MTLNOVEL Chapter 130 - 130: Qingmei Steps into Grandmaster (10,000-word update, please subscribe)
Chapter 130: Chapter 130: Qingmei Steps into Grandmaster (10,000-word update, please subscribe)
An Jing listened and looked in the direction of the voice, only to see Han Wenxin hurrying in.
“What’s the matter?” An Jing couldn’t help but ask.
Han Wenxin looked melancholy and said, “My father told me to go to Fa Xi Temple and become a monk.”
“Really?” An Jing asked, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
Han Wenxin was the sole heir of the third generation of the Han Family. Could Han Ju really intend for Han Wenxin to become a monk? Could it be true?
Tan Yun placed her hands together before her chest, smiled and said, “Isn’t that great? By becoming a monk, you can forget all worries and sorrows. Everything becomes empty.”
An Jing glanced at Tan Yun, who clasped her hands in an adorable manner, then his eyes involuntarily moved to the surging waves at her chest…
Han Wenxin took a deep breath and sighed, “My father says that my cultivation still needs honing, and he wants me to go to Fa Xi Temple to learn Buddhist martial arts.”
Annoyed, An Jing responded, “How is that becoming a monk? Besides, isn’t that a good thing?”
Han Wenxin’s cultivation was at the Sixth Grade, which just barely set him apart from the lesser figures of Jianghu, not considered profound. In the vast Jianghu, he was still on the very edge of danger.
Especially being a constable, a profession that came with high risks where a slight misstep could mean death.
“Ah.”
Han Wenxin looked as gloomy as if he were mourning the death of his parents and said, “Brother An, accompany me to the martial arts academy at Fa Xi Temple. I’m too scared to go alone.”
Han Wenxin could become a constable of Yu State City only because Han Ju had exerted much effort. Otherwise, Han Wenxin wouldn’t have been able to become the head constable with his Seventh Grade cultivation. Han Wenxin might act recklessly in minor matters, but he dared not neglect such significant issues.
“Going to Fa Xi Temple? That’s fine.”
An Jing nodded, “After taking a relic from Fa Zhi, I had promised half of the Concealing Qi Technique to the Universal Benefit Bodhisattva, but I never had the chance to go to Fa Xi Temple.”
This trip to Fa Xi Temple was just the right occasion to deliver the half-roll of the Concealing Qi Technique to the Universal Benefit Bodhisattva.
Being trustworthy is important in life.
“Son-in-law, are you planning to go to Fa Xi Temple?”
Tan Yun asked from the side.
“I’ll accompany Han first to take a look; you go ahead and eat,” An Jing said.
“I’ll be back in the afternoon.”
Tan Yun patted her chest and said, “Got it, son-in-law, don’t worry. I’ll stay home and be good.”
An Jing nodded, then followed Han Wenxin and left the clinic, heading towards Three Temple Mountain.
“Ah!”
Along the way, Han Wenxin kept sighing.
Especially when seeing tall buildings and painted boats, his eyes filled with melancholy, “The carefree days are going away.”
“This could be a good opportunity for you,” An Jing thought to himself. He knew very well that for Buddhism to establish a foothold in Great Yan, the martial arts academy would be crucial. If Han Wenxin could enter the academy, if favored, he might learn profound Buddhist martial arts.
Han Wenxin placed his hands before his chest, looking utterly sincere, and said, “Tell the peach blossoms not to bloom, for I am to be a monk from this day on.”
An Jing: “…..”
Soon, the two arrived at Three Temple Mountain.
At that moment, Three Temple Mountain was bustling with people, including pilgrims ascending the mountain, many young people with aspirations of becoming Jianghu masters, and various Jianghu figures who knew some martial arts and wanted to learn profound Buddhist martial arts.
Just then, a boy around ten years old, rosy-cheeked and with white teeth, walked out from the temple. Both the surrounding monks and the pilgrims looked at him with respect.
He wore a neat monk’s robe and was draped in a red kasaya.
This person was Fa Wu.
“Constable Han! Dr. An.”
Fa Wu recognized Han Wenxin and An Jing immediately. He was particularly impressed with this constable and the doctor.
Especially the doctor, whom his senior brother Fa Zhi highly regarded, but sadly, he was unwilling to enter the monastic life.
An Jing greeted with a smile, “Master Fa Wu, greetings.”
“Are you here to offer incense today?” Fa Wu asked with his hands clasped.
Han Wenxin shook his head and said, “No, I’ve heard that Buddhist martial arts are profound and mysterious, and I am very eager to learn, so I am here to seek a master and learn the art.”
“Seeking a master to learn the art?”
