"Eunuch Ye, thank you for your efforts." Daoist Longshan's smile became noticeably more sincere.
He had no choice.
You can't bite the hand that feeds you.
Perhaps this time, the Great Yan court wanted to make a show for the martial sects across the land, which explained the generous rewards.
First was the Daoist Jade Plaque—a symbolic rather than practical honor, but for the Zhenwu Sect, which still had shallow foundations, it served as the 'official recognition' they needed. With this, whenever disciples of the Zhenwu Sect traveled or acted outside, the imperial forces would have to show them some courtesy.
Second was ownership of Zhenwu City.
Although the city had been expanded with the Zhenwu Sect's assistance, the sect had only held co-management rights up to this point.
But from now on, everything was different.
Zhenwu City's taxes and personnel arrangements would be fully under Zhenwu Sect's control, giving the sect a much more solid foundation. They could now use the city to support the sect, allowing faster growth. And if they expanded their recruitment efforts in the future, the city would be a massive resource hub.
Lastly, there was the Bloodsun Ganoderma.
Combined with the Millennium Sunfire Jade previously gifted by Lord Xiaoyao, Daoist Longshan's injuries could now heal even faster.
Eunuch Ye smiled gently:
"I'm just a humble courier, not worthy of such praise from the True Person."
He casually dropped a hint:
"The Young Lord and Princess both admire the swordsmanship of the Heavenly Sword True Person, which is why they followed me to Zhenwu Mountain. After seeing it today, they feel this mountain is truly a treasure trove of spiritual energy."
Li Ling and Li Qingyue, who had been glancing about, both lit up and looked at Daoist Longshan with eager eyes.
However, they remembered Eunuch Ye's warning and didn't speak up on their own, fearing they might be rude.
Daoist Longshan immediately picked up on the hidden meaning behind Eunuch Ye's words.
He only smiled and replied:
"Thank you, Your Highnesses, for your kind favor. However, the Heavenly Sword Elder is like a divine dragon—seen only in glimpses. Even I must wait for his moods to see him. He may very well be out traveling at this moment. If Your Highnesses like Zhenwu Mountain, feel free to stay a while. Perhaps if the Elder sees how bright and clever you are, he might choose to meet you himself." R̃𝒶Νo͍BË𝘚
Li Ling and Li Qingyue looked disappointed. They weren't stupid and could hear the polite refusal in his words.
Li Qingyue opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing.
Ning Qi, watching from the side, chuckled inwardly.
But as he looked at the two childish faces, he couldn't help feeling something was off.
Logically speaking, with the Demonic Sect potentially attacking Zhenwu Mountain, these two noble children shouldn't be anywhere near danger.
Even if they had a Heaven-Man Realm expert like Eunuch Ye with them, if the Demonic Sect truly came, it wouldn't be enough.
These two kids were just being naive, but surely the Emperor and the North-Stabilizing King weren't that foolish?
"There are only two possibilities."
"Either the Great Yan court is certain the Demonic Sect won't make another move—in which case one Heaven-Man is enough..."
"Or, they're not afraid of an attack at all... Could it be they have hidden experts nearby?"
Ning Qi speculated.
The Wind Perception technique had already activated silently. Threads of invisible wind landed on each member of the envoy group.
But what puzzled him was, while he found a few Qi Origin Realm experts who were hiding their presence, none were Heaven-Man Realm.
"That's odd."
Ning Qi frowned slightly.
He didn't dwell on it. In any case, it wasn't a bad thing for the Zhenwu Sect.
Daoist Longshan had already welcomed the envoy into the main hall and was hosting a banquet to honor them.
During the feast.
Everyone chatted and laughed.
Ning Qi could tell by now—these two little kids had probably snuck out. Of course, they only thought they'd snuck out. From Eunuch Ye's reaction, it was obvious the people behind them were well aware.
"You're Ning Qi, right? I heard you're the youngest disciple of Daoist Longshan. Have you ever met the Heavenly Sword True Person?"
The Prince of the North quietly leaned over and asked.
At this point, Ning Qi carried a kind of unspoken charm that made people feel close to him.
It was the same with Zhuang Chen before, and with the old Daoist Baishan. Now Li Ling too.
