Dressed in white like snow, warm and smooth as jade.
Zhao Baiyang took a leisurely stroll along Tie Zhangshan. He walked casually, as though no one else was present, amidst the mountain gates belonging to the Tie Sect.
Zhao Baiyang had long reached the pinnacle of the Martial Arts. There aren't many in the world who could surpass him.
Therefore, his presence went unnoticed within the entire Tie Sect until he found himself near the back hill of the Tie Sect in a courtyard – the place where Tie Qianshan secludes himself.
"Brother Tie, an old friend is here for a visit, don't you want to meet?" Zhao Baiyang stood with his hands behind him, speaking out slowly.
However, his clear voice didn't spread to its surroundings and fell entirely in that ordinary courtyard.
Unexpectedly, these two seemed to have a friendship that no one had ever thought of before.
"Friend? I can't climb that high." Tie Qianshan's indifferent voice resonated as the courtyard door slowly opened, and a man with a worn -out face appeared.
"Hehe." Zhao Baiyang didn't mind Tie Qianshan's cold attitude, a smile appeared on his face. "You didn't say that when I saved you from the Yin realm."
A trace of ridicule emerged on Tie Qianshan's indifferent face. "Save me? If I had died that day, could you have survived?"
Listening to their conversation, it seemed that they had once faced the pursuit and attack of the Yin realm together.
Zhao Baiyang's smile remained unchanged, "The fact that I saved you, cannot be denied!"
Tie Qianshan coldly snorted, "If it wasn't for this, do you think I'd like to waste my breath with you?"
"Ha -ha. Brother Tie, you are still so fiery…" Zhao Baiyang looked at him with a sigh.
Tie Qianshan waved his hand, interrupting Zhao Baiyang, and continued, "I don't want to talk about those old things anymore. Say what you need to say, then leave immediately. You are not welcome here."
The relationship between the two, which alternates between friends and enemies, is ambiguous to differentiate at the moment.
"Can't I just be visiting you to reminisce old times?" Zhao Baiyang spoke casually.
Tie Qianshan coldly snorted, "Do you think I'll believe that?"
But Tie Qianshan knew that Zhao Baiyang, who never comes into the court for nothing, must have a purpose for coming here today and it's definitely not to reminisce with him.
"Knowing me best is you, Brother Tie!" Zhao Baiyang praised him, then said, "I comes here today to invite Brother Tie to do a big thing!"
"Big thing?" Tie Qianshan was stunned, his eyebrows slightly wrinkling, then asked, "So, all those things that happened recently in the Northwest Dao, were they all orchestrated by you?"
Although he had been secluded in the mountains for a long time, Tie Qianshan was well-versed in everything happening in Northwest Dao. He was aware of the chaos in the region recently, it seemed like someone was plotting something.
Now hearing Zhao Baiyang's words, he immediately linked the two together.
Zhao Baiyang did not deny it: "Indeed! Brother Tie, are you willing to join us?"
'You guys? Who else's there?" Tie Qianshan's brows were still furrowed.
Zhao Baiyang shook his head, "You will only know if you agree. What do you think, Brother Tie?"
Although the Tie Sect was not worth mentioning, it still held considerable power in this Northwest Dao. If they could join, it would be like adding wings to a tiger.
Of course, what he cared about most was the attitude of the man in front of him. Only Zhao Baiyang knew how powerful this old friend was, and how great his talents were.
After years of accumulation, even Zhao Baiyang did not dare to easily claim he could defeat him.
Therefore, he really wanted to invite him to join, or at the very least, not let him stand on his opposing side.
"I refuse!" Tie Qianshan refused resolutely.
Tie Qianshan knew Zhao Baiyang well, but precisely because he understood him, he could guess how risky what Zhao Baiyang was trying to do would be.
Although the Tie Sect currently dominates the Northwest Dao, and is considered a top force in the Northwest Dao, it still falls short when put into the context of the entire Great Ming.
After all, nearly thirty years ago, the Tie Sect was an unknown small force, until the emergence of Tie Qianshan put them in the position they are today.
Even though Tie Qianshan, as a heroic talent, was able to bring about the rise of the Tie Sect, it was difficult for him to make up for the foundation the Tie Sect had lost in a short time.
"Did Brother Tie forget his initial ambitions? Or have the years completely worn away your ambitions?" Zhao Baiyang asked in a low voice.
Back then, the initial acquaintance between the two was due to their dissatisfaction with the world. Those top forces occupied all the benefits, and there was no opportunity for newcomers to rise, blocking their way forward.
