My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 164: Chapter 164 Masters Gather Above Abyss Lake (10,000-Character Update, Please Subscribe)

“Who are you really!?”

Zhao Qingmei stared at the strange person, her mind racing with thoughts.

“The two people who came in before both asked me that, you’re the third,”

the bizarre old woman said indifferently, giving Zhao Qingmei a glance.

“You are not from our Demon Sect?”

Zhao Qingmei, hearing the tone of the statement, asked with some confusion.

Only then did she notice beside the old woman there were several thick iron chains, exceedingly black and barely visible unless carefully observed.

Besides that, there were two corpses painted white, shocking to the sight.

“Me?”

Her messy hair revealed two blood-colored eyeballs as if she were smiling, “You seeing me as a person from the Demon Sect is not a problem, but I am rather curious about what status you hold in the Demon Sect.”

Zhao Qingmei, looking at the old woman, felt increasingly that something was odd.

In the deepest part of the Sealing Demon Well, there was no food; how had she survived, and from her tone, it seemed she had lived a very long time. Moreover, her cultivation was unfathomably deep.

Who was she really?

Thinking this, Zhao Qingmei could not help but tighten her grip on the Mandarin Duck Twin Blades in her hand and said softly, “I am Zhao Qingmei, the thirty-fourth Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect.”

The old woman, hearing this, showed a startled expression, “Oh? You are the Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect?”

Clearly, she hadn’t expected such a young woman to be the current Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect, but seeing her cultivation had already reached the Grandmaster Realm, becoming the Sect Hierarch seemed not too far-fetched.

Zhao Qingmei nodded slightly, “Correct.”

“The thirty-fourth generation, that means more than a thousand years have passed; since you want to know my identity, I see no harm in telling you,”

the old woman said slowly, her blood-red and deep eyes voicing a hoarse word at a time, “I am Nan Weiping, the wife of the seventh-generation Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect.”

Zhao Qingmei’s eyebrows shot up, she exclaimed, “What!?”

The seventh-generation Sect Hierarch!?

It had been over a thousand years; how could someone possibly live until now!?

To know that even a Great Grandmaster could only increase their life span by three hundred years, reaching the age limit of four hundred years, and yet this old woman was a bizarre creature who had lived for over a thousand years.

“Haven’t you noticed something strange about this place?”

Nan Weiping spoke in a flat tone, devoid of any emotion.

Zhao Qingmei, sensing her surroundings, had indeed felt an anomaly when she first entered, as if an immense pressure was approaching, even causing the True Qi in her body to start solidifying, she couldn’t help but ask, “What exactly is this place?”

Nan Weiping smiled, “This is the greatest secret of the Sealing Demon Well. In this stone cave, there is no trace of nature’s spiritual energy, only an immense pressure that, however, can slow down the flow of time.”

Zhao Qingmei was startled upon hearing this, “Slowing down the flow of time?”

She had not expected such a miraculous place to exist in this world; it was simply unimaginable.

Nan Weiping said, “Correct, three hundred years outside is only a hundred years here, and this place is called the Myriad Forms Realm by the Demon Sect, having always been a place for the Sect Hierarchs to retreat.”

Zhao Qingmei’s expression grew tense. There was no record of this Myriad Forms Realm in the ancient texts of the Demon Sect; could it have been destroyed?

Based on the passage of time, this old woman must have also lived nearly four hundred years. Could she be a Great Grandmaster!?

Wait!

Zhao Qingmei suddenly seized a critical piece of information and hastily asked, “You said this place is where the Sect Hierarchs of the Demon Sect retreat, so there must be a way out?”

“Out?”

Nan Weiping looked at Zhao Qingmei, “Leaving is indeed possible, but why should I tell you?”

Zhao Qingmei glanced at the iron chains on Nan Weiping’s body and smiled, “Senior, I think you must also wish to leave, how about we cooperate?”

“Hahahaha!”

Nan Weiping burst out laughing upon hearing this, “The two people who came in said the same, do you know what these iron chains on me are made of? They are made of Nine Heavens Profound Iron, even the sharpest sword in the world could not break through it. Do you have a way?”

“Aren’t you very curious about how I have survived? The cultivation of a Great Grandmaster, to say it touches heaven and earth is somewhat exaggerated, but it’s already the state of a Demi Immortal, as long as there is the nourishment of Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence, one can live without grains. You say there is no nature’s spiritual energy here, where did I get it from?”

Zhao Qingmei’s eyebrows slightly knitted as she looked towards the two corpses beside her.

