Chapter 64

Xueyan Sect (3)

The Xueyan Sect was indeed a heretical sect as proclaimed by the imperial court. They were people whose words and thoughts were unpredictable.

Despite its large following, the content of their sermons was something that could be heard anywhere, yet the imperial court had never fully uncovered their doctrines, even after many years.

Zheng Yanxin quietly asked,

"Did you call for me?"

"Yes, Grand Preceptor."

The Xueyan Sect sword disciple knelt and answered, bowing his head.

"..."

Zheng Yanxin was the foremost in Hena Xinye County.

To avoid appearing ridiculous while wielding power, one had to have cultivation.

Even the children he had raised could not abandon their studies.

Zheng Yanxin had learned the I Ching, at least superficially.

He said that all things in the world have a cause and effect. The same applied to events in the martial world.

Tracing back from an incomprehensible result would lead to an equally incomprehensible cause.

The Xueyan Sect was described as a congregation of lunatics. Maguangyi's talent was also like that.

Since the time of Bodhidharma, no one had ever created the Xueyan Sect's extreme martial arts.

He even founded a sword school that caused widespread slaughter. There was no precedent for such a school.

It was a feat that surpassed the level of martial arts he possessed.

Therefore, his abduction was inevitable. Qingming and Bai Miliu had once said,

"If other sects learn of Zheng Yanxin's talent, they will either try to recruit him or kill him."

The Xueyan Sect had chosen the former.

"I have announced it to the main hall."

Qilu Dao raised the corner of her mouth. Her smile did not seem entirely beautiful, perhaps due to the madness that seemed to pierce the skin.

Her only red eye swept over Zheng Yanxin. She whispered slowly,

"Your rapid achievements, your unparalleled creative talent, and your character that does not carry illusions when cutting down enemies. What will happen if I implant the Blood Art in your body? Our sect might witness the birth of a new sect leader after hundreds of years."

Zheng Yanxin did not respond. He lowered his gaze, lost in thought, and stood silently.

After a round of chaos, the disciples dispersed.

Only then did Qilu Dao extend her hand again. The fluctuations of true qi that seemed to be a daily occurrence around her long fingers were felt.

The density was overwhelming. It seemed to be a realm where the burden of intent in using internal energy was negligible.

She gently grasped Zheng Yanxin's sleeve, as if he could never escape.

Qilu Dao moved her lips.

"Let's go. My young sect leader. Our Grand Preceptor."

Zheng Yanxin followed without a word.

A gust of wind that brushed against his cheek at the Xueyan Sect's main hall suddenly felt pleasant.

Perhaps it was because he had long known his fate was short. Or perhaps his innate heart was quite strong.

The Xueyan Sect was a completely different world. His thoughts could not help but drift.

'Might the cultivation technique also be unique?'

It was said to have regenerative abilities.

Who knows, maybe, just maybe, he could change his destiny through martial arts rather than the fruit of the World Tree.

The young grandmaster walked silently.

After passing through several pavilions with Qilu Dao, they arrived at a grand hall that resembled a palace.

Zheng Yanxin, who had been taking in all the details of the enemy's territory, quickly counted the steps of the wide staircase.

Thirty-six steps. A number with many implications.

'The thirty-six stars of the Daoist constellation. The thirty-six afflictions of Buddhism.'

Sects based on religions often had many symbolic structures.

They were not uncommonly used as clues to interpret secret martial arts.

He tried not to let Qilu Dao notice his gaze as he climbed the stairs.

The moment he reached the top, the bright red door opened on its own.

"Come closer."

The voice was smooth.

A handsome man with white hair sat alone on the high seat of the Grand Preceptor, gesturing with his hand.

His pale face and finely arched nose were noble enough to be mistaken for royalty, but he sat with one leg raised on the broad seat, appearing quite unrestrained.

There was no particular aura. Yet, he was the Xueyan Sect leader, one of the top martial artists in the world.

'Impossible.'

Zheng Yanxin recalled the Lord of Yihuang City, who was enjoying a gentle breeze with a soft smile.

It was just before the duel with Masen, his maternal successor. He had only then realized the existence of the precious sword at her waist.

"The Sect Leader has spoken. Did you not hear?"

One of the people lined up on either side of the Xueyan Sect leader said, his tone condescending.

He was a middle-aged man with black hair.

Unlike the Xueyan Sect leader, he exuded a powerful aura, and it was immediately clear that he was another grandmaster.

"Is there a grandmaster above the Grand Preceptor?"

Zheng Yanxin asked without changing his tone.

He had called himself the Grand Preceptor.

Qilu Dao burst into laughter.

The echo of her sinister laughter reverberated in the luxurious hall, filled with a sense of ecstasy.

Even in front of the Sect Leader, her laughter did not cease.

"Your question is valid. The rank of Grand Preceptor and grandmaster is not different."

She answered with a radiant face.

"It is disgusting for the scum of Yihuang City to call himself the Grand Preceptor of our sect. Your position has not even been decided yet."

The middle-aged man spoke calmly.

The grandmasters displayed all sorts of behavior in front of the Sect Leader.

They were different from the Xueyan Sect sword disciples and other disciples. Their free-spirited demeanor was almost unbelievable.

The man continued slowly.

"I have already obtained the Sect Leader's permission. If your talent is real, even if we bestow the Blood Art upon you, you will not be able to cleanse your mind and body with our sect's spirit. You will face countless trials in the future."

"Sanshidao, listen well."

