Chương 166: Revisiting Mount Emei

The night was slightly rippling!

In the Qingcheng Sect's main hall, which had long been restored and was now even more magnificent, Sect Leader Weichen Zhenren faced the statues of the Three Pure Ones and stroked his beard in silence for a long time.

A moment later, six Taoist priests walked in together.

"Master, brother!"

"Wei Yun, you have managed the Qingcheng Sect well these past few days. I have seen that the disciples are full of energy and vitality, which is excellent."

The old Taoist priest with white hair and beard bowed solemnly and replied, "It's all what I should do, junior brother. It's all thanks to the headmaster's strategic planning and foresight."

"Hmm, the current leader of the Qingcheng Sword Sect is decisive, abandoning this vast family business and withdrawing from it."

Master Weichen narrowed his eyes slightly, his square face and sword-like eyebrows giving him an imposing and dignified presence.

On the contrary, the True Man Weiyun at the bottom of the table looks more like a True Lord of the Way.

"However, since he has chosen to abandon it, let him abandon it completely. The name 'Qingcheng' in the Qingcheng Sword Sect should no longer be used."

"Weiyun, you handle this matter."

"Yes, Senior Brother Sect Leader!"

Master Weiyun bowed and agreed.

"The sun shines leisurely on the pool and the clouds drift by. Time flies and seasons change. More than 500 years have passed in the blink of an eye. Fortunately, this mountain is still as Grandmaster described it." Wei Chen murmured a few words, then waved his sleeve. A purple aura rose into the air, suddenly carrying a vast amount of true energy. It passed through the entire hall and leaped out directly.

The purple aura was vast and incomparable, gathering larger and larger outside the palace, eventually growing to a height of several hundred meters.

"The sect leader's divine might is boundless, and it is fitting that Qingcheng should prosper!"

Everyone was overjoyed and bowed in greeting.

At this moment, far away at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain, a passerby got out of his car to relieve himself. Suddenly, he felt a bright purple light overhead. He looked up for a moment and was so shocked that he held back his urine.

"What is this?"

He quickly retreated to a distance, wanting to get a clearer view.

Just as he was looking for a place to check, people from other passing vehicles also got out of their cars and looked into the distance.

"Holy crap, is this the true form of a Taoist? As expected, our ancestors didn't lie to us; there really is a Taoist master."

"Is this just a drone light show? You're making a fuss over nothing! I thought it was something else entirely!"

"What do you know? Where did this drone come from on Mount Qingcheng? Did you want to play around with it? This is the era of martial arts; there are all sorts of strange phenomena now."

"This must be a martial arts master manifesting their skills!"

As more and more people stopped, many began taking pictures with their phones.

Before they could even take a few pictures, the strange phenomenon vanished without a trace, leaving only the mountaintop shrouded in mist, still as black as ink.

The next day, in a side room in the back mountain of the Qingcheng Sect.

"Elder, among those left behind by the Qingcheng Sword Sect, there are no highly skilled martial artists. According to my inquiry, the sect previously had two highly skilled martial artists, both of whom had reached the Grandmaster level. One of them was named Yun Hao, who was skilled in the Thunderclap Sword Technique and had exceptional talent. He fought against all of my senior brothers for a hundred rounds before being defeated."

"There was another person who wasn't in the mountains that day; it's said he was serving in the military!"

"Oh? What do you think of him?"

"According to the disciples in the temple, his martial arts are unparalleled. No one knows the extent of his skill. They only know that he resolved several crises in Qingcheng."

"Yes, there's new information. Report back immediately."

"You may leave!"

The elder waved his hand, signaling his disciple to leave.

"Senior Brother Cangwu, it seems that this person leaving the mountain is most likely the one who destroyed your soul that day. That despicable thief!"

Inside the side room, another person spoke in a deep voice to the white-bearded old Taoist priest at the head of the table.

"That must be it."

A glint flashed in Cangwu Daoist's eyes, but he said, "These juniors are unaware of the secrets of my Qingcheng Divine Skill. Ignorance is no excuse, but we must still do our best to complete the tasks assigned by the sect leader."

The person below understood immediately, realizing that Senior Brother Cangwu's words had a hidden meaning, and that he intended to settle a personal score.

Since the sect leader wants the Qingcheng Sword Sect to remove the name "Qingcheng," what if they disagree?

If they were to become emotionally charged and engage in combat, injuries would naturally be inevitable.

Outsiders, however, cannot say that Cangwu is petty and narrow-minded.

"Go ahead! Qingcheng is one of the most prestigious martial arts sects in the world. Don't let people think that we can't tolerate a small sect like Qingcheng Sword Sect."

"Yes, Senior Brother! This disciple will take care of it immediately!"

The Taoist priest at the lower seat stood up, bowed in agreement, and then turned and left the room.

"Sect Leader, Sect Leader!"

At the Taoist temple atop Tiezhan Mountain, a young Taoist priest ran quickly to Yu Zhengnan's house and shouted loudly.

"What a flustered and disorderly manner!"

Yu Zhengnan stepped out of the room and asked with a frown.

