The so-called centipede, though dead, does not stiffen.
The Shenxiao Sect, as a potent force with a millennium-long heritage, naturally, was not easily extinguished.
"The Shenxiao Sect" Yu Zhenzi brought up signifies a group of "inheritors" who accidentally obtained the dispersed heritage of the Shenxiao Sect.
The Great Ming territory spans millions of miles, with endless human resources. It has never lacked geniuses; rather, many potential geniuses that could have reached the peak of martial arts fail to realize their potential due to lack of opportunity and absence of martial studies and skills, thereby fading into mediocrity.
Perhaps the dispersal of Shenxiao Sect's heritage was arranged for this purpose. They spread an unknown amount of heritage, and after two centuries, gifted individuals naturally emerged, carrying on the legacy and rising to power.
Even, perhaps, Pei Xuanjing, if indeed a true genius, could be counted as a genius of the Shenxiao Sect.
In the two centuries following the Shenxiao Sect's demise, relentless persecution by the imperial court, although destroying many lives, indirectly served as a trial.
Anyone capable of inheriting the Shenxiao Sect's legacy and rising above the imperial court's incessant harassment surely is extraordinary.
And due to the imperial court's relentless persecution, these people certainly won't stand by the imperial court; instead, they would inherit the will of the Shenxiao Sect and become adversaries of the imperial court.
The "Shenxiao Sect" that Yu Zhenzi talked about is a faction made up of such individuals, all of whom have more or less been wanted by the imperial court. They are undoubtedly opponents of the imperial rule.
Over these two centuries, some have perished, and others have joined the group. Although still short of top-notch powers, they nonetheless pose significant force.
They consistently attract and scavenge for people to join, with plans to reestablish the Shenxiao community.
"So, my purpose here today is to invite you to join our cause," Yu Zhenzi spoke with a grim facial expression.
His recruitment of Pei Xuanjing, in fact, could have been a mundane matter. It's just that this time, Pei Xuanjing's strength far exceeded that of ordinary people and was stronger than others.
Those chosen by them typically have disputes with the imperial court, and even if they refuse the offer, they usually wouldn't choose to betray them to the imperial court.
At this thought, Yu Zhenzi couldn't help but lament his misfortune for coming across Pei Xuanjing, a strong figure who dealt unfairly.
"I see!" Pei Xuanjing nodded.
After hearing Yu Zhenzi's explanation, Pei Xuanjing finally understood everything.
Combining what Yu Zhenzi said with some information he himself knew, Pei Xuanjing roughly sketched out an idea in his mind.
The Shenxiao Sect must have made preparations for the results of the Longevity Plan.
They knew that the Longevity Plan they planned was extensive and ambitious, so they naturally had a
fallback plan for a potential failure of the plan to preserve their heritage.
They handed over the Shenxiao Jade Book to the True Martial Sect, as an exchange, to seek the protection from the True Martial Sect and to preserve the continuous heritage in case they could not retrieve the jade hook
But would such a powerful Shenxiao Sect simply pin all its hopes on the True Martial Sect alone?
Wouldn't they fear the True Martial Sect having second thoughts or turning against them to keep the alliance secret?
Therefore, the Shenxiao Sect must have other plans apart from the Shenxiao Jade Book.
Before the Shenxiao Sect perished, they quietly dispersed part of their heritage, ensuring that the Shenxiao Sect's traditions would continue unimpeded.
They waited for one day when someone would gather all of the Shenxiao Sect's heritage, ascend Shenxiao Mountain once again, and reestablish the Shenxiao Sect.
This is how a force with a millennium-long lineage retains its influence. They wouldn't trust anyone unconditionally, not even their allies.
"And I suspect that's not all?" Pei Xuanjing thought.
At first, the True Martial Sect and Bai Xiaosheng might not have known about it, but after two centuries, given their power and abilities, they must be well aware of the existence of this "Shenxiao Sect".
The development of the current "Shenxiao Sect", whether it had any underhand assistance from the two, it is still a question.
Given their eagerness for the Shenxiao Sect's Forbidden Places and Blessed Lands, there might be quite a few people in the current "Shenxiao Sect" who were secretly nurtured and guided by the two. They might have once had the same status as Pei Xuanjing but were ultimately abandoned.
After clarifying this, Pei Xuanjing asked, "You said you were an elder of the 'Shenxiao Sect'. How many of you are there now, and how many masters?"
