At this moment, the sharp light of the blade is like a thread of dawn, cutting through the sky.
The roaring True Qi is like a great river breaking its banks, surging towards Pei Xuanjing in an instant.
Zing!
A clear-sounding sword cry resounds, overriding all other sounds.
Everyone feels as if their awareness has been severed by the sound of the sword cry. There was nothing between heaven and earth, but this clear sword cry.
Caught off guard, even Bai Xiaosheng and Taoist Qingxu are momentarily stunned.
Once the two of them recovered, their eyes, when they looked at Pei Xuanjing, were filled with shock and disbelief.
If they had previously regarded Pei Xuanjing with the slight condescension of seniority, such thoughts instantly dissipated at this moment.
Their momentary loss of focus meant that they too could have potentially died had they been confronting Pei Xuanjing's sword unprotected.
By the time Yu Zhenzi and the others regained their composure, their gaze towards Pei Xuanjing was filled with lingering fear. That sword strike would likely be difficult to erase from their hearts.
Whoosh whoosh…
The gust sweeps by, dispersing the dust. Pei Xuanjing stand there with his sword, while Wei Qianli and Wei Wanli stand there with a look of deep shock.
Clang!
The dagger smashes to the ground, and both brothers fall as well, lifeless.
The might of one sword, so terrifying.
Spurt!
Pei Xuanjing suddenly looks flushed, and coughs up a mouthful of clotted blood.
The sword strike he just unleashed more or less drained all his strength, and as he planned, killed the two men.
However, the two brothers were not powerless. The final strike by Wei Qianli was nearly as fierce as Pei Xuanjing's sword.
If his body was not so tough, the result would have been mutual destruction.
Even though Pei Xuanjing emerged victorious, the unparalleled blade light had wounded him severely: his strong bones and muscles were damaged, his internal organs displaced.
Pei Xuanjing tried to retrieve an elixir from his robe to heal his injuries, only to find that both the elixir and bottle had been destroyed during the battle. Even his treasured robe was marked with countless slashes, thoroughly tattered.
"Take this." Taoist Qingxu seeing Pei Xuanjing injured, lightly flicked his sleeve, and a jade bottle flew out from inside, landing in Pei Xuanjing's hand.
"Thank you, Taoist Priest." Pei Xuanjing took the jade bottle, opened it and found several healing elixirs inside.
After briefly discerning their effects, he consumed the elixirs without hesitation. Sitting cross-legged on the ground, he circulated his True Qi, to heal his injuries, without caring about the presence of others around him.
Observing Pei Xuanjing healing his wounds, the few onlookers just watched silently, not interfering, neither finding his behavior out of place.
Bai Xiaosheng and Qingxu Taoist, as allies of Pei Xuanjing, would naturally not fault him. Instead, they deliberately kept an eye on the others present to prevent any desperate acts – Yu Zhenzi also fell within their surveillance.
At this moment, the power Pei Xuanjing demonstrated could undoubtedly be compared to supreme figures in the martial arts world, making him an irreplaceable ally. Although Yu Zhenzi was astonished, joy overpowered everything else.
He had won this gamble.
The only thought in Yu Zhenzi's mind now was this.
He didn't believe that Pei Xuanjing could actually win, defeating the original Lord of Shenxiao Sect single-handedly.
No matter who was the real or the fake among Wei Qianli and Wei Wanli brothers, both were dead now, and Pei Xuanjing was undoubtedly the victor.
This meant that Pei Xuanjing's original plan had accomplished the most critical step. What followed was his own assistance in subduing the others to rebuild the Shenxiao Sect.
At this moment, in Yu Zhenzi's eyes, Pei Xuanjing was no longer the villain who coerced him into an alliance, but a tree providing strong shelter.
Considering the power that Pei Xuanjing demonstrated just now, following the rebuilding of Shenxiao Sect, they could undoubtedly become a top force under the sky.
And he, Yu Zhenzi, would no longer need to live in darkness but walk in the world of martial arts openly, fearing no one.
With this thought, Yu Zhenzi shifted his gaze to the four men nearby, their faces filled with uncertainty and embarrassment, and considered his next move.
The four First-grade experts who had come along with Wei Wanli were also people who had received Shenxiao Sect's scattered legacy.
They were able to cultivate up to the First-grade realm, step by step, taking advantage of the opportunities brought on by that inheritance, proving their talent.
