A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 347 Breaking Through the Void Imminent
Inside the Hongyi Hall, Fu Tianjiao and the others were finalizing the invitation list. When they saw Zhuo Bing return, they all looked over. Having just received the message from her disciple, Fu Tianjiao had Zhuo Bing personally lead the group to Qingxin Courtyard.

"Junior sister, how did things go?"

"Don't worry, Sect Leader. Before I arrived, Envoy Zhao had already appeared and has now returned to Qingxin Courtyard with his people. However, I do have something to tell you."

Zhuo Bing was meticulous. She knew that the matter of the Blue Poison Sand was suspicious. The Tianshan Sect had finally settled down and absolutely could not afford any more trouble. If she were to get involved in something unintentionally, it would be bad no matter what the outcome was.

Fu Tianjiao knew her junior sister's character; she wouldn't be so serious unless it was something important. So, she straightened her expression and asked in a deep voice, "Junior sister, what exactly happened?"

The others turned to look at her upon hearing this. Zhuo Bing then recounted the events that had transpired. After listening to Zhuo Bing's account, Fu Tianjiao frowned slightly and remained silent, while Zhao Kai, who was standing to the side, seemed to be deep in thought. He then asked Zhuo Bing, "Junior Sister, what is the origin of that Blue Poison Sand?"

Zhao Kai had never heard of this kind of deadly poison. If he could start by looking at its origin, he might be able to find some clues.

Upon hearing this, Zhuo Bing said, "I also saw this Blue Poison Sand in the Book of Ten Thousand Poisons compiled by Uncle Ni. This poison is ranked twentieth in the book, but its lethality is no less than that of the top ten poisons. This substance is refined from a kind of blue crystal in Blue Ze Ridge. After grinding the crystal into powder, it is mixed with fire clay and then goes through several complicated processes. It takes more than ten catties of crystal to obtain about five taels. This poison is often used to quench hidden weapons. Those who are poisoned will have an indigo blue face, their whole body will ulcerate, and their death will be extremely tragic."

Hearing Zhuo Bing's description, Zhou Jing and the others felt a chill in their hearts. This kind of deadly poison was even worse than the Tang Clan's Thousand Holes Deadly Powder.

Is there an antidote for this poison?

"Yes, but the price of the antidote is too high. The poisoned person must take the essence of wood spirit, and then a master with profound internal strength must continuously transfer his internal energy to him for three days and nights. During this period, it must not be interrupted for too long, otherwise, not only will the poisoned person lose his life, but the person who transfers the internal energy will also perish. Even if it is successful by chance, the person who transfers the internal energy will lose his internal energy and will never be able to regain it."

After Zhuo Bing finished speaking, Zhao Kai and the others gasped. Regardless of what the Wood Spirit Essence was, the ability to continuously transfer power day and night was something almost no one present could do. Perhaps only Master and Uncle-Master Ni on Mount Tian had such power.

"Junior sister, is there any record in our martial arts manual of who is the most skilled in using this poison?"

Fu Tianjiao reached out and pressed down, and everyone calmed down. Zhuo Bing thought for a moment after hearing this, and then her eyes lit up. She said to Fu Tianjiao, "Sect Leader, according to the Poison Records, the person who is most skilled in using this poison in recent decades is Bai Duzi. He is a master of poison, and his poison skills are almost the same as Meng Baichuan's. However, he is obsessed with fame and fortune and entered the palace a long time ago. In the end, his name is rarely heard in the martial arts world."

At this point, Zhuo Bing realized that Bai Duzi was in the Imperial Palace, and now Zhao Guan's men were using this poison against the Tianshan Sect. They didn't know what was going on, but it might involve factional struggles. The Tianshan Sect had just suffered an undeserved disaster.

"Yes, this matter should not be taken lightly. However, Master Zhao will surely give us an explanation. Let's not act rashly for now, lest we fall into someone else's trap. Junior Brother Zhao, keep a close eye on Qingxin Academy. Don't let anyone out of your sight. In critical moments, we must take extraordinary measures. If anyone makes any unusual moves, we will act first and report later. I will bear all the consequences."

"Yes, Master!"

Zhao Kai immediately agreed and came down.

"Let's put that matter aside for now and continue discussing the list of invited factions."

Meanwhile, in Qingxin Courtyard, Zhao Guan looked at the caltrops again, then reached out and wrapped them up again with a handkerchief, put them in a wooden box, and placed them aside.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and a voice came from outside.

"Sir, I request an audience."

"come in."

Zhao Guan responded, and the door was gently pushed open. Song Yue walked in calmly, holding a thin, yellowed booklet in his hand.

