Gao Wu: Ten years of sparring experience, one move and the world knows him.

What exactly is the plan behind Chapter 176, Guixu?
Main Hall of Narumi-in!
The team members rushed into the main hall and saw Wang Zhanshan inside. Just as they were about to ask him a question, Wang Zhanshan made a silencing gesture.

He pointed to the phone in his hand.

Everyone quickly shut their mouths and waited for him to finish the call.

A few minutes later, Wang Zhanshan let out a long sigh, hung up the phone, and then looked at the team members and said, "I know what you want to ask."

"Is it really true, Coach?!"

One of the team members asked excitedly.

Wang Zhanshan nodded with a smile.

"Holy crap, Captain Zhao is awesome!"

"It's so awesome!"

"Coach, isn't Captain Zhao already a top-tier Dharma Aspect Realm expert?"

Everyone was talking at once, extremely excited.

"Everyone, please be quiet. Zhao Rui's achievements today are the result of his hard work and dedication. We should all take Zhao Rui as our role model and strive to advance to the Grandmaster realm as soon as possible."

Wang Zhanshan said with a smile.

"Yes, coach."

"Does that mean we can walk sideways now?"

"Get out of here! Why don't you crawl? Get back to your training!"

The crowd burst into laughter and scattered like birds and beasts, running out of the main hall.

This news is so shocking! They have to show it off to their classmates at the Martial Arts Academy and brag to their friends!
This is the leader of their martial arts team, being in such a martial arts team.

You're saying I don't think highly of anyone?

Which sect should I join?
We are the sect!

Shortly after the team members left, Wang Zhanshan dialed Zhao Rui's number.

"The provincial highway administration just called me personally..."

"Our Dongqi Martial Arts Team has been designated as the provincial benchmark for martial arts, and enjoys top-tier treatment..."

"When are you free? The Daotai would like to see you."

When Wang Zhanshan said this, his emotions were extremely complicated. This was not just about meeting once; it was about expressing his attitude.

Zhao Rui has now become so powerful that even the Daotai (a high-ranking official) has to inquire about when to meet him.

"I need to go back to the Qingcheng Sword Sect in a while. I'll come back after I'm done with this."

Zhao Rui pondered for a moment and then said.

"Um……"

Wang Zhanshan hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "Then I'll wait for you to come back."

"Okay, Coach Wang!"

"Don't call me coach anymore, it's embarrassing. Just call me Brother Wang, I'd be flattered."

Wang Zhanshan said this half-probingly and half-jokingly.

"Brother Wang, you're making fun of me. I haven't graduated yet, haha. Let's talk again when I get back."

"Ok!"

After hanging up the phone, Wang Zhanshan breathed a sigh of relief. What he wanted to ask was, "Zhao Rui, will you return to the martial arts team?"
Although he didn't ask aloud, Zhao Rui gave the answer: he hadn't graduated yet.

Clearly, he did not look down on his identity as a member of the martial arts team.

This gave him a huge sigh of relief.

After all, even if Zhao Rui stays for another year...

For the Dongqi Martial Arts Team, that will be a year of meteoric rise.

"How exactly did he train? One year as a Grandmaster, one year as a Dharma Aspect, the next year..."

Wang Zhanshan dared not think about it anymore.

After hesitating for a moment, he took out his phone and dialed a number he almost never makes.

……

China's vast territory is characterized by its beautiful mountains and rivers.

Zhao Rui had never felt so aloft, overlooking the earth and taking in the beauty of the land.

Since entering the Dharma Aspect Realm, he has achieved a unity of reality and illusion, and his divine soul has been released outwards. At this level, he can already traverse the void and travel thousands of miles across the land.

This time, Zhao Rui returned to the Qingcheng Sword Sect without using any transportation, relying entirely on himself to travel at high speed.

Along the way, his movements were as swift as lightning, invisible to ordinary people, so there was no need to worry or cause any panic.

Looking at the clear blue sky and drifting clouds, Zhao Rui suddenly felt an urge to reach for the moon.

But he knew this was a martial arts obstacle, not his true feelings.

When a martial artist reaches a certain level of strength, they develop a delusional feeling that they can roam freely across the world.

This feeling is actually a martial arts obstacle; once you follow your heart's desires, you are not far from falling into demonic possession.

