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Chapter 129: Exposed

The Tianjiao Sect has been established for more than thirty years. Originally, it was formed by some displaced farmers from Jiangnan who gathered in the mountains and forests, opposing the government. They were known as the ‘Datong Society’ in the martial world, but they didn’t amount to much. 

Until the leader, an elderly man, passed through this place and preached in the mountains for over ten days. The members believed he was an immortal and elected him as their leader. After that, he renamed the ‘Datong Society’ to ‘Tianjiao Sect,’ saying that we were no longer bandits but a new sect alongside Buddhism and Taoism. 

This not only avoided the suspicion of rebellion but also spread the teachings far and wide, gaining many followers. Branches were established in various provinces, making it convenient for brothers to support each other in times of need.

In Tongzhou City, Huang Qian pointed ahead with a smile as he walked.

“Lord Zhang, look, that’s the Tongzhou branch ahead, still following the old rules from decades ago, built in a Taoist temple. The brothers are waiting in the back mountain.”

Zhang Zhe looked up and indeed saw a Taoist temple.

The western part of Tongzhou City was backed by mountains, a natural barrier. Although the mountains were not high, they had a certain beauty.

The trees planted were old pines that had survived the winter.

At the foot of the mountain was a gate with the words ‘Shangqing Temple’ on it. The plaque and the building looked old and worn, suggesting it had been there for many years and was now quite dilapidated, with little incense burning.

After seeing Xiaobao drive Jiang Xuening to the Yongding Pharmacy for treatment, Zhang Zhe was somewhat distracted, his usually indifferent face showing a hint of seriousness.

Seeing the temple, he just nodded.

The origins of the Tianjiao Sect were shrouded in mystery among the common people, but to a court official like him who knew the details, there was nothing particularly mysterious about it.

Huang Qian’s summary was roughly accurate.

In its early years, the Tianjiao Sect was the ‘Datong Society,’ formed by displaced farmers to resist local gentry or rob passing merchants for survival. But about fifteen years after the previous emperor ascended the throne, around the fifteenth year of Dezheng, a significant event occurred between Buddhism and Taoism.

Taoism was a native religion that had been prevalent in China for a long time.

However, over two hundred years ago, Buddhism was introduced from the West during a time of chaos, quickly gaining numerous followers across the country, rivaling Taoism. Both religions built temples and competed for followers and territory, leading to frequent conflicts.

By the time the previous emperor ascended the throne, Buddhism was flourishing.

At that time, Buddhism was led by the White Horse Temple, and the previous emperor even visited the temple to pray and offer incense. The abbot was Yuanji, who is now the national teacher. Taoism was led by the Sanqing Temple, which was said to have a thousand-year tradition. The abbot, known as ‘Zhenyi,’ was highly respected and skilled in Taoist practices.

Unexpectedly, that year, the two religions had a major conflict.

Both wanted to compete for status, so Yuanji and Zhenyi agreed to a debate at the foot of Mount Tai, each demonstrating their true teachings. Followers and practitioners gathered in large numbers to listen to their teachings.

Due to the passage of time, only fragments of the event remain, but the final outcome is widely known—

Zhenyi of Taoism was utterly defeated.

Rumor has it that during the debate, Yuanji exposed many scandals involving Taoist temples, such as abducting women and harboring filth, turning them into brothels. He even revealed that Zhenyi was a demon causing chaos in the world, making him reveal his true form.

People were shocked.

The Sanqing Temple was destroyed, and Zhenyi fled, disappearing without a trace. Yuanji’s reputation soared after this event, and the White Horse Temple’s incense flourished.

However, few knew that Zhenyi did not truly disappear.

He changed his name to ‘Wanxi,’ meaning ‘all things rest,’ and seized an opportunity during a time of widespread suffering to preach in the ‘Datong Society,’ abandoning Buddhism and Taoism to create the ‘Tianjiao Sect,’ making a comeback.

His teachings emphasized ‘universal harmony,’ mutual assistance, and brotherhood, which quickly spread.

