A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 378 Arrow Concealment
Ren Qianxing led his men day and night, and finally arrived at Juechan Temple on the third day. Looking at the dilapidated temple, which was not very large, not far ahead, Ren Qianxing dismounted and led his subordinates toward the temple.

"Please inform Master Qianxing, the head of the White Tiger Hall of the Supreme Alliance, that he wishes to see Zen Master Qu'e."

Ren Qianxing gave a sword salute to the young novice monk who was sweeping fallen leaves on the temple steps.

The young novice monk was already terrified by the large commotion, but upon hearing Ren Qianxing's words, he immediately came to his senses, chanted a Buddhist prayer, and then quickly ran towards the temple.

In no time, the temple gates opened and a group of monks filed out. The monk with the ruddy complexion at the head of the group saw Ren Qianxing, his eyes flashed slightly, and he quickly walked a few steps to stand in front of him.

"So you are the esteemed disciple of the Supreme Alliance Leader. This humble monk will go and pay my respects. My senior brother is already waiting in the Buddha Hall. Hall Master Ren, please."

After speaking, Qu Nian gestured, and Ren Qianxing immediately nodded and walked towards the gate. His subordinates wanted to follow, but Qu Nian stopped them. The members of the Supreme Alliance glared at him angrily, showing signs of being ready to fight at the slightest provocation. Qu Nian chanted a Buddhist prayer, looked at Ren Qianxing who had turned around, and explained, "This is a pure Buddhist place, and it is not convenient for it to be tainted by the evil aura of the secular world. Hall Master Ren is of noble status and is a distinguished guest from afar, so this humble monk will make an exception this time. As for these few, please forgive this humble monk for not being able to let you in. Please forgive Hall Master Ren."

Upon hearing this, Ren Qianxing waved his hand and said calmly, "What the master said makes sense. Since you have come to Juechan Temple, you should abide by the temple's rules. You should wait outside first."

"Yes, Hall Master!"

Upon hearing this, the subordinates immediately withdrew their fierce glares and retreated several feet away. Seeing Ren Qianxing's actions, Nian sighed inwardly. The more he acted this way, the more it proved that Ren Qianxing had come to Juechan Temple with great ambitions. Could it be that this secluded Juechan Temple was about to face a storm?

"Master Ren, please."

Shaking his head, Qu Nian tried to clear his mind of these thoughts. He was just an ordinary monk, and the future of Juechan Temple depended on his senior brother's plans. Perhaps this storm had already begun after Yan Zangfeng arrived at Juechan Temple.

Ren Qianxing stepped across the threshold and, guided by Qu Nian, arrived at a Buddhist hall imbued with Zen spirit. A three-legged bronze cauldron, about half a person's height, stood steadily before the hall. Incense wafted through the air, but instead of being pungent, it gave a sense of ethereal clarity. Ren Qianxing became secretly wary and looked up at the plaque above the hall, where he saw three powerful characters:

Refuge Hall

"Master Ren, your senior brother invites you in."

Qu Nian looked at the half-open temple door, gestured to Ren Qianxing, and then stood quietly to the side. Upon seeing this, the latter placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, took a few steady steps forward, and pushed the door open completely. The sunlight streamed in, shining directly on a gaunt monk sitting with his back to him. Ren Qianxing wondered if it was just his imagination, but he felt that the monk possessed an extremely natural aura. After stepping into the temple, his savage killing intent was unconsciously suppressed.

"Junior Ren Qianxing greets the former evil Zen Master." Ren Qianxing took a deep breath and bowed to the former evil Zen Master with clasped hands.

A deep voice echoed within the Buddhist hall. Several breaths later, Ren Qianxing heard a hoarse voice.

"Guan Yutian has indeed taken on a good disciple. At such a young age, he has already opened up his meridians. He is a first-rate talent in the martial arts world. Tell me, what is the purpose of Guan Yutian sending you to Juechan Temple?"

