registerLog inforget the passwordfront pageRankingsCompleted novelsNovel ClassificationBook list collectionMy bookshelfMy book reviewReading recordsFeedbackTaiwan Novel NetworkTraditional ChineseBook pagesBookmarkTable of contentsset updaytimeErrorChapter 604 Seizing the Throne (Seeking Monthly Tickets!) News from the inner hall of Tian Shu Pavilion spread like wildfire throughout the entire Tianbao Upper Sect in a very short time.
This was an established fact, impossible to suppress.
The four branches, the nine inner peaks, and the twenty-seven outer peaks were instantly in an uproar.
Everyone was buzzing with discussion.
"Have you heard? Peak Master Wanfa… is challenging the Sect Master!"
"Not a challenge, he believes the Sect Master is unworthy of the position and wants to replace him!"
"That's the Sect Master! The Sect Master who has led the sect for a hundred years!"
Such conversations were happening in every corner of the Tianbao Upper Sect.
Some were shocked, some were terrified, some were worried, but most felt a sense of unreality.
This news was simply too shocking.
This wasn't a struggle between true disciples, nor a friction between peaks, but a struggle for the position of Sect Master.
For the Tianbao Upper Sect, this was a world-changing event.
Outer disciples gathered in the dining hall, forming a circle, discussing it animatedly.
Inner disciples also stood in twos and threes on the sidelines, solemnly exchanging the information they had gathered.
The elders of each peak remained secluded, outwardly calm, but secretly they were already gathering intelligence through various channels. The lineage leaders of the Tian Shu position, in particular, became the focus of everyone's attention.
Who supported Chen Qing?
Who supported Jiang Lishan?
This question was more captivating than any other news.
On Wanfa Peak, however, the atmosphere was unusually calm.
After returning from the inner hall, Chen Qing went straight to his meditation room and remained secluded.
News traveled faster than the wind.
Centered on the Tianbao Upper Sect, it spread like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples that radiated outwards.
Towards the Northern Border, towards Yujing City, towards every corner of the Yan Kingdom.
Spies from various forces, like sharks smelling blood, relayed the news back to their respective factions with lightning speed. Earthquake. A
massive earthquake.
A super earthquake had struck the Tianbao Upper Sect.
Yujing City.
The news arrived late at night.
Deep within the imperial city, in his bedchamber, Emperor Yan, Xu Yin, had just finished reviewing the last memorial and was preparing to retire for the night.
Hurried footsteps sounded outside the hall.
"Your Majesty, Huo Jingchen requests an audience, saying he has urgent intelligence," Liu Gonggong's voice rang out, tinged with caution.
Emperor Yan frowned slightly and put down the jade belt in his hand.
The hall door was pushed open, and Huo Jingchen, dressed in a black martial arts outfit, strode in and knelt on one knee.
"Your Majesty, something has happened to the Tianbao Upper Sect."
Emperor Yan's expression remained unchanged, only his eyes narrowed slightly.
"Speak."
Huo Jingchen took a deep breath, presented the secret letter in his hand, and quickly reported: "Chen Qing, the Wanfa Peak Master of the Tianbao Upper Sect, publicly challenged for the position of Sect Master at the Tian Shu Pavilion's Tian Shu Position Meeting today, and Jiang Lishan has already agreed."
The bedchamber fell silent instantly.
Emperor Yan took the secret letter, unfolded it, glanced at it, then put it down, his gaze settling on Huo Jingchen's face.
"Chen Qing and Jiang Lishan?"
He repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Huo Jingchen nodded heavily and said in a deep voice, "That's right. According to intelligence, since Chen Qing returned from Lingxiao Shangzong, he has been continuously suppressed by Jiang Lishan."
"First, she took back the medicinal fields of Wanfa Peak, then she reduced the contribution points of Wanfa Peak, then she publicly questioned him at the Tian Shu Pavilion assembly, and a few days ago she even transferred Pingbo, Luo Zhixian's old servant, to Dongji City, and sealed off Tianbao Peak, prohibiting anyone from approaching."
He paused, then concluded, "This outburst is just a rebound after Chen Qing was pushed to his limit."
The Yan Emperor frowned.
He believed he understood Chen Qing's character to some extent.
He wouldn't act without self-interest, and he was always looking for benefits, but deep down he was very principled.
He wouldn't have acted this way if he hadn't been pushed to the limit.
And Jiang Lishan, of course, was no stranger to him either.
This person is extremely shrewd and has been in charge of the Tianbao Upper Sect for many years, managing the sect with great efficiency; he is by no means an ordinary person.
Yet, such a person should have a broad perspective.
With external enemies surrounding them, two Nascent Soul Realm cultivators from the Night Clan eyeing them covetously, and the Golden Court and Great Snow Mountain stirring with malice, what benefit would it bring to him to attack the sect's geniuses at this time?
