Chapter 134: The World Was Abuzz with Rumors
Although he had yet to find a disciple’s Fate Trait that satisfied him enough to copy, Li Qingqiu still felt pleased knowing he held one opportunity to select a Fate Trait.
He turned his gaze to the side—Chu Jing, Nangong E, and Lin Chuan were all cultivating the Primordial Unity Scripture.
Chu Jing displayed his exceptional aptitude, progressing far faster than Nangong E and Lin Chuan, which greatly satisfied Li Qingqiu.
In the future, these three ghosts would each become part of his strength.
Lin Chuan would be in charge of gathering intelligence, Nangong E would help him clean up the aftermath, and Chu Jing would fight for him.
Li Qingqiu preferred to understand his enemy’s strength before striking.
Once he determined someone to be weaker than himself, he would attack without hesitation, letting the enemy experience the most terrifying consequences.
He withdrew his gaze and began cultivating the Great Demon-Smiting Golden Hand.
The Great Demon-Smiting Golden Hand was an offensive spell.
One first had to form a physical restriction within the body; then, when casting the technique, no incantation or gestures would be required—catching the enemy completely off guard.
As for its true power, that would have to be tested in battle.
The Great Demon-Smiting Golden Hand was one of the three inheritances he had obtained.
The other two were Five Elements Mystic Heart Flame and Jade Purity Restriction Codex.
These two inheritances were quite remarkable and could greatly benefit the development of the Clear Sky Sect.
The Five Elements Mystic Heart Flame could not only be used for combat but also for forging and alchemy, while the Jade Purity Restriction Codex recorded restrictions for all kinds of magic implements.
Mastering it would grant considerable combat strength, which was of immense benefit both to the individual and to the sect.
Li Qingqiu had already written down all three techniques.
He handed the Jade Purity Restriction Codex to Zhu Yan and Ming Guang—the one who had created the Spirit Gathering Formation.
The two were overjoyed, especially Ming Guang, whose loyalty instantly soared to ninety-six.
Chu Jing’s Grand Formation to Mend the Heavens had also been transcribed by Li Qingqiu.
The formation could draw upon subterranean spiritual energy, inspiring him to set a long-term goal—to use it to encompass the entire Ancient Great Mountain Range.
Later, more formations could be added within the Grand Formation to Mend the Heavens, forming a defensive mechanism.
After destroying Zhao Zhi, Li Qingqiu became even more motivated—there was far too much left to be done.
After cultivating for two days at the Subterranean Spiritual Lake, Li Qingqiu departed.
The Tianhong Sword still floated behind him; he didn’t sheath it.
If the disciples saw it, so much the better—it would gradually change how they perceived the Clear Sky Sect.
Lin Chuan and Nangong E floated behind him, exchanging cultivation insights.
As they walked along the mountain path, Li Qingqiu admired the scenery along the way.
Recently, the Clear Sky Sect had begun rebuilding roads—planning a broad path for carts and horses to ascend the mountain.
Using the vast fortune he’d transported from the Imperial City with Grandmaster Jiang’s storage bag, Li Qingqiu had given Zhang Yuchun an enormous sum, leaving him so elated that he declared not one but ten roads could be built if needed.
Li Qingqiu hadn’t emptied the palace treasury; he’d left a portion behind.
As for who would claim it later—that would depend on fate.
After a while, he began contemplating the matter of creating cultivation caves.
Within Chu Jing’s Grand Formation to Mend the Heavens were records detailing how to construct cave dwellings.
Li Qingqiu believed it was worth attempting—especially since the Clear Sky Sect already possessed a Spirit Gathering Formation.
Once more caves were built, disciples could spread out from Clear Sky Mountain, gradually covering the Ancient Great Mountain Range, expanding the sect’s network of eyes and influence.
The caves were best built beside mountains and rivers, where spiritual energy could be easily drawn.
Two caves too close to each other would interfere with each other’s energy flow, reducing efficiency.
Li Qingqiu’s thoughts drifted.
Along the way, disciples who saw the Tianhong Sword floating behind him all widened their eyes or rubbed them, thinking they were seeing things.
Seeing Li Qingqiu frowning in thought, none dared disturb him.
The battle at the Zhenyang Imperial City had once again elevated Li Qingqiu’s prestige to its peak.
Of course, some doubted the rumors since they hadn’t witnessed it personally, but at least on Clear Sky Mountain, no one dared question it openly.
When Li Qingqiu returned to Lingxiao Courtyard, news of the Tianhong Sword floating autonomously had already spread, sparking lively discussions among disciples about whether it was a martial technique or if the sword had gained sentience.
Upon hearing this, Shen Yue immediately rushed over and asked Li Qingqiu to demonstrate how the Tianhong Sword could levitate.
Li Qingqiu merely glanced at the sword on the table; instantly, the Tianhong Sword floated into the air.
Shen Yue’s eyes widened—it shocked him even more than when he had been defeated by Li Qingqiu.
He couldn’t sense any Sword Energy or Sword Intent—the sword had clearly moved on its own.
How could that be possible?
“The battle at Zhenyang gave me a deeper understanding of the sword. Since then, my Tianhong Sword and I have formed an indescribable bond,” Li Qingqiu said, pretending to be profound.
Shen Yue took a deep breath, bowed, and turned to leave.
Afterward, Sword Sect disciples often saw Shen Yue sitting in thought, clutching a wooden sword, lost in contemplation.
——
In Eastern Tomb Province, at the Absolute Saint Sect.
Within the grand hall, Yan Wujin, clad in black robes, was seated in meditation upon the dais.
His surging inner energy caused the surrounding space to visibly ripple.
Hurried footsteps approached—Deputy Sect Master Tang Ziqi ascended the steps in haste, his voice trembling with excitement.