"It seems we have some leads. Tell me, who is the traitor who dares to pull this stunt at this time?"

The calmer Zhao Guan's tone, the angrier Song Yue became. Without hesitation, Song Yue opened the book in his hand, found the name circled in red, and respectfully handed it over.

"Shen Gang?"

Zhao Guan took the booklet and looked at the circled names, his face showing doubt. Shen Gang was someone he had personally promoted and could be considered a confidant. Zhao Guan was somewhat skeptical and looked at Song Yue instead. The latter seemed to have expected this and nodded heavily to Zhao Guan before taking out a sealed letter from his pocket.

"This was found in Shen Gang's room. Please take a look, Master."

Zhao Guan took it and looked at it closely. He saw that there were no words on the envelope of the secret letter, only a seal: Seal of the Inner Court.

"What a courage!"

Zhao Guan looked at the seal and was immediately enraged. The Inner Court Division was notorious for its unscrupulous behavior. The Zhenwu Division was its sworn enemy, and the two sides had clashed many times. However, because the Zhenwu Division was established by the Emperor and Zhao Hu was in charge, it had a slight advantage. Back then, when Bai Duzi was refining Blue Poison Sand, the Inner Court Division provided him with a lot of convenience. Later, if Bai Duzi hadn't used Blue Poison Sand to murder the prince and his conspiracy hadn't been exposed, he wouldn't have been punished by the Emperor and his prestige would have plummeted.

“Master, Shen Gang’s background is all on the roster, but I believe it must be a fabricated identity. This inner court seal is the evidence.”

Seeing that Zhao Guan's expression was getting increasingly grim, Song Yue seized the opportunity and revealed all the clues he had just uncovered.

"Among the attendants brought by the commander, only four are skilled in using hidden weapons. Three of them have already proven their innocence. I have secretly used the Qi Vein Stone to check them myself and found nothing unusual. However, Shen Gang is a bit strange. Moreover, after returning to the scene and examining it repeatedly, I was able to roughly estimate the user's height from the angle and distance from which the hidden weapon was launched. From any perspective, Shen Gang is the prime suspect."

In fact, when Zhao Guan saw the seal of the Inner Court, he had already decided whether Shen Gang was alive or dead. He was absolutely certain that it was the seal of his old rival. After opening the secret letter and reading it, Zhao Guan's face became even more grim. It was a letter from Shen Gang to Liang Feng, the head of the Inner Court, mainly saying that the Tianshan Project was progressing smoothly and everything was fine.

Where is Shen Gang?

"Knowing he had been exposed, he tried to escape, but Chu Jiao and his men captured him and he is now being held in Chu Jiao's room."

"You traitor! All my efforts to help you have been wasted, and you've raised a thankless wretch."

Zhao Guan snorted coldly, put away the secret letter, and had Song Yue take the wooden box containing the iron caltrops. He turned and walked out, with Song Yue leading the way. The two soon arrived outside Shen Gang's room. At this moment, Chu Jiao, who was guarding the door, saw Zhao Guan appear and saw Song Yue nodding to him secretly. Chu Jiao immediately understood what was going on.

"Envoy."

Chu Jiao stepped forward and bowed, then ordered someone to open the door. Zhao Guan nodded and walked inside, followed by Chu Jiao and Song Yue.

A moment later, Zhao Guan walked out with an indifferent expression. Song Yue and Chu Jiao, who followed behind him, were pale-faced. Although they tried their best to remain calm, their subordinates at the gate still felt that something was not quite right. However, they had already been taught that they should never ask unless their superiors told them.

"You two, keep an eye on the room. Don't let anyone near it without permission!"

Song Yue gave an order to the two guards, and then followed Zhao Guan away.

"Master, shall we proceed to the Tianshan Sect now?"

"Now that this matter has been resolved, what are we waiting for? The Inner Court Bureau wants to use my Tianshan Sect to suppress my Zhenwu Division. They are dreaming and ignorant of their own limitations. On this trip back to the capital, I need to report to my master. Even the matter entrusted by the Supreme Lord has to be involved. It seems that Liang Feng's tenure as head of the Inner Court is over."

Zhao Guan snorted coldly. Liang Feng was young and impatient, and without anyone to guide him, he had come up with such a foolish move in order to suppress him. If he didn't seize this opportunity, he would be too foolish.

"I need to go to the Tianshan Sect in person. Song Yue, write a letter in my name immediately to inform my master of what has happened here. Chu Jiao, keep a close watch on those followers. Who knows if there are any who have escaped?"