Ning Qi shook his head calmly:
"I've been on Zhenwu Mountain for over eight years and never seen him. Maybe he just doesn't think I'm worth his attention."
Li Ling looked disappointed.
"Sigh, I wanted to ask him to be my master."
Ning Qi was puzzled:
"Why? The North-Stabilizing King's mansion must have plenty of Heaven-Man Realm experts. Your father himself is ranked ninth on the Heaven-Man Ranking. Isn't it better to learn from him?"
Li Ling shook his head:
"You don't get it. First, none of them use the sword, and I only want to learn swordsmanship. Second, if they're the ones teaching me, they won't beat me or scold me, and I won't take it seriously."
Ning Qi looked at him sideways.
Wow. So you feel uncomfortable unless someone's smacking you around?
He didn't even know what to say. Rich kids and their weird kinks.
But thinking deeper, there really weren't many swordmasters on the Heaven-Man Ranking.
Even though the North-Stabilizing King had a strong faction, he couldn't just summon such figures at will.
Ning Qi continued chatting casually with the Young Lord.
He found the kid a bit boastful, but not a bad person—just too spoiled, and hadn't seen the dark side of the world.
In contrast, the princess, while polite on the surface, occasionally showed a hint of superiority that Ning Qi didn't like.
The welcome banquet ended.
Li Qingyue whispered a complaint to Li Ling:
"Ling, if we're not going to see the Heavenly Sword True Person, then what's the point of staying? Let's go back tomorrow."
She wasn't as obsessed with swordsmanship as Li Ling.
Truthfully, she'd only come to join the fun. Now, she found the Zhenwu Sect boring.
Li Ling hesitated.
Eunuch Ye quickly urged:
"Young Lord, Her Highness makes a fair point. We can't keep waiting around for the Heavenly Sword True Person to show up. If the North-Stabilizing King finds out you left…"
Li Ling pouted and muttered:
"So what if he does..."
Eunuch Ye gave a bitter smile.
Ning Qi paused in his steps and didn't continue eavesdropping. Half the day had already been wasted—it was better to return and review some Daoist scriptures or practice his Qi.
…
The night sky was clear, the stars twinkled faintly.
Ning Qi sat upright in the Scripture Pavilion, practicing the Heaven-Earth Grinding Qi Refinement Method.
The pill formed from the relic and the luminous pearl was still being studied. For now, he had to rely on self-cultivation.
The power of heaven and earth swirled around him, the rumbling sounds only he could hear echoed endlessly. Streams of refined Qi coursed through the grinding wheel.
Looking inward.
He saw that the white mist Qi within him had grown slightly viscous, and the amount had also increased.
This was the buildup before a breakthrough—the process where quantity becomes quality.
And it strengthened his power in the meantime.
Ning Qi estimated that with a bit more cultivation, he could perform the Heavenly Sword Technique twice using just his own Qi.
Suddenly.
Ning Qi's heart skipped a beat. He stopped his cultivation and rose to his feet, eyes piercing through the window of the Scripture Pavilion to the sky beyond.
Several powerful auras were approaching!
Without hesitation.
Ning Qi's spiritual sense connected with his heart's false core.
In an instant, the power of heaven and earth surged visibly around him.
His gaze turned cold, and the Innate Sword Body began to operate quietly.
In fact.
It wasn't just his sharp senses—those powerful auras weren't even trying to hide.
The intruders meant trouble.
Killing intent surged from all directions.
Low laughter echoed in the air, and several imposing figures tore through the sky.
Disciples who had been asleep were startled awake, looking toward the heavens in shock.
Daoist Longshan led the True Disciples out to confront the threat.
They looked to the sky.
Their pupils shrank violently, hearts racing.
They saw that all four corners of Zhenwu Mountain's sky were now occupied.
Each had a powerful figure standing tall—their auras undeniable.
Four Heaven-Man Realm experts!
If that was all, Daoist Longshan wouldn't be so solemn.
But more terrifying was the fifth figure floating above them all—short in stature, yet exuding a pressure far beyond the average Heaven-Man Realm.
Elder Wang gazed coldly at the Zhenwu disciples below and spoke with a chilling voice that echoed across the skies:
"Zhenwu Sect aided the enemy and disgraced our Holy Sect. You shall be destroyed!"
