Chapter 324

Chapter 324: The Peak of Martial Arts in the Mortal World (1)

Deep in the midst of a hundred thousand mountains lies the Yunxiao Sect.

As the Yunxiao Sect Leader listened to his Taoist Child recount the situation, his brows gradually furrowed into a frown.

"Yuhua met his end at the hands of a mere mortal, hmm?" The Yunxiao Sect Leader’s gaze was sharp as he stared at Taoist Child Yu Shan, causing the latter to feel immense pressure.

"Yu Shan, are you hiding something?" the sect leader asked again.

"How would I dare to hide anything from you, Master?" Yu Shan hesitated for a moment before speaking up:

"Before the incident, I heard Senior Brother Yuhua speculate that the Qiao family member was actually a demon disguised as a human, likely a descendant of some earth-type spiritual beast, who possessed earth escape techniques."

"Isn’t he just a regular person?" The sect leader’s tightly furrowed brows relaxed a bit.

It’s just too unbelievable that a regular person killed the Nascent Soul Elder of the Immortal Gate.

But after expelling the Qiao family member, things suddenly became much more reasonable.

After all…

Even though the demonic tribe cannot defeat cultivators, they, led by the demon king, cannot represent the entire cultivation world like the Yunxiao Sect.

Back then, during the chaos in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths and the internal fighting in the Immortal Gate, the Yunxiao Sect suffered a great loss when they were attacked by a group of demons led by the demon king, ending up in their current predicament.

While other Immortal Gates may underestimate the demonic tribe, they certainly won’t.

"The immediate priority is how to handle the aftermath." The sect leader rubbed his forehead, feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

With the decline of the Yunxiao Sect’s strength, if this matter is known by the other Eight Immortal Gates, it would likely be quickly divided and destroyed.

For such a big matter, the leader of Yunxiao Sect naturally didn’t put all his eggs in one basket and came up with three plans in total.

"Sky Piercing Demon King", "Mountain Mother", "Earthly Immortal Kingdom".

"Sky Piercing Water Spirit went out of control and escaped, Jingwei Bird revived but went missing, and a new enemy called Qiao Xin, a big demon, appeared."

"The plan of "Earthly Immortal Kingdom" also faced setbacks and needed someone to handle the aftermath and reorganize the rebel army."

The sect leader rubbed his forehead, feeling that the manpower of the sect was a bit stretched.

After Immortal Yu Hua passed away.

The entire Yunxiao Sect Nascent Soul Elders, along with four others, were all from the "cloud" generation, cultivators of the same generation as him.

So here comes the question: with such a big oversight now, there are only four Nascent Soul Elders available. How can they be assigned to these three major plans?

In theory…. Taoist Child Yu Shan and Immortal Yu Hua, as the main figures in the "Sky Piercing Demon King" plan, should have more than enough resources. Who would have thought it would turn into a disaster?

"Forget it…. I will take action," said the sect leader.

"I will personally go to the Sky Piercing River and find the water spirit that has hidden in the river."

According to the sect leader’s judgment, this is the most urgent matter at hand.

The "Sky Piercing Demon King" plan is a legacy from the ancient Mahayana cultivator in the sect. If this plan fails, even a powerful Soul Changing Taoist Lord like the sect leader cannot create another "Sky Piercing Water Spirit."

Moreover…. as the Sky Piercing Water Spirit returns to the Sky Piercing River like a dragon returning to the sea, its growth speed will be very fast.

The longer this matter drags on, the more difficult it will become, so it needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.

As the most powerful Soul Changing Taoist Lord in the sect, the sect leader naturally has to focus on the most important matters.

"Why doesn’t the master go catch that Jingwei Bird?" Yu Shan hesitated.

"That Jingwei Bird is an ancient divine bird. It is unlikely that another ancestral divine bird like it can be found in this world."

"Yu Shan, stop thinking about the mythical Jingwei Bird," the sect leader shook his head.

"The Jingwei Bird, born from obsession, is very difficult to tame: if it submits to our sect, it may lose its obsession and fade away."

"Better to have one bird in your hand than ten in the forest."

"The Sky Piercing Water Spirit is a young monster, like a blank canvas, perfect to become the Immortal Gate’s mountain-protecting spiritual beast."