When highly skilled practitioners of the Grandmaster Realm die, their bodies produce Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence. Evidently, Nan Weiping had killed several masters from the Demon Sect who entered here and absorbed their Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence, thus barely managing to survive.

“Senior, I have plenty of food,”

Zhao Qingmei’s eyes narrowed slightly, “As long as you tell me how to leave this place, I will arrange for food to be continuously sent here in the future and will also think of a way to rescue you.”

Nan Weiping’s eyes, blood-red, stared coldly at Zhao Qingmei and said, “I don’t trust you, nor am I willing to be influenced by people from the Demon Sect. Isn’t it better for me to kill you and absorb the Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence within you?”

Zhao Qingmei said softly, “The True Qi in your body diminishes with each use, and with no one entering this place for so many years, your True Qi must already be exhausted, even your cultivation is likely regressing, right?”

From Nan Weiping’s actions and words just now, Zhao Qingmei faintly sensed something unusual.

Nan Weiping might truly be a Great Grandmaster, but having been imprisoned here for thousands of years in a place devoid of nature’s spiritual energy, she had survived by absorbing the spiritual essence of the two people before her.

Since then, the Demon Sect hadn’t known how many years it had been since any master had entered this Sealing Demon Well. Moreover, with Nan Weiping’s end approaching, her cultivation could surely not remain at the Great Grandmaster Realm.

Furthermore, Nan Weiping had spoken so much to her. If she really wanted to attack her, she would have done so already.

“You little girl, not very old, but sly as can be.”

Nan Weiping looked deeply at Zhao Qingmei and then said in a grave voice, “First, give me the food in your hands.”

Just as Zhao Qingmei had thought, Nan Weiping was indeed running out of oil and about to burn out. Not to mention surviving, her cultivation was rapidly declining.

In the past hundreds of years, only three Demon Sect masters had ventured into the deepest part of this Sealing Demon Well. One of them, the eighth-generation Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect, had fought a fierce battle with her and escaped the cave, only to die from serious injuries far from the cave, unable to absorb the Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence within that Hierarch.

Originally, Zhao Qingmei had acquired the Heavenly Flipping Seal and the Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture, along with the Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence of the eighth-generation Sect Hierarch.

The other two were lured into the cave by Nan Weiping and were killed, transformed into Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence to sustain her life.

But for the past three hundred years, no one else had entered deep into the Sealing Demon Well.

The Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence within Nan Weiping was nearly depleted, her cultivation was rapidly declining, and with her end approaching due to various reasons, seeing Zhao Qingmei now seemed like spotting a lifesaving straw.

If she couldn’t escape this place, her life span might be exhausted.

“Okay.”

Zhao Qingmei threw the dry provisions she had in her arms to Nan Weiping.

Nan Weiping grabbed the dry food and frantically stuffed it into her mouth, like a famished refugee.

Seeing this, Zhao Qingmei also threw her a water skin.

Nan Weiping stuffed a few huge mouthfuls, felt her throat was a bit dry, and quickly chugged the water.

For some reason, she suddenly paused.

She recalled the days of lavish splendor and could never have imagined that one day, she would be imprisoned in a dungeon, where eating dry food could seem like the happiest thing in the world.

“Hahahahahaha.”

Thinking of this, Nan Weiping couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

Zhao Qingmei watched from the side, silent.

Who had imprisoned Nan Weiping, and why she was imprisoned, seemed to be a secret.

Anyway, Zhao Qingmei knew she needed to be extremely cautious with the person in front of her.

“Is there any more left?”

After wolfing down two pieces of dry food, Nan Weiping looked towards Zhao Qingmei.

Zhao Qingmei casually said, “That’s all. If you want more, I’ll have someone send some pastries and roast chicken tonight.”

To her, there was no difference in the food that filled the stomach, so she preferred to eat this simple, easily stored dry food.

“Good.”

Nan Weiping’s eyes flashed a gleam of light upon hearing this.

Zhao Qingmei asked, “Senior, can you now tell me how to get out of here?”

“Just for some food, you want to know the way out?”

Nan Weiping shook her head, “If you can break the Nine Heavens Profound Iron on my body, I will tell you.”

“Is the senior perhaps coercing the vulnerable?”

Zhao Qingmei said with an expressionless face.

Not to mention she couldn’t break the Nine Heavens Profound Iron, even if she actually could, she wouldn’t do such a thing to release such a strange old creature.

She was currently lacking Spiritual Essence and her cultivation was declining, but once out of this cave, who knew how much trouble could arise should her strength recover?

