Bang!
The terrifying power of the old Celestial Master was supposed to fall on Zhang Chengzhou. Even if it didn't kill him, it would shatter his organs, break his bones, and severely injure him.
Regrettably, the treasures on his body protected him, causing him to only lose his breath, and he was knocked back, falling to the ground.
Just when he was thankful for his protective gear, the Zhengyi Seal, which had just unleashed its divine power to protect him from his chest, suddenly flew out. It turned into a golden light and directly fell into the hands of the old Celestial Master.
Everyone was astonished by this sudden occurrence; they did not understand why such a situation had taken place.
The old Celestial Master instinctively grabbed the Zhengyi Seal flying towards him, his Primordial Qi spread out to envelop it, and almost instantly, he realized what it was.
"Impossible, why not only would the Zhengyi Seal not hurt you, but it would also fall into your hands." Zhang Chengzhou's eyes were about to split, showing a sense of madness on his face.
The changes of the Zhengyi Seal shocked him tremendously, it felt even worse than being beaten by the old Celestial Master.
This Zhengyi Seal was the treasure of Dragon Tiger Mountain. Since both the Yin-Yang Evil-Slaying Treasure Sword and the Yang Ping Treatment Imprint were in the hands of the Ancestor Celestial Master, the Zhengyi Seal can be said to be the symbol of the current Celestial Master's identity.
Had it not been for the fact that the Celestial Master of this generation of Dragon Tiger Mountain had not been determined, he would not have had the opportunity to return to the Ancestral Land with this item. However, even so, he could not use the Zhengyi Seal at will. Every use took considerable effort.
However, the Zhengyi Seal, which was difficult to control in his hands, lay quietly in the hands of the old Celestial Master. He found it hard to accept.
"It seems that you really don't understand."
The Zhengyi Seal in the old Celestial Master's hand calmed down. Holding it in his hand, he shook his head and said, "I just thought you were so rampant, thinking you were quite capable. It turns out that you are nothing but an insignificant figure in Dragon Tiger Mountain of the Sky Wasteland."
As soon as the Zhengyi Seal arrived in his hand, the old Celestial Master immediately understood the whole story.
This Zhengyi Seal, as a treasure refined by the Ancestor Celestial Master and symbolizing the identity of the Celestial Master on Dragon Tiger Mountain, could only be handled and used by the Ancestor Celestial Master and his successors. This was the reason why Zhang Chengzhou found it difficult to use.
Because he was not the Celestial Master, not even the candidate for the Celestial Master, he could not gain the recognition of the Zhengyi Seal. The reason why he could bring the Seal back was because the Ancestor Celestial Master had granted permission.
The old Celestial Master was different, however. As the Celestial Master of the Great Ming World and a practitioner of Dragon Tiger Mountain's fundamental skill "Heavenly Righteous Divine Cultivation", he was the rightful successor of the Celestial Master. Even if placed on Dragon Tiger Mountain in the Sky Wasteland and despite his weak power, he was doubtlessly a candidate for the Celestial Master simply because he cultivated this divine skill and was qualified to compete for the position of the next Celestial Master.
If the others were to combat the old Celestial Master in other ways, it would be alright. But how could the Zhengyi Seal, as the symbol of the Celestial Master, be used by outsiders to attack a successor to the Celestial Master?
After listening to the old Celestial Master's words, Zhang Chengzhou and his companions' expressions changed slightly as they had not considered this point.
What surprised them even more were the old Celestial Master's next words.
"Our Ancestor Celestial Master has already anticipated the nature of people like you; that's why he allows you to return with the Zhengyi Seal."
The information that the old Celestial Master obtained from the Zhengyi Seal wasn't limited to the affair of the Seal itself; it also included a small piece of imprint left by the Ancestor Celestial Master.
Although the Ancestor Celestial Master had been in seclusion and hadn't emerged in all these years, he was very aware of the arrogance of his disciples, but felt it was not appropriate to handle the situation just yet, hence he suppressed it.
On the other hand, this time's return to the Ancestor Land was an essential matter to reconnect the line of Dragon Tiger Mountain, and the old Celestial Master naturally couldn't stand by. That's why he had allowed them to bring back the Zhengyi Seal, as a means of keeping a trick up his sleeve.
