Chapter 135: Ji Qing Returns To Liang City, Black Demon Sect Grandmaster Attacks!
“Young Friend Ji, your Divine Weapon…”
“Trivial matter, my Divine Weapon is not worth mentioning.”
“Uh…”
Shang Yutai’s mouth twitched slightly.
Is it that sensitive?
He had merely mentioned “Divine Weapon,” and Ji Qing shut it down.
However, it seemed Ji Qing truly did not wish to discuss the matter of the “Divine Weapon.”
The Demon Saber in Ji Qing’s hand had clearly advanced.
Shang Yutai was genuinely curious.
But seeing Ji Qing’s displeasure, he could only skip the topic.
Just now, Ji Qing had displayed a saber strike that even impressed Shang Yutai.
This made Shang Yutai recognize Ji Qing’s strength even more, while also giving him more ideas.
“Young Friend Ji, now the Black Demon Sect is taking advantage to stir up trouble, causing chaos throughout the land and leaving the people destitute. I hope to join forces with you against the Black Demon Sect!”
Shang Yutai said.
“Do you have Spiritual Objects?”
“No…”
“Do you have Spirit Stones?”
“None of those either.”
“Then Ji Mou is not interested.”
Ji Qing replied indifferently.
Deal with the Black Demon Sect?
If there was an opportunity, Ji Qing would naturally deal with the Black Demon Sect.
But he would not cooperate with the Imperial Family.
They could not even produce Spiritual Objects or Spirit Stones.
No benefits at all, yet they wanted to get something for nothing.
Possible?
Shang Yutai also knew that without offering benefits, it was impossible to get Ji Qing to act.
As for the benefits Ji Qing demanded being Spiritual Objects and Spirit Stones, Shang Yutai could not provide them.
“Young Friend Ji, with the great changes in Heaven and Earth today, the Era of Spiritual Depletion has ended, and a trace of Spiritual Energy is gradually emerging between Heaven and Earth. The world ahead will be vastly different from before, and our situation as Martial Artists will likely become even more difficult…”
Ji Qing frowned.
“Even more difficult?”
“That doesn’t seem right, Old Ancestor Shang. We Martial Artists progress from first-rate to Grandmaster through Acquired to Innate, which also requires Spiritual Objects and Spirit Stones. If there is sufficient Spiritual Energy between Heaven and Earth, even without Spirit Stones or Spiritual Objects, one could advance to Grandmaster. Wouldn’t that mean more Grandmasters? How could the situation be difficult?”
This was Ji Qing’s doubt.
Moreover, if Spiritual Energy gradually recovered, various rare medicines could appear.
At that time, Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures that increase Internal Energy would certainly not be scarce.
For Martial Artists, that would be a golden age of martial practice, with the number of Martial Artists in Jianghu multiplying several times or even tenfold.
It could hardly be called a difficult situation.
However, Shang Yutai sighed and said, “Young Friend Ji, you do not know this, but when Spiritual Energy once filled Heaven and Earth, though our Martial Artists produced many powerhouses, they were far inferior to Cultivators, and not even necessarily superior to Demons.”
“My Imperial Family has secret records stating that after Heaven and Earth gradually became spiritually depleted, some Cultivators and powerful Demons sealed or put themselves to sleep, waiting for the Spiritual Energy Revival. Once Spiritual Energy revives, those Cultivators and Demons will gradually awaken.”
“At that time, how could we Martial Artists control the world? Otherwise, why do you think the Great Shang Imperial Court suddenly faces unrest everywhere, with rebellions breaking out across the land? It’s not just the Black Demon Sect; that sect has complex elements. Among them are not only Martial Artists—I’m afraid some awakened Cultivators have already intervened, seeking to seize the initiative…”
“Once Cultivators fully awaken, the Great Shang Imperial Court may not escape calamity…”
Hearing this, many thoughts flashed through Ji Qing’s mind.
So there was such a secret?
With Spiritual Energy Revival, the sealed Cultivators would gradually awaken.
Powerful Demons would also awaken.
Ji Qing thought of the Spirit of the Tool “Ling Ling.”
According to Ling Ling, had she not escaped from a sealed place?
Her master was sealed, probably voluntarily as Shang Yutai described.
The purpose was to wait for the revival of Spiritual Energy between Heaven and Earth.
From Shang Yutai’s words, once Cultivators awakened, would the Great Shang Imperial Court be doomed?
Or rather, after Spiritual Energy Revival, would Cultivators take over this world and become the true Sovereign?
“Old Ancestor Shang, can Martial Artists not contend with Cultivators? Once a Martial Artist reaches Grandmaster through Acquired to Innate, they should not be weaker than Cultivators, right?”
Ji Qing asked.
