Rise from a Poor Family: My Martial Arts Counterattack

Chapter 360 Pei Qingming's Refusal
An endless expanse of sea.

The Dragon King ship sailed swiftly across the sea, and could see not only ships coming and going, but also islands.

However, these islands were shrouded in sea fog, and only a blurry outline could be seen.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is another special thing in the sea. In our East Sea, we call the sea fog that surrounds these islands the Qiankun Fog."

Hu Yunhua pointed to the island to the left of the group: "From this direction, the island doesn't seem very big, only a few thousand miles in circumference. But if we turn around and drive to the left, we will find that the island is very large, with a circumference of nearly 100,000 miles."

The fog contains a universe within, hence the name "Qiankun Fog" (meaning "Universe Fog").

"The East China Sea is truly amazing."

Gao Zeming couldn't help but sigh. Although the Yan Dynasty also had many magical places, including those of their Canglan Sect, the magical places of the Canglan Sect were created by the sect's powerful members through array formations over the generations. They were still somewhat different from the wondrous creations of nature in the East China Sea.

The Dragon King Ship stopped at the edge of several islands, and the deacons of each sect began to disembark and enter the islands to bring back their disciples. The Dragon King Ship, which was originally quiet, gradually became lively.

Those who boarded the ship were all young people, the youngest being under twenty and the oldest not exceeding twenty-five.

On the Canglan Sect's side, they also took in three disciples, but all of them were over twenty years old and only at the third rank. Gao Zemin didn't care about these disciples and entrusted them more to Qin Yan and Gu Kong.

half a month later.

Hu Yunhua, on the deck, continued, "Gentlemen, we are now about to enter the area where this annihilation storm has receded."

Upon hearing Hu Yunhua's words, the deacons of the major sects present, including Gao Zeming, were all shocked. Their true purpose in coming here was to find the islands in the area that had been swept away by the annihilation storm.

The islands mentioned earlier were not within the range of this annihilation storm. Those disciples were merely picking them up along the way. What truly brought these deacons here were the islands within the annihilation storm.

Everyone knew perfectly well that a day later, the Dragon King's ship would stop on an island.

"There is a disciple of our sect here. We will disembark first."

A steward from the Starfall Palace chuckled and said, "Alright, then I'll come to pick up Brother Zhao when we return."

Starfall Palace, Heavenly Sun Palace, Primordial Gate...

Soon, only Gao Zeming and two others from the Canglan Sect remained on the ship.

"Brother Gao, it seems that your Canglan Sect's disciples are located at the very back this time."

Hu Yunhua chuckled and said, "This is already considered the edge of the receding tide of the annihilation storm. If we go any further, we'll be in the outer area."

"Thank you for your hard work, Brother Hu. We have arrived at the island where my sect's disciples are located."

Gao Zeming possessed a special Canglan Token, and according to the starlight on it, Lin Chen was on the island ahead.

"This island... is quite extraordinary. I wonder if Brother Gao would welcome me to visit it with you?"

Hu Yunhua looked at the island in front of him with a sharp glint in his eyes. Because of the Qiankun Mist, all the islands looked much smaller than they actually were from a distance. However, the concentration of the Qiankun Mist on this island far exceeded that of the other islands.

This made him somewhat curious about the island. Although Gao Zemin had concealed it well these past few days, the moment the island came into view, he sensed a hint of excitement in Gao Zemin's expression.

Although it was only a brief moment, he still managed to capture it.

As a steward of a sect, the fact that Gao Zemin was so excited meant that the disciples recruited by the Canglan Sect this time must be extraordinary, which only fueled his curiosity.

"Brother Hu, you're too kind. I'm so grateful to you for getting here so quickly. I would be extremely happy to welcome you to the island."

……

Southern sea area of ​​Daliang.

"My lord, more martial artists have arrived, and they seem to be very powerful."

After resolving the matter in Lingxiao City, Zhennan Gongfang Funan returned to southern Daliang.

Listening to his subordinates' report, Fang Funan was not in a hurry. With the Canglan Sect's reputation, even sects from the Yan Dynasty would not dare to do anything to Daliang.

Since the establishment of the Martial Arts Alliance, some sects and individual innate martial artists have entered the Nine Kingdoms, but after learning about the current situation of the Nine Kingdoms, they all chose to leave.

However, the proper etiquette should still be observed.

We should still show due respect to those who have attained innate martial arts skills.

At that moment, Fang Funan appeared on the seashore with a large number of Zhennan Army soldiers. After an incense stick had burned, when he saw the huge ship, there was a hint of shock in his old eyes.

