A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 263 The Righteous Sect of Tianshan
Gu Xu released his divine sense and looked at the several palaces neatly arranged on the peak of the distant snow mountain. On the highest palace, Gu Xu saw four gilded characters written on the plaque.

"Tianshan Main Hall".

At this moment, four people dressed as Taoists were talking inside the hall. The leader was a man of refined and slender appearance, sitting upright with a whisk in his hand. His aura was also quite strong, and in Gu Xu's opinion, he was already a top expert in this world.

"Sect Leader, the Qilian Mountain massacre has been going on for several months. Our Tianshan Sect is located on the frontier, and few people dare to cause trouble here. This time, Shangguan Yun and his group committed such a heinous act without even giving us a heads-up. They really have no respect for our Tianshan Sect!"

Li Dengping, standing to the side, had a frosty expression on her face, and when she spoke of Shangguan Yun, her tone was filled with disgust.

"What Senior Sister said is right. Shangguan Yun has already committed a major taboo in the martial arts world by contacting several factions to attack the Chamu tribe in Qilian Mountain for his own selfish interests. Senior Brother Sect Leader, this person is hypocritical and has high martial arts skills. If this continues, the martial arts world will be in turmoil again. I'm afraid our Tianshan Sect will not be able to escape it. Senior Brother Sect Leader should make plans as soon as possible to prevent any unforeseen circumstances."

Ni Qingfeng, sitting at the very bottom, also spoke up in agreement. Shangguan Yun and the sect leader were close friends. The sect leader had trusted Shangguan Yun before, which was why he hadn't paid much attention to what Shangguan Yun had done. But unexpectedly, in such a short time, the entire Chamu clan was wiped out. This was simply a resounding slap in the face to the sect leader.

"Even if the sect leader goes to question Shangguan Yun, what difference will it make? The deed is done, and any further action will be futile. On the contrary, it will only provoke the Zhongxin Hall to become hostile to the Tianshan Sect. Although the third junior sister and the fourth junior brother are full of enthusiasm, they cannot ignore the century-old foundation of the Tianshan Sect."

Li Dengping and Ni Qingfeng felt helpless as they watched their second senior brother, Shen Henian, say these words. What their second senior brother said made some sense. Although the Tianshan Sect was a first-class sect in the world, it was still too weak compared to a behemoth like the Zhongxin Hall. Moreover, the Tianshan Sect had received a lot of favors from the Zhongxin Hall, which was why the Tianshan Sect's strength had increased so much in just twenty years.

"I too feel deeply saddened by the massacre at Qilian Mountain, but my fellow disciples should be aware of the stakes involved. Besides Zhongxin Hall, there are Xuanwu Shangren of Diancang Sect, Meng Baichuan of Wandu Sect, Qiu Tangbai of Qiushui Manor, He Santai, the Wind and Thunder Blade King, Shenbing of Wanjian Sect, Wuming and Lei Zhenzi of Qiankun Sect. Which of these people is not a renowned figure in the martial world? Our Tianshan Sect cannot even compare to Zhongxin Hall, let alone these others. If we were to force our way in, the destruction of Tianshan Sect would not be far off!"

Hearing Shen Henian's words, Li Dengping and Ni Qingfeng fell silent, turning their gazes to their senior brother, the sect leader, at the head of the table.

Seeing the two men's actions, Shen Henian felt a little relieved. He had persuaded them, and he was confident that he could handle Xue Wanshan alone.

"This matter ends here, Second Junior Brother. Seal these matters away, and no one is allowed to inquire about them at will. Anyone who disobeys this order will be expelled from the sect!"

Xue Wanshan flicked his whisk and immediately made a decision. He was powerless to change the matter. In the end, it was because he was not strong enough and had few options. Otherwise, the Tianshan Sect would not have been willing to suffer this loss.

"Yes, Senior Brother Sect Leader!"

Shen Henian's face lit up with joy. He stood up, bowed to Xue Wanshan, and then left the main hall.

After Shen Henian left, Li Dengping and Ni Qingfeng both showed helpless expressions, but they did not complain to Xue Wanshan. After all, this matter was very serious, and their senior brother, the sect leader, naturally had his own considerations.

"You guys go down first."

Xue Wanshan spoke calmly, and Li Dengping and Bi Qingfeng rose, bowed, and left the main hall together, then returned to their respective residences.

"Shangguan Yun, Zhongxin Hall, what a Zhongxin Hall! It is Xue who has mistakenly associated with scoundrels."

Xue Wanshan was furious. If he hadn't trusted Shangguan Yun and allowed him to enter the Tianshan territory at will, the Chamu tribe wouldn't have suffered such a disaster. He would settle this score with Shangguan Yun sooner or later.