Daoist Longshan took a deep breath and did not argue.
He knew the Demonic Sect wouldn't listen to reason. There was only one option—fight to the death.
"Zhenwu disciples, prepare for battle!" Daoist Longshan shouted, quietly activating the Heaven-Man Unity Secret Art.
Behind him, Luo Wentian and the others stood firm, eyes full of resolve.
They had not lost hope.
They knew—the Heavenly Sword Elder had yet to appear.
Elder Wang sneered coldly.
He raised his hand and slammed it down—
A handprint dozens of zhang wide came crashing toward them.
The handprint emitted a green mist with a sickening stench—just a whiff made one feel dizzy and nauseous. Clearly, it was laced with poison.
As the massive handprint passed, it hissed and crackled, as though corroding the very air.
Everyone was horrified.
Daoist Longshan's gaze was grave.
He stepped forward to shield the disciples.
This opponent seemed as powerful as Old Demon Lin—but Daoist Longshan could not retreat.
If he did, the rest would be slaughtered instantly.
But someone was faster than him.
From deep within the Zhenwu Sect, a familiar energy surged forth.
An extreme aura of sword intent made everyone's eyes light up.
"The Heavenly Sword True Person! I knew he was still here!"
Luo Wentian and the others burst into laughter.
The familiar Heavenly Sword tore through the sky in an instant, thrusting toward the fierce green handprint.
Unmatched sword energy surged—
The green mist vanished in a flash.
Sword Qi exploded outward.
The mountain-sized handprint crumbled, dispersing into countless green specks.
Everyone watched in awe and excitement.
From afar, Li Ling and Li Qingyue were ecstatic:
"The Heavenly Sword True Person! I knew he was still at Zhenwu Mountain! That sword strike—so cool! Cooler than the rumors!"
Li Ling praised from the heart, his eyes full of longing.
"If only I could learn that sword..."
Even Eunuch Ye couldn't help but murmur:
"With that sword alone, the Heavenly Sword True Person deserves a place on the Heaven-Man Ranking!"
But.
After his exclamation, he immediately gave an order:
"You, watch over the Young Lord and the Princess."
With that,
He charged out on his own.
Zhenwu Sect was under attack—if he just sat back and watched, the Demonic Sect wouldn't spare them once Zhenwu was destroyed. Hiding would be useless, and there was no escaping. Might as well join the fight and push the enemy back.
He hadn't forgotten.
The Demonic Sect still had four Heaven-Man Realm experts lurking nearby.
Ning Qi slashed out with one sword, destroying Elder Wang's giant handprint. Then, the Heavenly Sword hovered midair, trembling as it buzzed, its edge aimed straight at Elder Wang.
Elder Wang's lips curled up—not the slightest bit afraid. On the contrary, he looked a little excited:
"Heavenly Sword old mutt, good, you're here!"
"You're responsible for Brother Lin's death. Today I'll make sure you pay dearly!"
He laughed viciously.
"Hiding your head and showing your tail, too cowardly to show your face. Since you care so much about the Zhenwu Sect, then I'll let you watch as it gets destroyed!"
As the words left his mouth,
He broke through the air, unleashing a cloud of green mist. Palm strikes and fist prints rained toward the Heavenly Sword. He sneered as he blocked all of the sword's edge and Qi.
The other Demonic Sect Heaven-Man experts understood.
They too burst into cruel laughter.
Four Heaven-Man Realm experts—each wielding a sword—rained down sword Qi like a torrential storm, covering the Zhenwu disciples.
Daoist Longshan's eyes burned with fury as he shouted, "You bastards, don't get cocky!" and charged forward.
Another Demonic Sect Heaven-Man came attacking from the east.
But unexpectedly,
A massive bare-chested figure intercepted him—wielding a butcher's knife, glaring fiercely, and cursing loudly:
"Dmn it, you Demonic Sect bstards have a nose for this kind of thing! You're p*ssing me off!"
The butcher's knife sliced through the air, each blade flash pouring out his rage.
A few days ago, two Heaven-Man experts had just been reassigned—and now the Demonic Sect attacks? They really were like dogs.
He had heard the commotion from Zhenwu City and rushed over to help.
