A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 261 The Sect's Back Road
Inside the entrance hall, Gu Xu sat upright on a white jade altar. As he continuously circulated his magical power, wisps of spiritual energy from the altar beneath him surged up and merged into Gu Xu's body, causing his aura to rise steadily.

Just as the golden light arrived, Gu Xu finished his practice. Five-colored light flashed behind Gu Xu in turn, eventually returning to the black and white energies and slowly merging into Gu Xu's body.

"The sect leader is not outside. What brings you here?" Gu Xu opened his eyes, looked at the golden light standing in the distance, and said slowly.

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang immediately stepped forward, bowed to Gu Xu, and then recounted the previous matter of the alliance between the various factions.

“Although Jin Guang is the head of a sect, this move is related to the future of the sect. Jin Guang really dares not act arbitrarily, so he came here to ask his senior brother for his opinion.”

When Gu Xu heard about the alliance, his expression turned serious. Although the alliance seemed very simple, there were many intricacies involved. First of all, the leading sect had to be identified. Otherwise, even if the alliance was forcibly formed, it would be nothing more than a scattered mess that would disintegrate at the slightest breeze. However, in Gu Xu's eyes, this potential problem was not a big issue.

The Xuanxin Sect has a history of over a thousand years and a profound foundation. Its strength far surpasses that of other sects. The only sect that posed a threat, Miaoyunque, has been greatly weakened. Now that an alliance has been established, the Xuanxin Sect can decide everything with a single word.

However, with great power comes great responsibility. In the event of a crisis, Xuanxin Zhengzong must at least be at the forefront. If they only care about protecting themselves, their morale will decline in the long run, and they may eventually become the target of public criticism and suffer a fatal blow.

The Yun Song Guan faction had this idea: to put Xuan Xin Zheng Zong at the forefront and bear the pressure so that they could achieve better development. Gu Xu believed that Jin Guang could also see the trick behind it. However, since these factions dared to say it openly, they were obviously prepared to pay a certain price.

"The alliance can be established. A hundred years later, the heavenly secrets will change, and the righteous path will decline. The combined efforts of all sects may be able to survive the calamity; otherwise, the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect will be obliterated in history."

Upon hearing Gu Xu's words, Jin Guang's expression changed drastically. He hurriedly looked at Gu Xu on the altar and asked urgently, "Senior brother, what exactly is going on? Can a century-long change be so intense?"

Gu Xu's words left Jin Guang no choice but to think. Although he could see that the heavenly secrets would change in a hundred years, he had not foreseen the destruction of the Xuanxin Sect. Jin Guang had great faith in Gu Xu's heavenly predictions. His words almost sealed the fate of the Xuanxin Sect a hundred years from now.

"The Xuanxin Orthodox Sect originally existed to fight against the Yinyue Dynasty. Now that the Yinyue Dynasty has been destroyed, the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect has no value to exist. You should understand this better than I do."

Gu Xu's calm words made Jin Guang's expression turn serious. Indeed, the founding principle of Xuanxin Zhengzong was to uphold righteousness and ward off evil. Now that the demonic path has been temporarily destroyed, and after this battle, Xuanxin Zhengzong's reputation has reached its peak, what will the emperor in the palace think? The emperor's mind is unpredictable, and Jin Guang is unwilling to entrust the safety of his sect to the emperor.

"Senior brother, do you have a good plan?"

After pondering for a while, Jin Guang had some ideas in mind, but he still asked Gu Xu for advice.

"Now that my responsibilities to the sect are fulfilled, it is time for me to retire. I have been cultivating in the world for a thousand years, and now I should properly digest the accumulation of these thousand years."

For the past thousand years, the Xuanxin Sect has focused more on combat than cultivation. Therefore, although the sect has no shortage of top cultivators, it lacks many people who share the same Daoist heart. Gu Xu's master, Shenyang Zhenren, is one such person. As a result, during his reign, he almost suppressed the Yinyue Dynasty. In contrast, after Yan Chixia succeeded as sect leader, the number of demons in the Central Plains suddenly increased.

Yan Chixia is a typical example of someone who cultivates techniques but not the Dao. His swordsmanship is superb, but his Dao heart has not been refined. He has a lot of combat power but cannot unleash its full potential. Otherwise, the likes of the Serpent Dragon Celestial Venerable would not be able to contend with him at all.

It wasn't just Yan Chixia; almost everyone in the sect, except for Gu Xu, valued techniques over the Dao. But that wasn't necessarily wrong, since techniques are easy to learn but the Dao is difficult to master. In order to fight against the Yin Yue Dynasty, the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect had no choice but to take this shortcut.

"My thoughts are the same as yours, senior brother. The responsibility of the Xuanxin Sect has been fulfilled, and it is time to retire. After tomorrow, I will resign from my position as the Imperial Preceptor to the Emperor and devote myself to cultivating the Dao. The matter of the alliance will be discussed with the various sects after I retire."

