A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 328 Pre-Battle Turmoil
At the summit of Tianshan Lingyun Peak, Ni Qingfeng sat upright on a stone platform. Above his head, clusters of multicolored clouds continuously converged towards the sky, and his aura became increasingly ethereal. In just a few breaths, Zhao Kai and the others who were guarding in the distance saw multicolored clouds spread out in the sky, three pillars of energy supporting the heavens, and clear, resonant sword cries echoing through the clouds.

"As Taoists often say, those who have achieved success in cultivating the Tao can attain the Five Elements Gathering at the Origin and the Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown. Could it be that Fourth Uncle has already reached this stage?"

Fu Tianxiang stared blankly at the strange phenomenon in the sky, and murmured to herself.

Zhao Kai and the others were shocked to hear this. The more they looked at it, the more likely it seemed. A sense of pride arose in their hearts. If the Tianshan Sect had such a master in charge, it would surely become the number one sect in the martial arts world.

Zhang Yong blurted out, "If Fourth Uncle really cultivates to that level, wouldn't that mean our Tianshan Sect will no longer be afraid of other sects? We Tianshan disciples will be even more prestigious when we go out."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kai frowned slightly, turned halfway around, and stared directly at Zhang Yong, making the latter very uncomfortable. He asked in a low voice, "Senior brother, did I say something wrong?"

Knowing his own mediocre talent, Zhang Yong had put in several times more effort than others in his previous cultivation. Thanks to the guidance of Zhao Kai and Fu Tianjiao, he had not fallen behind. Therefore, Zhang Yong still held his second senior brother in some awe.

"Third junior brother, face is something you earn yourself. If you rely on the sect's reputation, wouldn't that be putting the cart before the horse? Tianshan disciples should all uphold the Tianshan sect's principle of taking pride in us. If everyone thinks about using the sect's reputation to gain prestige, the Tianshan sect will perish if it doesn't. Third junior brother, you must never say such things again."

Seeing Zhang Yong's embarrassed expression, Zhao Kai turned around, looked at the thoughtful expressions of the others, and said in a deep voice: "My fellow disciples should also remember that if you want others to respect you sincerely, you can only rely on your own abilities; otherwise, everything is in vain."

"I will follow my senior brother's teachings!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yong and the others all bowed respectfully. Just then, a voice entered their ears.

"Zhao Kai is right. You guys have been a bit restless lately. It's far from time for you to relax."

Upon hearing this, everyone looked over and saw that Sect Leader Xue Wanshan had already rushed over from afar. His feet landed steadily without stirring up a speck of dust, and with a flick of his whisk, his fluttering robes were instantly smoothed out.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Kai immediately led his junior brothers and sisters forward to pay their respects.

"Master."

Xue Wanshan nodded slightly, looked at them with affection, and then looked up at the overwhelming strange phenomenon on the mountaintop.

“Master, Fourth Uncle has just woken up and said that as soon as you arrive, we can go straight to the top of the mountain.”

"Yes, you all stay here and guard the mountain well. Do not let anyone else up the mountain. If there are any important matters in the sect, discuss them with Tianjiao. If you are unsure about anything, you can go to your second and third uncles."

"Yes, the disciple obeys."

Xue Wanshan waved for them to disperse, then strode quickly to the mountaintop. The invisible aura that had enveloped Lingyun Peak had also disappeared after Ni Qingfeng regained consciousness, so Xue Wanshan arrived at the mountaintop effortlessly in three quarters of an hour.

Looking at Ni Qingfeng sitting upright on the stone platform atop the mountain, one could see that his body was surrounded by radiant jade, reflecting countless lights, set against a backdrop of colorful clouds, and his clear sword whistles made him seem like a god or immortal. In particular, the mysterious aura that seemed to exist yet not exist, lingering and persistent, filled Xue Wanshan with countless emotions.

"Junior brother has already achieved the Five Qi Gathering and the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top. Judging from the situation, he will soon be able to complete his cultivation and enter the realm of ascension."

Xue Wanshan stood quietly to the side, not daring to disturb him. Not far away, Ni Qingfeng, who was refining his true qi, had already sensed Xue Wanshan's ascent. Seeing that he did not disturb him, Ni Qingfeng's mind stirred. The originally overwhelming multicolored clouds slowly gathered inward, and the three pillars of qi that soared into the sky gradually contracted, instantly sealing off the area around Lingyun Peak. Zhao Kai and the others in the distance saw only a hazy mountaintop with shifting light. If they stared at it for too long, they would feel a stinging pain.

At this moment, Xue Wanshan also noticed the sudden change in the phenomenon on the mountaintop, but he remained calm and composed. Just then, Xue Wanshan felt an indescribable and subtle feeling rush into his mind, containing countless profound principles. He was unable to digest it for a while, and his body paused slightly. He hurriedly guarded his mind, circulated his true energy, and selected the profound principles that appeared in his mind as if peeling away layers of silk.

