A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 354 No good banquet
Inside the Supreme Alliance, Guan Yutian held a grand banquet, leaving empty seats for those in need. Sima Tian, ​​standing to the side, poured Guan Yutian a cup of wine and said respectfully, "Alliance Leader, although the Three Heroes of the Wind and Dust are quite famous, there's no need to go to such lengths to invite them."

Guan Yutian picked up his wine cup, took a sip, and glanced at Sima Tian, ​​making the latter tremble with fear and unease.

"What do you know? Although the martial arts of these Three Heroes of the Wind and Dust are not very good, their connections are no less than those of the Supreme Alliance. The reason why I invited them here is naturally for a purpose. If we can win them over, we can use their power to pressure Helian Ba. Then we can swallow up the Sea Shark Palace in one fell swoop and remove a major obstacle to the Supreme Alliance's unification of the martial arts world."

Upon hearing this, Sima Tian was immediately startled, but then a smile appeared on his face, and he patted Guan Yutian's horse a few times, neither too hard nor too soft.

"The Alliance Leader is wise. It was my shortsightedness. Now our Supreme Alliance is the number one power in the martial arts world. If we also eliminate Helian Ba, then we will only have Sword Casting City to the north left."

At this point, Sima Tian casually remarked, "Alliance Leader, will the soaring purple rainbow that appeared in the direction of Sword Forging City last night affect our overall situation?"

"I have already sent people to investigate, so you don't need to worry about this matter. What you need to do now is to take down the Shennong Sect and the Jade Goddess Palace as soon as possible. As the number one hall in the alliance, the fact that the Azure Dragon Hall has been unable to take down a second-rate sect for so long is really embarrassing for me. The White Tiger Hall of the Thousand Lines took down the Chongshan Sword Sect and the Jade Forest Temple a month ago. If you don't step up your efforts soon, you may lose your position as the number one hall."

"It is my incompetence. Rest assured, Alliance Leader, those two factions will be taken down within a month. It will not delay your important matters."

Hearing Guan Yutian's calm words, Sima Tian's heart sank slightly. He hurriedly made a promise, while secretly resenting Ren Qianxing. Chongshan Sword Sect and Yulin Temple were both outstanding second-rate sects, but judging from the news that came a month ago, Ren Qianxing actually broke through Chongshan and destroyed Yulin within ten days. No one knew exactly how he did it.

Outside the Food God's residence, Ren Qianxing stood tall and elegant, his golden-patterned black robe accentuating his heroic spirit. The sword at his waist added to his imposing presence. Dozens of allies lined up on both sides behind him, blocking the entire street completely. A luxuriously decorated carriage was parked to the side, its jewels gleaming in the sunlight, dazzling the eyes.

"Wait here and don't disturb the passersby."

Ren Qianxing gave an order to his leading subordinate and entered the Food God's Residence alone. Upon seeing this, the subordinate waved his hand, and dozens of allies neatly stepped aside, clearing the street again.

Inside the second floor of the Food God's Residence, Liu Yiyi pushed open the wooden window, her face grim as she looked down at the people from the Supreme Alliance. Seeing Ren Qianxing enter, she immediately closed the window and turned to look at the still leisurely Sai Huatuo and his wife.

"Senior, the people from the Supreme Alliance have all arrived. Aren't you worried at all?"

Liu Yiyi knew that Guan Yutian's grand visit to Shishenju was definitely not for good reasons, and the fact that he sent Ren Qianxing made her feel uneasy.

“Yiyi, sit down and have a cup of tea. What’s meant to happen will happen. My husband and I had already anticipated this day when we left Fengchenju and came to the territory of the Supreme Alliance. Now we can finally breathe a sigh of relief. On the contrary, we would have been worried if Guan Yutian had ignored us.”

Sai Huatuo asked Liu Yiyi to sit down, poured her a glass of water, and handed it to her. Upon hearing this, Liu Yiyi looked puzzled and glanced at Sai Xishi beside her.

