sect and Bailu Academy. Based on the situation at the end of last year, Hou Yuxiao speculates that their goal in reviving the Blood Demon and causing chaos in Tongling is likely the same as last year's, which is simply to take the opportunity to attack the Rakshasa Holy Sect and set their sights on Yongzhou.

It is curious, though, that of Wanjian Holy Sect and Bailu Academy, the only one who has made an appearance so far is Gu Chenfeng, and that was just to plant a gu in Zhao Qingxue. Besides him, no one else has shown their face in Tongling.

With the Qinglong Association stirring up such a big fuss with the demons, it's impossible to believe the neighboring Wanyang County hasn't heard the news—Hou Yuxiao would never believe such a thing.

When something abnormal arises, there must be mischief afoot; these two parties are hiding the deepest, and their schemes must be the greatest. Hou Yuxiao has to be extra vigilant. Fortunately, he has a covert line into Wanyang County. It remains to be seen whether it can bring back any useful information.

The last camp consists of the five experts residing in Shengxin Residence.

Strictly speaking, of course, these five parties can't be considered one camp, as they each hail from the Great Yu Holy Dynasty, Ziqing Holy Sect, Haoran Holy Sect, Leiyin Temple, and the Great Snow Mountain Buddha Sect.

Lumping them into one side is a reluctant move by Hou Yuxiao, as he truly cannot determine the purpose of these people coming to Tongling.

The Hou Clan now officially belongs to the natives of Tongling, which is to say, the Rakshasa Holy Sect camp. They're outright enemies of the Blood Demon, but they're covertly doing the Blood Demon's bidding, albeit under the name of the Qinglong Association. It's like dancing on the blade of a knife.

The other members of the Hou Clan may not know, but during this time, not one of the five brothers has been without trepidation.

Hou Yuxiao wants to switch sides, but the problem is whom can he turn to now? In light of the current situation, the Blood Demon is the most powerful side, but the Hou Clan naturally can't get too close to this side.

It's no good to honestly stand with Master Fanyin on one side either. Tongling's locals are now faced with a three-to-one situation—demons, forces from Xuzhou, and those five top experts are all likely eyeing this piece of land. With a three-to-one ratio, the odds of winning are just too small.

Defecting to Xuzhou is even worse. Not to mention other considerations, just the mere thought of Tian Fazheng sends shivers down Hou Yuxiao's spine, not to mention that he has just killed Gu Chenfeng. If he foolishly goes to seek asylum with Xuzhou now and someone sees through it, his life could be lost within minutes.

"It's only those five experts. I don't necessarily have to defect, but if I can figure out their purpose here, I could find a way out for my Hou Clan!"

As a multitude of thoughts raced through his mind, Hou Yuxiao couldn't help but mutter to himself. Hou Yujie understood what he meant and could only ponder in silence next to him, hoping to find a solution.

Just as the two were lost in troubled thought, a voice suddenly came from the doorway.

"Bailu Academy has evolved from Haoran Holy Sect and has now become the leader of the Righteous Path. The two have been at odds for a long time, and although others are unaware, Elder Huamai Lian Ningxue of Haoran Holy Sect definitely does not wish to see the plots of Bailu Academy and Wanjian Holy Sect succeed!"

Seeing Hou Yuduan in white clothes walking in gently from outside, Hou Yuxiao and Hou Yujie exchanged glances, said nothing, and first welcomed him inside.

Clearly, he had heard the final remark just as he entered, hence his timely suggestion.

After pondering for a moment, Hou Yuxiao spoke up, "I've already considered this point. Are you suggesting that Lian Ningxue's arrival in Tongling is to thwart Bailu Academy and Wanjian Holy Sect's plot to lay hands on Yongzhou?"

Hou Yuduan nodded, then continued, "Peaceful Heaven Sword Zhang Yuning and Lian Ningxue arrived in Tongling at the same time—this proves that the two parties should have come together. Zhang Yuning is from the Great Yu Monster Hunting Bureau, and Great Yu still holds the title of Supreme Sovereign of the World, while Bailu Academy is now posing as the leader of the Righteous Path.

One must know that today's rise of the Confucian Sect has an inseparable connection with the support of Yu Shenzong from years ago, yet now they stand above Great Yu's head. Even a clay figure has a touch of anger; even more so, the once-dominant Great Yu Holy Dynasty!"

A spark of light appeared in Hou Yuxiao's eyes; these words seemed to have awakened him. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded and said, "Indeed, this makes everything clear. These two people came to Tongling with the intention of slaying demons and eradicating evil, but above this motive, what they care about more is to prevent Bailu Academy and Wanjian Holy Sect from succeeding in their schemes against Tongling."