Chapter 133: Sword Intent Advances, Hung Above The City Gate
The True Martial Sect has sealed its mountain, and the True Martial Sword Stele is temporarily not open to the public.
As this batch of swordsmen descended the mountain, the news immediately spread throughout True Martial City.
For a time.
There was an uproar.
Many swordsmen who were waiting in line in True Martial City became anxious.
“I traveled thousands of miles to be here, waited for a month, and now you’re telling me it’s closed?” someone grumbled with resentment.
But the swordsmen who had just descended the mountain had even greater resentment.
“I was so close to comprehending a peerless sword technique, just a little bit more! If you gave me a few more days to study, I would definitely have made a breakthrough. Am I any less miserable than you?”
“Then, when will it reopen?”
“Who knows? Sect Leader Luo said it’s to thoroughly search for spies and prevent outsiders from infiltrating. It’s understandable. After all, the True Martial Sect has just risen to prominence and is attracting attention. Being cautious is the right thing to do. We all benefit from the True Martial Sect, so we shouldn’t cause trouble at this time.”
“That’s right, we naturally cannot be ungrateful. The key is these detestable spies! If I knew who they were, I’d wish I could cut them into a thousand pieces!”
The swordsmen lamented and were filled with resentment, but this resentment was basically directed at the spies.
However.
Some people, being experienced and wise, had already guessed some of it from these subtle clues.
“I heard that among the spies who infiltrated the True Martial Sect during the previous assessment, there were people from the Formless Sect and the Sword Asking Pavilion. The Formless Sect has apologized, but the Sword Asking Pavilion has remained silent. Could it be that they are interrogating spies from the Sword Asking Pavilion?”
“It’s highly possible. Even if this matter isn’t entirely related to the Sword Asking Pavilion, it’s not unrelated.”
They gathered in True Martial City, constantly discussing the matter.
They also harbored some hope, thinking that perhaps the True Martial Sect would resolve the issue in two or three days and reopen the True Martial Sword Stele.
But unfortunately.
They were destined to be disappointed.
Time slowly passed.
One day.
Three days.
Seven days.
…
The True Martial Sect showed no signs of reopening its mountain gates.
The swordsmen became increasingly agitated.
Conversely.
True Martial Mountain was peaceful and quiet.
The three hundred seedlings had just joined the sect and needed martial arts enlightenment. These individuals were the future of the True Martial Sect, so no effort could be spared. Although their stance techniques could be changed later, their initial foundation needed to be solid.
The Elder of Transmission, Sun Chuanhai, could not handle it alone.
Several elders were jointly responsible for this matter.
They practiced different stance techniques based on the seedlings’ performance, and then gradually differentiated them based on their individual talents and efforts.
Li Ling and Zhuang Chen were also making efforts to set an example. Zhuang Chen was already twelve or thirteen years old, but Li Ling was actually not much older than these newly admitted seedlings. Both had excellent talent, and with the White Ape, they served as excellent role models for these seedlings.
The sixteen newly joined protectors were also bestowed with different martial arts and were diligently cultivating, with their sense of belonging to the True Martial Sect increasing significantly.
They were also divided into different domains based on their personalities and preferences.
However, with the True Martial Sect’s mountain sealed, they were not needed to descend the mountain for now, so they spent most of their time digesting their newly acquired martial arts.
The True Martial Sect was enjoying a rare period of tranquility.
Since the world gradually descended into chaos and the True Martial Sect rose, such times were rare.
Ning Qi was naturally cultivating in the Seeker’s Courtyard. For him, nothing was more important than pursuing the Great Dao of Longevity. The matter of the Sword Asking Pavilion was merely a minor interlude on his cultivation path. He left the specific implementation to Luo Wentian to worry about and would not inquire further. As a Protector of the Way, he only needed to act at the appropriate time.
He was now tempering his spirit daily, like a steady drip of water wearing away a stone, and was slowly establishing a peculiar connection with his Core Elixir.
This step was actually extremely difficult.
Many martial artists in the Core Elixir Realm could not take this step even until their four hundred years of lifespan were up.
But for Ning Qi, it was a natural progression.
He was too familiar with the Heavenly Human Realm.
He had already created many Heavenly Human Secret Techniques when he first entered the White Mist Realm, especially the Unity of Heaven and Man. This secret technique allowed Ning Qi to prematurely touch upon some of the mysteries of Heaven and Earth Power. Therefore, Ning Qi’s breakthrough of the great bottleneck of the Heavenly Human Realm was even easier than breaking through from the Jade Liquid Realm to the Core Elixir Realm.
He could feel his progress every day.