"This must have been done by Junior Brother Ni."

Xue Wanshan only glanced at the suddenly appearing profound principle and felt that it was not something that existed in this world. Moreover, Junior Brother Ni was now able to traverse the universe and travel through the void. No one else could do it except him.

"I will remember this favor, senior brother."

Xue Wanshan looked at Ni Qingfeng, who was still closing his eyes not far away, and immediately sat down. He lightly waved his whisk, calmed his mind, and slowly immersed himself in the profound principles. Xue Wanshan knew his own strength, so he was selective in his understanding of those profound principles. He did not choose those offensive methods, but instead chose the most basic method of cultivating qi and nourishing the essence.

Ni Qingfeng noticed Xue Wanshan's choice of this method and nodded slightly. As the saying goes, a tall building starts from the ground. If the foundation is not solid, it is a castle in the air and will collapse when it encounters external force.

The Tianshan Sect originated from Taoism and has its own insights into Qi cultivation. Now that they have obtained this supreme method, they may be able to create another sect-defining martial art after a few generations.

After an unknown amount of time, Xue Wanshan opened his eyes, looking refreshed. Although he had only grasped the surface of the matter, it had still benefited him greatly. Already close to the Innate Realm, he had now taken another step closer to that threshold.

Looking towards where Ni Qingfeng was, Xue Wanshan did not see him, and the strange phenomena in the sky had also disappeared. Xue Wanshan hurriedly got up, picked up his whisk and looked around. When he saw a handsome figure on the southeast cliff, he breathed a sigh of relief, waved his whisk lightly, and slowly walked towards Ni Qingfeng.

"Junior brother has reached the realm of ascension, congratulations!"

Xue Wanshan was extremely excited at this moment. He hadn't noticed Ni Qingfeng from a distance, but as he got closer, the aura of Ni Qingfeng that was not mixed with the mortal world became clearer. This was clearly because his cultivation was about to be completed and he was about to ride the wind and break through the sky.

The Tianshan Sect has a history of hundreds of years. If a master who has reached the Ascension Realm were to emerge now, it would be an unparalleled honor for the entire sect. Even after he passes away, he would have the face to meet the past leaders of the Tianshan Sect.

"Senior brother is too kind. I am merely ahead of you. It is truly a cause for celebration that you are about to enter the Innate Realm."

Ni Qingfeng stood on the edge of the cliff, the strong wind seemingly unable to even lift the hem of his clothes. His calm eyes looked into the distance through the rolling clouds and mist. Hearing Xue Wanshan's voice, he turned around and bowed to Xue Wanshan.

"Senior brother, I am about to achieve perfect cultivation and I am afraid I cannot stay in this mortal world for too long. If there is anything you need me to do, please do it. It would be my last contribution to the Tianshan Sect before I leave."

After Ni Qingfeng finished speaking, Xue Wanshan was initially delighted, but then sighed. He had originally thought that his junior brother could stay in Tianshan for a while longer, and that if he could train the Tianshan disciples, it would be of great benefit to the Tianshan Sect in the future. But now it seemed that he had been too greedy.

Composing himself, Xue Wanshan said to Ni Qingfeng, "Junior brother, Shangguan Yun needs to be dealt with, but we haven't heard from him. I'm worried that when we leave the mountain to attack Zhongxin Hall, he might make a move in secret. Do you have any good ideas to solve this problem?"

"Although Shangguan Yun was severely injured by me, he has three dragon pearls in his body and has probably recovered his strength by now. However, senior brother, there is no need to worry. I just sensed his presence in a valley about 20 miles northwest of Tianshan. If senior brother wants to deal with this person, junior brother can go there now."

Ni Qingfeng is now just one step away from ascending to the Void Realm. If he can resolve the matter of Shangguan Yun and settle this burden, everything will fall into place. However, seeing his senior brother's thoughtful expression, Ni Qingfeng guessed that he must have some considerations. Therefore, he did not urge him and turned to look at the rolling sea of ​​clouds and mist in front of him.

When Xue Wanshan heard that Ni Qingfeng had found Shangguan Yun's hiding place, he was overjoyed. But then he thought, why not turn the tables on him and gather all of Shangguan Yun's loyal followers in one place? Wouldn't it be more efficient to annihilate them in one fell swoop, saving them from running around?

"Junior brother, I have a plan." Xue Wanshan knew that the key link still lay with Ni Qingfeng, so he revealed his plan in detail. Ni Qingfeng nodded after hearing it. Although the plan was a bit rough, if used well, it would be enough to win the battle. So he had no reason to object.