"I have come on the orders of my master to deliver a letter to the Zen Master." As Ren Qianxing spoke, he took the letter out of his pocket. As soon as he took it out, he felt his hand loosen. Looking closely, he saw that Qu E was holding the letter in his hand and reading it. Ren Qianxing was shocked to see this.

Guan Yutian had said more than once that he was a leading figure among the younger generation, but Ren Qianxing was arrogant and believed that he would not be at a disadvantage even against those older masters. Elder Sun and the others were good examples. However, today, the ordinary move of the Evil Zen Master was completely undetectable to him. If it were during a battle, he probably wouldn't even know how he died.

On the other side, Zen Master Qu'e silently finished reading the letter, remaining silent for a long time. He then set it aside, turned to Ren Qianxing, and said in a low voice, "Before you left, did your master give you any instructions?"

Ren Qianxing looked at the sorrowful Zen Master Qu'e in front of him and pondered, "My master said that it is enough to deliver the letter and there is no need to stay. Zen Master, now that I have read the letter, I have completed my task and will take my leave."

Upon hearing Ren Qianxing's words, Zen Master Qu'e did not say much, but simply nodded, his lips slightly moving as he called out to the outside.

"Go and remember my junior brother, and see off Abbot Ren on my behalf."

Seeing this, Ren Qianxing bowed again and turned to leave the Buddhist hall. Just as he stepped out of the door, the door creaked shut again, and the murderous intent that had been suppressed gradually resurfaced in his heart.

"Such terrifying cultivation! This person is probably even more powerful than my master. Such a person must not be an unknown figure. Why would he be willing to live in seclusion in these mountains?"

Ren Qianxing was puzzled, but since the mission was accomplished, he would tell his master what he had learned and seen today when he returned to the alliance, and the old man would handle it.

"Master Ren."

Qu Nian smiled as he looked at Ren Qianxing, who nodded slightly and followed Qu Nian back the way they came. Qu Nian escorted Ren Qianxing all the way to the outside of Juechan Temple.

"Amitabha, may Abbot Ren have a safe journey." Qu Nian chanted a Buddhist prayer, then led the monks back to the temple and closed the temple gates.

"Hall Master?"

"Go, go back."

Ren Qianxing glanced at Juechan Temple again, mounted his horse, and galloped away with his subordinates.

Just as Ren Qianxing was returning to the Supreme Alliance, Guan Yutian left the Supreme Alliance and arrived at a high hillside ten miles away from the Supreme Alliance's headquarters. The hillside was lush and green, with the Cang River flowing through it, providing abundant water. Many birds and beasts lived there. From the air, the hillside resembled a giant dragon, and a towering peak on its eastern side resembled a divine sword. Hence, there is a legend that a celestial dragon committed a crime and was banished to the mortal world. The divine peak was the punishment sent down by the gods, watching over the dragon at all times. Therefore, the hillside was named "Jinglong Slope" (Surprising Dragon Slope).

Guan Yutian slowly walked towards the highest point of Jinglong Slope. In less than half an hour, Guan Yutian had reached the top. Looking down, everything was within his sight. The living beings seemed so insignificant in his eyes. It seemed that he could control their life and death with just a gentle grasp.

"It's this feeling of being high above that's truly intoxicating."

Guan Yutian closed his eyes, seemingly already imagining the worship of all living beings.

"You're as wise as a god, but you're too late."

"It's not that I'm late, but that the Alliance Leader arrived early. I've already brought the person with me." Liao Rushen closed his feather fan, stepped aside, and a tall, wild-looking young man with several mysterious runes painted on his face, carrying a bow and arrows on his back, appeared.

"This is the person you found for me, the leader of the alliance." Guan Yutian turned around and glanced at the young man from head to toe. Hmm, his cultivation level was somewhat unfathomable, which made Guan Yutian's expression turn serious for the first time.