“Sect Master, great news! Tremendous news!”
Yan Wujin opened his eyes; his gaze was weary as he asked, “What great news?”
He was no longer the high-spirited man of years past.
When he had first founded the Absolute Saint Sect, he had been utterly defeated.
Had Li Qingqiu not been magnanimous, he would have perished.
Later, he reestablished the sect in Eastern Tomb Province, thinking he could make great achievements—but he couldn’t even unify the martial world of the province, let alone shake imperial authority.
He had once crossed blades with experts of the Demonic Cult and nearly lost his life.
Since then, he had doubted himself—whether he could truly avenge his father and drag Zhao Zhi from the Dragon Throne.
Though he appeared to be in secluded cultivation, in truth, he was escaping reality.
“Li Qingqiu, Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect, entered Zhenyang Imperial City alone and slew the Emperor! The Great Li Dynasty has completely fallen into chaos!”
Tang Ziqi’s tone was filled with reverence as he spoke Li Qingqiu’s name.
He recalled their meeting years ago—at that time, he had only found Li Qingqiu inscrutable and noble-minded.
Never had he imagined that Li Qingqiu would accomplish something so earth-shattering.
When the coalition of seven provinces had been routed and the world was left trembling, Li Qingqiu had entered the Imperial City alone and slain the Emperor amidst thousands of troops—it was beyond belief.
When Tang Ziqi had first heard the news, he hadn’t believed it, but after multiple confirmations, he found it to be the same everywhere.
That left him completely exhilarated.
“Are you certain?” Yan Wujin’s eyes widened in astonishment.
He had known Li Qingqiu was powerful—but not this powerful.
Tang Ziqi said excitedly, “I’ve already sent a letter back for confirmation; word should return soon. But I believe it’s true—the towns below the mountain are all discussing it. If the Emperor were still alive, who would dare speak such words?”
A surge of joy welled up within Yan Wujin.
His hands within his sleeves clenched tightly.
Li Qingqiu’s image surfaced in his mind—he seemed like a living immortal.
“We must prepare at once. If this is true and the world descends into chaos, this will be our greatest opportunity. The Absolute Saint Sect must rise from a martial sect to a lordship!” Tang Ziqi said fervently.
To him, being Deputy Sect Master of a martial sect was nothing compared to becoming a Prime Minister.
The Absolute Saint Sect was merely a façade—their true goal had always been to amass troops and vie for the realm.
Yan Wujin took a deep breath.
“Make preparations. Also, send a congratulatory gift to the Clear Sky Sect—say that it is to thank Sect Master Li for his righteous act.”
“Understood!”
Tang Ziqi bowed and hurried away.
Yan Wujin remained seated, his mind adrift.
He had once fought against Demonic Cult experts and knew their terror firsthand.
It was said the Emperor had even obtained the Inner Core of the Martial Legend.
He couldn’t help but wonder—were the techniques of the Clear Sky Sect even stronger than the Great Sun Pure Yang Art?
——
The news of Li Qingqiu, Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect, slaying the Emperor continued to spread.
Some were shocked, some skeptical, but regardless, Li Qingqiu’s name now echoed throughout the world.
From provincial officials to the common people, everyone was talking about it.
In the wilderness, Feng Dai and Ma Yu sat at a table outside a roadside inn, drinking tea while listening to martial artists discuss the matter.
The martial artists did not question it—instead, they revered Li Qingqiu as if he were an immortal deity.
Feng Dai set down his cup with emotion.
“If we hadn’t left earlier, we might’ve witnessed the scene of the Demon Emperor’s head being severed.”
Ma Yu frowned.
“My lord, is Sect Master Li truly that powerful?”
Having lived in the Imperial City for so long, he knew how formidable imperial power was.
He found it hard to believe that one man could fight his way through Zhenyang Imperial City and kill the Emperor.
It sounded too absurd—such a feat had never occurred in all of history.
Even the Martial Legend of the past had never achieved such glory.
Feng Dai chuckled.
“I also find it unbelievable—but with the whole world saying so, could it be mere propaganda?”
He was already eager to visit Clear Sky Mountain and meet Li Qingqiu—there were so many questions he wished to ask him.
Ma Yu fell silent.
He had visited the Clear Sky Sect before, and upon reflection, it truly was no ordinary sect.
Each time he went, he could feel it changing—more disciples, greater power, an ever-deepening mystery.
A sect that could grow so rapidly surely owed it to its leader’s guidance.
“My lord, what are your plans now?” Ma Yu asked, changing the subject.
Feng Dai looked toward the horizon and said softly, “If the Emperor truly has died, then chaos will follow. Countless warlords will rise. I’ll stay at the Clear Sky Sect for a while and watch how the world changes. If possible, I wish to choose a wise ruler and help restore peace to the realm.”
Ma Yu smiled in relief—he had feared Feng Dai might lose his spirit.
He was utterly loyal to Feng Dai, yet he too hoped his lord would one day achieve glory—so he could share in it.
“You’re heading to Clear Sky Mountain too?”
An old man in gray robes approached and sat beside Feng Dai, asking with a calm voice.
Ma Yu frowned and gripped the knife on the table.
“Who are you, and what do you want?”
The old man replied, “No need to be wary. I’m also from the Clear Sky Sect, returning home. Would you mind traveling together?”
“You don’t know the way?” Ma Yu asked suspiciously.
“I truly don’t.”
“Heh, you expect me to believe that?”
“To tell you the truth, I am the Clear Sky Daoist. The late Imperial Ancestor Emperor imprisoned me for thirty years. After my grand-disciple slew the Emperor, he was occupied with other matters and sent me back alone. But I can hardly remember the road.”
“Sect Master Li is your grand-disciple?”
Ma Yu was astonished—Feng Dai too was taken aback.