Chapter 113:

"Friends from Xuantian Sect, I will not waste words with you."

Taoist Qingyi said in a cold voice:

"The other seven Immortal Gates have also learned about your deceptive actions, and the deeds of your sect leader in Zhong Province have been revealed."

"The matter of Emperor Yonghe worshipping the gods must come to an end here."

Taoist Qingyi appeared very tough, his personal aura vaguely overpowering the elders of Xuantian Sect.

Even Elder Tianxing, who was always hot-tempered, fell silent at this moment, not showing his might.

Each of the Nine Immortal Gates occupies one province, and Xuantian Sect holds the mountainous Nan Province, which is relatively less populous and less prosperous.

Zhong Province is mostly flat plains, densely populated, and it is also where the Imperial Capital is located. The Great Dao Sect that can occupy Zhong Province is naturally extraordinary, and even faintly regarded as the leader among the Nine Immortal Gates.

The comprehensive strength of the Great Dao Sect may not necessarily be the first among the Nine Immortal Gates, but it is said to have extraordinary heritage that makes the other Eight Immortal Gates fearful and can only yield the incense in Zhong Province to the Great Dao Sect.

And the Taoist Qingyi that appeared here represents the Great Dao Sect, making them instantly shorter.

This is not just about personal strength differences, or whether it’s right or wrong.

After all, this is the Qingming Mountain Range, not far from the Xuantian Sect’s sect. Even though Taoist Qingyi has profound cultivation, he is still outnumbered.

If Elder Sun and others from the Xuantian Sect insist on having Emperor Yonghe worship the deity, although it can be done, the consequences need to be carefully considered.

From the implied meaning of Taoist Qingyi’s words, the Xuantian Sect sect leader, who is far away in Zhong Province and holds the sect’s treasure, has become his leverage.

Keeping it a secret from the other Eight Immortal Gates and being discovered just as they are about to devour it, the consequences would be severe.

Once matters are not settled here, Xuantian Sect will not only lose the Xuantian Sect sect leader and the sect’s treasure, the Tianwu Mirror, this will only be the beginning. Xuantian Sect will likely be jointly attacked by the Eight Immortal Gates.

Taoist Qingyi seemed to have sensed the hesitation of Elder Tianxing and others, and said again:

"Indeed, the Xuantian Sect has gone too far with this matter, but if you can stop now, it may not be too late."

"The Nine Immortal Gates each hold their own secrets, and if it’s not necessary, we Immortal Gate members won’t have to go all-out."

This statement isn’t entirely an excuse to keep Xuantian Sect stable.

If the other Eight Immortal Gates can unite, dealing with Xuantian Sect is a piece of cake, but the Immortal Gates are also competing for followers.

In the eyes of the Nine Immortal Gates, their true enemies are each other, not the Great Yan Imperial Court or the Martial Saint.

Elder Sun sighed softly in his heart, but there was nothing he could do.

"How did this matter get exposed at such a critical moment? Who secretly informed the people from the Great Dao Sect? Unfortunately, Emperor Yonghe also has a Human Emperor Sword that can carry and manifest qi fortune."

The timing of the exposure is crucial.

If we follow Xuantian Sect’s plan, it’s worth it to expose everything after the Xuantian Sect leader returns from Zhong Province, even if there are consequences to pay later.

But now…

The elders looked at each other and had already made up their minds. Searᴄh the Novelƒire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

……………….

Inside the temple of the Taoist temple.

As Emperor Yonghe drew his sword, all the immortals in the hall fell silent.

Even Qiao Mu, who was previously held in mid-air by an invisible force, slowly descended and landed in the hall.

Although Taoist Chiyang didn’t fully understand what had happened, he dared not make a move after seeing the immortals fall silent. He stayed in place, waiting for the elders to communicate.

For a moment, the hall fell into a brief calmness.

"The words spoken by Qiao Zhong just now, as a ruler, I cannot kneel down, but have I ever truly wanted to bow down to the Immortal Gate…" Emperor Yonghe held the Human Emperor Sword and silently repeated in his mind.

Although he didn’t want to in his heart, he felt that this was something he had no choice but to do.

The existence of the Human Emperor Sword was a desperate move, he didn’t have any confidence in it, and it was not carefully planned.

If it wasn’t for the Human Emperor Sword appearing and bringing luck, he wouldn’t be sure if the concept of luck was true. So he would have to kneel before the Xuantian Sect inside this temple.

So what Qiao Mu said was not wrong.

He did have the intention to kneel and bow to the immortals, but it was purely by luck this time…

Did it really just happen by luck?

