Chapter 56

Meng Hao's eyes flashed with a dark light. Surrounded by these disciples of the Zhao Kingdom's sects, and with the white-robed cultivators from the West City Gate now arriving, if he were to provoke the old monsters of the three sects within the city, it would be impossible for Meng Hao to leave.

The group of Zhao Kingdom sect disciples surrounding Meng Hao immediately became spirited upon seeing the arrival of the Ziyun Sect members. To be friends with the disciples of the Ziyun Sect would greatly elevate their status within their own sects, and even benefit their future development. They had thought that the Ziyun Sect members would be too proud to acknowledge them, but to their surprise, these fellow Daoists from the Ziyun Sect had actually come.

"Still, Senior Brother Sun has great influence, to actually call them here."

"Of course, Senior Brother Sun is the direct descendant of an elder of the Qu Shui Sect, and his cultivation is also remarkable. Even the Ziyun Sect would have to show some respect."

The faces of the Zhao Kingdom disciples immediately showed flattery, especially the man in fine robes, who was visibly excited. Listening to the whispers around him, he felt quite pleased. He believed that his influence had played a role in bringing these people here. Once this matter became known, his status within the sect would change, and his reputation would spread throughout the Zhao Kingdom's cultivation world.

At this moment, Meng Hao seemed like a minor issue to him, and he no longer cared. With a smile, he hurried forward to welcome the white-robed cultivators. The Zhao Kingdom sect disciples immediately followed, clearly treating him as their leader, with the few women among them particularly excited.

Meng Hao's eyes flickered slightly. He pulled out his iron spear and turned to leave.

"Brothers of the Ziyun Sect, I, Sun, have prepared a banquet at the Phoenix Heaven Tower, inviting inner disciples from various sects of the Zhao Kingdom to accompany you."

Sun Hua's excitement was evident, and he was extremely pleased. As he walked out, the cultivators behind him followed, making him stand out even more. His remarkable appearance added to his charisma, and he clearly took on the demeanor of the leader of the Zhao Kingdom sect disciples.

However, as his words spread and he bowed again, the Ziyun Sect members who approached did not even glance at him. They walked past him quickly, and not just a few, but all of the Ziyun Sect disciples ignored him completely.

This scene left Sun Hua stunned, and the Zhao Kingdom cultivators behind him were also taken aback.

At this moment, the leader of the Ziyun Sect disciples laughed heartily.

"Brother Daoist, please wait. Are you the brother who returned from the Treasure Mountain? Your demeanor is extraordinary, and we witnessed it firsthand at the foot of the mountain, greatly admiring you. I am Qianshuihen of the Ziyun Sect, and I greet you. May I ask your esteemed name?"

"Brother Daoist, you've made us search for you. We didn't expect to meet you here. Ha ha, do you have time? I will have someone prepare a banquet. I am Lusong of the Ziyun Sect, and I invite you to the banquet."

Among these more than ten Ziyun Sect disciples, these two had the highest cultivation, both at the Eighth Layer of Qi Condensation. They both smiled and quickly walked a few steps to block Meng Hao, speaking very politely. As they approached, they immediately clasped their hands, and their voices echoed. The other Ziyun Sect disciples behind them also clasped their hands at Meng Hao, their expressions showing respect.

Meng Hao's brows furrowed slightly but quickly relaxed. He smiled, clasped his hands in return, and after a moment of thought, he gave his name. He knew that even if he didn't say it, these people would easily find out, so he decided to be straightforward.

This scene left the Zhao Kingdom cultivators, who had been ignored, in disbelief. They stared in amazement at the Ziyun Sect disciples and Meng Hao, their minds buzzing.

Especially Sun Hua, whose expression changed repeatedly. Although he felt aggrieved, he still looked at Meng Hao with disbelief. He knew that these white-robed cultivators were disciples of the Ziyun Sect, a major sect in the Southern Domain. These people were all proud and arrogant, yet they were so polite to Meng Hao, and many of them looked at him with respect.

Although he didn't know what had happened, he understood that for the disciples of a major Southern Domain sect to be so polite, there must be something extraordinary. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and he silently thanked his luck for not having tested Meng Hao earlier, or he would have lost face.

Not just him, but Zhou Kai was also stunned. He had initially regretted calling out Meng Hao's name, but seeing this scene, his eyes showed admiration.

"Senior Brother Meng is truly an inner disciple. When I gave him spirit stones, he was so calm. Even now, with the sect dissolved and us like stray dogs, he can still command the respect of the disciples of a major Southern Domain sect."

Inside the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, Qiaoling blinked, looking at Meng Hao, who was surrounded by the Ziyun Sect disciples. Her face showed disbelief, especially at his calm demeanor and the way he spoke, which was completely different from how he had been with her. This made her even more interested in him.

"Brother Meng, is this the divine spear that you used to command the demons on the Treasure Mountain?" Qianshuihen immediately directed his words to the iron spear in Meng Hao's hand. He had looked at it several times but hadn't seen anything extraordinary, yet he remembered that Meng Hao had pointed this spear to make the demon beasts' bodies bloody and mangled.