Fa Wu was surprised for a moment, then suddenly realized. That day, this constable had tried to please the woman from the Five Poison Sect and the lame old man, wanting to join the Five Poison Sect to learn martial arts, not out of greed for money.
Such persistence indeed showed a heart dedicated to learning martial arts.
Fa Wu said solemnly, “If Constable Han wishes to join the martial arts academy, we certainly welcome such a steadfast disciple. Fa Xi Temple’s martial arts academy has just been established, and we need disciples like you.”
Such a steadfast disciple?!
Hearing Fa Wu’s words, An Jing asked from the side, “Does your academy select disciples through a test?”
Fa Wu nodded and said, “Buddhist martial arts require the support of profound Buddhist doctrine and are only accessible to those with strong resilience; of course, a test is necessary.”
Buddhist martial arts not only demand excellent root bones but also require high comprehension. Combining these qualities, one could become a top expert in any sect or power, so few choose Buddhist martial arts.
Thus, as the years passed, the Buddhist sect was unknowingly on the decline.
This was also one of the important reasons why the Buddhist sect established a martial arts academy in Great Yan to attract talents.
Han Wenxin, hearing this, hesitated and said, “I don’t know what kind of test it will be?”
“This test is called ‘Heart-Questioning before Buddha.'” Fa Wu paused, then said, “Since I am fated to meet the two of you today, I shall personally examine arrest officer Han. Please, follow me.”
As he spoke, Fa Wu headed towards a distant side hall.
Han Wenxin and An Jing exchanged glances, then followed behind Fa Wu.
Upon entering the side hall, An Jing immediately felt something different. The hall was very spacious, with a resplendent Buddha statue in the center. The expression of the Buddha was solemn, but one glance was enough to send a chilling feeling through one’s heart.
Not far from the Buddha statue, there was a red cushion placed.
Fa Wu pointed towards the cushion and the Buddha statue, “This Buddha here is the Heart-Questioning Buddha, which emphasizes understanding through one’s own heart, and that cushion is the Heart-Questioning Cushion. Sitting cross-legged on that cushion allows one’s mind to reach through, as if being immersed in a fantasy caused by one’s own desires.”
“At the same time, the body will also undergo immense pain, which deepens over time, like walking through hell, from the first layer reaching the eighteenth layer of hell. The longer one perseveres, the more resolute one’s mind becomes.”
“Those who can persist in the Heart-Questioning Cushion for more than the time it takes an incense stick to burn can enter the martial arts academy for study.”
Han Wenxin swallowed and asked, “Hell?”
“That’s right, the pain is not something the average person can endure, especially after three incense sticks.”
Fa Wu said in a deep voice, “Even many elders of our Buddhist sect almost perished under the Heart-Questioning Cushion because they forcefully suppressed their desires. However, arrest officer Han, you only need to persist for the duration of one incense stick.”
“Those who have come to the monastery to apprentice recently managed to persist for the longest time of three incense sticks.”
Hearing this, An Jing thought to himself: Han Wenxin has such strong desires, it might be very difficult for him to last the duration of one incense stick.
“One incense stick?”
Han Wenxin, hearing this, blinked.
Fa Wu said in a low voice, “Arrest officer Han, if you want to enter the martial arts academy, please give it a try. If you can’t persist, you may give up at any time.”
“Alright, then I’ll give it a try,”
Han Wenxin nodded and said, “Let me make it clear first, if I can’t bear it, I will give up at any time. Don’t push me too hard.”
If he didn’t pass the martial arts academy’s assessment, he could go back with an excuse.
“That is natural.”
Fa Wu nodded and said, “Fa Wu naturally will not force anyone too hard.”
Relieved, Han Wenxin walked towards the Heart-Questioning Cushion and casually sat down.
As soon as he sat down, Han Wenxin felt his brain muddle, and his vision blurred.
Several flirty women, flaunting their graceful figures, approached him.
“Hehe, come on.”
“As long as you catch me, you can do whatever you want with me.”
“Brother Xin, I’ve missed you for so long.”
…..
Han Wenxin’s heart raced as he looked at the alluring figures and couldn’t help but swallow.
The next moment, a tremendous pain surged, nearly causing him to pass out.
With a thump!
Han Wenxin’s body became unstable, and he directly knelt down.
The visions before his eyes blurred even more, as if they were about to completely disappear.
“No, don’t!”
Han Wenxin, seeing the enchanting women in front of him, felt as if a burst of strength surged into his heart, and he struggled to stand up.
What is this pain?!
It’s nothing!
Simultaneously, the visions before his eyes became clearer and more enchanting.
Han Wenxin seemed to have completely sunk into it, unable to extricate himself.