“Who knows if you’ll just slip away after I tell you, and then ignore me?”

Nan Weiping glanced at Zhao Qingmei with her blood-red eyes, “You figure it out slowly. I have waited this long; I don’t mind waiting a little longer.”

“Worst case, you can stay here and keep this old body company until my end.”

Nan Weiping’s tone was somewhat cold; she had made up her mind that unless Zhao Qingmei broke her Nine Heavens Profound Iron, she would definitely not tell her the way out.

Zhao Qingmei would likely not just stand by and watch her die.

Zhao Qingmei’s brows furrowed tightly. She did not want to stay in this cursed place with this old weirdo for a lifetime.

“Then senior, wait for my news.”

After Zhao Qingmei finished speaking, she walked towards the outside of the cave with the puppet, intending to ask Yu Qiurong to gather some ancient texts on Nine Heavens Profound Iron and, at the same time, have the Poison King (from Chapter 51) concoct some colorless and odorless poison to add to the food.

“Don’t forget, both the roast chicken and pastry, not one less.”

Nan Weiping shouted at Zhao Qingmei’s retreating figure, “You better not be scheming.”

……

The night was silent, outside the Sealing Demon Well.

Ever since Zhao Qingmei had fallen into the Sealing Demon Well, she had been waiting outside, and upon hearing that Zhao Qingmei was still alive, she spent most of her days searching for ancient texts about the Sealing Demon Well within the sect, hoping to find a way to rescue Zhao Qingmei.

Today, as usual, she stood at the mouth of the Sealing Demon Well.

Looking at the deep, boundlessly dark mouth of the well, her face was filled with bitterness.

The ancient texts of the Demon Sect also contained very few records about the Sealing Demon Well, only scattered bits and pieces.

“Sect Hierarch, rest assured, I will find a way,” Yu Qiurong said firmly to herself, her fists clenched.

“Swoosh, swoosh!”

Just then, a figure burst out from the Sealing Demon Well.

It was a wooden man.

The wooden man was also clutching a white strip of paper in his hand.

“Message from the Sect Hierarch?”

Yu Qiurong quickly attracted the white strip from the wooden man’s hand with a palm suction, skimmed the message on it, “Roast chicken, pastries, and the Poison King? What does she want from the Poison King with the unparalleled poison pill?”

Even though Yu Qiurong was somewhat puzzled, she hurried toward Dongluo Pass.

…..

Two days later, in Yujing City, Yonghe Palace.

Glimmering mandarin duck tiles, vermilion-painted large windows, red columns standing firm, carved beams and painted rafters.

The handsome Zhao Mengtai sat at the head of the table, looking at a painting album in front of him.

Below him, Yue Tingchen stood obediently at the bottom, along with a middle-aged man in a black robe.

This was not just anyone; it was Mo Yan, a tributor from the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.

“Second Prince, many experts have rushed to Abyss Lake. Except for the left Valley Master of Youfeng Valley, each of the seven factions has sent experts, including many reclusive experts, even Grandmasters have appeared,” Mo Yan said, saluting with clasped hands.

“The Crown Prince also set out the day before yesterday. Judging by the time, he should have already reached Abyss Lake.”

“My older brother certainly likes to join in the fun,” Zhao Mengtai chuckled lightly, then raised his head, “Let him look more, after all, these spectacles might be one less each time he sees one.”

Zhao Mengtai spoke very calmly, his bright eyes still twinkling with a smile.

However, sweat streamed down Yue Tingchen’s forehead beside him, his heart tense to the extreme.

“By the way, what about old man Liu?” Zhao Mengtai suddenly asked.

Hearing Zhao Mengtai’s words, Mo Yan couldn’t help but recall the old man, shivered with cold, and said softly, “He also went to Abyss Lake, saying he wanted to see Lou Xiangzhen’s Sword Dao.”

Zhao Mengtai’s brows slightly raised, “I see.”

Clearly, he was quite displeased with the man for going to Abyss Lake on his own, but even so, Zhao Mengtai had to treat him with the respect owed to an ancestor.

“Your Highness, the Second Prince is discussing important matters inside the palace,” someone said.

“Make way, I want to see my second brother.”

Just then, a voice came from outside the door.

“You may step back,” Zhao Mengtai glanced at Mo Yan.

As a member of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, it was not suitable for Mo Yan to reveal his whereabouts.

Mo Yan nodded and, with a flash of his body, instantly disappeared from the palace.

“Second brother, second brother!”

Just then, a delicately beautiful figure hurried in.