"Yes, I obey!"

"Go." Zhao Guan waved his hand, and the two bowed to each other before dispersing. Zhao Guan then headed towards Hongyi Hall alone, but seeing the heavy guard outside the hall, he seemed to be deep in thought. Just then, Pei Duan saw Zhao Guan appear and whispered something to the person beside him. The disciple nodded and turned to walk into the hall. Pei Duan then walked over, bowed to Zhao Guan, and said, "Master Zhao, I am Pei Duan."

"Master Pei, I have something to discuss with your sect leader. May I ask if you may inform him?"

Zhao Guan glanced at Pei Duan and found that the handsome Taoist opposite him had a long and powerful aura and his eyes were full of divine light. It was clear at a glance that his cultivation was not bad, and he was no different from Zhuo Bing, Zhou Jing and others he had seen before.

"Senior Brother Pei, the sect leader requests that Envoy Zhao be brought inside."

Just as Pei Duan was about to reply, the disciple who had been standing on the steps outside the hall shouted at him. Upon hearing this, Pei Duan turned halfway to the side, gestured to Zhao Guan, and said, "Master Zhao, please."

Zhao Guan nodded and followed Pei Duan to the outside of the main hall. Pei Duan stopped outside the hall, while Zhao Guan continued to walk inside.

"Commander Zhao."

"Sect Leader Fu, greetings everyone."

Having received favors from Ni Qingfeng, Zhao Guan has now abandoned his arrogance towards the Tianshan Sect, leaving Zhao Kai and the others somewhat bewildered.

"Master Zhao, what brings you here in person?" Fu Tianjiao's eyes flickered slightly, and she already had a guess in her mind.

"Previously, we were disrespectful to your sect's heroine, Ms. Zhuo. I have come here specifically to apologize. I failed to properly discipline her, and you have all laughed at me."

"So that's what it was about. There's no need for you to go to such lengths, Manager Zhao. I wonder what the outcome was?"

Seeing that Zhao Guan had already handled the matter, Fu Tianjiao softened her tone and asked him.

Zhao Guan was very concerned about his reputation, so he only mentioned some unimportant things to give the Tianshan Sect an explanation.

“That disciple was tempted by a huge reward and tried to incite a fight between our two sides. Now that person has been killed by me, Zhao, as an apology to Miss Zhuo. In addition, this three-hundred-year-old Fire Spirit Mushroom is my apology.”

Zhao Guan took out a palm-sized, flat sandalwood box from his pocket, placed it on the table, and opened it. A bright red Ganoderma lucidum about five inches long came into view.

"Master Zhao, this..."

Fu Tianjiao had seen many rare items in the sect's treasury. Although there were also Fire Spirit Mushrooms, those that were so old and in such perfect condition were extremely rare. Offering this as an apology was really too much, and for a moment, Fu Tianjiao was unsure of what to do.

"Sect Leader Fu, you must accept this gift, otherwise I, Zhao, will have no face to stay in Tianshan any longer."

Hearing Zhao Guanlian say such things, Fu Tianjiao had no choice but to accept it. She nodded to Zhang Yong, who then hurriedly stepped forward, first bowing to Zhao Guanlian, and then putting away the sandalwood box.

"The matter has been resolved, so I will not bother you any longer. Farewell."

Zhao Guan was very satisfied at this moment. He stood up, clasped his hands in a salute to Fu Tianjiao and the others, then stopped Zhao Kai from seeing him off and turned to leave quickly.

At the top of Lingyun Peak, Ni Qingfeng sat on a stone platform, and below him sat a young man in blue, who was none other than Gu Ming, Ni Qingfeng's only disciple.

Since Ni Qingfeng took Gu Ming as his disciple, apart from initially teaching him the Qi Refining Technique and a set of basic sword moves, he hardly paid any attention to him. The effort Gu Ming put in to transform from a physically weak youth into a master second only to Fu Tianjiao is unimaginable.

At this moment, he was practicing a skill called "Two Elements Yin Yang Qi" taught to him by Ni Qingfeng. This skill was derived by Ni Qingfeng from the Dao of Yin and Yang. This skill is moderate and peaceful, and is most effective in nourishing Qi and refining Yuan. Moreover, there is no risk of going into demonic possession. As long as one practices diligently, one can become a master of the innate realm within thirty years. This is already an unparalleled skill in the martial arts world.

As Gu Ming continued to inhale and exhale, wisps of pure white energy slowly gathered from his body, flowing into his body through his nose and mouth, constantly nourishing his meridians and tempering his dantian.