Zhao Rui possessed the Heavenly Demon Great Art and was very familiar with the various methods of the Heavenly Demon, so he was naturally not tempted by this small demonic obstacle.

However, though the illusion is false, there is no limit to martial arts; a thousand meters is still a height, and ten thousand meters is still a height.

Who knows how high it will go in the future?

Zhao Rui smiled nonchalantly and slowly descended onto Crane Cry Mountain.

This is the temporary residence of the Qingcheng Sword Sect, a place authorized by the local government to undertake the reconstruction.

When he arrived at the Sword Sect's headquarters, there were still many workers busily carrying out construction.

"Elder, you're back!"

When the gatekeepers, Shouzhuo and Shoujing, saw Zhao Rui return, they hurriedly went to greet him and bowed.

"Hmm. How's the Taoist temple doing lately?"

"That's good, people are already coming to offer incense. I heard that several entrepreneurs from the foot of the mountain want to donate statues of the Three Pure Ones..."

Shouzhuo recounted the events in detail.

Zhao Rui nodded as he walked into the temple.

At this time, the main hall was being renovated and repaired. The site was a previously abandoned Taoist temple. The imperial court set it up as a protected scenic spot and carried out the repairs, and also provided a place for the Qingcheng Sword Sect to settle down.

At the entrance of the main hall, Yu Zhengnan was holding a blueprint and carefully comparing it with the construction site to check for omissions and deficiencies.

Hearing the noise, he turned around and saw Zhao Rui. He quickly went up to greet him.

"Junior brother is finally back. The Qingcheng Sect sent an elder of the Wei generation to come up the mountain..."

"What are your thoughts, senior brother?"

"Qingcheng Mountain is, after all, a blessed land. My roots are in Qingcheng Mountain. If I can go back, I still want to go back..."

Yu Zhengnan spoke with some trepidation, knowing that the Qingcheng Sword Sect was now only being maintained by Zhao Rui's efforts alone.

If he disagrees or has any objections, then all decisions are just empty talk.

"Senior brother, you can handle it as you see fit!"

Zhao Rui was not interested in sect affairs. As an unofficial elder, he was fine as long as it didn't affect his cultivation.

To be honest, he still misses the "Cave of Immortality".

"Since Junior Brother has no objections, let's choose a day to meet with the Master of Qingcheng Sect..."

Yu Zhengnan breathed a sigh of relief.

The matter of returning to the mountains is actually far more complex than just the words "grudges" and "grievances."

The Qingcheng Sword Sect has to consider matters involving tradition, etiquette, inheritance, and even the continuation of its traditions.

If we only consider people, then we can just find any mountain, establish a new sect, and rely solely on Zhao Rui's name and the many techniques of the Qingcheng Sword Sect.

That's enough to support a medium-sized, or even above-medium-sized, sect.

However, the Qingcheng Sword Sect has a lineage.

"Senior brother can arrange it. Where is Senior Brother Yun Hao?"

"He has been in seclusion in the back mountain. His soul has been stabilized and he is now attempting to break through to the high-level of the Divine Void Realm."

Yu Zhengnan said.

"Well, I'll go take a look."

After Zhao Rui finished speaking, he strode forward and disappeared in front of the main hall.

"How envious! When will I be able to have the skills of an elder!"

Shouzhuo watched Zhao Rui's departing figure with extreme envy.

The back of Heming Mountain is home to many birds and animals, and is covered with lush forests.

Unlike the barren Tiezhan Mountain, this place was once a sacred Taoist mountain and blessed land, and in terms of mountain scenery alone, it is incomparable.

Elder Zhao! What brings you here?

Ye Qinglian, who was protecting Yun Hao, quickly stepped forward and asked.

"Let me see how Senior Brother Yun Hao is progressing?"

"It's been seven or eight days, and his breathing is still relatively stable, so there shouldn't be any major problems."

Ye Qinglian turned her head to look at a cave, her eyes filled with concern and worry.

Zhao Rui felt a little envious.

This is probably what a perfect couple looks like: you love me, and I love you.

I don't know if it's because I experienced too much in my past life, or if it's because I just can't get into this life.

Zhao Rui always felt a sense of estrangement from the women around him, a feeling he couldn't quite explain.

Miao Miaomiao, Qin Rui, and even He Wanqing are undeniably beautiful.

But what he always lacked was that heartfelt longing! A beautiful woman rides her horse on the path of the martial world; when will the grudges and passions end?

