A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 391 Choice
When Yan Zangfeng arrived at Sword Forging City, Ren Qianxing also returned to the Supreme Alliance. He originally wanted to report the details to his master, but learned that his master had already left the Supreme Alliance.

"Master, this is a letter left by the Alliance Leader before his departure."

Guan Yutian's confidant handed a letter to Ren Qianxing, who took it and read it, his face expressionless.

"The Alliance Leader and the two Hall Masters have gone to Tanxi City. During this time, I will take charge of the Supreme Alliance on their behalf. Please have the three Hall Masters come to the main hall."

"Yes!"

The trusted aide said "Yes," turned, and left the main hall. A short while later, the twelve leaders of the three halls arrived one after another. When they saw Ren Qianxing sitting in the seat next to the Emperor's throne, the leader of the Azure Dragon Hall, Li, had a slight glint in his eyes. He clasped his hands in a salute to Ren Qianxing and then took his seat. The others, seeing this, also had their own thoughts. After taking their seats in turn, Ren Qianxing nodded in satisfaction. These people were quite obedient and did not outwardly comply but inwardly defy him.

"Gentlemen, before the Alliance Leader departed, he instructed that I would temporarily take charge of the Alliance's affairs until he and the two Hall Masters return. Does anyone have any objections?"

"Since it is the Alliance Leader's order, we will naturally obey. What does Hall Master Ren intend to do next?"

Li, the hall master, was the first to stand up and show his support for Ren Qianxing. The two Azure Dragon Hall leaders beside him also remained expressionless, clearly indicating that they had already reached a tacit understanding.

"Li Chuan is usually quiet and does more than he says. I never expected that as soon as Ren Qianxing took power, he would fawn over him. He has completely disgraced the Qinglong Hall."

When Xiao, the leader of the Vermilion Bird Hall, saw Li, the hall master, fawning over him, he immediately showed disdain. However, he concealed his disdain well, and when Ren Qianxing's gaze swept over, he had already changed his expression and looked at the person in the head of the table with a smile.

"This is also my first time presiding over the sect's mundane affairs. If there is anything wrong, please point it out in time. Just follow this routine. Hall Master Li, the position of Hall Master of the Azure Dragon Hall is temporarily vacant, so you will temporarily take over. The intelligence gathering on Sword Casting City and Sea Shark Palace must not be interrupted."

Ren Qianxing set the tone in a few words and immediately began issuing orders. Because he had long held the position of White Tiger Hall Master and was very authoritative, no one dared to object. Therefore, the orders were issued smoothly. Ren Qianxing not only did not feel tired at all, but was also full of energy.

In fact, not only did Ren Qianxing get to enjoy the power, but the three hall masters also felt that Ren's style was very different from Guan Yutian's. When Guan Yutian was in this position, he only focused on important matters and grasped the overall direction of the Supreme Alliance. He left all other trivial matters to the four halls to handle themselves. As a result, the responsibility of power was inevitably repeated, which caused many problems and wasted financial and material resources.

Now, Ren Qianxing has explained everything in detail, big or small, as if he has set up a framework. The people in the three halls only need to fill in the gaps. Moreover, the responsibilities are clearly defined, and if anything happens, the corresponding person can be found directly. In this way, who would dare not do their job conscientiously? Everything is under Ren Qianxing's control.

"No wonder this Master Ren was able to take down Sima Tian. With this ability alone, Sima Tian's defeat was not unjust."

"Who says otherwise? Although the Azure Dragon Hall is still the head of the four halls, everyone can see that the elders have gone into seclusion and are no longer involved in worldly affairs. Sima Tian is dead, and Li Chuan is currying favor with Ren Qianxing. Before long, the Azure Dragon Hall will probably become a branch of the White Tiger Hall."

"Let's not say such things. It's not something we can decide anyway. In any case, until the Alliance Leader and the two Hall Masters return, we should just do as Ren Qianxing says. The more critical the period, the more we must not cause any trouble. If he seizes the opportunity, he might just do the same thing to us as he did to the Azure Dragon Hall."

"Brother Zuo is absolutely right. It will only be a month or two at most. We can endure that time."

After the three halls dispersed, Ren Qianxing's confidant approached him and probed, "If the hall master did this intentionally, then Li Chuan, as the acting hall master, will inevitably become a sitting duck."

"How can we break up the Azure Dragon Hall if we don't do this? Although the elders are supposed to be living in seclusion, they have deep roots in the Azure Dragon Hall. Apart from Li Chuan and the other two who didn't get promoted based on their own strength, the rest of them all got in because of the elders. If we don't remove these thorns, how will we place our own people in the future?"

Ren Qianxing was told by his master in a letter that he should try his best to reorganize the Azure Dragon Hall during his absence, and preferably wipe out the forces belonging to the elders. This was also a test that his master had given him.

“Li Chuan is not from a prestigious family, and no one can back him up. Reaching the position of leader is already a stroke of luck. It is absolutely impossible for him to go any further. This man is not without ambition. Since he was the first to agree with me, I will grant his wish. Tell my men to keep an eye on things and not let those people go too far.”