“Young Friend Ji, you are a Jianghu lone cultivator and do not know this. Once a Martial Artist becomes a Grandmaster, they correspond only to the most basic Qi Refining Stage Cultivators. Moreover, Cultivators can use all sorts of Talismans, Magic Tools, Formations, and more—their methods are more numerous and often more advantageous than those of Martial Artists.”
“The key is that Cultivators have those beyond the Qi Refining Stage. As for Martial Artists? They basically peak at Grandmaster, unless… they enter the Dao! If a Martial Artist enters the Dao through martial arts, forges a Dao Foundation, and walks the Martial Way, only then can they contend with Cultivators; otherwise…”
Shang Yutai’s words made Ji Qing’s eyes light up.
Enter the Dao through martial arts?
Forge a Dao Foundation?
Ji Qing had never heard of this before.
So even achieving Grandmaster did not count as stepping onto the Martial Way?
One must forge a Dao Foundation to truly step onto the Martial Way!
“Is there any powerhouse in the entire Jianghu now who has entered the Dao through martial arts?”
Ji Qing asked.
“Now? Definitely not.”
“Since Heaven and Earth Spiritual Depletion, there have been no powerhouses who entered the Dao through martial arts. At most, there are Grandmasters, and even Great Grandmasters are pitifully few.”
“I say all this to tell you, Young Friend Ji, that you have extraordinary talent and exceptional aptitude in the Martial Way. But with the great changes in Heaven and Earth now—a once-in-a-millennium shift—cooperating with the Imperial Family is the way to seize the initiative in this upheaval.”
Shang Yutai had been trying to win Ji Qing over.
He knew very well that Ji Qing was still very young.
Comprehending Saber Intent in his twenties was even more terrifying than a twenty-year-old Grandmaster.
Ji Qing’s comprehension was unimaginably strong.
However, Ji Qing also heard it.
Shang Yutai offered nothing yet clamored for cooperation.
What difference did that make from freeloading?
If Shang Yutai could produce Spiritual Objects, even Five Elements Spiritual Objects, Ji Qing would agree without hesitation and cooperate with Shang Yutai and the Great Shang Imperial Court immediately.
But now?
Forget it.
“Old Ancestor Shang, if you can produce Five Elements Spiritual Objects, Ji Mou will not hesitate!”
“If not, then sorry.”
After speaking, Ji Qing turned and left directly.
Soon, Ji Qing returned to Zhang Qing’s residence.
He believed Shang Yutai was a smart man.
The “Deification” Imperial Decree should be issued tomorrow.
He quietly returned to his Room and took out the Demon Saber.
Others could not sense it, but Ji Qing could tell that the Demon Saber had indeed advanced.
Not only was the Malevolent Energy condensed, it even carried Resentful Energy.
If an ordinary Martial Artist wore it, even an Innate Grandmaster, over time they would likely be affected by the Demon Saber’s Malevolent Energy and Resentful Energy.
But Ji Qing was different.
He had Saber Intent.
He had fully refined the Demon Saber.
No matter how strong the Malevolent Energy or Resentful Energy, it could not affect Ji Qing at all.
“Clang.”
Ji Qing drew the saber from its sheath.
Instantly, illusory faces roared.
The entire Room suddenly became eerie and terrifying.
Ji Qing summoned the Spirit of the Tool “Ling Ling.”
Ling Ling was startled.
“Mister Ji, your Divine Weapon is so terrifying…”
Ji Qing nodded and said, “The Divine Weapon should have advanced… Take a look and see if it has?”
Though Ling Ling was very afraid, it still circled the Demon Saber once.
But it did not dare approach the Demon Saber.
It seemed extremely wary of the current Demon Saber.
“Master, your Divine Weapon has indeed advanced. Unexpectedly, it is a Growth-type Divine Weapon—this is quite rare.”
“Growth-type Divine Weapon?”
“Yes, as long as you continue to have the Demon Saber absorb Malevolent Energy or Resentful Energy, it can keep growing. It is not impossible for it to reach Third Order, Fourth Order, or even stronger in the future. Currently, your Divine Weapon is Second Order.”
Ji Qing nodded.
He had learned that any “Divine Weapon” was comparable to a Grandmaster.
A First Order Divine Weapon possessed power capable of harming a Grandmaster.
A Second Order Divine Weapon was undoubtedly stronger.
“Tell me more about Divine Weapon grades.”
“Divine Weapons are actually similar to Magic Tools, but ones usable by Martial Artists. Divine Weapons from First Order to Ninth Order correspond to First Order Magic Tools to Ninth Order Magic Tools.”
“Then what order was that previous Flying Sword Magic Tool?”
Ji Qing took out the Flying Sword that had lost its Sword Spirit.
“This Flying Sword is a Fourth Order Magic Tool—actually very powerful. If a Cultivator drives it with Magic Power, it would be more than ten times stronger than before!”
