Ten Thousand Sword Masters

Hao Yun felt the power of public opinion. He believed that if Zhong Yang hadn't withdrawn voluntarily, but instead his Five Grains Divine Sect had refused to accept him, then, if the others, excluding the three who had joined the sect, exaggerated the matter and spread it around, the world would surely despise the Five Grains Divine Sect for its actions.

At the height of the crowd's excitement, Zhong Yang stepped forward, drawing everyone's attention.

"I strive for satisfaction with every experience. This time, I'm proud of myself. Actually, halfway through the selection process, I received news from home that I should return to restore our family's honor. I kept delaying until now because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it!"

After Zhong Yang explained, the crowd quieted down.

At this moment, Hao Yun seized the opportunity to announce, "This time, Zhong Yang withdrew from the selection, so the ones who ultimately passed the selection and entered my teaching are Xiao Ye (second place), Fan Ju (third place), and Shu Wu (fifth place)."

Hao Yun's words caused another uproar. Jiang Xianxian, who was ranked fourth, blushed. However, before he could question her, Hao Yun's voice came.

"Jiang Hua, you participated in the selection without your family's permission. Your parents entrusted Zhong Yang to take you back, so although you ranked fourth, we cannot accept you."

Upon hearing Hao Yun's words, Jiang Xianxian flew into a rage. "Zhong Yang!" she glared at him, her eyes blazing with fury.

Seeing Jiang Xianxian's angry expression, Zhong Yang laughed and immediately summoned the Wind Eagle. Since the Wind Eagle had already been exposed in the first level, there was no need to hide it now.

Zhong Yang mounted the Wind Eagle and immediately flew towards Jiang Xianxian, grabbing her in his arms.

"Master, save me! Zhong Yang is a murderous monster! He's lying to you!" Jiang Xianxian cried out as she struggled.

Hao Yun thought to himself, "I actually hope that what Zhong Yang said is a lie."

Hao Yun stroked his beard and said loudly to Jiang Xianxian, "Don't worry, I've placed a bronze crane on you. If it turns out that what Zhong Yang said is false, I will personally bring you back."

As Zhong Yang was about to leave with Jiang Xianxian, Hao Yun hurriedly said, "Zhong Yang, you're number one. The bone badge awarded to the number one winner is here."

After Hao Yun finished speaking, he raised his hand and a beam of light shot towards Zhong Yang. However, the light was bounced back by Zhong Yang as soon as it reached him.

"I haven't joined the Five Grains God Cult, so how can I receive your reward? Give it to the person who ranks highest among those who have joined the Five Grains God Cult."

Zhong Yang said nonchalantly, while Xiao Ye felt a pang of bitterness. If nothing unexpected happened, the bone seal should have belonged to him, but he preferred not to take it. He wasn't a king, yet he wore a crown.

The others, seeing that Zhong Yang regarded such a precious bone seal as nothing, truly possessed extraordinary character.

Just as everyone was watching Zhong Yang ride away on his wind eagle, his voice, brimming with emotion, rang out.

"Who will reign supreme under Heaven's mandate? I stand atop the highest mountain. When will I pluck the stars from the sky and send my sword to the east wind?"

The sound stopped, and Zhong Yang had long since disappeared into the horizon. However, the group of people still looked up in the direction Zhong Yang had left.

Suddenly, someone quietly began reciting the poem that Zhong Yang had just recited.

One by one, people joined in the recitation, their voices growing louder and louder, wave after wave, until everyone was reciting, each person unleashing their most powerful voice.

Watching the passionate recitation of poetry, Hao Yun sighed. He knew that this generation of disciples would forever be three points inferior to Zhong Yang, even if their cultivation and achievements far surpassed Zhong Yang's in the future. As long as Zhong Yang stood before them, they would instinctively lower their heads.

This is a spiritual shock and conquest.

Zhong Yang turned around and heard the sound of everyone reciting poetry. How intense must it be for him, who had already flown away from the Five Grains God Sect, to be able to hear it?

Seeing Zhong Yang turn around and look excitedly in the direction of the Five Grains Cult, Jiang Xianxian snorted coldly, "What lousy poem, and so many people are reciting it together, how ignorant."

Zhong Yang, who was in high spirits, was immediately displeased by Jiang Xianxian's words. "Even bad poems are better than some girls who wash themselves clean and offer themselves up to be played with."

"What do you mean by that?" Jiang Xianxian glared at Zhong Yang.

"Go back and ask your father."

Jiang Xianxian and Zhong Yang started teasing each other on the wind eagle and had a bit of a fight.