Then came the two Heaven-Man experts from the west and north.
Eunuch Ye moved like a ghost, intercepting the northern Heaven-Man expert mid-route.
In the blink of an eye,
There were nine Heaven-Man Realm experts battling in the sky. Their clash shook the night, shockwaves raining down on the Zhenwu Sect. Pavilions collapsed one after another—but that wasn't even the worst part.
The most devastating thing was—
One Demonic Sect Heaven-Man had no opponent.
No more Heaven-Man experts appeared to stop him.
Now, that Demonic Sect expert was practically unstoppable.
"Tsk tsk tsk, Heavenly Sword old mutt—go ahead, watch Zhenwu Sect perish!"
Elder Wang laughed viciously. He was a little shocked by the Heavenly Sword's strength—stronger than the rumors. He could only hold the sword at bay. But luckily, the Demonic Sect had the numbers. The advantage was theirs.
He mocked without restraint, trying to shake his opponent's mind.
Inside the Scripture Pavilion,
Ning Qi frowned slightly.
His appearance and figure began to shift, transforming into an old man with long white hair.
Now, he could only show himself. He'd have to fight two on his own.
But just as he lifted his foot, Ning Qi suddenly stopped.
His eyes showed surprise as he murmured:
"So... it finally appears?"
He sensed a new powerful aura near Li Ling and Li Qingyue.
It had emerged the very moment Eunuch Ye made his move.
The Demonic Sect Heaven-Man had instantly seen through his identity.
"A eunuch?!"
The other Demonic Sect Heaven-Man experts froze, stunned—then Elder Wang quickly came to his senses. His eyes lit up, and he burst into laughter:
"A Heaven-Man eunuch sent to deliver rewards? Looks like someone in that envoy is pretty high-ranking!"
He hadn't expected such a delightful surprise.
Originally, he'd only planned to destroy the sect and kill the envoy. Now, they'd caught a big fish.
"Old Zhang, go fish it out!"
The only Heaven-Man expert without an opponent, Old Zhang, laughed just as wildly. He had been planning to slaughter disciples to distract Daoist Longshan and the Heavenly Sword. Now, he had a new target.
He searched the surrounding aura using the power of heaven and earth.
Soon, he spotted some eye-catching targets—
A boy and a girl, shielded by several Qi Origin Realm experts, just emerging from a collapsed pavilion.
"Found you, big fish!"
Old Zhang laughed heartily and moved in a flash—appearing right in front of Li Ling and Li Qingyue. His pupils contracted as he recognized them:
"The North-Stabilizing King's son? Princess Qingyue?"
He trembled with excitement.
"A big fish! A real big fish!"
Elder Wang's body also jolted. He was overjoyed and shouted urgently:
"Take them alive! Take them alive!"
Old Zhang laughed:
"Don't worry, Elder Wang. I know what to do."
An overwhelming wave of killing intent crashed toward the two.
The experts guarding Li Ling and Li Qingyue were all blown away, coughing blood.
They couldn't stand a chance against a Heaven-Man expert.
Li Ling and Li Qingyue trembled in fear.
Li Qingyue's former pride was nowhere to be seen—her eyes welled with tears as she fought to hold back her sobs.
Covered in dust and rubble, she looked pitiful.
Li Ling was doing a little better, but his legs were shaking.
He pulled Li Qingyue behind him and shouted, trembling,
"If you touch us, my father won't let you get away with it!"
The Demonic Sect expert sneered:
"Don't worry. Your father will come groveling to me soon enough."
Just as he finished speaking,
A faint voice echoed from behind him:
"Oh? And how do you plan for me to grovel?"
"To cooperate with our Holy Sect, of cour—" the Demonic Sect expert didn't finish his sentence. His pupils shrank to dots.
Terror and shock filled his heart.
He turned his head instinctively—and saw a stern middle-aged man in regal attire standing there.
A hand slowly reached out.
So slow—yet completely unstoppable.
That hand naturally wrapped around the Demonic Sect expert's throat—
And gave a slight twist.
The Heaven-Man expert fell dead.
The North-Stabilizing King looked at the stunned Li Ling and Li Qingyue.
He smiled calmly:
"Now do you understand why you shouldn't mess around?"