Ji Qing nodded.
Back then, without anyone driving the Flying Sword, if not for his Saber Intent, he might not have been its match.
Ji Qing then asked various bits about common knowledge on “Cultivators,” “Martial Artists,” and “Demons.”
Ling Ling actually knew very little.
But it still shared some, which corroborated with what Shang Yutai said. Ji Qing roughly understood that Shang Yutai was not exaggerating.
“Spiritual Energy has revived, yet the world is in chaos…”
Ji Qing had always thought the unrest and destitution were due to corrupt Officials and Prominent Families exploiting the people.
But now he was comparable to a Grandmaster.
His knowledge had broadened considerably.
He also learned deeper secrets.
It turned out the world’s chaos might have some of those causes, but they were not the main reason.
The true reason was the awakening of Cultivators…
Some Cultivators were laying groundwork in advance.
Seeking to seize the initiative in the days ahead.
The mortal world would likely become even more chaotic.
Ji Qing inexplicably thought of a phrase.
When the dynasty rises, the people suffer.
When it falls, the people suffer.
However, Ji Qing could not concern himself with all that.
He now felt a faint sense of urgency.
He needed to promote to Innate as soon as possible!
If after this “Deification,” the Yunmeng Goddess nurtured the Five Elements Spiritual Objects too slowly or with insufficient effect, Ji Qing would have to make a decision.
Even if abandoning the Innate Five Elements Destruction Scripture, he must promote to Innate quickly!
The next day, as Ji Qing expected, the “Deification” Imperial Decree was indeed issued.
Moreover, the Eunuch delivering the decree came specifically to Zhang Qing’s residence and named Ji Qing.
“Mister Ji, Old Ancestor has ordered that with the chaos in the world today, to reach Yunmeng River smoothly, we still need to rely on you.”
The Eunuch did not dare show any arrogance before Ji Qing.
He knew the man before him was the one who “entered the Imperial Palace at night” last night.
He did not even care for the Emperor—how could he care for a mere Eunuch?
Thus, the Eunuch kept a very low posture, not daring to offend Ji Qing.
“Fine.”
Ji Qing of course knew the current state of the world.
It was indeed somewhat dire.
He had encountered Rebel Army on his way to the Chen Family before.
Now it was probably even worse.
Without his protection, these decree-delivering personnel might not reach Yunmeng River.
“Congratulations, Mister Ji.”
Wen Qiu had also come.
Zhang Qing did not appear.
He now wished Ji Qing would leave Zhang Residence quickly.
Otherwise, he could not sleep peacefully.
“Mister Ji, this is your Horse Carriage.”
The Eunuch had specially prepared a Horse Carriage for Ji Qing.
Ji Qing did not refuse.
Of course it was good to have a Horse Carriage.
Moreover, he could travel quickly on his own, but the Eunuch and other decree personnel could not.
Thus, Ji Qing boarded the Horse Carriage, and the decree party set off grandly, leaving Shangdu.
The road was indeed not peaceful.
After a few days, the group encountered a band of Bandits.
These Bandits were fearless to the death.
They ignored the Guards with the group.
However, Ji Qing did not even show himself; with Saber Intent unleashed, all the Bandits died.
The group watched in shock and fear, but also felt utterly safe.
The decree-delivering Eunuch was surnamed Hong, and everyone called him Eunuch Hong.
That day, Eunuch Hong held a map.
He consulted Ji Qing on the route.
Ji Qing glanced over.
He originally did not care which way to Yunmeng River.
However, one route made Ji Qing’s gaze linger.
Because there was a familiar name on that route.
Liang City!
“Take the second route.”
“Yes, Mister Ji.”
“Right, rest in Liang City for a day.”
Eunuch Hong’s heart stirred slightly.
Liang City?
But he immediately nodded in agreement.
Anyway, he would absolutely satisfy Ji Qing’s requests.
Eunuch Hong called over a Guard.
“Guard Liu, I hear you often follow Jianghu news. What relation does this ‘Astonishing Swan Saber’ Mister Ji have to Liang City?”
“Liang City?”
Guard Liu thought carefully and said, “Mister Ji’s ancestral home is in Liang City, but he was framed for patricide and matricide, and once wanted by the Liang City Yamen… Though the wanted notice was long withdrawn, Mister Ji has not returned to Liang City since.”
“I see… I understand.”
Eunuch Hong narrowed his eyes slightly, understanding.
The group continued onward.
As they passed cities and drew nearer to Liang City, Ji Qing unexpectedly felt a faint Tense feeling.
Soon, the group entered Liang City.
Liang City’s Officials, great and small, were all waiting by the road.
Ji Qing did not show himself.
For such official pleasantries, Eunuch Hong was very experienced—let him handle it.