The majority of the population was poor, and they were delighted to hear these teachings.

In just a few years, the sect grew significantly. Twenty years ago, the rebellion of Prince Pingnan was aided by the Tianjiao Sect, almost overthrowing the emperor.

The true events of the debate remain unknown to Zhang Zhe.

However, it is reasonable to assume that the current leader of the Tianjiao Sect, ‘Wanxi,’ still harbors resentment from those past grievances. Yuanji, who helped Shen Lang ascend the throne four years ago, was highly regarded in Buddhism and was made the national teacher, likely making him an even greater target for Wanxi.

The Tianjiao Sect, comparing itself to Buddhism and Taoism, hiding its branches in temples and Taoist temples, was not surprising.

However, it was unclear how much danger lay within.

The followers of the Tianjiao Sect accompanying them were mostly from the Tongzhou branch and were familiar with the route to the Shangqing Temple.

The escaped prisoners followed behind, looking apprehensive.

Xiao Dingfei, holding a flashy gold-painted folding fan in the middle of winter, looked around with a somewhat restless expression despite his handsome and charming appearance.

He looked at the entrance of the Taoist temple.

Several young Taoist apprentices were guarding the entrance. They were alert and quickly went inside to report upon seeing them from a distance.

Xiao Dingfei felt as if his feet were filled with lead.

As they approached the steps of the temple, his eyes darted around, and he suddenly cried out, “Ouch,” clutching his left side, claiming that his lungs hurt and that he needed to see a doctor. However, Feng Mingyu, who knew his tricks well, was not fooled. Although he didn’t know why Xiao Dingfei was pretending at the last moment, he remembered the leader’s instructions to keep a close watch on him and said, “Master Wu is inside the temple. If you are truly unwell, let the elder examine you first. If necessary, we can find a doctor for you.”

Xiao Dingfei’s face turned green.

He looked around and saw that they were surrounded by members of the Tianjiao Sect, making it impossible to leave.

In the end, he had no choice but to follow the others into the temple.

This “Shangqing Temple” was a local Taoist temple in Tongzhou. After the decline of Taoism following the debate between Buddhism and Taoism years ago, the Taoist priests gradually left, allowing the Tianjiao Sect to take over and use it as their base. The temple was backed by a low mountain, making it an ideal location.

The young Taoist apprentices greeted them at the entrance, saying, “Welcome, Master Huang.”

With a wave of their hands and a step forward, they led the group inside.

Although the exterior appeared quiet, as soon as they passed through a gate, they heard the sound of people talking and laughing loudly. Zhang Zhe followed Huang and Feng through the gate and saw a large open area outside the main hall, crowded with people of various appearances but all robust and rugged. Several large vats of strong liquor were lined up under the corridor, and the smell of alcohol filled the winter air, making it seem as if the entire temple was about to catch fire with its pungency.

The young Taoist apprentice who led them in shouted, “Master Huang and Left Minister Feng have returned!”

The noise inside immediately quieted down.

Then, a loud, resonant laugh came from the main hall, and a middle-aged man with a medium build, a black beard, and a dark blue robe, with steady and agile steps, and eyes shining brightly, came out to greet Feng Mingyu and the others, saying, “Hahaha, Master Feng, Master Huang, you have finally succeeded. Congratulations!”

This was Wu Feng, the leader of the Tongzhou branch of the Tianjiao Sect.

Feng Mingyu and Huang Qian immediately responded modestly, “It was the efforts of the brothers in the branch. We dare not take credit.”

Wu Feng glanced around and saw the additional people, looking very satisfied, “Not only did we rescue our brothers from the sect, but we also brought many righteous men from the prison, adding strength to our sect. This achievement will surely be heavily rewarded by the leader!”

The prisoners, led by Meng Yang, indeed owed their escape from prison to the Tianjiao Sect and had followed them to Tongzhou with the intention of joining the sect.

