Blind Ghostwriter: Starts with the full level of Nine Yang Magic Skill

Chapter 145: Divine Sword and Number Two on the Heavenly Ranking

Gu Mo asked, "That is to say, at present, apart from Ye Jinglan's breakthrough direction, you from the Six Gates have no other direction to investigate Qi Miaoxuan's whereabouts."

Zhuo Qingfeng nodded and said, "To be honest, there are countless unsolved cases in the martial arts world. After all, they are matters of the martial arts world, and the government has never paid much attention to them. After all, the essence of the Six Gates is not to investigate cases, but to govern the martial arts world..."

At this point, Zhuo Qingfeng pulled Gu Mo aside and lowered his voice, saying, "Brother Gu, the Six Gates' existence has never been to maintain order in the martial arts world, but to suppress the martial arts world. However, in recent years, the country has been stable and peaceful, and the martial arts world has been relatively peaceful, so the Six Gates have given up their murderous intentions. But you have to understand, when the Six Gates were first established, blood flowed like a river. Also, why is it that every state's Six Gates headquarters has at least two renowned masters?"

Gu Mo was slightly stunned.

Zhuo Qingfeng continued, "You are also a recognized master in the martial arts world. You should understand very well what a master is. It is nothing more than having high martial arts skills and a great reputation.

It's normal to have high martial arts skills, but if you want to be famous, think about the factors involved. Which famous person didn't become famous through fighting and killing? For example, to become a master, how many masters died in your hands?
So, think about it: each state of the Six Gates has two or three Grandmasters, and the Six Gates of Kyoto have several more, totaling over twenty. So how did these twenty-odd Grandmasters come to be? They all rose to prominence by stepping on the corpses of countless jianghu people. This is the essence of the Six Gates.

For the Six Gates, there is no distinction between good and evil in the world of martial arts, there are only those who abide by the rules and those who do not. As long as you abide by the rules set by the Six Gates, the Six Gates will not care whether the world of martial arts is bloody or not.

Therefore, the Six Gates didn't actually care about Qi Miaoxuan's disappearance. They only cared about whether there were other factors behind the Tingsongshan Villa massacre. If it was purely a matter of grudges, the Six Gates wouldn't care at all. Even if they eventually found out that Ye Jinglan was responsible, they would simply release the news and let the various factions handle it on their own. Furthermore, generally speaking, such cases would remain unsolved because the Six Gates valued stability. If the Jianghu could handle the situation well on its own, they would leave it alone. If not, they would dispatch a group of powerful factions capable of stabilizing the Jianghu.

So, Brother Gu, you can wander around the Jianghu, but don't let it confuse you and focus all your attention on it. The Jianghu isn't really that high-class."

Gu Mo smiled slightly and said slowly: "Brother Zhuo, I just want to find Qi Miaoxuan and cure my eyes. I don't care about the ups and downs of the world."

Zhuo Qingfeng breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I was worried that you, Brother Gu, would be blinded by the false title of Jianghu Grandmaster. After all, you are still young and it would be easy for you to be immersed in the world of Jianghu. Many talented people have been trapped in the world of Jianghu their entire lives, but in reality, Jianghu... is just a corner of the world that the court allows to be indulged.

For example, in Qingzhou, the number one force is the Xuannv Palace. For many years in the past, in the eyes of the Six Gates of Qingzhou, it played a role in maintaining the stability and order of the martial arts world. However, in recent years, with the rise of the Tiandao Sect and the Jiujiang League, the value of the Xuannv Palace in the eyes of the Six Gates has declined.

Because the Tiandao Sect and the Jiujiang League played a greater role in maintaining order in the martial arts world, the next one of the three sects and four factions that would become famous in the martial arts world would be chosen from these two factions. This was just like when the Xuannv Palace rose to prominence, the Rongshan Sect, one of the original three sects and four factions, was abolished.

