I've already become an immortal lord, and only now is the spiritual energy reviving?

Chapter 95 Struggle Among the Younger Generation

Shurobuchi.

The once bustling streets, teeming with people, now exude a desolate autumnal atmosphere.

Most of the shops on both sides were deserted, and some even had wooden signs that read "Temporarily Closed".

Several disciples of the Imperial Sword Sect, who were in charge of guarding the area, leaned against the hitching posts with great boredom, or gathered in a corner to throw dice, completely disregarding their "patrol" duties.

In their view, Shurobuchi was the cash cow of the Imperial Sword Sect.

In this Qinglu Mountain area, besides a bunch of brainless monsters, who would dare to run wild?

However, the young man at the head of the group did not look well.

He was dressed in a blue and white brocade robe with cloud patterns, typical of a true disciple, and looked extremely handsome. However, his eyes held a gloomy look of "dissatisfaction."

This person is none other than Wang Lingxiao, a prominent figure among the younger generation of the Imperial Sword Sect.

"Is this the first market town under my clan's rule?"

Wang Lingxiao stopped, looked around, and snorted coldly: "Not only is the popularity waning, but even the air smells musty."

"I only secluded myself for half a year to break through the bottleneck of Foundation Establishment, and Shulufang has become such a horrible mess?"

The two or three junior brothers and sisters following behind him were laughing and joking together. When they heard that Senior Brother Wang was angry, they were all stunned.

One of the alluring female disciples covered her mouth and giggled, "Senior Brother Wang, perhaps it's an unlucky day, and all the rogue cultivators are slacking off. These are just routine matters for us to go through the motions, why get upset and waste our energy?"

"Slacking off?"

Wang Lingxiao's cold gaze swept over his idle junior brothers and sisters, a feeling of annoyance rising in his heart.

A bunch of parasites that only know how to suck blood from the big tree of the sect.

"This vast market town, a place where money flows in like water every day, is now deserted, not even a ghost in sight. Are you telling me they're shirking their duties? Did the daily offerings just drift away in the wind?"

The others shrank back in their anger after being scolded, not daring to say a word.

Wang Lingxiao waved his sleeve, his spiritual energy surging and carrying an oppressive aura. His voice echoed across half the street: "Summon the head of this neighborhood! If he doesn't appear within half an hour, he's no longer the head of the neighborhood; he'll be sent directly to the punishment hall to receive his punishment!"

The disciple who had just been throwing dice was so frightened that the dice rolled all over the ground, and he scrambled and crawled towards the brothel owner's mansion.

Not long after.

A middle-aged man, slightly overweight and wearing a gray cloth long gown, came running from the end of the street, his forehead covered in sweat.

Although he also possessed the cultivation level of the ninth level of Qi Refining, and as the head of a local workshop, he was very imposing in front of rogue cultivators.

But in front of Wang Lingxiao, he bowed lower than a shrimp, his face full of fawning wrinkles.

"Oh dear, Master Wang! Your esteemed presence is an honor to have you here. I am utterly terrified of failing to greet you properly; I deserve death!"

The shop owner, named Ma Changyun, knew exactly what was going on.

The Imperial Sword Sect is a completely different place now.

It is said that Wen Xianyun, the former chief disciple, suffered a mishap during a mission, which damaged his foundation.

Although he survived, his cultivation was almost completely ruined. He was locked in a cold cave in the back mountain all day, talking nonsense like a madman.

Even the most protective patriarch of the Wen family hasn't gone to see that cripple even once in more than half a year.

Xu Sixing, who was hailed as a genius in swordsmanship, was completely wiped out, his death shrouded in mystery.

When the tiger is away, the monkey becomes king...

No, it is the times that create heroes.

The Wang Lingxiao before us has not only replaced Wen Xianyun, but is also the only one in the sect who is recognized as having the potential to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage within ten years.

How could Ma Changyun dare to offend the future elder?

"Master Ma, you've got quite the airs! Do I have to invite you to come out?"

Wang Lingxiao glanced sideways at Ma Changyun, who was covered in sweat, and said in a chilling tone, "Tell me, where have all the rogue cultivators from Shulufang gone? Don't tell me they've all gone into seclusion."

While wiping his sweat, Ma Changyun cursed the group of old men in front of him who only knew how to enjoy their lives.