Presently, the old Celestial Master had injured these people and not only will he not be punished, but he will also receive the legacy of the Ancestor Celestial Master, acquire a complete Heavenly Righteous Divine Cultivation, and take control over the Zhengyi Seal.
"This…"
The three men's faces changed drastically as they knew that they committed an enormous error.
"Such an Ancestor Celestial Master is the one I had in my heart."
The old Celestial Master sighed lightly, his heart holding more favor towards the Ancestor Celestial Master, reducing his resentment towards those who had tarnished Dragon Tiger Mountain in the Sky Wasteland significantly.
"The three of you will be held accountable by the Ancestor Celestial Master in due time. But for now, I will seal your powers so you won't continue to create havoc," said the old Celestial Master in a deep voice.
He activated the Zhengyi Seal, sealing the power of the three men. In the face of the old Celestial Master's actions, their faces were grim, but they dared not resist at all.
The Ancestor Celestial Master was their sky; since it's an order from the Ancestor Celestial Master, they would not dare to oppose it unless they had the intention of defecting.
In Tiandu, at the Taoist Temple where Pei Xuanjing was located.
"It seems that the power of our old Celestial Master is anything but ordinary!" Pei Xuanjing looked through the message sent by the old Celestial Master and said lightly.
The old Celestial Master faithfully relayed what happened on Dragon Tiger Mountain, without withholding any matter, except for some secrets of Dragon Tiger Mountain conveyed by the words of the Ancestor Celestial Master.
Pei Xuanjing was not surprised at all that the old Celestial Master suppressed a powerful man in the Spirit Realm Level Five. Although he had never sparred with the old Celestial Master, they had interacted a lot, and he could approximately gauge the other party's power.
Not just the old Celestial Master, regardless of Qingxu, Chunyang, Zhao Baiyang, Xue Wuheng, or this Bai Xiaosheng in front of him, did they genuinely only display the strength they showed on the surface?
Pei Xuanjing wouldn't believe that. Each of these old foxes that had been immersed in the martial world for countless years, which of them isn't extremely cunning and excelled in concealing their abilities?
Especially these several powerhouses of the Taoist School, with him taking the lead to exert his efforts, naturally, they would not easily display all of their strengths.
In the face of Pei Xuanjing's half-smiling gaze, Bai Xiaosheng could also guess that Pei Xuanjing was thinking about how they were all concealing their true powers.
However, he also didn't feel any embarrassment or awkwardness, and agreed with a laugh. "This older Celestial Master has been famous for over two hundred years, he's only a bit younger than a few old figures of the Buddhism School who have retreated from the world. Nobody knows what he's capable of. You know, the greatest ability of Dragon Tiger Mountain is not the Thunder Method of Martial Studies, nor the cultivation of the physical body, but the method of controlling the Ghost God!"
He didn't want Pei Xuanjing to pay extra attention to him, so he promptly pushed the old Celestial Master to the front and pointed out that the old Celestial Master certainly still had hidden reserves.
After all, in all these years since the revival of Heaven and Earth, the method of controlling Ghost God from Dragon Tiger Mountain had been lost and was gradually unknown to the people, but he, Bai Xiaosheng, remembered it clearly and would definitely not forget.
"Zhengyi Alliance Prestige, the Ghost Gods obey. With such a method, how could I forget? You should know that my Shenxiao Sect derives from Zhengyi and is influenced by the Zhengyi Seal," Pei Xuanjing said with a light laugh.
The Ancestor Celestial Master was able to eradicate a substantial number of Ghost Gods at the Temple of Smiting Evil. The Zhengyi Alliance's prestige was used to command these Ghost Gods due to the outset of the Zhengyi Talisman—an alliance with them.
However, after the Tang Dynasty, as Heaven and Earth declined the Ghost Gods began to fade, and the ability was revealed no more to the world. Thus, the Zhengyi Talisman increasingly became a symbol.
Yet, with Heaven and Earth now rejuvenated, this technique cannot possibly stay hidden. Even if there are no Ghost Gods now, not long ago in the enfeoffment of the Gods, hasn't Dragon Tiger Mountain received quite a few Divine Positions?
"You're right, I forgot about that." Bai Xiaosheng was stunned for a moment when he heard this and then quickly reacted.
The Shenxiao Sect does indeed belong to the Zhengyi Alliance. Nonetheless, because Pei Xuanjing is presiding over it currently, even the old Celestial Master wouldn't dare to mention imposing the command of Zhengyi in front of him, which he inadvertently overlooked.
