A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 299 Prelude to the Assault on the Mountain
At the summit of Bailing Mountain, the green-robed immortal looked at Ni Qingfeng, who was gracefully descending, with a look of horror on his face, and loosened his grip on the Soul-Severing Hook.

"Master Ni, what brings you here so late at night?"

Seeing that Ni Qingfeng showed no intention of making a move, the Green-Robed Immortal thought to himself that if Ni Qingfeng hadn't held back, he would probably be beheaded by now. Since the other party didn't intend to continue, it meant that he had something to tell him.

"Green Robe, the reason I spared your life is because you still have value. This time, with the Zhongxin Hall and the Tianshan Sect joining forces, White-Headed Eagle is doomed. If you don't want to stay on this sunken ship any longer, you should think about your way out."

Ni Qingfeng looked at the Green-Robed Immortal with a calm expression. Although this man's martial arts were gradually approaching the Innate Realm, in his opinion, even if he exhausted his life, he would not be able to reach that level. The reason was that he had absorbed too much alien power, and this alien power had penetrated deep into his bones.

"I trust Master Ni's words. May I ask if Master Ni could point me in the right direction?"

The Green-Robed Immortal was quick-witted and followed Ni Qingfeng's lead, while secretly thinking that if the Tianshan Sect accepted him, it would be a good place. Even if he couldn't join their ranks, it would be good to have a title.

Ni Qingfeng glanced at him and said, "The Central Plains is not a place for you. Before Shangguan Yun attacks the mountain, you should avoid this disaster. To be honest, if you hadn't destroyed Shaolin Temple, I wouldn't have bothered to waste my breath on you."

Upon hearing this, the Green-Robed Immortal was taken aback, but then he realized what was happening. He immediately clasped his hands in a salute to Ni Qingfeng and said solemnly, "Daoist Ni, I understand."

Seeing that he was sensible, Ni Qingfeng nodded and said calmly, "Shangguan Yun's side will launch an attack in two days at most. This is your last chance. Also, what is the White-headed Eagle's backup plan?"

"Bai Tou has already sent his disciples in the mountains to infiltrate the Fu Niu Sect, the Iron Palm Sect, and other smaller sects with the San Zhen Ru Yi Dan. In addition, countless gunpowder is buried in Bai Ling Mountain. If things go wrong, Bai Tou will ignite the explosives."

Having come this far, the Green-Robed Immortal revealed everything he knew. After listening, Ni Qingfeng nodded repeatedly, saying he understood. He then gave the Green-Robed Immortal a deep look before disappearing in a flash.

The green-robed immortal was startled, his scalp tingling. This elusive lightness skill was truly impossible to guard against. With a sigh, he lost all interest in cultivation. After cleaning up the traces, he turned and returned to his residence.

After leaving the mountaintop, Ni Qingfeng did not rush down the mountain. Instead, he sensed the presence of Tang En and Tang De. After observing them for a moment, Ni Qingfeng moved and ran into the mountainside. After bypassing the disciples guarding the mountain, Ni Qingfeng concealed his presence and came to the outside of a stone cave. Inside, candlelight illuminated the walls, and sounds could be heard.

“Brother, we definitely can’t hold onto Bailing Mountain. White-headed Eagle and the others are just stalling for time. We should think of a way to escape. We brothers are not worth dying for, but the Tang Clan’s legacy must not be lost in our hands!”

"In this situation, we cannot act rashly. Otherwise, Bai Tou will surely make an example of us. Even if he doesn't target the two of us, those dozen or so juniors will likely suffer the consequences. We have already handed over the Sanzhen Ruyi Pills. Now, we can only wait and see."

Tang En is now in a difficult situation and regrets associating with White-Headed Eagle and his group. If he had stayed in Sichuan and not gotten involved in those things, the Tang Clan wouldn't be in this predicament. But it's too late to say anything now, and he can only take it one step at a time.

"Brother, I don't believe that all the factions on this mountain are of one mind. Why don't we go and find out what Zhong Yue is capable of?"

"Zhong Yue?"

Tang De said in a low voice, "Zhong Yue may seem quiet, but he has a lot on his mind. If the two of us brothers can see the situation, how could he not see it? Who knows what he's thinking right now? If it weren't for Bai Tou's intimidating presence, I guarantee that Zhong Yue would have been the first to leave."

Tang De disagreed with this statement, saying, "Zhong Yue has already taken out all the treasures he obtained from Shaolin Temple as an incentive. He has obviously considered the possibility of mutual destruction with Zhongxin Hall and Tianshan Sect. How could he have such thoughts? You are probably wrong."

Seeing his elder brother shake his head, Tang De said with certainty, "That's exactly why I said that Zhong Yue is very resourceful. He can give up the treasures he has obtained to inspire people, without gaining anything for himself. As the leader of an evil sect, it seems a bit strange. Since you have concerns, why don't you let me go and sound him out first, and then we can discuss it when I get back?"

