Chapter 86: Famous After One Battle
Xue Jin was at the Nourishing Vital Energy Realm, Fourth Layer.
Back when Li Qingqiu went to the Seven Peaks Alliance, he had only reached the Third Layer of the same realm.
This was also a test that Li Qingqiu set for Xue Jin.
He could tell that Xue Jin was ambitious and did not wish to remain merely Jiang Zhaoxia’s disciple.
Though everyone felt that Li Qingqiu was too domineering, they could not refute him.
After some thought, they realized that if a disciple of the Clear Sky Sect were to die at the foot of Clear Sky Mountain, it would be troublesome to handle, both internally and externally.
“Sect Master, if you don’t mind, I can spread some news outside—just say that the Nine Absolute Sect Master sent assassins to ambush you for no reason. Even without evidence, in this martial world, many will be intrigued. Once rumors spread, the people of the martial world will no longer be resistant toward the actions of our Clear Sky Sect, but instead feel fear and respect.”
Zhu Yan spoke up.
Her words made everyone present look at her with newfound regard.
In truth, many had held some opinions about this scholar becoming a Deputy Hall Master.
They thought being a scholar was not so remarkable.
Yet during tonight’s discussion, Zhu Yan had eagerly plotted for the benefit of the Clear Sky Sect, and her proposal was indeed sound.
Everyone began to genuinely accept her.
“If Hall Master Zhu is willing to take action, then that is even better.”
Li Qingqiu smiled.
Though domineering, he was not foolish.
Having someone willing to stir up muddy waters would do no harm to the Clear Sky Sect.
This was precisely the kind of Clear Sky Sect he envisioned—he only needed to decide the direction, and his subordinates would take care of the details.
Even when facing enemies, brute force alone should never be the only method.
Afterward, Li Qingqiu discussed a few other matters, and once everyone reached a consensus, he dismissed them.
……
Upon returning once more to Clear Sky Mountain, Bai Ning’er was full of curiosity toward everything.
Since being assigned to the Spirit Mine, he had not returned for a long time.
He held no resentment toward the Sect Master’s arrangement—rather, he was full of gratitude.
After all, not everyone could cultivate in the Spirit Mine.
He had already been there the longest.
The other disciples stationed there were all rotated out regularly, but he alone remained.
The other disciples also noticed this and privately speculated that the Sect Master held Bai Ning’er in high regard.
Now, Bai Ning’er’s cultivation had reached the Nourishing Vital Energy Realm, Third Layer.
The rise in his cultivation made him radiate confidence—he was completely different from who he had been two years ago.
Early that morning, a disciple came to deliver a message: the Sect Master had summoned him to the Lingxiao Hall.
Bai Ning’er felt both joyful and nervous, unsure why the Sect Master wanted to see him.
On his way up the mountain, he passed by the guest courtyard of Zhu Yan and Su Xiling.
After some hesitation, he went to knock on the door, but the person who opened it was a stranger.
“May I ask if Senior Zhu Yan is here?” Bai Ning’er raised his hand in salute and asked.
The one who opened the door was a maid.
She widened her eyes and asked, “Do you mean Scholar Zhu Yan?”
“Yes.”
“She’s already become the Deputy Hall Master of the Heavenly Works Hall and moved up the mountain. You didn’t know?”
“So that’s how it is. I haven’t been up the mountain for a year, so I truly didn’t know. Forgive my intrusion.”
After hearing this, Bai Ning’er quickly took his leave.
Upon learning that Zhu Yan had joined the Clear Sky Sect, he felt even happier.
Su Xiling had often instructed him before, and he had long regarded her as his teacher.
Since Su Xiling surely followed Zhu Yan into the Clear Sky Sect, they would now truly be part of the same family.
When he arrived at the Lingxiao Courtyard, Bai Ning’er saw several other disciples present—all of whom had cultivated at the Spirit Mine before.
He recognized them.
Standing at the center was Xue Jin.