"Hahaha."
The two of them shared a glance and a smile; everything was left unspoken. They decided to let this matter rest for now.
Pei Xuanjing switched the topic, asking, "So, what do you make of what happened at Dragon Tiger Mountain?"
Bai Xiaosheng's expression changed, he replied, "The Old Celestial Master is highly powerful. He can suppress these people, but what about the other forces?"
"They will likely face great peril," Pei Xuanjing responded calmly.
A glint sparkled in Bai Xiaosheng's eyes as he suggested, "Perhaps, we need to investigate some of these forces to see if anything unusual has surfaced."
There is no certainty regarding the number of people who have returned from the Sky Wasteland, even Bai Xiaosheng wouldn't dare to make such a claim. But what he can guarantee is that it's definitely not limited to Dragon Tiger Mountain.
The several times Pei Xuanjing had shown his might demonstrated his invincible stance in this world, discouraging many from challenging him. It also inadvertently disturbed potential threats.
Unless those returnees have utmost confidence that they can suppress Pei Xuanjing or they're purely foolish, they will definitely maintain a low profile.
What transpired at Dragon Tiger Mountain is undoubtedly not the first of its kind. The Old Celestial Master's counter-suppression may be coincidental.
For the majority of forces, even though the rejuvenation of Heaven and Earth enhanced their power, there aren't many who could easily suppress the returning powerhouses if faced with one.
Also, not everyone is as foolish as those three at Dragon Tiger Mountain to choose intimidation. What if they choose bribery?
It is widely known that the complete inheritances dominated by Sky Wasteland are not something every force can acquire currently. As long as enough is surrendered in return, they could potentially be persuaded and enticed.
After all, unlike Dragon Tiger Mountain, most forces don't possess such significant interests in the current Daming World which they cannot easily relinquish.
"It seems our most concerning scenario has come to pass," Pei Xuanjing sighed lightly.
Strongholds are most easily breached from within. If the enemy truly chooses this clandestine infiltration approach, it is difficult to defend against when one's tactics are visible while the enemy's remain concealed.
Bai Xiaosheng too felt crestfallen. Why are these people from Sky Wasteland so timid?
Although Pei Xuanjing is strong, they come from the renowned Sky Wasteland, possessing such profound inheritances and an array of means. How come they can't suppress Pei Xuanjing and instead resort to these schemes?
Pei Xuanjing stated, "You should primarily investigate some of the significant forces that have inheritances from the Sky Wasteland, see if they have recently exhibited any anomalies?"
Bai Xiaosheng asked, "What if we discover something? Should we confront or negotiate?"
"That decision rests in their hands." Pei Xuanjing said nonchalantly.
If the other party is acting in good faith, not disrupting his plans, Pei Xuanjing would consider staying his hand. But if someone attempts to sabotage his plans, they cannot blame him for what happens next.
Bai Xiaosheng nodded. Just as he stood up and was about to leave, he suddenly asked, "I heard you're trying to solve the problem of the pseudo-grandmaster. How is that going?"
Pei Xuanjing shook his head and stated, "It's complicated."
This issue concerning the pseudo-grandmaster has persisted for thousands of years. Just thinking about it demonstrates its complexity; even from his current standpoint, it's not a simple matter.
He had some directions in mind at the moment, but wasn't entirely certain. Moreover, even when he reaches a decision, this method needs to be tested to see if it's feasible.
Bai Xiaosheng didn't probe further; he was simply making casual conversation.
Since he still had many matters on his plate, after exchanging a few words with Pei Xuanjing, he turned and left.
Pei Xuanjing didn't mind; their paths are fundamentally different. It's exactly because of this difference that they don't have conflicting interests and were able to cooperate until now.
"The True Meaning of Martial Arts is the understanding and awareness of a Martial Artist during their cultivation. Only a martial artist who comprehends the True Meaning of Martial Arts can fully understand what they've learned, using the True Meaning of Martial Arts as a foundation to cultivate their Blood Qi Wolf Smoke. But for a Martial Artist without the True Meaning of Martial Arts, their blood qi disperses around their body, unable to converge, making their cultivation journey almost impossible to proceed," Pei Xuanjing mused, recalling the description of the True Meaning of Martial Arts.