Everyone in the martial arts world thought that the Rongshan Sect was banned by the Xuannv Palace, but in fact, it was not the case. It was the Six Gates that chose the Xuannv Palace because the Six Gates would not allow the martial arts world to be in endless fighting. There must be a leader to emerge. For the Six Gates, managing the entire martial arts world is not as easy as managing a leading sect.

There are many top-tier factions in Qingzhou right now, including the Shi Family, the Shennong Gang, the Xiandu Temple, and even the Xueling Villa where you previously discovered that its accomplice was the Xueling Twin Immortals. These are all top-tier sects in the martial arts world, but they all happen to be the leading factions in their respective prefectures, and each prefecture only has one. Can you guess why this is such a coincidence?"

Gu Mo chuckled and said, "Because of the Six Gates."

"Yes," Yizhuo Qingfeng said, "In a county, no matter how prosperous the martial arts world is, there can only be one top force. In a state, there can only be one world-renowned martial arts leader. Because only with one leader can there be stability and fewer disputes.

Just like in Yunzhou, there can only be one Canglan Sword Sect, and it must be the leader of the righteous path, shouldering the heavy responsibility of maintaining peace in the martial arts world. If unrest breaks out in the martial arts world, the Canglan Sword Sect must be the first to intervene. For example, when the Dongping County Wulin Alliance arose, the Canglan Sword Sect was the first to suppress the unrest. For example, when the Qingyang County Four-Directional Sword Sect was destroyed, the Canglan Sword Sect was also the first to stabilize the martial arts world. Whether it was suppression or promotion, peace must be restored in a short period of time.

If they can't do it, it means that the Canglan Sword Sect is no longer viable, and the Six Gates will have to consider promoting a new 'Canglan Sword Sect'.

In today's Qingzhou, the Xuannv Palace is still the leader of the martial arts world, but the Tiandao Sect and the Jiujiang League have risen, and the Xuannv Palace is no longer the only one. Therefore, at this time, the disputes in the martial arts world will continue. The Six Gates cannot allow this to continue. So, Brother Gu, do you understand what I mean?"

Gu Mo raised his eyebrows slightly and whispered, "Brother Zhuo, are you saying that the current situation in Qingzhou is due to the influence of the imperial court or the Six Gates?"

Zhuo Qingfeng nodded slightly and said, "Absolutely. I don't know whether it's just fueling the waves or creating them. But, Brother Gu, it's best for you not to get involved."

Gu Mo nodded and said, "But, it won't affect me looking for Qi Miaoxuan, right?"

Zhuo Qingfeng shook his head and said, "It won't affect anything. When I say don't get involved, I mean don't even think about joining a certain sect. As for the rest, you can do whatever you want. Even if you clean up the entire Qingzhou martial arts world from top to bottom, it won't affect the imperial court.

As for Qi Miaoxuan, I'll do my best to find him for you, but it won't be much help. I'm in Qingzhou on a cross-border case, so it's hard to say whether the Six Gates in Qingzhou will be willing to help me. However, as for your eyes, you don't have to worry too much. I've asked my master before, and there aren't many doctors who can treat you in the Jianghu, but there are definitely some in the court. Especially within the imperial palace, there are definitely miracle doctors whose skills are as good as Qi Miaoxuan's, and there are many of them. My master should have the connections to invite them. If you really can't find Qi Miaoxuan, I'll go and ask my master for help."

Gu Mo bowed and said, "Thank you very much, Brother Zhuo."

Zhuo Qingfeng waved his hand and said, "I had that idea when I was in Linjiang County before. However, I was in Linjiang County at that time and I didn't know if I could persuade my master to do it. So I didn't dare to tell him about it. I was afraid of giving you hope and then disappointing you. But now that I've returned to Yunzhou headquarters, I have a good chance of success."

Gu Mo smiled slightly and said, "It seems that Brother Zhuo's return to Yunzhou this time will surely lead to a smooth and prosperous career!"