“Yiyi, it’s no exaggeration to call Guan Yutian a ruthless and powerful figure. If he attacks openly, my wife and I can handle it calmly. But if he attacks from the shadows, then it’s hard to say.”

Sai Xishi gave Liu Yiyi a meaningful look, and the latter immediately understood. Just then, a series of steady footsteps came from the stairs. Liu Yiyi stood up and walked towards the stairs. Soon after, Ren Qianxing appeared in front of her.

"Yiyi."

Ren Qianxing looked at Liu Yiyi with an apologetic expression and a hint of guilt in his eyes, which did not escape Liu Yiyi's notice.

"The two seniors are inside, so I cannot accompany them. Please go in by yourself."

Liu Yiyi glanced at Ren Qianxing, sighed inwardly, turned and went downstairs. As soon as Liu Yiyi left, Ren Qianxing's eyes sharpened, and he walked steadily inside.

"Gentlemen, I, Ren Qianxing, greet you. I am here on behalf of my master to invite you to this meeting. The journey is a bit far, but the carriage is ready downstairs. Please make your way."

Ren Qianxing stood three feet away from Sai Huatuo and the other man, bowing respectfully with a tone that was neither humble nor arrogant, and was very proper.

"So you are Guan Yutian's only disciple. Your martial arts skills are not bad. Among your generation, you deserve the title of a talent."

Sai Xishi turned her head and looked at Ren Qianxing, who was handsome and had an extraordinary demeanor. Her eyes lit up immediately. In addition, the latter had a long breath and eyes with divine light. His aura was almost no less than her own. Even Sai Xishi, who had some opinions about Guan Yutian, couldn't help but feel envious at this moment.

"Guan Yutian has taken in a good disciple. Why did your master have to come personally to invite us, the head of the White Tiger Hall, because he was worried that my wife and I wouldn't come? You must have gone to a lot of trouble."

Sai Huatuo coughed, drawing Sai Xishi's attention back. He held the gold-embossed invitation in his hand, waved it at Ren Qianxing, and said something sarcastic.

“Senior, you flatter me. This is the territory of the Supreme Alliance. You two are guests. How can we ask our guests to come and then suffer? I have always respected you two. It is a rare opportunity for me to personally greet you. Others can only envy this.”

After a pause, Ren Qianxing continued, "I have long heard that Senior Sai Huatuo's medical skills have reached the pinnacle, saving countless lives. My master has always admired him, so when he entered the Supreme Alliance, he began preparations to welcome him with the honors due to a distinguished guest. In addition, Senior Sai Xishi is stunningly beautiful and eternally youthful. Her unique divine medicine, the Youth Preservation Pill, is highly sought after. Now, within the territory under the Supreme Alliance's control, this divine medicine is extremely rare."

Hearing Ren Qianxing's flattering words, Sai Huatuo's previously stern expression relaxed. Although Ren Qianxing was somewhat obsequious, it was undeniably pleasant for him, especially since the person praising him was Guan Yutian's only disciple.

"Alright, old man, since Young Hero Ren has come in person, let's not put on airs of seniority. Young Hero Ren, let's not delay any longer, let's go this way, so as not to keep your master waiting, and in the end, the responsibility will fall on you."

Sai Xishi glared at Sai Huatuo with annoyance. This old man just loves being praised. He hasn't changed in all these years.

"Seniors, please follow me."

Ren Qianxing knew that things had been accomplished and was overjoyed. He immediately gestured for Sai Huatuo to pick up the invitation from the table, and the couple followed Ren Qianxing downstairs.

Liu Yiyi, who was waiting downstairs, immediately stepped forward. Just as she was about to speak, Sai Huatuo gave her a wink. Upon seeing this, she immediately shut up. Ren Qianxing pretended not to see it and gestured for her to enter.

"Senior, please."

