Advance the future and become a martial saint on earth!

Chapter 174: Various factions vying for power, a mysterious old man, the Purple Cloud School, ascending to Golden Turtle Island!

The following day, a feast was held.

Inside a jewel-encrusted guest room.

"As expected of my half-brother Zhao Jiu! Well done!"

"What noble families, what prodigies in the household?"

"As I said before, with Brother Ji's talent, he only took half a year to enter the prefectural city. As long as he has time, no matter what kind of genius comes, he will be surpassed by him!"

"How long has it been?"

“As expected!”

Dressed in fine silk, Zhao Jiu was beaming with health today. He had spent lavishly at this restaurant, setting up a banquet that cost over a hundred taels of pure gold, and even adding a sixth-grade spiritual dish that was one of the "Eight Delicacies of Jianghuai".

Zhao Jiu raised his cup and pointed it at Ji Xiu, the host of this banquet, and showered him with praise.

Once upon a time, when Zhao Jiu was the magistrate of Anning County, the reason why he was so kind and gentle to Ji Xiu was almost entirely because of Duan Chenzhou.

He feared that Duan Chenzhou might cut off his head because of the past grievances with the liquor company.

After all, Anning County, which is eight hundred miles away, is a poor and remote place with no Qi cultivation masters. If that scoundrel Duan goes crazy, he really has no means to restrain him.

Therefore, Zhao Jiu had no choice but to try his best to win over Ji Xiu, fearing for his life.

But ever since Ji Xiu survived the 'Summoning Spirits and Manifesting Saints' ordeal and even boarded the same boat as him, directly annihilating Huang Xiuwen of the Huang family of the medicine shop in that Canglan River, the tacit understanding between the two has rapidly increased.

As time went on, and given that Ji Xiu had been targeted repeatedly since entering the prefectural city due to his past grievances, this was a natural consequence.

When he had not yet recovered and was being attacked and framed by various parties, he disregarded his family's advice and stood up for him, which was a timely help.

The result, of course, was gratifying.

Sure enough, not long after, his good brother, who had risen to the top in Anning County in just six months, fought in martial arts schools, visited the Marquis's mansion, entered the academy, and became the champion.
Moreover, he was repeatedly favored by nobles from various prefectures and cities!

With the support of so many powerful figures—Gu Baichuan, the commander of the prefecture; Xiao Mingli, the eldest daughter of the Marquis's family; and Pei Daoran, the head of the Jiangyin Academy—Ji Xiu was still resented by the academy and targeted by them.

But the situation is completely different from before!

This also proves that Zhao Jiu's investment acumen is absolutely sound.

Moreover, afterward, I heard that Ji Xiu had become the 'Top Scholar of the Academy,' clad in immortal robes, and had even reached the end of the Martial Tower—a prodigy unseen for three hundred years.
His father, Zhao Ding, the owner of the wine shop, immediately did a complete 180-degree turn, his attitude completely changed, and he immediately called back his rebellious son who wanted to 'kick him out of the house'.

This time, not only was he sober, but he also spoke to him in a friendly manner, telling him to find a way to win over this prodigy, and indicating that all expenses would be drawn from the treasury.

Seriously, if he treats his own brothers to a meal, how can that save his own father money?

Of course, this is a place where I used to live a life of luxury and indulgence, a place that those spoiled rich kids could never afford!

"Master Jiu is very generous."

Ji Xiu picked up the jade cup in front of him, smiled and agreed. He glanced at the exquisitely arranged dishes and thought to himself that this person had really gone to great lengths to welcome him.

Previously, thanks to the influence of the Marquis of Beicang's mansion, Ji Xiu, accompanied by Granny Shi, went to the Fishing Guild's mansion and forced the guild master, Chen Jing, to swallow his pride and pay for a 'Fine Delicacies Guild' banquet.

Zhao Jiu was merely the eldest son of a wine merchant, and his status was incomparable to that of Chen Jing, who was the head of the wine business.

Even though this feast wasn't as elaborate as Chen Jing's, which included two 'sixth-grade spiritual dishes' from the Eight Delicacies of Jianghuai, it would still cost at least several dozen taels of pure gold.