Inside the hall.
No sooner had Han Wenxin sat down than his face twisted in pain; however, it seemed he suppressed it soon after, and a licentious smile appeared on his face, his mouth even drooling.
“What is this…..?” An Jing, seeing this scene, turned to Fa Wu.
Isn’t it supposed to be like the eighteen layers of hell, full of pain?
Why does Han Wenxin look like he’s enjoying himself?
Fa Wu was also surprised, then exclaimed, “Arrest officer Han’s desire is too deep-rooted.”
“What does that mean?”
An Jing asked, puzzled.
Fa Wu muttered, “His depth of desire has completely surpassed his pain tolerance; that is to say, he would rather endure this endless pain to indulge in his desires.”
“Very few people are so fixated on desires. In our Buddhist records, such a person is regarded as a person of great desire, belonging to one deeply mired in sin.”
Desire suppressing pain, how immense must that desire be?
An Jing heard this and felt as if he understood and yet did not.
It is commonly said, “A knife hangs over the head at the mention of desire,” and now this knife seemed bent.
Han Ju, impressive!
The test is no longer necessary,” he declared.
Fa Wu sighed and then swept his sleeve.
“Hmm?”
Han Wenxin’s vision blurred momentarily, the beautiful figures before him vanishing instantly. In their place stood a solemn, bowing Buddha statue. “Has the test ended just like that?”
Fa Wu sighed again, “Officer Han, the test has ended. Your karmic obstacles are far too severe; surely, you cannot enter the Martial Arts Academy.”
Though Han Wenxin was of great determination, it seemed he had been born in the wrong place.
Han Wenxin, with an unreconciled expression, said, “Master Fa Wu, could you test me once more?”
If this was a test?
I cannot endure such a test, please test me one more time.”
“Sinful, sinful!” Fa Wu quickly replied with hands clasped, “Officer Han, although you cannot enter the Martial Arts Academy, you can follow this poor monk and study Buddhist Law? Cleanse the sins from your body; would you be willing?”
Han Wenxin looked at Fa Wu standing before him, stunned for a long while, “To study Buddhist Law with you?”
This Fa Wu before him was but ten or so years old, yet he wanted him to learn Buddhist Law?
Was there something wrong with his mind, or my own?
I am of Sixth Grade cultivation.
When An Jing saw this scene, he thought deeply, the Fa Wu before him was of First Grade cultivation, and he was Brother Fa Zhi’s disciple, a disciple of the Universal Benefit Bodhisattva, surely destined for a boundless future.
If Han Wenxin could learn Buddhist Law from him, it truly would be a tremendous opportunity.
It might also refine his character and temper his arrogance.
“Correct,” Fa Wu nodded.
“Never mind, perhaps the martial arts of the Buddhist Sect are not meant for me.” Han Wenxin glanced at the cushion and then sighed, “Brother An, let’s go.”
“Alas.”
Fa Wu sighed, feeling somewhat regretful.
He had wanted to convert that sinner.
“Abbot!”
Just then, a monk walked in slowly and said, “Discipline Brother Jie Yi asked me which scripture we are to discuss today?”
Wait a moment!?
Han Wenxin heard this and was taken aback, then looked at Fa Wu in surprise and said, “You are the abbot of Fa Xi Temple?”
“This poor monk is indeed the new abbot of Fa Xi Temple,” Fa Wu replied with his hands clasped.
“Master, what is your cultivation level?”
“First Grade.”
“Master, please teach me Buddhist Law.”
Han Wenxin dropped to his knees with solemnity and said, “I will surely spread your teachings and continue the spirit of our Buddhist Sect.”
First Grade!
Before him was a First Grade expert!
Han Wenxin felt his heart about to leap from his chest, almost crying out in excitement, today Han Wenxin had finally encountered his moment of fortune.
Finally, someone recognized the unpolished gem that he was.
Watching from the side, An Jing couldn’t help but inwardly remark: Truly shameless.
Fa Wu quickly helped Han Wenxin to his feet, saying, “Officer Han, please rise, teaching Buddhist Law does not require taking a disciple.”
“No, master, you agreed. I will not rise today.”
Han Wenxin’s eyes were filled with earnest sincerity.
Seeing this, Fa Wu hesitated for a moment.
He only felt that Han Wenxin was ‘laden with heavy sins’ and wanted to convert him.
And Han Wenxin’s root bone was merely of average talent; he had already missed the best time for cultivation. Unless he encountered some miraculous fate, reaching the Second Grade Realm would be thanking the heavens already.
“Very well, since you are so sincere, I will take you as my disciple then,” Fa Wu finally sighed and said.