"Yiyi, we'll be right back, don't worry. That 'Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea' dish tastes pretty good, we'll have that tonight," Sai Huatuo said to Liu Yiyi, then led Sai Xishi towards the door.

Liu Yiyi was taken aback. She hadn't prepared any elaborate dishes, so how could she possibly rival the legendary physician Hua Tuo?

Thinking of this, Liu Yiyi suddenly had an epiphany. She went outside and watched as Sai Huatuo and his wife got into the sandalwood carriage adorned with beads and colorful decorations and ridden by two horses. At Ren Qianxing's deep shout, the carriage slowly started moving, with dozens of allies following closely behind, gradually moving away from the Food God's Residence.

Inside the carriage, Sai Xishi glanced at Sai Huatuo, pointed outside, and then transmitted her voice, "Old man, what exactly does Guan Yutian mean?"

Sai Huatuo replied, "It's not a good thing anyway, so we'll just have to play it by ear."

Sai Xishi nodded upon hearing this.

Half an hour later, the carriage stopped, and Ren Qianxing's voice came from outside.

"Seniors, the Supreme Alliance has arrived."

As soon as the words were spoken, a hand lifted the curtain, and someone else lowered a carriage bench. Sai Huatuo and Sai Xishi exchanged a glance, and then got out of the carriage one after the other.

This was the first time that Sai Huatuo and Sai Xishi had come to the Supreme Alliance. At first glance, the magnificent, solemn and imposing palace in front of them gave them a sense of weight and pressure. The guards in armor and holding weapons at the gate made them feel even more pressured.

"Having been away from the martial arts world for many years, the Supreme Alliance has actually developed to such an extent. Guan Yutian truly deserves to be called a hero of this era."

Sai Huatuo felt a chill run down his spine and became wary. Guan Yutian had managed to elevate the obscure Supreme Alliance to the same level as Sword Casting City and Sea Shark Palace in just over twenty years, so he must have some skill. He must not let his guard down, or the consequences would be unpredictable.

“Senior, my master is already waiting in the Supreme Hall. Please follow me.” Just as Sai Huatuo was deep in thought, Ren Qianxing’s voice startled him. He hummed in response and followed Sai Xishi as Ren Qianxing slowly walked inside.

After passing through numerous checkpoints, Ren Qianxing led Sai Huatuo and his wife to a magnificent, towering palace. Sima Tian, ​​who was waiting outside, immediately led his subordinates to greet them upon seeing Ren Qianxing and his companions.

"Sima Tian, ​​the Hall Master of the Azure Dragon Hall of the Supreme Alliance, has come to greet the two seniors on the orders of the Alliance Leader."

Sai Huatuo looked at the approaching allies with a solemn expression. Almost all of these allies possessed considerable internal strength, making them pillars of even second-rate sects. Although Sima Tian, ​​the leader, was not as good as Ren Qianxing, he was still a master. The fact that the Supreme Alliance could lead Jiangnan and exert its dominance over Sword Casting City and Sea Shark Palace showed that they were indeed quite capable.

"Seniors, Master Baihu, please." Sima Tian glanced at Ren Qianxing and then smiled as he gestured to Sai Huatuo and his wife.

Ren Qianxing remained indifferent upon hearing this, without uttering a word. Sai Huatuo's eyes flashed with a sharp light, indicating that Sima Tian and Ren Qianxing were not on good terms.

With a grunt, Sai Huatuo and his wife, along with Ren Qianxing, followed Sima Tian into the Supreme Hall. As soon as they entered, Sai Huatuo's expression changed slightly as he felt a powerful aura rushing towards them. Sai Xishi also looked solemn and glanced at Sai Huatuo. The two immediately circulated their true energy to push away the incoming aura. In just two or three breaths, Sai Huatuo and his wife felt their true energy being consumed extremely quickly. Just as they were beginning to feel unable to hold on, the aura suddenly disappeared. Sai Huatuo and his wife swayed slightly but quickly regained their balance.

