Both sides relied on their respective networks to find witnesses. Although they would generally maintain impartiality, there would inevitably be some bias during critical moments.
Taiyi Sect had only been established for less than a hundred years and had limited external interactions. On the other hand, Zhao Family, as a local power rooted in the area for three hundred years, undoubtedly had a far-reaching network surpassing that of Taiyi Sect.
Thinking of this, Meng Zhang felt a bit troubled.
As a transmigrator, Meng Zhang had always harbored an inexplicable sense of superiority. Moreover, due to possessing exceptional spiritual roots, he had been highly regarded by Taiyi Sect's previous Sect Master, Daoist Profound Spirit, since he was young.
Therefore, Meng Zhang was very proud in his heart. Even if he didn't show it on the surface, he didn't really hold the so-called Foundation Building sects in high regard.
With Meng Zhang's aptitude, achieving the Foundation Building Cultivation Base was only a matter of time. Even glimpsing the Gold Core realm was not an impossible task.
Now, Meng Zhang reflected on himself and realized that his mindset was not in the right place.
No matter what, he was currently just a Refining Qi stage cultivator, overseeing a small sect.
Since he belonged to a small sect, there were many limitations and compromises he had to make. When he should be humble, he should be humble. When he should act as if he were naive, he should play that role.
It was foolish to hold on to a high and mighty attitude, refusing to humble oneself.
Small forces needed to possess the wisdom to survive in difficult circumstances, struggling to survive in the cracks. It was never an easy task.
Not to mention acting with elegance and grace, at the very least, one should be kind to others and make more friends.
Even if it went against one's heart and caused some grievances, one should endure it honestly.
The pretentious and self-righteous behavior of a teenager who daydreamed about being in the center of the world would never qualify as a competent Sect Master.
Having realized this, Meng Zhang finally let go of many unnecessary burdens in his heart.
Now, the most important thing was to put aside his pride and find witnesses with enough weight.
First, Meng Zhang rushed to Singing Sand City and pestered Shi Weiming, asking him to find a credible witness for him.
Shi Weiming still maintained the same excuses, claiming they were only engaged in small-scale business and would not get involved in the conflicts between local families and sects.
However, this time, Meng Zhang wouldn't easily let him off. He was determined to make him help.
Meng Zhang was persuasive, stressing that he wasn't asking Shi Weiming to meddle in the disputes between Taiyi Sect and Zhao Family. He just needed help finding a witness.
Meng Zhang grabbed onto Shi Weiming, acting as if they had a long-standing friendship, implying that he wouldn't leave until he got the favor.
Finally, what moved Shi Weiming wasn't their years of trading relationship. It was when Meng Zhang revealed that Taiyi Sect's spiritual field had greatly improved, and they were preparing to use all of it for cultivating spirit flowers and herbs.
With this, Shi Weiming finally relented and agreed to find a credible witness.
With the information obtained from Shi Weiming, Meng Zhang immediately rushed to Forest Mountain School.
Xu Chengxian, the Sect Master of Forest Mountain School, was perhaps the most amiable senior cultivator that Meng Zhang knew. He didn't carry the air of a Sect Master and treated junior cultivators with respect, even showing fairness to small sects like Taiyi Sect.
Upon arriving at Forest Mountain School, Meng Zhang smoothly met with Xu Chengxian, who warmly received him with a friendly attitude.
However, when Meng Zhang asked Xu Chengxian to be a witness for the upcoming battle, Xu Chengxian surprisingly declined in a tactful manner.
Meng Zhang had thought Xu Chengxian would be the most likely to be persuaded, but he unexpectedly hit a roadblock.
Meng Zhang even lowered his pride and pleaded softly, but Xu Chengxian remained polite yet firm in his refusal.
Realizing that he couldn't convince Xu Chengxian, Meng Zhang felt disappointed. Before leaving, he couldn't help but say, "Since Senior is unwilling to help, then I'll try my luck at Qiaoshou Sect."
Xu Chengxian burst into laughter upon hearing this. "Junior Sect Master Meng, if you trust this old man, then don't go to Qiaoshou Sect and face rejection."
"Qiaoshou Sect's relationship with Zhao Family runs much deeper than you know. Not to mention, Zhao Family's Zhao Yang's wife is from Qiaoshou Sect."
"Furthermore, Jin Qigu of Twin Success Valley has already intended to betroth his niece to Zhao Jiudou."
"If it weren't for Zhao Jiudou's desire to break through to the Foundation Building stage and reluctance to deplete his essence, they might have already been married."
Forest Mountain School had a long history and influence that far surpassed Zhao Family's, so its information network was undoubtedly well-informed. Xu Chengxian had no reason to deceive Meng Zhang on this matter.
Hearing Xu Chengxian's words, Meng Zhang felt a coldness in his heart. With Qiaoshou Sect, a Foundation Building sect, assisting Zhao Family, even if he managed to win against Zhao Family in the upcoming battle, there was no guarantee he could keep that spiritual vein.
What should he do? Should he give up on the spiritual vein now?
The relationships between these cultivation forces were indeed complex.
Feeling utterly disappointed, Meng Zhang suddenly felt a stroke of luck and prostrated himself on the ground.
"Senior, please instruct me on what I should do. I will never forget your great kindness."
Xu Chengxian waved his hand. "As this old man said before, I shouldn't interfere in the grudges between Taiyi Sect and Zhao Family."
"Speaking of which, I have known your Taiyi Sect's previous Sect Master, Daoist Profound Spirit, for many years."
"By the way, do you remember Shan Ying, the senior from Twin Success Valley?"
Xu Chengxian changed the subject and asked an unrelated question.
[Read at /maxnkoga , without ads and support the work.]