Daily Intelligence System: Don't Kill Me, Honey! Chapter 1593 - 366: Liu Futong’s Crisis and the Secret Deal (Part 3)

With the imperial court joining forces with the Six Great Sects to surround Bright Peak, the Holy Sect faced unprecedented pressure. In this dire hour, Mr. Duozhi Huguan and the Descending Mountain Tiger, Du Zundao, vehemently insisted on replacing their young Sect Hierarch. They argued that it would be catastrophic to leave the thousand-year legacy of the Holy Sect in the hands of an inexperienced youth while facing such an existential threat. Who could possibly shoulder the burden of such a potential collapse?

Liu Futong, however, refused to step aside. Faced with this stubbornness, a coup was staged on the spot. In a calculated betrayal, Mr. Duozhi Huguan and Du Zundao drugged Liu Futong’s wine, managing to neutralize him in absolute secrecy.

Because only the trio involved in that clandestine meeting knew of these events, news of Liu Futong’s downfall remained tightly contained.

Following his neutralization, a bitter rift emerged between Mr. Guan and Du Zundao regarding how to handle their captive. Du Zundao, sensing the risk, argued that since they had already burned their bridges with Liu Futong, they should either execute him outright or, at the very least, shatter his Dantian to cripple his Cultivation.

Such an outcome favored Du Zundao, whose internal power eclipsed Mr. Guan’s. With Liu Futong gone, the Zoroastrian Sect would have no recourse but to install him as the new Sect Hierarch.

He had already secured the alignment of Han Miaozhen, who was prepared to pledge loyalty to a new leader.

Conversely, Mr. Guan remained dead set against these lethal measures. His primary concern was the long-term survival of the Holy Sect rather than a mere seat of power. He envisioned grooming Liu Futong, believing his aptitude and status made him the most suitable candidate to lead the Sect forward.

While he pressured Liu Futong to concede to his leadership vision, he was horrified by Du Zundao’s intent to kill, viewing it as cutting the Sky-Supporting White Jade Pillar and the Sea-Bearing Purple Golden Beam of the Zoroastrian Sect itself.

Mr. Guan refused to yield.

The standoff eventually forced a compromise: they imprisoned Liu Futong and concocted a lie for the public, claiming their leader was in deep seclusion to formulate battle strategies.

Yet, both conspirators understood that given Liu Futong’s level of Cultivation, he could not be held indefinitely, necessitating a swift resolution.

Inside the Small Gathering Hall, Mr. Guan leveled a grave look at his comrade. "The Ruins are finally opening. We must secure the complete Qiankun Great Method. If we lack the means to repel the combined might of the imperial court and those Six Great Sects, our Holy Sect faces total annihilation. This technique is our only lifeline."

Du Zundao nodded firmly. "Indeed. That is why I intend to enter the Ruins personally to recover the scrolls."

Mr. Guan blinked in surprise, questioning, "Isn't that an unnecessary risk?"

Du Zundao scoffed, "What is a little danger to the Holy Sect? I joined this order with my life already on the line; why would I hesitate to tread through shadows for a chance at our survival?"

Mr. Guan sighed in genuine admiration, "Old Du, I am humbled by your righteousness."

Du Zundao brushed the compliment aside. "Whether you admire me or not is irrelevant. Understand this: the Qiankun Great Method is not just a legacy; it contains the Great Shifting Technique. Without it, we lack the means to open the escape tunnels. If we fail, the entire Sect will be razed to the ground. We must act with extreme caution."

"Correct," Mr. Guan acknowledged.

Du Zundao leaned in, his tone turning intimate. "Old Guan, let us be frank. I will brave those depths alone, but I require your pledge before I go."

"State it," Mr. Guan replied.

"If I return with the Qiankun Great Method and successfully master it, will you support my claim as Sect Hierarch?" Du Zundao’s eyes hardened, locking onto Mr. Guan’s gaze like a predatory beast.

Mr. Guan scowled as he weighed the request.

Du Zundao remained motionless, his stare unwavering.

After a prolonged silence, Mr. Guan relented. "If you possess the power to save the Holy Sect, I see no reason to deny you the throne."

A boisterous laugh erupted from Du Zundao. "Splendid! Old Guan, I know your honor is sterling. Once stated, it shall not be retracted."

"My word stands," Mr. Guan affirmed. "Procure the Qiankun Great Method, and I will recognize you as Hierarch."

"It is settled then. Hahaha!"

Elated by the pact, Du Zundao reclined, pouring a cup of tea. "Old Guan, once I take my place, I won't forget you. Perhaps I shall grant you the title of Venerable?"

Mr. Guan furrowed his brow. "Venerable? What would become of the original Master then? I am content remaining a Dharma King."

Du Zundao sipped his tea thoughtfully. "Ah, the Master. That is precisely the complication I wished to discuss. If I ascend, what becomes of him should he emerge from his confinement?"

Mr. Guan’s gaze sharpened. "Are you suggesting you would kill him?"

Du Zundao replied coolly, "It isn't a matter of desire, but of necessity. I cannot rule in peace while he lives. The Sect is too fragile for internal discord. If he returns and finds me in power, his pride will inevitably drive him to back that brat Han Lin’er. I cannot allow such a threat to endure."