"Such profound internal strength!"

Sai Huatuo's eyes widened in shock. Although he had previously estimated Guan Yutian's strength to be roughly equivalent to or slightly superior to their Three Heroes of the Wind and Dust, the difference was not significant. However, it now seemed that Guan Yutian's strength far exceeded their expectations, or perhaps this was not his true strength. Such strength was truly astonishing.

Ren Qianxing and Sima Tian exchanged a glance, took a few quick steps, and bowed in unison to the distinguished figure with his back to them.

"Alliance Leader, the three legendary heroes of the Wind and Dust, Senior Sisters Sai Huatuo and Sai Xishi, have arrived."

Sai Huatuo and Sai Xishi took a deep breath and looked at Guan Yutian, who had turned around.

"Gentlemen, I have long admired your names. It is my first time meeting you. Please forgive any shortcomings in our etiquette."

Guan Yutian's deep voice echoed in the hall. Sai Huatuo stepped forward, bowed slightly to Guan Yutian, and said in a deep voice, "Alliance Leader Guan, what brings my wife and me here?"

"Please take your seats, gentlemen. Let's eat and chat. Qianxing, go and pour wine for the two seniors. This Bing Ning Cui is a rare delicacy."

Guan Yutian did not reply to this, but smiled and invited Sai Huatuo and the other to take a seat. The latter frowned, but since they were already there, they might as well make the best of it and see what tricks Guan Yutian was up to.

"Yes, Master."

Ren Qianxing agreed, picked up the wine pot on the table, poured wine for Sai Huatuo and his wife first, then poured a cup for Guan Yutian. After pouring his own, he put the wine pot on the table, channeled his inner energy, and sent it towards Sima Tian on the other side.

Seeing this, Sima Tian snorted coldly in his heart. Looking at the flying wine pot, he formed his right hand into a claw and firmly held the wine pot in his hand, then poured a cup of wine.

"What superb skills! The Alliance Leader's subordinates are indeed full of talented people. This has truly broadened my horizons."

Seeing that Guan Yutian was ignoring the power struggle, Sai Huatuo's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he changed his tone, slightly praising Ren Qianxing and the other man.

"Brother Sai, you flatter me. My skills are crude and unworthy of such elegance. Gentlemen, this Ice Condensation Essence is extremely rare. Why not have a taste?"

Guan Yutian raised his wine cup to the two men, and Ren Qianxing and Sima Tian stood up and raised their cups. Seeing this, Sai Huatuo and his wife picked up their wine cups, and everyone bowed slightly before drinking the wine in one gulp.

"The Supreme Alliance truly lives up to its name. This Ice Condensation Essence is at least twenty years old. If one were to refine it, drinking this cup would save at least several months of arduous cultivation. Regular consumption would also greatly benefit one's cultivation. If the Wine Immortal were here, he would surely drink to his heart's content."

While praising him, Sai Huatuo secretly observed Guan Yutian's reaction. When he mentioned the Immortal of Wine, Guan Yutian showed no unusual expression, but rather some disappointment.

"If we were to discuss who in the martial arts world could appreciate this wine, it would only be the Immortal of Wine. It is a pity that the Three Heroes of the Wind and Dust could not gather together, otherwise today would be a grand event."

Guan Yutian also felt a little regretful. If the Three Heroes of the Wind and Dust could have gathered at the Supreme Alliance, it would have brought him a lot of prestige. Although this thing is intangible, it is extremely important.

"The Wine Immortal's whereabouts are unpredictable; he's probably off enjoying some fine wine somewhere right now. Alliance Leader Guan, it's getting late. If there's nothing else, my wife and I will take our leave."

Sai Huatuo had already ruled out Guan Yutian in his mind, and seeing that Guan Yutian was slow to get to the point, he became somewhat impatient.

"Brother Sai is straightforward, so I, the Alliance Leader, will not beat around the bush either. The real reason I invited you two here today is to invite you to join my Supreme Alliance and work for the benefit of the martial arts world."

