In July, Gu Ji was appointed as the Vice Inspector of the Ducal Palace of the northwest Dao to investigate the recent upheaval. He was granted full authority over all matters, and was assisted by the Brocade Guards and those sent by the Six Gates.
In August, Gu Ji, serving as Vice Inspector, summoned the major forces of the northwest Dao in the capital city of the West, to inquire about the reasons behind the northwest Dao rebellion.
In September, Gu Ji identified the Diamond Gate as being suspected of colluding with the Mire Sect and summoned people from the Diamond Gate for questioning. The members of the Diamond Gate rejected the summons and the Lord of the Diamond Gate evaded the interrogation.
On September 15, Gu Ji ordered a coalition of the Six Gates and various martial artist from the northwest Dao to jointly suppress the traitorous Diamond Gate to rectify the martial world.
The main martial artist factions of northwest Dao, led by Li family of Longxi and Tie Qianshan, the leader of Tie Sect, along with the skilled fighters of Six Gates and Brocade Guards, penetrated the mountain gate of Diamond Gate, capturing all disciples. Any rebel was killed without mercy.
The Lord of Diamond Gate cultivated the Dragon Elephant Art to the ninth level, his unrivaled stance led the elders and disciples to break out of the encirclement, their whereabouts unknown.
Thus, the long-standing Diamond Gate that dominated the northwest Dao for many years was destroyed, and its original interests were divided amongst various factions led by the Li family and the Tie Sect.
In a stronghold of Mire Sect, Zhao Baiyang was holding a book, at this moment devoid of any majesty that he would usually possess as the supreme ruler of the martial world, appearing more like a refined scholar.
The rebellion of the northwest Dao was Zhao Baiyang's meticulous planning over the years, yet this failure didn't seem to have affected him at all.
Since returning from the northwest Dao, Zhao Baiyang has secluded himself in this stronghold, seemingly unmindful of the affairs of the martial world.
"Master." Yu Yiyao walked into Zhao Baiyang's study room and spoke softly.
Zhao Baiyang, after finishing reading the page in his hand, asked with a gentle smile on his face: "What's the matter?"
"I received a message that Diamond Gate was destroyed by the imperial court's coalition along with several major factions in the northwest Dao. The Lord of Diamond Gate led elders and disciples to break through, but only one-tenth survived. The Lord of Diamond Gate reached out to us, hoping that we could help them cover their tracks." Yu Yiyao asked quietly.
The martial artists of Diamond Gate were adept at physical body cultivation. Although there was only one first-grade martial artist, the Lord of Diamond Gate, the second-class elders were not weaker than the average first-grade martial artist.
Mire sect has been plotting in the northwest Dao for many years, so they wouldn't miss the opportunity to draw Diamond Gate closer.
However, Diamond Gate was always trying to play both sides. While they cooperated with Mire Sect, they never dared to completely break with the Great Ming imperial court, fearing complete destruction.
Therefore, even during the recent rebellion in the northwest Dao, Diamond Gate acted cautiously, and quickly withdrew when they saw the situation turning unfavorable.
Unbeknownst to them, their movements had already been noticed by attentive forces. Once Gu Ji arrived in the northwest Dao, someone exposed this matter.
After all, Diamond Gate had been dominating the northwest Dao for many years and had taken a lot of interests. Their arrogant and overbearing style had also offended many people.
Although Zhao Baiyang was somewhat dissatisfied with Diamond Gate's previous actions, he was not totally intolerant.
'You go to the northwest Dao personally, to help them leave." Zhao Baiyang said.
No matter what the people of Diamond Gate thought before, after surviving this disaster, they have nowhere to go. They have no choice but to walk the same path as the Mire Sect, and there is no other way out.
'Yes, Master." Yu Yiyao nodded her head.
Seeing Yu Yiyao still seemed to have something to say, Zhao Baiyang asked: "Is there something else?"
Seeing her master's inquiry, Yu Yiyao hesitated before saying: "I heard rumors that the Lord of Shenxiao Gate is planning to act against Pei Xuanjing, so I wanted to ask Master…"
"Ask me what?"
"I want to ask master, should we intervene as well. After all, we have our grievances with that Pei Xuanjing, and he has interfered with our plans on several occasions." Yu Yiyao said.
"There's no need." Zhao Baiyang rejected the suggestion.
"Master, why?" Yu Yiyao's countenance changed slightly, she didn't understand.
The name 'Pei Xuanjing' was like a weight pressing down on Yu Yiyao, making it hard for her to breathe.
She is the saintess of Mire Sect and has a master known as a top person in the martial world. She should have been one of the most outstanding among the younger generation in the martial world.
However, a certain Pei Xuanjing, despite being her peer, far exceeded her in strength, and has even reached a level that can be compared with her master.