Emperor Yonghe couldn’t help but glance at Qiao Mu falling from the sky, and his mind was filled with countless thoughts.

Even though Emperor Yonghe had plans in his mind, he was taking a risk, preparing to worship the gods as the emperor to test the truth of the concept of luck.

And did the awakening of this Human Emperor Sword happen because he, as the Great Yan Emperor, was in a dangerous situation?

Maybe it was, maybe… it’s not just because of him.

This Human Emperor Sword, before becoming a symbol of royal power and receiving worship, was a top sword for a skilled martial artist who refines their spirit.

In other words, this sword possesses both the weapon of a martial artist and the connection to the fortunes of a nation.

Emperor Yonghe realized something strange about the precious sword in his embrace, and it was not the time for him, as the emperor, to be criticized and surrounded by people, preparing to worship the gods.

Instead, it was when that white-haired martial artist boldly broke into the main hall, smashing statues of gods and speaking boldly.

"The fortunes of the Human Emperor Sword are not just because I, as the emperor, was forced by immortals, but perhaps also because of Qiao Zhong’s martial will, which resonates with the martial will of the past emperor, thus ‘awakening’ this sword?"

Emperor Yonghe had this thought in his mind and involuntarily squinted his eyes.

And at this moment.

Several streaks of rainbow light flew in, one after another, landing on this main hall. It was Taoist Qingyi from the Great Dao Sect, Elder Sun and Elder Tianxing from the Xuantian Sect.

As soon as these cultivators entered the main hall, their gazes immediately fell on the Human Emperor Sword, revealing jealousy, but they didn’t come too close.

"Emperor Yonghe, the matter of worshiping the gods ends here. This is the Xuantian Sect’s doing, it has nothing to do with our Immortal Gate. Now this matter is resolved," Taoist Qingyi spoke first, with a gentle tone.

"Are you willing to return with me to the Imperial Capital of Zhong Province?"

Elder Sun and the others behind Taoist Qingyi didn’t look too pleased, but they didn’t object. It seems they have already negotiated the terms with Taoist Qingyi.

However, when speaking, Elder Sun’s gaze fell on Emperor Yonghe’s face, as if trying to judge something from his expression.

The fact that Emperor Yonghe holds this Human Emperor Sword truly surprised them.

This made him secretly suspect if Taoist Qingyi from the Great Dao Sect is also another ace up Emperor Yonghe’s sleeve, and if he had secretly learned about other Immortal Gates long ago.

However, Elder Sun couldn’t make out anything from Emperor Yonghe’s face, unable to judge.

Emperor Yonghe felt slightly relieved in his heart, naturally, he would not refuse.

Though he held the Human Emperor Sword, in front of the Immortal Gate, he was still in a weak position, but now he had some bargaining chips.

"Well…"

Once Emperor Yonghe’s matters were discussed and settled, the attention of these cultivators fell upon the surroundings of the grand hall.

At this time, the assassins from the Wuji Association had already been eradicated under the siege of cultivators such as Taoist Chiyang.

As for those pilgrims who luckily survived the fight, their minds had already been influenced by the Xuantian Sect, and there would be no problems.

The only person who happened to survive was Qiao Zhong, who had just bravely shattered the statue.

"This person blasphemed the deities. He must be punished," Elder Sun thought to himself, but just as he was about to make a move, he heard Emperor Yonghe take a step forward.

"Wait, Xuantian Sect elders."

"Hm? What do you mean by this?" Elder Sun’s gaze turned cold.

"Do you think the earthly emperors, who believe they are blessed with fortunes, are still the same as before? Do you want to protect this person?"

Although they didn’t want to get involved in luck, it was a fact that Immortal Gate was strong and Great Yan Imperial Court was weak.

Not forcing Emperor Yonghe to worship gods now doesn’t mean there won’t be other ways to deal with him in the future.

Taoist Qingyi glanced at the broken statue, his gaze slightly chilled:

"This person has indeed made a huge mistake and must not be allowed to live."

Qiao Mu smashed the statue of Xuantian Sect, but in this matter, Taoist Qingyi naturally stood on the side of Immortal Gate.

An ordinary martial artist who blasphemes against the gods cannot live!

"Why would the Emperor himself need to intervene?" Qiao Mu became anxious:

"I, Qiao Zhong, have long disregarded life and death. I only regret not being able to expose the true nature of you inhumans earlier!"

Talking is one thing, causing trouble is another, but don’t joke about saving lives.

Emperor Yonghe also fell silent for a moment.

