Chapter 547: Sixteen Years Later
Translator: Iamgt Editor: Lucas
Ever since Teng Qingshan established the Xing Yi Sect, the chaotic Land of the Nine Prefectures suddenly became peaceful. The God of Heaven Palace also showed no activity. The Land of the Nine Prefectures was in peace for some time.
Time flies. Spring came and then it was summer. This repeated as years passed by.
Sixteen years later.
In the Spring Rain Restaurant in Wuan County City:
The Spring Rain Restaurant was a restaurant that could be found in almost all the major county cities in Yangzhou. It was currently noon. At this moment, customers from all over the Land of the Nine Prefectures gathered on the first floor and noises sounded incessantly. Strangely, most of these customers from all over the Land of the Nine Prefectures seemed to have something in common. Indeed, most of them carried longspears.
Spears were very difficult to master.
Initially, not many people in the Land of the Nine Prefectures wielded spears. Normally, there would be more swordmasters and blademasters. However, in the Spring Rain Restaurant, there were much more people wielding spears.
"Haha, Brother Wang, we are able to meet when we live several thousand Li apart, and we just so happen to be going to the same place. This must be fate. Let’s toast."
"Cheers, Brother Li!"
Two young men held their wine cups and clinked them before they drank all the wine. The two young men each had a longspear, which they had placed beside the table.
Of the two young men, one had messy hair and was wearing simple plain cotton clothes with a tiger skin strapped around his waist, while the other was wearing a green cloak and appeared much more handsome.
"Brother Wang, since we have reached Wuan County, it means that we are quite near the Great Yan Mountain." The green-cloaked young man said with a smile, "After the journey of several thousand Li, we will finally reach the Great Yan Mountain soon. According to the rumors, there are several hundred thousand Internal Martial Arts cultivators in the Xing Yi Sect, which is located deep within the Great Yan Mountain. Think about the 100,000 Blood Wolf Soldiers! I have been dreaming of seeing them."
"Hm. Several hundred thousand cultivators practicing Internal Martial Arts…… That scene—" The young man with the tiger skin strapped around his waist said as his eyes gleamed, "I will be one of them."
"Hm, yes. Both you and I will be part of them." The green-cloaked young man then lifted his cup again and said, "Let’s toast for this."
"Cheers."
The young man with the tiger skin strapped around his waist then drank another cup.
"By the way……" The young man added grudgingly, "Let me tell you. My third young brother was also practicing the Tiger Form Fist Art, but he has no patience. Back then, I asked my brother to walk with me through the journey of several thousand Li to the Great Yan Mountain. We were going to be disciples of the Xing Yi Sect and learn even higher level techniques of the Internal Martial Arts. We were going to be powerful experts. However, my third younger brother was lured away by the benefits given by Emperor Yu’s Hall and actually joined Emperor Yu’s Hall. Hmph! The Internal Martial Arts cultivator is now practicing the cultivation of the Daoist schools. Even though he is powerful now, he will only be temporarily powerful. His prospects are now limited!"
"Indeed!"
The green-cloaked young man agreed as he said, "Compared to the Xing Yi Sect, Emperor Yu’s Hall is nothing. The 100,000 Blood Wolf Soldiers are the lowest-ranked in the sect. They are all Second Rated Warriors. I was told that only the First Rated Warriors could vie for the position of corporal! This is the invincible army! This time, I am joining the Xing Yi Sect for the Blood Wolf Army."
"Yes, Blood Wolf Army. Let’s join them together." The young man with the tiger skin strapped around his waist lifted his cup and said, "Brother Li, let’s cheers once again for us joining the Blood Wolf Army."
"Cheers."
The two passionate young men came from other prefectures that are very far away. Their journey here had been very tough. They either worked as guards for the merchants or used some other ways to get here. And now, they have finally arrived and they only have one goal, which was to reach the sacred land yearned by every Internal Martial Arts cultivators in the Land of the Nine Prefectures—the Xing Yi Sect in the Great Yan Mountain!
"You two." Suddenly, a voice sounded.
Bang! Suddenly, someone smacked the table.
The two young men who were drinking turned and looked at the person who had just smacked the table. It was a very big and tall young man dressed in a purple cloak. He stood before the table with a big blade on his back. He scanned the two and sneered as he said, "I heard you two say that Emperor Yu’s Hall is not as good as the Xing Yi Sect Hmph, you can’t say such reckless words."
"Why?"