"Of course, we can’t leave the Jingwei Bird unattended; the other elders will try to capture it."

The sect leader’s gaze fell upon Taoist Child Yu Shan, his expression unusually serious, sending shivers down the latter’s spine.

"For now, you don’t need to worry about this matter."

"Your only task now is to quickly break through to the Nascent Soul Stage."

"We are in need of your abilities; advancing to the Nascent Soul Stage as soon as possible could help alleviate our sect’s current predicament."

After speaking, a storage bag suddenly flew up and landed in Yu Shan’s hand.

"Inside are Nascent Soul Pills and the Incense Symbol of Divine Fire needed for the Nascent Soul Stage… Take these and break through as soon as you can."

"Thank you, revered Sect Leader." Taoist Child Yu Shan was overjoyed, but for some reason, he felt the Sect Leader’s gaze was sharp like needles, adding a mysterious pressure.

Yu Shan quickly excused himself for closed-door cultivation and breakthrough preparation, then turned into a rainbow and returned to his cave.

The Sect Leader watched Yu Shan leave, his gaze turning slightly cold.

"Yu Shan, it seems you are indeed hiding something… Oh well."

Whether it was Yu Shan or Yuhua, both were proud disciples under his command.

These two had some minor conflicts, and the Sect Leader was not completely unaware.

However, Immortal Yuhua was already dead.

A deceased Nascent Soul Elder is not as important as a living Taoist Child.

"Summon the other four elders," said the sect leader as he took out the Message Jade Talisman with a deep gaze.

The death of a Nascent Soul Elder outside is a big deal for the entire Yunxiao Sect, especially when it involves the survival of the Immortal Gate!

The situation in Yunxiao Sect is urgent now. Not to mention the four elders and their golden core disciples, even the sect leader himself may have to personally take care of things.

No matter what.

Once the sect leader subdues the spirit of the Sky Piercing River and takes action, all the unrest will be suppressed.

………………..

The mist filled the mountains and forests, creating a beautiful and magical scene.

Storyteller Clairvoyance and the half-stone monster Stone Le also walked into the mist and finally saw a quaint building in the distance, the Tide Listening Building they had been longing for.

"Finally arrived."

Both Clairvoyance felt relieved.

Martial Saint was a dangerous person. Although they had not clashed before, it didn’t mean they wouldn’t in the future.

Landlord Nian Chao Sheng of Tide Listening Building was always peaceful. He had not interfered in any martial arts matters since Martial Saint rose to power decades ago.

Martial Saint from decades ago naturally had some wariness towards Tide Listening Building, maintaining a peaceful coexistence.

But times had changed, Martial Saint had switched from practicing the "Martial Saint Spiritual Technique" to the "Taotie Swallowing Heaven Skill," a powerful and fast-developing skill.

Given his nature, if Martial Saint gained power, he would not fear even the Immortal Gate, let alone Tide Listening Building.

Stepping into Tide Listening Building, both Clairvoyance relaxed inexplicably.

Landlord Nian Chao Sheng, with his handsome scholarly appearance, remained as calm as ever, standing by the railing enjoying a drink and the view.

"Landlord, something big has happened."

Storyteller Clairvoyance hurriedly said.

"Oh, something big has happened again." Nian Chao Sheng didn’t take it seriously, gently shaking a folding fan in his hand.

"Every time you guys come, it’s always with this phrase? Don’t panic, stay calm."

"In Tide Listening Building, we are like some wise characters from a different world. Even if one is not skilled, one must have a sense of nobility."

"So, who has died this time?"

"Nascent Soul ElderImmortal Yu Hua from the Yunxiao Sect was killed by a member of the Qiao family!" Clairvoyance said.

This time, Nian Chao Sheng didn’t say anything, he just glanced at Clairvoyance.

"It’s true…" Immediately, Clairvoyance recounted everything he had seen outside Linhe City.

"A single sword stroke breaks the waves apart, and the sword energy crosses a hundred meters?" Nian Chao Sheng nodded slightly.

"It seems that Dao Zhen has cultivated his martial energy."

"True energy?" interrupted Storyteller Jiang Chen.

He was originally in the building, but was drawn in by the conversation between Clairvoyance and Landlord.