Upon hearing this, Tang En glanced at Tang De, then nodded and whispered, "Then be careful not to disturb anyone else."

"Do not worry."

Then the sound faded away, and a light footstep came from the cave. After a while, Tang De came out and walked towards the cave where Zhong Yue was. Just as Tang De turned the corner, Duan Cheng watched him leave expressionlessly. After glancing at the cave again, Duan Cheng left silently. All of this was seen by Ni Qingfeng.

"It seems that Bailing Mountain is also a disorganized mess, with everyone having their own schemes. However, Duan Cheng is a suitable candidate."

In Ni Qingfeng's eyes, White-headed Eagle was already a dead man, but for the sake of the stability of the martial arts world and for the future of the Tianshan Sect, Bailing Mountain needed a suitable new master.

Ni Qingfeng watched the direction Duan Cheng left in and quietly followed him, trailing him all the way to a spacious stone cave. The place was simply furnished, with only an oil lamp and a stone bed. Duan Cheng was sitting on the stone bed, seemingly deep in thought. Suddenly, a thought struck him. The gentle breeze that had blown earlier caused the lamplight to flicker, stirring Duan Cheng's emotions.

Duan Cheng jumped up in fright. Deep inside the cave, there was no breeze. Just as he was about to call for help, the flickering candlelight suddenly intensified. The tiny flame turned into a fist-sized fireball, floating in front of him. One became two, two became four, and in just a few breaths, sixteen fireballs surrounded him. Duan Cheng was so terrified that he turned pale and looked around.

"Ni Qingfeng!"

Duan Cheng was shocked to see Ni Qingfeng slowly walking in. The mountain was heavily guarded, yet this person had managed to break in without being noticed. His skill was far superior to his master's.

"Greetings, Master Ni."

Seeing that Ni Qingfeng did not make any further moves, Duan Cheng understood that the other party must have a backup plan. Looking at the fireball floating around him, Duan Cheng clasped his hands in a salute to Ni Qingfeng.

Seeing that he remained calm and composed despite the situation, Ni Qingfeng was pleased. He reached out and flicked his hand, and the floating fireballs were thrown into the oil lamp one by one, illuminating the area around the two of them very brightly in no time.

"Duan Cheng, I've heard Brother Gu mention you before. Tonight, I've come here to ask you only one question: life or death, which do you choose?"

"Of course, it's life!" Duan Cheng answered without hesitation.

"Very well, I will give you a choice. The destruction of Bailing Mountain is a foregone conclusion, but I do not want the Zhongxin Hall to expand its power, so I have chosen you as the next mountain master of Bailing Mountain. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Duan Cheng was taken aback at first, then lowered his head and pondered for a long while before raising his head and looking intently at Ni Qingfeng, saying solemnly, "I am honored by your kindness, Daoist Master. I will certainly do my best to serve you!"

It's impossible to say that Duan Cheng had no thoughts at all. Although White-Headed Eagle was his master, his attitude had become somewhat subtle since the deaths of his senior brothers. On the surface, he treated him as the only successor of White Ridge Mountain, but he never taught him the sect's ultimate skill, Eagle Claw Kung Fu.

"Getting on the side of the Tianshan Sect is much better than guarding Bailing Mountain. This Master Ni is not a bloodthirsty person. If he acts according to the rules, he may be able to gain some good fortune in the future."

Ni Qingfeng was very satisfied with his attitude. After thinking for a moment, he took out a porcelain bottle from his pocket and threw it to Duan Cheng, saying, "This is a Spirit Auxiliary Pill, which can refine true qi. As long as you swallow one while practicing, I guarantee you will benefit from it endlessly."

Duan Cheng hurriedly took the porcelain bottle with both hands. Upon hearing Ni Qingfeng's words, he was overjoyed. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that his choice was correct. Otherwise, how could he have enjoyed such a fine item?

"Thank you, Daoist Master. Is there anything else you need me to do? Do you require any further instructions?"

"You don't need to do anything with White Eagle. I only have one instruction for you: the gunpowder in this mountain must not explode. Figure out how to do it yourself."

"Yes, this junior understands."

Duan Cheng was startled when he heard this, but then calmed down. The fact that the white-headed eagle had secretly left gunpowder without his knowledge made him even angrier.

After giving a few more instructions, Ni Qingfeng vanished in an instant. If it weren't for the Spirit-Boosting Pill in his hand, Duan Chengdu would have thought he was dreaming.

"We need to find out the details about the gunpowder, and we need to do it perfectly."

Duan Cheng gripped the porcelain bottle tightly in his hand, his eyes gleaming with ambition in the candlelight.