Qilu Dao's face turned expressionless. A wave of aura that seemed to be a convulsion spread from her entire body.

"You are not the vessel for our young sect leader. Do not envy him."

"Such a cliché story."

The voice of the Xueyan Sect leader.

He gestured leisurely. At the same time, his snow-white hair, which stretched out, slightly swayed. It was a movement that seemed to have a life of its own.

Whoosh.

A cool breeze blew. The aura that filled the hall was swept away in an instant.

The unique, sharp aura of Qilu Dao also vanished without a trace.

It was a technique so refined that it was hard to grasp.

Zheng Yanxin suddenly felt his wrist being pulled taut. Qilu Dao's hand, which held his sleeve, was exerting strength.

"First."

Sanshidao spoke slowly under the Sect Leader's protection.

"We must test your martial arts. Given the rumors and Qilu Dao's infatuation with you, it is only right to see and report. It's a basic matter."

"Your affairs are complicated. Let's get it over with quickly."

No one was angry at Zheng Yanxin's response.

The leaders of the Xueyan Sect were as calm as still water.

Despite their twisted directions, they had all cultivated to high levels.

They were terrifying as human beings, regardless of their martial arts.

"There's no need for a long talk. Come here."

Sanshidao extended one arm.

Whoosh!

A surge of the Blood Art's energy arose from the man's chest. A faint red aura began to form a circular shape, layer by layer.

It was not the power of a breakthrough. It was not a combination of martial arts and true qi, but purely an inner energy barrier.

'Attack and defense as one.'

Zheng Yanxin understood the man's technique. An extremely sharp aura swept through. It was a storm of sharp energy created by true qi.

It was far inferior to using inner energy and hands together. Still, it was an unrealistic feat.

"Your mastery of true qi is at a level that can be discussed in the world."

"Isn't this the realm one can only see in the dark-clothed ones of Yihuang City?"

The lined-up people did not hide their admiration.

Zheng Yanxin stared at the inner energy barrier that appeared at a distance. Qilu Dao whispered in his ear,

"This is the test that our sect's later generations undergo when they are promoted to Xueyan Sect sword disciples. If you can withstand it for one breath, you will be given a spirit medicine."

"What if I tear it?"

Zheng Yanxin asked calmly.

Whoosh.

He stepped forward, activating the Extermination Green River Technique. A clear aura spread from his right hand, which he raised to his chest.

He did not prolong it. He immediately formed a water column and struck the barrier.

Whoosh!

The moment he struck, a red wind began to sweep in all directions.

A visible red aura rushed out from Zheng Yanxin's hand.

The water column that hit the barrier emitted a cold blue light. It dismantled the inner energy barrier, which had been built to a lofty level, layer by layer.

It took no time at all for the barrier to dissipate. A moment of silence followed as the red wind dispersed.

"Truly, if this were a technique you created yourself..."

Sanshidao spoke.

"Indeed, a dangerous individual..."

The man took a step back.

His sharp expression did not match his retreat. Zheng Yanxin immediately noticed.

It seemed that some sinister plan was taking root in the mind of the Xueyan Sect grandmaster.

At that moment, the Xueyan Sect leader spoke.

"Your cultivation technique, your method of using true qi."

"..."

"Indeed, there was no need to worry."

As he began to speak, the atmosphere in the hall changed. Even the grandmasters bowed their heads like disciples listening to a sermon.

"Can one master a world-defining martial art with just the technique? There would be no reason for major sects to look for talent in their disciples."

"..."

"Your cultivation has deepened. I can feel your unique interpretation of the Dharma power of Breaking Evil and Manifesting Righteousness. The specific nature of inner energy is not just due to the different paths of cultivation. Intent is crucial. That's why a master is needed."

The Xueyan Sect leader smiled as he spoke, as if he were Zheng Yanxin's master.

'The words are true.'

Zheng Yanxin agreed inwardly. When he had taken Qilu Dao's eye, she had said,

"Even a little bit of Dharma power in martial arts makes it difficult to enter the path."

"One must be born with the talent of a thousand years to cultivate it."

If it were easy to learn the martial arts of the Xueyan Sect, they would have been eradicated long ago.

That was true. No one had managed to learn them.

Zheng Yanxin was not a fool. He naturally handed over the secret manual to the Yihuang City authorities.

The Extermination Green River Technique was a rare high-level martial art. It was a significant achievement.

However, the last news he heard had dampened his spirits. Even the elders could not enter the path.

"You were the problem."

The Xueyan Sect leader smiled faintly.

"You have come to our sect."

"..."

"Your outstanding skills have shattered the test. The Grand Preceptor should be rewarded. Bring it."

As he clapped his hands once, a person walked out.

Judging by his cautious steps, he seemed to be a servant.

He held a tray covered in golden silk at head height. A quaint box on top caught the eye.

The Xueyan Sect leader made a small gesture. As the servant knelt and lifted the tray, the Sect Leader opened the box and took out a dark red pill.

"What is it?"

Zheng Yanxin asked calmly.

At the same time, an unusual aura emanated from the Xueyan Sect leader's body. It was not normal.

The moment he slightly raised his chin, a charm that seemed to burst like an explosion of true qi was felt.

There were countless stories about the Xueyan Sect leader. It was said that he bit into the necks of his victims and absorbed their true qi and blood.

Many victims died smiling even as he did so.

The Xueyan Sect leader curled his lips and said,

"A poison that narrows the blood pathways. It is our sect's secret technique."

His smile had a demonic quality. It was a smile that could bewitch people.