The Sword Sect is governed by the Sword Emperor, and with the formidable individual strength of the sword cultivators, it appears to be unparalleled in its prestige. However, there are indeed some hidden worries, especially when facing the Taoist School.

The emergence of sword cultivators is nothing more than an evolution of the martial artists from the ancient times, along with the legacies left by certain powerful individuals skilled in the Sword Path from the original Taoist School, Buddhism School, Confucianism, and Demonic Gate.

Therefore, at certain levels, it's actually appropriate to consider the Sword Path as derivative inheritances belonging to the factions of these groups, and could be classified among them. However, through these years of development, sword cultivators have indeed become independent.

Compared to the distinct characteristics of the Buddhism School, Confucianism, and Demonic Gate, even with the presence of sword cultivators, their own features of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Demonism stand out more prominently and are generally not regarded as pure sword cultivators.

But the Taoist School is different. The Taoist School, by its nature of the Dao embracing all, can even incorporate the purity of sword cultivators—one sword breaking ten thousand laws—and, from certain perspectives, still sees it as a part of its doctrine.

Therefore, for the Sword Sect, they are quite cautious of the Taoist School, not wanting to be reabsorbed and brought under its banner.

Rather be a chicken head than a phoenix tail. The past pioneering journey of the Sword Path was so arduous, and now that the sword cultivators' lineage is brilliant and strong, they naturally desire independence and autonomy, and they refuse to be subordinate to the Taoist School, as this is not only about status but also about Qi Luck.

If it were in the past, even though the Taoist School was powerful, there were also many strong individuals among the sword cultivators, and they had the power to compete, not worrying about the amalgamation by the Taoist School since it didn't have such strength.

However, after the revival of the Divine Land World, the Longevity Taoist Monarch emerged, not only revitalizing the Shenxiao Lineage but also elevating the Taoist School's power once again to the peak, seemingly as the leader of all sects.

Regarding the existence of the sword cultivators, opinions within the Taoist School are also divided. Some believe that since they have already separated, there is no need to bring them back, as there are quite a few sects that split off from the Taoist School.

The Taoist School is referred to as the leader of all sects not only because of its formidable strength but also due to its qualifications. Its ancient heritage speaks volumes, not only with sword cultivators, for both the Demonic Way and Buddhism School can also be considered its offshoots; the phrase "Buddhism is from the Dao, Demonism is from the Dao" is not empty talk.

If it were just because sword cultivators have become powerful and the thought arises to reclaim them, then should some factions within the Demonic Gate, which once split from the Taoist School, be reclaimed? Should some factions in the Buddhism School, which also left the Taoist School, be reclaimed?

Thus, some powerful individuals believe in the Taoist principle of wuwei – letting things take their natural course. If they've gone, let them be; there's no need to reclaim them forcibly. At best, they should be allies, with no necessity to reclaim them.

The attitude of these individuals is similar to that of a large corporation: since some have ventured out to start their own businesses, even if we hold some original shares, there's no need to entangle them with us deeply; earning some profit and gaining some interests is enough.

Yet, within the Taoist School, there are other opinions. They do not agree with the aforementioned plan, considering that sword cultivators, unlike the Demonic Way or the Buddhism School, have a purity that can be compatible with the Taoist School. Bringing them back does not disrupt the Taoist School internally and would even enhance its power. Therefore, they wish to incorporate the sword cultivators to increase the Taoist School's power and influence.

Neither side can convince the other, and although the Taoist School is powerful, its size means it lacks a unilateral leader who commands both authority and control, resulting in everyone acting on their own accord.

After Pei Xuanjing's rise, as a member of the Taoist School with formidable power and support behind him, he could have fully consolidated the Taoist School's power.

However, unfortunately, Pei Xuanjing is even unwilling to manage his own Shenxiao Sect. His heart is set on the Dao, unwilling to spend time and energy meddling in these internal Taoist School issues.

Frankly speaking, within the Taoist School, there are also substantial contradictions and conflicts among the factions. Even with his ability to integrate them, it would still require considerable effort and time.

If this matter could bring him significant benefits, Pei Xuanjing might have considered it. However, given the current situation, Pei Xuanjing, without unifying the Taoist School, is already standing at the pinnacle of the world. Even if successful, it wouldn't bring him much more; hence, he naturally harbors no such thought.

Thus, within the Taoist School, factions still go their own way, with some strong individuals continuing to watch coldly, while some Taoist Monarchs begin to attempt this task – the existence of the Five Old Lords being one such measure.

Of course, Pei Xuanjing himself does not want to get involved – this is his thought. Regarding the actions of these people, he remains indifferent, never caring how they proceed, nor offering any assistance.

But even so, when these individuals' forces unite, they still become an extremely formidable power, prompting a sense of threat in the strong individuals of the Sword Sect.

They are unaware of Pei Xuanjing's intentions and also worry that Pei Xuanjing's attitude might change, as no one can guarantee that he will always maintain this stance.

Thus, for the Sword Emperor and the sword cultivators, they absolutely won't sit by and do nothing, merely watching the Taoist Monarchs plot without acting; they are bound to mount some counterattacks and attempts.

This is why the Sword Emperor chooses this time to support Emperor Gouchen and to collaborate deeply with the Witch Deity Teaching.

As for Wanling Taoist Monarch's actions, they are actually simpler, as this is just the weak banding together for warmth.

As a top immortal sect, the Ten Thousand Spirits Sect and Wanling Taoist Monarch holds a peak status in this world, though it depends on who they compare with.

Compared to ordinary immortal sects and ordinary True Immortals and Taoist Monarchs, he naturally rules as an overlord, sitting imperiously over a region.

But compared to the colossal entity that is the Taoist School, or the Longevity Taoist Monarch, or even the combined force of several Taoist Monarchs in the Taoist School, he is unquestionably the weaker side.

Even if the Taoist School merely has thoughts of annexing the sword cultivators without particularly targeting the Ten Thousand Spirits Sect.

Still, as a weaker party, within this pack of tigers and wolves, banding together is instinctual. He cannot just watch as the Taoist School grows stronger day by day; even if the other side hasn't expressed an intention initially, a persistently strengthening Taoist School will undoubtedly have an impact.

"The presence of a powerful being is inherently a threat." Pei Xuanjing slightly shook his head, understanding well the alliances and maneuvers of these two sides, finding no surprises.

He was not born standing at the pinnacle; he rose from the most insignificant, step by step reaching his current position.

In certain times, Pei Xuanjing also had such feelings. He too felt his own insignificance, the anxiety of being in a Dark Forest, and the fear facing powerful forces even when they showed no malice, a fear born of his own weakness.

Therefore, he can empathize with the Sword Emperor and Wanling Taoist Monarch's concerns and fully understand their actions; from their standpoint, they are not wrong and would have acted similarly in his place.

Human nature instinctively seeks to protect its interests, especially when security is insufficient. Opting for any possible measures to safeguard oneself is beyond reproach.

However, understanding is one thing; Pei Xuanjing still does not approve, because the actions of the two, in a certain sense, place them in opposition to the Taoist School or directly against Pei Xuanjing himself, affecting some of his interests.

As one of the leaders of the Taoist School, even though Pei Xuanjing does nothing, as long as the Taoist School strengthens, he himself can still gain enough rewards, which is why he allows all kinds of actions within the Taoist School.

Because given Pei Xuanjing's status, any successful direction within the Taoist School marks him as a winner who can reap the profits.

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