Cultivation was a tedious matter for others, but for him, it held endless pleasure.
Ning Qi was reading Daoist Scriptures sent by the Formless Sect.
The Formless Sect did not dare to be negligent, and the rare books they sent were quite valuable.
“All things are formless and intangible, and can transform into each other? This concept is quite interesting.”
Ning Qi smiled slightly, and a trace of Spiritual Insight arose in his mind.
Why did he like reading Daoist Scriptures?
He didn’t read them for some ambiguous Daoist texts, but for the insights into Heaven and Earth gained by predecessors. Although the insights of any single person might be limited or biased, by examining all of them and extracting the essence, one would not fall into such a trap. The occasional ingenious ideas of predecessors often gave him enlightenment.
For example, the Ascension Stairs, the Heart Questioning Platform, and some martial arts secret techniques he created, actually carried the shadow of these insights.
In fact, it wasn’t just Daoist Scriptures; Buddhist scriptures, miscellaneous studies, books written by martial arts experts, and even the experience of a woodcutter felling trees for decades could inspire Ning Qi.
This was the path he would take in the future.
“If I can create an ultimate marvelous method in the future that can encompass the wisdom of all beings, what a spectacle that would be?”
Ning Qi yearned for it.
This was a concept he had been thinking about a lot recently. Although his realm was not yet sufficient, it did not prevent him from accumulating some theories and concepts in advance.
This was because.
Since the True Martial Sword Stele was erected, he had genuinely felt its benefits.
The True Martial Sword Stele had been established for over half a year. During this time, numerous swordsmen came to study it. They naturally benefited greatly from the Sword Intent left by Ning Qi, but Ning Qi was the biggest winner.
In the process of the swordsmen’s comprehension, their own Sword Intent inevitably interacted with Ning Qi’s Sword Intent. In this way, there were no secrets for Ning Qi, and there were always Heavenly Pride swordsmen whose Sword Intent could make Ning Qi’s eyes light up.
With his comprehension.
He could transform the essence into his own use in a single thought.
One swordsman or two might not show significant growth, but with the accumulation over time, the progress was extremely considerable.
Compared to before the Sword Stele was erected.
Ning Qi’s Sword Intent had already improved greatly.
Previously, Ning Qi’s strength in many paths was not very different, basically at the same level. It was just that when he created the Heavenly Sword Technique, he happened to choose the sword as its form.
But now, it could be said without reservation.
Among the many paths Ning Qi mastered, the Sword Dao was the first.
This was the benefit brought by the True Martial Sword Stele.
If this continued.
Ning Qi’s Sword Intent would inevitably become the strongest in history, unmatched by anyone in the past or present.
“It’s a pity that I can’t temporarily imitate the True Martial Sword Stele by erecting a Blade Stele or Fist Stele. Otherwise, the persona of Heavenly Sword True Person would be somewhat compromised and would arouse suspicion. However, it’s not a big problem. Now that my Sword Dao far surpasses other paths, I can also draw inferences and use my Sword Dao insights to improve other paths.”
Ning Qi chuckled.
This was difficult for others, but not for him.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have the ambition to master all Daos.
“I’ll imitate the True Martial Sword Stele when the opportunity is right in the future. But this method actually has a drawback, which is that the efficiency is not that high, and if others are unwilling to come and study the Sword Stele, there’s nothing that can be done.”
There were countless swordsmen in the world, but how many could come to study the True Martial Sword Stele?
Ning Qi shook his head slightly.
This matter was not urgent for now. It was enough that he now knew that the path of gathering the wisdom of all beings, as seen in the True Martial Sword Stele, held great promise.
A gentle breeze blew.
The exotic fragrance of the Enlightenment Tea Tree drifted into Ning Qi’s nostrils, causing him to glance at the Enlightenment Tea Tree beside him.
Last month.
The Enlightenment Tea Tree had suddenly shot up by a section, reaching Ning Qi’s shoulder. Ning Qi’s current height was comparable to an ordinary fourteen or fifteen-year-old youth. Even just at shoulder height, it was not low. In another two years, he might truly be able to find shade under the Enlightenment Tea Tree.
At the top of the tea tree at this moment, tender leaves had already emerged, emitting a peculiar fragrance.
Although not much, it was enough for this year’s True Martial Peach Gathering.
Ning Qi didn’t expect the tea tree to have any effect on him; he just felt a sense of accomplishment. He then looked at the peach blossom tree outside the courtyard. The peach blossoms were gradually withering, and the peach fruits were already developing.
This year’s peach fruits would undoubtedly be sweeter.