“Master above, please accept your disciple’s first bow,” Han Wenxin said, overwhelmed with emotion, bowing deeply.
First Grade, having a First Grade master, who would I fear in Yu State City?
Han Wenxin thought this, about to burst into tears, Oh heavens, you have finally opened your eyes.
The monk watching this was also stirred, not expecting his Great-Uncle Master to take a disciple today.
Fa Wu no longer stopped Han Wenxin this time. “Since you have taken me as your master, following the Zen Sect’s seniority, it should be the ‘Jie’ generation. Given your deep desires and fondness for beauty, you shall be named Jie Se (Abstain from Color).”
“I also hope that you will take this as a precept and cleanse your sins soon.”
“Jie Se?!” An Jing couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
Han Wenxin was stunned, “Master, how about we change the precept…..”
Abstaining from color is impossible; he could never give up desire in his entire life.
“Silly boy!”
Remembering his master’s tone, Fa Wu said sternly, “Once this Buddhist name is given, it should not be changed casually. Jie Chen, take your brother Jie Se to the Precepts Courtyard for his tonsure.”
“Yes.”
The monk, upon hearing this, glanced at Han Wenxin and quickly said, “Brother Jie Se, please.”
“Tonsure?!”
Han Wenxin was utterly baffled, “Master, there must be some mistake…..”
He just wanted to acknowledge a First Grade master and learn some martial arts, not become a monk.
Fa Wu reached out and touched Han Wenxin’s head, “Since you have entered the Buddhist gate, we must follow the rules of our Buddhist Sect.”
Suddenly, Han Wenxin’s hair began to fall off in patches.
An Jing was shocked by this scene, “Is this really happening?!”
“I…I….”
Watching his hair fall off in patches, Han Wenxin was stunned for a moment, and before he could react, he found himself already at the Precepts Courtyard of Fa Xi Temple.
And all of his hair had fallen out, leaving his head smooth and shiny.
….
Outside the Precepts Courtyard.
“Doctor An, I’ll leave this to you.”
Fa Wu performed a Buddhist salute to An Jing.
“Master, rest assured, I will definitely inform Han… Jie Se’s family.”
An Jing barely held back a laugh, “I won’t disturb the master further. Since I’m here, I might as well go offer incense.”
With that, An Jing walked towards the Grand Hall nearby.
“I’m not called Jie Se!”
Just then, a scream akin to a pig being butchered came from the Precepts Courtyard.
Seeing An Jing’s retreating figure, Fa Wu muttered to himself, “Fa Wu, oh Fa Wu, from today onwards, Jie Se is your disciple, and you must cleanse the sins from him.”
…..
Fa Xi Temple, Grand Hall.
Three grand Buddhas stood dominantly in the center, surrounded by various Arhats, each intricate and lifelike.
The vicinity bustled with pilgrims continuously arriving and departing.
The day before yesterday, the Universal Benefit Bodhisattva had left Fa Xi Temple for the Lotus Temple.
While he had been to Fa Xi Temple several times, this was An Jing’s first visit.
“Universal Benefit, I haven’t broken our agreement.”
An Jing tossed the partial scroll of the Concealing Qi Technique behind the Buddha statue, waiting for a predestined person of the Buddhist Sect to discover it.
Just as An Jing was about to leave, a strand of azure light emerged from the Earth Book.
“Hint: An opportunity of azure color appears above the Buddha statue.”
An Jing’s heart stirred, and he looked up at the Buddha statue.
It had been a while since he last encountered an opportunity of azure color, not since he discovered the Nine Yang Divine Finger.
As a thousand-year-old ancient temple, the Buddha statues inside Fa Xi Temple were also built a millennium ago, and yet, they remained completely intact, perfect in color and lustre.
An Jing gazed at those eyes, then turned towards the Buddha’s brow.
In the next instant, a golden radiance transmitted from within the Buddha, shining into An Jing’s eyes.
“Body Refining Martial Arts?”
An Jing was stunned, and his thoughts fell on the Earth Book.
Cultivation: First Grade
Life Fate: Favorable Star Shining (ascending)
Root Bone: Once in a hundred years
Martial Arts: Sword Drawing Skill, Hidden Sword Skill, Sword Control Technique, Nine-character Sword Technique, Soaring Nine Heavens Body Technique, Daluo Heart Method, Concealing Qi Technique, Hundred-step Flying Sword (Eighth Layer), Nine Yang Divine Finger (Seventh Layer), Brahma Heart Sees Me (First Layer).
Hint One: The host’s Life Fate has not yet taken root (five months left), do not reveal the host’s identity while demonstrating martial arts, or a black opportunity will arise.
…..