Upon hearing Guan Yutian's words, Sima Tian felt a chill run down his spine. What did he mean by "seeking the well-being of the martial world"? Wasn't it just his own selfish desires? However, he dared not show it on his face. Instead, he acted as if it were the right thing to do. Ren Qianxing, who was opposite him, was speechless upon seeing this.

"Alliance Leader, you flatter us. My wife and I have long since distanced ourselves from the martial world and only wish to live a carefree life. Let's not bring up the matter of joining your alliance again."

Without a second thought, Sai Huatuo flatly refused Guan Yutian's offer. They had finally managed to escape decades ago, and now the martial arts world was in turmoil. If they rashly rushed in, they wouldn't even know how they died.

Seeing this, Sai Xishi nodded repeatedly. Guan Yutian was not surprised. If she would agree after just one persuasion, he would not have had to spend so much effort.

"You two wish to live a carefree life, but you also need a stable environment. The martial world is currently in turmoil, which is the time for us to step in and pacify it. You two are renowned in the martial world, and my Supreme Alliance also has some strength. If the two sides join forces, I believe that we can integrate the martial world in the shortest possible time and restore the martial world to its former glory of a hundred years ago. At that time, you two can also live a peaceful life in peace."

Guan Yutian's righteous words made Sai Huatuo and his wife's expressions very strange. Although they had not been in the martial arts world for a long time, they still knew that the reason why there had been constant killings in the martial arts world in recent years was because of the existence of your Supreme Alliance.

"Alliance Leader Guan, there's no need to persuade us any further. My wife and I have no intention of getting involved in the conflicts of the martial world. After we've settled our worldly affairs, we plan to retire to the mountains. Alliance Leader Guan, you should choose another capable person to avoid jeopardizing our important matters!"

Hearing Sai Huatuo's words, Guan Yutian laughed and said, "I have put Brother Sai in a difficult position. Well, a gentleman does not force others to do things they do not want to do. It was I who was being a bit too aggressive. Come, let's drink. Qianxing, fill up the cup for our distinguished guest."

Hearing the change in how his master addressed him, Ren Qianxing's heart stirred slightly. He glanced at Sima Tian, ​​who expressionlessly handed him the wine pot. Ren Qianxing took it and went to Sai Huatuo's side. Just as he was about to pour the wine, Sai Huatuo stopped him with a gesture.

"This Ice Condensation Essence is extremely potent. My husband and I are both of relatively weak cultivation, so one cup is enough for us. It would be better if Alliance Leader Guan kept this good stuff to avoid wasting it."

Upon hearing this, Ren Qianxing only looked at Guan Yutian, who waved to him. Ren Qianxing immediately returned to his seat, his eyes fixed on Sai Huatuo and his wife.

"Alliance Leader Guan, it's getting late, we should take our leave."

Sai Huatuo gave Sai Xishi a wink, and the two bowed to Guan Yutian. Just as they were about to leave, they suddenly felt a wave of dizziness, their bodies went limp, and they collapsed onto the table.

"Guan Yutian, you!"

Sai Huatuo was shocked and furious. Despite his best efforts to guard against it, he had still fallen into the opponent's trap. Looking at Sai Xishi, who had already fallen into a deep sleep, Sai Huatuo's face turned extremely ugly. After a while, he relaxed and fainted.

"You won't listen to reason, so you'll have to suffer the consequences. Now that you've entered the territory of my Supreme Alliance, you have no say in the matter. Qianxing, Sima Tian, ​​imprison the two of them in the Ancient Pine Courtyard and have them kept under strict guard."

"Yes."

Ren Qianxing and Sima Tian exchanged a glance, then called out to the outside. Soon, several subordinates entered, carrying Sai Huatuo and his wife out of the main hall. They followed Ren Qianxing and Sima Tian to an exquisite villa with three ancient pine trees.

(End of this chapter)