However, without even a word of greeting, they were told that they were “adding strength to the sect,” making it sound as if they had come to seek refuge.

This made many of them frown secretly.

A group of bandits was not a kind lot, and they had already had some quarrels with the members of the Tianjiao Sect on the way. Now, hearing Wu Feng’s words, they were quite displeased.

Meng Yang stood at the back, a smile playing on his lips.

His gaze swept over the members of the Tianjiao Sect and landed on Zhang Zhe.

Zhang Zhe, in the midst of the bandits, remained calm and composed. He glanced at Meng Yang and then lowered his eyes, showing no reaction for the moment.

Feng Mingyu took this opportunity to shift the topic to Zhang Zhe, smiling as he said, “We dare not take credit for this either. I believe the leader has already heard that besides our Tongzhou branch, Master Du Jun also sent strong support from the capital. Without the assistance of Lord Zhang, we would not have been able to rescue the people so smoothly and might have fallen into the court’s trap!”

Wu Feng responded with an “Oh.”

His gaze turned to Zhang Zhe, his eyes sharp and probing, but his face showed a hearty expression as he cupped his hands and said, “I have long heard of Master Du Jun’s name but never had the chance to meet him. Today, seeing Lord Zhang is like meeting Master Du Jun himself. Lord Zhang, being in the court and still willing to serve the Tianjiao Sect, truly understands the greater good and bears great responsibility. I admire you!”

People of the martial world had their own ways of doing things, but Zhang Zhe was not accustomed to it and was not good with words. He responded with a few polite words and then fell silent.

Wu Feng did not feel awkward and called for wine.

The crowded temple was filled with people raising their rough pottery bowls, shouting “Respect Heaven, Respect Earth, Respect Datong,” and then gulping down three bowls of wine, showing great enthusiasm.

Zhang Zhe was not used to drinking.

But in this situation, he could not refuse. He drank three bowls with the others, feeling the strong liquor burn his throat and lungs, making him want to cough, but he remained calm and showed no fear.

The crowd applauded and cheered for him.

After the drinking, Feng Mingyu looked troubled and said, “Leader, I have something to say, but I don’t know if I should…”

He glanced around as he spoke.

Wu Feng understood and smiled, “Then let’s go inside and talk. Please!”

With a wave of his hand, he invited everyone into the main hall.

Inside the hall, there were statues of the Three Pure Ones, with two chairs at the top. Wu Feng sat in the left chair, and the right chair was surprisingly left for Xiao Dingfei.

The other leaders took their seats in order.

It was probably because of “Du Jun Shanren” that Feng Mingyu and the others invited Zhang Zhe to sit in the first seat on the lower left. Other senior members of the sect stayed behind the group or stood outside the hall. Meng Yang had no seat and stood in a corner with his long arms crossed, a strange smile on his lips.

It was fine outside, but as soon as they entered the hall, it became inexplicably quiet.

This place was built against the mountain, making it naturally cold.

The silence added a sense of eerie tension and grimness. Looking around, the atmosphere had subtly changed.

Wu Feng asked Feng Mingyu, “What is troubling you, Left Minister?”

Feng Mingyu took out a rolled-up piece of paper from his sleeve, with small characters written on it and a very special distant mountain emblem. He handed it to Wu Feng and said, “This is a secret letter I received outside Tongzhou City last night. Master Wu, being an elder of the sect, should recognize this emblem at a glance.”

Wu Feng was shocked when he saw the emblem.

His voice trembled slightly as he said, “It’s a secret letter personally written by Master Du Jun!”

Feng Mingyu smiled, his eyes flickering, and glanced at Zhang Zhe, saying, “Indeed. Everyone in the sect knows that Master Du Jun and Master Gongyi are the left and right arms of the leader, with unparalleled wisdom. However, this secret letter is somewhat beyond my understanding.”

Zhang Zhe noticed Feng Mingyu’s gaze and lowered his eyes, remaining silent.

Wu Feng read the secret letter carefully, his expression changing three times.