All you ever do is ask for spirit stones and offerings, and you never seem to care about anything. Now that there's a problem, you're coming here to interrogate me?"

"How many times have I submitted memorials to the sect? They've all been used as snacks and table legs by you spoiled brats!"

No matter how harshly you curse in your heart, you still have to admit it verbally.

"Wang Zhenchuan is wise and discerning; it's not that I'm being negligent, it's just that... there's a real reason for this!"

Ma Changyun wore a bitter expression, as if he had suffered a great injustice: "Half a month ago, a new market town called Tonghui Ward opened at Guanhua Gate next door, fifty miles west of our Shulu Ward!"

"Tonghuifang?"

Wang Lingxiao frowned.

That's quite a boastful name, reaching out to all corners of the world and gathering all under heaven?

"Exactly!"

Ma Changyun gritted his teeth and said, "This Guanhua Sect not only breaks the rules and sets up workshops without authorization, but their methods are also extremely despicable!"

"They not only waived the first month's stall fees for all independent repairmen, but their rent thereafter is only half of what we pay!"

"What's worse, they somehow got their hands on a batch of extremely high-quality pills, supposedly top-grade from Blackwater City, and they've driven the price down to a rock-bottom!"

"Moreover, thanks to the commotion caused by the previous Mountain God Festival, their reputation had already soared, and now they've made even more pronouncements..."

""

Ma Changyun glanced at Wang Lingxiao's increasingly gloomy face, and his voice involuntarily lowered.

"What did you say?"

Wang Lingxiao pressed on in a cold voice.

"They...they put up a sign at the entrance of the market, which reads..."

'

Ma Changyun swallowed hard, forcing a smile, and said, "The deer sucks the marrow but doesn't see the bones; the flow of energy benefits cultivation. Don't become a wronged soul to fill the abyss of desire; leave the spirit stone to inquire about immortality!"

"presumptuous!"

"Bang!"

Wang Lingxiao flew into a rage and slammed his palm on the blue stone hitching post beside him.

The hard rock shattered into pieces in an instant, turning into dust.

"What a magnificent Guanhua Gate! What a magnificent Tonghui Lane!"

"This isn't a market opening; it's blatantly defecating on the neck of my Imperial Sword Sect! Openly attempting to instigate rebellion, cutting off our sect's financial resources, and disgracing our sect!"

He never expected that Guanhuamen would dare to be so arrogant!

Do you really think that producing three Foundation Establishment cultivators in one family can turn this place upside down?

Those rogue cultivators are the same; they're a bunch of ungrateful wretches who forget who the real masters of this land are once they're given a little treat!

"They're not just like that!"

Seeing that Wang Lingxiao was truly enraged, a glint of joy flashed in Ma Changyun's eyes, and he quickly added fuel to the fire: "I heard they even set up some kind of 'fair scale' and 'questioning platform'."

"They said that as long as the transaction is done there, there will be absolutely no cheating, and the rules that our Shulufang has set over the years have been criticized as worthless by them!"

"I've wanted to take people to demand an explanation for a long time, but... but I heard that there's a madman from the Soldier Killing Camp in charge. I'm too weak to do this, and I'm afraid of bringing shame to the sect. So I can only swallow my anger and wait for instructions from the sect elders."

Ma Changyun absolved himself of all responsibility, claiming it was all Guan Huamen's fault and that he had endured humiliation and hardship on his own.

The anger in Wang Lingxiao's eyes was about to burst out.

As someone who is likely to take over part of the sect's power in the future, this blatant provocation is like slapping him in the face.

Wen Xianyun is a good-for-nothing; he has completely disgraced the Imperial Sword Sect.

But Wang Lingxiao is not!

If he doesn't get his revenge today, how will he maintain his authority and prestige within the sect?

"Good! Very good!"

Wang Lingxiao laughed in fury, a cold glint in his eyes: "A mere nouveau riche dares to try and establish his own sect?"

"Let's go! Lead the way!"

With a flick of his sleeve, his natal flying sword "Red Strike" roared out, hovering beside him, emitting a sword light: "I want to see just what kind of den of dragons and tigers this Tonghuifang is, and whether it can even reach the heavens!"

"Everyone, listen up! Follow me to Guanhua Gate Market and let's learn from them!"