"Indeed, Alliance Leader, his name is Jian Yin. His archery skills are superb, and no one in the entire martial arts world dares to compete with him."

Liao Rushen looked at Jian Yin and nodded. Seeing this, Zhou He then decisively drew his bow and shot an arrow. With a whoosh, the arrow flew towards a distant peak. When Guan Yutian heard the barely perceptible arrow sound, he was even more shocked. Looking in the direction the arrow flew, he saw a sharp light flash by and disappear into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

A few breaths later, a loud boom was heard. Guan Yutian looked at the mountain peak that had been partially destroyed by the arrow, his pupils contracted, and then he turned to look at Jian Yin, his eyes burning with barely concealed fervor. Liao Rushen, who was beside him, chuckled and waved his feather fan lightly, saying, "Alliance Leader, how is it? Does Jian Yin's archery skill meet your standards?"

"Very good, very good. I never expected there to be such a talented person in the martial arts world. You are incredibly skilled. You have made a great contribution this time, and I, the leader of the alliance, will reward you handsomely."

Guan Yutian was extremely excited at this moment. With such an expert's help, he had a much better chance of dealing with Sword Casting City.

"Arrow Shadow, would you be willing to join the Supreme Alliance and serve as its Chief Protector?"

Guan Yutian spared no expense for Jianyin. Liao Rushen was also very tempted when he heard about the position of Chief Protector. His sworn brother Yan Zhongyang had served as Chief Protector, a position higher than the four hall masters and second only to the Alliance Leader. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he was second only to the Alliance Leader. Moreover, the Chief Protector only obeyed the Alliance Leader. Even if others had the Alliance Leader's token, they could not order him around. In addition, the Chief Protector could recruit protectors on his own. Apart from the Alliance Leader, no one else had the right to interfere. His power was immense.

"If you want me to join, fine, but you'd better be able to catch one of my arrows."

Jian Yin looked at Guan Yutian with calm and indifferent eyes. Guan Yutian was slightly taken aback when he heard this, then laughed heartily. After a while, his expression turned serious and he said to Jian Yin in a deep voice, "Alright, I, the Alliance Leader, will agree to your request. Let me see the power of your Heavenly Bow Twelve Arrows."

Upon hearing Guan Yutian mention "the twelve arrows of the Heavenly Bow," Jian Yin's eyes flickered slightly. He then nodded to Guan Yutian, turned, and ran downwards. Guan Yutian, seeing this, also moved instantly and quickly disappeared from the mountaintop, leaving only Ru Shen's profound gaze watching the two departing figures, one in front and one behind.

"With Jian Yin joining the force, Guan Yutian's strength has increased significantly. As long as Jian Yin can stop Gu Xu, the fall of Sword Forging City is just around the corner. I would like to see what is so magical about the world-famous Frost Sword."

At the foot of the mountain, Jian Yin and Guan Yutian met about a mile apart. This was intentional on Guan Yutian's part, so that Jian Yin could fully utilize the power of his bow and arrow. With his hands behind his back, Guan Yutian looked at Jian Yin, who was nocking an arrow, and shouted, "Make your move!"

With a single command, a sharp arrow streaked through the air with a resounding crash, its tail trailing a streak of light, its arrowhead gleaming like a star. The void trembled, and the sound echoed through the heavens. Even before it arrived, its power was already terrifying. Guan Yutian's expression turned grave as he watched the arrow hurtling towards him. Each of the "Twelve Heavenly Arrows" was more powerful than the last, and the arrow that the Hidden Arrow had used to test the waters was the ninth arrow, "Sky-Splitting Arrow." This move had the power to shake the void and disperse true energy. Once hit by it, one would instantly lose their fighting ability. The best course of action would be to use a movement technique to evade the arrow before it arrived. However, Guan Yutian knew that the reason the Hidden Arrow had used this move was to allow him to break it head-on; otherwise, the recruitment would have to be abandoned.