Xiao Dingfei, who had been sitting uneasily in the upper right seat, felt like he was sitting on pins and needles, wanting to escape. He had been secretly observing everyone’s expressions, and seeing Wu Feng like this, he felt a jolt in his heart.

He asked, “What does it say?”

Wu Feng’s face turned completely cold, his icy gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall before he said, “The secret letter from Master Du Jun indicates that the plan to raid the prison in the capital was leaked in advance due to a traitor. This traitor has returned with the sect members and intends to harm our sect!”

“A traitor!”

With Wu Feng’s words, the entire hall erupted in an uproar!

Especially those who had returned from the capital were shocked, looking at each other with suspicion and vigilance. Only Zhang Zhe remained unmoved, while Meng Yang watched coldly.

Feng Mingyu, who had been traveling with the group, had repeatedly tested Zhang Zhe but could not shake his suspicions. He was the first to challenge Zhang Zhe, smiling seemingly kindly, “Lord Zhang, since you serve under our Master and came specifically for the prison raid, do you know who this ‘traitor’ is?”

Zhang Zhe, having drunk three bowls of wine, felt his temples throbbing.

He sat upright, his face cold and serious, and said, “I left the capital a few days ago on orders to assist with the prison raid. The secret letter only arrived last night. Asking me about it is difficult.”

Feng Mingyu seemed to have anticipated his response and continued, “Then, Lord Zhang, as a trusted aide of Master Du Jun, why is there no mention of you in the secret letter?”

Zhang Zhe lowered his eyes, “In urgent matters, a mere Zhang is not worth mentioning.”

Feng Mingyu chuckled, “Lord Zhang, you should think carefully before speaking. Your sister is ill, and our sect has sent people to take care of her out of gratitude for your help. If you do not treat us sincerely, it will be disheartening!”

His words clearly used Jiang Xuening as a threat!

It should be noted that the two people accompanying Jiang Xuening to see the doctor were members of the Tianjiao Sect. Xiaobao was young, and Feng Mingyu feared he might not keep his mouth shut, so he secretly instructed the two skilled members to control Jiang Xuening at all costs, making her an important bargaining chip.

Sure enough, Zhang Zhe’s expression changed slightly at these words!

He was wearing a dark robe, with one hand on the armrest of the chair and the other lightly resting on his knee. His long fingers were tense and cold, and his brows and eyes were filled with a heavy chill.

He looked up and met Feng Mingyu’s gaze.

At this moment, Feng Mingyu felt a shiver run down his spine, as if struck by a bone-chilling knife. He then heard Zhang Zhe coldly say, “I wasn’t sure at first, since the Left Minister often stays at the main headquarters in Jinling, claiming to be here on the leader’s orders to assist with the prison raid. However, with Master Wu already overseeing things in Tongzhou, there was no need for another to take charge. But the Left Minister, upon receiving the letter, hurried to clear his name and smear mine, ultimately revealing his true colors.”

Feng Mingyu never expected Zhang Zhe to turn the tables on him. He stood up in shock, his face turning red with anger, and shouted, “How dare you slander me!”

Everyone in the hall looked at each other in confusion.

Zhang Zhe remained calm, smoothing a crease on his robe, and said, “I am an official of the court. If I were not serving under Master Du Jun, why would I risk my life and abandon my position to get involved in this mess? It is absurd both emotionally and logically.”

“You!”

Feng Mingyu was stunned, unable to believe that the usually quiet Zhang Zhe was now speaking with such sharpness. His calm demeanor hid a multitude of dangers!

Indeed, if the court wanted to gather information, they could send a minor official. Why send a renowned court official known for his integrity and skill in solving cases?

Feng Mingyu’s mind was in turmoil.

He wanted to defend himself but couldn’t organize his thoughts. Trembling, he said, “Everyone in the Jinling headquarters knows me well. Zhang Zhe is turning black into white! Master Wu, listen to me. Arrest Zhang Zhe first and send a letter to Master Du Jun to inquire about this matter. The truth will be revealed!”