The lady was dressed in pink, covered by a gauzy robe, a butterfly hairpin in her hair, a strand of black hair hung in front of her chest, lightly made up, her cheeks faintly blushing, creating a tender and adorable look, like a butterfly fluttering in the wind.

It was Princess An Le, Zhao Xuening.

“Greetings, Princess An Le,” Yue Tingchen quickly bowed as he saw the newcomer.

“Xuening, what is it now?”

Zhao Mengtai couldn’t help but ask, “Did you upset your mother again? Have you come here to hide?”

“Not at all.”

Zhao Xuening scrunched up her nose and said, “It was Mother who upset me. I am unhappy.”

“What exactly happened?” Zhao Mengtai asked with a smile, shaking his head.

Zhao Xuening said indignantly, “Mother is pressuring me to marry again. I don’t want to. She said she would choose from among this year’s successful candidates. Mother just likes scholars. I really don’t see what’s so good about scholars; they’re all a bunch of bookish nerds, silly and goofy.”

Yue Tingchen showed a trace of amusement. Originally, Zuo Linglong was fond of the top scholar from Lv Sect, Li Fuzhou… It was normal for the Empress to adore scholars.

Zhao Mengtai glanced at Zhao Xuening and slowly said, “You’re not that young anymore. It’s time you considered marriage.”

Zhao Xuening was also eighteen this year, not that young anymore.

“Even you say that, Second Brother.”

Zhao Xuening raised her eyebrows, biting her lip, “Anyway, if I haven’t met someone I like, I just won’t marry. No one can force me.”

Zhao Mengtai grew serious, “Of course, if you don’t like him, why marry him? Life is only a one-time journey, and you’re a princess of Great Yan. Why should you have to put up with this?”

Zhao Xuening looked hesitant, “But, I heard that the Houjin have an envoy set to enter the capital soon, apparently with a marriage proposal.”

Yue Tingchen realized why the Empress was so anxious for Princess An Le to marry off so quickly.

Last year, the Houjin had sent an envoy proposing a marital alliance, but the matter had been delayed. This year, there were rumors that the Houjin envoy would come again.

The Empress was worried.

The marital partner proposed by the Houjin was said to be none other than the Empress’s daughter, Princess An Le.

Now, if the Houjin was a fierce tiger, then Zhao Country was a hungry wolf.

If Great Yan found itself between a tiger and a wolf, it could be a disaster.

If the Human Emperor and the court considered the overall situation, they might really agree to this marriage with Houjin.

“Don’t worry, with your Second Brother here, I won’t let you be wronged,” Zhao Mengtai said with a laugh.

“You’re the best, Second Brother.”

Hearing Zhao Mengtai’s words, Zhao Xuening immediately smiled, “Second Brother, Second Brother, I want to go to South Lake to see the giant turtle. Let’s go see it together.”

South Lake was a man-made lake constructed in the Great Yan Palace, inhabited by many rare and exotic aquatic beasts, including a giant turtle as big as a small mountain, which had already become sentient.

Zhao Mengtai nodded right away, affectionately tousled Zhao Xuening’s hair, and said, “Okay, it’s been a while since I last visited.”

“Yay!”

Excited, Zhao Xuening danced with joy upon hearing this.

It had been a long time since she had spent such long time with her Second Brother since the year before last.

Seeing Zhao Xuening like this, Zhao Mengtai’s smile grew even deeper.

Watching this scene, Yue Tingchen felt a mix of melancholy and emotion. It was hard to associate this scene with the ruthless, unscrupulous Zhao Mengtai he knew.

Which one was the real Zhao Mengtai?

…….

Beihuang Dao, Abyss Lake.

Abyss Lake is the largest lake in Beihuang Dao. The lake water is very blue, pure blue, deep blue, and also gently tranquil. The lake surface, like blue satin, quietly rippled.

Since the incident at Five Poison Mountain, numerous martial arts experts from all over Jianghu rushed to Abyss Lake.

This event, which shocked the entire martial world of Jianghu, could only be compared to the battle between Sect Leader Ye Ding of Zhenyi Sect and Jiang Shang.

Both battles were about claiming the title of the first in the Great Yan Martial World, and both involved the Zhenyi Sect Leader, showcasing the sect’s prestige.

The fleeting title of The World’s First Sword, the enduring title of Zhenyi Sect Leader.

Unprecedentedly lively, unprecedentedly prosperous.

The waters of Abyss Lake, vast and misty, now in the prime of spring, teemed with decorated boats and black canopy boats.

“Final bets, final bets, one silver to start betting,” called a plump young man, looking like a mountain of flesh, from under a boat canopy.

