A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 188 All Factions Gather
"Thank you, senior brother."

Regardless of the reason, since Senior Brother Gu Xu was willing to come out and oversee things, Jin Guang finally felt more confident. Seeing that Gu Xu had no other instructions, Jin Guang bowed again and left the room.

In the Xuanxin Hall, Jin Guang sat in the head seat, listening to Fu Yunzi's arrangements for the inauguration ceremony. Half an hour later, Fu Yunzi finished explaining everything in detail. After Jin Guang nodded in agreement, he took out an invitation list from his robes.

The disciples inside the hall took it and presented it to Jin Guang, who asked as he looked at it, "Which sects were invited?"

"Reporting to the sect leader, most of them are sects that are on good terms with the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect, such as Yunsong Temple, Wanjian Sect, Cangzhen Mountain, and Tianhai Sect."

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang's eyes flashed. He closed the list and instructed Fu Yunzi below, "The list cannot only invite these sects. Add Miao Yun Que and Qian Ji Men as well."

"Sect Master, these two sects have always been at odds with us, especially Miaoyunque, which has always wanted to compete with our Xuanxin Sect for the title of the number one sect in the world. What if..."

"The sect has suffered a great loss of strength, and this matter cannot be kept secret. Even if we don't say anything, do you think that Miaoyunque sect won't send people to infiltrate? Therefore, it's better to invite them in openly and put them under our noses. It's much easier than hiding them in the shadows."

"No need to ask any more questions, just do as I say, the sky won't fall down."

Seeing Fuyunzi's worried expression, Jin Guang offered a gentle reminder.

Upon hearing this, the latter was startled, and then his face lit up with excitement. He didn't ask any more questions, bowed, and left the main hall.

Five days passed in a flash. On the street where the Xuanxin Sect was located, a group of disciples dressed in Taoist robes lined up on both sides as guards. When the sun was high in the sky, figures began to appear at the end of the street. The first to appear were an old man and two young men, all dressed in moon-white robes. The old man held a whisk, while the two young men carried long swords on their backs.

The three walked across the street, and the old man looked at his disciples on both sides and nodded to himself.

"The Xuanxin Sect has firmly held the top position among the righteous sects for a thousand years. It is indeed a sect with a profound foundation. Even if it fought to a draw with the Yinyue Dynasty, its strength is still beyond our reach."

The old man felt a little relieved. As the head of Yun Song Temple, he naturally had to consider the interests between the two factions. If the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect really had lost all its elites as the rumors said, then he would have to face the relationship between the two factions again.

Fortunately, the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect had not reached the end of its rope, so I had the confidence to continue to stand on the side of the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect.

With a flick of his whisk, the old man continued walking forward, while his two disciples behind him had their eyes shining. They had never left the mountain gate before, and it was only because their master wanted to broaden their horizons that they had the opportunity to come out.

I had long heard that Xuanxin Sect was the number one sect in the world, and seeing it today, I can confirm that it lived up to its reputation. Even these guard disciples alone are considered to be carefully cultivated within their sect.

Just as the three arrived at the door, Fu Yunzi and several of his junior brothers were already waiting there. Upon seeing the three old men arrive, Fu Yunzi took the lead and respectfully bowed to the old man.

"Junior Fuyun greets True Man Muyang."

The others also bowed respectfully.

"No need for formalities, junior disciple. Has anyone arrived yet?" Master Muyang flicked his whisk, lifting everyone up, and then turned to ask Fuyun.

Upon hearing this, Fuyun immediately said, "Senior is the first to arrive. Senior Brother Qinglong is already waiting inside. Senior, please."

As he spoke, Fuyun gestured and led the way himself. Master Muyang nodded and followed behind. Just after stepping through the gate, the scenery before them changed.

The ground was covered with crystal and jade, reflecting the figures of the three people. Upon closer inspection, Master Muyang was momentarily dazed, but when he came to his senses, he felt completely refreshed. He turned around and looked at his two disciples, but they did not react at all.

"The Reflecting Heart and Illuminating the Divine Wall, alas, this time we have received a great favor."

Despite this, Master Muyang was not annoyed at all; on the contrary, he enjoyed it very much.

This "Reflecting Heart and Illuminating Divine Wall" is a rare treasure of the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect. As long as one stands on it, this treasure can point out all the shortcomings in one's cultivation. With the help of this treasure, one's future cultivation will surely be smooth sailing. Therefore, True Person Muyang had no choice but to accept this favor.

"Real person, please."

Seeing that there was no abnormality on Mu Yang Zhenren's face, Fu Yunzi felt relieved. It was also his suggestion to set up this "Reflecting Heart and Illuminating God Wall". Of course, this thing is only open to sects that are on good terms with Xuanxin Zhengzong. Moreover, this thing can only be used once in a lifetime. He was able to lay a solid foundation and eventually become one of the Seven Masters of Lingyun because of this treasure.