Feng Mingyu was indeed a significant figure in Jinling.

He thought that Wu Feng would comply with his request.

However, after a long silence, he turned to see Wu Feng’s hesitant gaze shifting between him and Zhang Zhe, looking troubled.

Feng Mingyu’s heart sank.

Everyone has their own plans!

The main headquarters is far away in Jinling, while Tongzhou is in the north. Although the Tongzhou branch follows the main headquarters’ orders and monitors the capital, the distance is too great. “A general in the field is not bound by the orders from the sovereign.” Moreover, Tongzhou is too close to the capital. Wu Feng has to listen to the main headquarters while also being wary of Master Du Jun. If Zhang Zhe is indeed under Master Du Jun, arresting him first and then sending a letter might anger Master Du Jun.

Wu Feng had his own concerns.

Seeing the tense atmosphere, with everyone looking at him, he tried to ease the situation, “There are many people who returned from the prison raid. We shouldn’t jump to conclusions. We might harm the wrong person and damage our harmony.”

Zhang Zhe remained silent, showing no signs of guilt, not looking like a traitor from the court.

Feng Mingyu, however, was not willing to listen to Wu Feng.

In terms of status within the sect, he was higher than Wu Feng. Wu Feng’s words had angered him, and he was about to act, pulling out his token from his waist.

But at this critical moment, a hesitant voice spoke up.

It was Xiao Dingfei, who had been playing with his gold-painted folding fan in the upper right seat.

He had put away the fan and lightly tapped his well-defined chin with the handle, a faint smile on his lips. He coughed and said, somewhat embarrassed, “Master Wu, may I take a look at Master Du Jun’s secret letter?”

Everyone was stunned.

Throughout the journey, no one had expected this young master, who seemed to be treating the escape as a leisurely trip, to speak up in such a situation.

At this moment, someone unexpectedly interjected, asking to borrow Master Du Jun’s secret letter for a look?

Zhang Zhe suddenly recalled Xiao Dingfei’s strange gaze when they first met outside the ruined temple.

He discreetly glanced at Meng Yang in the corner.

Meng Yang stood still, his gaze sweeping over Zhang Zhe, but he was closely observing everyone’s expressions and movements.

Wu Feng had heard of this young master Dingfei within the sect and hesitated for a moment before saying, “What do you think about this…”

Xiao Dingfei’s charming eyes narrowed, “Give me the secret letter, and I’ll tell you who the traitor is.”

The hall fell silent for a moment, then whispers began.

Feng Mingyu was also taken aback. He didn’t know what Xiao Dingfei could discern from the secret letter that neither he nor Wu Feng could.

But Xiao Dingfei’s status was different.

Wu Feng thought for a moment and handed the secret letter over.

Xiao Dingfei took it and began to read.

The hall became so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on this seemingly frivolous young master, hoping to glean some clue from his expression.

The secret letter was only half a page long, but Xiao Dingfei read it for a long time.

Wu Feng, Feng Mingyu, and the others felt their hearts racing.

After a while, they couldn’t help but ask, “Young master, what do you think?”

Xiao Dingfei looked up, folded the paper gently, and then looked at Zhang Zhe with a slight smile, saying, “Lord Zhang, I forgot to tell you on the way that not only have I met Master Du Jun, but I also know that he never lives in the mountains.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Zhe’s eyes twitched.

Feng Mingyu burst into laughter, “So it is you!”

Wu Feng shouted, “Seize him!”

The surrounding people, already holding their swords, immediately moved to attack Zhang Zhe.

Zhang Zhe frowned.

As the swords approached, he didn’t move. Suddenly, a white figure leaped out, faster than anyone else! No one knew where he got the sword, but he swiftly struck down the nearest sect member to Zhang Zhe!

A swift and ruthless slash cut from the face to the chest, spilling a torrent of blood!

The swordsman seemed to be bathed in blood.

Feng Mingyu and the others were shocked and cried out, “Meng Yang!”

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