In that poor place of Anning County, there was no opportunity for advancement. Zhao Jiu, the county magistrate, could only squeeze out a limited amount of money throughout the year. Now that he had been stripped of his official position, where would he get so much money?
While secretly marveling at it.

"Don't worry, brother, eat up! Order more if you're still hungry. My wallet's bulging today!"

“My old man is terrible at judging people, he’s incredibly muddleheaded. I was young and didn’t understand things when I was young, but now I finally understand why your master was able to become enemies with my family.”

"My old man, instead of offering help in times of need, is only doing things that add to what's already good. What great things can he possibly accomplish?"

"Today we'll use his money to give my brother a proper celebration!"

Seemingly sensing Ji Xiu's thoughts, Zhao Jiu adopted a haughty demeanor, waving his hand dismissively:
"Everyone, you are the same."

"We all had connections back in Anning County, and now that we're back home, we can't let those relationships become distant."

At this moment, apart from Zhao Jiu and Ji Xiu, there was no one else in the guest room.

There's also Di Yuan from the postal relay company, Cai Ling'er from the jade business, and Ye Ningzhi from the embroidered clothing business.

Of the five, only Di Yuan was the one who had made three visits to Ji Xiu's thatched cottage, repeatedly trying to pay him a visit and host him for banquets, and was thus brought along by Zhao Jiu with Ji Xiu's knowledge.

The other two women were close friends, so the atmosphere in the guest room was harmonious and relaxed. When Cai Ling'er saw Zhao Jiu like this, she remembered the comfortable days he had lived in Anning County and couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh.

"The son sells his land without a care in the world. Brother Zhao is just squandering his father's money. We're actually benefiting from it."

After saying that, she picked up a piece of crystal-clear dried bamboo shoot with her chopsticks, opened her mouth slightly, chewed it gently, and looked satisfied.

Ever since she met Ji Xiu, Cai Ling'er had thought to herself that she had suffered a lot of losses and helped him a lot, but had not gained any benefits in return.

I finally managed to snag this opportunity, so I'm going to enjoy it to the fullest.

After all, even if she comes from a prestigious family, she is still a member of the elite.

But this place where a single banquet costs dozens of taels of pure gold...
What family can afford this?
Ye Ningzhi, on one side, had her cheeks puffed out and didn't utter a single word.

She diligently cultivated herself day and night, placing great importance on the intake of spiritual materials. Although every dish at this "Fine Delicacies Shop" was expensive, its quality was unquestionable, and she never used inferior ingredients.

Each of the major medicinal ingredients in it is twice as effective in strengthening bones and skin.

Ye Ningzhi, who had previously been single-mindedly focused on becoming the 'best of her generation,' naturally wouldn't want to waste even the slightest bit of effort.

However, with Ji Xiu's sudden emergence, her original intention to avenge her sect had long been extinguished.

Especially seeing Ye Luan protecting Ji Xiu in the mansion because of Duan Chenzhou, Ye Ningzhi couldn't help but mutter complaints about her master to herself that day.

It's more like being defeated by someone dozens of times and suffering unilateral abuse.

They almost dragged her into a trap!

Ye Ningzhi took a bite of the juicy and plump perch, licking her lips with delight.

Unlike the two who were simply there for a meal, Di Yuan, who had been waiting for a while, immediately perked up when he saw Zhao Jiu raise his glass and start a conversation. He looked at Ji Xiu and put on a smile.

"Yesterday I heard from my cousin Di Ying about Brother Ji's exploits in the manor; he was quite impressive!"

"It's a pity that I graduated from the academy after completing three years of study two years ago, otherwise I would have been able to admire it."

"Brother Ji, you have weathered so many storms and setbacks, but you have managed to stand firm."

“Living in the city is not easy; every inch of land is worth its weight in gold, and without money, you can’t move an inch.”

"You've built such a large operation in Anning County, why not take advantage of the 'mountain roads' to transport medicinal herbs and rare materials from the mountains into the prefecture for sale?"

"When I came here, my father said that if you do me a favor by providing sea transport routes and operating merchant ships, you will not be charged a single penny!"

Di Yuan patted his chest, making a solemn vow.