What exactly is the reason?
"Seal off Tianbao Peak..."
Emperor Yan repeated this detail in a low voice, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, "Tianbao Pagoda?"
At their level, their greatest obsession is nothing more than advancing further.
Nascent Soul Realm.
That is the realm that all grandmasters dream of, a true insurmountable chasm.
And to break through this chasm, this heaven-reaching spiritual treasure is undoubtedly one of the most important opportunities.
If Jiang Lishan attacked Chen Qing because of the Tianbao Pagoda, then everything makes sense.
The Tianbao Pagoda is the sect's most treasured artifact left by the founding ancestor of the Tianbao Upper Sect, containing the method to break through to the Nascent Soul Realm and the ancestral lineage's inheritance. Who wouldn't want to control such a treasure?
But it involves the sect's most core secrets, which are difficult for outsiders to glimpse.
This is merely speculation; the specific situation still needs further confirmation.
"Do you know anything about it?" Emperor Yan looked at Huo Jingchen.
Huo Jingchen pondered for a moment and said, "According to our investigation, Jiang Lishan has been searching for the ancestral master's inheritance all these years, and has also been constantly exploring the mysteries of the Heavenly Treasure Pagoda."
"As for Chen Qing, he doesn't seem to have a direct connection with the Heavenly Treasure Pagoda, but we can't rule him out..."
Emperor Yan nodded, becoming even more certain of his guess.
The entanglement here is nothing more than the Heavenly Treasure Pagoda and the power struggle between the old and new generations.
Jiang Lishan has been in charge of the sect for so many years and is used to having the final say. Chen Qing's prominence has overshadowed him, and even affected his plan to control the Heavenly Treasure Pagoda. How could he tolerate this?
And Chen Qing is young and ambitious, showing his sharp edge. How could he tolerate being suppressed like this?
The conflict between the two was destined to reach this point from the beginning.
Unless someone is willing to take a step back, but this involves the Nascent Soul Realm and the Heavenly Treasure, how many people are willing to take that step back?
"Summon the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Jingnan to the palace," Emperor Yan ordered.
"Yes." Eunuch Liu bowed and accepted the order, quickly leaving the palace.
Within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Jingnan arrived one after the other.
They had clearly also received the news and were quite shocked.
"Your Majesty." The two bowed in unison.
"Sit." The Emperor Yan waited until they were seated before slowly speaking, "Have you both heard about the matter at the Tianbao Upper Sect?"
"We have." The Marquis of Jingnan nodded, his brow furrowed, his voice heavy. "Has things really developed to this point?" He had initially thought that the conflict between Chen Qing and Jiang Lishan was merely a common power struggle within the sect, a mutual test, a step back, and it would all be over.
But he never expected things to escalate to this extent.
Challenging the sect leader.
This was extremely rare even among the six great upper sects.
Especially at this critical juncture.
"I know Chen Qing fairly well," Marquis Jingnan continued, his tone complex. "He wouldn't have done such a thing unless he was driven to the brink."
Marquis Zhenbei sat to the side, remaining silent, his expression cold, but his mind racing.
This matter had significant implications.
Tianbao Shangzong was one of the six great sects of Yan, a crucial bulwark for the court.
If Tianbao Shangzong were to suffer a major blow due to internal strife, it would be a huge setback for the entire strategic layout of Yan.
But from another perspective…
"This matter has significant implications; it might not be an opportunity," Emperor Yan said quietly, his gaze sweeping across the two men.
His tone was calm, but his eyes held a profound meaning.
Marquis Zhenbei and Marquis Jingnan exchanged a glance, both seeing the same thing in each other's eyes.
His Majesty was weighing the pros and cons.
The internal strife within Tianbao Shangzong was both a crisis and an opportunity for the court.
The crisis lay in the fact that a weakened Tianbao Shangzong would give the Ye Clan and Jinting an opening.
The opportunity lay in the fact that the imperial court could seize the chance to expand its influence within the Tianbao Sect, and even… extend its reach into this ancient sect.
Emperor Yan pondered for a moment, then looked at Eunuch Liu and Eunuch Hua standing to the side.
"Who do you think has the better chance of winning?"
Eunuch Liu and Eunuch Hua exchanged a glance, both lowering their heads slightly.
This was a difficult question to answer.
Jiang Lishan was a veteran, peak-level eighth-rank Grandmaster, having led the sect for hundreds of years, possessing profound knowledge and shrewd methods.
Chen Qing was a newly promoted Grandmaster, a genius with an impressive record, but still young and lacking in experience.
Logically speaking, Jiang Lishan's chances of winning were undoubtedly greater.
But did Chen Qing dare to launch an attack at this time without some confidence?
