Chapter 1966: Chapter 1912–1913: Who Is the Real Winner? Clash of Taoist Monarchs

“That’s right, a single decisive strike can prevent a flurry of blows. Although there have been some setbacks, the gains are substantial, with a significant impact,” Pei Xuanjing nodded, then asked, “So who is the biggest winner, and who is the biggest loser?”

Wan Fayi thought for a moment and said, “The biggest loser, undoubtedly, is the Buddhism School. This time, they’ve suffered considerable losses and damage, temporarily unable to rally greater strength, and in the short term, they cannot make other moves.”

Pei Xuanjing did not comment on this but listened as Wan Fayi continued, “To outsiders, the biggest winners should be us and the Xuantian Sect. After all, both of us took this opportunity to sell warships and gain significant resources, and at a high price too.”

“But in reality, the biggest winner is the Jade Emperor’s side. Though they seemed to be the instigator, not only did they plunder resources but also made the Heterodox Alliance bleed the Buddhism School dry, and even sold elixirs extensively to acquire resources.”

“Doesn’t the Jade Emperor’s side risk alienating their allies by doing so?” Pei Xuanjing asked with a smile.

Wan Fayi shook his head and said, “So-called allies are ultimately distinguished by strength and interests. The Buddhism School and the Jade Emperor’s side were not on the same page in the first place. Their cooperation was initially due to mutual benefit in dealing with the Heterodox Alliance. Later, seeing greater profit, the Jade Emperor’s side’s abandonment of the Buddhism School was inevitable. If roles were reversed, the Buddhism School would have made the same choice.”

“As for others’ apprehensions, the Jade Emperor’s side itself does not trust any party completely; they only recognize benefits. All parties are similar in this respect. Even if there was a lesson learned, it’s believed that as long as profits remain, everyone will not hesitate to continue cooperating with the Jade Emperor, albeit with a bit more caution.”

“Indeed, indeed, many of the forthcoming matters can be entrusted to you for handling,” Pei Xuanjing praised.

Although there was some disparagement towards the Jade Emperor’s side in the conversation, Pei Xuanjing did not mind. His stance is indifferent, but from the perspective of Shenxiao Sect’s disciples, it’s only appropriate to target the Jade Emperor’s side for influencing Shenxiao Sect’s position; it’s not surprising at all.

“Actually, the Buddhism School chose the wrong opponent this time,” Wan Fayi expressed his view.

“Oh, then who do you think the Buddhism School should have targeted?” Pei Xuanjing asked with a smile.

Wan Fayi said, “The Buddhism School should not have targeted the Heterodox Alliance but should have chosen either the Ten Thousand Beast Demonic Sect or the Hell Demon Sect.”

“What is the reason?” Pang Hong was also intrigued.

In his perspective, although the Heterodox Alliance, Hell Demon Sect, and Ten Thousand Beast Demonic Sect are large immortal sects, the Heterodox Alliance is somewhat weaker in terms of foundation, and those demonic cultivators are crazy and would not compromise with the Buddhism School.

The most crucial point is that the matter was actively instigated by the Jade Emperor, who aimed to suppress the Heterodox Alliance and bore no grievances against the Hell Demon Sect or Ten Thousand Beast Demonic Sect.

“In terms of organization, even though the Heterodox Alliance seems to be under the sole management of Alliance Hierarch Zhao Baiyang, even if Zhao Baiyang cannot handle affairs due to seclusion, several Vice Alliance Hierarchs can still uphold the entire alliance. This was completely verified by their actions,” Wan Fayi explained, “In contrast, both the Hell Demon Sect and the Ten Thousand Beast Demonic Sect are powerful but are demonic forces. All demonic forces share one notable characteristic: all authority rests with the Sect Master. Even elders and protectors cannot truly grasp authority. If the two Demon Monarchs are in seclusion, these two demonic sects cannot effectively organize immediately.”

Demonic forces are analogous to wolf packs or lion prides, whose strength is only fully realized under the leadership of a Wolf King or Lion King. Without a commander, it is impossible to unite and unleash their true fighting power.

Generally speaking, after losing their leader, wolf and lion groups will have internal struggles to select a new leader.

However, the key now is that the Ten Thousand Beasts Demon Monarch and the Purgatory Demon Monarch were only injured and went into seclusion, not fallen, so these two demonic sects currently have no way to select new leaders according to the old mechanism.

Especially given the ruthlessness of the demonic path, they do not allow any strong contender to threaten the leader’s position. No matter the reason, if these two Demon Monarchs reemerge, they will inevitably clash with any new leader.

Such conflicts are not redirected by any internal or external factors because this is determined by the demonic sect system, and no one can alter it.

At this time, if the Buddhism School struck, these two demonic sects would surely experience significant turmoil, succumb to internal chaos, and be unable to organize quickly for an effective response.

Yu Zhenzi, recalling his knowledge of various demonic sects, nodded in agreement, “That’s right; internally, demonic sects are bound not to allow any threat to their position. The competition within demonic sects is the most brutal among various religious sects.”

“The two Demon Monarchs are only in seclusion due to injury, not because they can’t respond at all,” Pang Hong voiced a different opinion, shaking his head in disagreement with this statement.

“Masters, are these individuals severely injured this time? They haven’t recovered yet, and there’s no news at all?” Pang Hong asked aloud.