Pei Xuanjing ended his closed-door training, descended Shenxiao Mountain with Pang Hong, and found a tavern in a city at the foot of the mountain.
The master-disciple duo sat in a private room of the tavern, where Pei Xuanjing ate whilst answering Pang Hong's questions about martial arts cultivation.
Back on Taihe Mountain, after being guided by Taoist Qingxu Zi, Pang Hong had already broken into the Seventh Grade Realm.
After more than two years of intense cultivation, he had honed his physical body to its peak half a year ago and could have attempted to break into the Sixth Grade Martial Artist's realm.
From following Pei Xuanjing at the Martial Academy to now, when Pei Xuanjing is twenty-nine, Pang Hong is almost twenty.
Being a peak Seventh Grade Martial Artist at the age of twenty, with Pang Hong's average abilities, is already surprising in the entire world of martial artists in the Great Ming.
However, Pang Hong felt he was dull and that his talent for cultivation was too poor. Especially after the recent announcement of the rankings, seeing Pei Xuanjing in the first place made him think he was letting his master down.
He had access to every form of martial arts skill and resource in his cultivation journey, and was no less fortunate than the heir apparents of big forces.
Even the heirs of large forces probably didn't have the chance to be personally guided and taught by two mighty individuals like Pei Xuanjing and Qingxu Zi — both of whom were top figures in the Great Ming's martial world.
"You don't need to put so much pressure on yourself. Practicing martial arts is for oneself, not for others to see." Upon seeing Pang Hong's mental stress, Pei Xuanjing advised him.
To Pei Xuanjing, aside from his pursuit of longevity, all other glory and reputations meant nothing.
What if his disciple isn't naturally gifted or currently weaker?
If he wishes, he can also cultivate Pang Hong into a powerful figure that makes countless people look up in admiration, no less than the heirs of powerful clans.
That was Pei Xuanjing's confidence.
"Disciple understands," Pang Hong replied respectfully.
Seeing Pang Hong, Pei Xuanjing decided not to continue his lecture.
Ultimately, some things need to be realized on one's own, no matter how many times others may tell them.
After a few bites of food and drink, Pei Xuanjing put down his chopsticks and said, "After you break into the Sixth Grade, you should venture into the world of martial arts for actual practice."
After all, he couldn't bear to completely let go of his own disciple.
A young eagle must fly to the sky on its own.
Once Pang Hong breaks into the Sixth Grade and has some defensive strength, he can go out and polish his martial arts skills, perhaps making significant progress.
"Ah!" Pang Hong was startled, not expecting his master to suddenly say this. Still, seeing Pei Xuanjing's resolute look, he finally nodded in agreement.
The silence in the room was abruptly disturbed by the noise outside.
Pei Xuanjing signalled, "Go out and see what's happened."
Pang Hong nodded and pushed the door to go outside.
Not long after, Pang Hong walked in holding a piece of announcement paper.
"Master, the Supreme Ranking has been released, " Pang Hong said, his voice trembling with excitement.
Being a young man, he was naturally curious about such things.
"Oh?" Pei Xuanjing played with his glass, casting a surprised look.
Speaking of which, he was also curious about how Bai Xiaosheng would arrange this Supreme Ranking.
After all, even when he and Bai Xiaosheng were discussing famous martial artists in the world during a drinking session, Bai Xiaosheng suggested many people who could be listed, but even he did not have a definite idea about who should be on the list and who should not be.
"Let me see."
"Yes, master."
Pei Xuanjing took the announcement paper and looked at the first person on the Supreme Ranking list.
Zhang Celestial Master from Dragon Tiger Mountain, born from the ancestral court of the Zhengyi Dao.
Even though True Martial Sect is flourishing and Dragon Tiger Mountain is showing signs of decay, one cannot underestimate Dragon Tiger Mountain, a place with a thousand years of history. Given Dragon Tiger Mountain's illustrious history and the resources behind it, even though the old celestial master has not shown his skills in many years, he still ranked first on the list.
Even Pei Xuanjing had no objection to this ranking.
Of course, whether Bai Xiaosheng ranked this old celestial master, who had been concealing his abilities on Dragon Tiger Mountain, first to push him and Dragon Tiger Mountain into the limelight or not, was a matter of opinion, and no one knew for sure.
The second place, the leader of the Sky Demon Sect.
Over the past few years, the Demonic Cult, a very powerful faction in the martial arts world, has been extremely low-profile. Besides the occasional appearance of someone from the Demonic Cult, there hasn't been any news related to the Demonic Cult.