Seeing that Gu Ming had already mastered the basics, Ni Qingfeng nodded in approval. Although this disciple's talent was not as great as that of a prodigy, he had a persistent perseverance. This martial art seemed to be tailor-made for him. If things continued like this, Gu Ming would surely achieve the Innate Realm within twenty-five years.

With a swift movement, Ni Qingfeng produced a black and white vortex in his palm. He flicked it downwards, and the vortex entered Gu Ming's head, flowing smoothly into his dantian. The already saturated dantian suddenly became empty, and most of the stored true energy was instantly devoured by the vortex.

Gu Ming, who was cultivating, noticed the abnormality in his body and was startled. However, he quickly recovered, cleared his mind of distractions, and stopped thinking about the disappearing true energy. Instead, he accelerated his cultivation speed. With the help of the spirit-gathering array, his cultivation speed was initially slower than the speed at which the vortex absorbed the true energy. However, as Gu Ming accelerated his cultivation, the two reached a balance. After absorbing a large amount of true energy, the black and white vortex in his dantian reached a critical point and shattered with a bang. The newly refined true energy took root steadily deep in his dantian.

"Thank you Master!"

Gu Ming felt his body reach saturation, opened his eyes, stood up and respectfully bowed to Ni Qingfeng on the stone platform. Upon seeing this, Ni Qingfeng swept his sleeve and said to Gu Ming, "You can treat this martial art as a family heirloom, as a testament to our master-disciple relationship. But remember, you must never reveal its secrets to outsiders, or it will be a disaster."

If this martial art, which leads directly to the Innate Realm, were to become known to outsiders, even the Tianshan Sect would be unable to protect it. Ni Qingfeng originally intended to pass on an ordinary martial art to Gu Ming, but then felt that no one would inherit the martial art he had comprehended, so he left it to Gu Ming. Moreover, Gu Ming was not the kind of arrogant and domineering person, so leaving it to him would not be an insult to this skill. As for whether his descendants can preserve it, that depends on their own fate.

"Disciple, your master will soon be leaving through the void. If you have any questions in these three days, you may ask. Since I took you as my disciple, I haven't had much time to properly teach you."

“Master, what are you saying? If it weren’t for you expending your true energy to eliminate the hidden dangers for me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Although I haven’t served you for long, I have benefited greatly from each time I’ve followed you. Your words make me feel ashamed.” Gu Ming knelt down on one knee and said loudly when he heard his master’s sigh.

"Get up. I am also moved. You have already entered the realm of Yin and Yang Qi. As long as you cultivate diligently, you will surely achieve great things. I have nothing to give you. This jade talisman contains some of my cultivation insights. After you have read it, it will be automatically destroyed. Do not try it lightly before you are sure you are confident."

Ni Qingfeng flicked his hand, and a white light fell from mid-air. Gu Ming hurriedly caught it with both hands and took the jade talisman. The jade talisman was smooth and shiny, decorated with cloud patterns and talismans, with strands of gold flowing inside, shining brightly. Just by looking at its appearance, it was extraordinary.

“I will never forget my master’s great kindness, and I will definitely carry on his lineage for a long time.”

"Yes, your senior uncle and the others have arrived. You can go down now."

Ni Qingfeng heard footsteps coming from outside and knew that Xue Wanshan and the others had arrived.

"Yes, Master."

Gu Ming carefully put the jade talisman away, bowed again, and walked outside, where he encountered Xue Wanshan and his two companions.

"Greetings to my three senior masters."

Gu Ming bowed respectfully, and Xue Wanshan and the other two nodded. After exchanging a few words, they dismissed Gu Ming and walked together toward the stone platform. Looking at the extraordinary Daoist figure on the platform, Xue Wanshan and the other two felt a surge of emotion.

"Senior brother, senior sister."

Ni Qingfeng moved swiftly, leaping down from the stone platform and arriving in front of the three in the blink of an eye. He bowed to them.

Xue Wanshan and the other two hurriedly returned the greeting. Xue Wanshan then informed Ni Qingfeng that the list of invited sects had been distributed, but it was uncertain whether the sects would be able to arrive in time.

"Whether we are destined to meet or not is all up to fate. I don't care about those worldly formalities. After I leave this world, I will rely entirely on my senior brothers and sisters for the affairs of Tianshan. Please take care of my disciple."

"Junior brother, rest assured, leave everything to me. Gu Ming is gentle but resourceful. With Tianshan as his backing, he will have no trouble controlling the Four Seas Inn. His future fortune may not be any less than that of Tianjiao and the others."

(End of this chapter)