CHAPTER 179: CHAPTER 126 TAOISM PART NINE, USED AS A PAWN?_2

If any trouble arises, the other top Taoist sects will not stand idly by. They are allies in both attack and defense, which increases the security of the True Martial Sect by one level.

Of course, the other Taoist sects allow the True Martial Sect to smoothly enter the ranks of the top sects partly because of this. The security provided by a True Man Tianjian is substantial. Even as mere deterrence, it’s a significant gain.

Ning Qi is, of course, aware of this.

But it doesn’t matter.

At this stage, such a deal is more cost-effective for the True Martial Sect.

Besides the smooth journey to Tao State on Luo Wentian’s side, True Martial Mountain is also booming. Under the joint efforts of Xiong Shi and many newly appointed elders, True Martial Mountain has transformed dramatically. Pavilions rise from the ground, gradually extending to various locations at the mountainside.

And the disciples are redeeming martial arts from the Scripture Pavilion and practicing diligently, waiting for the right opportunity to shine brightly.

Furthermore.

The news that the True Martial Sect will extensively recruit disciples next month has spread completely. Many people are eagerly awaiting, having arrived in True Martial City early, with most being swordsmen or martial artists aspiring to the Sword Dao.

The True Martial Sword Stele is incredibly attractive.

They have heard that due to the overabundance of people comprehending the True Martial Sword Stele, the new Sect Leader of the True Martial Sect, Luo Wentian, plans to further control the time and number of comprehending the sword stele, and may even set some standards.

In such a scenario, naturally, joining the True Martial Sect is best, as everyone understands the principle of being first to benefit from proximity.

Xiong Shi and others are mixed with joy and concern.

The higher the popularity, the better chance of recruiting talented individuals, but it also increases the possibility of attracting those with ulterior motives or ill intentions, especially as many come for the True Martial Sword Stele and Scripture Pavilion martial arts.

To this end.

They have thought of some screening methods but still feel they are not secure enough.

Upon hearing about it, Ning Qi gradually formed an idea in his mind.

...

Amidst the bustling True Martial Sect.

White State.

This is the place in Great Yan closest to the Hundred Thousand Mountains, with mountains stretching across the state, and many state residents making a living from the mountains, adept at hunting, leading to a fierce folk custom and a multitude of martial artists emerging.

On a precipitous mountain peak, unexpectedly, several luxurious palaces stand atop.

This is a stronghold of the Demon Sect.

Qin Yun and Ghost Mask and others have long been waiting here.

Today is the day to sit down and negotiate with the Southern Border Alliance.

Of course, if the talks do not go well, there might be a battle, so several Demon Sect powerhouses have not relaxed.

Ghost Mask secretly transmitted to Qin Yun with a sly smile:

"The Southern Border Saintess is said to be a peerless beauty with extraordinary martial path talent. You kid are not bad looking either. If you can win her over, you will have no doubt about the Saint Heir position, and even the future Sect Leader position of the Holy Sect will certainly be yours!"

Qin Yun was speechless.

He discovered this Vice Sect Leader has a penchant for matchmaking, previously wanting him to win over Lin Ruhua, the daughter of Vice Sect Leader Lin Xueshuang, and now urging him to win over the Southern Border Saintess. Does he really think everyone loves him?

Speaking of Lin Ruhua, he felt a bit frustrated.

Upon seriously investigating this one’s information, he found that the Vice Sect Leader’s daughter is always coming and going unpredictably, often disappearing for several months or even half a year, not knowing what she’s up to.

There is a rumor within the Demon Sect that she goes to secretly meet her lover. Someone has seen the Vice Sect Leader’s daughter caressing a Mandarin Duck Jade Pendant, her eyes filled with emotion.

So it’s supposed to be him snatching love away?

But ten days ago, the glimpse of Lin Ruhua’s disdainful gaze left him puzzled even now.

Even if she doesn’t fancy him, does it warrant such a look?

Shaking his head to dispel the thoughts, Qin Yun spoke about serious matters:

"Vice Sect Leader, please don’t joke. The Southern Border Saintess is a future pillar of the Southern Border Alliance. How could she marry an outsider?"