"In my opinion, Jiang Lishan has a greater chance of winning," the Marquis of Zhenbei spoke first. "In the battle at Lingxiao Upper Sect, Chen Qing was indeed amazing, but Lie Qiong and Di Cang are only at the seventh level, and there is still a whole realm between them and the peak of the eighth level."
He paused, then continued, "Moreover, Jiang Lishan has been in charge of Tianbao Upper Sect for so many years, and he knows Tianbao Upper Sect's techniques and supernatural abilities like the back of his hand. He has the advantage of timing, location, and popular support." His
words were reasonable and well-founded, and everyone present couldn't help but nod in agreement.
The Marquis of Jingnan, however, shook his head and slowly said, "Jiang Lishan has a greater chance of winning, but Chen Qing... is not entirely without a chance." "
Since Chen Qing dared to unleash his power, he must have some confidence. If we're talking about the outcome... he might have a chance of winning."
He spoke hesitantly.
Clearly, in this duel between top experts, he also felt that Chen Qing's chances of winning were slim, but he was unwilling to make a definitive statement.
After listening to their conversation, Emperor Yan remained silent for a moment. "Chen Qing has absolutely no chance of winning."
His tone was calm, but the certainty in his voice sent a chill down the spines of everyone present.
"Jiang Lishan is no ordinary person,"
Emperor Yan continued, his gaze deep. "I've dealt with him several times; he's a man of careful planning, his strength unfathomable." Emperor Yan was a ninth-level Grandmaster, and very few people could be considered unfathomable to him.
"Your Majesty is right," Eunuch Hua interjected at the opportune moment, his voice high-pitched. "This might not be a bad thing for the court."
He paused, then continued, "Once Chen Qing is defeated, the court can win him over; it's a golden opportunity."
His words were blunt, but everyone present understood the deeper meaning.
This internal strife within the Tianbao Upper Sect presented just such an opportunity.
If the Tianbao Sect's prestige were to diminish due to internal strife, the imperial court could seize the opportunity to expand its influence and extend its reach into this thousand-year-old sect. Chen Qing would be the perfect entry point.
If Chen Qing were to lose, the court could bestow favors upon him during his most dejected moment, thus winning him over to the court's side.
The youngest Grandmaster on the Grandmaster Ranking, if he could completely submit to the court, would be of immeasurable value.
"I second that
," Eunuch Liu quickly bowed. "Chen Qing is exceptionally talented. If he could be employed by our dynasty, he would surely achieve great things in the future. If the court could mediate the internal strife within the Tianbao Sect, it would both enhance the court's prestige and win over the hearts of the people—a win-win situation."
The Emperor Yan nodded; this was exactly what he had in mind.
Although he disliked Chen Qing, finding him slick, he couldn't deny his talent.
Currently, there was no one else like him in the entire Northern Cang.
If such a person could be won over to the court, it would undoubtedly be a tremendous boost to the Yan Kingdom.
"While that's true, this matter is of utmost importance."
Emperor Yan pondered for a long while before saying, "The struggle for the sect leader position at Tianbao Upper Sect must not be allowed to escalate into chaos, giving certain individuals an opportunity to exploit the situation." The Night Clan lies in wait, watching with predatory eyes.
Jinting and Daxueshan are stirring.
Although the Nascent Soul Realm cultivator from the Ghost Witch Sect has suffered severe injuries, we must still be wary.
If a major upheaval occurs at Tianbao Upper Sect at this time, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Upon hearing this, the several people present nodded solemnly.
Emperor Yan then turned to Marquis Jingnan and slowly said, "You will go to observe the battle on my behalf. Before you depart, retrieve some 'Heaven' level treasures from the Imperial Treasury. Use them to win over someone if necessary." "
Heaven" level treasures are imperial treasures; even the two first-rank marquises only received them as rewards upon promotion. The fact that Emperor Yan would use them to win over Chen Qing demonstrates the extent of his regard for him.
Marquis Jingnan clasped his hands and bowed, "Your subject obeys!"
Taiyi Upper Sect, Sect Master's Hall.
The hall was brightly lit, with ten figures positioned on either side, their auras as solid as mountains.
Leading the group was Jiang Ci, the Sect Master of Taiyi Upper Sect, a peak eighth-rank Grandmaster who had led the sect for a century, his authority profound.
Behind him, to his left, sat Feng Shuofang, his expression calm.
Below him, seven more figures stood in a row, all pillars of the Taiyi Upper Sect.
Lu Yunsong, Chang Xin, Xiao Changgeng, Zhou Xuandu, Jiang Tuo… and three other Grandmasters from the Taiyi Upper Sect.
Ten Grandmasters gathered together.
This was an extremely rare sight in the Taiyi Upper Sect.
Previously, the Taiyi Upper Sect had lost a Grandmaster.
But Jiang Tuo broke through to the Grandmaster realm, filling that gap.
