A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 338 Changes in Tianshan
Outside Zhongxin Hall, Ni Qingfeng looked at the Zhongxin Hall disciples who seemed to be facing a formidable enemy, and slowly walked towards the door. Upon seeing this, the disciples made way for him, unable to muster any strength to resist.

Watching Ni Qingfeng walk through the gate, the leading disciple asked, "How is the madam doing?"

Upon hearing this, the disciple first shook his head, then nodded.

"Madam only said she understood, and said nothing more. I don't know what she meant. But since the hall master and the others are not here, we can only follow Madam's orders."

The leading disciple's heart sank. He knew where the hall master and the others had gone, but now that Ni Qingfeng was here, did it mean that the hall master's operation had failed? That meant the hall master...

Thinking of this, the leading disciple dared not think any further. His expression hardened slightly, and he waved his hand to instruct everyone to guard the gate firmly. He then ran alone towards the gate.

When he entered the hall, he saw He Yanrong confronting Ni Qingfeng with several subordinates in the main hall square. Upon seeing this, the disciple quickly ran to He Yanrong's side.

Before the disciple could ask a question, one of the middle-aged men, dressed in a long robe and with a pale face, shook his head at him, and the disciple shut up.

"Master Ni, where is my husband?"

He Yanrong looked at Ni Qingfeng, who appeared calm, and asked in a nonchalant tone.

"Madam Shangguan, I have come here for one matter. Shangguan Yun has committed many unjust acts and has now been captured by my Tianshan Sect and my fellow Daoists. He is currently a guest at a branch headquarters. Madam Shangguan, can you make the decision regarding the Zhongxin Hall?"

Ni Qingfeng glanced at the four people standing behind He Yanrong. Apart from the young man in the tight-fitting clothes who arrived last, the other three were all middle-aged, and their aura was only slightly inferior to Jiang Che's. They should be the last few experts of Zhongxin Hall.

Upon hearing this, He Yanrong frowned, gave Ni Qingfeng a deep look, and slowly said, "Master Ni, please speak your mind. I can still say a few words at Zhongxin Hall."

Upon hearing He Yanrong's words, the four people behind her reacted differently. The middle-aged man in the long robe remained calm and smiled, the dark-faced man looked indignant, the beautiful woman in palace attire looked worried, and the young man in martial attire looked astonished.

"Very well, I trust Madam Shangguan. In that case, I will not waste any more time. Zhongxin Hall shall not leave the city for ten years, or my Tianshan Sect will surely exterminate them!"

Upon hearing Ni Qingfeng's words, everyone except He Yanrong's expression changed drastically. The young man in the tight-fitting clothes was particularly enraged. He placed his hand on the hilt of his longsword, intending to draw it, but was firmly held down by the middle-aged man in the long robe beside him, who shook his head at him.

"Do not act rashly; the lady will take care of everything."

Upon hearing this, the young man in the tight-fitting clothes sighed and looked only at He Yanrong, while the others waited quietly for He Yanrong to make her statement.

"I agree to this matter. I wonder if you have any other requests? Please tell me now, and Zhongxintang will accept them all."

He Yanrong looked directly at Ni Qingfeng without flinching, and the latter inwardly admired He Yanrong's decisiveness.

"This is all I have. Madam Shangguan, until we meet again."

As soon as Ni Qingfeng finished speaking, his figure suddenly disappeared from everyone's sight. The four people behind He Yanrong were immediately shocked. This must not be lightness skill, otherwise how could they not have noticed even the slightest trace?

"With this Master Ni around, the Tianshan Sect will be worry-free for a hundred years. Madam, when you agreed to the conditions without hesitation just now, did you also consider this aspect?"

The middle-aged man in the long robe suppressed his shock and calmed himself down slightly before looking at He Yanrong. The latter said, "Yes and no. Even if I don't tell you, you should know that the hall master and the others are gone and will not return. The outcome is already determined. The Zhongxin Hall has lost all its elites. Those sects that were once suppressed and swallowed up will not give up this opportunity. With our current strength, it is undoubtedly like throwing an egg against a rock."

"The ten-year agreement proposed by Master Ni may not be a bad thing for Zhongxintang, which is now in ruins. Perhaps Feiyan also contributed to this."

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man in the long robe seemed to understand something. Just as He Yanrong said, Zhongxin Hall was at its weakest point now, having lost ninety percent of its elite forces. If Tianshan Sect were to lead the other sects to attack at this time, they would be unable to stop them no matter what. Although the ten-year agreement proposed by Ni Qingfeng was harsh, it was also a form of protection for Zhongxin Hall at the moment.

"Madam is wise; it was we who were narrow-minded."

After hearing He Yanrong's explanation, the three dark-faced men all showed signs of lingering fear. In fact, they were not unaware of the future fate of Zhongxin Hall, but they had always looked down on others. Now that the situation had reversed, they were still somewhat unable to adjust. Ni Qingfeng's little display of skill was enough to suppress their ill intentions.

"Madam, what about Miss...?"

"Feiyan should be with that kid Lu Yi now. That's good. With the Black and White Heroes protecting her, she won't be able to let others gossip about her in the future. Following me, her mother, would only attract the criticism of those petty people."