In Pei Xuanjing's career, he'd heard about the Demonic Cult but never actually encountered anyone from the organization.
Now that Bai Xiaosheng ranked the leader of the Sky Demon Sect second, he effectively reintroduced this long-lost faction to the world of martial arts.
Pei Xuanjing chuckled, recalling the words Bai Xiaosheng had once told him.
The reason the Demonic Cult remained low-profile was not because they had changed their nature, but because of the complex internal relationships within the Demonic Cult. Several factions within the Demonic Cult were acting independently, and no one was willing to succumb to another.
It was necessary to understand that the people of the Demonic Cult respected power. Without a powerful figure who could overcome everyone else with his own strength, it would be difficult to reunite the Demonic Cult.
As far as Pei Xuanjing knew, even though this leader of the Sky Demon Sect was extremely capable, there were a few others within the Demonic Cult who could compete with him.
By ranking the leader of the Sky Demon Sect on the Supreme Ranking list, Bai Xiaosheng was undoubtedly putting the leader on the hot seat, seemingly intending to instigate contradictions within the Demonic Cult.
Third place, the North Zen Sect's Monk Hui Ding.
As a major faction in the martial arts world, alongside the Tao and Demon sects, it was only natural for someone from the Buddhism School to be among the top martial artists. If this list didn't include someone from the Zen Sect, it would indeed be a curiosity.
Moreover, the founding emperor of Great Ming had an experience of becoming a monk in his youth, so even though the royal family of Great Ming was close to the Taoist School, they didn't put too much pressure on the Buddhism School.
Fourth place: Lord of the Netherworld, Ghost Emperor of Fengdu.
Sixth place: Chief of True Martial Sect, Qingxu Zi.
Tenth place: Mire Sect leader, Zhao Baiyang.
This was an old acquaintance of Pei Xuanjing's, and he didn't expect that the other party would also be listed in the Supreme Rankings.
Pei Xuanjing was leisurely looking through the names and information of these eighteen people.
At this moment, he suddenly felt a fleeting presence aimed at him.
"Yu Zhenzi?" Pei Xuanjing furrowed his brows, aware of who the source of the presence was.
He handed the announcement paper to Pang Hong and said, "Wait for me here awhile, I'll be back soon."
"Yes, master."
Having said that, Pei Xuanjing left the room and followed the presence he had detected.
Through several streets, Pei Xuanjing entered a small alleyway, arrived at a private residential door, and lightly knocked..
Squeak, the door was pushed open, and it was Yu Zhenzi.
Yu Zhenzi lightly sidestepped, waiting for Pei Xuanjing to walk in. After observing that there were no abnormalities around, he closed the door again.
"Follow me!" Yu Zhenzi spoke lowly.
Pei Xuanjing was not afraid of any tricks he might play, he nodded his head and followed Yu Zhenzi.
The two entered a secret chamber, Pei Xuanjing chuckled, commenting: "My dear Taoist friend, what brings you here today? Has something important occurred?"
Ever since Yu Zhenzi discovered that he couldn't remove the sword intent within himself, he had completely admitted to his loss, opting to cooperate with Pei Xuanjing.
In the past few years, he had relayed many messages to Pei Xuanjing. Pei Xuanjing had verified these through Bai Xiaosheng•s intelligence network, confirming that he wasn't trying to set him up.
Having gone through the previous life simulation, Pei Xuanjing had a rough guess of the purpose of Yu Zhenzi's visit this time.
Sure enough, Yu Zhenzi spoke solemnly: "The Lord of Shenxiao Gate has decided to take action against you."
Half a year ago, when Pei Xuanjing killed Zhu Chenhao, the Lord of Shenxiao Gate had already prepared to strike Pei Xuanjing.
Now that those matters have been dealt with, he has summoned his subordinates, preparing to ambush and kill Pei Xuanjing.
Upon confirming the news, Yu Zhenzi hurried to deliver the message.
Pei Xuanjing replied: "I see."
Seeing his calm demeanor, Yu Zhenzi furrowed his brows: "Are you that confident?"
He wondered if Pei Xuanjing was being overly self-confident, overestimating his own ability and unaware of the danger he was about to face.
He knew full well how powerful the Lord of Shenxiao Gate was. Plus, the fact that the latter had even summoned four First-grade experts to support him in this joint offensive.
Even if he were to turn against them at the last minute, he did not believe that they could fend off the combined forces of the Lord of Shenxiao Gate and four First-grade experts.