The other disciples, seeing that there was a good show to watch and that they were going to trample on people, immediately became excited and took out their magical weapons one by one, following closely behind.

Ma Changyun was overjoyed, his face displaying the demeanor of a loyal minister ready to die for his country, as he eagerly rode Fayun ahead to lead the way.

Inside the rental house.

Qingyuan stuffed a potato chip into his mouth and crunched it.

"Young and energetic, their firepower is really strong."

A group of small red dots rushed towards Tonghuifang like fighting cocks, making Qingyuan shake his head.

The comfortable life that the Imperial Sword Sect has enjoyed over the years has dulled the minds of these disciples.

Do you really think it's still the same era as decades ago when one company had a monopoly?

Qingyuan wasn't very interested in Wang Lingxiao.

At best, he's just a slightly stronger cannon fodder, good for giving one's own inexperienced disciples some practice.

The only people Qingyuan truly cared about were Yu Zhang and the others.

"That old bastard Wen Zhibai treats his own grandson like a tool, using him and then throwing him away."

Wen Xianyun's condition was worse than death.

The soul is damaged, and the foundation is completely destroyed.

Once a star, a prodigy.

Now he's been abandoned in a damp and cold cave in the back mountain, and even the servant who brings him food dares to give him attitude.

The culprit behind all of this is Wen Zhibai.

Instead of feeling any remorse, he was actively looking for the next "container".

For example, Master Wanzhong of Fuyumen.

"insanity..

'

Qingyuan's eyes turned cold: "Even a tiger wouldn't eat its cubs, this old ghost has cultivated to the point of losing all humanity."

"If he were to actually take that step and achieve the Purple Mansion realm, or master some kind of unorthodox supernatural power..."

"Guanhua Gate will definitely be the first to suffer."

After all, "one cannot tolerate another snoring beside one's bed," not to mention that this neighbor even set fire to his backyard.

We have to find something for this old ghost to do; we can't let him successfully refine the Gu.

Qingyuan looked at the current personnel distribution.

Everyone has their own tasks, and there's really no Foundation Establishment level combat power available to cause trouble for the Imperial Sword Sect for the time being.

but.

In the [Shuihua Cave], on the gold icon representing Shuyan.

The light was more solid and restrained than before.

[Status: Deepest level of seclusion (shallow), in the midst of enlightenment.]

"Soon."

Qingyuan estimated the time.

"In another year, no, at most half a year, the girl will be able to fully digest the insights brought by the Enlightenment Pill and her destiny."

"At that time, the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment will be the foundation, and it may even be possible to touch the threshold of the late stage."

Once Shuyan emerges from seclusion.

In addition, the incense offerings have accumulated to a reassuring number of 1622.

"Little monk Juexin, you should stop fooling... no, you should completely settle down."

"7

"And the debts owed by that old devil Yu Zhang, we'll settle them with interest!"

A new event notification pops up on the screen.

Wang Lingxiao and his group have arrived above Tonghuifang, their presence menacing.

"They're here."

Qingyuan turned his gaze back to the sky above Tonghuifang.

Tonghuifang was originally a valley called "Heifeng'ao".

After two months of leveling and construction by the disciples of Guanhua Sect, it has become a prosperous scene.

Shops lined the streets, and the spiritual light of the array flowed around them.

Not only are there premium elixirs from Huayaotang in Blackwater City, but there are also collection points that buy and sell miscellaneous items from independent cultivators.

What reassured the independent cultivators the most was the patrol team composed of disciples from the Soldier Killing Camp within the market.

Unlike the arrogant old man from the Imperial Sword Sect who only knew how to exploit others.

The black-armored guards had stern faces and were extremely fair in their dealings.

However, at this moment, the bustling market suddenly fell silent.

Above the sky.

Dark clouds loom overhead.

The members of the Imperial Sword Sect, without any restraint, released fluctuations of spiritual energy, stirring up the wind and clouds, and deliberately creating a sense of oppression.

"Who's making such a fuss!"

On the ground, a patrolling group of disciples immediately became alert, drew their magical weapons, and formed a defensive formation.

A pale blue light rose from the tallest tower in the market.

The light faded, revealing the figure of a woman.

He was around twenty years old, dressed in a well-tailored light blue outfit that accentuated his tall figure, with a dark medicine pouch hanging from his waist.

Zhang Lingyuan.