This was why the two of them became friends, hoping to break these bonds and fight for the future.
However, many things happened later on, which caused the two to part ways and take different paths.
One returned to the Northwest Dao, developed the Tie Sect, and compromised his reality.
The other joined the Mire Sect, choosing to continue the struggle in his own way.
"But, I don't believe you're content with the status quo?" Zhao Baiyang said coldly.
Why is the Tie Sect facing an awkward situation? Apart from the fact that it lacks its foundation, isn't it because some people didn't want to see him become powerful, and were indirectly working against him?
Hehe.
"Huh…" Tie Qianshan took a long breath. It has to be said that Zhao Baiyang's words did touch his heart and made him remember what had happened back then.
But looking at the situation on Tie Zhangshan, he was the only one holding up the entire Tie Sect. If he ever left one day, the Tie Sect would probably fall to second-rate power or even worse.
That is why he could only refuse.
"Gang Qi, it's really extraordinary."
Pei Xuanjing uttered these words as his True Qi flowed within him. A strand of Gang Qi emerged in his hand, spinning unpredictably. It was both gentle and fierce, making it seem bizarre yet subtly embodying the complementarity of Yin and Yang.
During this period, he had been submerged in the Scripture Pavilion all day, reviewing all the books. He didn't just gain many Taoyun insights, his own Martial Arts understanding also advanced quite a lot.
The Gang Qi in front of him was cultivated based on the practices of the martial studies mentioned in the "Innate Supreme Gang Qi" book, combined with his martial arts epiphany.
Although this Gang Qi was derived from that martial study, it took a completely different path. The original name was no longer suitable, it might as well be called Jade Pivot Divine Sky Sword Gang instead!
Swish!
Just as Pei Xuanjing was preparing to continue his reading, he heard footsteps approaching.
He turned and saw Pang Hong climbing up to the second floor of the Scripture Pavilion.
"Master, Taoist Qingxu wanted me to invite you. It seems that there's something he wishes to discuss." Pang Hong respectfully said.
Pei Xuanjing nodded and stood up, "In that case, let'S go!"
The two left the Scripture Pavilion and headed towards where Taoist Qingxu was..
Pei Xuanjing came to an auxiliary hall of the True Martial Sect. After letting Pang Hong go down to cultivate on his own, he walked in alone.
"Taoist Priest summoned me, I wonder what's the matter?" Pei Xuanjing uttered loudly as he entered the hall.
The voice of Taoist Qingxu sounded accordingly: "Truly, I should not have disturbed you during your Martial Arts contemplation, but an old friend has come to visit. I thought it's appropriate you meet him."
With that, the figures of Qingxu and another person were revealed.
A middle-aged man around forty years old, wearing white clothes, holding a paper fan and sporting a smiling face, cupped his hands, "I am Bai Xiaosheng. I have long heard of Grandmaster Pei's renowned reputation. Regretfully, we have never had the chance to meet. I felt it was a pity. When I heard that you were staying at Taihe Mountain, I couldn't help but come to visit. If I disturb your cultivation, I hope for your forgiveness."
Bai Xiaosheng, known as all-knowing and all-understanding. With his profound understanding of the world's affairs, if he truly wished to meet Pei Xuanjing, how could he not find him?
Nevertheless, one had to admit that Bai Xiaosheng was extremely eloquent. Despite knowing the other party was spouting niceties, Pei Xuanjing didn't feel the slightest annoyance.
Pei Xuanjing returned the courtesy, "An undeserving honor to be known by Mr. Bai Xiaosheng. I have been a beneficiary of your kindness many times but haven't had the chance to return the favor. It should have been me paying a visit to you, but given your elusive nature, it's been delayed till today. It's a great honor to finally meet you, how could I possibly take offense?"
Moreover, his ability to maneuver unobstructed from Xuanfu, repeatedly evading the imperial court's pursuit, was largely thanks to Bai Xiaosheng's behind-the-scenes assistance. Naturally, he bore no grievances.
The atmosphere in the hall was harmonious as the two exchanged pleasantries, heaping praises on each other.
The three settled down, with Taoist Qingxu at the head. Originally intending to let Pei Xuanjing sit on top, Pei Xuanjing politely declined, mentioning they were both his seniors and so Bai Xiaosheng was allowed to sit at the top spot.
From this gesture, the two secretly nodded their approval.
After all, no one wanted an arrogant and domineering ally.