After all, they were now tied to the same rope. He doubts if Pei Xuanjing would let him go out of goodwill when things get worse.
That is to say, unless Pei Xuanjing wins, his exposure would guarantee his demise.
Pei Xuanjing smiled subtly, confidently saying: "You just need to do as I ask, luring them in. I will make sure no one leaves."
Knowing from the life simulation that the Lord of Shenxiao Gate was planning to strike him, Pei Xuanjing wouldn't just sit there waiting for them to come.
Leaving the mountain, he had already sent a message to Bai Xiaosheng, asking him to invite the Taoist, Qingxu, to aid him.
This time, it would be better for the Lord of Shenxiao Gate to not show up. If he did, he would definitely not return.
Although Yu Zhenzi wasn't clear why Pei Xuanjing was so confident, he could only do as he said. After all, if this plan fails, not only would he, Yu Zhenzi, die, but Pei Xuanjing would not escape either.
"I hope you would not lead us both to death." This was Yu Zhenzi's thought.
Pei Xuanjing lightly put this matter aside and said, "I want to know about something now?" "What is it?" Yu Zhenzi asked.
'Isn't this the most urgent matter now, and you still have the mood to ask about other things.'
However, the next words from Pei Xuanjing left him speechless, unsure about how to answer.
Pei Xuanjing smiled and asked, "If the Lord of Shenxiao Gate dies, can you take over his forces?" Indeed, this is Pei Xuanjing•s true purpose.
Since he wants to reestablish the Shenxiao Sect, he certainly has to gather some manpower. He can't possibly do everything himself.
In his view, the forces controlled by the Lord of Shenxiao Gate are naturally prepared for himself.
Most of the people who follow the Lord of Shenxiao Gate have some connection with the former Shenxiao Sect and are against the Great Ming's imperial court.
If the Lord of Shenxiao gate dies, unless they are willing to live in obscurity, they will need to find someone to protect them.
And he, as the orthodox descendant of the Shenxiao Sect, would be the most suitable person. He can provide them with protection and also ensure they won't be ostracized if they join other influences.
"You…" Yu Zhenzi's face betrayed his shock, and he took a sharp breath: "Are you that confident that you can kill him?"
By him, he was referring to the Lord of Shenxiao Gate.
He never thought that Pei Xuanjing would have such great ambitions.
The power of the Lord of Shenxiao Gate had left a deep impression on Yu Zhenzi. In his memory, it seems that the Lord had never failed in anything he wanted to do.
This was precisely why he could command this group of people hiding in the dark.
In Yu Zhenzi's opinion, Pei Xuanjing should have been thinking about how to survive this ambush after hearing that the Lord of Shenxiao Gate was plotting to kill him.
However, to his surprise, Pei Xuanjing seemed to consider the Lord of Shenxiao Gate as nothing and had intentions to take over his power.
This is undoubtedly like a snake trying to swallow an elephant.
Pei Xuanjing shook his head: "As long as he makes a move against me, he will certainly die. What you need to tell me now is – if you can take over the rest of his followers after the Lord of Shenxiao Gate dies."
The Lord of Shenxiao Gate might be very powerful, but Pei Xuanjing is not weak either.
Having accepted the reward from his last life simulation, Pei Xuanjing's strength had reached a peak. He didn't consider himself inferior to those characters on the supreme list.
Moreover, to be on the safe side, he invited Qingxu, the Taoist, through Bai Xiaosheng for backup.
If, under such circumstances, the Lord of Shenxiao Gate could still escape, Pei Xuanjing might as well run away and give up the idea of setting a trap.
However, what he is worried about now is another point – how to smoothly take over the power under the control of the Lord of Shenxiao Gate after he dies.
The key to this situation lies with Yu Zhenzi.
After all, he knew nothing about those people and they were complete strangers. It would not be easy to persuade them to surrender.
Seeing Pei Xuanjing's confidence, Yu Zhenzi knew that he had no other choice, he gritted his teeth and said, "As long as you can kill him, leave the rest to me. I'll make sure you are pleased." Yu Zhenzi decided to trust Pei Xuanjing this time.
Of course, even if he trusts Pei Xuanjing, he would not leave himself without a backup plan.
He was ready to abandon everything and flee to far away lands outside the border if this operation failed.
After all, it is harsh outside the border, even the influence of the Lord of Shenxiao Gate couldn't reach there. As long as he hides his identity there, he would be worry-free.
Pei Xuanjing didn't know what Yu Zhenzi was thinking, after all, he couldn't possibly see through people's hearts..