Hearing Pei Xuanjing's question, Yu Zhenzi shook his head, "I don't know?"
"You don't know?" Pei Xuanjing frowned, thinking Yu Zhenzi was playing some kind of trick.
Seeing Pei Xuanjing about to lose his temper, Yu Zhenzi explained, "We once had a traitor within the Shenxiao Sect which led to a comprehensive crackdown from the imperial court, causing serious damage. Since then, only the sect leader knows everyone's identities, and no one else is allowed to make contact on their own initiative.
According to our current rules of the sect, in the name of safety, we all have to conceal our identities and wander the martial arts world under assumed identities, with only the sect leader knowledgeable of our true identity. Even if we have to confer on something, we would still maintain our assumed identities."
Given that the Shenxiao Sect is still being persecuted by the imperial court, they've completely dispersed throughout the world since the crackdown, hiding their identities amidst the crowd unless called upon by their leader, or having verified their identity, otherwise, even face-to-face, they wouldn't recognize each other.
"Breaking up and regrouping silently, your sect leader is quite cunning," Pei Xuanjing praised.
The current Shenxiao Sect indeed finds it difficult to assemble as it would invite unwanted attention.
After all, besides the imperial court, there are also people who do not want the Shenxiao Sect to rise again as it would infringe upon many people's interests.
Even internal members of the Taoist School probably have the same thought. They respect the efforts the Shenxiao Sect has made, but they do not want to see the Shenxiao Sect return.
To them, only a ruin Shenxiao Sect is a good Shenxiao Sect, worthy of their praise.
Yu Zhenzi nodded, proudly said, "The sect leader is indeed excellent, as broad as the sea, possessing a heroic spirit!"
In his speech, he seemed to have a high respect for the "Shenxiao Sect" leader.
Pei Xuanjing couldn't help but throw cold water over his praise, and laughed, "Would your excellent leader, if he found out you betrayed him, spare you his heroic fury?
Yu Zhenzi's face stiffened, and he weakly defended himself, "I had no choice."
Pei Xuanjing neither agreed nor disagreed with him and didn't expose Yu Zhenzi.
He asked again, "How strong is he?"
"The depth of the Sect Leader's strength is beyond my comprehension," Yu Zhenzi said with utmost seriousness.
His deep-seated fear and the profound impression the 'Lord of Shenxiao Gate' left on him betrayed by his face. Even though they were both in the same first-grade realm, Yu didn't dare to put them both on the same level.
Seeing Yu Zenzi like this, Pei Xuanjing couldn't help but ask, "What about myself compared to that?"
Looking at Pei Xuanjing and recalling his terrifying strength, Yu Zhenzi had a realization: the man before him, as young as he is, possesses immense power, even listed among the strongest in the first-grade martial artists.
However, even if Pei Xuanjing defeated him, forcing him to disclose so much information to save his life
Thinking of the several times the Lord made a move that left him in awe.
Yu Zhenzi couldn't help but silently compare him with the Sect Leader. He sighed and shook his head, "I can't judge any of you for myself."
Whether it's the Sect Leader, who wields significant authority in his mind, or Pei Xuanjing, who instilled fear deep within his heart with just one move.
Compared with these two, he was as insignificant as an ant trying to shake a tree, a sharp disparity, too large to overcome.
Looking at an interested Pei Xuanjing, Yu Zhenzi's face slightly changed, thinking: perhaps this is the difference between me and the truly strong.
"Haha." Pei Xuanjing laughed but did not speak.
He couldn't help but say, "I think it's best you avoid a fight with him unless absolutely necessary." When he speaks these words, it is not advice but more like a challenge, similar to Gu Ji.
A smile appeared on the corner of Pei Xuanjing's mouth. "From what you're saying, I am particularly looking forward to a fight with him."
Currently, Pei Xuanjing is at the pinnacle of Martial Arts, eager to find exceptional opponents to challenge himself.
Seeing Pei Xuanjing's demeanor, Yu Zhenzi didn't say much more.
He asked, "I've told you all I know, can I go now?"
Pei Xuanjing shook his head but didn't respond.
Yu Zhenzi changed color, exclaiming, "Are you backtracking on your word?"
"When did I promise you could leave after telling me everything?" Looking at an apprehensive Yu Zhenzi, ready to fight to death, Pei Xuanjing said, "I still need you to do something."