"It’s what those superb martial artists have been talking about in recent decades," Nian Chao Sheng said.

"After reaching a superb level of internal strength, this surpassing energy is given names like true energy, true essence, elemental force by them."

"True energy is the most commonly used term."

"Although what they cultivate may have slight differences, it’s essentially the same thing. At most, it’s just their own true energy characteristics or differences in their techniques."

"Nine out of ten superb martial artists in this world focus on spiritual refinement."

"After reaching a high level of spiritual refinement, most skilled martial artists will focus on developing strong internal power, taking the second step on the path of excellence."

First comes spiritual refinement to a high level, then comes a transformation in internal strength to an excellent level.

This is considered the mainstream path to excellence.

"It’s considered mainstream, but there are very few skilled martial artists, and even fewer who can take the second step," Nian Chao Sheng said.

Clairvoyance listened to Landlord Nian Chao Sheng’s words with admiration.

"Landlord knows a lot," Clairvoyance thought.

"So if one cultivates martial energy, they can control waves with a sword and defeat powerful opponents?"

Nian Chao Sheng paused for a moment and quickly put away his folding fan.

"It’s not that simple. If cultivating inner energy were so powerful, martial arts would have long surpassed the realm of immortals. It seems that Qiao Xin has a unique destiny."

Clairvoyance, deep in thought, asked with a glimmer of hope:

"Landlord, do you think it’s possible that Qiao Xin’s true energy could really defeat Nascent Soul?"

"Impossible, absolutely impossible!" Nian Chao Sheng glanced at Clairvoyance.

Despite being a half-demon, Clairvoyance seemed more human since leaving the solitary city in the desert.

His words clearly showed his hope for mortal martial artists to find a path comparable to immortals.

But Nian Chao Sheng harshly shattered his hopes:

"Advancements in martial arts are discovered bit by bit by each generation of martial artists."

"Rushing forward often leads to a dangerous path of obsession."

"The martial arts from prominent families may seem ancient, but they are often innovations passed down through generations."

"This breathing technique is a new thing that has only been around for the past hundred years. It’s not widely known and not perfect."

"Hoping to rely on martial arts and immortal ways to resist Dao Zhen is just a fantasy."

"Could it be that even the Martial Saint cannot–" Clairvoyance asked again.

"Being the Martial Saint is a different matter," Nian Chao Sheng shook his head.

"The only way to progress rapidly in cultivation and make great leaps is through evil techniques like Absorbing Energy Method, Martial Saint Spiritual Technique, and Taotie Swallowing Heaven Skill."

"The main reason the Immortal Gate Nascent Soul Elder died at the hands of a Qiao family member is likely due to underestimating the enemy," Nian Chao Sheng smiled lightly.

"The Immortal Gate has always been like this."

"The cultivator’s greatest enemy is each other. That’s why the Immortal Gate never underestimates another Immortal Gate."

"But for others, like ordinary people or martial artists, they are naturally not considered important to them."

"Holding onto many powerful tools and spells without using them is useless."

"And the same goes for Qiao Xin," Nian Chao Sheng said, looking down with a slightly sad expression.

"If he underestimates his opponent and thinks he can easily defeat an elder from the Immortal Gate, disaster is inevitable."

"The Nine Heavenly Immortal Gates are all prestigious sects with True Immortal heritage, not to be underestimated."

"The Landlord is really impressive, with such broad knowledge," a storyteller praised.

As the two talked, more storytellers on the terrace were drawn to their conversation and gathered around.

This was definitely some well-deserved flattery.

With a snap, Nian Chao Sheng opened his folding fan and grinned with satisfaction.

"That’s right. Have a look at the influence of our Tide Listening Building."

"In the world of martial arts, there are four powerful techniques, each with its own leader."

"But when it comes to discussing strategies and guiding the country, my Tide Listening Building is naturally the best in the world!" Nian Chao Sheng laughed loudly.

"Great!"

"Great at strategizing on paper to be the best in the world!"

The other storytellers felt no shame at all. They even raised their glasses to toast each other, filling the building with a lively atmosphere.

Storyteller Jiang Chen blended in with the group of laughing monsters and demons, feeling that the atmosphere of Tide Listening Building was really wonderful!