Is it because of a lack of experience?

Zhao Rui shook his head, unable to explain it for the moment.

"Okay, I'll just come and take a look. Let me know when Senior Brother Yunhao comes out of seclusion."

"Ok!"

Ye Qinglian quickly nodded in agreement.

Seeing this, Zhao Rui said nothing more and turned to leave the back mountain.

Two days later, the Taoist priests on Crane Cry Mountain suddenly felt a pang of heart palpitation.

There seemed to be a strange feeling gripping everyone's consciousness.

The crowd was not ignorant; they all silently practiced the Qingcheng Divine Skill, focusing their minds and calming their spirits.

After a few breaths, the feeling suddenly vanished completely.

Everyone looked towards the back of the mountain.

Sure enough, in just a moment, Uncle Yun Hao's sword flashed and he returned to the mountain gate.

"Welcome back, Uncle-Master, as you emerge from seclusion."

The Taoist priests all bowed and offered their congratulations.

Yun Hao laughed and said, "All disciples should strive forward and not slack off."

Everyone agreed.

After Yun Hao finished speaking, he walked directly towards the room where Zhao Rui was.

Before we even reached the door, it opened automatically, and Zhao Rui's voice came through:
"With your perfect and immaculate soul, Senior Brother, your heart for the sword is so unwavering. You will surely be able to break through to the Dharma Aspect Realm soon."

"Let me hone my skills for a while longer. I want to wait until my sword intent is fully developed before attempting to break through."

"That's fine too."

"Qinglian said my junior brother is looking for me?"

"Yes, it concerns the Dharma Body and the thoughts of the soul. I have recently gained some insights, and I will pass some on to you..."

"This……"

Yun Hao was taken aback, but his eyes cleared again after a moment. He said, "You have been kind to me in passing on your teachings, so it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call you half a master."

"Senior brother, you are mistaken. Martial arts are all about the mind. Senior brother's Dao heart is firm, and you also cultivate the Thunder Sword Intent. You are upright and incorruptible, with a sharp edge. You are passing on the martial arts to protect the Dharma. How can you say that you are only a half-master?"

"This law protects not only the Qingcheng Sword Sect, but also all living beings."

Zhao Rui sensed something and suddenly looked eastward, his soul trembling.

"But what's the matter?"

Yun Hao said with concern.

"It's nothing, just a sudden whim. Today I'm passing on to my senior brother the Maha Boundless Divine Skill that Cangwuzi comprehended after he became possessed by a demon... You can comprehend as much as you can."

This divine skill emphasizes the spirit and soul; once you understand it, you understand it, and there's no room for falsehood.

Strictly speaking, it is not a traditional martial art with specific moves, but rather a martial art similar to the Heavenly Demon Illusionary Sound Technique, which involves spiritual intent and mental state.

Unlike the Divine Void Realm, this is a true divine touch of the law, connected to the Dao of Heaven and Earth.

It's not just about one's own soul.

Those with low comprehension will find it pointless to listen.

Upon hearing this, Yun Hao's expression immediately turned solemn. He bowed respectfully to Zhao Rui, then sat cross-legged and listened attentively.

Zhao Rui flicked his sleeve and closed the door, then released his divine sense, enveloping the entire Qingcheng Sword Sect.

Then he spoke the truth, explaining the principles and methods of the Maha Boundless Divine Power one by one.

After two hours of this, Daoist Yunhao finally emerged from the room.

His eyes were slightly half-closed, as if he were in a dream or awake.

He went straight to the back mountain and went into seclusion again.

Ye Qinglian was both amused and exasperated when she saw that her husband had met with Zhao Rui once and then gone into seclusion again.

This widow is worthy of keeping her position.

Three more days passed.

Yu Zhengnan and Zhao Rui then left Heming Mountain and headed to Qingcheng Sect.

Familiar mountain roads, familiar buildings.

Yu Zhengnan had mixed feelings.

When the two arrived at the foot of the mountain, they saw Cang Zhenzi personally leading several elder-level Taoist priests to greet them at the foot of the mountain path.

As one of the top masters of the Qingcheng Sect, this welcome was undoubtedly grand.

"Greetings, Sect Leader Yu! Greetings, Elder Zhao!"

After exchanging greetings, they walked up the mountain together.

Along the way, Cang Zhenzi didn't talk about the scenery of Qingcheng Mountain, but instead talked about the mountain gate of Guixu Qingcheng.