Yu Zhenzi knew how stark the difference between them was, as he had previously stated, they were worlds apart. Even if he took a risk in a fight, it would be as futile as trying to stop a speeding car with his hands, leading him to a dead end.
However, even so, Yu Zhenzi was not prepared to give up and accept his fate. Even when he knew he would lose, his only choice was to fight.
But seeing a glimmer of hope, the desperation in Yu Zhenzi's heart dissipated. Keeping his guard up, he asked, "What is it?"
Pei Xuanjing said leisurely, "Since you have revealed so much already, you'd be deemed a traitor if others knew. Serve me, help me identify those people."
He believed that keeping Yu Zhenzi alive would be more productive than killing him. At least, he could relay messages from the 'Shenxiao Sect' as an inside informant.
"Can you trust me?" Yu Zhenzi countered.
Maybe because he had already betrayed the 'Shenxiao Sect', he had no qualms, no psychological pressure at all.
His question wasn't about his willingness, but about a critical problem: trust.
Regardless, he is still a first-grade Martial Artist. Maybe he had to bow in front of a powerful Pei Xuanjing, but elsewhere, he would be a man of power.
How could Pei Xuanjing ensure that he wasn't attempting to deceive him, merely trying to escape?
Pei Xuanjing offered a mysterious smile, "As long as you agree. I have a way to ensure 'trust'." Yu Zhenzi was taken aback, and a hint of suspicion formed in his heart.
Only then did Pei Xuanjing say, "I will leave a Sword Intent in you. If you faithfully work for me, there'd be no problems. But if one day you betray me, then…"
Clearly, Pei Xuanjing had schemed this all along.
With his current strength, as long as he leaves the Sword Intent, Yu Zhenzi's life would be completely under his control. As long as he activated the Sword Intent, Yu Zhenzi's fate would no longer be his own to decide.
Yu Zhenzi comprehended and shouted angrily, "Are you insisting on controlling my life completely?"
Pei Xuanjing gave a cold laugh, "Isn't your life currently in my hands?" Yu Zhenzi was livid and was left speechless by Pei Xuanjing's blunt remarks.
"The choice is yours. It doesn't matter if you don't agree." Pei Xuanjing said casually.
He didn't force him. However, if Yu Zhenzi indeed disagreed, he would offer no mercy and simply end his life.
Yu Zhenzi also remained silent, clearly understanding the implications of Pei Xuanjing's words.
But, there's no choice when you're under someone's thumb.
He either agrees, or he dies. There are no other choices.
"Alright then!"
After a moment of silence, Yu Zhenzi finally conceded.
Just as Pei Xuanjing expected because previously, Yu Zhenzi had already crossed a line, betraying his faction.
If he refused now, not only would he still lose his life, but all his previous efforts would be wasted.
Afterward, Yu Zhenzi gave up his guard completely as Pei Xuanjing consolidated a Sword Qi and introduced it within him.
Pei Xuanjing smiled and continued, "I am interested in the palm control technique you executed, and also other martial studies of the Shenxiao Sect…"
As soon as Pei Xuanjing finished speaking, Yu Zhenzi understood what was implied and didn't hesitate. After all, when his life was in Pei Xuanjing's hands, what does some information about martial arts skills and techniques matter? They were external possessions. So, he started relaying every detail.
He spelled out the details, and with Pei Xuanjing's remarkable memory, he naturally documented it verbatim, and while chronicling he was able to gauge the accuracy.
After extracting the most value from Yu Zhenzi, Pei Xuanjing nodded in satisfaction. "Now, you can go." said Pei Xuanjing.
"Excuse me." With a stone-cold expression, Yu Zhenzi bowed, turned, and took off.
Pei Xuanjing's voice sounded from behind him, "Feel free to try. If you can eliminate this Sword Intent, I'll keep what happened today a secret. If we meet again in future, I will spare you one more time."
Yu Zhenzi's face turned pale-white, with Pei Xuanjing's words revealing his intention.
He was initially willing to agree, thinking he could get away temporarily and find a way to eliminate the Sword Intent later.
But, hearing Pei Xuanjing's confident words, his concern grew heavier.
However, he had to try anyway, thought Yu Zhenzi.
Pei Xuanjing stood with his hands behind his back, looked into the distance from the top of a cliff.
Next, he was ready to proceed to Taihe Mountain..