Chapter 104:

"Rebellion? We can’t make such statements casually," the voice of the Star Xuan Envoy also revealed rare emotional fluctuations, appearing slightly agitated:

"Mo Mingzhi has been with the Wuji Association for twenty years and even served as the previous generation’s Star Xuan Envoy. How is it possible for him to rebel?"

"Then what’s the situation now?" Qiao Mu looked around and clearly sensed that something was off.

The wind blew, and the leaves in the courtyard made a rustling sound, making the quietness inside the sword sect even more terrifying.

Along with the gentle breeze, there was a faint smell of blood in the air.

Wu Qizheng, who was standing by, didn’t say anything but glanced at Star Xuan Envoy.

"Now is not the time to act recklessly."

"…. It was my subordinate’s negligence." Star Xuan Envoy’s voice returned to its usual calmness and introduced:

"Mo Mingzhi was a martial artist at the 4th rank in his prime, but as he grew older, his Qi and blood weakened, gradually falling back to the 6th rank by the age of seventy. He also resigned from the position of Star Xuan Envoy."

"Since then, although he still served as a source of intelligence for the Wuji Association, he was practically semi-retired and didn’t involve himself too much in the internal affairs of the association."

Star Xuan Envoy is the local intelligence leader of the Wuji Association.

Any organization, no matter how big, always needs talents from all different backgrounds. Martial strength is not the only necessary factor.

For example, in the Great Yan Imperial Court, the previous Wang Shanhe was just a weak scholar, but he still achieved success in the court and reached the 2nd rank.

The Wuji Association is filled with martial artists skilled in combat, so the strength of the Star Xuan Envoy is not very important since they are generally not needed to fight.

The Martial Saint destroyed the entire Qiao Family of Heyang City and took away the "Long Life Fist Sutra" over half a year ago.

Before this happened, although the Wuji Association also had top-notch internal skills like the "Pure Yang Wuji Skill," it naturally couldn’t compare to the "Long Life Fist Sutra" in terms of the effect of "old but not declining."

As the previous Star Xuan Envoy, Mo Mingzhi could naturally exchange for top-notch techniques like the "Pure Yang Wuji Skill" from within the Wuji Association, so there was no doubt about it.

But it’s one thing to have a top-notch technique and another thing to be able to train in martial arts to a profound level and maintain one’s vitality.

"Let’s go inside and have a look. We can’t just stop because we suspect it might be a trap set by the Immortal Gate," Wu Qizheng made a decisive judgment, eyes gleaming.

"The Martial Saint should also be on their way. If it really is an Immortal Gate trap, we can turn it around and capture the Xuantian Sect cultivators, interrogating them for information. It’s a good strategy."

Wu Qizheng took the lead, with Qiao Mu and the Star Xuan Envoy slightly behind, as they headed towards the main building of the Bright Moon Sect.

The instinct cultivated from the Martial Saint Spiritual Technique pointed towards the main building ahead.

Qiao Mu glanced at Wu Qizheng’s back and wanted to take a step forward and stand at the front. After all, he was used to others seeing his back, not the other way around.

But upon careful thought, Qiao Mu slowed down his steps slightly. It wasn’t like before when he would rush to the front of the crowd.

First of all, even if someone like Mo Mingzhi rebelled, it was an internal affair of the Wuji Association. He only cooperated with them to assassinate the emperor, which didn’t mean he joined the Wuji Association.

Secondly, Qiao Mu was getting older.

Before obtaining the Spiritual Refining Technique, dying again would often mean physical aging, and his vitality might start to decline, which wasn’t very beneficial.

"Going with the flow, going with the flow. This is what I should be doing at my age…"

With a creaking sound.

Wu Qizheng pushed open the gate of the main building of Bright Moon Sect.

The main building’s hall is spacious but a little dark, with a stronger smell of blood coming from the front.

An old man with white hair at his temples stood with his back to them, surrounded by bodies… These bodies were not ordinary, they looked like mummies with skin and bones, a horrifying sight.

"Are you here?" a voice old with age said.

Thud.

The old man dropped another dried-up body he was holding in his hands and slowly turned around to look at the newcomer.

"Mo Mingzhi, are you out of your mind?" Star Xuan Envoy’s gaze swept over the bodies on the ground, revealing a look of shock.

All the bodies on the ground were dressed in the uniforms of the disciples of Bright Moon Sect.

Especially the ten or so bodies, covered with blue disciple robes with a golden crescent moon symbol, were clearly the core disciples of Bright Moon Sect, known as the "Thirteen Swords of the Moonlight."

"You used the ‘Martial Saint Spiritual Technique’ to drain the life force and power of your own disciples? Including those you have nurtured for half your life, the Thirteen Swords of the Moonlight?"