"The mountains there are towering, several times higher than those in the Central Plains... The density of the forests and the ferocity of the wild beasts are also unmatched in this world..."

"According to the fragments left in the letters of our predecessors, its vastness is boundless, its divine objects numerous, and its many manifestations are based on this..."

What Cangzhenzi said were all secrets of Guixu, some of which Zhao Rui already knew from Zen Master Zhisheng.

Some I've never even heard of.

While Zhao Rui knew a little, Yu Zhengnan listened with a look of horror.

"How did you manage to survive in such a dangerous place?"

"Our predecessors, generation after generation, paved the way for our small piece of land. Later, when the land of Guixu was in turmoil, some Guixu people fled into our territory. After hundreds of years of integration, we have become one..."

“These transformations of Dharma forms all came from the people of Guixu, and their enlightenment and Zen insights were also taught to them by us. Only by combining the two can we barely stand firm.”

"The situation is chaotic and cannot be explained in just a few words."

Cang Zhenzi's frankness was also a way of showing Zhao Rui that the Qingcheng Sect was fully willing to reconcile.

They chatted all the way, and when they arrived at the mountain gate, a group of Taoist priests in brocade robes, with extraordinary bearing, suddenly appeared at the entrance of the Qingcheng Sword Sect.

"This humble Taoist priest, Weichen, greets you!"

"You are too kind, Master. This humble Taoist, Yu Zhengnan, along with Elder Zhao Rui, greets all the esteemed masters of the Qingcheng Sect."

They greeted each other politely and glanced at one another.

The Qingcheng Sect's attention was mostly focused on Zhao Rui.

As for Yu Zhengnan, well, he's just an extra, but this extra is still indispensable.

Otherwise, it would be illegitimate and improper.

They were also baffled as to why the Qingcheng Sword Sect had chosen a Taoist with mediocre martial arts skills as its leader.

Compared to the Qingcheng Sword Sect, they seem more like a martial arts sect, while the Qingcheng Sword Sect is more like a place for Taoist cultivation.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao is so young. Looking at the entire Central Plains martial arts world, there are probably only a handful of people who have such good fortune as you."

Sect Leader Wei Chen's pupils widened slightly. Although he had heard his disciples and followers mention it, seeing it in person was still beyond his expectations.

"I dare not accept such praise from the Master. These are but minor matters, not worth mentioning. But you, Master, have a dignified appearance and a restrained divine light, showing signs of returning to simplicity and authenticity, which is truly admirable."

"Haha, fellow Daoist, you're too kind, please!"

"please!"

The two walked side by side toward the Qingcheng Sect.

In the main hall!

The guests were seated according to their status as hosts and guests.

After a few casual words, they got straight to the point and discussed the matter of merging factions.

This time, unlike the last time when they used their power to intimidate others, they chose to be like Emei, with two sects on one mountain, sharing the same lineage and origin.

Before we arrived, we had already discussed most of the details, but some things hadn't been finalized.

So, after chatting for less than an hour, the two sides reached an agreement.

"With fellow Daoists joining us, the great prosperity of Qingcheng Mountain is just around the corner."

Wei Chen stroked his beard and smiled, seemingly full of confidence in the future.

"Mount Qingcheng has existed for hundreds of millions of years, from ancient times to the present. How could it have ever been affected by the rise and fall of us mortals?"

Zhao Rui pondered for a moment.

Wei Chen narrowed his eyes slightly, stroked his long beard, and laughed casually, "What you say is very true, fellow Daoist. It was I who lost my pure mind."

"When I went up the mountain today, I received a lot of guidance from Brother Cangzhenzi and gained some understanding of the matter of Guixu. I wonder if you could enlighten me?"

"Speaking!"

"What is the purpose of returning to the void? And what do you seek in returning?"

Zhao Rui's question was quite direct.

All those who returned from the ruins had expressionless faces, but the glint in their eyes flickered and changed.

Zhao Rui was well-versed in the ways of the Heavenly Demons and could see through these things perfectly. He could tell at a glance that there must be some unknown trickery involved.

Why are there classes in this world?

This is the role of class.

There are some things you'll never get the information you want if you don't step into that circle.

They can only drift along like headless flies, swept along by the tides of the times.

Zhao Rui, however, did not want to remain ignorant.

(End of this chapter)