"I obey my orders."

The confidant naturally understood that the others Ren Qianxing mentioned were none other than the leaders of the Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise Halls.

In the main hall of the City Lord's Mansion in Tanxi City, Zhu Qun, the head of the Vermilion Bird Hall, quietly entered. Seeing Guan Yutian flipping through reports, he stood quietly to the side. Guan Yutian, without looking up, asked, "What is it?"

"Reporting to the Alliance Leader, Hall Master Ren has returned to the Supreme Alliance. This news just came in."

Zhu Long immediately handed over the message. Guan Yutian put down the report in his hand, took the message, glanced at it, and a smile appeared on his face. He then stood up and asked Zhu Long, "How is the Sea Shark Palace doing?"

"Although the previous two attacks were blocked, they suffered many casualties. If it weren't for our geographical advantage and the need to protect Sword Forging City, with our strength, we could have destroyed their defenses in an instant and advanced straight to the southeastern islands."

"Well, it's about time. Pass down the order to launch another attack after nightfall. This time, we must break through their defenses at all costs."

"Yes!"

Zhu Long said "Yes," and seeing that Guan Yutian had no other instructions, he bowed again and left the main hall, where he found Xue Jian, who was setting up defenses.

"Hall Master Ren has returned to the Supreme Alliance and is currently overseeing the operation. The Alliance Leader just gave the order to launch an attack after nightfall. Are you all ready?"

“We’re all ready, Brother Zhu. Do you think the Alliance Leader really wants to conquer the Sixteen Islands of Southeast China?” Xue Jian pointed with his long pole at the islands scattered across a sea area on the sand table.

"Whether it is or not doesn't matter. As long as the Alliance Leader gives the order, we can only obey. Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Let's hurry up and make arrangements. Judging from how determined the Alliance Leader is this time, he might even have to personally take the lead."

"That's great! If the alliance leader takes action, the defense line will be utterly vulnerable."

"This is just speculation. After all, for someone like the Alliance Leader to deal with junior disciples would not only be a waste of time but also a loss of face, which would not be good for the Alliance Leader's reputation."

"I know, I was just saying. If the Alliance Leader has to handle everything, what are we for? I'll go and make preparations now. See if the Alliance Leader has anything to add, and let me know later." "Okay, go ahead."

Thirty miles from Tanxi City, in a defensive fortress, Helian Ba, dressed in military attire, sat at the head of the table, calmly looking at the elders below him, and said in a low voice: "Guan Yutian has come in person, surely intending to avenge our previous defeat. Now our forces have suffered heavy losses. Do any of you have any good strategies to repel the enemy?"

The Grand Elder remained silent upon hearing this. The Sea Shark Palace was far from what it used to be. Over the past few years, the Sea Shark Palace had been constantly fighting with the Supreme Alliance, which had gradually worn down its strength. Now, the Sea Shark Palace had fewer and fewer people to spare. Apart from the five hundred people guarding Sea Shark Island, the remaining three hundred people were all here. In addition, due to the two previous attacks by the Supreme Alliance, more than fifty people died and more than thirty people were seriously injured, which was undoubtedly adding insult to injury to the current situation outside the palace.

"Palace Master, is there any word from Sword Forging City?"

The speaker was an old man with a dark face and a long beard. He was Wu Yuzhong, the third elder of the Sea Shark Palace, and a staunch supporter of Helian Ba, always following Helian Ba's lead.

It's no secret that Sword Forging City and Sea Shark Palace have formed an alliance; otherwise, the Supreme Alliance wouldn't be in such a hurry to eliminate one of them first—it's precisely because they fear the alliance of the two major sects.

"The Sword Forging City has replied. They will do their best to keep the enemy occupied, but they are short-handed right now. They can manage a surprise attack, but they are not so willing to face the enemy head-on." Helian Ba ​​did not develop any resentment towards the Sword Forging City because of this. In fact, if he were in the same situation, he would probably have gone even further. The fact that the Sword Forging City was able to fulfill its alliance made him look at the city with new respect.

"That's true. No one would send their disciples to this dangerous place for nothing. Palace Master, this defensive line is definitely not going to hold. We should make plans as soon as possible. In my humble opinion, we should retreat to Moonlight Island and use the water resources to block the Supreme Alliance."

The Moonlight Island mentioned by Wu Yuzhong is the largest island in the Southeast Islands. Because it is shaped like a crescent moon and is always illuminated by the moon, it glows every night and can be clearly seen from miles away, adding a touch of candlelight to this quiet and secluded island group, hence the name.

"Retreating to Moonlight Island is a poor choice. Little do people know that this step back is a step back. Guan Yutian is clearly here with the aim of destroying the Sea Shark Palace. Palace Master, you should think twice before acting."

As soon as the Third Elder said this, he was immediately opposed by a fair-skinned, beardless middle-aged man. This man was none other than the Fourth Elder, Song Dong. After he said this, the others, apart from the Third Elder, also nodded in agreement.