Although their overall strength was not as formidable as at their peak, the lineup of ten Grandmasters was still enough to intimidate even among the six major upper sects of Yan Kingdom. The atmosphere inside the hall, however, was far from relaxed.
Jiang Ci's gaze swept over everyone present, his voice low: "You all know the news from the Tianbao Upper Sect, right?"
Everyone present nodded, their expressions varied.
This news was truly astonishing.
Chen Qing, the Wanfa Peak Master of the Tianbao Upper Sect, publicly questioned the Sect Master Jiang Lishan's "unworthy position" at the Tian Shu Pavilion's Tian Shu position meeting, demanding a challenge for the Sect Master's position.
And Jiang Lishan actually agreed.
This news was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, shaking the entire Yan Kingdom.
Jiang Tuo sat at the end, his face still showing lingering shock.
He glanced at Jiang Ci subconsciously.
He knew all too well the gap between himself and the sect leader.
Although he was valued and held in high regard by Ancestor Yang Xuanyi, facing Jiang Ci, a sect leader at the peak of the eighth level, he dared not disobey even a single order from the sect leader, let alone engage in a duel.
This was the pressure that strength brought.
In this world, strength was the foundation of everything.
The title of genius, the favor of the ancestor—none of these mattered in the face of absolute strength disparity.
But Chen Qing?
Having only been on the Grandmaster Ranking for a few months, he dared to challenge a sect leader at the peak of the eighth level who had ruled the sect for hundreds of years.
This required not only courage but also confidence.
"This Chen Qing is truly a case of youthful recklessness!"
Chang Xin spoke first, shaking his head. "Jiang Lishan is, after all, a sect leader who has governed the sect for hundreds of years, a peak eighth-level grandmaster. How dare this young man, who has just entered the grandmaster rankings, challenge him?" Chang Xin's
words were blunt, and many people present nodded slightly.
Logically speaking, the outcome of this challenge seemed to be largely predictable.
Most of those present had dealt with Jiang Lishan before and were well aware of his strength; the gap between them couldn't be bridged by talent or courage alone. "According to intelligence, Chen Qing was forced into this situation,"
Jiang Ci said slowly, his voice steady. "Jiang Lishan relentlessly pressured him, driving him to the brink."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone. "Chen Qing is incredibly stubborn. He's not unaware of the consequences of challenging the sect leader, but he had no other choice." "
Regardless, the result is what it is,"
Xiao Changgeng continued, his voice low and tinged with complex emotions. "Chen Qing being suppressed by Jiang Lishan might not be a bad thing for us."
"This young man is too dazzling."
He was the third Grandmaster of the Taiyi Upper Sect, his cultivation second only to Jiang Ci and Feng Shuofang, a renowned figure on the Grandmaster Ranking. In
his youth, he was also one of the most outstanding geniuses in the Taiyi Upper Sect, overcoming numerous obstacles to reach his current position.
Even so, he still found Chen Qing terrifying.
That terror didn't come from overwhelming strength, but from his almost insane rate of growth.
Everyone present nodded slightly upon hearing this.
Even Jiang Tuo had to admit that his feelings towards Chen Qing were equally complex.
Both being young geniuses, Jiang Tuo was valued by the patriarch Yang Xuanyi and held in high regard by his sect, but compared to Chen Qing, he was nothing. This gap filled him with an indescribable sense of defeat.
Xiao Changgeng was right; Chen Qing was too dazzling.
This brilliance not only threatened the Jin Ting and Ye Clan, but even the Taiyi Sect, one of the six great sects of Yan Kingdom, felt quite conflicted. After all, such a brilliant genius didn't come from their own sect.
Who wouldn't be envious?
Who wouldn't be wary?
If Chen Qing continued to grow, how strong would the Tianbao Sect become?
If they truly reached that level, the position of the leader of the six sects would likely change hands.
"Chen Qing's chances of winning against Jiang Lishan are extremely low,"
Xiao Changgeng continued. "Jiang Lishan isn't a seventh-rank Grandmaster like Lie Qiong or Di Cang; he's at the peak of the eighth rank, just one step away from the ninth." He paused, his tone becoming more meaningful. "This will definitely be a huge blow to Chen Qing. A genius who has never suffered a defeat will find it harder to bear their first loss than an ordinary person." "
If he can pull through, he might even reach a higher level, but if he can't..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone present understood.
They had seen too many examples of geniuses who had fallen and never recovered.
At this moment, Feng Shuofang, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up, "How many days are left until the competition?"
Lu Yunsong, sitting opposite him, quickly replied, "Replying to Senior Brother Feng, less than three days."
Upon hearing this, Feng Shuofang abruptly stood up.
His movements weren't fast, but his sharp aura swept out in an instant, causing everyone present to involuntarily hold their breath. "I'm going to Tianbao Sect now."
His eyes gleamed.
"I'll leave the sect's affairs and those of Jinting to you."