"It's not that exaggerated," Zhuo Qingfeng waved his hand and said, "However, my master did give me a great opportunity. This time I came to Qingzhou to investigate a major case. As long as this matter is accomplished, I will be promoted to commander within a year."

Gu Mo said, "I wish Brother Zhuo great success. If you need any help, just give me a call. I'm not good at handling cases, but I think I'm good at fighting."

Zhuo Qingfeng smiled and said, "Brother Gu, don't worry. If I really encounter a problem where a martial arts master blocks my way, I will definitely not waste your skills as a grandmaster. I will definitely ask you to help."

"Anytime you call." Gu Mo smiled and said, "By the way, there's one more thing..."

Afterwards, Gu Mo told Zhuo Qingfeng about the demon sword Gou Chen and said, "I went to find Qi Miaoxuan, not only to treat his eyes, but also to obtain Bingpo to suppress the demonic power of the demon sword."

Zhuo Qingfeng looked at the iron box on Gu Mo's back and said, "How about this, Brother Gu, you go find a place to camp in Qingzhou City first, notify the Canglan Sword Sect, and you can continue to notify them. I will also ask the Six Gates to think of a solution and see if they have any countermeasures. Well, didn't Lin Qixia also notify the Xuannv Palace? No matter how powerful a sword is, it can't leave the Six Gates, Canglan Sword Sect, and Xuannv Palace helpless, right?"

Afterwards, the two exchanged a few words briefly.
Zhuo Qingfeng still had cases to handle, so Gu Mo didn't stay any longer and prepared to leave.

Just as Gu Mo got on the horse,
Zhuo Qingfeng suddenly said, "By the way, Brother Gu, you can ask Xuannv Palace to help investigate Qi Miaoxuan's third disciple. His name is Wu An, and he's the only person in Tingsong Villa whose body has not been found besides Qi Miaoxuan. He must have escaped, as there are signs of him crawling out of the cesspool."

"Shit pit?"

"Correct."

……

After leaving Tingsongling,

Gu Mo and his group quickly went to Qingzhou City.

After entering Qingzhou City, Gu Mo separated from Liu Feiyang and others. Liu Feiyang and others returned to Rongwei Escort Agency, while Gu Mo and Gu Chudong found an inn to stay in Qingzhou City.

Lin Qixia brought several disciples of Xuannv Palace and lived in the same inn with Gu Mo. Afterwards, Lin Qixia arranged for her fellow apprentice sisters to mobilize the connections of Xuannv Palace in Qingzhou City to find the whereabouts of Qi Miaoxuan and Qi Miaoxuan's disciple Wu An.

At the same time, I was also waiting for a reply from Xuannv Palace.

She was really worried that the Gou Chen Demon Sword would get out of control and cause bloodshed.

Soon, there was a reply from Xuannv Palace, and Yuxu Patriarch Yan Xianmei came out of seclusion in person and rushed to Qingzhou City.

However, for several days, there was no result on the whereabouts of Qi Miaoxuan and Wu An. The Xuannv Palace had not been found, and there was no progress on Zhuo Qingfeng's side. However, another matter was spreading like wildfire in the martial arts world -

The military saint Tiezhu spent forty years to create an unparalleled divine sword named Gou Chen. This sword was made of Qilin scales and possessed infinite magical power. Whoever obtained the sword would be invincible.

Tiezhu passed away after he finished forging the magic sword. At his last moment, he entrusted the magic sword to the Yunzhou hero Gu Mo, asking him to choose the owner of the magic sword on his behalf.

……

"Divine Sword? Choose the owner of the Divine Sword?"

In the inn, Lin Qixia was telling Gu Mo and Gu Chudong about the rumors in the outside world about the Gou Chen Demon Sword.

Gu Chudong looked bewildered and said, "It's clearly the Gou Chen Demonic Blade, how did it become the Gou Chen Divine Blade? Moreover, it's replacing Tie Zhu and wandering the martial arts world to choose a master for the divine weapon. What the hell is going on?"