The young man with the tiger skin strapped around his waist immediately stood up. It was then when the crowd realized that the young man with the tiger skin was actually slightly taller than the man carrying the huge blade. The young man with the tiger skin glared at the person before the table and roared, "My brother and I are talking here. It’s none of your business! Emperor Yu’s Hall is powerful, but the Xing Yi Sect is the land of the Internal Martial Arts cultivators. What forces can defend against the 100,000 soldiers of the Blood Wolf Army?
"Moreover, the founder of the Xing Yi Sect is the youngest Emptiness Realm Expert.
"The Eldest Martial Disciple of the Xing Yi Sect, ’Xiong Shou,’ was listed in the Heavenly Ranking at a very young age. He isn’t highly ranked, but he is still young…… Within a short period of 16 years, the Xing Yi Sect was able to raise 100,000 powerful Blood Wolf Soldiers!"
The young man in the green cloak glanced at the person before the table and added, "Only Internal Martial Arts cultivators have the best prospects.
"Hmph."
Carrying the huge blade, the young man’s face darkened as he laughed grimly. "How dare a 16-years-old sect founded just by an Emptiness Realm Expert be comparable to Emperor Yu’s Hall, which was founded by the Omnipotent Expert Emperor Yu!"
"Hah! If Emperor Yu’s Hall is strong enough, why are they luring in a great number of Internal Martial Arts cultivators with all kinds of benefits?" the young man with the tiger skin laughed weirdly and responded. "It doesn’t have to be very ancient. Just the time of 16 years is enough for the Xing Yi Sect to become even stronger than Emperor Yu’s Hall. This is real power. Do you not understand?"
The purple-cloaked young man with the huge blade was even more furious as he shouted, "Hmph! If you are strong enough, then spar with us." As he said this, he drew his huge blade.
"Fight me then. I am not afraid."
The young man with the tiger skin immediately grabbed the long spear beside the table.
"Customers! Customers!" When the restaurant manager saw the situation, he immediately ran over.
"Back off! We will compensate for any broken things!" The young man in the purple cloak glared at the manager. Hearing this, the manager laughed and no longer interceded. Immediately, the customers who were eating in the restaurant began cheering. Simultaneously, they moved the tables and backed away to watch the fight from the side.
Killing was prohibited in the city, but it was fine to compete and engage in a spar.
If the truly powerful experts killed, they would be long gone even before the city guards arrived.
"I will show you the Breaking Mountain Blade Art of Emperor Yu’s Hall!" the young man holding the huge blade said coldly.
"We have only used this spear art against tigers and boars. It’s just a technique used in the countryside." The young man with the tiger skin strapped around his waist lifted his spear up horizontally and simultaneously said, "Brother Li, stand to the side. Let me show you how I will teach this impudent fellow a lesson."
Hearing this, Brother Li smiled as he stepped to the side. Brother Li had met the young man with the tiger skin while they were guarding for a caravan. Therefore, both of them knew what each other was capable of doing.
Brother Li had to admit that the young man who only used techniques from the countryside was indeed slightly stronger.
"Show me your moves," the purple-cloaked young man said confidently.
"Oh?" The young man with the tiger skin grinned and responded, "Watch this!"
As he spoke, the huge spear in his hand revolved and launched towards the young man carrying the huge blade. The spear moved forward like a gigantic snake leaping out of its lair and bit towards its prey.
Clang! The purple-cloaked young man forcefully struck his blade forward, causing it to move as fast as lightning.
At that very moment, the spear and blade clashed.
"Hmph." The young man with the tiger skin was forced back one step. Immediately, he stooped down and responded with a sweep kick. The purple-cloaked young man actually leaped up as though he was flying.
Whoosh!
The young man with the tiger skin continued smoothly as he pushed his spear upward.
"Break! Break! Break!" the purple-cloaked young man roared. The blade in his hand displayed tremendous force. As he swooped down, he slashed forcefully three times. The first slash pushed the long spear away. When the second slash was about to reach the young man with the tiger skin, the young man with the tiger skin threw his long spear towards the blade.
Simultaneously, a fierce glint flashed. The young man with the tiger skin leaped forward like a ferocious tiger pouncing forward.
Clang! The long spear was struck away by the second slash. But then, the third slash was still about to hit the young man with the tiger skin. At this moment, the young man with the tiger skin twisted his body and tried to take down the opponent at the risk of getting hurt.
Chi!
Suddenly, a long spear blocked the third slash.
Clang!
When the third slash was blocked, the purple-cloaked young man borrowed the force of the blade and dodged his opponent’s claws. He then laughed out loud and mocked, "And you claimed that the Xing Yi Sect is stronger than Emperor Yu’s Hall. You look the same age as me. However, if it weren’t because that fellow shamelessly interrupted and helped you, you would have been dead or disabled."