This person was Qiu Lun.

“I bet twenty silvers on Sect Leader Xiao.”

“Fifty silvers on Sect Leader Xiao.”

“Ten silvers on the elder of Ghost Valley Sword Immortal Tower.”

…..

The crowd around them all took out their silver, starting to place their bets.

Most people placed their bets on Xiao Qianqiu.

After all, the reputation of both Zhenyi Sect and Xiao Qianqiu had been deeply ingrained in their hearts for many years.

“Come, come, come, give me the silver.”

The woman nearby, with a figure like a water barrel, chuckled as she took the silver and began recording it.

Many Jianghu people, seeing this, twitched at the corners of their mouths.

These two indeed seemed like a match made in heaven, each being memorable at just one glance.

Qiu Lun looked at Fang Jinxiu’s stack of silver notes and a full basket of silver, his mouth curving into a smile and he couldn’t help thinking to himself: “My sister Fang really brings prosperity to her husband. It seems that it’s time for my fortune, Qiu Lun, to turn.”

Yet, this scene was just the tip of the iceberg of the bustling scene at Abyss Lake.

The originally tranquil and silent place suddenly became extremely lively.

Even when night fell, it was as bright as day with all the lights.

Everyone was waiting, waiting for tomorrow’s battle.

In the middle of Abyss Lake, there was an inconspicuous black canopy boat.

At this time, inside the boat, a Daoist was sitting cross-legged.

This Daoist seemed to have drifted in with the gentle breeze, out of sync with the worldly hustle, his eyes phoenix-shaped and brows sparse, his demeanor ethereal.

Sect Leader of Zhenyi Sect, Xiao Qianqiu.

At this moment, a figure landed on the black canopy boat; it was Ling Yuanjing.

“Brother, Lou Xiangzhen and that Ghost Swordsman are no longer around,” Ling Yuanjing said.

“No need to check further. If Lou Xiangzhen said he will come, he definitely will. Swordsmen prefer to take the straightforward path rather than seek crooked ways,”

Xiao Qianqiu said indifferently.

“Yes.”

Ling Yuanjing nodded his head, then cautiously said, “I heard that the Human Emperor has sent you a letter.”

Xiao Qianqiu opened his eyes and calmly said, “The letter is within Zhenyi Sect. I have received it, but I have not looked at it.”

Some letters, without reading, you already know their meaning, even those coming from high above in the temples.

Ling Yuanjing hesitated for a moment then said, “I understand. Brother, also remember to be careful, Lou Xiangzhen has reached Three Qi, and his Sword Dao cultivation might soon reach the Sixth Realm. His strength should not be underestimated.”

Lou Xiangzhen’s strength was indeed formidable; among the six Sword Immortals, his current strength was definitely the strongest.

Xiao Qianqiu said nothing, but instead looked at the deep lake in the distance, “A person’s destiny is like a ladle; it turns when stirred, but remains still and ripple-free when not disturbed.”

Ling Yuanjing nodded and remained silent.

Xiao Qianqiu, whether in terms of Martial Arts or his state of mind, was an exceptionally outstanding figure in the current Zhenyi Sect.

Since he had descended the mountain, he definitely had full confidence in his victory.

The title of Great Yan Martial World’s Number One was also a kind of force, a force nurtured in the heart.

This force was similar to the Sword Drawing Skill of the Unity Sword Technique.

With a great momentum within, it becomes an invisible pressure; compared to the despised Lou Xiangzhen, Xiao Qianqiu held a significant advantage.

If one were to say there were several puppetmasters in current Great Yan, then Xiao Qianqiu was definitely among them.

“If that is the case, then I won’t disturb Brother any further.”

Ling Yuanjing bowed slightly, then his figure vanished into the boat.

Long after, Xiao Qianqiu murmured to himself, “The heart cannot hold the whole world, but the Dao can. With the Dao in the heart, one can engulf all things under the heavens,”

After speaking, his eyes closed once again.

His heart was as deep as an abyss, without the slightest ripple or wrinkle.

The waning moon hung high, the black canopy boat silent and motionless, floating with the wind in the night.

……

The night turned as dark as ink.

Outside Abyss Lake, several miles away within a peach blossom forest.

The Black Flood Dragon lay still on the ground, motionless.

An Jing leaned against a tree branch, still reflecting on the memories of Yu State City in his mind.

With the revelation of Li Fuzhou and Tan Yun’s identities, coupled with the Heavenly Flipping Seal in their possession, he grew increasingly certain that Zhao Qingmei’s identity was not simple.