Lin Qixia said: "It is obvious that someone is manipulating this matter behind the scenes. Their purpose is self-evident, and that is to snatch the Gou Chen Demon Sword."

Gu Chudong said, "But this Gou Chen Demon Sword is an ominous sword, and it doesn't choose a master for it!"

Lin Qixia shook her head and said, "A lot of people have come here these past few days. I wonder if Hero Gu has noticed?"

Gu Mo nodded slightly.

Lin Qixia said, "People in the martial arts world are prone to believing rumors, and few have the energy or time to understand the inside story. Furthermore, the combination of the divine sword crafted by the military sage with the promise of unrivaled power would drive countless people crazy. Even if they knew the news might be false, they would still try their luck. For those in the martial arts world, even the mere mention of 'great advancement in martial arts' would move people, let alone 'unrivaled'." Gu Chudong frowned and said, "Then why doesn't the person behind this plan just go and grab it? Spreading the news so widely isn't just giving them more competition?"

Lin Qixia chuckled and said, "Miss Gu, who in the martial arts world would dare to openly snatch things from Hero Gu? You may not know this, but Hero Gu is now ranked second on the Yunzhou Heavenly Ranking!"

"Huh?" Gu Chudong asked in surprise, "When did it happen?"

"Just these past few days," Lin Qixia said. "I only heard about it these past few days while running around Qingzhou City. It's said that because the events in Cangshan Town in Lingnan had spread back to Yunzhou, Hero Gu was ranked second on the Heavenly Ranking. After all, Hero Gu first defeated the Demonic Path Grandmaster Ren Tianqi in a single fight, then withstood the heavenly thunder, and then killed the ghost minions and Ren Tianqi. Add to that Hero Gu's previous battle record, and looking at Yunzhou, apart from Qi Tianshu, the head of the Canglan Sword Sect, no one can match him. Of course, in Qingzhou, only Master Dingchan can surpass Hero Gu's record."

Gu Chudong said in surprise: "Then, doesn't that mean that my brother is now the second in Yunzhou?"

"Not only that!" Lin Qixia said, "Because, Master Gu is a master of internal energy. He's already achieved great success at such a young age. But everyone in the martial arts world knows that internal energy becomes more powerful with age. So, everyone thinks that if Master Gu is given another ten or eight years, he'll probably become a strong contender for the world's number one."

Gu Chudong's face turned red with excitement.

At this moment, Gu Mo waved his hand and said, "There's nothing much to say about this matter. No one can predict what will happen in the future. Let's talk about the present. Fairy Lin, regarding the matter of the demon sword turning into a divine sword, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble your Xuannv Palace to come forward and dispel the rumor.

You are aware of the matter of the Gou Chen Demon Sword. It is not a magic sword but a demon sword. If it were to spread into the martial arts world, it would surely bring disaster to all lives. It would be fine if I hadn't encountered it, but since I have encountered it and this demon sword is in my hands, I will naturally not let it go.

"From a selfish perspective, this demonic sword is indeed quite powerful. If I could find a way to suppress its evil power, it would surely become a rare divine weapon. I have no reason to give it away for nothing. From a righteous perspective, if this sword were to roam freely in the martial arts world, it would bring devastation and bloodshed. If I cannot find a way to suppress its evil nature, I will find a way to destroy it and absolutely not allow it to roam freely."

Lin Qixia nodded and bowed, saying, "This sword, whether it's a divine sword or a demonic sword, in my opinion, is most suitable in the hands of Hero Gu. First, the Yunzhou Hero's righteousness is well known. Second, Hero Gu, you're a lone wolf, not affiliated with any faction. In your hands, this sword won't cause any strife between the martial arts sects. Therefore, I fully support you keeping this sword in your hands."

