Rise from a Poor Family: My Martial Arts Counterattack

Chapter 353 The Great Liang Will Not Surrender

beam.

The city gate of Lingxiao City.

At this moment, three first-rank martial artists have gathered.

Left and right prime ministers, and Minister of Military Affairs.

Ten days ago, sects such as the Nine Palaces Sect from the Yan Dynasty established the Upper Sect Alliance and issued a notice dividing some areas of the Nine Kingdoms into areas under their control, requiring all local martial artists and civilians to leave.

Anyone who disobeys shall be executed.

Han State, Zhao State, Wu State...

All the other countries chose to accept it and recognized one of their sects as their superior sect.

Today marks the day the Xuanming Sect takes control of Lingxiao City.

Faced with these sects from the Yan Dynasty, and with innate experts who surpassed the first rank, the Great Liang Dynasty knew very well that it was no match for these sects with the strength of the Great Liang alone.

This time, the three first-rank martial artists gathered in Lingxiao City, mainly to negotiate with the Xuanming Sect and fight for the interests of the Liang martial artists.

A quarter of an hour, a quarter of an hour... half an hour...

Although Kong Qifeng and his two companions had been standing at the city gate for more than half an hour, their expressions showed no impatience.

According to the route, the people from the Xuanming Sect should have arrived long ago, but they have not shown up yet, which is obviously intentional.

Not far from the city gate, some young martial artists from Daliang had anger in their eyes. Lord Kong and his group were of such noble status, the backbone of Daliang, yet they had been left standing here for more than half an hour. The Xuanming Sect was being far too arrogant and bullying.

"When the nation is weak and its people are lowly, all of you, take back the anger in your eyes."

The city lord of Lingxiao City looked at the young martial artist behind him and said in a deep voice, "If you are really angry, then turn it into the driving force of martial arts. You all know about the invitation made by the Marquis of Lingxiao three hundred years ago. See how these predecessors did it."

As the city lord of Lingxiao City finished speaking, the young martial artist slowly composed himself.

A pact with the Marquis of Lingxiao!

This story is known to every warrior in the Liang Dynasty.

Three hundred years ago, Emperor Taizu had just established the Great Liang Dynasty, and everything was in ruins. Several surrounding countries cut off martial arts trade with the Great Liang because it was not legitimate. Later, in order to open up martial arts resource trade with the Zhao Kingdom, Emperor Taizu personally went to the Lingxiao City gate dock to welcome the Zhao Kingdom's envoy.

According to the Liang Dynasty calendar, from the beginning of the morning until the middle of the morning, Emperor Taizu stood in the cold spring river wind in his imperial robes, waiting for half an hour. Only then did the third-rank envoy from the State of Zhao arrive. Emperor Taizu remained calm and personally led the Zhao envoy into the city, and finally reached an agreement with the State of Zhao.

For the emperor of a great nation to receive a third-rank envoy who was half an hour late was a disgrace to the Great Liang. However, Emperor Taizu endured this humiliation for the sake of the warriors of the Great Liang and warmly received the envoy from the Zhao Kingdom.

Decades later, before his death, the Zhao envoy revealed that when he went to Daliang, he did not intend to reach a trade agreement with Daliang. He deliberately arrived late, waiting for the Emperor Taizu of Daliang to get angry, so that he would have a reason to cancel the negotiations.

Unexpectedly, Emperor Taizu showed no displeasure at his arrival half an hour late, and warmly received him with courtesy, which deeply moved him. After returning to his country, he persuaded the king, and Liang Kingdom finally reached an agreement on the trade of martial arts resources.

However, the Zhao envoy made these remarks in his later years, and at that time, many other states humiliated and ridiculed Daliang because of this incident.

Emperor Taizu was able to endure this humiliation, while the warriors of Liang quietly cultivated their skills, and the strength of Liang increased. It was only in his later years that the Zhao envoy changed his story, transforming the humiliation into Emperor Taizu's magnanimity.

Three hundred years later, the same scene appeared once again.

They understood the city lord's meaning: to wash away today's humiliation, they must advance bravely in martial arts. When the Great Liang is strong enough, the humiliation suffered by Lord Kong and his companions today will become praise for their composure in the face of honor and disgrace in the future.

However, if a nation were not weak, who would willingly endure humiliation in exchange for future praise?

An hour later.

Two figures streaked through the air; they were two young martial artists.

The two young martial artists glanced at Kong Qifeng and his two companions standing before the city gate, gave a light snort, and asked directly, "Where is your Liang Kingdom's emperor?"

His words were full of contempt for Kong Qifeng and his two companions.