Just after Fu Yunzi and his group passed through the "Reflecting Heart and Illuminating Divine Wall", another group of people arrived from outside. The leader was tall and strong, with a resolute face, a straight nose and a square mouth. His eyes seemed to have tiny sword glints. Standing there, he looked like a divine sword soaring into the sky.

The six people behind him were all expressionless, their figures upright, like iron rulers.

Fang Kong, accompanied by six others, walked without stopping and soon arrived at the gate. Yue Yunzi was already waiting outside. Upon seeing that Fang Kong, the leader of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, had arrived, he hurriedly went forward to greet him.

After exchanging pleasantries, the group from the Ten Thousand Swords Sect entered the gate.

Inside the Xuanxin Hall, Jin Guang had already learned that the Wanjian Sect members had arrived. He gave Qinglong a look, and the latter stood up, nodded in agreement, apologized to Mu Yang Zhenren, and then quickly left the hall to wait outside.

In less than a moment, a flash of inspiration appeared, and Fang Kong and his seven companions emerged from the "Reflecting Heart and Illuminating Divine Wall." Looking at the Azure Dragon waiting ahead, Fang Kong strode forward, and the others hurriedly followed.

"Greetings, Azure Dragon General."

"Sect Leader Fang, it's been a long time. The Sect Master is waiting inside, and Master Muyang from Yunsong Temple has also arrived. Please."

Qinglong greeted him with a smile and gestured for him to follow. Fang Kong's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he nodded and bowed before Qinglong heading towards the main hall.

"Although the Azure Dragon's aura is somewhat weakened, it is not in mortal danger. The rumors outside are indeed unbelievable."

Before coming here, Fang Kong had heard many rumors, the truth of which was hard to discern. Now, after traveling all this way, the Xuanxin Sect not only did not become stagnant, but instead had a feeling of being reborn. His senses were always sharp, and the more he investigated, the more he could perceive that vibrant life force, like the rising sun shining brightly in the sky, making people feel insignificant.

Half a moment later, Qinglong led Fang Kong and the others to the Xuanxin Hall.

Upon entering the main hall, Fang Kong felt an invisible pressure, and his true energy was sealed. Although it disappeared quickly, it made him feel alarmed. Moreover, he discovered that the other three Xuan Generals were also in the hall, which dispelled his last doubts.

"Greetings, Sect Master Jin Guang."

Fang Kong looked at Jin Guang as he stood up and bowed respectfully. Although Jin Guang's cultivation was slightly weaker, since he was already the appointed sect leader, he could not be disrespectful. The disciples behind him also bowed.

"Greetings, Sect Leader Fang. Please take a seat and let's talk."

Jin Guang returned the greeting, and Fang Kong sat down in the lower seat, with the other disciples standing behind him.

"Master Muyang, I didn't expect you to arrive so early."

"Sect Leader Fang is not slow either."

Master Muyang chuckled softly, and the two exchanged a knowing smile.

As the two were talking, a clear, melodious, and lingering sound of a jade chime suddenly reached everyone's ears.

"Sect Master, True Person Tianyun of Miaoyunque has arrived at Zhengxin Street with eighteen disciples." A disciple came up and reported.

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang's eyes flashed with a sharp light. It seemed that Tianyun Zhenren, as the head of Miaoyunque, had come here in person to test him.

“Master Tianyun is of noble status, so I will personally go to greet him. The Four Generals of Xuanxin will accompany me to greet him.”

Regardless of the grudges between the two sides, the proper etiquette must not be abandoned. This True Man Tianyun is of the same generation as the former sect leader True Man Xiaofeng. He is the highest-ranking person in the current righteous and demonic sects. Every word and action of Xuanxin Zhengzong will be magnified. If he is accused of disrespecting his elders, he will undoubtedly attract attention.

"Master Tianyun is a senior grandmaster and the leader of the Golden Light Sect. Why don't we go together?"

Master Muyang and Fang Kong also wanted to see what Miaoyunque was up to. In any case, they had already decided to stand on the side of Xuanxin Orthodox Sect, so having a clear idea in advance would allow them to act with a clear purpose.

"Alright, you two, please come with me."

With the golden light in front, Mu Yang Zhenren and Fang Kong followed a step behind, with the four Xuanxin generals following behind. The group left the main hall in a grand manner. Just as they reached the Liangyi Square, they saw a group of Taoist priests with an air of otherworldly elegance walking out of the light gate.

