Chapter 415 - Chapter 415: Chapter 362: Zhang Jie’s Persistence, Pang Hong Returns

Chapter 415: Chapter 362: Zhang Jie’s Persistence, Pang Hong Returns

Translator: 549690339

Sometimes, only by losing something can one truly understand the beauty of possession.

During the time they served under the Lord of the Shenxiao Gate, Zhang Jie and his peers had no status at all. Even though they were First-grade strong martial artists, they dared not reveal their identity as heirs of the Shenxiao Sect, and were forced to live in the shadows.

But after they had sworn allegiance to the Lord, they no longer needed to hide in fear. They regained their dignity and glory, and no one could belittle them anymore.

When they introduced themselves as members of the Shenxiao Sect in their dealings with others, they were met with envy, jealousy, fear, and reverence.

This was the first time Zhang Jie had tasted the dignity of being a strong martial artist. He was almost lost in its allure, unwilling to wake up from what felt like a dream.

Having regained his dignity and glory, Zhang Jie was clear on what he needed to do. He was not willing to return to the days of hiding and running. He vowed to protect everything he had gained under the Lord’s command, even at the cost of his life.

“Master! The deputy master has returned,” Zhang announced respectfully from behind Pei Xuanjing.

The deputy master in question was Pang Hong. After his breakthrough from the Blessed Land of the Forbidden Place, Pang Hong surpassed all of his peers within the Shenxiao Sect. Being the only direct disciple of Pei Xuanjing, his position was irreplaceable.

After confirming that his skills were flawless, Pei Xuanjing established Pang Hong as his successor. Now, most of the affairs of the Shenxiao Sect were handled by Pang Hong.

This time, Pang Hong had been tasked by Pei Xuanjing to deliver the invitation to Xue Wuheng and ask for the agreed compensation in return.

As Pei Xuanjing’s successor, Pang Hong was bound to have dealings with many profound Spirit Realm masters, so this was a test for him.

“Let’s go, head to the Jade Clear Hall,” said Pei Xuanjing.

The Jade Clear Hall, also known as Shenxiao Jade Clear Hall, served as the main hall of the Shenxiao Sect at present.

After Pei Xuanjing and the Great Ming court reached an agreement in Tiandu, the ownership of Shenxiao Mountain naturally fell back to the Shenxiao Sect. Even when the Shenxiao Sect was viewed as rebels by the Great Ming court, no one dared question Pei Xuanjing’s authority over the mountain because of his reputation.

Immediately after, Yu Zhenzi had ordered the old ruins on the mountains be cleared away and Shenxiao Sect’s courtyards and halls be established anew.

When Emperor Jiajing declared Pei Xuanjing as his teacher, he personally ordered the Ministry of Works to have top craftsmen design, and people construct palaces to honor Pei Xuanjing.

The Shenxiao Mountain was now dotted with palaces, pavilions, terraces, and towers, rivaling the architecture of the True Martial Sect.

“Disciple pays respects to Master,” Pang Hong respectfully greeted Pei Xuanjing who had just entered the Shenxiao Main Hall.

Seeing Pang Hong’s wearied appearance, Pei Xuanjing smiled, “You’ve worked hard on this trip.”

“It’s my duty, Master. No hardship,” Pang Hong shook his head.

He pointed to several crates, saying, “These are all sorted by Master Xue as per your requirements, Master. In addition to martial studies skills, they also contain Thousand-Refinement Divine Weapons and a variety of precious spiritual medicines.”

“Well done!” Pei Xuanjing nodded, “After those skills are sent to the Scripture Pavilion, save a part of the spiritual medicines and distribute the rest amongst our disciples.”

“Thank you, Master,” Zhang Jie and the others quickly thanked him.

“It’s nothing. You deserve it since you’ve worked hard these past few years,” Pei Xuanjing waved it off.

What he cared about was the values those martial studies skills could contribute to his spiritual wisdom. The spiritual medicines were far less significant to him.

The various spiritual medicines didn’t matter much to Pei Xuanjing. Ever since he collaborated with the emperor, he had received countless spiritual medicines. Yet, as he advanced in his realm, common spiritual medicines had very little effect on him. Even if Xue Wuheng hoarded precious spiritual medicines, it was better to distribute them to his followers to increase their abilities.

He asked Pang Hong, “What did Xue Wuheng say when he received the invitation?”

Pang Hong answered, “Master Xue sends his regards to you, Master, and says that he will definitely arrive on time. He also mentioned an agreement between him and you about the Seven Kills Sword.”

“Oh?” Pei Xuanjing smiled, “It seems the legacy of the Seven Kills Sword Master has a successor.”

Seeing the confused faces of Pang Hong and the others, Pei Xuanjing disclosed the agreement he had made with Xue Wuheng previously.

“Having reached the Spirit Realm, if I were to draw my weapon now, it would be a case of the mighty bullying the weak,” He chuckled at Pang Hong, “Since Xue Wuheng is prepared to retrieve the Seven Kills Sword, you can fight on my behalf this time.”

“Disciple will not let you down, Master!” Pang Hong answered resolutely.

Pei Xuanjing waved his hand and laughed, “There’s no need to be so certain. The Seven Kills Sword is pretty good, but it’s useless to me. This time, let’s see how capable the successor is. If he’s any good, we can return the sword to him.”

With Pei Xuanjing’s power, he had never been too concerned about the Seven Kills Sword, especially now. He was actually quite interested in the successor who had won the approval of such a pure swordsman like the Seven Kills Sword Master. If the successor was really capable, why not give the sword back?

Plus, it suggested that Xue Wuheng wasn’t as successful as everyone thought. The Blood Demon Sect Elder must have caused him quite a bit of trouble.

One should know that besides the Seven Kills Sword, the Blood God Blade, a Ten Thousand-Forged Divine Weapon once owned by the Demon Cult Blood Demon, was also in Pei Xuanjing’s hands. To the Seven Kills Sword Sect and the Blood Demon Sect both, these weapons were irreplaceable treasures.

The fact that they only mentioned the Seven Kills Sword and not the Blood God Blade clearly revealed their intentions.

Setting aside these thoughts, Pei Xuanjing said to Pang Hong, “For the time being, I need to review these martial arts skills. In the meantime, I’ll need you to entertain our guests on my behalf.”

“Yes!” Pang Hong answered.

The world’s number one, Great Ming’s current national teacher, and Lord of Shenxiao Gate, Long Life Son, has invited all major forces to convene on Shenxiao Mountain on the ninth day of the ninth month to discuss pressing matters.

This event has currently caught the attention of the entire martial world, and even the imperial court of Great Ming. Even people from outside the border and overseas masters have heard about it.

As the designated day draws closer, a countless number of people are moving toward Shenxiao Mountain, eager to catch a glimpse of the world’s top martial artist and curious to find out who will be attending this meeting.

A distance of one hundred miles is not far for most martial artists. Even for an average martial artist, they could make the journey on a fast horse in a single day.

The martial world never lacked busybodies, so even though the event was still half a month away, the towns within a hundred miles of Shenxiao Mountain were brimming with martial artists from all over the place