"Guan Yutian is a wolf in sheep's clothing, always thinking about how to destroy our Sea Shark Palace. We absolutely cannot retreat this time. Otherwise, if we retreat one step today, we will have to retreat two steps in a while. In the end, he will devour us like a whirlwind, and the Sea Shark Palace will be destroyed even if it is not destroyed."

"As the saying goes, 'Where there's life, there's hope.' Elder Wu, Elder Lu, are you gambling with the lives of hundreds of disciples of the Sea Shark Palace? That's a grave sin."

"Elder, you make it sound so easy, but you all know the current situation of the Sea Shark Palace. Even if we retreat and give way, the other side probably won't let us off the hook. So the only way now is to fight a fierce battle and let the Supreme Alliance know that the Sea Shark Palace is not to be bullied."

Upon hearing this, the Grand Elder remained silent for a moment before finally turning his gaze to Helian Ba ​​at the head of the table.

"A defensive line that is held for too long will inevitably fall. We should make plans as soon as possible. Elder, you should lead the elite disciples of the sect to retreat to Moonlight Island as soon as possible. Elder Wu and Elder Lu, stay with me and buy as much time as possible. If nothing unexpected happens, Guan Yutian should make a move tonight."

Upon hearing Helian Ba's words, the Grand Elder was delighted, but also showed a worried expression. If something happened to Helian Ba, the Sea Shark Palace would be destroyed, even if it wasn't. He wanted to persuade him to retreat together, but after pondering for a long time, he finally gave up the idea.

"Yes, I will obey the Palace Master's order."

The Grand Elder stood up and bowed solemnly to Helian Ba, then nodded to Elder Wu and Elder Lu before turning and leaving. Less than half an hour later, the hundred elite disciples had finished their regrouping and, led by the Grand Elder, retreated towards Moonlight Island. Just as the Sea Shark Palace was making its move, the Sword Casting City, which was not far away, also received the news.

"Helian Ba ​​ultimately chose to back down, but now that things have come to this, this method isn't entirely wrong. However, his spirit is gradually being lost, and it won't be so easy to regain it. Issue an order to everyone: once you spot someone from the Supreme Alliance, don't engage in a protracted fight. Just hold out for three quarters of an hour and they can retreat. Otherwise, they will be punished according to city regulations!"

While the Supreme Alliance was dealing with the Sea Shark Palace and the Sword Forging City, Gu Xu arrived at the Death Heart Sect. Looking at the valley gradually regaining its vitality, Gu Xu walked forward slowly. He hadn't gone far when he saw three nuns blocking his way with swords on a small blue stone path. The eldest of the three nuns, seeing that Gu Xu had an impressive appearance and could not sense his aura, knew that his cultivation was far above hers. She immediately bowed respectfully and said in a deep voice, "Greetings, Daoist Master. This is the territory of the Death Heart Sect. Outsiders are not allowed to enter without permission. Please forgive us."

"I am Gu Xu, and I have an appointment with your sect leader. Please inform him of it."

The moment Gu Xudao revealed his name, the eldest nun's expression changed immediately. She said respectfully, "So you are Daoist Gu Xudao. Please forgive my rudeness. My master has already instructed that you may enter the temple as soon as you arrive. Daoist, please follow me."

The eldest nun sheathed her sword, took a few quick steps to Gu Xu, and gestured for him to enter. Gu Xu nodded and followed the nun inside. The nun then gave the other four a wink, and they immediately understood and rushed into the temple.

When Gu Xu arrived outside the temple, Abbess Sixin was already waiting with her entourage. Upon seeing Gu Xu, Abbess Sixin immediately stepped forward and solemnly bowed.

"It's been a long time since we last met. Your cultivation has improved considerably."

If a year ago, Abbess Sixin could still sense Gu Xu's unfathomable cultivation level through his Vajra aura, now even his aura is completely concealed, as if he is not using any martial arts at all. This made Abbess Sixin, who was originally overjoyed at reaching the state of heartlessness, sigh.

"It seems that you have benefited greatly these days. When you complete the Seven-Character Zither, I will have to give you a great gift."

Master Sixin's mastery of the Seven Absolutes Zither was naturally not hidden from Gu Xu. Although she had touched upon the realm of heartlessness, it at least gave Master Sixin hope. With the help of the elixir given to her by Gu Xu, Master Sixin saw the mystery of the realm of heartlessness ahead of time and felt that she could die content if she heard the Dao in the morning.

"Please come in, Taoist priest."

Master Sixin led Gu Xu to a side hall for tea. After sending everyone away, Master Sixin looked at Gu Xu with a solemn expression.

"Master, this Thousand Spirits Chess Manual was left behind by Baili Qu'e. I originally intended to destroy it, but after seeing the chess game, I almost became deeply involved. This thing seems to be able to bewitch people's hearts, so you should be careful, Master."

"I understand perfectly."

Seeing this, Abbess Sixin immediately rose and retrieved a pale blue book from a hidden compartment. The book's yellowed cover bore the four characters "Thousand Spirits Chess Manual" in regular script.

(End of this chapter)