Ning Qi planned to save some for the Year End after the True Martial Peach Gathering, to be given as rewards to the newly admitted seedlings then.
Ning Qi smiled faintly.
He checked the time and stretched on the rattan chair.
With a point of his finger, a surge of powerful Gang Qi erupted, then condensed into the appearance of ‘Heavenly Sword True Person’. After his promotion to the Core Elixir Realm, his Formless Gang Body had become even more perfect. Ning Qi chuckled and entertained himself:
“Please trouble yourself to go on a trip.”
The ‘Heavenly Sword True Person’ remained silent and headed towards the back mountain.
Li Ling was already waiting there.
After learning about the information of ‘There is no Martial Saint Method in this world’ and the ultimate technique Heaven Suppressing Fist from King Zhenbei, Ning Qi naturally would not go back on his word. From time to time, he would condense a clone of Heavenly Sword True Person to teach Li Ling the Sword Dao, laying the foundation for him to learn the Heavenly Sword Technique in the future.
…
The True Martial Sect was peaceful, and even Luo Wentian was rarely able to breathe a sigh of relief. Since becoming Sect Leader, the pressure on him had been immense. Although he still had to deal with the matter of the Sword Asking Pavilion, during the mountain sealing period, at least there were no other matters to disturb him, and he could focus solely on this.
But in True Martial City.
The anxious emotions of the swordsmen grew even more intense.
Some swordsmen who had not received the news also rushed to the area and were bewildered, waiting in True Martial City together.
“The True Martial Sword Stele is still not open?”
“What exactly is going on?”
“Could it be that the True Martial Sect regrets it and will no longer open it?”
This anxious emotion gradually climbed to its peak, and some people even began to resent the True Martial Sect.
But immediately.
The tide began to turn.
At some point, this rumor suddenly appeared.
“Secret information! It is said that Sect Leader Luo sent a letter to the Sword Asking Pavilion to seek an explanation regarding the spies, but the Sword Asking Pavilion adamantly denied it, even stating that if the True Martial Sect could prove that the spies were from the Sword Asking Pavilion, they would immediately apologize!”
“The reason the True Martial Sect sealed its mountain is related to this! The Sword Asking Pavilion covets the True Martial Sect’s True Martial Sword Stele, and they are guarding against people from the Sword Asking Pavilion!”
In an instant.
All the anxious emotions were ignited.
Everything seemed to make sense. No wonder they had to seal the mountain to interrogate spies; it turned out someone had their greedy eyes on the True Martial Sword Stele, and they had no choice but to do this.
Recalling Luo Wentian’s heartbroken and hesitant demeanor earlier, everyone understood even more.
“Is it really because of the Sword Asking Pavilion?”
“How shameless! It is said that the Sword Asking Pavilion has an Inheritance Sword Tower that has always been closed to the public. Now they are even coveting someone else’s True Martial Sword Stele?”
“Shame on swordsmen!”
Murmurs of discussion arose everywhere. Most people might not dare to discuss it openly, but their thoughts were the same. Especially with the guidance of some individuals, this sentiment became increasingly apparent.
The thoughts of many people changed, shifting the blame for their inability to comprehend the True Martial Sword Stele onto the Sword Asking Pavilion.
While there were certainly hidden elements of guidance.
There was also a clear contrast.
The Sword Asking Pavilion had an Inheritance Sword Tower. It was understandable that their sect’s heritage item was not open to the public, but the problem lay in the comparison. The True Martial Sect also had a sacred place for sword comprehension, the True Martial Sword Stele, yet they generously opened it to swordsmen from all over the world.
In comparison, the difference was evident.
During this period, some swordsmen would mention this matter, comparing the True Martial Sect and the Sword Asking Pavilion, but at most, they would praise the True Martial Sect for its magnanimity, not to the point of hostility or belittling the Sword Asking Pavilion.
But now.
Because of the Sword Asking Pavilion, I can’t comprehend the True Martial Sword Stele?
The surging emotion of anger instantly exploded.
It was one thing not to share your own possessions, but now, when someone generously offered to share, you wanted to snatch it away?
This made all swordsmen angry.
Coupled with the “envy of the rich” sentiment among some, who had previously voiced minor criticisms about the Sword Asking Pavilion’s Inheritance Sword Tower, this sentiment became even more pronounced.
“What does the Sword Asking Pavilion want to do? Cut off our path to promotion?”
After such voices emerged.
Many swordsmen reached a consensus.
The hostility of swordsmen towards the Sword Asking Pavilion gradually reached its peak.