Li Fuzhou treated her with utmost respect, and he even possessed the Demon Sect’s treasured artifact, which could only mean one thing.

She must be the daughter of a high-ranking member of the Demon Sect.

But An Jing grew even more puzzled; why would such a person marry him?

“Kid, what are you frowning about?”

Lou Xiangzhen was glowing with a ruddy complexion and asked with a smile.

An Jing took a deep breath, “I am thinking about my wife, wondering about her true identity.”

“It seems you still don’t know her well enough.”

Lou Xiangzhen shook his head.

“Know her…?”

An Jing’s brow furrowed slightly.

Lou Xiangzhen shifted the Wine Gourd in his hand and asked, “Actually, the question is rather simple. True, she has hidden her identity from you, but let me ask you something—has she ever been false in her feelings toward you?”

An Jing reflected on the past and shook his head, “No.”

When someone loves or doesn’t love you, you can truly sense it through their tone of voice, their expressions, and their actions.

As the saying goes, just as one drinking the water knows best whether it is cold or warm.

Lou Xiangzhen chuckled and said, “There you have it, since her feelings are genuine, why bother with anything else? Maybe she, like you, has her own reasons.”

Hearing this, An Jing felt somewhat enlightened; why concern himself with these matters?

After all, what people seek from each other is nothing more than genuine feelings.

Whether his wife belonged to the Demon Sect or not, what did it matter?

An Jing sighed deeply, “The elder is right, it’s just that I don’t really want to join the Demon Sect…”

He had originally been just a doctor in Yu State City, an ordinary citizen who had lived in Great Yan for ten years, but now he had suddenly become remnants of the Demon Sect, soon to be besieged by the Great Yan Xuanyi Guard—naturally, he felt some resistance.

“The Demon Sect isn’t exactly commendable; I heard that the old man, Jiang Shang, has returned to the Demon Sect.”

Lou Xiangzhen’s brow twitched slightly, “This man is ruthless, cruel, and power-hungry. Whether you enter the Demon Sect or not in the future, you must be wary of him.”

“I understand.”

An Jing nodded.

He was certainly aware of Jiang Shang, the previous Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect, a notorious figure who had contended equally with Ye Ding, the Sect Leader of the Zhenyi Sect.

“Let’s not talk about me anymore.”

An Jing waved his hand and looked at Lou Xiangzhen, “About tomorrow’s battle, how confident are you?”

Tomorrow was the day for Lou Xiangzhen’s duel.

Lou Xiangzhen leaned against a tree, casually saying, “Completely confident.”

“Completely confident!?”

An Jing raised his eyebrows slightly, “Old Lou, you’re bragging! If it’s nine out of ten, just say nine.”

After all, Lou Xiangzhen’s opponent was no ordinary person, but Xiao Qianqiu, the top figure in the Great Yan Martial World, a person whose existence had worn An Jing’s ears thin.

Lou Xiangzhen glanced at An Jing, and after taking a swig, he said, “The moment I draw my sword, it’s certain.”

A swordsman must trust in his own sword alone.

An Jing’s eyes twinkled, “In my opinion, why bother with a fair duel? Let’s just gang up on him. With Black Flood Dragon possessing the Grandmaster’s cultivation, and you alongside, Xiao Qianqiu might not be a match for us. If we get the ‘Jade Emperor Scripture,’ let’s cultivate it together as brothers.”

Lou Xiangzhen paused in his actions, “What? Don’t you trust me?”

“It’s not that I don’t trust you.”

An Jing waved his hand and said, “If you defeat Xiao Qianqiu, you’ll hold the ‘Beidou Seven Stars Technique’ and ‘Ghost Valley Heart Method’. You’re just one ‘Daluo Heart Method’ from becoming the Mystical Sect Daoist Master. If you became the Daoist Master, wouldn’t I have to address you as Sect Leader? We are close friends; mixing in other ties just muddles things.”

Upon hearing this, Lou Xiangzhen blinked and laughed, “Then you can consider me your grandfather, and I’ll hand over the position of Sect Master to you.”

“Cut the crap!”

Upon hearing this, An Jing abruptly changed his tone, “Old geezer, and now you want me to acknowledge you as my grandfather.”

Lou Xiangzhen also grew furious, “Who are you calling an old geezer?”

To call me an old geezer was one thing, but to always add ‘old’ was another.

Under the moonlight, the two men faced off, neither willing to back down.

“Never mind, Grandpa Lou, I won’t take it to heart,” Lou Xiangzhen huffed after a long moment.