At twenty years old, he was in the prime of youth.
He was now a famed genius throughout the sect, second only to Xu Ning.
Naturally, the other disciples gravitated around him.
When Xue Jin glanced at Bai Ning’er, he gave a slight nod, which left Bai Ning’er both surprised and honored.
It wasn’t because Bai Ning’er was favored by the Sect Master that Xue Jin greeted him—he simply saw that Bai Ning’er had reached the Third Layer of the Nourishing Vital Energy Realm, a level that was considered top-tier within the sect and thus worthy of respect.
“I wonder why the Sect Master summoned us here?”
“I heard rumors that he might assign us a mission.”
“Don’t state the obvious—did you think he called us for a meal?”
“If it’s a mission personally given by the Sect Master, it definitely won’t be simple.
I’m already looking forward to it.”
“With Senior Brother Xue leading us, success is guaranteed.”
While the disciples were chatting, Yuan Qi came out from Li Qingqiu’s room, counted their numbers, then called out toward the room, “Sect Master, everyone is here.”
Upon hearing this, the twelve personal disciples immediately tensed up—the Sect Master was inside?
They dared not say another word, fearing he might overhear.
Soon, Li Qingqiu stepped out of his room.
Standing before them, he swept his gaze across the group and directly explained that the Nine Absolute Sect had sent assassins after him.
Upon hearing this, all the disciples were enraged.
“I order you to head to the Nine Absolute Sect, slay their Sect Master, and destroy their sect. You need not annihilate them to the last man, but make sure their sect dissolves. Complete this before the end of the year. This mission will be fully led by Xue Jin. The rest of you will obey his command. When you return, I shall reward you handsomely!”
Li Qingqiu declared solemnly, and the disciples immediately accepted the order.
Xue Jin was filled with excitement—he had finally received his chance.
If he performed well in this mission, his status would no longer remain that of a mere disciple.
Li Qingqiu waved his hand to dismiss them.
The twelve personal disciples saluted and departed toward the mountain gate together.
Among them, the lowest cultivation was at the Nourishing Vital Energy Realm, Second Layer—they were truly the elite of the Clear Sky Sect, each capable of escaping even from a Demonic Cult expert if necessary.
Li Qingqiu placed great hopes upon them.
Reaching the Second Layer was no easy feat, and more than half of them had only achieved it within the last half-year.
After their departure, only a handful of disciples in the sect remained at the Second Layer of the Nourishing Vital Energy Realm.
Of course, Li Qingqiu did not count the higher-ranking elders in this.
Standing quietly in the courtyard for a while, he eventually strolled out—he was preparing to instruct Li Yang in cultivation.
With Li Yang’s natural talent, merely handing him a technique would be sufficient.
But Li Qingqiu wanted to establish an image and solidify his position.
By personally teaching Li Yang, the youth would be seen as the Sect Master’s favored prodigy.
The greater Li Yang’s achievements in the future, the higher Li Qingqiu’s prestige would rise.
……
Rumors that an assassin had targeted the Sect Master quickly spread throughout the Clear Sky Sect.
Soon, gossip began claiming that the Nine Absolute Sect from Eastern Tomb Province was behind it.
This enraged the disciples and aroused curiosity among visitors—how had enmity formed between the two sects, and what would the Clear Sky Sect do in response?
After the rumors spread, the Enforcement Hall’s members increased to twenty-five.
Five disciples guarded the mountain foot daily, while ten more patrolled the mountain.
Such actions confirmed the rumors of an attempted assassination on the Sect Master.
Everyone waited to see what Li Qingqiu’s response would be.
However, no public notice was posted, and he never summoned the disciples to the Profound Heart Hall for discussion.
As autumn deepened, and since Li Qingqiu remained silent, the matter gradually faded from the disciples’ minds.
That day, Feng Dai sent a letter—delivered once again by the same knight, Ma Yu.
Li Qingqiu received him and opened the letter.
Feng Dai was doing well in Zhenyang Imperial City.