He Yanrong didn't care much about her own reputation, but she valued her daughter's reputation very much. No matter what, Feiyan was Shangguan Yun's daughter, and her life was destined to be marked by this reputation. Following Lu Yi would reduce some trouble.

"Elder Zheng, when Feiyan gets married, please have someone give all the dowry I have prepared to Feiyan. It is a small token of my appreciation as her mother."

He Yanrong's feelings for Shangguan Yun were very complicated. Zhongxintang was founded by him, and although she could not reach his level, she should at least leave some trace of his existence, so as to fulfill her feelings as husband and wife.

"Yes, ma'am."

The middle-aged man in the long gown responded.

"First, call back all the staff in Zhongxin Hall. Times have changed, and it's time for Zhongxin Hall to change as well."

After saying this, He Yanrong strode confidently toward the main hall.

Elder Zheng watched He Yanrong leave, then turned and glanced at the remaining three. He said in a cold tone, "From today onwards, Madam will be in charge of Zhongxin Hall. If anyone is dissatisfied, they can speak up now. If you don't speak up now, and I find out later that someone is outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, then don't blame me for being ruthless."

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Elder Zheng, being a veteran of the Zhongxin Hall, was well aware of the dirty tricks of those below. When the Hall Master was in power, no one dared to touch her, but since the Madam's prestige and martial arts skills were inferior to the Hall Master's, it was inevitable that the people below would have wicked thoughts. This time, Elder Zheng was giving them a heads-up in advance.

"Elder Zheng, your words are too serious. We can certainly see the situation clearly, but Madam is, after all, a woman. If..."

Upon hearing Elder Zheng's words, a cold glint flashed in the dark-faced man's eyes. He then put on a smile, gave a slight bow, and looked at Elder Zheng, raising his concerns.

"Although Madam lacks prestige and martial arts skills, her talent is second to none. With the assistance of us, I am confident that within ten years, Zhongxin Hall can recover some of its former strength. Unless someone sabotages us in secret, Zhongxin Hall can only move forward and will not retreat!" Elder Zheng gave the dark-faced man a deep look before turning and leaving. The dark-faced man snorted coldly, glanced at the woman in palace attire and the young man in martial attire, and strode away.

"Commander Qian, be careful with your words and actions."

After the two left, the woman in palace attire looked at the thoughtful young man, pondered for a long time, left behind four words of advice, and then her figure drifted away.

"Be cautious in your words and actions, ha, that does fit the current situation quite well. Anyway, I don't have any great abilities, so I'll just do whatever comes my way."

After giving a self-deprecating laugh, Commander Qian looked towards the main hall, stood still for a long time, and finally took a step towards the gate.

After leaving Zhongxin Hall, Ni Qingfeng returned to the branch headquarters. At that moment, Xue Wanshan was having Lin Xiushuiyue's body loaded onto a carriage, preparing to take it back to Tianshan for cremation.

"Junior brother, you've come at the right time. Senior brother, the sect leader, has something to discuss with you."

Shen Henian was directing his disciples when he suddenly saw Ni Qingfeng return. He immediately gave the disciple a few instructions and quickly went to greet him.

"I'll go right away."

Ni Qingfeng nodded to Shen Henian and headed towards the village.

Before long, Ni Qingfeng arrived at the main hall. Xue Wanshan, Bi Yusheng, and the Black and White Heroes were all seated and waiting. When they saw Ni Qingfeng, they all stood up and bowed.

Seeing this, Ni Qingfeng returned the greeting. After taking his seat, Ni Qingfeng looked at Xue Wanshan at the head of the table and asked, "Senior brother, may I ask what business you have with me?"

“Junior brother, although the matter of Shangguan Yun has been resolved, Zhongxin Hall still exists. This is undoubtedly a thorn in the side of all the martial arts sects. We are discussing how to deal with Zhongxin Hall, and we specifically asked you to come here to hear your thoughts.”

Although Xue Wanshan is still the most respected figure in the Tianshan Sect, Ni Qingfeng's reputation has long surpassed his. If Ni Qingfeng hadn't disliked worldly power, the position of Tianshan Sect Leader would probably have to be changed.

This is just the opinion of the person sent abroad. If Ni Qingfeng is willing to take on the heavy responsibility of the sect leader, Xue Wanshan will definitely step down from the position without saying a word. With such a master of innate level succeeding as the sect leader, he would be laughing in his sleep.

Knowing Ni Qingfeng's temperament, Xue Wanshan valued his ideas highly. If the Zhongxintang matter was not handled properly, it would leave a mess for future generations, which was not something Xue Wanshan wanted to see.

What are Mr. Bi's thoughts?

Ni Qingfeng did not answer directly, but instead asked Bi Yusheng. The latter seemed to have been prepared, and met Ni Qingfeng's gaze firmly, saying, "The name of Zhongxin Hall should not exist, but innocent people can be spared, while no one who has blood on their hands can be let go."

Although Bi Yusheng usually appeared gentle and refined, he was a person who hated evil as much as he hated it. The actions of Zhongxintang had crossed his bottom line. He would never allow such filth and filth to remain in the world. Otherwise, how could those innocent martial arts practitioners and ordinary people who died tragically be able to rest in peace?