This ship was not only enormous, but its aura also made even a first-rank martial artist like himself feel uneasy.

"Lord Duke, could this ship be the legendary Dragon King Ship?" one of his men speculated.

The first thing the Martial Arts Alliance did after its establishment was to inform all countries about the situation outside the islands. This allowed the martial artists of the nine countries to know the general situation of the Yan Dynasty, that the closest place was the East Sea of ​​the Yan Dynasty, and that there were ten Dragon King ships in the East Sea that were said to be built by several thousand-year-old dragons.

The Dragon King's ship travels ten thousand miles a day, and wherever it goes, it sails with the wind.

"If it really is the Dragon King's ship, then it is very likely that the people who came this time are from the East Sea Divine Palace. The East Sea Divine Palace is a super sect like the Canglan Sect."

The Liang warriors present all had solemn expressions in their eyes. The Canglan Sect could scare away other sects, but it could never scare away the East Sea Divine Palace, which was also a super sect. Moreover, the Canglan Sect was located deep in the interior of the Yan Dynasty, while the East Sea Palace was located in the East Sea region of the Yan Dynasty.

"No need to worry, a sect of the East Sea Divine Palace's caliber would look down on a small island like ours."

Fang Funan, however, did not share the concerns of his subordinates. According to the innate martial artists of the Martial Alliance, the only valuable thing in the Nine Kingdoms was their innate energy. This innate energy was quite attractive to some second- or even third-rate sects, but it was nothing to super sects.

As long as none of the nine kingdoms possess anything that can tempt the East Sea Divine Palace, the East Sea Divine Palace will undoubtedly give face to the Canglan Sect.

"Fang Funan, a warrior from the Great Liang Dynasty, respectfully welcomes the esteemed guests of the Yan Dynasty."

When the giant ship was about ten miles from the shore, Fang Funan shouted loudly.

On the Dragon King's ship, Qin Yan and Gu Kong, who were standing on the deck, smiled when they heard the voice. Qin Yan even spoke up, saying, "Deacon Gao, Junior Brother Lin said that the country he is from is called Daliang."

"What a coincidence! The direction we randomly chose to enter the island just happened to be the country where Lin Chen is located."

A smile appeared on Gao Zeming's face, and the next moment his voice echoed around him as he replied, "I am Gao Zeming, a steward of the Canglan Sect, here to receive my sect's disciples."

Gao Zeming, a steward of the Canglan Sect!

Fang Funan and the others on the shore breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this response.

"From this perspective, it should be that the Canglan Sect came to pick up Lin Chen and borrowed the Dragon King Ship from the East Sea Divine Palace."

Fang Funan made a judgment in his mind and said to one of his subordinates, "Immediately send a message to the imperial court to inform them that the experts from the Canglan Sect have arrived in our Great Liang. As for the Martial Alliance... never mind, there's no need to send a message."

The reason there was no need to send a message to the Martial Arts Alliance was that Fang Funan had already seen two figures flying through the air.

Two elders from the Martial Arts Alliance arrived.

The entire Martial Arts Alliance currently has a total of thirteen elders, with elders stationed in all border areas except for the western part of Daliang.

"The Dragon King Ship truly lives up to the reputation of the Canglan Sect."

The two innate martial artists who arrived looked at the enormous Dragon King ship on the sea with envy in their eyes. Only an existence of the level of Canglan Sect could get the East Sea Divine Palace to send a Dragon King ship.

This ship is difficult for even those at the Innate Realm to breach.

The Dragon King's ship finally stopped a few miles from the shore, and then several figures came rushing towards the shore. When they saw these figures disembark, everyone present became respectful.

"Liang Xiu of the Heavenly Blade Sect greets the senior of the Canglan Sect."

"Guo Mingjie of Xuanhe Sect greets Senior Canglan Sect."

The two innate martial artists were the first to speak and bow, their gazes falling on Gao Zemin and Hu Yunhua, from whom they sensed a terrifying aura.

These two are experts at the second level of the Innate Realm.

The six realms of innate nature are separated by an insurmountable chasm.

Although these two are also Innate Realm martial artists, if they encounter a great opportunity, they will likely remain at the Innate Realm for the rest of their lives. "Fang Fu Nan of the Southern Army of Daliang greets Your Excellency."

Gao Zemin did not respond to the two innate martial artists, but when he heard Fang Funan's words, a smile appeared on his face: "You are a martial artist from the Great Liang Dynasty. Do you know Lin Chen?"

"Lin Chen is a martial arts genius of our Great Liang. I have met Lin Chen several times. Lin Chen is currently in seclusion in Lingxiao City of our Great Liang to break through his cultivation."