"The Emei Sect called, inviting you and two elders to Emei in five days to discuss the future of the martial arts world in Sichuan!"

Who is participating?

"They didn't say."

"Okay, I understand!"

Yu Zhengnan nodded, his brows furrowing slightly. Emei, which had been quiet for so long, was starting to stir again.

He actually didn't want to participate anymore.

With so few people participating, it's a losing proposition. Even if you join, you'll just become cannon fodder. What's the point?

Furthermore, there is also Guixu Qingcheng. When we meet again, how will we conduct ourselves?

"I declined for me!"

Yu Zhengnan said solemnly.

"But-""

"But what?"

Yu Zhengnan frowned.

"Emei said they absolutely must send you there, as there are some matters concerning the Qingcheng Sword Sect, and they also said that the imperial court will send someone there as well."

Yu Zhengnan remained silent for a moment, then waved his hand to dismiss his disciple. He then sighed and said, "What's meant to happen will happen. I've already retreated this far, isn't that enough?"

He walked for a moment, then turned and left the room.

About ten minutes later, Yu Zhengnan walked to the vicinity of the cliff on the back mountain and looked up at a clearing with strangely shaped rocks on the edge of the cliff.

Amidst the scattered rocks, Yun Hao and Zhao Rui sat cross-legged.

Between the two, strands of true energy crisscrossed like sword shadows, emitting a hissing and soft popping sound in the air.

Yu Zhengnan was mesmerized by what he saw when suddenly a sword aura streaked across the sky and flew right in front of him.

Just as he realized what was happening and was about to use his whisk to sweep it away, the sword energy suddenly vanished.

"Why are you trying to scare me! My two junior brothers, please rest first!"

Yu Zhengnan laughed loudly and walked towards the two of them.

"Has the sect leader come in person? Is there something he needs?"

Zhao Rui and his companion stepped off the rock and solemnly asked.

"Yes, it's something. Emei has invited me to Mount Emei—" Yu Zhengnan explained the situation.

"This concerns our Qingcheng Sword Sect. Aside from the Qingcheng Guixu causing trouble, why would they care about us so much?"

Upon hearing this, Yun Hao sneered.

"It's all about fame and fortune. We've given up on this sect, so what is there for them to covet? It's just about establishing a legitimate status in front of everyone!"

Yu Zhengnan said that although Guixu Qingcheng returned to the capital and occupied the mountain gate, and the court tacitly approved it, it was ultimately not legitimate.

It is estimated that this time, they will take advantage of the gathering of martial arts practitioners in Sichuan Province to establish their status as the orthodox lineage of Qingcheng.

"I will go with the sect leader, while Senior Brother Yunhao will stay behind."

Zhao Rui's eyes narrowed slightly, and he spoke.

"Okay, that's fine."

Yu Zhengnan nodded in agreement.

"Damn it! Once my sword intent is fully mastered, I will definitely climb the mountain to challenge you!"

As Yun Hao spoke, his sword intent surged, and his true energy suddenly soared into the air, transforming into a long sword that slashed straight at a rock more than a person's height to the side.

With a crack, the rock shattered into a pile of gravel.

"Junior Brother's sword intent has improved greatly, congratulations!"

Yu Zhengnan praised.

"There are some stones being imported, but there aren't many good ones left!"

Zhao Rui said speechlessly.

Upon hearing this, everyone couldn't help but chuckle.

Yun Hao cultivates the Thunder Sword Intent, focusing on killing and destruction, so he naturally doesn't need to deliberately hide his emotions or talk about tranquility and inaction.

This Thunder Sword Intent was something that Daoist Yun Hao had just comprehended recently, with Zhao Rui's guidance and assistance.

He was already practicing the Thunderclap Sword Technique and was obsessed with the way of the sword. With Zhao Rui's guidance, it was a sure thing that he would cultivate sword intent.

"You all continue. I'm taking a few disciples down the mountain to pray for blessings; I need to earn some money for the journey!"

Yu Zhengnan smiled, turned around, and went down the back mountain.

Mount Emei rises and falls, its golden summit radiating light for miles.

The resounding bell echoed throughout the entire mountain region, like a profound Zen sermon, resonating deep within.

"Emei Mountain is incredibly imposing!"

On the mountain road, a boy in sportswear looked at the magnificent palace not far away and couldn't help but smile as he spoke.

"Of course, Emei is a major sect in the Central Plains, with a history that has lasted to this day; it is no ordinary sect!"

A middle-aged man in front of him squinted at the mountaintop shrouded in mist and shimmering with golden light, and said with a smile.

"This place is much better than when we were in Guixu. Our Tang Clan is no worse than Emei, so how did we end up in such a sorry state?"

A mocking smile appeared on the boy's lips.

The middle-aged man looked slightly embarrassed and said in a low voice, "Times have changed, and hidden weapons have ultimately become inferior."

"That's because you're not skilled enough!"

The young man said dismissively, showing no regard for the middle-aged man's feelings.

The middle-aged man's cheek twitched, but he didn't dare to refute, only saying tactfully:

"Young Master, Emei is different from other places. The Patriarch specifically instructed you to be more courteous."