"I hope Tianjiao and Tianxiang's journey will be successful and that they will find the lost Chamu people."

Gu Xu, perched atop a distant peak, overheard the entire conversation between the Tianshan Sect's higher-ups. He realized he had arrived in the world of the "Dragon Balls of the Demon Realm." While this world wasn't considered high-level martial arts, it was still among the top of the mid-level martial arts worlds. In particular, the eight Dragon Balls were all unique and could be considered the most precious items in this world.

"The Chamu tribe has been wiped out, and the Dragon Pearl has been lost. It seems I need to speed things up."

Gu Xu moved swiftly, carving out a cave atop a high peak with his sword. After setting up a magic array, a flash of clear light appeared on Gu Xu's body, and a phantom shot out from the cave, flying towards the location of the Tianshan Sect.

Inside the Qingfeng Residence of the Tianshan Sect, Ni Qingfeng sat upright on the cloud bed, silently circulating the Xuan Yang Heart Sutra. His true energy continuously accumulated, flowing through all his meridians before returning to his dantian. However, just as his true energy was about to return, Ni Qingfeng's body suddenly trembled, his face turned deathly pale, and a trace of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth. Large beads of sweat dripped down his face, clearly indicating that he had gone into a state of demonic possession.

The Xuan Yang Heart Sutra is originally neutral and peaceful, containing the essence of Taoist Yin and Yang. With long-term cultivation, one will naturally benefit greatly and becoming a top expert is only a matter of time. However, this sutra is most afraid of having distracting thoughts. Ni Qingfeng still couldn't let go of the Qilian massacre, which caused trouble. At this moment, he has already fallen into a deep demonic state. Without external help, he will die and his cultivation will be destroyed.

Just as Ni Qingfeng's aura subsided, Gu Xu's illusory figure suddenly entered Ni Qingfeng's body. With a surge of powerful magic, the chaotic true energy within his body slowly calmed down and returned to his dantian. Moreover, nourished by Gu Xu's magic, the true energy grew even stronger, and his previously stagnant cultivation began to rise again.

After a long while, Ni Qingfeng slowly opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing in them.

"Now that I have taken over your body, I will grant your request. You may go in peace."

As soon as Gu Xu finished speaking, the last trace of strange power in his body dissipated instantly. Gu Xu sensed this and absorbed all the information of the original owner. After a night, Gu Xu had completed the integration of all the information. From now on, he was Ni Qingfeng of the Tianshan Sect.

The next morning, after washing up and having breakfast, Ni Qingfeng arrived at the main hall of Tianshan with practiced ease.

"Fourth Uncle-Master."

When Xue Wanshan's second disciple Zhao Kaihe and third disciple Zhang Yong saw Ni Qingfeng arrive, they all bowed respectfully. Ni Qingfeng nodded in response, first glancing at Zhang Yong, then looking at Zhao Kaihe and asking, "Is Senior Brother Sect Leader here?"

"Master is in the back hall. Please wait a moment while I go and inform him."

After saying this, Zhao Kai told his junior brother Zhang Yong to stay there, and then turned and went to the back hall.

"Uncle, please have some tea."

After carefully serving Zhang Yong a cup of tea, he stood there blankly to the side.

Seeing this, Ni Qingfeng merely glanced at him casually and then looked away. After taking a sip of tea, Zhao Kai returned shortly afterward.

"Uncle-Master, Master requests your presence."

Upon hearing this, Ni Qingfeng immediately got up and went to the back hall alone. After Ni Qingfeng left, Zhang Yong suddenly felt much more relaxed, and an unnatural look flashed across his face.

"Junior brother, what's wrong with you?"

Zhao Kai looked at Zhang Yong, who seemed lost in thought, and asked him suspiciously. Although this third junior brother was of mediocre talent, he was extremely meticulous in his conduct and discipline. His behavior today was quite unusual.

"It's nothing. I've been practicing the Seven Absolute Swords of Tianshan lately, and I haven't quite figured out some of the key points, which is why I've been a bit distracted. I'm sorry to have troubled you, Senior Brother."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kai immediately understood. So that's how it is. The Seven Absolute Swords of Tianshan was a martial art created by the sect leader based on the Tianshan Sword Technique. It consists of seven chapters, which were taught to the seven of them respectively.

Besides his eldest sister Fu Tianjiao, who had already successfully cultivated, the two who were making the fastest progress in cultivation were him and his junior sister Fu Tianxiang. His third junior brother, whose aptitude was poor, was currently in last place.

"I see. It just so happens that you have some insights, senior brother. Let's exchange ideas." Upon hearing this, Zhang Yong was delighted and quickly thanked him. Then the two of them left the main hall and went to the training ground.