If Pei Xuanjing was truly the kind who forgets himself once he achieves some success, they wouldn't invest any further in the relationship. After this matter is over, they'd part ways and become strangers.
However, it seemed possible their alliance may not just be a one-time occurrence. They could further deepen their partnership in the future.
Pei Xuanjing was subtly studying Bai Xiaosheng, mentally comparing.
For some reason, seeing Bai Xiaosheng's white attire reminded him of Maitreya Sect Leader Zhao Baiyang they once met.
Although both dressed similarly, appearing as if snow-white attire and jade-like refinement. Their temperaments were vastly different.
Behind Zhao Baiyang's refined and literary exterior, there emitted a sense of reckless freedom, looking down on the world.
Whereas, Bai Xiaosheng was humble and friendly, exuding a refreshing and composed atmosphere, like a gentle breeze touching one's face.
While Pei Xuanjing was lost in thought, Taoist Qingxu began to speak
"As I presume you already know, he is also one of our collaborators." Taoist Qingxu pointed at Bai Xiaosheng.
Bai Xiaosheng slightly nodded.
"Yes." Pei Xuanjing nodded, then with a smile, said: "With the all-knowing Mr. Bai Xiaosheng on our side, I believe our operation this time will be effortless."
Bai Xiaosheng waved his hands with a smile, "Grandmaster Pei, you honor me too much."
Taoist Qingxu laughed and added, "You were never this humble before me, why the change of attitude Luuay :
"Hehe." Bai Xiaosheng twitched his lips, thinking to himself that this old man was far too sensitive, bringing up his past at this moment.
Ignoring Taoist Qingxu's words, Bai Xiaosheng faced Pei Xuanjing, "I presume Grandmaster Pei has already got the "Shenxiao Jade Book". How have your studies been going? And how about your cultivation?"
This was his most significant question because their plan hinged on Pei Xuanjing's successful cultivation of the Shenxiao Jade Book. Without it, everything else was empty talk.
Pei Xuanjing modestly replied, "I have gained some insights. I believe I will make some success in time. However, the techniques detailed in this book are extremely profound. To truly master them, I fear a long time will be needed."
Even though Pei Xuanjing's "Shenxiao Heaven's Will Skill" he practiced originated from the Shenxiao Jade Book and integrated with his previous cultivation techniques.
If Pei Xuanjing wanted to fully comprehend the Shenxiao Jade Book, additional time was needed.
Of course, the time required was not as long as he suggested.
It was that Pei Xuanjing sought more time for him to study other complex techniques within the
Scripture Pavilion, accumulating Taoyun. Moreover, he had never been in actual contact with the "Shenxiao Jade Book" in front of them. If they found out he understood it so quickly, it could lead to suspicion.
"No worries, we can wait." Bai Xiaosheng said carelessly.
As long as Pei Xuanjing can cultivate using this technique, they don't mind waiting a little longer.
He has already waited for countless years, encountered countless failures. Now that he finally sees some hope, he is not going to rush now.
"You just focus on your cultivation, we will handle the rest, " Qingxu Taoist Figure said.
He shared the same sentiments. After receiving Xi Jinping definitive words that Pei Xuanjing could cultivate this technique, he was at ease and did not hasten things.
Furthermore, this secret blessed land managed by the Shenxiao Sect is unlike other places. According to the methods Shenxiao Sect left behind, as long as the required preparations are made, the entrance can be opened at any time.
Pei Xuanjing nodded: "I shall rely on both of you then."
The two waved their hands, indicating this was no big deal.
With the most critical issue addressed, they began discussing other matters.
"Let me ask both of you something. When I was at Shenxiao Mountain, a person came to find me. He called himself Yu Zhenzi, claiming to be an elder of Shenxiao Sect. This puzzled me. Didn't Shenxiao Sect already perish? How can there be another Shenxiao Sect? Exactly what this is all about? Do either of you know about this person, Yu Zhenzi and the Shenxiao Sect he mentioned?" Pei Xuanjing seemingly casually posed this question.
While Pei Xuanjing was discussing Yu Zhenzi's visit to Shenxiao Mountain at this location, he observed the reactions and responses of the other two.
Meanwhile, Yu Zhenzi had returned to the mysterious 'Shenxiao Sect' and was discussing Pei Xuanjing with the Lord of Shenxiao Gate.
"Speak up, how did your trip to Shenxiao Mountain go? Did Pei Xuanjing agree?" The Lord of Shenxiao Gate questioned Yu Zhenzi..