Seeing the bodies on the ground, Star Xuan Envoy concluded that this old man must have serious mental issues.

They just don’t know if Immortal Gate is behind this or if there’s another twist.

"You came a bit late, but not too late."

This Mo Mingzhi actually had a kind face, he didn’t look like a small sect master, but more like a learned old scholar.

But in the next moment.

The wind suddenly rose, and the old man swooped past like a giant eagle, his hands turned into palms flying towards Wu Qizheng… and Qiao Mu behind him.

Qiao Mu：？

I have disciples of the Martial Saint and Star Xuan Envoy standing beside me, and yet you picked me to fight? Do you really take me for a pushover?

Even though Qiao Mu was getting older and didn’t enjoy fighting, he couldn’t back down when it was brought to his doorstep, especially when the other side was only a mere 6th rank…

Bang!

The two of them clashed their palms, and a powerful force hit Qiao Mu, making him step back seven or eight steps. The wooden floor beneath his feet cracked.

"Is this freaking 6th rank?"

Qiao Mu stood firmly on his feet, looking angrily at Star Xuan Envoy beside him.

Truly deserving of the title with a "Xuan (Mysterious)" in it, how accurate is the information of this Star Xuan Envoy? Seems like it’s all based on mysticism.

"Previously, Mo Mingzhi was at the 6th rank," explained Star Xuan Envoy.

"But it seems that Mo Mingzhi has absorbed the blood and power from many of his disciples, and now he may be even stronger than when he was in his prime. He has reached the 4th rank again."

Before Star Xuan Envoy could say anything, Mo Mingzhi had already rushed towards them once again.

"Why resist?" The old man’s murky eyes were filled with blood vessels, and his voice was a bit hoarse.

"I’m stronger than you, if you resist, you’ll be in big trouble. So it’s better for you to surrender and let me absorb your power, it’s only fair."

"What nonsense? You think you’re stronger than me?" Qiao Mu laughed immediately.

Mo Mingzhi was about to attack again, but Qiao Mu had a sudden idea, and his blood started to surge rapidly:

"Heavenly Demon—-"

No, I can’t die yet, I’ll do it next time.

Suddenly, Qiao Mu remembered something and quickly changed tactics, hastily dodging to the side. However, Mo Mingzhi’s palm wind grazed him, causing a slight sweetness in his throat.

Luckily, Qiao Mu had trained in tough techniques, so he could barely defend himself. The injuries he sustained weren’t too severe.

"Ripple Stacking Wave Strength，Double Wave."

Qiao Mu stepped into the Shadow Step, swiftly appearing beside Mo Mingzhi, and with a powerful strike of his palms, he hit Mo Mingzhi’s waist.

Just as he was about to unleash his second round of inner power, Mo Mingzhi ignored the injury on his waist and slapped Qiao Mu’s head directly.



His originally thin arm swelled up, muscles bulging, as he swung his hand with a whooshing sound, aiming straight at Qiao Mu’s head.

You hit yours, I hit mine?

This fighting style seems somewhat familiar.

Qiao Mu forcefully restrained his strength, and with a burst of inner power from his feet, he barely dodged Mo Mingzhi’s palm by leaning sideways.

It wouldn’t be worth it for Qiao Mu to exchange injuries.

Due to having absorbed many disciples, Mo Mingzhi’s level of inner power is estimated to be at least 60% or even 50% stronger than Qiao Mu’s.

In a direct confrontation, despite practicing hard techniques, it is apparent that Qiao Mu would find it difficult to withstand attacks from opponents stronger than himself.

Therefore, in this battle, Qiao Mu relied more on his well-practiced Shadow Step, constantly evading Mo Mingzhi’s attacks with all his might.

Star Xuan Envoy and Wu Qizheng didn’t get involved in this battle.

"Qiao Zhong, if not seeds, then food." The look behind Star Xuan Envoy’s mask was very calm.

"If you die, it means you only have this level of ability and cannot become a Martial Saint’s martial arts seed."

Wu Qizheng took a few more glances at Qiao Mu, but his attention was mostly focused on looking around, as if he was trying to determine if any cultivators were lurking in the shadows.

This battle, Qiao Mu fought with great danger.

No, it shouldn’t be said that it was dangerous, but rather that he fought with his hands and feet tied.

Mo Mingzhi was obviously not in a clear state of mind, almost always attacking without defending, using a strategy of trading injuries.

Compared to before, Qiao Mu definitely liked this kind of straightforward enemy.

He wished that all martial artists in the world were like this, so that he could die at the speed of light.

But now it’s different.

Concerned about his own safety, Qiao Mu couldn’t fully unleash the Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method. His strength was only about 70-80% and he was clearly at a disadvantage.

This time, Qiao Mu finally understood the frustration his previous enemies felt when facing him.