"His Majesty is in the capital and has specially dispatched the three of us to welcome Your Majesty."

Despite being looked down upon by these juniors, Kong Qifeng showed no anger and explained, "When your clan wishes to travel to the capital, the three of us will accompany them."

"No need. Your Liang Kingdom warriors should withdraw from Lingxiao City immediately, and the Lingxiao Martial Academy should be disbanded on the spot. From today onwards, Lingxiao City belongs to my Xuanming Sect."

Kong Qifeng was taken aback. Facing the Xuanming Sect, the Great Liang was already prepared to give up Lingxiao City, but definitely not in this way.

"Should we discuss Lingxiao City further...?"

"What, does your Liang Kingdom not want to hand over Lingxiao City?"

The young man impatiently interrupted Kong Qifeng, a sneer on his face: "Or does your Liang Kingdom want to oppose my Xuanming Sect and taste the bitterness of national annihilation?"

The young man was only at the third rank, but when facing first-rank martial artists like Kong Qifeng, his words showed no respect whatsoever, only threats and mockery.

Behind them, the young Liang warrior could no longer suppress his anger, his furious eyes fixed on the two youths.

"Not convinced?"

Seeing the anger in the eyes of the young warriors of Liang, the young man smirked and said, "A country like yours would have been destroyed long ago in the Yan Dynasty. Our sect has already shown mercy by sparing your Liang Kingdom. If you don't know what's good for you, the sect won't hesitate to destroy the Liang Kingdom."

Arrogant and domineering!
Kong Qifeng also sensed the anger of the young disciples behind him, but he sighed inwardly and clasped his hands, saying, "Your sect has entered the land of my Nine Kingdoms, you must also want to select some outstanding disciples. My Great Liang has many young martial artists, and they can also join your sect."

Since the appearance of a sect from the Yan Dynasty, Kong Qifeng and several others have been discussing the matter for several days. The final conclusion is that Daliang can hand over those places that nurture innate energy. These sects from the Yan Dynasty have martial arts traditions that are far superior to those of the Nine Kingdoms. If Daliang martial artists can join these sects, it will be a good thing for Daliang martial artists.

They are willing to do anything that benefits the people of Daliang.

This is also His Majesty's intention; the royal family may even abdicate and yield the throne to a more worthy successor.

"Martial artists from your Nine Kingdoms?"

The young man had a disdainful look on his face, but suddenly burst into laughter: "Don't be delusional. You have no chance of joining my Xuanming Sect. Now get out of Lingxiao City with your people. If you wait any longer until my sect elders arrive, we will massacre the city."

Select geniuses from the nine kingdoms to join the sect!
This was an announcement released by these sect alliances, but the purpose of doing so was merely to appease the martial artists of the Nine Kingdoms. The sects had no intention of selecting disciples from the Nine Kingdoms at all.

The sect's resources are already insufficient to train its own disciples, so how could it possibly allocate martial arts resources to martial artists from the nine kingdoms?

As the young man made his point clear, Kong Qifeng and the others' expressions turned extremely ugly. Their demands were simple: Daliang could hand over Lingxiao City, but they hoped to preserve Lingxiao Martial Academy and even allow its disciples to join the Xuanming Sect.

Only when the warriors of Daliang join the Xuanming Sect and become its disciples can their interests be guaranteed. Otherwise, Daliang will be continuously exploited by the Xuanming Sect, and eventually all the people of Daliang will become slaves of the Xuanming Sect, at the Xuanming Sect's mercy.

In this case, what difference is there between the Great Liang and the destruction of the country? It's just a matter of time.

"Are these your sect elder's exact words?"

Kong Qifeng asked again, and the young man's eyes narrowed. He also sensed that Kong Qifeng's tone was not as respectful as before, but he still didn't take it to heart: "That's right, these are the exact words of my sect elder."

On such desolate islands, unless it is a sect that came to explore and cultivate the land, they would not be willing to train the martial artists of the desolate land. Sects that came later only plundered the martial arts resources belonging to the desolate land and would never put in the effort to cultivate the martial artists of the desolate land.

The Yan Dynasty has many martial artists, and their various sects have no shortage of disciples. As long as the strength of a sect increases, it will be able to recruit enough talented disciples.

"I understand."

Kong Qifeng nodded: "In that case, please convey to your sect's elders that Lingxiao City is part of our Great Liang territory and will never be easily ceded."

If they seize Lingxiao City today, these sects will extend their reach to other cities tomorrow.

"It seems that your Great Liang really wants to destroy the country."