The leading Taoist priest had white hair and a youthful face, with a ruddy complexion. He wore a Taoist robe with crane patterns, a fish-tail crown, and cloud-ascending shoes. He held a smooth jade ruler in his hand, and his whole body exuded a natural and mysterious aura. This person was none other than the current head of the Misty Cloud Palace, True Man Tianyun. He had cultivated for more than three cycles of sixty years and had reached the realm of oneness with heaven and man. The next step would be the realm of ascending to immortality.

"Master Tianyun, your presence is an honor. I am sorry for not being able to greet you properly."

The golden light swept over the seventeen people behind True Person Tianyun. Each of them had a restrained brilliance and a long, deep aura. They were among the top disciples in the Xuanxin Sect. It seemed that this person was really planning to give the Xuanxin Sect a hard time by making such a big show of himself.

"Sect Master Jin Guang, there's no need for such formalities. Your senior master Xiao Feng and I are close friends. Now that you have become the new sect master, your status and position are no longer comparable to before. From now on, you should no longer use the term 'senior'."

When Master Tianyun saw the crowd behind the golden light, a hint of doubt appeared in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it and greeted the golden light with a friendly smile.

“Senior, etiquette cannot be disregarded. Even if Jin Guang becomes the sect leader, let alone now that he is only acting sect leader, we cannot disregard seniority and etiquette. Otherwise, wouldn’t Jin Guang be considered a traitor to his master and ancestors? Senior, don’t you agree?”

Jin Guang understood the meaning behind Tianyun Zhenren's words perfectly. If he listened to him, he didn't know what others would say behind his back. As for himself, Jin Guang wouldn't care, but since it concerned the reputation of Xuanxin Zhengzong, he couldn't be careless.

"What Sect Master Jin Guang said is very polite. If that's the case, then this humble Taoist will presume to take the liberty."

"You flatter me, senior. Please come inside for a chat. Please."

Jin Guang gestured to make way, and Tianyun Zhenren bowed, indicating that Jin Guang should go first. Upon seeing this, Jin Guang took the lead, while Tianyun Zhenren followed half a step behind as they walked towards the main hall.

The others followed closely behind. After taking their seats in the main hall and exchanging a few pleasantries, Master Tianyun placed his jade ruler and said solemnly, "Sect Master Jinguang, I have a request. If it is convenient for you, please tell us a little about it so that we may be informed."

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang straightened up, fixed his gaze on him, and asked in a deep voice, "I wonder what True Person Tianyun wants to ask?"

Fang Kong and Mu Yang Zhenren also turned their gazes to Tian Yun at the same time, to see what he would say.

"I heard that a few months ago, the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect and the Yinyue Dynasty had a conflict in Honghe Village. I wonder what the reason was?"

Although Master Tianyun claimed that his own Miaoyunque was no less than Xuanxin Zhengzong, it could not compare in terms of heritage. Miaoyunque had only been passed down for a total of six hundred years, while Xuanxin Zhengzong and Yinyue Dynasty had been passed down for a thousand years.

The conflict between the righteous and demonic factions in a village seemed rather suspicious. Both factions had long histories and must know some little-known secrets. His personal investigation confirmed his suspicions.

Although the traces of the battle in Honghe Village were deliberately concealed, Master Tianyun could already tell from some clues how fierce the battle was, and there must be more to it than met the eye. In addition, the sudden disappearance of Yan Chixia and his wife and Jin Guang taking over the sect must be hiding a shocking secret behind all these events.

That's why he came here in person this time, trying to get some information out of Jin Guang.

"So this is what you wanted to ask about, Master. It's not exactly a secret. Our sect learned in advance that a baby born with extreme Yin energy would be born in Honghe Village. We originally wanted to resolve the potential threat beforehand, but the Yin Yue Dynasty found out about it. After a fierce battle, our sect still came out slightly ahead."

Jin Guang's words were mostly true, but only partially true, which convinced most of the people below.

Those born with extreme Yin energy have always been excellent candidates for cultivating demonic techniques. If the Yin Moon Dynasty were to obtain them, they would undoubtedly become a major adversary of the righteous sects in the coming decades. In more serious cases, they might even overturn both the righteous and demonic paths. It is understandable that the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect wants to resolve this issue ahead of time.

"Sect Master Jin Guang, how is that Yin-bound infant?"

Real Person Muyang, who was standing nearby, sensed the unspoken meaning in the words and asked the question at the opportune moment.

"He was killed by Senior Brother Yan himself, his soul and spirit utterly destroyed," Jin Guang said with a sorrowful expression.
Upon hearing this, Master Muyang sighed, lightly waved his whisk, and sat down without saying a word.

Upon hearing this, Master Tianyun's expression shifted. Now things made sense. Although Yan Chixia killed a newborn baby for the sake of the sect, he couldn't get over it in his heart, which is why he resigned from the position of sect leader.