An Jing felt somewhat astonished in his heart as he actually obtained a Heavenly Martial level body refining martial art from this Buddhist statue.
He had already tempered into Golden Bone, and if he could cultivate this Heavenly Martial level body refining martial art to Perfection, his physical body would definitely become much stronger.
“This Brahma Heart Sees Me is clearly a Buddhist martial art, but it has a low-profile reputation in Jianghu, unlike the Vajra Immortal Body, which is widely acclaimed. Could it be that this is a lost Buddhist martial art?”
An Jing silently pondered.
Could it be because he contained two Buddhist Relics within his body and, coupled with his once-in-a-century aptitude, that he had an epiphany upon viewing the statue?
Anyway, his visit to Fa Xi Temple today had indeed been very fruitful.
“I didn’t expect that coming to Fa Xi Temple today would bring such an opportunity.”
An Jing couldn’t help but chuckle.
If Brahma Heart Sees Me were coupled with Nine Yang Divine Finger, the two Heavenly Martial level martial arts, when displayed together, would definitely be astonishingly powerful.
…..
Dongluo Pass.
Every day, hundreds of merchant caravans from Zhao Country, Great Yan, and Houjin pass through this Dongluo Pass, heading to various parts of the world.
Outside the Pass, at a stall flying a “Great Wind Wine” banner, several merchants were sharing their grievances and exchanging some useful information.
“Have you heard? The price of brocade has fallen again.”
“At this rate, brocade might not be runnable next year.”
“I heard that the price of ironware has gone up.”
“No, not just ironware, but also the population; a woman aged fifteen to thirty now values three thousand coins, previously it was just over two thousand.”
“I heard the Ma Family in the Northern Border is selling iron ore to Houjin…”
“Really? That’s a beheading offense.”
…..
As merchants who often ran business across two or even three places, they were extremely well-informed about the news of the world and had their unique insights into the global situation.
” Thud! Thud!”
Just then, the ground began to tremble, and the wine on the table swayed.
“What’s happening?”
All present were alarmed and hurriedly looked into the distance.
They saw a cloud of dust in the distance, and as the dust approached, they realized that hundreds of iron cavalry were charging toward Dongluo Pass.
Leading the cavalry, a flag bore the bold and vigorous character “Zhang.”
Though just a few hundred cavalrymen, their momentum was overwhelming, and they came galloping mightily.
“Wow! That is the Xuanwu Sect Leader of the Demon Sect!”
An experienced person exclaimed upon seeing this.
In Dongluo Pass, the Demon Sect was the authority, challenging all.
“I just heard that the Head of the Vermilion Bird Seat also rushed over in a hurry. Could it be that something big happened in the Demon Sect?”
“Maybe, I heard that people from the Demon Sect have already appeared in Great Yan.”
“After cultivating and building strength for decades, is the Demon Sect finally making their move?”
…..
Inside Dongluo Pass, within a grand hall atop Dongluo Tower.
The grand hall was majestic and imposing with white jade floors and eighteen stone columns entwined with dragons standing tall.
At this moment, the hall was packed, men and women in various attire, all kneeling on one knee with utmost reverence.
All present were at the peak of Third Grade and above in cultivation, and even some of those with Third Grade Cultivation were squeezed outside the hall, where countless figures crowded as far as the eye could see.
As for the several people standing at the front of the hall, their cultivation was unfathomable, none below First Grade except the Xuanwu Sect Leader standing by the column.
Atop the hall sat a person.
This person wore light red clothes, stunningly beautiful and unemotionally icy in expression, with a distinctive heroic spirit between their brows.
Surrounded by a unique presence like a stable mountain, none in attendance dared give a second glance.
The many masters present dared not even breathe heavily, their expressions solemn and anxious.
This was none other than Zhao Qingmei, the Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect, who had returned to Dongluo Pass.
“You all have indeed worked hard during this time.”
Zhao Qingmei’s voice contained a hint of indifference.
“The Sect Hierarch jests.”
Duanmu Xinghua said with clasped hands, “Our hardships are nothing compared to the Sect Hierarch’s efforts.”
“What the Holy Master of the Heavenly Sect said is very true,” Yu Qiurong stated gravely. “The Sect Hierarch is the one who has truly endured hardship.”
Jiang Renyi’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, and he suddenly felt an ominous premonition.
From the look in Zhao Qingmei’s eyes when she returned, he felt an indescribable oppression.
“You certainly don’t tire yourselves.”
Zhao Qingmei slowly stood up, her beautiful eyes looking down at Jiang Renyi, and said, “I am speaking of Earth Sect’s Sect Master Jiang.”
Sect Master Jiang!?