"That's right, on that day on the mountain, Brother Lusong, I was indeed holding this spear," Meng Hao said frankly.

"This spear is a treasure. I saw with my own eyes the countless demon beasts injured by this spear. Brother Meng's heroic appearance is still vivid in my mind," Lusong said, his eyes shining with excitement as he glanced coldly at Qianshuihen. They exchanged glances, both showing hostility and determination to get the spear.

The Zhao Kingdom cultivators, hearing their conversation, immediately stared at the iron spear. They had come to test Meng Hao for his treasure, but now they were certain that they didn't need to test him. It was clear that Meng Hao had used this spear to gain the respect of the Ziyun Sect disciples.

Sun Hua's eyes gleamed, and he took a few steps closer, staring at the iron spear.

"Speaking of which, Brother Meng, you disrupted our trial, taking many elixirs, spirit stones, and magical treasures from the Treasure Mountain," Lusong said with a smile, pretending not to care.

"This matter..." Meng Hao smiled and took a few steps back casually.

"No problem. That Treasure Mountain belongs to Elder Song, who said that whoever has the ability can take what they want. Brother Meng's actions are commendable. However... Brother Meng, are you willing to sell this spear? Our Ziyun Sect will give you a fair price!" Qianshuihen took a step forward, staring at the iron spear in Meng Hao's hand, and immediately spoke. He wanted to examine it closely, but Meng Hao held it, making it impossible to check. Moreover, his cultivation was not at the Foundation Establishment stage, so he lacked the spiritual sense to discern it from a distance.

"This..." Meng Hao's expression showed hesitation.

"Brother Meng, this spear is of great importance to us. Please, let it go!" Lusong's eyes flashed, knowing he needed to pressure Meng Hao first. Once Meng Hao agreed, he and Qianshuihen could compete for it. He took a step forward, his tone becoming more forceful.

"Elder Song is ruthless. Many of the items you took are his cherished treasures. If not for Elder Wu of our Ziyun Sect restraining him, Brother Meng would have been in danger." Qianshuihen took another step, his tone becoming even more forceful, and his words carried a clear threat.

The other Ziyun Sect disciples also gradually spread out, forming a subtle encirclement, their eyes gleaming with determination to get the spear.

"This spear is just an ordinary weapon," Meng Hao said, looking at the encirclement and the two men in front of him, frowning slightly.

"Brother Meng, don't joke. I will not be mistaken. On that day, you were holding this spear. There is a dent on the spear's body, which I saw clearly," Lusong laughed, his eyes scanning the spear.

Meng Hao was taken aback, realizing that this person had observed more carefully than he had. He hadn't noticed the dent himself, but now he saw it.

This expression only strengthened Lusong's resolve. Despite his smile, his eyes showed coldness. For the sake of an inner disciple position, while he couldn't kill, he was willing to use any other means.

"Even if it's an ordinary weapon, we still want to buy it. Brother Meng, don't continue to argue. We are determined to get this spear. Please don't make things difficult for us. Otherwise, if we are unhappy, Brother Meng will also be unhappy. Even with this treasure, the Ziyun Sect, as one of the five major sects in the Southern Domain, has far more power than you can imagine. Moreover... this spear is not for us, but for Elder Wu of our sect," Qianshuihen said, his threat becoming more intense, his tone icy.

This sudden turn of events left the Zhao Kingdom cultivators looking at each other in surprise, but they soon showed various expressions, remaining silent. However, their eyes showed mockery when they looked at Meng Hao.

Especially Sun Hua, whose smile grew. He thought it was good to have these people test Meng Hao. No matter the outcome, he could act accordingly. Moreover, he believed that even with this treasure, Meng Hao wouldn't dare to offend a major Southern Domain sect like the Ziyun Sect.

"If Brother Meng is unwilling, will you still try to take it by force?" Meng Hao's expression changed, his eyes showing a fierce light.

"Our sect would not rob you of your treasure, but Brother Meng, think carefully. What benefit do you gain by offending us? Moreover... if we really wanted to take it, we could have others do it for us," Lusong said, his eyes scanning the nearby Zhao Kingdom disciples, nodding slightly. This gesture immediately invigorated Sun Hua and the others.

"Brother Meng, I admire your demeanor on the Treasure Mountain, so I'll be straightforward. Today, you must sell this spear, whether you like it or not!" Qianshuihen's eyes flashed with coldness, his tone icy.

Meng Hao inwardly sneered. Since these people were courting trouble, he wouldn't dissuade them. However, his expression showed continuous changes, and he took a few steps back, appearing to ponder. After a moment, he seemed to clench his teeth, his eyes bloodshot.

"Very well, Ziyun Sect. Since you insist on buying this spear, name your price." Meng Hao waved his sleeve, thrusting the iron spear into the ground in front of him, his face dark and showing pain.