He finished speaking, his gaze lingering on Jiang Ci's face for a moment before he nodded slightly, then turned and strode out of the hall.
Jiang Ci didn't stop him.
He knew why Feng Shuofang wanted to go.
Feng Shuofang was a master of spear techniques.
In the entire Yan Kingdom, if it came to spear mastery, Feng Shuofang was second to none.
And Chen Qing was Luo Zhixian's disciple.
Luo Zhixian, the man who had overshadowed Feng Shuofang for half his life.
Back then, when Luo Zhixian was alive, Feng Shuofang had never been able to overcome that mountain.
Now, Luo Zhixian was dead.
Yet his disciple had displayed such astonishing talent in spear techniques.
Feng Shuofang had to see it for himself.
He wanted to see with his own eyes just how strong Luo Zhixian's disciple had become.
He wanted to see with his own eyes just what kind of talent the disciple of the man who had overshadowed him for half his life had truly possessed.
"Sect Master..."
Xiao Changgeng frowned slightly, watching Feng Shuofang's departing figure, hesitant to speak.
"Let Senior Brother Feng go."
Jiang Ci picked up his teacup, took a small sip, his voice flat and devoid of emotion.
He put down his teacup, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, and slowly said, "Senior Brother Feng's trip is not just to watch a match."
He paused, his voice lowering slightly, "This battle at the Tianbao Upper Sect will have a significant impact."
Everyone present tensed upon hearing this.
Jiang Ci was right.
In the current situation, this battle at the Tianbao Upper Sect was no longer a simple internal sect struggle.
"Everyone,"
Jiang Ci put down his teacup, his voice suddenly becoming serious, "We must be fully prepared for this battle at the Tianbao Upper Sect. No matter the outcome, we must have a countermeasure."
"Yes!"
Everyone in the hall clasped their fists in unison, their voices perfectly synchronized.
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Chapter 605 Undercurrents (Seeking monthly votes!)
Tianxing Island.
Nestled in the heart of the Thousand Reefs Sea, amidst boundless blue waves, this island resembles a dark green gem set in deep blue silk, isolated and secluded. It is the main island of the Tianxing Alliance, the most powerful force in the Thousand Reefs Sea.
The night was as black as ink, and the sea breeze, carrying a salty, fishy smell, surged in from all directions, crashing against the reefs and stirring up layers of white waves.
In the center of the island, a black stone palace stood atop the ridge, its doors wide open, the interior dimly lit.
Yan Jin sat in the main seat.
Today, he wore a dark black brocade robe embroidered with dark red star patterns—the insignia of the Tianxing Alliance leader.
Yet, his face lacked any air of triumph, instead bearing a hint of gloom.
Since the incident at the Yunshui Upper Sect, he had been unable to find peace of mind.
Ultimately, it was he who had dealt the final blow to Xue Suhe, the former sect leader of the Yunshui Upper Sect.
The Yunshui Upper Sect was indeed severely weakened, but those reclusive old figures had now revealed themselves.
Which of those old monsters wasn't a ruthless character?
Especially Si Qi, a ninth-level Grandmaster, whose true identity as the mastermind behind the Canglan Sword remained unknown.
Once the Yunshui Upper Sect recovered, settling scores was inevitable.
That's why he agreed to this gathering.
In the past, he truly wouldn't have wanted to associate with Jin Ting and Da Xue Shan.
Seeking help from a tiger would inevitably lead to being devoured.
But now, he had no better choice.
The Tianxing Alliance needed a powerful ally, a backer that the Yunshui Upper Sect would fear.
And Jin Ting and Da Xue Shan were clearly the most suitable candidates.
To Yan Jin's right, Li Qingyu sat upright in a chair.
Xue Li sat beside Li Qingyu, her posture impeccably elegant.
However, her eyes revealed a hint of impatience.
Her gaze frequently swept towards the figure opposite her; her expression wasn't exactly contemptuous, but it lacked respect either.
Xuanming sat next to Xue Li, arms crossed, eyes half-closed, as if resting or deep in thought.
To Yan Jin's left, separated by two empty chairs, sat a lone figure.
It was an old man. He
was not on the same level as the others.
He was thin and wore a long robe, yet this unassuming old man was sitting at the same table as the Heavenly Star Alliance Leader, the First Grand Lord of the Golden Court, and the Snow Mountain Walker.
The Demonic Sect's Grand Elder, Sikong Hui.
Outside, a True Yuan Realm expert would be considered a formidable force, but in this room, True Yuan Realm… was indeed insignificant.
Any one of these individuals would be someone Sikong Hui would look up to.
Yet Sikong Hui sat there calmly.
"Why didn't Qi Xun Nan come?"
Xue Li spoke first, her voice cold and accusatory.
Her gaze fell on Sikong Hui; though her eyes weren't particularly sharp, her aura was enough to send chills down the spines of ordinary True Yuan Realm cultivators.