"Since that's the case, I, the leader of this alliance, will make you accept your defeat wholeheartedly."

The "Sky-Splitting Arrow" pierced through the air and was already within three feet of Guan Yutian in the blink of an eye. The latter remained still, channeled his true energy, and a transparent energy shield appeared around him. The indestructible "Sky-Splitting Arrow" struck the energy shield without missing a beat, making a "ding" sound. Then, the arrow's light flickered and continuously impacted the energy shield, its brilliance flowing and its energy colliding. As time passed, the arrow's light eventually ran out of power, and under the continuous transformation of the energy shield, its spiritual light gradually dimmed, and finally fell to the ground.

Seeing that the "Sky-Splitting Arrow" had failed to achieve its goal, Jian Yin did not show any disappointment. He hung the precious bow on his back and slowly walked towards Guan Yutian.

"This arrow is quite skillful. The twelve arrows of the Heavenly Bow have lived up to its reputation in your hands. Very good."

Guan Yutian reached out and sucked the Sky-Splitting Arrow into his hand, then handed it to the approaching Arrow Shadow. The latter took it with both hands, put it back in the quiver, and bowed to Guan Yutian.

"Arrow Shadow greets the Alliance Leader."

"Good, good. With such a great general in my hands, what can't I accomplish in the future?"

"Congratulations to the Alliance Leader for achieving your wish. Liao Rushen offers his congratulations."

Upon hearing this, Guan Yutian turned to look at Ru Shen and said solemnly, "You have rendered such a great service to my Supreme Alliance. Speak, as long as the conditions are not too unreasonable, I, the Alliance Leader, can agree to them."

"I haven't thought about it yet. Could we postpone this promise until I remember it someday and then ask the Alliance Leader to fulfill it?"

"Alright, but I hope you won't keep me waiting too long. What if I forget? Wouldn't that be too awkward for both of us?" Guan Yutian looked at the paused expression on Ru Shen's face and chuckled, "Let's set a one-year limit. If you don't tell me by then, this promise will be null and void."

"Yes."

"Return to the Supreme Alliance."

Outside Sword Forging City, the six members of Eagle Fortress watched people come and go through the city gates, scribbling and drawing on a piece of white paper. After a while, the leader, a black-clad swordsman, looked in the direction of Sword Forging City and said in a deep voice, "The second-in-command sent a message, instructing us to wait for an opportunity to disrupt the Sword Forging City's disciple selection ceremony and at the same time, to investigate the strength of Sword Forging City."

As soon as the black-clad swordsman finished speaking, the others all looked rather grim. Monitoring Sword Forging City from here was already extremely dangerous, and now they were being sent to disrupt the tournament. Going in would undoubtedly be like moths to a flame, courting their own destruction.

"It's not that I want to pour cold water on things, but the reason we're still able to stay here safely and gather information isn't because we've hidden ourselves too well, but because Sword Forging City doesn't care at all, and we haven't done anything out of line. There's already a tacit understanding between us. If we were to break it, it wouldn't be a small matter. Our deaths are a small matter, but delaying the important matters of our sect would be an unforgivable crime."

A perfectly reasonable accusation was slapped on his head, and the black-clad swordsman frowned slightly, but he quickly recovered and looked at the others who showed no interest. He said in a deep voice, "The second-in-command said in his message that as long as one of the tasks can be completed, one can go to the library to choose any unique skill, even the Wuji Heart Sutra! In addition, there is a thousand taels of gold."

"The reward is quite generous; this deal is definitely worthwhile." Some people thought to themselves. Not to mention the thousand taels of gold, the Wuji Heart Sutra alone was enough to make them take this risk.

"Is this really true?" Some people had doubts, but after seeing the letter with the leader's private letter stamped on it, which the black-clad swordsman took out, and carefully reading the contents, everyone had no objections.

"In that case, let's start the day after tomorrow. Let's prepare the necessary items first."

"Can!"

(End of this chapter)