An Jing also sat down, saying, “Elder Lou, if you were to win, wouldn’t you become the world’s first swordsman then?”

“Ha… It’s all but an empty title,” Lou Xiangzhen said, embracing his beloved wine gourd.

An Jing slowly said, “An empty title, you’ve pursued it all your life, haven’t you?”

Hearing this, Lou Xiangzhen felt a profound sense of loss in his heart.

Yes, hadn’t he spent his whole life chasing the empty title of the world’s first swordsman?

To say it was an empty title, he cared about it more than anyone else.

He had even given up on that once true love.

“I, Lou Xiangzhen, have practiced swordsmanship all my life and never regretted it,” Lou Xiangzhen’s eyes grew deep, “Throughout history, how many have fought bloody battles for this empty title? Killing each other just to be the first under heaven? It’s just as they say, a true man in this world should wield a three-foot blade and establish an unmatched reputation.”

An Jing also had a realization, “Indeed.”

A true man in this world should wield a three-foot blade and establish an unmatched reputation.

Lou Xiangzhen continued, “Once the breath in one’s heart is lost, it turns to a flickering light, extinguished by the wind, and even the body finally becomes ash. How many in this world are not unable, but rather do not want to? They prefer to be like a flickering light, waiting for the fierce wind to snuff them out, rather than becoming a star that swallows mountains and rivers and illuminates the world.”

“To die is simply to have a sword swipe across one’s neck, but to live, one must step on the bones of others, treading upon them on their own path of thorns. When you look back at the mountain of corpses and sea of blood, your hands will surely be stained with bright red blood, and a murderous aura lingers between your brows that you can’t disperse,” Lou Xiangzhen mused.

An Jing was greatly shaken, momentarily bewildered, and after a long time, finally asked, “What about becoming the first under heaven then?”

“Once I become the first under heaven, I want to meet someone,” Lou Xiangzhen said distantly, “Having been the first under heaven, it doesn’t matter if I never play the role of a child competitor.”

“And then?”

“I’ll beat you until you join my Mystical Sect, to revitalize our lineage,” Lou Xiangzhen said.

“If you dare lay a hand on me, I dare to join the Demon Sect immediately,” An Jing countered.

“What’s so good about the Demon Sect, isn’t it better to become the Mystical Sect Daoist Master? By then, you’ll be begging me, ‘Grandpa Lou,’ to join my Mystical Sect,” Lou Xiangzhen retorted.

Lou Xiangzhen looked at the moonlight overhead, “Luo Chongyang, that old fellow, has great ambitions and is quite reliable in what he does. Along with you, my boy, it’s enough to rejuvenate the Mystical Sect lineage, and the great currents of the world will be rewritten.”

An Jing too looked towards the moonlight, reflecting like water, “The great currents of the world…”

Unknowingly, he had become part of these great currents of the world.

An Jing murmured, “Elder Lou, you must be a reliable support.”

“Glug.”

Lou Xiangzhen took a large gulp, a warmth surging in his heart.

Standing under the flowering trees, he looked up, gazing.

Suddenly he saw petals dancing in the sky, accompanied by a gentle sound.

After more than seventy tumultuous years, the events of the past now seemed to flash before his eyes.

…..

The next day, above Abyss Lake.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

The horizon just began to show a hint of dawn’s light.

A bay of clear water reflected the blue sky and white clouds, green mountains and trees, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene, like stepping inside a painting.

The gentle morning breeze was warm and soothing, playing across the lake surface, stirring ripples.

At this moment, in the center of Abyss Lake, there was a small pavilion.

Around the pavilion, countless figures shifted and moved.

Below to the southwest, a middle-aged man stood on the shore, handsome and composed, with a woman holding a sword beside him, always smiling.

This man was Lin Yiyang, one of the five great sword immortals, along with Qiu Wanxia.

Having heard that Lou Xiangzhen and Xiao Qianqiu would battle, he had come.

“Sect Master Lin, long time no see,” a clear voice called out at that moment.

Lin Yiyang furrowed his brow and looked towards the source of the voice, only to see it was the Heavenly Sword of Zhao Country, Cui Daoxian,”It’s you.”

Cui Daoxian smiled faintly, saying, “I had planned to visit your Yu Heng Sword Sect, but I didn’t expect to meet you here today.”

“What, you want to challenge me?” Lin Yiyang asked, letting out a laugh upon hearing this.

“Yes,” Cui Daoxian replied.

Lin Yiyang looked towards the distant Abyss Lake, saying, “Let’s talk after this battle; I’m not interested right now.”