Sikong Hui felt the invisible pressure, his heart tightening slightly, but his face remained impassive. He clasped his hands and said, "My sect leader is in the Hundred Demon Cave and cannot leave." "
However, the sect leader has stated beforehand that I can represent the Wuji Demon Sect and the sect leader in all matters discussed with you all."
The
moment those three words were uttered, the atmosphere in the hall froze slightly.
Xue Li's brows furrowed slightly, and she swallowed back the question that was on the tip of her tongue.
Although she was displeased, she said nothing more.
The Hundred Demon Cave was the origin of the Wuji Demon Sect. It was said that some ancient monsters lurked within, possessing immense power. Even the Holy Lord of the Great Snow Mountain had mentioned it, his words carrying a hint of apprehension.
What made it even more daunting was the Hundred Demon Cave's extreme mystery. No one knew its exact location, how many experts resided within, or the cultivation levels of those ancient monsters.
This unknown was itself a deterrent.
Yan Jin smoothed things over, saying, "It's fine that Sect Master Qi didn't come. Since Elder Sikong can represent us fully, that's enough."
"That brat Chen Qing is truly arrogant!"
Xuan Ming suddenly spoke up, sneering.
He had never met Chen Qing, only heard of his exploits.
But even those exploits forced him, a Ninth-Rank Grandmaster, to admit that the kid was indeed quite capable.
The ancient ruins slew the Great King of Jinting, the Lingxiao Sect defeated two Grandmaster-level experts single-handedly…
But now, he dares to challenge Jiang Lishan.
"Arrogant?"
Xue Li said slowly, "He is indeed arrogant, but he has the capital to be arrogant. In that battle at the Lingxiao Sect, who were Lie Qiong and Di Cang? They were Grandmaster-level experts ranked among the top in the Eight Divisions of Jinting, and what was the result?"
She paused, her tone carrying a hint of something indescribable, "If such people were born in Jinting, they would probably have been revered long ago…" Xuan Ming snorted coldly, not responding.
His hatred for Chen Qing far outweighed his admiration for him.
"Young and impetuous, anyone would react this way after such injustice."
Yan Jin took over, his voice carrying a hint of the wisdom of someone who had been through it all, "Especially a genius like Chen Qing, with a strong backbone and high aspirations, unable to bear being wronged, but in the end, he is still too young and doesn't know how to be patient."
He shook his head, as if regretting.
"If we can just endure it a little longer, until Hua Yunfeng emerges from seclusion..."
Yan Jin didn't finish his sentence, but everyone present understood his meaning.
In his view, Chen Qing should wait.
It wouldn't be too late to challenge Jiang Lishan after Hua Yunfeng emerged from seclusion and the Nine Revolutions Sword Dao Grandmaster stood behind him.
He was just an old servant; even if Jiang Lishan wanted to kill his offspring right now, Yan Jin believed he should endure it. The one
who laughs last laughs best.
Fighting out of pride is the worst thing to do.
"Endure?"
Xue Li suddenly laughed, "Alliance Leader Yan makes it sound so easy. If you were Chen Qing... could you endure it?"
Yan Jin didn't reply.
Xue Li stopped looking at him and turned to Li Qingyu, "Guest Elder Li, things are indeed as you predicted."
"Jiang Lishan is pressing him relentlessly, and Chen Qing has indeed been driven to a dead end. The conflict between the two is about to erupt. What should we do next?" Li Qingyu sat in his chair, his eyes half-closed, as if resting or deep in thought.
Hearing Xue Li's words, he slowly opened his eyes, a glint of shrewdness flashing within them.
"Let's observe the situation,"
he said slowly, his voice low. "Let's see who wins this duel first, then we'll plan our next move."
Xue Li frowned slightly. "Observe the situation? Shouldn't we take this opportunity to do something?"
"What?"
Li Qingyu looked at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Are you planning to go to the Tianbao Sect and kill Chen Qing in front of Jiang Lishan? Or are you planning to take advantage of their weakened state and wipe out the Tianbao Sect in one fell swoop?"
Xue Li remained silent.
She knew Li Qingyu was right.
The Tianbao Sect was the Tianbao Sect, not a pushover.
When the two fought, other forces from the Yan Kingdom would definitely be present, and it would take several times the cost to wipe them out in one fell swoop.
Moreover, if a foreign enemy invaded, the two would surely put aside their differences and join forces to fight the enemy.
Li Qingyu's voice was calm and unhurried. "We'll make our move after they've decided their victor and the situation is clear."
He naturally had his own plans.
Daxueshan wanted to kill Chen Qing, Jinting wanted to kill Chen Qing, and he, Li Qingyu, also wanted to kill Chen Qing.
On this point, everyone was in agreement.
But what about killing Chen Qing?
He had a more crucial objective:
the Tianbao Pagoda.