"Thank you very much, Lord Zhong." Jiang Yi was extremely grateful to Zhong Yang for bringing Jiang Xianxian back and respectfully presented him with ten thousand gold coins.

At this moment, Jiang Xianxian looked at Zhong Yang coldly, "So you are the leader of the Nanjiang Sect. So you participated in the Five Grains Divine Sect selection just to bring me back. You approached me and tricked me. Everything you did was just to fulfill the commission my father gave you."

Jiang Xianxian felt an unprecedented pain in her heart, as if the whole world was deceiving her. After coldly saying those words, she turned and left.

Zhong Yang watched Jiang Xianxian's departing figure, wanting to call out her name. However, he knew that he and she were ultimately from different worlds, and from now on, there would be no way they could cross paths again.

"Congratulations, Your Excellency, on successfully completing this mission." Inside the Manjiang Tower, Peng Dong congratulated Zhong Yang.

"Does Your Excellency still remember Guo Yang?" Peng Dong asked cautiously.

Zhong Yang was puzzled for a moment, then remembered that this was the person who had withdrawn from the Five Grains Cult selection because he had no money, and then joined the Nanjiang Sect with his letter of recommendation.

"I remember, this person was the one I recommended to join the sect," Zhong Yang said.

"My lord, he is injured and unconscious."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Yang frowned, and then, after Peng Dong explained the situation, he roughly understood what had happened.

Guo Yang accepted a commission with a hefty reward, eager to prove himself, and went to carry it out with great enthusiasm. However, he returned severely injured and fell into a coma without uttering a single word.

Zhong Yang hurriedly returned to Kaitian Valley, preoccupied with his own thoughts, to visit the injured Guo Yang. Guo Yang's injuries were more severe than he had imagined; his entire body was wrapped in bandages, and he was only eating thin porridge, practically crippled.

"What exactly is going on?" Zhong Yang asked Guan He.

Guan He was somewhat uneasy. Zhong Yang's aura was growing stronger every day. Guo Yang was personally recommended by Zhong Yang and was also at the third level of Body Refinement. He would become an important figure in the Nanjiang Sect sooner or later, but he had just fallen into a coma.

Guan He began to speak slowly.

The story begins with Lin Youzhi, a wealthy man from Leli County. Last month, the Lin family went to Dianyun Mountain to see the cross-shaped stele left by Pingyuan on the mountaintop.

Dianyun Mountain is several hundred meters away from Leli County, a long and arduous journey. Dianyun Mountain has more than a dozen branches of varying sizes, standing in a jagged array, with underground palaces connecting them. These underground palaces are naturally formed, a masterpiece of nature. The mountain is inhabited by many ferocious and cruel wild beasts.

Therefore, few ordinary people dare to go to Dianyun Mountain.

Unfortunately, the Pingyuan Cross Stele was famous throughout the land, and Lin Youzhi's daughter, Lin Weizhen, insisted on seeing it. Lin Youzhi refused several times, but finally gave in and recruited nearly a hundred guards to head to Dianyun Mountain in a grand procession.

Zhongyang knows about the cross-shaped stele on Dianyun Mountain.

The official historical record, "The Biography of Pingyuan," does not mention this cross-shaped stele, but it is mentioned in numerous unofficial histories and novels. Legend has it that when Pingyuan carved the cross-shaped stele, it caused changes in the heavens and earth, and afterwards, some non-Buddhist sects wanted to destroy the stele, but all of them failed.

It is rumored that the reason why there are so many monsters on Dianyun Mountain is because these secluded sects let them roam freely in order to prevent people from going to see them.

The more they tried to stop it, the more people wanted to see it. Moreover, the secular sects repeatedly forbade the publication of books about the Dianyun Mountain Cross Stele. The more they did this, the more their desire to see it was aroused, and even stories of various miracles about the Cross Stele spread, as if they were legends.

"After Lin Youzhi and his family finished viewing the cross-shaped monument, they were attacked by a monster on their way back. Lin Youzhi managed to escape with the protection of his guards, but his daughter was captured by the monster. According to Lin Youzhi, the monster that captured her was a fox."

Through Guan He's explanation, Zhong Yang understood.

After his daughter was captured by a fox, Lin Youzhi panicked and sought help everywhere. He came to Kaitian Valley and offered a reward of 30,000 gold coins.

Since joining the Nanjiang faction, Guo Yang has been eager to prove himself, and when Guan He made this request, he took the initiative to accept it.