In an instant, all eyes turned to Jiang Renyi.
“To brave boiling water and tread on fire for the Demon Sect, to face life and death, is my duty,” Jiang Renyi said solemnly, cupping his fists.
With her hands behind her back, Zhao Qingmei spoke indifferently, “I don’t know how many times Sect Master Jiang has braved boiling water and tread on fire, and faced life and death. Tell us about them, otherwise I, as the Sect Hierarch, won’t even know of your utter loyalty.”
Although Zhao Qingmei’s tone was very calm, everyone present felt a coldness in the depths of their hearts, and the atmosphere in the great hall instantly solidified.
All the people present were top experts of the Demon Sect, none of them ordinary, and they naturally understood the deep meaning of her words.
The return of the Sect Hierarch today, seemed not to be so simple.
Jiang Renyi took a deep breath and said with cupped fists, “Everything I have done was entirely for the sake of the Demon Sect, please, Sect Hierarch, quell your anger.”
Hearing this, Duanmu Xinghua stepped forward and said, “Sect Hierarch, I am aware of what Sect Master Jiang has done, and he has also considered it for the sake of the Demon Sect.”
“Yes, Sect Master Jiang has indeed considered the great cause of our Demon Sect.”
“Please, Sect Hierarch, quell your anger!”
…..
Seeing this, everyone quickly spoke up, pleading for mercy.
“Hmm, Sect Master Duanmu, what you said is not wrong,”
Zhao Qingmei nodded and said, “But I don’t recall asking you.”
Bang!
At these words, the atmosphere in the great hall turned frosty.
Who is the Sect Master of Heavenly Sect?
That is the top expert of the Demon Sect, a high-ranking expert handed down by the previous generation’s Sect Hierarch, who ordinarily receives utmost respect and courtesy, even from the four main seat holders of the Demon Sect as their junior.
Moreover, Zhao Qingmei usually listens to her advice on many matters and holds her in great respect.
But from the tone today, it seems there was significant discontent in the Sect Hierarch’s heart.
The Demon Sect experts who initially wanted to plea, shrank back, not daring to speak anymore.
Seeing this scene, Yu Qiurong’s eyes betrayed a hint of excitement.
“For the sake of the Demon Sect, huh?”
Zhao Qingmei spoke faintly, “Sect Master Jiang, how much more consideration do you have? Or perhaps consider replacing the Sect Hierarch for the sake of the thousand-year enterprise of the Demon Sect?”
“I dare not,” Jiang Renyi also felt the immense pressure and said.
“No, you dare,”
Zhao Qingmei slowly said, “That is what you have been intending in your heart, isn’t it?”
The true superiors do not speak loudly but softly, making others listen quietly.
At this moment, even though Zhao Qingmei was facing Jiang Renyi, everyone else also felt extremely tense inside.
“If you wish to incriminate someone, you will always find an excuse,” Jiang Renyi felt his breathing begin to quicken.
“Since you say so, let it be an incrimination then,”
Zhao Qingmei spoke as if discussing an inconsequential matter, “Sect Master Duanmu, for the crime of plotting rebellion, what should be done?”
Whoosh!
With that statement, the entire great hall fell silent.
Jiang Renyi’s expression changed.
A young man standing in the corner, the chief of the Xuanwu Sect, slightly widened his eyes.
“This crime deserves the ultimate penalty,”
Duanmu Xinghua said with a wry smile, “If the Sect Hierarch truly believes that Sect Master Jiang has committed treason, further evidence is needed, lest it chills the hearts of the loyal.”
There are still many experts within the Demon Platform and Heavenly Sect, some were subordinates of Jiang Shang, and others had worked with Jiang Shang on official matters, while Jiang Renyi was his only offspring; many had ties of kinship. If Jiang Renyi were indeed executed, it would cause much discontent.
Moreover, Jiang Renyi still controlled the vast Earth Sect.
“If that is the case, then remove the position of Earth Sect’s Sect Master and assign him to guard the Dongluo Desert for three years,”
Zhao Qingmei said indifferently.
Hearing this, the hearts of the Demon Sect’s top experts present chilled, removing Jiang Renyi’s position as the Earth Sect’s Sect Master?
“I object!”
Jiang Renyi stood up, staring coldly at Zhao Qingmei and said sternly, “Junior sister, stop playing with your power. By what right does my wholehearted loyalty to the Demon Sect become such a grave sin in your eyes?”
He knew Zhao Qingmei’s return this time was to deal with him.
Since they were already tearing off the façade, let the facade be torn then.
Simultaneously, several top experts of Earth Sect behind Jiang Renyi also stood up.
“What are you doing?”