"Okay, alright, Lao Daodao!"

The boy said impatiently.

"Distinguished guests, please follow me!"

Just then, two monks came out from the mountain gate and led everyone inside.

The group stepped into Emei Temple and soon arrived at a magnificent hall.

At this time, there were already quite a few people sitting in the main hall, including monks, laypeople, and Taoists, men and women, young and old.

"Tang Aiguo of the Tang Clan of Shushan greets all esteemed sages!"

The middle-aged man on the mountain road earlier respectfully cupped his hands to the crowd, displaying an extremely low-key and humble attitude.

"Elder Tang, you're too kind! Please take a seat!"

An old monk with a long beard and white face at the head of the table slightly flicked his sleeve, gesturing for the members of the Tang Clan to take their seats and wait quietly.

Upon hearing the title "Elder Tang," the middle-aged man looked slightly embarrassed, then smiled and sat down in the seat on the right.

The boy followed the others with a relaxed demeanor, walking behind the middle-aged man Tang Aiguo. He rolled his eyes and looked around casually.

"This must be the beloved son of the Tang family head. He is indeed a handsome and extraordinary man."

The white-bearded old monk stroked his beard and praised.

"You actually knew me?"

The young man stopped pretending and went around the seat to sit down next to the middle-aged man.

The white-bearded old monk smiled to himself but said little.

The surrounding guests also glanced at the boy, their faces displaying inexplicable smiles.

"Now, only the Qingcheng Sword Sect is yet to arrive. Everyone, please have a taste of my Emei Golden Summit tea!"

Zen Master Zhishan picked up the teacup, brushed the tea leaves off the surface, and took a small sip.

"Although it doesn't have as much spiritual energy as Guixu, it has the advantage of pure taste and a sweet aftertaste."

The old monk said with a smile.

"The tea is good, but the Qingcheng Sword Sect is too arrogant! They've made us wait like this forever."

A middle-aged Taoist priest on the left narrowed his eyes and spoke in an unfriendly tone.

"Fellow Daoist Cangsong, please be patient. The Qingcheng Sword Sect members have just had their vehicles break down; they won't be delayed for long."

Zen Master Zhishan offered an explanation, and when he mentioned the car, he even wore a slightly strange smile.

After all, this was the first time he had ever seen a car since he came to the Central Plains.

It truly amazed him.

With the two worlds merging, the inhabitants of Blue Star must adapt to the changes in spiritual energy, just as the people of Guixu must adapt to this dazzling technological world.

"So the car broke down. It was my fault. I'll send them a new one later."

Cangsong said with a forced smile.

The crowd chuckled in agreement, their eyes darting around, all revealing expressions of anticipation for a good show.

After waiting for about ten minutes, a voice announced from outside the hall: "The Qingcheng Sword Sect has arrived!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Yu Zhengnan walked in with Zhao Rui and two young disciples.

Yu Zhengnan bowed and said, "Sorry, sorry, I was delayed on the way."

"Greetings to Zen Master Zhishan, and greetings to all fellow practitioners!"

"It's alright, please take a seat!"

Yu Zhengnan quickly led Zhao Rui and the others to sit down at the lower end of the table on the right.

Just as everyone sat down, several middle-aged men wearing executive jackets walked in from outside.

Zen Master Zhishan rose to greet him, smiling as he said, "Director Wang's presence brings great honor to our temple. I am so sorry for not welcoming you sooner!"

"Master, you are too kind. It is truly an honor to meet you all, masters of martial arts from Sichuan Province, today. It is a pleasure to meet you all!"

Everyone present stood up and greeted him.

"The people in the imperial court have quite the airs!"

The young man from the Tang Clan smirked slightly, a hint of disdain flashing across his face.

Soon, everyone took their seats again, and under the guidance of Zen Master Zhishan, the Sichuan Martial Arts Conference began.

The main topics were about building a harmonious order in Sichuan's martial arts community, maintaining social stability, strengthening the moral cultivation of martial artists, and improving the martial arts literacy of the entire population.

During the event, Director Wang delivered a speech on behalf of the imperial court.

The main point is that Sichuan Province must not be in chaos. It is necessary to establish a system based on martial arts sects, with the imperial court and the sects cooperating to maintain good order in the local martial arts world.

As Zhao Rui listened to the people on stage speaking eloquently, he found himself quite agreeing with them.

After the spiritual energy revived, the proportion of martial arts practitioners increased significantly. With such a mixed bag of people, violent incidents in the martial arts world occurred frequently.

Without proper organization or intervention, things will inevitably spiral out of control.

Zhao Rui naturally agreed with these suggestions 100%.

"Furthermore, according to the relevant regulations of the imperial court, given that the Qingcheng Sword Sect has voluntarily left its Qingcheng base and moved elsewhere, it will no longer be allowed to use the name Qingcheng as its sect name."

After finishing his discussion on maintaining stability in Sichuan Province, Director Wang suddenly changed the subject and started talking about the Qingcheng Sword Sect.

Upon hearing this, all eyes in the room turned to the Qingcheng Sword Sect members.