After hearing his words, Cai Ling'er put down her chopsticks:

"When I came here, my grandfather told me to do more favors for you. If you like a certain location and want to settle down, I can give you a few shop deeds."

Upon hearing this, Ye Ningzhi wiped her mouth and raised her hand as well:

"My grandma said the same thing, and even said she'd invite you over sometime."

Wine merchants, postal service merchants, jade merchants, embroidered clothing merchants!

These four major guilds are all behemoths among the "Upper Nine Guilds" in Jiangyin Prefecture. Their leaders are all oligarchs who have no secrets and control over the Jiangyin trade routes. The gold and silver they dangle between their fingers are comparable to the entire Anning County!

But now, so many big shots are showing him favor, sending their own scions with gifts to curry favor with him.
It feels really comfortable to be the center of attention like this.

Ji Xiu smiled, but only accepted Di Yuan's cooperation.

Because the "postal relay" could open up the trade route from "Anning County" to "Jiangyin Prefecture".

From then on, if the mountain products from the Earth Dragon Cave, which may produce spiritual items after the spiritual energy has been restored through the gaps in the external path, can be sold into the manor, then they will have a foothold and a business.

In this prefecture, he could no longer be considered a rootless duckweed.

Ji Xiu's response immediately brought a look of joy to Di Yuan's face.

This was undoubtedly a losing proposition, since they had contributed both manpower and effort but hadn't earned a single penny; they were losing money hand over fist.
but!

What is the essence of business? It's investment!

Without exception, all the masters of the 36 trades, or their ancestors, started their businesses in this way.

Ji Xiu has demonstrated his value to the fullest extent.

He is now the head of the Jiangyin Prefecture, favored by the head of the prefecture, and has caught the eye of the Marquis's daughter. He has been given a celestial robe and his three-year lifespan is within reach.

What is this? A naked gold brick!

If you can cooperate with such a person and build a relationship, even if it's just a little, in three to five years, when he becomes a great master and achieves perfection, you can take charge of a major industry and become its leader.
As one's status rises, the additional, hidden benefits become immeasurable!
For a time, both host and guests were in high spirits, everyone was very enthusiastic, but just then...
boom!
The door to this guest room was suddenly pushed open, and a gray figure stumbled in. Upon seeing the rare dishes on the table, his eyes lit up, and he immediately reached out and grabbed the nearest plate.

This behavior infuriated Zhao Jiu, the host, who felt humiliated and had lost face.
"Where did this old madman come from, daring to cause trouble at your Ninth Master's banquet? Does he have a death wish?"

"Where is Uncle Liang? Uncle Liang?"

"Weren't you standing at the door? How could you let this madman in?"

Before he could finish speaking, Old Liang, baring his teeth and with a bruise on his forehead, appeared outside the door, his face contorted with a look of utter despair.
"Master Jiu, it's not that I didn't want to stop him, I just couldn't."

Ji Xiu frowned, looking at the unkempt old man who had suddenly barged in, carrying a basket on his back. He couldn't help but feel a jolt of unease, unable to discern the slightest hint of his true intentions.

Just as he was about to say something
The old man, his mouth greasy from gnawing, suddenly looked up, saw him, and his eyes lit up. He clapped his hands in delight.
"Found you! It's you!"

Before Ji Xiu could even figure out the meaning behind his words...
The old man's aura suddenly changed, his eyes suddenly becoming deep and intense. He stomped down and grabbed the man's wrist, his gaze as sharp as a lion's.
"You really have mastered the 'Great Five Decays Heavenly Blade'!"

"Even if it's incomplete, since you've already mastered it, there's someone to carry it on. I'll teach you the rest!"

He first spoke these words crisply and decisively, but then the clarity in his eyes began to disappear rapidly.

Followed by,

His eyes suddenly filled with confusion, clarity vanishing like the tide. He mumbled for a long time, only managing to utter a few words:

"The Great Five Signs of Decay Heavenly Blade, the Five Signs of Decay of Heaven and Man, the Five Signs of Decay"

The old man's eyes were sometimes clear and sometimes cloudy. He muttered to himself for a long time, as if he couldn't figure out the details.

After a few breaths, he suddenly released Ji Xiu's wrist, grabbed his messy hair, and sat down on the ground with a thud, looking pained and annoyed.