Upon hearing Kong Qifeng's words, the young man's expression turned cold. But just as he finished speaking, a long sword slashed through the sky and arrived right in front of him.

call out!
Sword energy filled his eyes, and the young man's face showed horror. But when the sword energy dissipated, looking at the ground that had been cut open by the sword energy in front of him, the young man's previous arrogance disappeared.

For the first time, he felt the breath of death.

"Lingxiao City is Lingxiao City of my Great Liang."

A figure slowly walked out of the city, dressed in blue robes, with a tall and straight posture. Under everyone's gaze, he walked step by step toward the city gate.

"It's Pei Qingming!"

"Senior Brother Pei!"

Many foreign martial artists who were watching from a distance exclaimed in surprise when they saw the figure appear.

Behind them, Meng Xing and the others were also excited to see Pei Qingming appear. At the crucial moment, Senior Brother Pei had appeared once again.

"Last time, when Liang and Zheng clashed at sea outside Lingxiao City, Pei Qingming appeared and turned the tide. I wonder if he can do it again this time?"

"Impossible. Pei Qingming could scare away the Zheng Kingdom's army, but he couldn't scare away the Xuanming Sect. The Xuanming Sect has innate martial artists, who are beyond the first rank."

Even today, martial artists from all countries know that the realm above the first rank is called the Innate Realm.

"Qing Ming!"

When Kong Qifeng and the others saw Pei Qingming approaching, they also had relieved smiles on their faces.

"I'm late."

Pei Qingming bowed to the three elders, Kong Qifeng. He had returned to Lingxiao City the moment the Yanhuang Dynasty warriors appeared and had been staying in the Lingxiao Hall until now.

Kong Qifeng's old eyes gleamed. Facing the Xuanming Sect, their Great Liang was not unprepared this time and had made the worst-case scenario plan. Pei Qingming was a link in that chain, or rather, the most important link.

"Since you're here, why not show yourself?"

Pei Qingming looked towards the distant horizon, and as his words fell, a figure streaked across the sky like a shooting star.

"I never expected that such a genius could emerge from this desolate place. It's truly a rare find."

The middle-aged man who appeared looked at Pei Qingming and raised an eyebrow, asking, "What is your name?"

"Pei Qingming".

“Pei Qingming, your name contains the character ‘Ming’, which means you have a connection with my Xuanming Sect. This elder can forgive you for attacking my sect’s disciples.”

"Thank you, senior."

"However, you must relinquish the will of the sword."

Pei Qingming frowned but did not respond immediately.

"The Sword Will is being wasted on you. Hand over the Sword Will, and my Xuanming Sect can guarantee you a lifetime of wealth and honor here."

A glint of greed flashed in the eyes of the Xuanming Sect elder. He hadn't expected Liang Kingdom to possess such a sword prodigy; the sword energy emanating from that last strike carried the will of the sword. The will of the sword is a priceless treasure for sword cultivators.

If he possesses this swordsmanship will, he will have a chance to enter the second stage of the Innate Realm.

"What if the younger generation is unwilling?"

"If you refuse, this elder will massacre Lingxiao City, including the entire Liang Kingdom, and leave no one, not even chickens or dogs, alive."

The cold words uttered by the Xuanming Sect elder sent chills down the spines of everyone present.

Pei Qingming exhaled and gripped his longsword tightly: "Since you want it, senior, then take it yourself."

"You're not even a first-grade martial artist. Do you think you can harm me with your sword will? Since you're still not giving up, I'll show you just how big the gap is between you and a Xiantian martial artist."

The will of swordsmanship is extremely domineering.

Martial artists below the Innate Realm who can comprehend the sword's will can fight across ranks. Although Pei Qingming is only a second-rank martial artist, he is no less capable than a first-rank martial artist.

Unfortunately, he encountered himself.

The Xuanming Sect elder instantly released his aura, and a terrifying pressure pressed down on Pei Qingming.

hum!
Pei Qingming's sword trembled slightly, and the next moment he swung it out.

However, the sword light stopped after only three zhang (approximately 13 meters), unable to advance even an inch further.

"As I've said before, the strength of the Innate Realm is beyond your comprehension..."

Before the Xuanming Sect elder could finish speaking, Pei Qingming swung his sword again. This time, however, as he raised his sword, golden light trembled in the Lingxiao Hall of the Lingxiao Martial Academy.

"Soaring Sword!"

Pei Qingming gave a soft shout and swung his longsword. The sword energy transformed into golden light, breaking through the oppressive force blocking his path as if cutting through thorns and brambles.