"Then I will do as my senior brother says."

Ni Qingfeng readily agreed, and Xue Wanshan's expression immediately eased. Although his plan had benefited the Tianshan Sect, it had been somewhat excessive in terms of killing. He was worried that this might hinder his junior brother's cultivation. Hearing this, he breathed a sigh of relief.

After discussing things with Ni Qingfeng for a while, Xue Wanshan hurried down the mountain. By this time, the moon was high in the sky, casting a cold glow. Zhao Kai and the others who were guarding outside Lingyun Peak had already lit torches. When they saw someone coming down from the mountaintop, they immediately went forward.

"Master."

Upon seeing that it was Xue Wanshan, Zhao Kai immediately bowed. Fu Tianxiang and Zhang Yong, who were left behind, also hurriedly stepped forward. Xue Wanshan nodded upon seeing this and, noticing that only the three of them were present, asked, "Why are only the three of you here? Where are Zhuo Bing, Zhou Jing, and Luo Ying?"

"Reporting to Master, an hour ago, Second Uncle arrived in a hurry. Eldest Sister and three Junior Sisters left with Second Uncle. To prevent any oversights, Third Uncle specially sent a group of disciples to patrol the surrounding area."

Zhao Kai told his master the whole story. After listening, the master slightly waved his whisk and his expression became more solemn.

"Second Junior Brother looks hurried; he must have something important to do."

Thinking of this, Xue Wanshan gave a few instructions to the others, and then hurried towards the mountain gate, the strong wind he brought making the torches sway.

Fearing something might have happened at the gate, Xue Wanshan used his lightness skill to rush forward. In less than half a moment, he had arrived outside the gate. Before the gatekeeper could even pay his respects, Xue Wanshan had already transformed into a blur and drifted towards the main hall.

At this moment, the Hongyi Hall was brightly lit. Shi Huan, the leader of the Lanying Sect, was arguing with Shen Henian. Lin Xiu of the Shangjing Sect, Shui Yue of the Yuewu Sect, Old Hou of the Shenhou Sect, and Li Dengping were trying to comfort him.

"Master Shen, I have always admired the Tianshan Sect and respected your chivalrous hearts. However, I never expected that your sect would treat my Lanying Sect disciples in this way. Even if my Lanying Sect is small and weak, it will not tolerate being insulted by others. If your sect cannot give me an explanation, I will not let this go!"

Shi Huan stared coldly at Shen Henian, whose face was ashen. The latter remained silent in the face of Shi Huan's relentless questioning. Seeing this, Lin Xiu, the head of the Shangjing Sect, stepped forward and said to Shi Huan, "Brother Shi, things have come to this point. Please allow Master Shen and the others to investigate. This is Tianshan. We are all here to deal with Zhongxin Hall. We haven't even fought Zhongxin Hall yet, and we're already fighting amongst ourselves. Wouldn't that be a huge joke?"

Upon hearing Lin Xiu's words, Old Man Hou and Shuiyue nodded in agreement. Looking at the three corpses lying on the ground, they couldn't help but shake their heads. In their eyes, this matter was indeed too strange, revealing a kind of eeriness no matter how they looked at it. However, they could understand Shi Huan's anger. After all, these three were his personal disciples, who were supposed to shoulder the responsibility of the sect in the future. Now, they had been killed by the Tianshan Sect's unique hidden weapon, "Tianshan Divine Light." It was no wonder that he had lost control like this.

"Sect Leader Shi, I will certainly give your sect an explanation, but please allow me to examine it."

Seeing that Lin Xiu and the other two had persuaded him, Shi Huan regained some of his senses and took the opportunity to request an examination of the body. He was also suspicious, as the Heavenly Mountain Divine Light was a unique hidden weapon of the Heavenly Mountain Sect, and it was extremely difficult to make. Apart from the four of them, no one else on Heavenly Mountain possessed it, which made him even more certain that there was a trap involved.

“Examining the body is a matter of course, but Master Shen, you must understand that if the matter is verified to be true, even if I believe that your sect would not commit such a murder, I find it hard to believe that your sect would lead us to defeat Zhongxin Hall in one fell swoop.”

Shi Huan's cold voice made Shen Henian's heart sink. He naturally understood the implied meaning: if they couldn't even protect their sect's unique hidden weapons, how could they possibly fight against Zhongxin Hall? When problems arise within the sect, not only will they be unable to protect themselves at critical moments, but they will also implicate their allies.

As expected, Lin Xiu and the others also looked solemn upon hearing this. However, they were all veterans of the martial arts world and naturally knew that Xue Wanshan and the others would be fine. But they were not familiar with the other high-ranking members. If they were to stab them in the back when dealing with Zhongxin Hall, it would be enough to bring them to their doom.