The True Meaning of Martial Arts could be considered a ticket for Martial Artists in the Upper Three Realms, a pass to reach the first-grade realm.
Although pseudo-grandmasters have used external forces to refine their Blood Qi to this extent, without the True Meaning of Martial Arts, they are like a tree without roots. Their blood qi is like a floating duckweed without roots, only able to remain stuck in the third-grade realm, incapable of further advancement.
Although in this rejuvenated Heaven and Earth, even without the True Meaning of Martial Arts, a Martial Artist might gradually progress by painstakingly refining their Blood Qi, the pace of this progress is slow as a snail's crawl compared to the speed of those who have comprehended the True Meaning of Martial Arts.
"By such accounts, the most crucial factor still lies within the True Meaning of Martial Arts. It's much like the 'Spiritual Roots' mentioned in cultivation novels from my previous life. Without spiritual roots, one cannot embark on the path of cultivation," Pei Xuanjing drew on some recollections in his mind for a comparison to the descriptions of the True Meaning of Martial Arts.
The True Meaning of Martial Arts congeals the Blood Qi, similar to how the spiritual roots transform the spiritual energy. Both have certain similarities in their roles, achieving the same effect through different means.
Therefore, the most crucial method is to solve the issue of Blood Qi congealing in the True Meaning of Martial Arts. For those martial artists who cannot cultivate the True Meaning of Martial Arts, they need an alternative to help them congeal and collect their Blood Qi, allowing the Blood Qi scattered around them to converge and thereby strengthening and transforming their body.
An alternative to the True Meaning of Martial Arts?
Spiritual Root?
Pei Xuanjing was pondering these words, his mind working rapidly, pondering over certain matters.
Suddenly, a spark lit in Pei Xuanjing's eyes as he thought of something.
In his past life, he read several novels that described spiritual roots for cultivation. Although spiritual roots were natural, they were extremely rare and not every mortal possessed spiritual roots to embark on the journey of cultivation.
As a result, someone proposed a solution, namely, man-made spiritual roots.
If man-made spiritual roots are possible, then similarly, if the true intention of martial arts is too difficult to grasp, we could attempt to create an artificial version of it, using it as the foundation for a martial artist's cultivation of their Blood Qi?
The more Pei Xuanjing thought about it, the more feasible this plan seemed because it was not based on mere conjecture, and there was a proven success.
Any major power's disciple, if they show extraordinary martial talent in their childhood, would be instructed by a master from an early age and then they start to feel the true intention of martial arts. Under such influence, the likelihood of grasping the true meaning of martial arts when they break through to the third-grade in the future increases significantly.
When Pei Xuanjing's Shenxiao Sword shattered, he gave half of the sword body to Pang Hong to carry, so Pang Hong could constantly perceive his own sword intent. This made it much easier for Pang Hong to grasp the true intention of martial arts when he later broke through to the third-grade.
Since such influence can enhance the understanding of the true intention of martial arts, Pei Xuanjing could completely follow this thought process to solve the problem of not being able to grasp it.
In a moment, Pei Xuanjing came up with a solution, and in fact, two of them.
However, whether these two methods are effective still needs to be tested.
"Someone." Pei Xuanjing called outside the hall.
No sooner had he finished speaking than a martial artist from the Shenxiao Sect rushed in, "What is your bidding, Sect Leader (True Person)? This disciple is at your service."
This martial artist was a third-grade Grandmaster Martial artist who could be a powerful force, even after the revival of heaven and earth, he willingly served as a servant at Pei Xuanjing's disposal in the Shenxiao Sect.
Actually, it was not because Pei Xuanjing was arrogant, but because these people requested it. It is known that even the disciples of Shenxiao Sect, apart from attending periodic sermons, rarely get a chance to be guided by Pei Xuanjing, the number one person in the world.
That position of waiting for orders outside his hall, which most likely allows contact with Pei Xuanjing, had been discovered by some martial artists. After all, those near the water tower get the moon first. Being close and frequently interacting with the Sect Leader (True Person), even if they don't get instructions then, being familiar in front of the Sect Leader (True Person) also has great advantages, providing more opportunities than others in the future.
Therefore, this position seemed inconspicuous and somewhat humble, but in reality, it was one of the hottest positions within the entire Shenxiao Sect. Even first-grade martial artists were attracted by it.
