Ning Qi caught the key words at once.
So they had come again.
He naturally knew of the Purple River Sword Sect. It was one of the top-tier sects in Qing Province, and its sect master—the Purple River Sword Sovereign—was a genuine Yuandan Realm powerhouse.
"Senior Brother," Ning Qi asked, "has the Purple River Sword Sect visited more than once?"
Luo Wentian nodded.
"This is the second time. Next month is Purple River Sword Sovereign's one-hundred-and-twentieth birthday. By etiquette, Master should attend. When they came last time, Master was in seclusion. This time, they're probably here to invite him again."
He paused, then added calmly, "Master has considerable standing in Qing Province. Even if he doesn't attend personally, it's not a serious matter."
As he spoke, Luo Wentian patted Ning Qi's shoulder, preparing to leave.
"I'll go with Senior Brother," Ning Qi said suddenly.
Luo Wentian was momentarily stunned. It was rare for Ning Qi to request anything of his own initiative.
After a brief pause, he nodded. "Alright. You'll need to see the world sooner or later."
Soon, they met the visitors from the Purple River Sword Sect.
The one leading them was the third disciple of the Purple River Sword Sovereign. His age was similar to Luo Wentian's, though his cultivation was slightly weaker.
"Brother Luo," the man said politely, cupping his hands, "forgive the intrusion. My Master misses Senior Dragon Mountain and hopes to meet him. Has Senior Dragon Mountain emerged from seclusion?"
Luo Wentian shook his head.
"Thank you for Sword Sovereign's goodwill, but unfortunately, my Master remains in seclusion. When the time comes, I will attend in his stead."
The third disciple waved his hands hastily.
"Brother Luo is too courteous. It's already rude of us to visit a second time. My Master was merely concerned and asked me to come inquire whether Senior Dragon Mountain needed assistance."
Luo Wentian's eyes narrowed slightly before he smiled.
"Thank you for Sword Sovereign's concern. My Master's seclusion is for a breakthrough to the Heavenly Human Realm. Success is nearly assured—only time is needed."
Clear astonishment appeared in the third disciple's eyes.
"So that's the case… Then I wish Senior Dragon Mountain a smooth breakthrough. I still have other invitations to deliver, so I won't disturb you further."
After the Purple River Sword Sect members departed, Ning Qi finally spoke.
"Senior Brother, doesn't it feel like they weren't truly here for a birthday invitation, but to probe Master's condition?"
Luo Wentian smiled faintly.
"Ning Qi is sharp. Do you know what rumors are spreading in Qing Province?"
"I don't."
"Some say Master's origin was injured by a Demon Sect expert—that he entered seclusion to heal, and is even on the brink of death."
A cold snort sounded beside them.
"If not for that traitor, how could such rumors exist?" Jiang Baishan said darkly.
Luo Wentian shook his head.
"It's not only that. Our True Martial Sect has grown too prominent in recent years. Prominence invites covetous eyes. Master's seclusion is also a test for us."
He looked toward Jiang Baishan.
"Fortunately, Fifth Brother has broken through to the Gang Yuan Realm. With him here, the sect will not fall into chaos."
"The Purple River Sword Sect is not the only one probing us," Luo Wentian continued. "But they aren't to be feared. Since they invited me openly, I will attend openly. Otherwise, it would seem as if we lack confidence."
"While I'm away, Fifth Brother, you must remain vigilant. If anything arises, discuss it with Second Brother and the others."
Jiang Baishan nodded firmly.
"Senior Brother, don't worry. With us here, nothing will happen."
Ning Qi listened quietly, but unease flickered in his eyes.
He felt that matters would not be so simple.
And he suspected that Fifth Brother alone might not be enough.
Half a month later, Luo Wentian selected several outstanding inner disciples and Inner Yuan Realm disciples to accompany him down the mountain for the birthday banquet.
Before departing, he reiterated his instructions.
"Fifth Brother, you are the strongest remaining here. Be cautious. Second Brother, Third Sister—everyone must heighten vigilance. Master's seclusion cannot be disturbed."
Jiang Baishan's eyes gleamed with killing intent.
"It's been a while since my sword tasted blood."
"Do not be careless," Luo Wentian warned once more.
Then he departed.
Within the Seeking Dao Courtyard, Ning Qi received the news quietly.
He instructed Heavenly Born to monitor the sect closely and report anything unusual at once.
No one knew—
This child, barely over six years old, was now the strongest existence in the True Martial Sect, second only to Dragon Mountain Daoist.
Luo Wentian's departure caused no visible disturbance.
Jiang Baishan's presence reassured the disciples.
After all, Gang Yuan Realm experts were rare across Great Yan. Even Inner Yuan Realm cultivators, if placed outside the sect, would be considered first-rate experts.
Still, patrols were increased.
No one dared relax.
Ten days later.
Deep night.
At the foot of Zhenwu Mountain, three shadowy figures crouched atop tree branches. Their faces were concealed, only cold, predatory eyes glinting in the darkness.
One was burly.One slender.The one in the middle radiated the fiercest aura.
Any knowledgeable cultivator would recognize them at once.
The Three Evils of Iron Ridge.
—River-Mixing Dragon Iron Dragon—Ground-Walking Tiger Iron Tiger—Flying Sky Eagle Iron Eagle
Notorious villains of Qing Province. Sect exterminators. Mass slaughterers. All three were White Mist Realm experts—figures that even first-rate sects avoided.
"Boss," Iron Tiger muttered, licking his lips, "how long are we waiting? I'm itching already."
"It's been too long since we wiped out a sect. Qing Province is starting to forget our names."
Iron Dragon snarled.
"Are you courting death? Dragon Mountain Old Taoist still lives."
Iron Tiger scoffed.
"There's a rumor his heart meridian was shattered by a Demon Sect expert. He's half-dead already. If I could kill a Core Formation expert, this life would be worth it."
"Idiot!"
Iron Dragon's voice was low and furious.
"There's also a rumor he's about to step into the Heavenly Human Realm. Why don't you believe that one?"
Iron Tiger fell silent instantly.
A Heavenly Human crushing him would be no different from crushing an ant.
Iron Eagle finally smiled and spoke.
"Boss, you know Third Brother has no brain. No need to get angry."
He continued softly, "Whether Dragon Mountain is dying or breaking through, one thing is certain—he is in death seclusion. As long as we don't cause excessive commotion, he will not emerge."
"Without him," Iron Eagle's eyes gleamed coldly, "the True Martial Sect only has Jiang Baishan, a newly advanced Gang Yuan Realm expert."
"The rest… are nothing to fear."