How could this not increase her pressure.
Not only Yu Yiyao, but almost all the young people in the martial world feel the same way.
Especially after the release of the Bai Xiaosheng's Hidden Dragon Ranking, all the young people who haven't ranked turned their attention to the hundred newcomers.
However, those who made the list, especially those talented youngsters like Yu Yiyao, were fully aware that there was one person who was not on the list, but he will always be the best among the younger generation.
As long as Pei Xuanjing is there, he will always outshine them.
"You don't really need to compare yourself with him." Zhao Baiyang chuckled.
Zhao Baiyang admitted that his own disciple was highly talented and might one day reach the same realm as him.
However, this requires the accumulation of time. The current Yu Yiyao was still too young, and it wasn't known how many years it would take her to reach the peak of martial arts.
However, Pei Xuanjing was different. Even to Zhao Baiyang, he would not see Pei Xuanjing with the eyes of an elder.
From the night in the ruined temple, after the trial of strength with Pei Xuanjing, Zhao Baiyang placed Pei Xuanjing on the same level as himself.
If Yu Yiyao needs time to grow to reach the peak of martial arts, then Pei Xuanjing is already standing at the peak of martial arts.
To Zhao Baiyang, Yu Yiyao can only follow him as a junior.
However, Pei Xuanjing was different. He could compete with Zhao Baiyang, and was seen as an adversary, a Taoist friend, an enemy, and a friend in the path of martial arts.
Yu Yiyao's eyes flashed with reluctance, she wanted to prove to her master.
She may be weaker than Pei Xuanjing now, but she will one day show her master that she is in no way inferior to Pei Xuanjing.
Zhao Baiyang saw through his disciple's thoughts, but he just chuckled and didn't say much about it.
After all, everyone was young once.
Did he not think he could break the shackles when he was young?
Pei Xuanjing had no idea that his existence was a source of pressure for many young top martial artists in the Great Ming's martial world, and that his achievements left many of them huffing and puffing, with gritted teeth, trying to catch up.
However, even if he knew, Pei Xuanjing would just brush it off with a smile, not taking it to heart.
In Pei Xuanjing's eyes, his adversaries are only those supreme figures in the martial world. Only these people are worthy of being his enemies and adversaries..
At that moment, Pei Xuanjing was riding a horse, leisurely strolling on the official road.
According to Yu Zhenzi's words that day, the idea was to lure Pei Xuanjing with a legendary artifact of the Shenxiao Sect. They would await for him to leave halfway towards his destination.
As expected, half a month after Pei Xuanjing and Yu Zhenzi's discussion, rumors appeared about a Shenxiao Sect's artifact showing up in public, which was not too far from where Pei Xuanjing was on Shenxiao Mountain.
Upon receiving the news, Pei Xuanjing remained stationary, but it was not until the message from Bai Xiaosheng arrived that Qingxu Zi had arrived that he leisurely left Shenxiao Mountain.
"Humph, I knew he would not be able to resist," the Lord of Shenxiao Gate said disdainfully.
This plan was personally determined by him, and the artifact was indeed a real Shenxiao Sect inheritance. He wouldn't bear to part with it if it weren't for luring Pei Xuanjing.
Initially, when the news was conveyed, Pei Xuanjing showed no signs of moving at all. This made the Lord of Shenxiao Gate almost think that his plan had failed.
But now, seeing Pei Xuanjing on the distant official road, a satisfied smile appeared on the Lord of Shenxiao Gate's face.
"The Gate Lord is wise, we admire your foresight," Yu Zhenzi and several other first-grade martial artists complimented him.
In reality, in their minds, they criticized the Lord of Shenxiao Gate's plan as unreliable.
They thought it'd be better to directly storm Shenxiao Mountain rather than wasting efforts in such a way. After all, Pei Xuanjing didn't have any assistance.
However, within their ranks, the Lord of Shenxiao Gate had the final say; they could only reluctantly agree with his plan.
Now that they saw Pei Xuanjing being lured in, they had to reluctantly praise the Gate Lord for his ingenious plan, even though they didn't agree.
Yu Zhenzi sneered in his heart: Ingenious my ass. If I hadn't notified him ahead of time, he wouldn't show up.
At the same time, he was puzzled. The original Lord of Shenxiao Gate was very powerful, but in recent years, he had become arrogant and presumptuous, as if he had become another person altogether.
Of course, these words were something Yu Zhenzi would never dare to say out loud.
The Lord of Shenxiao Gate was unaware of the thoughts of his subordinates. He waved his hand and said, "Follow me. We will execute Pei Xuanjing and clean our house."
"Yes. "
Multiple swooshing sounds followed as the Lord of Shenxiao Gate led five top-grade martial artists, including Yu Zhenzi, to block the road ahead of Pei Xuanjing.