"What's that?"

"And who am I? I am..."

The Great Five Decays Heavenly Blade? Full version?

This old man is...
Unable to discern the true nature of the person before him, Ji Xiu's heart skipped a beat!
He possesses the wisdom of two lifetimes, has past life experiences, and is well-versed in the twists and turns of various stories!

Therefore, looking at the old man in front of him who didn't even know who he was, yet could remember the Great Five Decays Heavenly Blade and claimed he would pass on the complete version to him...
Ji Xiu couldn't help but wonder about the old man's origins.

This "True Sect Level" sword technique is now only found in fragments on Jin'ao Island, the site of the Heavenly Blade School.

According to his understanding, only the current sect leader Chen He's father, the Martial Saint 'Chen Danding', and his grandmaster 'Wang Xuanyang', have the authority to wield the complete version.

Chen Danding and Wang Xuanyang!

If you get involved with these two people
Ji Xiu's gaze turned strange.

Seeing Zhao Jiu roll up his sleeves, looking like he was about to jump into the fray, Ji Xiu felt a pang of unease and couldn't help but stop him:
"Brother Zhao, don't be anxious."

He hesitated for a moment, then spoke:
"Everyone, I am going to Jin'ao Island, the island of the 'Heavenly Blade School'."

"I'll invite you all again when I have some free time later."

Ji Xiu gave the mentally unstable old man a deep look and made a plan.

In any case, I want to meet the master of that school, Master Chen He.

The mystery surrounding the identity of this suddenly intruding old man should now be solved.

On Jin'ao Island, there is the Tian Dao school.

This blessed land, built sixty years ago for the "Sanyangmen," the foremost martial arts school in Jiangyin, was swept away by wind and rain, its members scattered, and forcibly occupied by Wang Xuanyang with his Heavenly Blade for thirty years.

today.

Behind the 'forging platform' made of blue bricks and tiles is the ancestral temple.

This place is also the last remaining branch of the 'Ancestral Court of the Sword Dao' after its destruction, the last place of its inheritance.

On a calm spring day, there was neither wind nor waves.

but.
One after another, sailboats bearing the banners of the "Zixia" school sailed into Jin'ao and anchored there.

among them,

The 'Sect Leader of Zixia,' whose qi channels were vast and complex, personally landed on the island, glanced at the 'spiritually vibrant' inner world of the Heavenly Blade in the distance, and simply nodded:

"This place is good; after sixty years, it has come to this."

He took a deep breath:

"It's only right that it should be under my control!"

tread!
Wei Changkong took a step forward, having endured a full sixty years, enduring until he reached the pinnacle of the 'Six High Mountains,' becoming the number one Qi cultivator in Jiangyin. With his lifespan nearing its end, he finally experienced what it truly felt like to be so full of vigor and ambition, and couldn't help but feel deeply moved:
"No wonder the Sanyang Sect was so arrogant back then, and Wang Xuanyang was so cocky."

"This feeling of dominating the contemporary era and being the only one who matters is truly intoxicating!"

"This is a step I should have taken long ago, but I've been fooled by that stinking Taoist priest for so many years! Humph!"

Feeling the Zen-like heart of martial arts, seemingly becoming more and more resolute, Wei Changkong's eyes shone even brighter:

"perhaps."

"If I can regain my Daoist spirit at the end of my life, will I also have the chance to touch the threshold of the 'Title Martial Saint'?"

"Isn't that how all those legendary biographies are written?"

So he simply stopped trying to be discreet and let out a long roar, a dragon and tiger piercing the sky, his true purple aura obscuring half of the golden turtle, the sound like thunder:
"Sect Leader Chen, it's common knowledge that the Heavenly Blade School has been without Wulou for nearly twenty years, and Brother Xuanyang has never emerged from the 'Soldier's Tomb'."

"According to the rules, you should build a tomb for him, and the name 'school' should also be abolished!"

Such a precious place, yet he allowed the Heavenly Blade School to occupy it for twenty years. That's quite a show of respect!
Now, it's time to let him take charge!

and also
The lineage of the ancestral temple of the 'Sword Way Ancestral Court'!

(End of this chapter)