Upon hearing this, Li Dengping's face turned frosty. This Shi Huan was truly hateful. When he took the Rejuvenation Pill, why didn't he think about whether it contained poison? Now, he was questioning the sect based on just these three corpses. Such despicable behavior was truly shameful. Just as she was about to speak sarcastically, a breeze suddenly blew into the hall from outside, causing the candles on both sides to flicker.

Upon seeing this, everyone became alert and on guard. In less than half a breath, the candlelight that had been suppressed by the wind was lit again, and the hall was immediately illuminated again. At this moment, Shi Huan was horrified to find that the three corpses at his feet had disappeared.

"who!"

Shi Huan's startled cry drew everyone's attention. The others also noticed the body was missing and immediately drew their weapons, scanning their surroundings warily. But at that moment, Shen Henian respectfully saluted Xue Wanshan in mid-air.

"Senior Brother Head!"

Shen Henian's action immediately drew everyone's attention to the air. To everyone's astonishment, Xue Wanshan was floating in mid-air, his feet seemingly firmly planted on the ground. With a flick of his whisk, the three corpses neatly arranged in front of him began to swirl around him. Then, a deep shout reached everyone's ears, and three slender silver shadows shot out from the corpses, grazed the candlelight, and with a soft thud, the three hidden weapons struck the wooden pillars steadily. The point of contact was completely black, which shocked everyone who saw it.

"This is definitely not the Heavenly Mountain Divine Light!"

Shen Henian quickly walked to the hidden weapon, took a closer look, and immediately smiled. Before he could explain further, Xue Wanshan made another move.

Xue Wanshan landed on both feet, lightly swept his whisk, and struck the three corpses one by one. The force penetrated straight in, and the clothes on the chests of the three corpses were torn, revealing patches of dark skin. Without any obstruction, the poison gas condensed into a cloud of black mist, which in the blink of an eye had grown to the size of a washbasin, baring its fangs and claws as it pounced towards Xue Wanshan.

The latter snorted coldly, swept his whisk, and a pure and holy gale swept away, instantly absorbing the eerie black mist. In less than half a breath, it was refined by the pure power of the gale. Just as the black mist disappeared, the three corpses collapsed like houses, their bones softened and their flesh and blood disappeared, leaving only a pile of filth on the ground, emitting a pungent stench.

"As expected, it's not the Heavenly Mountain Divine Light."

Lin Xiu covered his nose, his face solemn. Although he had never seen the Heavenly Mountain Divine Light, he knew that this hidden weapon would not be so vicious. This was inconsistent with the consistent principles of the Heavenly Mountain Sect. Shui Yue and Old Man Hou, who were standing next to him, shared the same view, which further proved that the person who did this was someone else.

Shen Henian wrapped the three fake Heavenly Mountain Divine Lights in a white cloth and handed them to Xue Wanshan. The latter did not take them with his hands but looked directly at Shi Huan and said, "Sect Master Shi, these Heavenly Mountain Divine Lights are indeed fake. Moreover, if I am not mistaken, they are soaked in Tang Sect's poison, and the most vicious one is the Divine Transformation Water."

Upon hearing Xue Wanshan's words, everyone present changed color, especially Lin Xiu and others, who were furious. Their sects had suffered greatly at the hands of the Tang Clan before.

"The Tang Clan was destroyed by the Zhongxin Hall, and all its classic texts and alchemy manuals were confiscated. In my opinion, this time it must have been the people from the Zhongxin Hall who did it."

"Shangguan Yun was just seriously injured by Master Ni. Does he still have the audacity to linger in Tianshan? Isn't he afraid that we will take advantage of his injuries and attack him before he recovers?"

"It may not be that Shangguan Yun did it personally. Zhongxin Hall is full of talented people, so it is not surprising that they want to select a few outstanding individuals. However, this person's martial arts must be unfathomable, otherwise they would have been easily discovered on Tianshan Mountain. Sect Leader Xue, what do you think of this matter?"

Old Hou looked at Xue Wanshan, hoping he could give them an explanation. They had thought that Tianshan was the safest place, but now that the three of them had died mysteriously, they really doubted the defensive measures of Tianshan.

"Everyone can rest assured. With Junior Brother Ni in charge on Tianshan Mountain, Shangguan Yun will definitely not come. Although the matter at hand is urgent, we have more important things to do. Sect Leader Shi, I will give your sect an explanation for this matter, but only after the Zhongxin Hall matter is resolved. What do you think?"

Shi Huan was quite shocked after Xue Wanshan appeared. Hearing this, he slowly came back to his senses and hurriedly said, "What Sect Leader Xue said makes sense. I was just anxious, so please forgive me. There are priorities in everything. This matter will be postponed for now."

(End of this chapter)