My grandmaster is already on her way to Qingzhou City. When the time comes, she'll come forward to explain, and the matter should be settled. However, the only problem now is that it will take some time for my grandmaster to get to Qingzhou City, and I'm afraid the manipulators behind the scenes won't give her that time."

Gu Mo waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "It doesn't matter. I asked Master Yuxu of Xuannv Palace to come out and dispel the rumors. It's just that I don't want to cause any trouble. It doesn't mean that I, Gu Mo, can't keep a knife. If there really is someone behind the scenes manipulating it, then we will fight back. Anyone who wants to take the knife can come, but we have to see if they are qualified enough."

……

After Lin Qixia left,
Gu Chudong no longer suppressed her inner excitement. She hugged Gu Mo's arm and said happily, "Brother, you have become the second best in Yunzhou. You should be the youngest Grandmaster in the world now, right? Many people think you will become the best in the world!"

Gu Mo smiled slightly and said, "Chu Dong, do you think this is a good thing?"

"Isn't it a good thing?" Gu Chudong asked doubtfully.

Gu Mo shook his head slightly and asked, "I'm a little curious. There has always been a Heavenly Ranking in the martial arts world, but I've never seen any force issue a related announcement. How did this ranking list spread throughout the martial arts world? And who defined the ranking?"

Gu Chu Dongxia was slightly stunned, thought for a long time, and said, "Brother, I haven't thought about this problem. This Heavenly Ranking rarely changes. It's all passed down by word of mouth in the martial arts world. If you really want to find the source, it's probably only those black markets."

Gu Mo chuckled.

Gu Chudong asked doubtfully, "Brother, is there any problem with this?"

Gu Mo laughed and said, "This is a big problem. Since ancient times, there has been no first place in literature and no second place in martial arts. A list may seem simple, but it is a naked conspiracy. Who in the underworld is not pursuing fame and fortune? But a heavenly list makes this pursuit become concrete. I don't know how much blood and rain will be caused. Those who are on the heavenly list need to find ways to maintain their ranking. Those who are not on the heavenly list will stare at those on the heavenly list and try their best to get on the list.

How could anyone on the list be willing to let others ride on their heels? Even if they didn't care at first, the news would spread everywhere, and wherever they went, they'd hear people saying someone was inferior to someone else. Who could truly accept that? They were all masters, so who could truly respect whom?
Take me, for example. I consider myself quite insightful about fame and fortune, but I'm ultimately only human, not a saint. If I were constantly told I wasn't as good as Qi Tianshu, or that Qi Tianshu could easily outperform me, I wouldn't mind it once or twice, but what about a thousand or two thousand times? I might not mind it when I'm calm, but what if I'm already feeling down? There will inevitably be moments when my defenses slip and I'll inexplicably harbor hatred towards Qi Tianshu.

On the other hand, Sect Leader Qi is number one in Yunzhou, and his Canglan Sword Sect has also brought him supreme glory and benefits because of his status as number one in Yunzhou. Would he worry that I would challenge him and defeat him one day? Would he regard me as an imaginary enemy? On another point, being number one in Yunzhou has brought countless benefits to his Canglan Sword Sect. Would Sect Leader Qi also want to become number one in Qian Kingdom? Number one in the world?

Gu Chudong suddenly realized, "So, this list may seem glorious and prestigious, but in reality it's intended to sow discord. Those who do it deserve to be punished!"

Gu Mo said: "The most important thing is that many people see through it, but they are still chasing after it."

"Why?" Gu Chudong wondered.

Gu Mo chuckled and said, "Chu Dong, I heard that I became the second on the Yunzhou Heavenly Ranking. Are you happy? Do you feel proud?"

Gu Chudong nodded quickly and said, "Yes..." As soon as the words left her mouth, she suddenly realized, "Because people all crave fame and fortune, so even though they know that those on the Heavenly Ranking are despicable, they still follow and even protect them! Who... is this person? Why are they doing this?"

Gu Mo smiled slightly and slowly uttered the word "court".

Gu Chudong widened her eyes.