They either tried to come up with extraordinary stories or focused on making big news, or simply enjoyed drinking and having fun with their brothers in the building.

After some thought, Jiang Chen suggested:

"Qiao Xin’s wave-splitting sword technique, cutting down Nascent Souls, is truly remarkable. But does this mean we have to change our Martial Arts Ranking List again?"

The people who were drinking and having fun paused slightly and turned to look at Jiang Chen.

After a brief silence, everyone showed excited expressions.

"It’s starting, it’s starting, we can finally unleash our battle power!"

"Yes, I love unleashing my battle power the most."

"The first on the Power List, Demon Spear Qin Li, died in battle, and a member of the Qiao family has emerged with the martial spirit of Dao Zhen. So, this newly emerged Qiao Xin, is probably more than just a simple first on the list, right?"

Everyone’s gaze turned towards Clairvoyance and Half Stone Monster Leilei.

These two people had witnessed the disaster of the flood in Linhe City with their own eyes.

Clairvoyance closed his eyes and pondered for a moment, as if recalling the shocking scene he had witnessed before.

"With a single sword breaking through the waves, this person’s achievement in the path of internal strength undoubtedly surpasses the accumulation of Founding Emperor Yan’s three hundred years."

"This incredible inner strength is a combination of spiritual and physical power. Judging by Qiao Xin’s ability to defeat Nascent Soul, he should be the strongest in both power and spirit!"

"So, the first on both lists… The top of the Power List, Demon Spear Qin Li, has already died in battle, leaving the top spot vacant…"

"Who is stronger, the Martial Saint or Qiao Xin? The Martial Saint, who has claimed to be second best for decades but never made it onto the Martial Arts Ranking List, does he have a challenger today?"

The Martial Saint is not one to stay hidden.

Especially since Emperor Yonghe was assassinated and Jiu Province fell into chaos, the Martial Saint has emerged from hiding, turning the entire Jiu Province into his hunting ground, even for the Wuji Association.

Except for Zhong Province where Founding Emperor Yan resides, which is slightly better.

In the other eight provinces, many disciples of the Immortal Gate and skilled martial artists have been attacked and killed, their spirits consumed as nourishment.

The place with the highest casualties is actually within the one hundred thousand mountains of Southwest Province.

"Landlord, landlord, can you speak?"

Some storytellers were arguing loudly, and one of them brought up the owner of the Tide Listening Building.

"In the Tide Listening Building’s Martial Arts Ranking List, where should this newcomer Qiao Xin be placed? What do you think?"

When it comes to the Tide Listening Building, the most knowledgeable person is Landlord Nian Chao Sheng without a doubt.

His opinion holds a lot of weight.

"I’ll just watch," Nian Chao Sheng said calmly, not getting involved in the discussion.

"Let’s not be too critical," he added lightly.

"Qiao Xin defeated a Nascent Soul Elder from the Yunxiao Sect!"

"No matter what happened in the actual battle, results speak for themselves."

"Based on this victory, Qiao Xin can be considered the best martial artist!"

"These people no longer need my Tide Listening Building to help them become famous, instead, it is the Martial Arts Ranking List that needs their names to prove its authority."

"Even if he, like the Martial Saint, doesn’t appear on the list… based on the reputation of this battle alone, he can still be seen as the pinnacle of martial arts in the eyes of martial artists in the martial arts world!"

"At this point, how we rank him in our Martial Arts Ranking List is actually not important anymore."

Nian Chao Sheng’s words left everyone speechless.

The storytellers who have been ranking for so many years only realized Qiao Xin’s significance after Nian Chao Sheng’s words.

"The Landlord has a keen eye." Storyteller Clairvoyance pondered for a moment, then wrote a comment on the paper with a flourish…

…………………….

Three days later.

Linhe City, inside the Mountain and Sea Inn along the main road.

Wei En was sitting quietly by the window at the Eight Immortals table, drinking tea.

After the incident in Xishan Village, Wei En received a message from Hai Siyuan of Peach Blossom Villa through a carrier pigeon.

However, as a government official, Wei En couldn’t leave Zhong Province easily. He actually had other official business for this trip.

Putting official matters before personal matters, Wei En decided to handle his business in Linhe City first before searching for Peach Blossom Villa in the mountains.