Seeing the six people suddenly appearing in front of him, Pei Xuanjing flashed a smile at the corner of his mouth then put on a solemn face and questioned, "Who are you people? Why are you blocking my way?"
Cloaked in a black robe, the Shenxiao Gate Lord's voice radiated from beneath his hat, "I am the Lord of Shenxiao Gate. I am here today to take your life."
Pei Xuanjing laughed out loud, "Just you lot?"
Except for the Lord of Shenxiao Gate, who was shrouded in a black robe, the faces of the other five people, including Yu Zhenzi, wereshowing their true colors.
When Pei Xuanjing finished speaking, he glanced at Yu Zhenzi as though he was inquiring about the identity of this Lord of Shenxiao Gate.
After all, I laid a trap to kill the Gate Lord here.
If the Gate Lord was an imposter, it would be like startling the snake in the grass.
Yu Zhenzi subtly nodded at Pei Xuanjing, indicating that the identity of the Gate Lord was correct.
Then, the Lord of Shenxiao Gate laughed loudly: "Pei Xuanjing, you are doomed today. Even though you are exceptional, your luck has run out upon seeing me. Just surrender and die!"
After saying this, he waved his hand and coldly commanded, "Kill him!"
The five first-grade martial artists, upon hearing the command of the Lord of Shenxiao Gate, fiercely made their move.
Seeing that Pei Xuanjing had visually signaled to him to not betray their plan for the time being, Yu Zhenzi, though puzzled, drew his sword and joined the attack, obeying Pei Xuanjing's signal.
The five first-grade martial artists, striking with all their might, kicked up a storm of dust and wind.
As first-grade martial artists, they were at the peak of martial arts. Each of them possessed immense strength, enough to rout thousands of soldiers without a martial artist of equal strength to lead them.
At this moment, the five of them joined forces, and even if they were not top-tier powerhouses among first-grade martial artists, the momentum they displayed was enough to make supreme figures step aside out of awe.
Pei Xuanjing remained unmoved sitting on his horse. The powerful wind made his clothes flutter and his long hair dance wildly.
"Hahaha…"
First, Pei Xuanjing chuckled lightly, then it gradually turned into a hearty laugh, his robust pleasant voice echoing throughout the surrounding area and resonating across the heaven and earth spanning hundreds of feet around him.
Along with martial will imbued in it, Pei Xuanjing's laughter was as loud as a thunderbolt, ringing in the ears of the few people around him.
If they had been ordinary martial artists, they may not have been able to handle Pei Xuanjing's laughter alone, as they would have been suppressed by his martial will.
However, these few people were all first-grade martial artists. Their martial will permeated their bodies, and while they were incapable of launching a counterattack, they were still able to resist the influence of Pei Xuanjing's laughter.
Upon seeing that the group was unaffected, Pei Xuanjing remained unfazed.
He slowly lifted his right hand and clenched his five fingers. Turning his hand into a palm, a giant palm print was blasted towards the attackers.
Boom!
In the eyes of the five fighters, it was as if a giant mountain was falling from the sky, ready to suppress them.
"He's become stronger." Yu Zhenzi's eyes showed intense shock.
Even though Pei Xuanjing held back intentionally, he was among the least affected of the bunch. He could still feel the immense power contained within the palm print.
Similarly, because he was the least affected, he was able to ponder the situation.
Compared to when Pei Xuanjing first made his move on Shenxiao Mountain, he seemed much stronger now.
Bang!
A violent shock swept through the surroundings, severing countless grasses and trees by the strong shock wave. The group of five fighters was pushed back by Pei Xuanjing's palm strike.
"Hahaha, Taoist friend, shall I take care of these people?" Clear, loud laughter flowed from Qingxu Zi as he and Bai Xiaosheng leaped towards the site from afar.
Before they arrived, their voices had already reached them.
Only a few moments later, Qingxu Zi and Bai Xiaosheng stood at Pei Xuanjing•s side.
"Zhenwu Sect, Qingxu Zi."
"Bai Xiaosheng."
"Are you also going to get involved in the matter between him and me?" A deep voice rang out from the Shenxiao Gate Master, icy cold.
Alongside Yu Zhenzi, the faces of the other four first-grade martial artists also darkened.
Even though their previous attack had failed, as long as the Shenxiao Gate Master was backing them, they had the confidence that the five first-grade martial artists, along with the Gate Master, would certainly be able to kill Pei Xuanjing here.
But when Qingxu Zi and Bai Xiaosheng appeared, these people quickly lost their confidence they had before.
At this moment, they suddenly felt that they were not ambushing Pei Xuanjing, but rather he was waiting for them.
Sure enough, Pei Xuanjing said leisurely, "Shenxiao Gate Master, who exactly is going to die?"