"This person conspired with members of the Wuji Association to assassinate the king, a crime that cannot be forgiven," he said.

"According to the laws of Great Yan, he shall be sent to the heavenly prison and then be executed to set an example."

Emperor Yonghe knew very well that this person named Qiao Zhong indeed intended to assassinate him.

The assassination attempt failed only because Qingming Mountain is territory belonging to the Xuantian Sect, and Chu Xing was not able to fully utilize his power.

If it weren’t for the protective spell cast by the Xuantian Sect cultivator, Qiao Mu’s sudden burst of speed might have been unstoppable, and Chu Xing might be unable to save him.

Towards an assassin who wanted to kill him, regardless of his intentions, the Imperial Capital of Yonghe would not show mercy.

Moreover, he seemed to be aligned with the martial will of the founding emperor and resonated with the Human Emperor Sword, which made him wary.

Based on his speculation, this was only because of their alignment with the martial will, and there was no deeper meaning or intention.

But there was always a knot in his heart.

"This Great Yan’s land, cannot be given to inhumans, and definitely not to others…" His thoughts were swirling in his mind.

Qiao Mu immediately felt relieved when he heard it.

Just now, he almost changed his opinion about Emperor Yonghe. Who would’ve thought that this person was actually a good person, not intending to save his life at all.

Qiao Mu must die.

This was the agreement reached between Emperor Yonghe and the two major Immortal Gates.

As for who would kill him and who would carry out the execution, it was a matter of face.

"Regarding this matter… it can be done." Elder Sun made a decision.

"Friend Qingyi, when we enter the Imperial Capital, please supervise this matter on our behalf."

He was just a bold and reckless martial artist, and as long as he died, it would be fine.

As for who would kill him… they didn’t mind giving the Great Yan Emperor face in this situation.

After the matter of worshipping gods was abandoned halfway, the Xuantian Sect was about to face the anger of other Immortal Gates, and he didn’t have the energy to care.

"Rest assured, friend," Taoist Qingyi nodded as well.

Emperor Yonghe goes against his own principles, secretly releasing people like this wouldn’t be possible if he was supervising.

Blaspheming gods is something that offends all cultivators from the Nine Immortal Gates, naturally there would be no way out.

The straightforward agreement of these two people also startled Emperor Yonghe.

Initially, he just wanted to test the deterrence power of the Human Emperor Sword against the Immortal Gate by engaging with the other party and figuring out exactly how strong it was.

But he didn’t expect them to agree so quickly.



Emperor Yonghe was a little distracted as he held the Human Emperor Sword in his hand.

Since he became emperor, it was the first time he had the chance to negotiate face-to-face with someone from the Immortal Gate, right?

………………

Several days later.

In a mountain village in Nan Province.

A radiant red sun rose from the clouds, illuminating the mountains and piercing through the faint mist.

Wu Qiankun walked slowly along the small path in the mountains, getting his trousers wet with dew from the grass.

In the distance, a cemetery could vaguely be seen. A man with white hair could also be seen, bowing his head and doing something in front of a tombstone.

As he approached, Wu Qiankun saw that the man with white hair was using his index finger as a pen, writing on the tombstone.

Wu Qizheng’s tomb.

"Father." Wu Qiankun stopped and respectfully bowed.

"No need to call me father, there are no more Martial Saints in this world." Martial Saint said lightly.

The 85-year-old man was talking to himself in front of the tombstone.

"Wu Qizheng, I’ve said it before, ‘righteousness’ is your fatal weakness."

"That’s why you would inevitably use the ‘Flesh Changing Skill’ to disguise yourself as me, sacrificing yourself for me. Even if in your eyes, you’re not dying for my sake."

"The martial way is inferior to the immortal way, so your death can buy me and the martial way more time."

Wu Qiankun fell silent for a moment and asked,

"Father, I still don’t quite understand, is Wu Qizheng’s sacrifice worth it?"

"Although Wu Qizheng had a low ranking, his best skill was the amazing technique called ‘Flesh Changing Skill.’ He should have accomplished more."

"Why didn’t my foster father personally enter the Immortal Gate and forcefully kill Emperor Yonghe?"

As one of the seventy-two wise men selected from the three thousand disciples of the Martial Saint, each person possessed at least one talent or secret skill that exceeded that of the Martial Saint.

Wu Qizheng, ranking 70th among the seventy-two wise men, excelled in the incredible secret skill called ‘Flesh Changing Skill.’

The so-called ‘Flesh Changing Skill’ was initially created by the Martial Saint, but Wu Qizheng was the one who fully developed it.