Considering that Guo Yang was at the third level of Body Refinement, possessing the same cultivation level as Zhong Yang, and that Zhong Yang had recommended him to join, Guan He decided to let Guo Yang go and complete the task.

Originally, they thought it was just a simple job to find someone. At most, they would encounter some monsters, which might be dangerous, but they should be able to retreat safely. However, they did not expect Guo Yang to return seriously injured and unconscious.

Having sorted out the whole story, Zhong Yang looked at the painting of Lin Weizhen that Lin Youzhi had sent, as well as the new letter of entrustment.

The new letter of entrustment expressed condolences for Guo Yang's serious injuries and coma, promised to send someone soon to deliver five thousand gold coins for medical expenses, and invited the Nanjiang faction to participate in the new rescue operation organized by the Lin family.

"Let me go and check on the Lin family."

"My lord, how many henchmen should I bring?"

"No need, I have my Windhawk, I can come and go as I please. Bringing along henchmen would only be a burden." After saying this, Zhong Yang summoned his Windhawk and soared into the sky. Riding his Windhawk to Leli County, Zhong Yang strolled over to the Lin family's residence.

At this moment, the Lin family home was bustling with activity, people coming and going, but it wasn't a joyful celebration; most people had somber expressions.

Zhong Yang handed over the invitation, and the Lin family servants warmly welcomed him into the hall.

Several people were already seated on either side of the hall. When Lin Youzhi saw Zhong Yang, he hurriedly got up to greet him.

"Where does this young hero come from?" Lin Youzhi asked politely, bowing.

"I am Zhong Yang of the Nanjiang School."

Upon hearing this, Lin Youzhi was slightly taken aback. He had assumed it would be Guan He who had arrived. He knew from Guan He that the leader of the Nanjiang Sect was Zhong Yang, but that Zhong Yang had been away on business and had not come. He had not expected him to arrive now.

"I've long admired your name, please come in." Although Lin Youzhi was taken aback for a moment upon seeing Zhong Yang's youth, he immediately welcomed Zhong Yang warmly.

"This is Zhong Yang, the venerable master of the Nanjiang Sect," Lin Youzhi introduced to the people in the hall.

These individuals came from the Chiyu Sect of Wuzi County, the Jinglei Sect of Huoyun County, and the Kuanghu Sect of Rongshan County, respectively. In addition, there was the Nanjiang Sect of Zhongyang. The Lin family had invited major forces from four counties at once.

Lin Youzhi enthusiastically introduced Zhong Yang, but the members of the Crimson Feather Sect, Thunderclap Sect, and Mad Tiger Sect merely nodded perfunctorily, acting like elders.

Zhong Yang didn't hold a grudge, smiled slightly, and sat down.

"I once had a friend who became the leader of a sect at a young age, but unfortunately he died a violent death later." As soon as Zhong Yang sat down, Zhu Guangqian, the leader of the Chiyu Sect, spoke, and the meaning behind his words was somewhat special.

Zhong Yang glanced at Zhu Guangqian indifferently.

"Old Zhu, I remember now. You mentioned this before, and I recall you even wrote a poem to commemorate your friend. I remember one line was, 'I once had a friend stronger than you, but now the grass on his grave is nine feet tall.' Haha, well written, very fitting for the occasion," said Duan Chu, the leader of the Thunderclap Sect, glancing sideways at Zhong Yang.

From the moment Zhong Yang entered and announced his identity, he sensed the intense hostility from these people. He understood that the Nanjiang Sect was an outsider who had suddenly occupied the former Burial Sword Valley and quickly established itself. Now, they wanted to share the rewards from the Lin family with these other sects, so it was only natural that these sects would join forces to exclude Zhong Yang.

"Master Lin, we have some acquaintance, and as friends, there are some things I'm not sure if I should say." The one who spoke was Nie Da'er, the leader of the Mad Tiger Sect in Rongshan County.

Hearing Nie Da'er's words, Lin Youzhi frowned slightly, vaguely sensing that what Nie Da'er was about to say would affect the current atmosphere. However, he didn't want to offend Nie Da'er.

"Master Nie, please speak freely." Lin Youzhi said with a warm and friendly expression.

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Nie Da'er didn't stand on ceremony and immediately spoke up: "Master Lin, this time you invited us to search for and rescue your daughter with a very generous reward. It's reasonable for you to invite me, the Crimson Feather Sect, and the Thunderclap Sect, as we all know each other. But what about the Southern River Sect? I had never heard of it before."