On the other side, Ni Qingfeng walked to the back hall and saw the sect leader sitting at the table, on which was a set of exquisite tea set. As boiling water was poured into the teapot, a fragrant aroma wafted over.

"Senior Brother Sect Leader's skills have improved again; this Snow Ridge Cold Mist has been refined to its ultimate level."

Ni Qingfeng said with a smile. Upon hearing this, Xue Wanshan looked up at Ni Qingfeng, was taken aback at first, then a glint of light appeared in his eyes. He waved for him to sit down, and then sincerely praised, "Junior Brother's cultivation has made great progress, congratulations!"

Upon closer inspection, Xue Wanshan discovered that his junior brother's aura was rising, and an uncontrollable surge of energy was emanating from him, making him no less powerful than himself.

"I have also gained some insights, but it is all fate. Senior Brother Sect Leader, Tianjiao and the others should have arrived in Pansha Town in the Western Regions by now."

Xue Wanshan chuckled upon hearing this, "Nothing can be hidden from you. Although the Tianshan Sect is unwilling to provoke trouble, we still need to take necessary precautions. I had Tianjiao and Tianxiang investigate along the way so that we could find the missing Chief Chamu and feel less guilty."

Although Xue Wanshan himself was not afraid of Zhongxin Hall, the entire Tianshan Sect could not stand up to Zhongxin Hall. Although his second junior brother Shen Henian had his own plans, his words hit the nail on the head.

"Shangguan Yun's wolfish heart has been revealed, and it is understandable that the sect leader is doing this. However, senior brother probably underestimates Shangguan Yun's ambition. He is now the leader of the martial arts alliance and commands all the sects in the Central Plains. Our Tianshan Sect is located in a remote area and has little interaction with the Central Plains, which is why it was not swallowed up by Zhongxin Hall immediately. But now the development of the Tianshan Sect is gradually threatening Zhongxin Hall, and Shangguan Yun will not sit idly by."

Seeing Xue Wanshan's thoughtful expression, Ni Qingfeng continued, "Since the disappearance of the sect leader, Master Xuanwu, the Diancang Sect's status has plummeted. The once second largest sect has been forced to retreat to Yunnan by the Zhongxin Hall, losing its former glory. As for the Wanjian Sect and the Qiankun Sect, although they still occupy a dominant position, without top experts to guard them, their decline is only a matter of time. The only one in a slightly better situation now is Qiushui Manor."

"how do you want to do it?"

After hearing these words, Xue Wanshan knew that his junior brother already had a plan in mind. He hadn't noticed his shrewdness before, but now that his cultivation had increased, he seemed like a completely different person. Indeed, his perspective changed with his position.

"Although the Tianshan Sect is a non-competitive sect, it cannot be allowed to be slaughtered. The only way is to quietly improve the sect's strength. Only when the Tianshan Sect truly has the power to protect itself will it be qualified to contend with the Zhongxin Hall. Otherwise, today's predicament may very well be repeated in the future!"

"You want to change the rules of the sect?" Xue Wanshan said in a deep voice.

Having reached this point, Xue Wanshan understood Ni Qingfeng's intentions. The Tianshan Sect had been established for over a hundred years, and its rules were already extremely well-established. No one, from top to bottom, dared to disobey. Ni Qingfeng's words were clearly a challenge to authority, but Xue Wanshan couldn't bring himself to refuse.

"The sect's rules are outdated. Only by changing them can the sect be revitalized. I have some objections to the rule of accepting disciples. The sect has always recruited talented people from outside and trained them. Although the Tianshan Sect has no shortage of experts, its strength and influence are far inferior to those of the established sects. I don't believe that I haven't seen the problem."

Ni Qingfeng stared intently at Xue Wanshan at the head of the table. Upon hearing this, the latter sighed deeply. He was well aware of the drawbacks. He had already taken in seven direct disciples. Apart from Zhang Yong, all the others had excellent aptitude. In particular, his eldest disciple, Fu Tianjiao, was exceptionally talented and would surely be able to shoulder the great responsibilities of the sect in the future.

However, the total number of disciples in the entire Tianshan Sect is only three hundred. Not to mention Zhongxin Hall, even the weakest sect among the major sects, Qiankun Sect, has more than a thousand disciples.

"There are many towns at the foot of Tianshan Mountain now, and many people want to join our sect. Why don't you take this opportunity to relax the restrictions on accepting disciples? Even if you don't accept disciples, your second senior brother and third senior sister can do it for you. This will not only improve the strength of the sect, but also strengthen the control over the Tianshan region. This is a win-win solution. You may want to consider it."