He knew that his sword will alone was not enough to harm a Xiantian martial artist, so he had been gathering the power of Lingxiao in the Lingxiao Hall these past few days, using the power of Lingxiao to break through the power of the Xiantian.

Lingxiao energy is also innate energy.

This sword strike tore through the Xuanming Sect elder's innate aura with overwhelming force, and the sword energy rushed straight towards him. Although the Xuanming Sect elder protected himself with innate qi, he was still forced back several steps by the sword energy.

This scene brought joy to the faces of all the warriors of the Great Liang Dynasty.

Ever since the warriors of the Yan Dynasty arrived here, a saying has been circulating: a Xiantian warrior is invincible.

However, today, Pei Qingming, with his second-grade cultivation level, forced a Xiantian martial artist to retreat, thus shattering this rumor.

"Very well, it seems that your Liang Kingdom was well prepared. I would like to see how many swords you can wield and how many times your body can withstand the force of the Lingxiao sword."

The Xuanming Sect elder's eyes were filled with endless killing intent and greed. Pei Qingming's sword intent was extraordinary, capable of bearing the power of Lingxiao. If it fell into his hands, given twenty years, he could definitely step into the second stage of the Innate Realm.

Pei Qingming remained silent, and once again swung his longsword, condensing Lingxiao energy and sword intent, each strike like the creation of heaven and earth.

One sword, two swords, three swords...

After the seven sword strikes, Pei Qingming's forehead was covered in sweat, and his face had turned pale. After the sword energy dissipated, everyone noticed that the Xuanming Sect elder's clothes were torn in several places, and there was a bloodstain on his chest.

The two young disciples of the Xuanming Sect were dumbfounded. They never imagined that their elder, a master of innate strength, would be injured by a martial artist from the Nine Kingdoms.

Liao Kai's face was also extremely ugly at this moment, so gloomy that it could drip water. As a Xiantian martial artist, being injured by a Rank 1 martial artist would be a great disgrace if word got out.

"How many more sword strikes can you unleash? And how long can the one who has harnessed the power of the Heavenly Sky last?"

Liao Kai stared coldly at Pei Qingming, while Kong Qifeng exchanged glances with the elders beside him and made his move almost simultaneously.

"Do it!"

Daliang never sits idly by and waits for its demise.

Having prepared for the worst-case scenario, Pei Qingming activated Lingxiao's energy, while the three of them formed an array to trap the Xuanming Sect's innate martial artist, creating an opportunity for Pei Qingming.

Innate martial artists are high above, and those who are high above are all those who cherish their lives.

Only by defeating a Xiantian martial artist can Daliang have the leverage to negotiate.

Rumble!
Kong Qifeng and two other first-rank martial artists attacked simultaneously, their martial will instantly enveloping Liao Kai. At the same time, in the Lingxiao Hall, Zhennan Gongfang Funan and five other elders sat cross-legged with their eyes closed.

One of them was actually the high priest of the Elephant Kingdom.

The blood and qi in the six people's bodies were surging constantly, and with each surge, the wrinkles on their faces would deepen.

In order to draw out enough Lingxiao energy for Pei Qingming, Fang Funan and the other six first-rank martial artists did not hesitate to burn their own blood essence to activate the Lingxiao energy and introduce it into the cyan longsword in the middle.

This cyan longsword is the embodiment of Pei Qingming's martial will.

"What is Liang trying to do? Do they think they can defeat a Xiantian martial artist?"

"Hiss! The Liang Kingdom has gone mad."

Foreign martial artists gasped in astonishment upon witnessing this scene.

This Liang Kingdom is too crazy. They even dare to attack a Xiantian martial artist. If they lose, the entire Liang Kingdom will cease to exist.

"A swarm of ants!"

Facing Kong Qifeng and the other two, Liao Kai sneered disdainfully, his innate qi dissipating. But at the very moment his innate qi dissipated, Pei Qingming suddenly opened his eyes, took a step forward, and swung his long sword again, the sword qi like a golden rainbow piercing the sun.

If you look closely, you can see blood flowing within the golden rainbow; that is the essence blood of Fang Funan and the other six.

Bang, bang, bang!
Kong Qifeng and the other two were struck by the innate qi and sent flying backward, bleeding from their seven orifices as they lay on the ground. At the same time, the golden rainbow landed on Liao Kai's chest.

puff!
A bloody gash burst open on Liao Kai's chest, and he staggered backward, taking a full six steps before regaining his balance.

"It actually...it really did seriously injure a Xiantian expert."

Upon seeing this, the Liang warriors cheered, while the warriors from other countries had complex expressions. They hadn't expected Liang to be so bold, and they certainly hadn't expected that Liang's crazy move would actually succeed.