"A breakthrough in seclusion?"

Gao Zemin's eyes lit up. Before he set off, Lin Chen should have been at the third rank. Now that he had broken through in seclusion, he should have entered the second rank. His cultivation speed was truly astonishing.

"Let me introduce you. This is Steward Hu from the East Sea Divine Palace."

"This old man greets Steward Hu."

Fang Funan quickly greeted him, and Hu Yunhua smiled and said, "No need for formalities. I'm just here with Brother Gao to see the geniuses of your Great Liang."

At this moment, Hu Yunhua also understood that the disciple whom Gao Zeming had personally come to pick up was named Lin Chen.

Furthermore, Gao Zeming's attitude towards this first-rank martial artist made him realize that Lin Chen was no ordinary person; otherwise, Gao Zeming would not have needed to be so polite to a first-rank martial artist.

That's the reality of the martial arts world; if you want their respect, you need to have the corresponding martial arts strength.

Gao Zeming's politeness was out of consideration for Lin Chen.

Otherwise, Gao Zeming wouldn't have paid any attention to those two innate martial artists, so why would he care about a first-rank martial artist?

……

……

Lingxiao City.

At this moment, all eleven remaining innate martial artists of the Martial Arts Alliance had arrived. The scene of Kong Qifeng waiting at the door was now playing out on them.

All the innate martial artists were waiting at the city gate, and the destroyed Lingxiao City gate had already been rebuilt.

However, Gao Zemin did not give these elders any face.

At the gate of Lingxiao City, Gao Zeming, a second-stage Innate Realm cultivator, fully unleashed his aura, causing the faces of the eleven Innate Realm martial artists to gradually turn pale.

Although they are only one realm apart, the difference is enormous.

"Lord Gao, the Martial Arts Alliance and our Nine Kingdoms have now reached an agreement."

Seeing the pale faces of the eleven innate martial artists, Fang Funan was also shocked by the strength of this high-ranking steward, but he still had to speak up to help these innate martial artists out of their predicament.

The Martial Alliance is currently more beneficial than harmful to the Great Liang. Even though the Great Liang has not yet left the island, it has gained a general understanding of the Yan Dynasty from the words of these innate experts in the Martial Alliance.

The Canglan Sect came to pick up Lin Chen and will not stay here indefinitely. If the warriors of the Great Liang Dynasty want to set foot on the land territory of the Yan Dynasty and arrive safely on this vast sea, they will also need the help of the innate experts of the Martial Alliance.

"Humph!"

Gao Zemin snorted and withdrew his aura. He did this partly to intimidate these people, and partly because he was genuinely angry.

After landing in the southern part of Daliang, he learned about the events of the past few months from Fang Funan on his way to Lingxiao City. When he heard that Lin Chen had taken out the Canglan Token and the voices of three elders had spread throughout the Nine Kingdoms, he was completely stunned.

Elder Du's task for him was to secretly bring Lin Chen back to the sect. Then Elder Du would hold a disciple-acceptance ceremony. After the ceremony, the other elders would not be able to take Lin Chen away, and he would receive a generous reward from Elder Du.

However, because of the appearance of these innate martial artists, Lin Chen must have asked the sect for help again. The other elders of the sect also knew about Lin Chen's situation. From the transmission of the three elders, it can be deduced that after Lin Chen returned to the sect, there would definitely be elders competing with Elder Du for Lin Chen.

He didn't even dare to secretly bring Lin Chen to Elder Du's side, otherwise he wouldn't be able to withstand the wrath of those three elders. He could only bring Lin Chen to the Elder Hall, which would mean losing the generous reward promised by Elder Du.

If Fang Funan hadn't pleaded for them and revealed that Daliang intended to use these innate martial artists to train their own, he wouldn't have used his qi to exert pressure; he would have crippled them long ago.

"Let's go into town."

Gao Zemin ignored these innate martial artists. Since he couldn't cripple them, he would at least establish his authority for Daliang to prevent them from having any ulterior motives. This way, Lin Chen could follow him to the sect without any worries.

Lingxiao Martial Arts Academy.

Hou Zhantian was also waiting with the martial arts academy instructors and all the disciples. Gao Zeming glanced around the scene, his gaze lingering on one of the figures.

Not only Gao Zeming, but Hu Yunhua's gaze also fell upon this figure.

"What a flawless sword blank."

Hu Yunhua's eyes lit up, and he spoke first: "Brother Gao, your Canglan Sect came for Lin Chen, so you should look down on the others."