Based on her understanding of Yan Chixia, this was highly likely. Since Sima Sanniang and Yan Chixia were husband and wife, she would naturally follow her husband when he left.

"I see. Sect Master Jin Guang, it was my rudeness. Please forgive me. I will keep this matter a secret."

Master Tianyun held the jade ruler in his hand, stood up, and bowed to express his apology. This matter was originally a private matter within the Xuanxin Sect, but his questioning of it was like rubbing salt into their wounds, which was truly unkind.

Although he intended to damage the reputation of the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect, he couldn't make a big deal out of this matter.

Firstly, it was a matter of saving face. Among the sects present, only Miaoyunque and Xuanxin Zhengzong had a conflict. Once this matter was exposed, he would be the first to be suspected. For Miaoyunque and Tianyun Zhenren, who always valued their reputation, this was absolutely intolerable.

Secondly, if this matter is really exposed, there will only be one result: the prestige of the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect will rise rather than fall. He has already thought about how the righteous people will view the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect.

As the sect leader, Yan Chixia disregarded his personal reputation and killed the evil infant for the sake of the future of the righteous path. He was truly a chivalrous and loyal man. The Xuanxin Sect deserves to be called the number one righteous sect in the world for being able to cultivate such a person.

The second reason is also the most important reason why Master Tianyun kept his mouth shut.

After this matter was put aside, everyone quickly found another topic to talk about. About three quarters of an hour later, a disciple came to report that Qianji Pavilion, Cangzhen Mountain, and Tianhai Sect had arrived.

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang nodded and waved for the disciple to leave. These sects were not worthy of his status to greet them; the Seven Masters of Floating Clouds were sufficient.

Before long, the three factions appeared in the Two Elements Square. Yuan Ming, the leader of the Thousand Machines Pavilion, had a sallow complexion, wore a gray-blue robe, and held two shiny copper balls in his hands. Behind him were three disciples.

"Master Yuan, Brother Duan, it's been a long time."

Gu Wenshao, the leader of the Tianhai Sect, had a delicate appearance, but his eyes were bright and piercing. He wore a robe with water patterns, waved a folding fan, and bowed to Yuan Ming and Duan Jing. Two disciples followed behind him.

"How has Sect Leader Gu been?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Ming raised his hand in a salute and exchanged a few casual pleasantries with Gu Wenshao.

"Brother Gu, it's been quite a while since we last met."

Duan Jing, the master of Cangzhen Mountain, with a long sword at his waist and dressed as a scholar, greeted Gu Wenshao with a smile. Yuan Ming gave a slight nod as a greeting.

Before the three could exchange more than a few words, Fu Yunzi stepped forward and respectfully said, "The three sect leaders are waiting inside. Several seniors from Miaoyunque, Wanjianmen and Yunsongguan have also arrived."

Upon hearing that they had arrived at Miaoyun Pavilion, Yuan Ming's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he said solemnly, "You two, hurry up and go in, don't keep Sect Master Jin Guang waiting."

Gu and Duan nodded, and the three of them, along with their disciples, followed Fu Yunzi. Before long, they arrived at the Xuanxin Hall.

"Greetings, Sect Master Jin Guang, and greetings, True Person Tianyun."

When the three of them saw that it was True Person Tianyun who had come from Miaoyun Palace, they were immediately startled. After all, he was a senior expert, and they could not be careless in showing him the proper etiquette.

"Gentlemen, there's no need for such formalities. I've come here simply to observe the ceremony. Sect Master Jin Guang, do you know how appropriate it is to hold this ceremony?"

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Yuan Ming and the other two, Master Tianyun asked Jin Guang a question.

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang nodded to Qinglong Xuanjiang, who understood, stood up, and clasped his hands in a salute to everyone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the inauguration ceremony will begin in half an hour. Please proceed to the main hall to observe the ceremony."

The Xuanxin Hall consists of three halls: one main hall and two auxiliary halls. They are currently in the left hall, which is used to entertain distinguished guests. The main hall is generally not open to anyone other than the sect leader unless it is a grand festival.

"Everyone, please."

Jin Guang gave instructions to the four generals of Xuanxin, then apologized to Tianyun and the others before leading Fuyun and the others into the side hall beside him.

Led by the four Xuanxin generals, Tianyun and his disciples led their disciples out of the main hall and arrived at a place shrouded in mist. The mist was so thick that its appearance was difficult to discern, but a sense of weight emanating from it made Tianyun and the others feel a chill.

The four Xuanxin generals held four tokens of different colors and shone them forward. A golden beam of light shone on the clouds and mist, which immediately parted to reveal a blue stone path. At the end of the path stood a magnificent golden palace, radiating light and appearing even more majestic amidst the swirling clouds and mist.

(End of this chapter)