Duanmu Xinghua saw this cold path.
“What audacity!” Yu Qiurong’s eyes also surged with coldness.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the grand hall became complicated and delicate.
Jiang Renyi saw that Zhao Qingmei did not speak and continued, “Junior Sister, when you ascended to the position of Sect Hierarch, it was I who allowed you to take it, don’t forget that.”
“Today if you take back what you said, I will pretend nothing happened. You will still be the Sect Hierarch, and I will still be the Sect Master of Earth Sect, still loyal to the core.”
As his voice fell, the grand hall went silent.
Duanmu Xinghua wanted to speak but stopped, ultimately remaining silent.
Originally during the Demon Sect’s election for the Hierarch, Zhao Qingmei and Jiang Renyi were both prime candidates. At that time, many experts supported Jiang Renyi since he was Jiang Shang’s only offspring and possessed notable cultivation, expected to carry on Jiang Shang’s legacy.
Although Zhao Qingmei was capable and had good temperament, ultimately she was a woman, and not many favoured her chances.
On the very day the two contested for the position, Jiang Renyi suddenly gave up the struggle and ceded the position of Sect Hierarch to Zhao Qingmei. Everyone was puzzled at the time, and some even secretly speculated that Jiang Renyi admired Zhao Qingmei, hence giving her the position.
This matter stirred up much discussion within the sect, but it was somewhat regrettable for Jiang Shang.
“You say you gave it to me?”
Zhao Qingmei placed her hands behind her back and took a step forward.
“Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!”
The next moment, behind her, the Human Flower, Earth Flower, and Heavenly Flower emerged, radiating mists of qi that dazzled and bewildered onlookers.
These three flowers had already merged, a hallmark of a Half-step Master.
Even though the experts present knew Zhao Qingmei was highly skilled, seeing these three flowers merge still drastically changed their expressions.
A nineteen-year-old Half-step Master, hadn’t this been rare in thousands of years of history?
Even Xiao Qianqiu had only reached the Half-step Master level at twenty-four, and the Grandmaster Realm at thirty-five, already considered peerlessly brilliant.
But the next moment, the originally merged three flowers began to move upwards.
“What is this?”
Duanmu Xinghua, seeing this, her face drastically changed.
No one understood better than she what this signified.
At the same time, experts from the Heavenly Sect hidden in corners and a few experts from the Sealing Demon Platform were also intensely shaken and bewildered.
The entire grand hall, for a time, felt as if an immense pressure was bearing down, reaching the climax of tension.
“What’s going on?”
“Such a terrifying pressure.”
…..
One after another, the experts of the Demon Sect felt a chill down their spines as if a mountain was tumbling down on them.
Boom! Boom!
Within a few hundred miles of the Dongluo Tower, a formidable and mysterious pressure enveloped the area, and then the atmosphere continually soared to a climax, like an erupting volcano, suddenly bursting forth.
“A Grandmaster!?”
“The might of a Grandmaster! The Demon Sect has a newly promoted Grandmaster!”
“Heavens! Such terrifying pressure!”
“Is this the head of the Azure Dragon Sect or the White Tiger Sect?”
…..
The ferocious pressure descended, sweeping across from the entire Dongluo Tower.
In an instant, everyone in the Dongluo Pass looked in the direction of the Dongluo Tower, their eyes filled with unparalleled shock.
Meanwhile, inside the grand hall of Dongluo Tower.
An utter silence, not a single sound, only the spreading, ceaseless qi.
Zhao Qingmei looked indifferent, as behind her the Human Flower, Earth Flower, and Heavenly Flower continuously rose, then all converged directly above her, shining brightly.
The next moment, a sun-like golden light burst forth from her body.
If An Jing were here at this moment, he would certainly be inwardly shocked, as this brilliant gold was more than fifty percent richer than even his Golden Bone.
Three Flowers Gathering at the Top! Golden Bone Perfection!
Zhao Qingmei stepped into the Grandmaster Realm!
At this time, the entire grand hall was eerily silent, so much so that the drop of a needle could have been heard.
After an unknown amount of time, an Earth Sect expert finally opened his mouth, murmuring, “Grandmaster?”
“The Sect Hierarch truly is a once-in-an-era prodigy!”
“With such a Hierarch, why would our Demon Sect not flourish!?”
All those present felt a hint of disbelief, and their faces flushed with excitement.
Grandmaster!
The Sect Hierarch had actually stepped into the Grandmaster Realm in one move!
What does this signify?
It signifies that she had already possessed the strength to enter the realm of Grandmaster, just like Lin Yiyang of the Yu Heng Sword Sect. However, Lin Yiyang is already forty-one years old this year, while Zhao Qingmei is barely more than half his age.