"Hmph! If I were to be disabled, you would be dead!" The young man with the tiger skin emanated the aura of a tiger. The close-combat techniques of Internal Martial Arts were very famous in the Land of the Nine Prefectures.
"Hey, purple-cloaked guy! You are already part of Emperor Yu’s Hall and learned their blade art. These two have not even joined the Xing Yi Sect. They have been learning and practicing the Tiger Form Fist Art by themselves. Why are you proud that you won by one to two moves? You are not in Youzhou. This is Yangzhou." A young girl dressed in green wrinkled her nose and scorned as she walked down the stairs.
The young girl looked ordinary. She was just slightly pretty.
"This is none of your business," the purple-cloaked young man said with a frown.
"I am just trying to teach the members of Emperor Yu’s Hall a lesson—Don’t act arrogantly in our Yangzhou." With this, the young girl dressed in green picked up the huge spear that was struck away earlier. When the young girl forcefully gripped the long spear, she seemed to have given life to the long spear. Immediately, the long spear flew towards the purple-cloaked young man.
"You are overestimating yourself." The purple-cloaked young man sneered. His body swayed as he slashed his blade forcefully.
Chi!
When the tip of the long spear touched the blade, the purple-cloaked young man’s expression changed drastically. He could feel a peculiar spiraling force gradually causing him to lose complete control of his blade.
Pu!
The tip of the long spear stopped right before the purple-cloaked young man’s throat. The purple-cloaked young man turned very pale. Just one move! He had lost after just one move.
"Awesome!"
"How dare a member of Emperor Yu’s Hall acts impudently in our Yangzhou."
"Good spear art."
Immediately, many people in the restaurant cheered. The people in the Land of the Nine Prefectures were very loyal to their own prefectures and regions. The people in Yangzhou were proud of the Xing Yi Sect and the Gui Yuan Sect.
"Hmph, you are still weak," said the girl dressed in green. She then threw the spear shaft to the young man with tiger skin strapped around his waist. The young man with tiger skin was now looking at her with eyes full of reverence. With this, the young girl went back up to the second floor.
******
In the private room on the second floor:
A girl dressed in green and another girl dressed in blue sat together.
The girl dressed in blue frowned and said, "Miss, you know we snuck out here. Please don’t cause any trouble. Let’s go back to the Great Yan Mountain."
"No!" The girl in green laughed and said, "Father rarely goes into closed-door cultivation. He said that he is going to create the ninth move…… This is a good chance. I seized this opportunity and escaped. How can I go back that easily? Don’t worry. I learned my skills of disguise from my talented father. Even if Mother appeared before me, she wouldn’t be able to recognize me."
Chapter 548: The End of Qingshan’s Closed-door Cultivation
Translator: Iamgt Editor: Lucas
"Oh." The girl dressed in blue could only nod and whisper, "Miss, what powerful fist art is Sovereign creating? If I remember correctly, he started his closed-door cultivation three years ago."
"I don’t know," the girl dressed in green answered with a frown. She shook her head and replied, "However, during these recent years, Father has gone into closed-door cultivation several times. It’s all for the ninth move of this fist art. It seems like the complete creation of this fist art is extremely difficult. Nevermind. Let’s not bother with these things. Hm, when we are done eating, let’s stroll around Wuan County and leave this county tomorrow."
The girl dressed in blue nodded and said, "Where should we go tomorrow?"
"We will see," the girl dressed in green answered with a leisurely smile.
Whoosh!
A little white bird flew in from the window and landed on the shoulder of the girl who was dressed in green.
"Little White must be hungry." The girl dressed in blue smiled as she looked at the white bird lovingly.
"Little White." The girl dressed in green picked up a small piece of meat with her chopsticks and placed it by the little bird’s beak. The white little bird actually pecked the piece of meat a few times before it took the meat and swallowed it whole.
The girl dressed in green had been taking care of this bird since she was very young, and this bird had always been very obedient.
It was currently midday, but there were still many travelers walking to and fro at the base of the mountain. The official road had been expanded. There were even many luxurious houses built at the base of the Great Yan Mountain. Everything from the base to the summit of the Great Yan Mountain looked luxurious.
Today, in the Land of the Nine Prefectures, the Great Yan Mountain was extremely famous.
Because—
This was the sacred place for the cultivators of Internal Martial Arts!
In the East Flower Garden, the most special place in the Xing Yi Sect:
"Young Master!"
"Young Master!"