"Is this fucking 4th rank? Is this fucking 70 years old, and still so powerful?"

Qiao Mu kept evading and couldn’t help but feel confused.

Mo Mingzhi, over seventy years old and even older than Qiao Mu, had entered his twilight years. His vitality and strength had declined to 6th rank.

But by absorbing internal strength and vitality, he not only regained the 4th rank but also appeared full of vitality, like a muscular tortoise immortal. Searᴄh the nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Every palm strike he made had the power to split stones and create craters.

A thought crossed Qiao Mu’s mind: Can one still regain their former glory even as they age, as long as their vitality is strong enough?

Although martial artist’s vitality may decline with age, this decline is relative.

For example, comparing Sheriff Qian Qian Qian, who is in his thirties, with Mo Mingzhi, who is in his seventies, and even Martial Saint, who is eighty-five, their vitality is far inferior.

As long as one’s martial arts progress quickly and their vitality is abundant, what does aging matter?

Of course, the decline of vitality in old age is only one aspect.

The most important thing is having a strong spirit in one’s heart.

If a martial artist lacks enthusiasm and fears death, even if they have great strength, they cannot fully unleash it.

"I don’t want to think about it, it’s troublesome."

Qiao Mu no longer distracted himself with random thoughts.

He glanced at Mo Mingzhi, who was launching a swift attack, and the numerous disciples behind him, almost drained of blood, and an unnamed anger surged in his heart.

"Sucking own disciple, what Martial Saint Spiritual Technique, what immortal demon cult?"

Qiao Mu shouted loudly, his eyes wide open, and he stomped forcefully on the ground, facing Mo Mingzhi head-on.

This time, he didn’t dodge opportunistically, but faced Mo Mingzhi head-on as he used to do.

"Never mind, Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method!"

In an instant, Qiao Mu’s whole body was filled with boiling energy, and his limbs and bones generated surging internal strength, multiplying several times in a short period of time.

"Ripple Stacking Wave Strength，Double Wave！"

Two forces, one bright and one dark, erupted in succession, hitting Mo Mingzhi’s chest.

Just one strike.

The terrifying force caused the old man’s chest to collapse in a small area, and his whole body flew backward, hanging on the wall like a painting. Cracks appeared on the wall, and dust fell down.

Wu Qizheng quietly watched everything, and finally took a step forward.

"Leave him alive," he said.

"Is it Mr. Wu Qizheng?" After being struck by Qiao Mu, the bloodshot eyes in Mo Mingzhi’s eyes seemed to fade slightly, and he became somewhat clear-headed.

Trembling, he said, "If I, this old man must die, I hope to die at the hands of the Martial Saint, let him absorb my strength and energy."

"Of course, if Mr. Wu Qizheng wants this power, you can take it too."

Wu Qizheng frowned, not moving a step.

"You still have energy and blood, although severely injured but not at the point of making final confessions, right?"

"And instead of these boring last words, why not explain what happened?" Wu Qizheng pointed to the lifeless bodies drained next to him.

Mo Mingzhi fell silent for a moment and began to recall:

"Just yesterday, in the city called Tiger City, I accidentally encountered a person from the Xuantian Sect named Taoist Chiyang."

"Taoist Chiyang was the one who protected the emperor, so I decided to follow him closely… Soon after, Taoist Chiyang appeared at the entrance of my martial arts school."

"I thought that my secret was exposed, but surprisingly, Taoist Chiyang didn’t seem to notice. He just asked about my ‘Bright Moon Sect’ and why we chose that name."

Actually, Bright Moon Sect is just a name, nothing more.

It’s just a way to attract more disciples to the school by riding on the popularity of Immortal Gate and choosing a more impressive name.

Mo Mingzhi responded in the same way at that time.

"Upon hearing this, Taoist Chiyang became very angry, saying that as an ordinary martial artist, choosing such a sect name was damaging to the reputation of the Xuantian Sect. He then came to attack, using his flying sword to kill my child and destroy the true teachings of our sect… It’s all the effort I’ve put in for my whole life gone to waste!"

Wu Qizheng glanced at the many bodies under Mo Mingzhi’s feet, and his serious expression softened slightly.

Mo Mingzhi had to face such a tragic incident not because he was discovered while spying, but simply because of the name "Bright Moon Sect." It brought him deadly trouble?



He felt a wave of weakness in his heart.

"So, the body under your feet was actually killed by Taoist Chiyang from the Xuantian Sect?" he asked.

"No," Mo Mingzhi looked up, his bloodstained robe still oozing blood. His face was indifferent like water.

"I killed them with my own hands."

At this moment, there was a burst of fast and light footsteps from the attic, and dozens of people rushed out from the shadows, vaguely surrounding Qiao Mu and the others.