Jin Guang took a deep breath. The Xuanxin Sect had become incredibly prosperous under his leadership. As the saying goes, prosperity inevitably leads to decline. The Xuanxin Sect must not be allowed to fall into ruin under his watch. Even if it came at a price, Jin Guang was determined to complete the final step.

He could not foresee the changes that would occur a century from now, but if he could lay a solid foundation for the future and complete the transformation of the sect, he would have something to talk about with the patriarchs when he ascended to immortality.

"You can make the decision about this yourself. Also, my cultivation is nearing completion, and I will ascend to heaven in three months. After I leave, I will have to trouble you to take good care of the Xuanxin Sect."

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang was shocked. Although he had long known that his senior brother would leave one day, he did not expect that time would come so quickly.

"These are some of my insights and experiences from years of cultivating the Tao. Keep them safe; consider them my last gift to you."

Gu Xu sighed as he looked at Jin Guang's dazed expression. He then took out a jade pendant with a clear, bright light from his sleeve, used his magic to hold it up, and presented it to Jin Guang. Upon seeing this, Jin Guang respectfully accepted it with both hands and bowed solemnly to Gu Xu.

"Thank you, senior brother. I wish you a speedy ascension to immortality and eternal life!"

Jin Guang knew the value of this jade pendant. It could be said that this one item alone was enough to bring prosperity to a sect. With this item, the sect's disciples would avoid many detours in their cultivation in the future. Jin Guang could hardly repay this kindness.

Seeing that Senior Brother Gu Xu had no further instructions, Jin Guang said a few more words and then withdrew. With a flick of his wrist, he arrived inside the Xuanxin Hall. He swept his sleeve towards the ceiling, and for a moment, the ceiling opened up. A piece of sandalwood slowly floated down and landed right in front of Jin Guang.

With a flick of his hand, Jin Guang removed the restriction on the wooden box, opened it, and found a book inside with five golden seal characters that read "Mysterious Heart Secrets".

"This Profound Heart Mystery Technique is unorthodox. Although it is very powerful, it is also extremely harmful. Jin Guang, as the leader of a sect, you don't need to practice this problematic technique. The Golden Sun Heaven Technique that your senior brother taught you, when practiced to its peak, is no worse than this martial art."

Recalling his early days as sect leader, Jin Guang had intended to cultivate the Profound Heart Mystery Technique, but Gu Xu stopped him, pointing out the problem in a single sentence. Only then did Jin Guang understand why those who had cultivated the Profound Heart Mystery Technique had passed away after completing their missions. It turned out there was such a reason behind it.

“Su Tianxin, the mission of this martial art has been completed. From now on, there will be no one in the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect who will practice this kind of technique.”

Jin Guang reached out and pressed the Xuanxin Aomiao Jue (Mysterious Heart Technique), his magic power surged, and the book immediately scattered into light spots, slowly floating into the air before disappearing. Seeing this, Jin Guang closed the wooden box again, sealed it with a restriction, and then returned it to its original place.

Inside the palace, the Emperor watched as the Azure Dragon and White Tiger generals departed, his previously calm expression turning somewhat gloomy.

"The Xuanxin Sect has already destroyed the Yinyue Dynasty, and peace and prosperity have returned to the world. Why is Your Majesty not unhappy?" An old man with white hair and beard looked at the emperor above and asked in confusion.

"The destruction of the demonic path by the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect is certainly a great achievement, but wouldn't that mean they would become the only dominant force? The Xuanxin Orthodox Sect's prestige is currently at its zenith, directly overshadowing the imperial court. Do you think I can still be happy about this, Minister Liu?"

The Emperor glanced at the old man, whose name was Liu Xin. He was a Grand Secretary of the current court and a veteran official of three reigns. He was the Emperor's confidant, so the two of them spoke without much restraint.

"The Xuanxin Sect is dedicated to protecting the righteous path in the world. It is their duty. Although the Golden Light Sect Master is the current Imperial Preceptor, he has no interest in power. In my humble opinion, the Xuanxin Sect has no need to embark on that path of no return."

"I know the Grand Preceptor's temperament, but whether the future sect leader can maintain his integrity and fulfill his duties as always is hard to say. Power is tempting, and I dare not gamble on it, nor can I afford to."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xin immediately fell silent. What the Emperor said was not wrong. Even if the Xuanxin Sect did not harbor any disloyalty, it still had the power to support such disloyalty, which was highly inappropriate. No ruler would tolerate variables beyond their control remaining outside.

The Xuanxin Orthodox Sect has existed since the beginning of this dynasty. The court was aware of the sect's power and tolerated its continued existence in order to allow the dynasty to recuperate. Later, during the reign of the third emperor, an attack was launched in an attempt to seize control of the sect. However, this battle resulted in the destruction of three thousand elite troops. If the current sect leader had not shown mercy, the dynasty would have been completely overthrown.