Speaking solely in terms of martial artists’ mastery of the ‘Flesh Changing Skill,’ Wu Qizheng was first, followed by the Martial Saint.

The one who died under the Heavenly Thunder was Wu Qizheng, who disguised himself as the Martial Saint using the Flesh Changing Skill, not the actual Martial Saint.

In reality, the true Martial Saint didn’t appear at Qingyun Temple that day.

Ever since receiving the secret letter from the previous generation’s Star Xuan Envoy, Mo Mingzhi, which revealed that Emperor Yonghe had arrived at Qingyun Temple.

There were only two choices in front of Martial Saint:

Either give up now or directly go to Qingyun Temple and kill Emperor Yonghe.

Martial Saint chose the former and gave up on the plan to assassinate the emperor.

"If the Emperor of Great Yan is determined to kneel, no one can stop him," Martial Saint said calmly.

"Even if we stop him this time, he will kneel again next time. So if we can’t kill him, then let it be."

Martial Saint paused for a moment and engraved a tombstone inscription underneath the name "Wu Qizheng":

"With extraordinary skills, walking the righteous path."

This was his interpretation of Wu Qizheng’s short but meaningful life from his perspective.

Wu Qizheng willingly went to his death.

Because Martial Saint is the strongest martial arts practitioner in the world, he is the most capable of fighting against immortals.

That’s why Martial Saint cannot die yet.

Thinking about this, Martial Saint looked up and gazed at Qingming Peak in the distance.

His eyes quickly narrowed and blood vessels appeared, with his sharp eyesight, he could see the mark left by the thunderbolt on the Taoist temple from a long distance away.

"So this is the Xuantian Sect’s thunder technique…" Martial Saint muttered to himself.

"If I can use it to catch a glimpse of the strength of the Xuantian Sect Elders, then the sacrifice this time will be worthwhile."

"I still need more time… I need to fake my death to deceive the Immortal Gate, to continue hiding."

"The Martial Saint Spiritual Technique is the secret technique I rely on for survival. However, this technique is currently at a bottleneck and requires more time to comprehend… It is not yet time for the decisive battle with the Immortal Gate."

"If you’re only hiding, why do you need to fake your death?" Wu Qiankun couldn’t help but ask.

Martial Saint’s thoughts are always hard to understand.

Wu Qiankun is called "Little Martial Saint" within the Wuji Association and is seen as one of the closest disciples to the Martial Saint. He ranks third among the seventy two wise men.

But even he dares not say how much he can guess about the Martial Saint’s thoughts.

"This martial arts world doesn’t need any Martial Saints," said the Martial Saint calmly.

"I’ve waited for forty years. Although the number of practicing martial artists in this martial arts world has far exceeded the past, there hasn’t been a martial artist who can compare to me yet."

"Perhaps, my existence as the Martial Saint has become an obstacle in this martial arts world."

The Martial Saint remembered those martial artists who died in front of him, like Mo Mingzhi, the previous Star Xuan Envoy who willingly let him absorb his power with the Martial Saint Spiritual Technique a few days ago.

"The people only know blind admiration for strength. They need an idol on a pedestal, be it a celestial being or me, the Martial Saint."

"But I am not a celestial being, why do I need followers? Why do I need people to worship and pay homage to me?" said the Martial Saint nonchalantly.

"That coward Mo Mingzhi, it’s better if he is dead and gone. What I need are strong challengers who dare to face me."

Wu Qiankun remained silent and frowned slightly.

"But if that happens, many people will die."

"If even the Martial Saint easily dies under the inhuman thunder, then most martial artists will likely lose hope and fall into despair."

"Let them die then," declared the Martial Saint firmly.

"What use is there to keep these cowards who place their hopes on me, the Martial Saint?"

The Martial Saint stood up and brushed off the dust from his body.

"After hiding for forty years, I, the Martial Saint, could only defeat a mere Immortal Gate supervisor. That would only make inhumans become even more arrogant."

"Starting from today, with my, the Martial Saint’s, death, the human realm will turn into a furnace. The weak will die, and the strong will survive."

"Or maybe the adoptive father’s plans were far-sighted," Wu Qiankun sighed in admiration.

"In this way, perhaps, after the initial chaos, a new top-notch martial artist will emerge in the martial world?"

"What plans? How would I know if a stronger martial artist will be born?" Martial Saint shrugged his shoulders.

Wu Qiankun paused for a moment.

Since he wasn’t confident, why did Martial Saint act so decisively?