Gao Zeming understood Hu Yunhua's intentions perfectly well; she had taken a liking to this man with the will to fight.

On the way here, Fang Funan also mentioned Pei Qingming. Fang Funan's purpose in telling the story was naturally to hope that Pei Qingming could also be noticed by these two families.

However, neither Gao Zemin nor Hu Yunhua paid much attention to it, because Pei Qingming was too old. He was over forty and had not yet entered the Innate Realm. Second- and third-rate sects would certainly be interested in him, but he would be considered insufficient by the Canglan Sect and the East Sea Divine Palace.

But now the two realized they were wrong. Pei Qingming's understanding was not as simple as just comprehending the sword intent. In their eyesight, Pei Qingming had comprehended a flawless sword intent.

What does age matter in the face of an impeccable will to the sword?
As long as his qi and blood are not depleted, with the resources of the two sects, Pei Qingming can easily step into the Innate Realm.

Pei Qingming can at least cultivate to the second level of the Innate Realm, and if he has enough opportunities in the future, he may even be able to enter the third level of the Innate Realm.

Despite having elders at the fifth level of the Innate Realm in both sects, the mainstream of the sects still consists of deacons at the second to third levels of the Innate Realm.

Any sect would want a genius who is at the near-Innate Realm Level 2 and capable of breaking through to the Innate Realm Level 3.

"You must be Pei Qingming."

Before Gao Zeming could reply, Hu Yunhua's gaze fell on Pei Qingming in the crowd.

"It's the junior."

"I am a steward of the East Sea Divine Palace. Would you be willing to join my East Sea Divine Palace?"

Pei Qingming was stunned, while Hou Zhantian and some of the vice deans present showed excitement. Lin Chen had been confirmed as a disciple of the Canglan Sect. If Qingming also joined the East Sea Divine Palace, then the status of Daliang would be as solid as a rock.

Seeing Pei Qingming remain silent, Gao Zeming was delighted: "You can join my Canglan Sect if you want. My Canglan Sect also has elders who are sword cultivators."

"Although the Canglan Sect has sword cultivator elders, my East Sea Divine Palace is no less capable. Moreover, my East Sea Divine Palace is located in the East Sea Region, making it much more convenient for us to return here in the future. If we were to return from the Canglan Sect, it would take at least a year and a half to arrive."

The fact that two deacons from super sects were willing to recruit Pei Qingming was a great joy for the Great Liang Dynasty, but Pei Qingming remained silent. Hou Zhantian, seeing this, said, "My lords, Qingming is probably too excited and doesn't know how to decide for the moment. Why not give him some time to think it over?"

However, just as Hou Zhantian finished speaking, Pei Qingming, who had been silent all along, spoke up: "Thank you both for thinking so highly of me, but I am unable to join the Canglan Sect and the East Sea Divine Palace."

Pei Qingming refused, and explained under the questioning gazes of Gao Zemin and Hu Yunhua, "This junior is preparing to go to the Guixu Sword Tomb."

The Sword Tomb of Guixu?

Gao Zemin and Hu Yunhua frowned. Hu Yunhua asked, "How do you know about the Guixu Sword Tomb?"

"I heard about it from an elder of the Martial Arts Alliance not long ago."

Upon hearing this, Gao Zemin wished he could turn around and slap that talkative innate expert to death. When he first heard Pei Qingming mention the Guixu Sword Tomb, he thought that Pei Qingming had obtained the inheritance left by a certain sword master in the Guixu Sword Tomb, which was why he had the flawless sword will now.

If that's the case, Pei Qingming would be a disciple of the Guixu Sword Tomb, and neither the Canglan Sect nor the East Sea Divine Palace could compete for him.

"There's no need to rush into a decision. You might as well reconsider. Although Guixu Sword Tomb is the number one sword sect, its requirements for accepting disciples are extremely strict. You are already quite old, and you may not be accepted as a disciple if you go to Guixu Sword Tomb."

Hu Yunhua spoke with a smile, and Hou Zhantian quickly added, "Yes, Qingming, don't rush to make a decision. Let's discuss this matter later."

After saying that, Hou Zhantian, not wanting the two officials to be dissatisfied because Qingming had humiliated them, changed the subject and said, "Lord Gao, Lin Chen should be out of seclusion in a few days."

"No rush. The longer Lin Chen stays in seclusion, the greater the gains from this breakthrough will be."

Mentioning Lin Chen dispelled Gao Zemin's regret. Recruiting Pei Qingming was an unexpected surprise, but he wasn't disappointed if he didn't. His main objective this time was Lin Chen.

(End of this chapter)