But in the face of Great Ming's imperial court's intimidation, even First-grade martial artists would find it hard to resist. Only by acquiring the protection of the Lord of Shenxian Gate could they survive.
They were summoned by the Lord of Shenxian Gate this time to ambush and kill Pei Xuanjing. Initially, they thought it would be an easy task, but surprisingly the plot twisted too much, and even the Lord of Shenxian Gate, their protector, died here.
Due to the hint from Pei Xuanjing, Taoist Qingxu held back when taking action. Although he only defeated the four men, he did not take their lives.
At the moment, with embarrassed faces, the four men exchanged glances. They had no means to flee, and all they could do was to wait for the other party's judgment, helpless as fish on a cutting board.
Just then, they suddenly heard Yu Zhenzi, who had betrayed them just earlier, speak.
"Gentlemen, the fraud who has been posing as the Master of Shenxiao Sect has been killed. You all now know that Brother Pei is the legitimate heir of the Shenxiao Sect. Why not abandon the darkness, surrender to Brother Pei, and contribute to the rebuilding of Shenxiao Sect?" Yu Zhenzi said to the four men.
With those words, he gave the deceased Wei Qianli and Wei Wanli brothers their final word.
They were not the Master of Shenxiao Gate; they were just frauds who coincidentally obtained the inheritance and used it to deceive others.
The legitimate heir of Shenxiao was not them, but Pei Xuanjing.
These words not only settled the final judgment for Wei Qianli brothers but also affirmed Pei Xuanjing's name.
After hearing Yu Zhenzi's words, the four men hesitated, finding it hard to make a decision on the spot.
Yu Zhenzi added fuel to the fire: "You were just deceived by those two. Now there are two elders as witnesses, nobody will consider you as traitors."
He pointed at Bai Xiaosheng and Taoist Qingxu, giving the four of them a reason. They were simply innocent people who had been deceived by the impostor brothers.
In the future, even if the news spread, with the witness of Taoist Qingxu and Bai Xiaosheng, and Yu Zhenzi's testimony, the case would be ironclad.
Taoist Qingxu and Bai Xiaosheng did not comment on Yu Zhenzi's words. Their silence now seemed a bit like defaulting.
The four men were somewhat tempted, but still uncertain, they hesitated.
Right then, Pei Xuanjing finished his healing. He opened his eyes, and said calmly, "What Yu Zhenzi just said reflects my thoughts exactly. I hope the four of you will consider carefully.."
Pei Xuanjing's words were undeniably an affirmation to Yu Zhenzi.
Upon hearing these words, Yu Zhenzi's eyes lit up, his smile widening.
Seeing the hesitance among the group, Pei Xuanjing got up and walked towards them. His expression was calm, and he began to speak:
"You must have heard of my reputation. I tend not to spare those who challenge me."
Suddenly, a smile appeared on his face: "However, if you are willing to join us, then naturally you wouldn't be considered enemies."
Though Pei Xuanjing spoke with a smile, the group could clearly sense the undisguised intent to kill radiating from him.
Clearly, Pei Xuanjing's stance was evident.
Submit or die.
In Pei Xuanjing's view, even though he needs subordinates now, it wasn't to the extent of absolute necessity — at least not for these individuals before him. He had no need for their complete submission.
As a powerful victor, he had the power over life and death regarding these people. Their lives hung by his singular thought.
They didn't need to consider too much, only to decide between submission or death. No third way existed.
Having finished speaking, Pei Xuanjing simply waited quietly for their decision.
Meanwhile, Yu Zhenzi tried to persuade the group: "Brothers, are you still hesitating? Do you mean to join those two in death?"
Seeing the path of retreat cut off and faced with life or death, they ultimately chose life in the end.
"We submit ourselves to Grandmaster Pei." They declared towards Pei Xuanjing after exchanging views among themselves.
These four men were Deng Zhong, Tao Rong, Xin Huan, and Zhang Jie.
Seeing the four men surrender, a satisfied expression washed over Pei Xuanjing's face.
With a sweep of his sleeve, a gentle force lifted the men who were about to kneel. He then spoke, "I'm glad you were wise to leave the darkness and join us. With the help of experts like you, we can surely rebuild Shenxiao."
"Under the leadership of our lord, we are willing to brave all difficulties." Deng Zhong responded eagerly.
Upon seeing Pei Xuanjing's murderous intent dissipate, the anxious expressions on the faces of the group began to fade.