Cui Daoxian had long known about Lin Yiyang’s prideful nature and said no more.

“Amitabha!”

A familiar chant echoed from afar.

“Universal Benefit Bodhisattva?” Lin Yiyang murmured quietly.

Looking in the direction of the voice, he saw an elderly monk slowly approaching. It was the Buddhist Bodhisattva, Universal Benefit Bodhisattva, who had once fiercely battled with Lin Yiyang in Yu State City.

With hands clasped together, Universal Benefit Bodhisattva said, “Benefactor Lin, I did not expect we would meet again so soon.”

“Neither did I,” Lin Yiyang nodded.

The battle in Yu State City had been just a few months ago, and unexpectedly, here he was meeting Universal Benefit Bodhisattva again in the Northern Wilderness Path.

The world is so vast that those we yearn to meet are often out of reach, yet so small that those we meet fleetingly we meet again so soon.

Under the four directions, numerous masters had gathered, including renowned experts from all over Jianghu, especially from the major sects like Yu Heng Sword Sect, Blue River Sect, Four Symbols Sect, and Five Poison Sect, all of whom were present.

The leaders among them, placed in Jianghu, were all famous experts.

“Who would have thought, who would have thought, that so many masters would come today?”

A loud laugh resounded through the heavens and earth.

Who was it?

In this gathering of distinguished experts, who dared to speak out?

Everyone furrowed their brows, filled with confusion.

Following the voice, they saw a Daoist clad in a purple robe, holding a horsetail whisk in his hand.

“Luo Chongyang!?”

Feng Lingyue, standing behind the Five Poison Sect, couldn’t help but frown.

Some might not recognize this Daoist, but how could someone like Feng Lingyue, a veteran in Jianghu, not recognize him?

In the past, Luo Chongyang competed with Xiao Qianqiu for the position of Sect Leader. After failing, he left the Zhenyi Sect and was even pursued by them.

Despite being hunted by the Zhenyi Sect for years, he lived freely and joyously, and it was rumored that Yu Ying almost died by his hands.

Among his fellow disciples, Ye Ding, Luo Chongyang, and Yu Ying, Luo Chongyang was known to have the highest talent and the highest potential for future achievements.

“Luo Chongyang, did you come today to support Lou Xiangzhen?”

A cold shout arose as Ling Yuanjing, Sima Changlin, and Song Chengbiao, all three Peak Masters, spoke chillingly.

Luo Chongyang glanced at the three men and said indifferently, “What a great show of authority. You three don’t even bother to inform Uncle Luo before acting?”

The three Half-step Masters would indeed be formidable for ordinary people, easily crushing anyone under their weight, but they were far from enough to control him, Luo Chongyang.

Suddenly, the three men’s brows deeply furrowed.

Whoosh!

A figure landed in the pavilion at the center of Abyss Lake and then declared loudly, “Luo Chongyang, today’s dispute involves only Zhenyi Sect and Lou Xiangzhen. We are merely spectators; why cause such a fuss?”

Another Grandmaster?!

Heavenly Sword Cui Daoxian felt the aura and was greatly shocked.

He had not expected that in Abyss Lake today, so many Grandmasters would appear.

Luo Chongyang remained calm and retorted, “Old man Qingfeng? This matter doesn’t concern you. If you irritate me, do you believe I could turn your Qinglan Villa upside down?”

The newcomer was old man Qingfeng, Yan Sheng, the teacher of Monk Moyun.

Old man Qingfeng, undisturbed, merely smiled and responded, “Since this matter doesn’t concern us, why don’t we just sit aside and enjoy the drama?”

Luo Chongyang was known for his hot temper, and his lethality was well-known in Jianghu—although much time had passed since those days in Jianghu, and many past events had been forgotten, only these old masters still remembered them.

Qing Feng

At the gathering spot of Four Symbols Sect, Jia Shiwu felt a deep sense of emotion.

The man in the conical hat behind him slowly said, “There are still quite a few Grandmasters in Yan Country.”

“Indeed, there are many,”

Jia Shiwu spoke pensively, “yet till today, none from our Four Symbols Sect.”

Limited by his natural talent, both he and Xi Yuanjun were in the same situation. Without additional opportunities, advancing to Grandmaster level in this lifetime seemed unlikely.

Without a Grandmaster to stabilize the situation, it always felt as though their sect was less competent compared to the other major sects.

“It will happen soon,” the man in the conical hat replied with a smile.

On hearing this, Jia Shiwu was deeply moved and remained silent.