With Jia Yi’s assistance and his own encounters with benefactors, he had officially become a registered government official.
Recently, the capital had been unstable.
Rumor had it that the Crown Prince and the Emperor were struggling for power.
The courtly strife had spread throughout the city—officials were dismissed daily, and new ones appointed just as often.
Feng Dai’s tone carried excitement.
He strongly supported the Crown Prince and believed that only by the Crown Prince ascending the throne could the Great Li Dynasty truly prosper.
After reading the letter, Li Qingqiu looked up at Ma Yu and smiled.
“Why is it you again delivering the letter?”
“My lord does not trust others with this task.”
“Have you heard any news of the Guzhou State Capital?”
“I haven’t heard directly, though I learned some things along the way.”
When mentioning this, Ma Yu’s expression grew uneasy.
Upon hearing that the Guzhou State Capital had been overrun by the Demonic Cult and that countless civilians had died, he had been deeply shocked.
Such a horrifying event had somehow left no trace of rumor in Zhenyang Imperial City.
Still, Ma Yu was a reserved man.
Since Li Qingqiu did not bring it up, he did not ask—he knew such matters were beyond his station, even dangerous to discuss.
Li Qingqiu nodded slightly.
“Stay and rest for the night within the sect?”
“No need. Might I ask if Sect Master Li has a reply for my lord?”
“None.”
“Then I shall take my leave.”
Ma Yu cupped his fists, turned, and left—decisive and efficient, without hesitation.
Li Qingqiu admired him greatly.
Feng Dai had good judgment in men.
Immediately afterward, Li Qingqiu rose to head toward the Subterranean Spiritual Lake to cultivate.
Knowing that the Emperor and Crown Prince were at odds reassured him—the later their inevitable clash, the better.
Lately, he had been striving to break through to the Nourishing Vital Energy Realm, Eighth Layer.
The higher the realm, the harder the breakthrough.
Even with his Heavenly Thunder Spiritual Root, the difficulty was immense—let alone for others.
Cultivation truly demanded the investment of time.
No wonder immortals could dream away a thousand autumns.
……
When winter snow began to fall, a piece of news spread through the Clear Sky Sect, shaking it to its core.
The leader of the Thirteen Sword Fiends—Xue Jin—had led eleven personal disciples of the Clear Sky Sect to storm the Nine Absolute Sect, killing its Sect Master and scattering its disciples.
They still remained at the Nine Absolute Sect’s grounds, refusing to leave.
This news was brought by visiting pilgrims, and it filled the Clear Sky Sect disciples with exhilaration.
Before, they had wondered why the Sect Master had remained patient.
But after their private discussions, they realized it was indeed a difficult matter—since the Nine Absolute Sect could simply deny it.
Just as they thought the Sect Master intended to endure, such explosive news arrived.
At once, Xue Jin’s name spread across Clear Sky Mountain.
Xue Jin had become famous with one battle.
According to a visitor, the entire Eastern Tomb Province martial world was now talking about him.
It had even sparked a movement to “rescue the Nine Absolute Sect,” with the martial community there claiming that the Clear Sky Sect was provoking all of Eastern Tomb Province.
Not only Xue Jin, but Bai Ning’er and the other personal disciples also rose in renown—though none shone as brightly as Xue Jin.
This battle marked the moment the Clear Sky Sect truly stepped beyond Guzhou.
Unlike the anger of the Eastern Tomb Province martial world, the Guzhou martial community was thrilled.
Some even considered going to aid the twelve personal disciples, for word had spread that the Nine Absolute Sect had once sent assassins after the Clear Sky Sect Master.
Zhang Yuchun sought out Li Qingqiu and asked, “Senior Brother, should we send reinforcements? The situation’s grown serious—I fear other sects may get involved.”
Li Qingqiu replied, “No need. Xue Jin will handle it well. Besides, Sixth Junior Brother just happened to take on a mission in Eastern Tomb Province recently.”