However, before they could celebrate their relief, Pei Xuanjing continued, "Though you are willing to submit, you were recently planning a surprise attack on me. It'd likely be difficult for you to believe that I could accept you so easily, right?"
Deng Zhong understood Pei Xuanjing's intention. He knew that Pei Xuanjing wanted them to prove their trustworthiness.
The group didn't object to this requirement as they knew he was fair in his statement.
They had prepared to engage in a life-and-death battle just recently, so it would be quite unbelievable if he simply accepted their sudden vow to submit without skepticism.
However, a slight frown revealed the group's struggle to immediately devise a reliable solution.
"If Grandmaster Pei has any ideas, please let us know. We'll do as you instruct." As the representative of the group, Deng Zhong asked Pei Xuanjing.
Pei Xuanjing merely smiled without answering, instead turning to Yu Zhenzi.
Yu Zhenzi's smile faltered slightly, evidently understanding what Pei Xuanjing was suggesting.
Yet at this moment, he did not have a better solution and thus it would make sense to have these men suffer the same fate as he had.
After all, shared joy brings double the happiness.
Yu Zhenzi made a suitable suggestion: "In my view, why not have Grandmaster Pei leave a sword intention within them? This way, the Grandmaster will be reassured without doubting their feigned submission."
Upon hearing Yu Zhenzi's proposal, the group's expressions changed abruptly.
Allowing a martial arts master like Pei Xuanjing to insert a sword intention in them was undoubtedly surrendering their lives to him.
Rage momentarily filled their hearts but quickly dissipated.
After all, their lives were already in someone else's hands. What difference would it make to consent or refuse?
Seeing the fleeting anger in their eyes, Yu Zhenzi knew they were unlikely to refuse.
He quickly added, "Of course, this wouldn't be detrimental without benefit. The sword intention left by the Grandmaster contains his understanding of Martial Arts. You can learn from this and perhaps advance your own cultivation further."
Yu Zhenzi wasn't lying about the potential benefits.
The sword intention that Pei Xuanjing had left within him a long time ago was something he constantly endeavored to expel.
Though he never succeeded, this encounter with the sword intent gradually enhanced his understanding of Martial Arts.
One could say that it was a blessing in disguise.
Surely, his words offered a step down, allowing their faces to ease a bit.
'We agree." After weighing their options, Deng Zhong and the others reluctantly complied.
"Good!" Pei Xuanjing nodded in satisfaction.
He didn't believe himself to possess any overbearing aura, nor did he think that just by killing the two brothers, Wei Qianli, he could instantly gain the devoted loyalty of these men.
Let's be clear, the body of the Lord of Shenxiao Gate, their former master, was still lying beside them!
So, even if he wished to take these men under his control, he naturally had to take measures to keep them from betraying him.
As for whether they would harbor resentment, that was not in Pei Xuanjing's consideration at all.
He didn't require their heartfelt passion and loyalty, just that they faithfully perform the tasks he arranged.
Moreover, he was confident that as long as he continued to grow stronger, these men wouldn't dare to harbor any treacherous thoughts.
His forefinger and middle finger formed a sword -like shape and shot out four beams of sword qi.
Faced with the sword qi from Pei Xuanjing, the four men lowered their defenses, offering no resistance.
After completing this, he said to them, "From this day forward, you four will follow the commands of Yu Zhenzi. He will tell you what to do."
"Yes!" The four men, feeling the sword intentions roaming through their bodies, respectfully nodded in agreement.
Pei Xuanjing slightly nodded in return. He turned to Yu Zhenzi and said, "Next, you may proceed as we discussed earlier."
"Rest assured, Grandmaster. Leave everything to me." A smile lit up Yu Zhenzi's face.
Pei Xuanjing's recent words undoubtedly acknowledged that Yu Zhenzi's rank was higher than the other four.
"I'm looking forward to a satisfactory result." Pei Xuanjing said ambiguously.
"Yu Zhenzi will certainly not disappoint Grandmaster!" Yu Zhenzi confidently replied.
At this moment, Yu Zhenzi felt a surge of energy throughout his entire body, because he felt that what he was about to do was not just for Pei Xuanjing, but also for himself.
Maybe it was due to hiding in the shadows for such a long time, he found himself longing to stride confidently in the martial arts world like never before.
And Pei Xuanjing was undoubtedly the one who had given him this hope. Therefore, even for his own sake, he must carry out this matter successfully..