A nineteen-year-old Grandmaster, this is almost nonexistent in historical records.
This makes her younger and even more terrifying than Xiao Qianqiu, the current number one figure in the Great Yan Martial World, Qi Wushuang of Zhao Country, and that eternal Holy Master from Houjin.
As long as she doesn’t die, her progression to the Great Grandmaster is almost guaranteed in the foreseeable future.
Duanmu Xinghua thought of this, and her breathing became erratic, including the Demon Sect experts hidden in the dark, who showed inexplicable excitement in their eyes.
If a Great Grandmaster were to emerge from the Demon Sect today when no such masters exist, the Demon Sect would undoubtedly regain its past glory and even surpass it.
Seeing this, Yu Qiurong felt even more overwhelmed as though it wasn’t Zhao Qingmei who had stepped into the Grandmaster Realm, but herself.
Jiang Renyi, looking at the Three Flowers above in the sky, wore a stupefied expression and after a long time, he bitterly smiled and said, “Indeed.”
He suddenly felt some regret. If he had challenged Zhao Qingmei initially, there might have been a slim chance. Now that he had let her grow, he didn’t even qualify to subdue her, let alone oppose her.
If he had known, his age and qualifications were considered rare at that time.
But in comparison to Zhao Qingmei, they were as different as heaven and earth.
“The Sealing Demon Well, it’s the Sealing Demon Well, what exactly did you obtain there?” Jiang Renyi couldn’t help but ask.
Ever since he visited the Sealing Demon Well once, he couldn’t fathom Zhao Qingmei’s strength. Zhao Qingmei must have gained tremendous fortune beneath that Sealing Demon Well.
Zhao Qingmei looked towards Duanmu Xinghua and said, “Sect Master Duanmu, it’s up to you to execute it.”
“Sect Hierarch, please reconsider, if you insist though….”
Duanmu Xinghua saw the look in Zhao Qingmei’s eyes and stopped talking immediately.
“Ding!”
Jiang Renyi directly threw the token symbolizing the leadership of the Earth Sect, kneeling on one knee and said, “Jiang has nothing else to say, today I admit defeat, and will return to serve the Demon Sect after three years!”
“Proceed.”
With that, Duanmu Xinghua turned to two experts of the Azure Dragon Sect beside her.
The Azure Dragon Sect is in charge of the Demon Sect’s penal laws, and the head of the Azure Dragon Seat is currently in seclusion, trying to break through their limits.
“Yes!”
The two heads of the Azure Dragon Sector approached Jiang Renyi and said, “Sect Master Jiang, no offense.”
Jiang Renyi showed no expression on his face and walked slowly towards the outside of the Great Hall. Suddenly, he paused, as if he wanted to say something but stopped, ultimately deciding not to speak.
“The subordinate of the Sect Hierarch admits guilt!”
At this moment, several experts from the Earth Sect knelt down, each showing a hint of fear in their expression.
“According to the sect rules, for disrespecting the Sect Hierarch, how should it be dealt with?” Zhao Qingmei asked indifferently.
“According to the rules, they should be executed!” Yu Qiurong licked her lips and said.
“Sect Hierarch…..”
The hearts of several Earth Sect experts clenched.
“Execute them according to the sect rules!”
Zhao Qingmei waved her hand, “As the head of the Azure Dragon Seat is absent, the head of the Vermilion Bird Seat will carry out the execution.”
“Yes.”
Upon hearing this, Yu Qiurong coldly looked at the Earth Sect experts present.
“Sect Hierarch, spare us!”
“Sect Hierarch, spare us!”
…..
Several Demon Sect Earth Sect experts were immediately taken away, offering no resistance whatsoever.
They knew that not resisting meant death, but resisting would be even worse than death.
Seeing this scene, everyone present felt a residual fear.
“Congratulations, Sect Hierarch, on stepping into the Grandmaster level!” Duanmu Xinghua said.
“Congratulations, Sect Hierarch, on stepping into the Grandmaster level!”
People soon came to their senses and paid their respects to Zhao Qingmei.
Just then, Duanmu Xinghua halted everyone and said, “Today’s matter is absolutely confidential. Anyone who dares to spread it will be killed without mercy.”
Although this news would inevitably spread sooner or later, the later it spread, the better it would be for Zhao Qingmei and more advantageous for the Demon Sect.
“Yes!”
The people present hurriedly responded.
“Alright, if there’s nothing else, all of you may leave now. The heads of the Vermilion Bird Seat, the Xuanwu Seat, and the Sect Master of the Heavenly Sect remain.”
Zhao Qingmei waved her hand and said faintly.