“Junior brother is right. I will discuss this matter with the elders. Let’s put this matter aside for now. You came here today not just for this matter, right?”

Xue Wanshan was gradually being persuaded by Ni Qingfeng, but this matter was of great importance and it was better to be more cautious. After all, if the reform was not carried out properly, it would be a huge disaster. If it really brought disaster, he would rather maintain the status quo than push this move forward.

"Tianjiao and Tianxiang are both disciples of our sect. They are new to the martial world and lack experience, making them easily deceived. As their senior uncle, I am quite worried about them. It just so happens that there are some thieves causing trouble in Pansha Town. I will go and keep an eye on them to prevent any unforeseen events."

After hearing this, Xue Wanshan nodded and said with satisfaction, "You, as my senior uncle, are very thoughtful. Well, since you have this intention, then go ahead. Remember not to act rashly, and give way to others when things happen, but you must not tarnish the reputation of my Tianshan Sect."

In an inn in Pansha Town, Western Regions, Fu Tianjiao and Fu Tianxiang were having a meal when suddenly a commotion broke out outside the inn, and a group of people rushed out of the inn's door.

"Waiter, what's going on outside?" Fu Tianjiao gave Fu Tianxiang a look, and the latter immediately stopped moving.

"Sir, you may not know this, but the Beast Gang has arrived, and everyone in town has gone to see what's going on," the waiter explained immediately.

"Beast Corps?"

Fu Tianjiao and Fu Tianxiang were both confused. After the waiter explained for a while, they finally understood what the Beast Gang was.

"This is truly inhumane! Taking pleasure in the fighting of orcs is worse than that of beasts!"

Fu Tianxiang looked disgusted. As a disciple of Tianshan, she could not avoid bloodshed, but the sight of beastmen fighting for others' amusement truly shocked her. She realized that the world was so treacherous and unrestrained.

Fu Tianjiao didn't say much upon hearing this. After thanking the waiter, the two of them quickened their pace of eating, paid the bill, packed their bags, and led their horses along with the flow of people until they arrived at the edge of a spacious arena.

The two paid two taels of silver, and the troupe leader immediately beamed with joy. He had someone choose a comfortable spot for them. After Fu Tianjiao and Fu Tianxiang sat down, they saw a lion fighting with them in the arena. Both of them were emaciated, and in a short while, they died one after another in the lion's mouth. Fu Tianxiang couldn't bear to watch the lion devour them, and her brows furrowed. The others, on the other hand, roared and shouted excitedly.

"Senior sister, let's go. We've seen enough excitement, and I really can't take it anymore."

Upon hearing this, Fu Tianjiao nodded and was about to leave when suddenly a black brown bear was released from the arena. This time, there was only one person, who was tall, half-naked, and well-proportioned. His messy hair covered his face, and from a distance, he looked like a piece of charcoal.

Fu Tianjiao, who was about to leave, paused. In her eyes, the dark-skinned man's aura was a bit off, seemingly very similar to those of them who practiced martial arts.

"Junior sister, wait a moment."

Fu Tianjiao's expression immediately turned serious. Seeing her senior sister like this, Fu Tianxiang also sat down. Fu Tianjiao then called over the troupe leader and asked about the man's background. To her surprise, the troupe leader said that he had picked the man up on the road and gave him a meal because he had great strength.

Seeing that she could not get any useful information from the troupe leader, Fu Tianjiao had no choice but to let him leave, and then turned to look at the arena.

"If all else fails, then we'll have to save them first," Fu Tianjiao thought to herself. She wouldn't give up as long as there was even the slightest chance.

At this moment in the arena, the charcoal-faced man and the black brown bear were locked in combat. What should have been a foregone conclusion was instead stubbornly held on by the charcoal-faced man. Not only that, the black brown bear had slowed down due to the great exertion of its strength, and the charcoal-faced man seized the opportunity, using a chain to wrap around the black brown bear's neck. With a roar, the black brown bear's eyes rolled back, and it was clear that it was about to die.

Just then, the four gates of the arena opened, and more than a dozen strong young men each held a rope, tightly binding the charcoal-faced man and pulling him in all directions. No matter how strong the charcoal-faced man was, he was gradually pulled aside. Just as he was about to be strangled to death, a white light flashed from above, and the dozen or so ropes broke at the same time.

The charcoal-colored man, having survived the ordeal, looked up at the white-clad woman who was gracefully descending from the sky, his eyes filled with confusion.

"Girl, are you trying to cause trouble?" The troupe leader stood in front of Fu Tianjiao with a dozen or so young men, staring at her with unfriendly expressions.

(End of this chapter)