A very handsome teenager was walking in the East Flower Garden. When the maids in the East Flower Garden saw this teenager, they called out with smiles on their faces, appearing to be very familiar with the handsome teenager. It didn’t seem like the interaction between a master and servant. The teenager smiled and greeted the maid at the side. "Sister Chunlan, you look more beautiful than when I last saw you."
"Young Master, you are such a sweet talker."
The maids teased.
"Where is my mother?" the boy asked.
"She’s near the flowerbed. She’s just waiting for the Sovereign to end his closed-door cultivation," the maid named Chunlan answered.
The young man nodded and immediately headed towards the flowerbed. He had grown up here; therefore, he was extremely familiar with the East Flower Garden. He could find the flowerbed even if he were to search with his eyes closed. Soon, he walked past a hallway and stepped into another courtyard. He then arrived in this yard full of flowers. Purple flowers flourished in one area and yellow flowers flourished in another.
It was as though one had entered a sea of flowers.
Amidst the flowers, a lady dressed in loose, white clothes could be seen. As she stepped on the flowers and practiced her fist art, her figure flickered like that of a fairy.
"Mother," the teenager shouted.
The lady who was practicing her fist art turned and fluttered down to the limestone floor. The lady in white was indeed Li Jun. Compared to 16 years ago, Li Jun looked much more elegant and mature. A hint of gentleness and mildness could be seen in her eyes. She emanated the aura of a mild and gentle, green jade, bringing serenity to people.
"Hongwu, you are back," Li Jun said as she walked over with a smile. Her eyes were full of love as she looked at Hongwu.
Not long after the birth of the daughter, Honglin, Li Jun was pregnant again and gave birth to a son who was named Hongwu. There were two reasons why he was named "Wu." The word "Wu" was a remembrance of the time when Teng Qingshan and Li Jun were in Wu’an County. The word Wu also meant the exceptional "power" needed by the men in the Land of the Nine prefectures. Teng Qingshan hoped that his son could possess absolute power.
However—
Things didn’t go as he had imagined.
In front of Teng Qingshan, Honglin might appear to be very obedient, but she was secretly very naughty. Still, she undoubtedly had the aptitude and talent for the cultivation of Internal Martial Arts. She started practicing her fist art at a young age. After several years of practicing, she reached the peak of the Postliminary Realm. She only needed to open up the meridians on her face.
Moreover, her cultivation of fist art was even better. Of the Five Elemental Fists of the Xing Yi Martial Art, Honglin was most skilled at the Bursting Fist.
Teng Qingshan had very great expectations for his son, Hongwu. Hongwu had always practiced his fist art diligently. However, as he grew older, he became more fond of dealing with the business of Qingshan Enterprise. And now, Qingshan Enterprise was one of the supreme existences of the business world in the Land of the Nine Prefectures. Qingshan Enterprise had the support of the Xing Yi Sect, which had numerous Internal Martial Art cultivators all across the Land of the Nine Prefectures. Moreover, the headquarters of Qingshan Enterprise was in the flourishing Yangzhou.
Currently, Qingshan Enterprise managed restaurants and bodyguards and caravan guard companies, engaged in the trade of salt, and many other types of businesses. Although Hongwu’s fist art wasn’t as good as his father’s, he was considered above average. Moreover, he was taught by Teng Qingshan and lived in a good environment. Therefore, his accomplishments in the cultivation of martial arts were considered good. Now, Hongwu was almost as strong as a First Rated Warrior.
Of course, compared to his sister, he was slightly weaker.
His strong points were in dealing with businesses.
"Men really can’t go against the heavens. Parents really can’t control how their children become." Regarding this, Teng Qingshan could only sigh with regret. ……
"Mother, is Father still in closed-door cultivation?" Hongwu asked as he looked at the gigantic room used for cultivation.
"Yes." Li Jun smiled helplessly as she turned and looked at the cultivation room that was built ten years ago. "Your father has been in closed-door cultivation for twelve days. No one knows when he will come out. However, your father will be out in one month, even if the cultivation wasn’t successful." In order to create the ninth move of the "Wood Element Fist", Teng Qingshan had gone into closed-door cultivation multiple times.
Of the five elemental Daos, the cultivation of the wood elemental Dao was the most strenuous for Teng Qingshan.
"Hm. Mother, by the way……" Hongwu looked around and said, "I haven’t seen Sister ever since I came back……"
"Your sister?" Li Jun shook her head and said with a grin, "Don’t you know your sister’s temperament? She wouldn’t dare to run around if your father was here. Your father can catch her very easily. However…… once your father is in closed-door cultivation, he won’t bother with whatever she is doing. I don’t have your father’s domain of perception. And so, she snuck out with Xiao Xiao."