After leaving Duancheng Grotto, Ni Qingfeng circled the entire mountain again, carefully examining the east, south, and north sides. He found that the layout of these three areas was very meticulous, especially the treacherous east side, where the ground was covered with fire mines and there were plenty of rolling logs and stones prepared at the higher parts of the mountain. If someone were to rush in, they would surely suffer heavy casualties.

"Let Zhongxin Hall attack this place. We'll take whatever damage we can." Ni Qingfeng didn't believe Shangguan Yun didn't have his own agenda. In this alliance meeting, apart from his own sect, more than 90% of the sects were related to Zhongxin Hall. Since Zhongxin Hall wanted to attack Tianshan Sect, why not play along?

Having memorized the layout of the three-way passage, Ni Qingfeng headed down the mountain. After a short while, he returned to the Xiling branch.

The next morning, while Ni Qingfeng was having breakfast with Shen Henian, Zhao Kai came to report.

"Second Uncle, Fourth Uncle, the Black Tiger Sect, the Startled Swallow Sect, the Funiu Sect, the Iron Palm Sect, the Double Gun Sect, the Liubo Sect, and nineteen other sects have all arrived. Hall Master Shangguan invites the two Uncles to have breakfast and then proceed to the main hall for a meeting."

Upon hearing this, Shen Henian glanced at Ni Qingfeng, then said to Zhao Kai, "Go tell Hall Master Shangguan that we will be there soon."

Zhao Kaidao said yes and immediately withdrew. Shen Henian put down his chopsticks and said, "These sects arrived quite quickly. Shangguan Yun's prestige as the leader of the martial arts alliance is indeed not to be underestimated."

Of these nineteen sects, Black Tiger Sect and Surprising Swallow Sect are loyal supporters of Zhongxin Hall, and the other powerful sects are also more or less related to Zhongxin Hall. Tianshan Sect seems to be isolated and helpless here.

"In the face of absolute strength, numbers are nothing. Although our Tianshan Sect is one family, our overall strength is still much stronger than these nineteen families. Second Senior Brother, we should pay attention to Zhongxin Hall and observe Shangguan Yun's actions before making any decisions."

Shen Henian nodded upon hearing this. After finishing their meal in a leisurely manner, the two of them led several disciples to the main hall. However, just as they entered the hall, a strange and sarcastic voice reached the ears of the Tianshan Sect members.

"The Tianshan Sect is indeed arrogant. Why don't we discuss important matters after your sect has finished lunch?"

Upon hearing this, Ni Qingfeng remained calm, while Shen Henian's eyes sharpened as he looked toward the source of the voice. There stood a burly, dark-skinned, middle-aged man with a black beard.

"Humph!"

Upon seeing that it was Gao Liang, the new sect leader of the Black Tiger Sect, Shen Henian immediately snorted coldly. An invisible stream of true energy rushed towards Gao Liang, who was caught off guard and turned pale from the cold snort. The other sect leaders who were watching the show were immediately alarmed.

"It's said that Xue Wanshan and Ni Qingfeng are the most skilled masters of the Tianshan Sect, but I never expected that Shen Henian would also be so unassuming. Gao Liang is also quite strong, yet he was suppressed in one move. This is truly..."

The sect leader of Jingyan Sect was a beautiful woman. Seeing Gao Liang's humiliation, she immediately stood up and said to Shen Henian, "Daoist Shen is magnanimous. Please forgive Sect Leader Gao's disrespect."

Upon hearing this, Shen Henian flicked his sleeve, not even glancing at the Jingyan Sect Leader, and led the Tianshan Sect group to their seats. The Jingyan Sect Leader's expression changed slightly upon seeing Shen Henian's actions, but he quickly composed himself, smiled at everyone, and then returned to his seat.

Just as Shen Henian and Ni Qingfeng sat down, Fu Tianjiao and the others lined up neatly behind them. Shen Henian looked at the empty seat at the head of the table, exchanged a glance with Ni Qingfeng, and was about to close his eyes to rest when a voice rang out in the quiet hall.

"Gentlemen, this time, Hall Master Shangguan has summoned us to attack Bailing Mountain. This is a rare event in the martial arts world in recent years. If we can wipe out the demons on Bailing Mountain in one fell swoop under Hall Master Shangguan's leadership, the martial arts world can be at peace, and we can enjoy our old age in peace."

The speaker was Qian Yi from the Funiu Sect. His martial arts skills were only passable, but his flattery was unmatched here, and some sect leaders even showed disdain.

Qian Yi was, after all, a sect leader. Even if he had submitted to Zhongxin Hall, he shouldn't have been so humble and subservient. It was truly despicable.

"What Master Qian said is both right and wrong."

"Oh, may I ask what advice Sect Leader Li has for me?" Qian Yi heard the echo and looked closely. It turned out to be Li Xu from the Iron Palm Sect.