It was the most precious treasure left behind by the founder of the Tianbao Sect, the ultimate opportunity that countless people had dreamed of for thousands of years.
Jiang Lishan was ruthless towards Chen Qing for it.
He, Li Qingyu, had also been ruthless in his pursuit of it back then.
This time, he would not only kill Chen Qing but also use the power of these people to seize the Tianbao Pagoda.
Luo Zhixian had set a trap for him before, and as the saying goes, once bitten, twice shy. He was also considering whether this was another trap, so he wasn't in a hurry.
Therefore, he would continue to observe.
Observe Jiang Lishan's trump cards, observe the changes in the situation, observe every detail.
"Guest Li is right."
Xuanming opened his eyes and nodded slowly. "Observe the situation and plan before acting. This matter cannot be rushed."
After what had happened before, he had considerable trust in Li Qingyu's judgment.
Although Xue Li still had doubts, seeing that both of them said so, she did not insist further and simply nodded slightly.
The hall was quiet for a moment.
The sea breeze blew in through the open hall door, causing the flame in the bronze lamp to flicker and casting long and short shadows of the figures on the stone wall. Li Qingyu suddenly turned his head, his gaze falling on Sikong Hui.
"Since your sect leader is not here, shouldn't you show some sincerity?"
Instantly, everyone's eyes in the hall fell on Sikong Hui.
Being stared at by several top grandmasters at the same time, Sikong Hui's heart trembled.
The feeling was like being prey targeted by several tigers simultaneously; every hair on his body stood on end, and his back was instantly soaked with cold sweat. He steadied himself, stood up, and bowed respectfully to the group.
"We can provide information about our Demonic Sect's spies within the Tianbao Upper Sect, firsthand news from the Tianbao Upper Sect, and even some top-secret intelligence."
"Over the years, we've planted many spies within the Tianbao Upper Sect, some of whom have infiltrated the Tian Shu Pavilion level."
He paused, then continued, "We can keep track of the movements of Sect Master Jiang Lishan, Peak Master Chen Qing of Wanfa Peak, and even several lineage leaders of the Tian Shu Pavilion."
Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall felt a jolt.
It was common knowledge that the Wuji Demonic Sect originated from the three realms of the Tianbao Upper Sect.
But there was a vast chasm between "common knowledge" and "firsthand intelligence. "
It was perfectly normal for the Demonic Sect to have spies within the Tianbao Upper Sect .
What was abnormal was Sikong Hui's claim that they possessed "top-secret intelligence."
This meant that the Demonic Sect's spies within the Tianbao Upper Sect were likely not just a few disciples.
A slow smile crept onto Li Qingyu's lips.
"Good."
His voice held a hint of satisfaction, and a glint of light flashed in his deep eyes.
"I need firsthand information about the Tianbao Upper Sect, and it needs to be fast."
He paused, his tone suddenly turning serious, each word deliberate.
"Information on Chen Qing and Jiang Lishan… I need to know them all."
The moment these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall became even more tense.
Sikong Hui took a deep breath and nodded heavily.
"No problem."
His voice became steady. "Our Demonic Sect will do its best to cooperate. As soon as the news arrives, it will be delivered to you all immediately."
Li Qingyu nodded and said nothing more.
The news of the struggle for the position of sect leader of the Tianbao Upper Sect spread like wildfire in just three days, drawing the attention of the entire Northern Cang to the Tianbao Mountain Gate. All six major upper sects of the Yan Kingdom were alarmed.
Jiang Huaizhou, the sect leader of the Xuantian Upper Sect, personally led a team, traveling day and night, straight to Tianbao.
This sect leader was usually reclusive and rarely stepped out of the mountain gate.
But now, he was personally rushing to the scene for the sect leader's struggle, which showed how significant this matter was.
On the shore of the Thousand Reefs Sea, Xie Mingyan, the newly appointed sect leader of the Yunshui Upper Sect, also arrived with his elders.
The Yunshui Upper Sect had suffered heavy losses due to internal strife. However, the two sects were neighbors, and if Tianbao were to fall into chaos due to internal strife, the Yunshui Upper Sect would lose its most important barrier.
She had to come, and she absolutely had to come in person.
The outcome of this duel was no longer just a matter of fate for the Tianbao Sect.
Other forces within the Yan Kingdom had also dispatched their experts.
On the mountain paths of the thirty-six peaks, martial arts masters with profound auras were everywhere; True Yuan Realm experts, rarely seen in the past, could now be encountered three or five times at the mountain gates.
The disciples of the Tianbao Upper Sect guarded various passes, their eyes filled with tension and apprehension.
Everyone understood that in this battle for sect leader, the slightest misstep could be a catastrophe that would shake the foundation of their thousand-year-old sect.
Tianbao Upper Sect, Wanfa Peak.