“Mr. Bi is right, and that’s what my husband and I think too.”

Before Ni Qingfeng could ask, Lu Aotian spoke his mind. Hou, the sect leader of Shenquan Sect, gritted his teeth and said, "If Zhongxin Hall is not destroyed, we will be letting down the eighty-two disciples who died in my sect. This blood debt must be repaid by Zhongxin Hall in blood!"

Listening to Elder Hou's accusations, Xue Wanshan and the others turned their heads slightly. They had heard about the previous tragedy. The Divine Fist Sect had only about 150 disciples, but most of them were killed by the Loyal and Trusted Hall, which was almost the same as wiping out the entire sect.

"I am aware of your thoughts. I just left to visit Zhongxin Hall and met Shangguan Yun's wife, He Yanrong."

Upon hearing He Yanrong's name, Lu Aotian's expression became slightly unnatural. Lu Fengming, who was standing to the side, turned to look at Lu Aotian before turning back to continue listening to Ni Qingfeng's story.

"Oh, I wonder what Dr. He means?" Elder Hou had no goodwill towards Shangguan Yun and Zhongxin Hall, but he was very respectful to this famous doctor, after all, many people in the Divine Fist Sect had received her favors to varying degrees.

"I have made a pact with Physician He that no one from Zhongxin Hall may leave the city for the next ten years."

Upon hearing this, everyone present was shocked. Bi Yusheng stared at Ni Qingfeng in disbelief. Although they spoke powerfully, destroying Zhongxin Hall was not something that could be done overnight. After all, Zhongxin Hall was involved in too many things, and various clues indicated that Zhongxin Hall had some intricate connections with higher authorities. Otherwise, the Wuleizi treasured by Tianlei Hall would not have fallen into the hands of Zhongxin Hall. Such a rare item could not be obtained simply by having money.

"Junior brother, could it be that Madam Shangguan has already agreed?" Xue Wanshan knew his junior brother's temperament. Since he had brought up the agreement, the matter must have been successful.

As expected, Ni Qingfeng nodded to Xue Wanshan and said solemnly, "That's right. Doctor He has already agreed to this condition. Within ten years, you all don't need to worry about Zhongxin Hall. Those with grudges can seek revenge, and those with grievances can seek redress. Tianshan Sect and Zhongxin Hall will not interfere. Whether Zhongxin Hall can remove the plaque depends on your abilities. What the situation of the martial arts world will be like in ten years depends on the fate of each sect."

After Ni Qingfeng finished speaking, he stood up, bowed to Xue Wanshan, and turned to leave, leaving the crowd looking at each other in bewilderment.

After a long silence, Lu Aotian broke the silence first, saying, "Master Ni's move is also a good strategy. Being able to suppress Zhongxin Hall without bloodshed and buy the martial arts world ten years of stability is already quite good. Gentlemen, it is not that I, Lu, underestimate the various sects. Although Zhongxin Hall is weak now, it is not without the power to fight back. If the other side goes all out, with the support from above, I dare to say that apart from Tianshan Sect, the other sects will only suffer damage, and the martial arts world will suffer more casualties."

When Elder Hou heard this, his face turned pale. Although Lu Aotian's words were direct and sharp, they hit the nail on the head for all the sects. The martial arts world was already riddled with holes, and the talents of each sect were dwindling. If conflicts broke out again, death and injury would be inevitable. The flame that had been painstakingly preserved might be extinguished. The extinction of the lineage would be a heavy blow to any sect.

“What Master Lu said is very true. In my opinion, Master Ni’s plan is the best choice. Now, recuperation is the right thing to do. As for removing the name of Zhongxin Hall, it is not appropriate for the Tianshan Sect to get involved. I will handle this matter. It will also be an explanation to all the sects. As for those who participated in the massacre of the sects, I will discuss it with Doctor He and try to make this matter as perfect as possible.”

Bi Yusheng took the initiative to take responsibility for the matter, which made Elder Hou secretly breathe a sigh of relief. At least now that Bi Yusheng was willing to come forward, he could give an explanation to the various sects.

Tianshan, Hongyi Hall
Li Dengping looked at the three people in the hall expressionlessly and said in a low voice, "Elder Qu, this is Tianshan, not Lanying Sect. Please forgive me for not being able to grant your sect's request. If you have nothing else to do, please go and rest."

The short, stout old man in the blue robe was embarrassed when he heard Li Dengping's unwavering refusal. When he saw the subtle mockery from the two people beside him, his anger flared up. He moved and blocked Li Dengping's path. His action caused Zhao Kai and the others present to draw their swords and look coldly at Elder Qu.

"Elder Qu, please don't make a mistake!"

Li Dengping stared coldly at Elder Qu, causing the latter to tremble inwardly. The other two also changed their expressions slightly. However, Elder Qu seemed to have gained some confidence. He straightened his body and said calmly, "One Nourishing Spirit Pill in exchange for ten Tianshan disciples is a very worthwhile deal. Elder Li, think it over carefully. I, Qu, am waiting for your good news."

(End of this chapter)