At the fifth level of Qi Refining, one's breath becomes long and sustained.

As an elite member of the inner sect, I was assigned here to be responsible for the daily scheduling of Tonghuifang.

Facing the Yujian Sect members, led by Wang Lingxiao, whose cultivation levels were generally higher than hers, Zhang Lingyuan showed no fear whatsoever.

She gave a slight bow, her voice clear and strong, echoing in all directions: "Zhang Lingyuan, disciple of Guanhua Sect and steward of Tonghui Workshop, greets fellow Daoists."

"This is the territory of Guanhua Sect. We were unaware of the arrival of the esteemed members of the Imperial Sword Sect. We did not present any formal invitations, yet we have made such a grand gesture, and we are standing in mid-air."

"This... seems a bit inappropriate for the friendly relations between our two families, doesn't it?"

Wang Lingxiao squinted and looked the woman in front of him up and down.

His physical constitution is exceptional, and his aura is pure.

To have such cultivation at such a young age is truly remarkable, especially in a place like Qinglu Mountain.

More importantly, he remained unfazed even when faced with the oppressive aura of someone who had reached the pinnacle of Qi cultivation.

This kind of mindset is quite rare.

Instead of being annoyed, he felt a surge of appreciation for talent.

"You're in charge here? Not bad, you've got potential."

Wang Lingxiao's tone carried an arrogant air of condescension: "Guanhua Gate is nothing more than a small, isolated family, nestled in a mountain valley. They've only gotten lucky."

"Putting someone with your qualifications here as a manager is like casting pearls before swine."

"Junior Sister Zhang, right? I consider your cultivation journey has been difficult, so rather than guarding this market that is destined to be short-lived."

"Why not join my Imperial Sword Sect?"

"Our Leifeng Sect is just short of a female disciple to manage miscellaneous affairs. If you're willing to come, you'll not only have access to a blessed spiritual mountain for cultivation, but the elixirs and offerings will also be several times greater than here. Isn't that a hundred times better than being in this makeshift operation?"

Upon hearing this, the disciples of Guanhua Sect below glared angrily.

Zhang Lingyuan was stunned.

She truly hadn't expected that this person would come to cause trouble and start by trying to poach her employees.

And it's said so naturally, as if sending her to the Imperial Sword Sect as a handyman is a great favor.

"A makeshift operation?"

Zhang Lingyuan smiled, a bright smile, but there was no hint of amusement in her eyes: "Thank you for your kindness, Master Wang."

"However, I am poor at observation and also clumsy."

"All I know is that the food at Guanhua Sect is delicious, the elders at Guanhua Sect are kind, and the fellow disciples here entrust their backs to me. I am also willing to shed blood for the sect."

She stroked the medicine pouch at her waist: "As for your clan..."

""

"Even their former genius disciples can be tossed aside like trash. This blessed place... I'm too unlucky to enter; I fear I may live to enter, but not to leave."

"you!"

Wang Lingxiao's face instantly turned a deep liver color.

Who is she cursing?

He cursed the entire Imperial Sword Sect for being cold-blooded and ruthless!

They criticized him, the "successor," for illegitimately gaining power!

Every word hits home.

Ma Changyun stood to the side, shrinking his neck, thinking to himself: This lady really dares to speak her mind!

"Very well! What a silver tongue you have!"

Wang Lingxiao's last vestiges of composure vanished, his eyes turning frighteningly sinister: "You won't listen to reason, so you'll have to suffer the consequences."

"I was originally going to spare your lives, but since everyone in Guanhua Sect is so ungrateful..."

'

"Today I'll tear down this dilapidated market! Let's see if your masters can protect you!"

"After the demolition is complete, I will report to the elders and charge you with 'establishing a private market and disrupting public order'!"

As he spoke, spiritual light gathered in his palm, and he was about to make a move.

"Ha—Qian Yi"

Suddenly, a lazy yawn, like someone just waking up, came from mid-air.

The sound wasn't loud, but it clearly penetrated into everyone's ears.

A teasing remark fell from above the clouds: "Tsk tsk tsk, I say..."

19

"Our Wang Zhenchuan, it's only been a few years since we last met, how come he's become so arrogant?"

"If you didn't know better, you'd think he was the leader of the Imperial Sword Sect..."

""

"Someone else has taken your seat."

97