Gu Mo said, "So, in fact, being on the Heavenly Ranking is not necessarily a good thing. A tall tree attracts the wind. And for the imperial court, the Heavenly Ranking, a list of fame and fortune, can maximize the ability to encourage martial arts masters to voluntarily show up for fame and fortune, and more directly control the martial arts world.

Furthermore, while the Six Gates suppress the martial arts world, they also prevent it from ever achieving true peace. There will always be conflict, and it will never be possible for it to coalesce into a cohesive force. It will always be a loose mess, and not worth worrying about."

Gu Chudong frowned, his mood instantly soured, and he muttered, "That means, brother, you will have a lot of trouble in the future!"

Gu Mo patted Gu Chudong's head, smiled, and said, "These things are inevitable. After all, I can't pretend to be mediocre in martial arts just to avoid trouble, right?"

……

The controversy over the divine sword's choice of master intensified in Qingzhou City. In just a few days, it overshadowed the marriage of Sword Emperor Ye Jinglan to Nangong Yuexi, the eldest daughter of the Divine Weapon Villa, one of the ten fairies of the Xuannv Palace, and the most beautiful woman in the Qingzhou world.

In the past few days, more and more people from the martial arts world have gathered in South City. With the inn where Gu Mo lives as the center, the place is getting more and more lively.

This morning,

Gu Mo and Gu Chudong went downstairs to have breakfast as usual.

However, the atmosphere today was extremely gloomy and depressing. There were many people in the inn, far more than usual, and it was almost crowded. All the tables were occupied.

"Brother, there's no room left." Gu Chudong said.

"Then let the second brother take the food to the room."

After saying that, Gu Mo turned around and prepared to go up the stairs.

In an instant, dozens of guests in the entire inn all looked at Gu Mo in unison, but no one spoke.

Finally, when Gu Mo had already walked up the stairs, someone lost their patience and stood up, bowing and asking, "Excuse me, is this the Yunzhou hero Gu Mo, the hero Gu Mo, in person?"

Gu Mo continued to go upstairs and asked calmly, "What advice do you have?"

The man bowed and said, "I am Wang Weiyang, leader of the Jinquan Gang. I, a humble fellow, would like to ask Master Gu a question on behalf of all of you present here. Rumor has it that the Military Saint Tiezhu spent forty years crafting a divine sword named Gouchen. On his deathbed, he entrusted Master Gu to choose the sword's master. Is this true?"

Gu Mo said calmly, "It's fake. The knife is mine. Okay, you all can go away. By the way, go out and help me dispel the rumors. I snatched the Gou Chen knife from an evil master. It is my personal property. The rumors in the martial arts world are deliberately fabricated by someone."

Wang Weiyang was stunned for a moment.

At this moment, a sinister voice suddenly rang out from the inn: "I think it's you, Gu Mo, who is tempted by the wealth and wants to embezzle the divine sword. The military saint has entrusted you to the wrong person!"

Gu Mo suddenly stopped, turned around and said, "Who said that just now?"

Everyone in the inn was silent, and no one admitted it.

At this time, Gu Chudong suddenly pointed at a middle-aged man in a gray robe sitting at a table in the corner and said, "Brother, that bastard said that!"

The man, pointed at by Gu Chudong, knew he couldn't pretend anymore, so he stood up and said, "It's just like what I said. Everyone in the martial arts world knows that the divine sword belongs to the military saint Tiezhu, who asked you to choose a master for it."

Before the man could finish his words, he felt a sudden gust of wind and saw Gu Mo standing in front of him. He stumbled and nearly fell to the ground, his whole body tense, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. He wanted to give in, but when he thought about how many people were watching him, if he gave in, he would be ridiculed in the future. So he gritted his teeth and said, "What's the matter, Gu Mo, do you still want to bully others by relying on your martial arts prowess? Gu Mo, do you dare to do it but not take responsibility? You..."

(End of this chapter)