"I dare not presume to offer my teachings; these are merely my personal opinions. Even if we wipe out White Ridge Mountain, the martial world will not be at peace in the short term. On the contrary, the situation will become increasingly stalemate and escalate further. What do you say, Daoist Shen?"

Li Xu changed the subject and looked at the group from the Tianshan Sect. Fu Tianjiao and the others frowned upon hearing this, clearly indicating that Li Xu had ill intentions.

The others turned to look at him upon hearing this, but Shen Henian remained unmoved, still resting with his eyes closed. Ni Qingfeng didn't want to pay attention to him either, but Li Xu was really clueless and kept stirring up trouble.

"It seems that Master Shen does not agree with my statement. In that case, I would like to ask Master Shen for some guidance so that everyone can see for themselves."

With a snap, Li Xu opened his folding fan and looked at the Tianshan Sect members with amusement.

But at that moment, a white light flashed, and everyone felt a sharp pain in their eyes and immediately closed them. Li Xu, however, continued to fan himself. With a clatter, the folding fan broke in two and fell from his hand.

"Sect Leader Li, you flatter me."

After Ni Qingfeng finished speaking, everyone present finally reacted. Looking at the folding fan that had fallen to the ground and Li Xu's astonished expression, they all sighed inwardly. At the same time, they were even more wary of Ni Qingfeng. They hadn't even seen that move clearly. If it had landed on them, that folding fan would have been their fate.

Li Xu stared blankly at Ni Qingfeng, when suddenly he felt a warm sensation on his cheek. He reached out and touched it, only to find a trace of crimson on his fingertip.

"This……"

Just as Li Xu was in shock, a loud voice rang out in the hall.

"The Hall Master has arrived!"

Li Xu hurriedly returned to his seat. Upon hearing this, everyone stood up and looked outside. They saw Shangguan Yun leading the Sun and Moon Duo into the room with their heads held high. Everyone quickly bowed, and Shangguan Yun nodded to each of them. After sitting down at the head of the table, Shangguan Yun gestured with his hand, and everyone took their seats.

"I am deeply grateful that all the sects have traveled thousands of miles to participate in this alliance. I believe that with your help, we will be able to annihilate the demons on White Ridge Mountain and rid the martial world of a great scourge!"

"What Hall Master Shangguan said is very true. This white-headed eagle, relying on its cultivation, has acted recklessly and should have been destroyed long ago. Hall Master Shangguan's actions are a great merit. Although our Black Tiger Sect is not strong enough, we are willing to serve Hall Master like dogs and horses."

After Gao Liang finished speaking, the various factions of the Jingyan Sect also expressed their opinions one after another, and for a moment the entire hall was filled with flattery and praise.

Shangguan Yun smiled and bowed to everyone, saying, "Thank you all for your kind words. I am unworthy of such praise. However, as the leader of the martial arts alliance, I will naturally strive to bring benefits to the martial arts world. Let's leave aside the small talk and discuss how to deal with the enemy."

Upon hearing this, Shen Henian's expression turned serious. He exchanged a glance with Ni Qingfeng, who nodded. Shen Henian immediately understood and remained silent.

"Of the three routes to Bailing Mountain, the eastern route is steep but less guarded, while the northern and southern routes are wide but heavily guarded. I have decided to launch a three-pronged attack. The eastern route will be handled by the Black Tiger Gate and the Surprising Swallow Gate, while the northern and southern routes will be handled by my Zhongxin Hall and the Tianshan Sect. What do you all think?"

Shangguan Yun's simple division drew the attention of everyone below. It was clearly disadvantageous to the Tianshan Sect, yet no sect raised any objection. Shen Henian was taken aback upon hearing this, and immediately stood up, looking at Shangguan Yun, and said in a deep voice, "Hall Master Shangguan, isn't this distribution somewhat unreasonable?"

"What do you mean by that, Master Shen?"

"The northern passage is open and has few obstacles. My Tianshan Sect has only twenty-odd people. It would be as difficult as climbing to heaven for us to break through here. I find it hard to accept what Hall Master Shangguan has done!"

"Master Shen, you are mistaken. It is precisely because your esteemed forces are all elites that I have made this arrangement. You must know that a swift victory is the best policy. If the stalemate continues, we will continuously lose our advantage. Master Shen, your statement about insufficient numbers was my oversight. How about sending the Liubo Sect along as well?"

Shen Henian's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he was about to make another move when Ni Qingfeng stopped him with a look, snorted coldly, and reluctantly sat down.

Seeing this, Shangguan Yun glanced at Ni Qingfeng, then stood up and said to everyone, "In that case, everyone should rest and recuperate tonight, and attack the mountain tomorrow to eliminate the evil spirits!"

Everyone agreed, except for the group from the Tianshan Sect, whose expressions were quite unpleasant.

(End of this chapter)