"When one is at a dead end, change is necessary. Whether the outcome of the change is successful or not, I cannot predict," Martial Saint coldly laughed.

He was only trying to bring about change in the martial arts world.

However, he didn’t know, nor could he guess, whether the results of this change would be good or bad.

If the martial artists were to completely decline because of this, then let it be destroyed quickly.

Even if things got worse, it couldn’t be worse than Martial Saint suppressing the martial arts world for forty years, right?

"Wu Qiankun, from now on, I will hide in the shadows and no longer walk in Jiu Province under the name of ‘Martial Saint’ until I break through," said Martial Saint.

"You’ve done well with recent events, timely enabling the undercover agents of Great Dao Sect to act and allowing Taoist Qingyi to arrive in Nan Province on time."

"So, while I’m away, you will be in charge of Wuji Association," he said calmly.

The former Saintess Wu Qingxin of Xuantian Sect was actually an undercover agent sent by Martial Saint.

However, this undercover agent rebelled and was personally drained by Martial Saint.

In Great Dao Sect of Zhong Province, Wuji Association also has undercover agents.

Taoist Qingyi’s arrival was not a coincidence, but rather the result of Wuji Association’s behind-the-scenes intervention, disrupting Xuantian Sect’s plans.

Wu Qiankun nodded slightly with a heavy heart, but there wasn’t much joy in his mind.

In the assassination mission against Emperor Yonghe this time, all the assassins from the Wuji Association were destroyed, and there were no survivors.

Among them, there were even Spirit Refining martial artists of the top 3rd rank, but they all became sacrifices.

Because if the Martial Saint wanted to assassinate the emperor, the Wuji Association under his command couldn’t have sent no Spirit Refining martial artists, otherwise it might have aroused suspicion from the Immortal Gate.

Wu Qiankun said, "All the assassins who went to Qingyun Temple were wiped out, except for one person…"

"Qiao Zhong, or should I say, Qiao Sen… his performance that day was truly moving."

"He didn’t die?" The Martial Saint was quite surprised.

Suddenly, he remembered his simple agreement with Qiao Mu.

If Qiao Mu could survive this assassination mission against the emperor, then the Martial Saint would teach him the most advanced martial arts.

But now, the situation was a bit special.

Qiao Mu’s current situation cannot be said to have survived, only that he hasn’t died yet.

"He should have already been sent to the heavenly prison in the Zhong Province Imperial Capital. It’s a bit troublesome to get the martial arts techniques to him there," said Wu Qiankun.

However, the Martial Saint waved his hand and said, "It is indeed surprising that he is still alive, but that is not a reason for me to break my promise."

"Sending him the martial arts techniques is a small matter."

"Which one should we send to him then?" Wu Qiankun asked again.

The Wuji Association also has many top-notch martial arts techniques.

For example, there is the exceptional Long Life Fist Sutra, the extraordinary Pure Yang Wuji Skill from Wudang Sect, and even other top martial arts from the past.

"Tell me, how did he perform back then?" asked the Martial Saint.

He was always generous with martial arts techniques, but which one to give depends on the person’s performance.

"On that day, he boldly rushed into the palace, smashing the statues of the immortals and openly declaring himself as the bearer of martial arts…" Wu Qiankun recounted.

Although the assassins of the Wuji Association were completely wiped out that day, not all the witnesses on the scene died, and he had sources for other information.

"Ah, this person is already in his sixties, yet he is still valiant in his old age. He truly deserves that I didn’t kill him back in the day." Martial Saint squinted his eyes, seriously contemplating which martial arts technique to pass on.

"The techniques he primarily cultivates are ‘Pure Yang Wuji Skill’ and ‘Long Life Fist Sutra,’ but underestimating him is a mistake even if I were to give him these two techniques."

Whether it’s ‘Pure Yang Wuji Skill’ or ‘Long Life Fist Sutra,’ these Spiritual Refining Techniques, even if cultivated to the fullest, will not be able to defeat him.



Because he is Martial Saint, he has already explored the utmost in Spiritual Refining Methods, confidently believing that no one can rival him.

There was no way forward.

Therefore, those who came after him could only seek another path if they wanted to surpass him.

"In Zhong Province, there has always been a legendary tale of attaining enlightenment through martial arts, like the founder of Wudang, Master Zhang… It’s just that I have reached the pinnacle of spiritual refining, and yet, I still cannot fully grasp what it truly means to attain enlightenment through martial arts."

"Perhaps, Qiao Zhong, a talented fighter, should try exploring other martial arts paths…" After thinking for a moment, he made a decision.