"Today’s talks mainly aim to uncover the mastermind behind it. Otherwise, if we keep fighting the Southern Border Alliance, wouldn’t we just be benefitting others?"

Ghost Mask’s expression turned serious, and he sneered:

"The Southern Border Alliance thinks they’ve acted covertly, but the matter of cultivating the Blood King Gu has been found by us. If we can find it out, naturally, others can too."

Qin Yun squinted his eyes:

"You mean... the Great Yan Imperial Court?"

As soon as the transmission ended.

Everyone looked towards the distant void, the undisguised fluctuations making them secretly raise their alertness.

They saw a giant millipede speeding through the sky, faster than most Celestial Human Realm flying in the sky, with several powerful aura figures standing on it, the leader masked in black gauze, slender like a willow, with eyes cold and indifferent.

Behind were Snake Granny and two other elders.

Qin Yun squinted his eyes slightly, sensing a trace of threat from this Southern Border Saintess.

The flying centipede landed on the mountain peak, Ghost Mask’s eyes flashed, and he laughed heartily to welcome them:

"I’ve long heard the Southern Border Saintess is a once-a-millennium unparalleled genius. Seeing you today, it turns out the rumors are true."

The Southern Border Saintess’s gaze lingered briefly on Qin Yun’s white hair, seemingly a bit surprised, and then looked at Ghost Mask:

"Nan Xian is not worthy of Vice Sect Leader’s praise. Your sect is equally full of talents, no wonder you can entangle with Great Yan for a thousand years."

The two praised each other.

Showing no signs of tension.

The many powerhouses behind both sides were solemn, knowing it was just appearances. If no consensus is reached, there might be a big battle.

"Please!" Ghost Mask chuckled lightly.

The Southern Border Saintess remained unfazed as she stepped into the great hall.

"Such courage!"

Hearing Ghost Mask’s compliment, the Southern Border Saintess said indifferently:

"I came today to resolve the conflict between the Southern Border and the Demon Sect, so let’s get straight to the point."

"It’s the Holy Sect!" Ghost Mask emphasized.

The Southern Border Saintess was noncommittal, unwilling to waste time on it.

Qin Yun stepped forward and said calmly:

"Since we are here to solve problems, the Saintess must have come with sincerity. In the last half year, your Southern Border Alliance’s powerhouses launched multiple attacks on our Holy Sect, with seven small strongholds and two branches attacked, resulting in the death of two Celestial Being Elders from our Holy Sect, four injured, and numerous Gang Essence Inner Essence martial artists killed and injured. How do you plan to compensate?"

As he finished speaking.

A murderous aura surged from the Demon Sect members.

The Southern Border Saintess remained unmoved.

Snake Granny sneered, saying:

"Only your Demon Sect suffered losses? Our Southern Border likewise suffered significant losses, with four Celestial Being Elders dead and three injured, and more Gang Essence martial artists died than yours. How do you plan to compensate?"

The two sides’ conflict intensified, constantly escalating, gradually getting out of control, which is why both parties wanted to sit down and negotiate. Continuing to fight brought no benefit at all.

Qin Yun was about to speak.

But Ghost Mask frowned and said:

"Wait! When our small strongholds in Qing State were destroyed, are you implying it wasn’t the doing of your Southern Border Alliance?"

The Southern Border Saintess’s eyes flashed:

"Are you saying you’re not the ones who wiped out our Southern Border’s stronghold in Qing State, leaving no trace of bones, and it wasn’t your Demon Sect who did it?"

Snake Granny behind her couldn’t help but narrow her eyes.

They had her communication with the blue serpent on her neck, and then once again, they simulated the power of a green force that had destroyed the Qing State stronghold!"

The Demon Sect members were all taken aback.

Ghost Mask stood up, speaking decisively:

"That indeed is a unique skill of one of our Holy Sect’s elders, but—"

He paused.

"He is already dead."

For a moment.

Silence fell over the great hall, as everyone realized the situation and what it implied.