The Lingxiao Palace.

Hearing the deafening cheers, Yu Sanghua's old face revealed a hint of satisfaction. As the high priest of the Elephant Kingdom, the reason he appeared in Lingxiao City was because of his hatred for these innate martial artists from the Yan Dynasty.

He went to Han Kingdom for Xiang Kingdom, but ended up losing his right leg. Jialuo Sect said he would ask Jiuque Sect for an explanation.

However, according to the information he gathered, the innate martial artists of the Galo Sect went to Han Kingdom without mentioning this matter at all.

From that moment on, he understood that in the eyes of these innate martial artists of the Yan Dynasty, the martial artists of the Nine Kingdoms were nothing but weeds and ants.

As the high priest, he had been engaged in open and covert struggles with the Great Liang for many years and knew the Great Liang very well. If there was any other nation among the nine kingdoms that would not submit to these sects from the Yan Dynasty, it would only be the Great Liang.

If all nine kingdoms give up resistance, they will eventually become bloodsucking grounds for these sects until they are completely drained and have no value left. At that point, these sects will immediately abandon the nine kingdoms.

"Being able to injure Innate Realm martial artists will surely make them wary, and the martial artists of our Nine Kingdoms have the leverage to negotiate with these sects."

Yu Sanghua smiled, saying that the ten years of energy and blood she had consumed for this was nothing to worry about.

These innate martial artists come from different sects and are not of one mind. The Liang Kingdom may be able to kill only one innate martial artist even if it uses all its resources, but no one would want to be the one to be killed.

He fought for the right to negotiate for Daliang not only to vent his anger, but more so for the warriors of Xiang Kingdom. Warriors who are enslaved cannot go far in the path of martial arts.

Those talented disciples, like Hu Bing, have already secretly followed him to Daliang.

……

"Our Great Liang is willing to cooperate with all sects, but we must guarantee the most basic rights and interests of our Liang warriors."

Pei Qingming slowly spoke while holding his sword. Liao Kai's expression was uncertain. He was only injured and had not yet lost his fighting ability, but he also knew that Pei Qingming could continue to draw his sword.

He is the only innate martial artist in the Xuanming Sect. Don't be fooled by the fact that these sects have formed an alliance. If he is seriously injured, the other sects will seize the opportunity to divide up the territory that originally belonged to the Xuanming Sect without saying a word.

However, agreeing to Liang's request would mean that he, as a Xiantian martial artist, was being threatened by martial artists from a desolate place, which would be a great disgrace if word got out.

"Brother Liao, do you need our help?"

Just as Liao Kai was struggling to make a decision, a voice came out, and several figures appeared in the distant sky.

All the martial artists in Lingxiao City looked up at the sky and saw four figures, like gods looking down on the mortal world, suspended in the air.

The ability to fly for extended periods is a hallmark of a martial artist with innate martial arts skills.

Four more innate martial artists arrived, and at this moment, despair appeared on the faces of many martial artists in Daliang.

"How could they have arrived so quickly?"

Inside the Lingxiao Hall, Fang Funan's face was ashen. According to their estimates, the other innate martial artists would not be able to arrive in Liang Kingdom for at least several days.

Daliang, the imperial palace.

Emperor Liang Jing looked at the shimmering three-dimensional map that appeared before him. This map clearly showed the territory of the Great Liang Dynasty, displaying the mountains and plains of the entire Great Liang. At this moment, four red dots were shining at the location of Lingxiao City on the map.

"Four more innate martial artists have arrived. I'm afraid Lord Kong and his men's plan will be difficult to succeed."

Around the perimeter of this map stand four tombstones, the last trump card of the Great Liang Dynasty, the final barrier left by the founding emperor for the people of Great Liang.

"Great Ancestor, you unfilial descendants..."

"Your Majesty, a letter has arrived from the Ministry of Military Affairs... It was written by Lin Chen to Lord Kong. Lord Kong is not here, and the contents of the letter are of great importance, so the Ministry of Military Affairs sent it immediately."

……

……

Outside Lingxiao City.

Two figures headed towards Lingxiao City, their speed so great that they left a trail of afterimages in their wake.

“The Liang Kingdom, daring to defy the Supreme Ancestor, will suffer the same fate as this wall, and will be annihilated.”

Before they even got close to the city gate, a sound resounded all around, and as the sound faded, the centuries-old city walls of Lingxiao City collapsed with a deafening roar.

PS: Long chapter, please vote with monthly tickets!

(End of this chapter)