Later, in order to ease tensions between the two sides, the succeeding emperor gifted the best piece of land in the capital to the Xuanxin Zhengzong sect, keeping a respectful distance. The Xuanxin Zhengzong sect accepted the offer and continued to uphold its mission of eliminating demons and protecting the righteous path. It was not until the current emperor ascended the throne that relations between the two sides gradually improved. For this reason, the Xuanxin Zhengzong sect was honored as the state religion, and Jin Guang was also called the first national teacher, whose power was second only to the emperor.

"Your Majesty, things have just calmed down, and it is really not advisable to start a major war. Let's wait a while and see what Sect Master Jin Guang thinks."

Upon hearing Liu Xin's words, the Emperor's eyes flashed with a sharp light. After pondering for a moment, he nodded and said, "What Minister Liu says makes sense. Let's postpone it for a while."

Although the palace has thousands of imperial guards and more than a dozen martial arts masters, the emperor is not confident of victory against the Xuanxin Sect. He does not want to fight to the death unless absolutely necessary.

"Jin Guang is a smart man. If he can recognize the situation, I will naturally reward him handsomely. But if..."

Hearing what the Emperor hadn't finished saying, Liu Xin sighed. As the Emperor grew older, his temperament became more and more extreme. He hoped that the Golden Light Sect Master would have a good outcome.

Outside the palace, Azure Dragon General and White Tiger General walked side by side. After leaving the palace for a while, White Tiger General stopped, staring intently at Azure Dragon, and said in a deep voice, "Azure Dragon, do you understand what His Majesty said in the hall just now?"

Upon hearing this, Qinglong looked up at Baihu and said slowly, "His Majesty's thoughts are already clear. I'm not blind, how could I not see it? The saying 'When the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked' is absolutely true."

"The sect leader has his own decision; we don't need to worry about it. White Tiger, you must not act recklessly!"

Hearing the Azure Dragon's faint warning, the White Tiger snorted coldly at the palace behind him, then quickened his pace and headed towards the sect.

Qinglong turned around and glanced at the palace, shook his head, and quickly left.

After returning to their sect, Qinglong and Baihu immediately went to see Jinguang. They told him everything in detail, and he nodded after listening.

"I have my own considerations for this matter. Azure Dragon, issue the order: all disciples of the Xuanxin Sect must arrive in the capital within three months. Those who are late or fail to arrive will be expelled from the sect, and their sect seals, Xuan rules, and jade edicts will be revoked!"

Upon hearing this, Qinglong's expression hardened. Although he didn't know the purpose of the sect leader's order, he could deduce that it must be related to today's events. He immediately accepted the order and then left with Baihu.

Just after the two left, Yan Chixia and his wife entered the main hall. After the three of them exchanged greetings, Jin Guang asked Yan Chixia and his wife about their purpose for coming.

"My wife and I are planning to retire to the mountains, but we are worried about Hongye. We hope that the sect leader can take good care of her."

Yan Hongye is already a direct disciple of the Xuanxin Sect. Although she cannot compete for the position of sect leader in the future, she can still obtain the position of a powerful elder. Her future prospects are much brighter than those of the couple.

"Please rest assured, both of you. Hongye is exceptionally intelligent and will surely become a pillar of the sect in the future. I will take good care of her."

Although Jin Guang did not agree with the so-called beliefs of Yan Chixia and his wife, Yan Hongye was different from them. Her ideals were in line with the sect's, and she would definitely be a good helper to assist Zhuge Liuyun in the future. Even for the sake of the sect, Jin Guang had no intention of cutting off his own arm.

Upon hearing Jin Guang's promise, Yan Chixia and his wife were overjoyed, their purpose for the trip accomplished. After exchanging a few more words, they prepared to take their leave. Just as they were about to depart, Jin Guang called out to them.

“Senior Brother Gu Xu has completed his cultivation and will ascend to the heavens in three months. If you two are not in a hurry, you may attend the ceremony and then retire into seclusion.”

Upon hearing Jin Guang's words, Yan Chixia and his wife turned back, their faces showing shock, followed by inexplicable excitement. Yan Chixia murmured to himself, "Junior brother has actually reached this point? He truly is a genius, a true prodigy!"

Sima San Niang came to her senses, bowed to Jin Guang, and said solemnly, "My husband and I will definitely come at that time. Sect Leader Jin Guang, farewell."

After Yan Chixia and Sima Sanniang left, Jin Guang glanced around the hall and saw a table with writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone all on it. Jin Guang picked up the brush, dipped it in ink and wrote quickly on the paper. In no time, the paper was filled with writing.

Jin Guang put down his brush, folded the paper, put it in an envelope without sealing it, and then called over a disciple, ordering him to deliver the letter to the palace.

The disciple immediately obeyed the order and, with practiced ease, delivered the letter to the Emperor through an eunuch. After reading it, the Emperor's face lit up with a smile.

"Sect Leader Jin Guang is indeed a wise man. I am at ease now."

(End of this chapter)