Duan Chu and Zhu Guangqian, understanding the implied meaning from the music, immediately chimed in, "Indeed, Master Lin, the reward you've given is quite substantial. If just anyone could take it, it would be a waste of your money."

"Master Lin, the few of us are enough to rescue your daughter."

Seeing that these people seemed to be concerned for Lin Youzhi, Zhong Yang snorted coldly, "I've never heard of the Crimson Feather Sect, Thunderclap Sect, or Mad Tiger Sect. Master Lin, you'd better be careful. There are plenty of swindlers in this world."

Nie Da'er and his group ostracized Zhong Yang, and Zhong Yang responded rudely in return.

Upon hearing Zhong Yang's words, Nie Da'er and his companions immediately flew into a rage. "Young man, who are you calling a liar? One should be humble in life, and even more so in the world of swindlers."

"Who's the liar? They know it themselves," Zhong Yang retorted.

Seeing the sharp exchange between Zhong Yang and Nie Da'er, Lin Youzhi quickly stepped in to mediate.

"Alright, alright, I know who you all are. Let's not argue and ruin the harmony."

Lin Youzhi wanted to drop the subject, but Nie Da'er wouldn't have it. "Master Lin, what do you mean by that? Whether he's a fraud or not, we'll find out soon enough." Nie Da'er turned to Zhong Yang and said, "Young man, do you dare to exchange a punch with my disciple? If you can withstand it, you'll naturally be qualified to participate in this mission."

"What is there to be afraid of?"

Seeing that Zhong Yang remained calm and unfazed, Nie Da'er and the others sneered inwardly, "I wonder if he'll still be so calm after being punched to pieces later."

Then, a young man stepped out from behind Nie Da'er. He was tall and muscular.

"Please." The young man bowed respectfully as he approached Zhong Yang.

"You're much more pleasing to the eye than your master," Zhong Yang retorted to Nie Da'er.

Nie Da'er snorted, and the young man was quite embarrassed.

"Put your punch down," Zhong Yang gestured for the young man to throw.

The young man bowed again, saying, "I'm sorry."

Then, the young man pressed down with both legs, pushed off the ground and sprang up, throwing a powerful punch at Zhong Yang.

The fist was about to strike Zhong Yang's chest when the young man lost control of his strength. He stared wide-eyed at Zhong Yang, wondering why Zhong Yang wasn't retaliating.

Nie Da'er and the others smiled slightly, thinking that Zhong Yang was nothing special.

Seeing that Zhong Yang seemed terrified, Lin Youzhi frowned and began to doubt whether the Nanjiang Sect was really that bad.

Just then, Zhong Yang stretched out his palm and grabbed the fist that the young man was throwing. With a forceful movement, the young man was flipped and spun around in Zhong Yang's hand.

Zhong Yang released his grip, and the young man landed on the ground, staggering backward several steps.

The young man looked utterly astonished, as if he had just experienced some terrible ordeal.

"It's no use," Nie Da'er roared angrily.

Duan Chu and Zhu Guangqian each coughed a few times, feeling relieved that it wasn't their disciple.

Seeing Zhong Yang's prowess, Lin Youzhi was overjoyed.

"Your Excellency is indeed formidable. Truly, heroes emerge from among the young. Before long, the Nanjiang Sect will surely be renowned throughout our Leli County."

"Not at all, not at all. No matter how brave they are, it's not as good as never having heard of them before," Zhong Yang said, glancing at Nie Da'er and the other two.

Nie Da'er felt extremely embarrassed and glared fiercely at the young man who was fighting against Zhong Yang.

Lin Youzhi threw a grand banquet, with all sorts of delicacies and fine wines on the table, giving the guests ample face. Zhong Yang was alone, and Nie Da'er and the others, noticing the Nanjiang Sect's apparent lack of manpower, looked down on him.

Throughout the meal, Zhong Yang mainly interacted with Lin Youzhi, while the others ignored him. The young man who had punched him earlier tried several times to raise a drink with him, but refrained each time because Nie Da'er was present.

At the end of the banquet, Lin Youzhi burst into tears, uttering many sorrowful words. Upon hearing this, some young people from the major sects wished they could immediately go to rescue Lin Weizhen. Zhong Yang, on the other hand, only now realized that Lin Weizhen was actually a renowned beauty in all the counties; it seemed the portrait hadn't captured much of her true appearance.

The young people were full of enthusiasm, but they were all restrained by Nie Da'er and his group. These people probably wouldn't set off until tomorrow, and the Lin family would have another good feast.

I like the Ten Thousand Swords Master.