This emotion spread faster than Luo Wentian had imagined, quickly engulfing the world. Some people were fanning the flames, including some swordsmen. They had suffered a major setback at the True Martial Sect during the previous sword-versus-blade conflict, and now seeing the True Martial Sect and the Sword Asking Pavilion possibly going to war, they were naturally happy to see it.
They were even more active than Luo Wentian.
They felt they had nothing to lose, regardless of who won or lost, by witnessing a battle between two Heavenly Human Ranking swordsmen.
Under this momentum.
More and more swordsmen gathered near the Sword Asking Pavilion’s mountain gate.
If it weren’t for the Sword Asking Pavilion’s considerable strength and the presence of an ultimate swordsman ranked fourteenth on the Heavenly Human Ranking, someone might have already gone to the Sword Asking Pavilion to question them.
But even so.
The Sword Asking Pavilion was not having an easy time.
They couldn’t act too overtly, but some minor actions were permissible.
If a disciple of the Sword Asking Pavilion goes out for experience, inviting them for tea for half a month is not excessive, right?
The Sword Asking Pavilion’s industries are spread throughout Chuzhou, so it’s normal for some of them to be annexed, isn’t it?
If disciples of the Sword Asking Pavilion participate in a sword discussion assembly, it’s reasonable for no one to pay attention, right?
If it were just a small group of swordsmen doing this, the Sword Asking Pavilion could easily retaliate and make an example of them.
But now, most swordsmen are like this.
Among them were not a few Heavenly Human Realm swordsmen, and some matters even had the shadows of a few swordsmen on the Heavenly Human Ranking behind them. They themselves would naturally not appear, but some vague instructions were naturally not a problem.
If the Sword Asking Pavilion dared to retaliate, it would only trigger more intense conflict.
This is the general trend.
These swordsmen might not be able to feel the True Martial Sect’s intentions, but under the sway of emotions and having received favors, coupled with the Sword Asking Pavilion directly infringing upon their interests, how could they care about so much? They were not just for the True Martial Sect, but even more so for themselves.
For a time.
Inside the Sword Asking Pavilion.
The atmosphere was incredibly oppressive.
They never expected that in just a month or two, they would be forced into such a passive situation by the True Martial Sect.
……
True Martial Mountain.
Luo Wentian handed the intelligence from the mountain to Dragon Mountain Daoist and Ning Qi. He chuckled heartily, in an extremely good mood:
“This method is working even faster than we imagined, those swordsmen really helped a lot.”
Dragon Mountain Daoist shook his head and chuckled:
“The Martial World chases fame and fortune; even experts on the Heavenly Human Ranking cannot fully comprehend it. In reality, what is the difference between sabers and swords? It is truly unwise to make such a big fuss over it.”
Ning Qi took a sip of tea and said:
“But this is a good thing for us. I imagine the Sword Asking Pavilion can no longer sit still.”
Luo Wentian gave a thumbs up and praised:
“Little Nine, you’re truly a prophet. Half a month ago, the Sword Asking Pavilion frequently sent letters. While they still didn’t admit to the spy matter, their tone had softened. They said that someone impersonating the Sword Asking Pavilion was also their oversight, and they were willing to offer some compensation.”
He clicked his tongue twice, finding the compensation unsatisfactory, and then took out several letters.
“The Sword Asking Pavilion seems to be a bit desperate. Their words hint that we should no longer dwell on the spy matter and hope we reopen our mountain gate,” he said with a hint of mockery on his face.
The Dragon Mountain Daoist sighed with emotion and said:
“They must also know that the root of the Asking Sword Pavilion’s current predicament lies in the True Martial Sword Stele. As long as the True Martial Sword Stele reopens, everything will be easily resolved. Unfortunately, they don’t realize that they themselves hold the key to solving the problem.”
Luo Wentian nodded in agreement:
“That’s right, if the Sword Asking Pavilion is willing to take this opportunity to open the Inheritance Sword Tower and even blame us for it, then not only can this crisis be resolved, but we can also seize this chance to gain a huge amount of prestige and put us in a passive position.”
“Unfortunately, they won’t. Not everyone is as broad-minded as Little Nine.”
“If the Sword Asking Pavilion had such intentions, they wouldn’t have been so narrow-minded as to send people to infiltrate our True Martial Sect before. With their style of doing things, they definitely wouldn’t open the Inheritance Sword Tower.”
Ning Qi merely smiled faintly.
“Senior Disciple Brother, what do you plan to do, wait and see?”
Luo Wentian’s expression turned serious:
“Naturally, it cannot end anticlimactically like this. Now, when they mention compensation, it’s just a pittance. It seems they believe that with that Heart-Seeking Sword, they can fear nothing. Since that’s the case, we must let them know that our True Martial Sect is not to be trifled with!”