Ji Qing followed the convoy to the lodging arranged by the Government.
Everyone was to rest here for a day.
Ji Qing got off the Horse Carriage and said he was going out to look around.
Then he left.
Ji Qing did not hide his figure, looking at the familiar streets and buildings.
He walked step by step to the Ji Residence.
But now, the Ji Residence was only ruins with broken walls.
That fire back then had burned down the entire Ji Residence.
Ji Qing walked into the ruins.
Familiar scenes surfaced in his mind.
“Skin-changing Demon…”
Ji Qing had not stopped searching for the Skin-changing Demon these years.
But the Skin-changing Demon seemed to have vanished into thin air.
Apart from encountering it once at Lei Family Fort, there had been no clues.
However, Ji Qing was not anxious.
He had plenty of Time.
Moreover, with Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy Revival, he did not believe the Skin-changing Demon could stay put.
There would surely be news of the Skin-changing Demon then.
Just as Ji Qing recalled the Ji Residence in his mind.
“Hum.”
Suddenly, an invisible fluctuation descended.
Instantly enveloping the entire Ji Residence.
“Whoosh.”
Ji Qing turned sharply.
Behind him, five figures had appeared unnoticed.
With Ji Qing’s current perception, at such close range, it was impossible for them to appear silently without his knowledge.
Moreover, the invisible fluctuation over the Ji Residence was something Ji Qing had never seen.
“Mister Ji, that is a Formation… You are trapped by a Formation!”
The Spirit of the Tool Ling Ling’s voice reached Ji Qing’s ear.
“Formation?”
“A Formation that only Cultivators can set up?”
Ji Qing frowned.
How did a Formation suddenly appear?
And so coincidentally, right in the ruins of the Ji Residence.
Clearly, someone had prepared in advance.
“Who are you people?”
Ji Qing asked coldly.
These people all gave him a faint sense of extreme danger.
The leader was an old man with white hair and beard.
But his complexion was rosy, and his body faintly carried a familiar aura to Ji Qing.
Just like… Shang Yutai!
Yes, exactly the aura on Shang Yutai.
That was the aura of Innate True Qi.
Only one kind of person could have Innate True Qi in their body.
Grandmaster!
The white-haired old man was a true Grandmaster!
Among the other four, three were clearly Martial Artists.
Definitely not ordinary ones.
Each had surging Malevolent Energy, unknown how many they had killed.
Besides these four, there was one very special person.
Just a young man.
Ji Qing sensed no Martial Artist aura on him.
He even seemed like an ordinary person.
But how could they bring an ordinary person?
Ji Qing sensed a light ethereal energy on him.
Completely different from a Martial Artist’s Internal Energy or Innate True Qi.
“Mister Ji, this person should be a Cultivator, but a low-order one, at most Qi Refining Layer One…”
Ling Ling was the Spirit of the Tool of a true Cultivator’s Storage Jade Pendant and naturally knew Cultivators well.
“Cultivators are already appearing now?”
Ji Qing’s gaze lingered longer on the Cultivator.
At this time, the old man spoke: “Mister Ji is well-informed, able to recognize even a Formation. I have been waiting for you here for several days.”
“Allow me to introduce myself: I am Cui Wuwei of the Black Demon Sect!”
Ji Qing’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Thirty years ago, the ‘Primal Hand’ Cui Wuwei, who was said to be undefeated across Jianghu? You’ve joined the Black Demon Sect too…”
Ji Qing had heard of Cui Wuwei’s reputation.
Thirty years ago, the “Primal Hand” was renowned in Jianghu.
But he suddenly vanished, and no one saw Cui Wuwei again.
Unexpectedly, upon reappearing, he was with the Black Demon Sect.
And had become a Grandmaster!
Back when Cui Wuwei rose to fame, he was only a first-rate Expert, not yet a Grandmaster.
“Is Elder Cui here to kill Ji Mou this time?”
Ji Qing asked indifferently.
Everyone knew the Grudge between him and the Black Demon Sect.
“No, Mister Ji misunderstands. That little conflict between you and my Black Demon Sect is nothing at all. This time, Sect Leader sent me here for one purpose: to invite Mister Ji to join the Black Demon Sect and achieve great things together!”
“Invite me to join the Black Demon Sect?”
Ji Qing narrowed his eyes slightly.
“Fine.”
“Hm? You agree?”
Now it was Cui Wuwei’s turn to be surprised.
Before, Ji Qing had fought the Black Demon Sect to the death. Now, for the Black Demon Sect to “capture alive” Ji Qing, they needed his Saber Intent and even dispatched a Grandmaster like him, plus a treasured Qi Refining Cultivator to set up a Formation for aid.
After all this preparation.
Ji Qing agreed so easily?