To compete for this position of obedience to orders, without the level of a third-grade martial artist, one has absolutely no qualification to participate.
"You are Xin Quanyang, Xin Huan is your grandfather, right?" Pei Xuanjing looked at the arriving Xin Quanyang, recalling his identity.
It could be said that even though they all submitted under him in his Shenxiao Sect, they were divided into many factions after all.
Pang Hong was his direct disciple, rightfully the most direct lineage. Yu Zhenzi, as the earliest person in the original Shenxiao Sect who was subjugated by him and collaborated with him to kill the original two Lords of Shenxiao Gate, had made significant contributions and was one of the most trusted people by him.
Then it was Zhang Jie, Deng Zhong, Xin Huan, and Tao Rong, who surrendered after the killing of the Shenxiao Gate Lord, followed by those who received the Shenxiao Sect's inheritance under the command of the Shenxiao Gate Lord, whom Yu Zhenzi brought to subordinate them.
Among these people, Yu Zhenzi was alone, without much younger generation, so he focused on assisting Pang Hong, considering himself extraordinarily detached.
However, Deng Zhong's four people had many family members and friends behind them. Although they also represented a power base in the Shenxiao Sect, those who were subdued later, grouped together according to their relations.
That is to say, these people, although united under the command of Pei Xuanjing, it didn't mean that they didn't have any disputes among them. It was just that Pei Xuanjing made the cake too big and had absolute power, which kept these disputes within a healthy range and prevented them from turning their faces due to interest disputes.
Pei Xuanjing was well aware of these things, but he didn't care much about them. After all, these were part of the process that his reorganized force had to go through, so they didn't matter at all.
As long as these people did not disobey his orders and did not harm the interests of the Shenxiao Sect, he would not meddle in these matters. On the contrary, some competition within this range would promote the development and growth of the sect, resulting in a positive outcome.
"Indeed, I didn't expect the Sect Leader (True Person), who manages thousands of matters every day, to still remember this disciple." Xin Quanyang's eyes flashed with excitement, his face became somewhat flushed and he was overjoyed.
As one of the junior members of the Shenxiao Sect, if his grandfather, who followed the Sect Leader (True Person) from an early time, Xin Huan, who is now a Spirit Realm powerhouse, hadn't pleaded for him, he, a new third-grade master, would never have had the opportunity to serve in this position.
It can be said that his generation could be considered as disciples who really grew up under the protection of Pei Xuanjing after the Shenxiao Sect was re-established.
Plus, when he was a child, he also experienced a period of hiding and struggling with his family. So, for Pei Xuanjing, the Sect Leader (True Person) who had given them shelter, they held a sense of admiration and fanatical adoration. Given the power of Shenxiao Sect today and Pei Xuanjing's secluded life and rare management of the sect, even many second-grade martial artists may not necessarily remember their names, let alone a mere third-grade Master.
Now hearing that Pei Xuanjing actually remembered his name, even if it was because of his grandfather, Xin Quanyang was extremely excited and could hardly control himself.
Pei Xuanjing smiled, understanding the admiration that these younger generation disciples had towards him, knowing that as long as these people could maintain healthy competition, the Shenxiao Sect would not have internal strife.
He chatted with Xin Quanyang, inquired about his cultivation, and once Xin Quanyang had settled his excited mood, he asked, "I have something to ask you. Do you know how many pseudo-Grandmaster martial artists there are in the sect now?"
Since he has thought about how to solve the problem for pseudo-Grandmaster martial artists who can't comprehend the true intention of martial arts, he needs to conduct some tests, and the disciples of the Shenxiao Sect are the best candidates.
Upon hearing Pei Xuanjing's inquiry, Xin Quanyang responded, "There are more than 5,000 pseudo-Grandmasters in the sect. However, mostly they are located outside the border and Shenxiao Mountain. There are also about a hundred or so in Tiandu."
"Are there so many people?" A look of surprise flashed in Pei Xuanjing's eyes when he heard this.
He could hardly believe that his Shenxiao Sect would have so many pseudo-Grandmasters. He originally thought that a few hundred, almost a thousand would be considered quite good, but he did not expect to hear such a huge number.
A number of pseudo-Grandmaster martial artists up to 5,000, that's enormous. He remembered how few third-grade martial artists there were when he first started to cultivate.