Hong Wu smiled and said, "She is very good at disguising herself. It is really very hard to find her."
Suddenly—
"Eh?" Li Jun was slightly surprised as she turned and looked at the cultivation room.
"What’s wrong? Mother?" Hongwu asked puzzledly.
"Something’s wrong." Li Jun stared at the cultivation room. A faint, green light shone through the slit under the door.
At this moment—
"Haha……" A loud laugh sounded from the cultivation room and resonated in the sky above the East Flower Garden.
"Roar~~" A loud roar sounded from the deeper areas of the Great Yan Mountain.
"It’s Uncle Bladelike Chi." Hongwu glanced afar in surprise.
Li Jun’s eyes gleamed as she stared at the huge, stone doors of the cultivation room. A loud rumble sounded and the two huge, stone doors began opening. A big and tall figure walked out from the dark cultivation room. The figure wore a loose black cloak. His face looked determined and his hair was draped over his shoulder.
It was Teng Qingshan!
Compared to 16 years ago, Teng Qingshan didn’t change much. He did look much calmer and reserved. Occasionally, an intimidating glint would flash in his eyes.
He had been in a high position for a long time. As the founder of the Xing Yi Sect and one of the leaders of the Gui Yuan Sect, he played a very critical role in the Land of the Nine Prefectures. He was respected as the Grandmaster by the people in the Land of the Nine Prefectures. Due to having such a status for a long time, Teng Qingshan’s aura had naturally changed slowly.
"Little Jun." Teng Qingshan smiled as he glanced at his wife. He then looked toward his son and asked, "Ah, Wu, when did you come back?"
"I just came back today," Hongwu answered.
Teng Qingshan smiled and nodded. Although Hongwu was the younger one of the two, he was much more mature than the older daughter. Teng Qingshan never had to worry about his son.
"Linlin snuck out again, didn’t she?" Teng Qingshan said with a smile.
"Yes. She snuck out while you were in closed-door cultivation," Li Jun said as she walked over. Teng Qingshan shook his head and grinned. "While I was in the cultivation room, I sensed that she had snuck out. But I couldn’t do anything at that time. Nevermind…… Did you find her location?"
"I asked Little Blue," Li Jun answered. "Little Blue is asking her subordinates. We will probably know in two days."
"Oh." Teng Qingshan nodded.
Hongwu, who was at the side, could no longer endure as he asked softly, "Father, did you…… did you create the ninth move of the "Wood Element Fist"?"
"Haha……" Teng Qingshan immediately burst into laughter.
"Look at how your father is laughing. Can’t you tell?" Li Jun couldn’t help but laugh along. She was truly happy for Teng Qingshan. After all, Teng Qingshan had spent a long time cultivating the "Wood Elemental Dao". He had gone into closed-door cultivation for the ninth move multiple times and had only achieved the breakthrough today. ……
He had spent 16 years on the cultivation of the "Wood Elemental Dao"and had finally achieved culmination. With this, Teng Qingshan had finally reached Emptiness Realm Culmination!
"With the full power of the heavens and earth and my physical strength, I am afraid only an Insightful Emptiness Realm Expert can be more powerful." Teng Qingshan felt very confident. He didn’t spend all sixteen years on the cultivation of the Wood Elemental Dao. He also spent great effort analyzing the moves of the spear art. And now, Teng Qingshan was confident that only Insightful Emptiness Realm Experts could surpass him in terms of power.
"I have attained Emptiness Realm Culmination. If I improve again, I will reach the Insightful Emptiness Realm."
"How do I do that?" Teng Qingshan thought to himself.
That day, Teng Qingshan, Li Jun, and Hongwu ate a meal together as a family, which happened rarely nowadays.
During the evening:
In the study room:
Teng Qingshan was practicing his fist art in the study room. Occasionally, he would walk to the table and record some important points of the fist art.
Li Jun walked in through the side door of the study room and asked with a smile, "Qingshan, are you creating your fist art?"
"Yea. I am reviewing the old techniques so that I can create new ones. Actually, the process of creating a new fist art also helps me gain a clearer understanding of the five elemental Daos." Teng Qingshan smiled and said, "Today, I have successfully cultivated the "Wood Elemental Dao"and understood more about the Bursting Fist, one of the Five Element Fists. I just thought of two ways to perform the Bursting Fist. I am going to perfect it first and then record it."
Suddenly, Teng Qingshan looked up towards the south.
"What’s wrong?" Li Jun froze.
"Little Blue is here." Teng Qingshan smiled and strode toward the study room door.
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