“I plan to hang those spies from the Sword Asking Pavilion that I captured outside the True Martial City gates. This way, the world can identify if they are indeed people from the Sword Asking Pavilion!”
“Add more fuel to their fire!”
Ning Qi smiled and nodded:
“Senior Disciple Brother, just go ahead and do it.”
Luo Wentian’s heart settled.
This is a complete escalation of conflict, intending to shame the Sword Asking Pavilion. It is likely that the Heart-Seeking Sword from the Sword Asking Pavilion will personally come.
With Ning Qi’s support, he could do it with peace of mind and boldness.
The next day.
A True Martial Disciple descended the mountain, bringing two spies from the Sword Asking Pavilion into True Martial City.
Before the swordsmen could ask when the True Martial Sword Stele would open.
The True Martial disciples hung the two crippled spies above the city gate, and they loudly proclaimed:
“By the Sect Leader’s order, these two will be hung here. This way, everyone in the world can recognize whether these spies came from the Sword Asking Pavilion, so as to avoid wrongly accusing good people!”
With that said.
They then floated away.
And the onlookers were utterly shocked.
Some people immediately realized.
Things have gotten serious!
The conflict between the True Martial Sect and the Sword Asking Pavilion has reached an irreconcilable point, and the two sides are bound to have a confrontation.
But then.
Many people began to get excited. This might be a grand event.
Outside True Martial City, people came and went daily to watch the two spies who were hanging there. Several True Martial Sect Protectors were dispatched specifically to guard them, lest they be snatched away.
If a Heavenly Human Realm expert intervenes, there’s no need to stop them.
Because such experts making a move has already explained everything.
Someone asked:
“May I ask when the True Martial Sect’s Protector will reopen its mountain gate?”
Several protectors merely smiled:
“Once the identity of the spy before us is confirmed, the mountain gate can be reopened.”
Everyone was shocked, and they already understood the True Martial Sect’s resolve.
The news spread like a whirlwind.
Countless people turned their gaze towards the Sword Asking Pavilion, preparing to see their reaction.
……
Inside the Sword Asking Pavilion.
The atmosphere was incredibly stagnant.
In the last month or two, the Sword Asking Pavilion has encountered unprecedented targeting. No matter what they do, things are extremely difficult, and even some talented disciples have been ambushed!
If this continues.
It is extremely detrimental to the development of the Sword Asking Pavilion.
Everyone knew where the root of all this came from.
The Sect Leader of the Sword Asking Pavilion, Tang Qiu, repeatedly sent letters to True Martial Mountain, but they were like stones sinking into the sea, with no reply.
And now.
After learning of the events outside True Martial City, all the high-level members of the Sword Asking Pavilion became enraged.
“You bully too much! You really bully too much!”
Tang Qiu’s grim and angry voice echoed through the main hall.
“This is disregarding the thousand years of prestige of our Sword Asking Pavilion. If we don’t come up with a countermeasure, I fear our Sword Asking Pavilion will completely become a laughingstock of Great Yan!”
The higher-ups were united in their enmity.
“That’s right. The sect is already facing resistance. If we don’t fight back, everyone will step on us in the future.”
“The thousand-year foundation of our predecessors cannot decline in our hands!”
Someone’s killing intent is surging:
“This True Martial Sect doesn’t know any better. Do they really think they can look down on all the sects in the world just because they’ve been in the spotlight for the past two years? Although the Great Yan Dynasty is watching, making it difficult to slaughter their entire sect, it’s still possible to make them pay a bloody price!”
“It’s been many years since I last moved. Perhaps it’s time to let the world once again witness the strength of our Sword Asking Pavilion.”
The crowd was in high spirits.
All were angered by the True Martial Sect’s act of hanging the spies from the Sword Asking Pavilion.
Coupled with the previous stifled resentment, forced by the general trend, it all erupted at this moment, and they wanted the True Martial Sect to pay the price.
Tang Qiu looked around at everyone and said solemnly:
“For now, we can only ask the Grand Elder to intervene.”
No matter how much they looked down on the True Martial Sect in their words, Heavenly Sword True Person’s strength was undeniable.
A cold, indifferent snort came from outside the hall:
“A bunch of useless good-for-nothings!”
Everyone lowered their heads.
“Greetings, Grand Elder.”
Gu Changhe indifferently swept his gaze over everyone, then waved his hand, pointing at a few of them:
“Come with me to True Martial Mountain. I’d like to see if those two are indeed spies from my Sword Asking Pavilion.”
His voice carried a chilling killing intent.