Inside the quiet room, Chen Qing sat cross-legged on a futon.
Outside the window, a light drizzle had begun.
The air was filled with the fresh scent of earth and grass, mixed with the smell of rain, soothing and refreshing.
Chen Qing's breathing was very steady; with each inhale and exhale, the golden core in his dantian slowly rotated.
He slowly opened his eyes.
"Sect Master..."
Chen Qing murmured to himself, raising his palm and looking at the true energy flowing within.
But Jiang Lishan was no ordinary expert.
He was the sect master of the Tianbao Upper Sect for a hundred years.
He was one of the pinnacles of martial arts in the Yan Kingdom.
Such a person could not be judged by ordinary standards.
Chen Qing stood up, walked to the wall, and took the Jingzhe Spear from the shelf.
The spear was entirely silver-white, its tip sharp as a thorn, gleaming coldly in the candlelight.
He gripped the shaft tightly, a warm current flowing from the spear into his palm, slowly coursing through his meridians.
Chen Qing pushed open the door to the quiet room and stepped into the courtyard.
Raindrops fell on his face, cool and refreshing.
He stood still, gripping the spear with both hands, and slowly closed his eyes.
In his mind, the pale golden light floated silently.
Xuanhuang Spear Seal.
A Daoist technique from the Great Luo Heaven.
Xu Yan said that supernatural powers and secret arts were merely superficial derivatives of Daoist techniques.
Borrowing the primordial energy of heaven and earth, versus invoking the rules of heaven and earth—a difference of one word, yet worlds apart.
Chen Qing reviewed what he had learned over the past few days, and then he acted.
The Jingzhe Spear seemed to come alive in his hands.
The spear tip sliced through the rain, creating a sharp arc. The raindrops were shattered by the spear's intent, turning into a fine mist that spread throughout the courtyard. The spear moved like a dragon, its sharpness seemingly tearing a rift in the very fabric of the world.
The raindrops in the courtyard were drawn by the spear's intent, transforming into countless fine lines of water that swirled around the spear, eventually converging into a waterspout that shot into the sky!
Boom!
The waterspout exploded in mid-air, turning into a vast expanse of mist that enveloped the entire courtyard.
Chen Qing sheathed the spear and stood still.
This move had consumed far more energy than he had anticipated.
But the power…
Chen Qing looked down at the Jingzhe Spear in his hand, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
Enough.
He turned and walked back to the meditation room, sitting cross-legged on the futon once more.
The duel was still a few days away.
He needed to get himself into peak condition before then.
The *Tai Xu Tempering Pill Technique* slowly circulated, and a wisp of primordial energy was once again extracted from the purple-gold primordial energy in his dantian, flowing into his golden core. Chen Qing closed his eyes, his breathing gradually becoming steady.
Outside the quiet room, the rain was pouring down.
Large raindrops pounded on the eaves, making a crackling sound like countless drumsticks striking.
Qingdai stood under the corridor, looking at the rain-soaked courtyard, her brows slightly furrowed.
Behind her, Baizhi, Suwen, and Zisu also stood there, their expressions not very good.
None of the four women spoke, they just stood quietly, their gazes occasionally drifting towards the quiet room.
"Sister Qingdai..."
Baizhi spoke first, her voice low, as if afraid of disturbing something, "Can Senior Brother... win?"
The moment she asked this, all three women's eyes fell on Qingdai's face.
Qingdai remained silent for a moment.
She wanted to say they could win, that her senior brother had never lost, that he definitely had a way.
But the words wouldn't come out.
Because this time was different.
This time, the opponent wasn't Lie Qiong, Di Cang, or Ling Xuance.
It was the Sect Master.
It was Jiang Lishan, who had led the Tianbao Upper Sect for hundreds of years.
It was a peak eighth-level Grandmaster.
"Senior brother, you won't let us down..."
Qingdai's face seemed calm, but the light in her eyes betrayed her inner unease.
The rain grew heavier.
PS: Continuing to ask for monthly votes, Tiger will continue writing tonight and try to finish it early tomorrow!
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1984: Starting from a Sichuan Restaurant
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Is the dungeon you made meant for people to play?
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Who said there's something wrong with the magic cards I made?
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A Journey Through the Heavens Begins with a Difficult Journey
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Goblin addiction
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Beast Taming Starts from Zero
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My magic has no limit!
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Naruto: I wrote in my diary that I exposed the Otsutsuki's arrival
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The delicacies of the heavens begin with obtaining gem meat.
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Crossover anime, starting from Konoha and traveling through countless worlds
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Unable to repay my student loans, I had no choice but to work part-time as a demon hunter.
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Rebirth in the Golden Age of Games: I Became the Crown Prince of Sega
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Hunter x Hunter: Card Master, the Strongest in the World
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Who says I'm not a proper adventurer?
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American Police Survival Story: Winning People Over with Morality
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