It's important to understand that in this world, even the control of the Great Ming Empire is not sufficient to extend its reach to the lowest level.
Even with the local government offices' assistance, there are still many minor forces that mingle within them, serving as assistants and hirelings for the Great Ming imperial court to manage local affairs.
These smaller forces not only bow to the government offices, but also must listen to the commands of major forces that dominate certain areas.
Without a doubt, the Taihe Mountain True Martial Sect is one of these dominating forces. Whether they like it or not, once their power grew, they naturally became this way.
With the True Martial Sect's deterrence in the province they reside, no one would dare hinder their plans. They merely control things from behind the scenes, and are not attempting to incite a rebellion.
"Hahaha, Brother Pei, you flatter me, " said Bai Xiaosheng, hearing Pei Xuanjing's praise. Although he humbly said it was an overstatement, the joy in his eyes was not concealed.
Although this plan seemed simple, it was highly effective, making it the most appropriate solution for their three parties.
Pei Xuanjing asked with a smile, "I wonder if you've discussed this plan with the Qingxu Taoist already?"
Not only did he not object to the plan, he was actually thrilled about it.
Joseph even found a way to strengthen the body, however, this method of using thunder power to temper the body was not only slow, but also highly dependent on the weather.
If Bai Xiaosheng's plan succeeds, it would mean the possibility of activating that formation early.
This could potentially break the seal ahead of schedule and start reviving Heaven and Earth.
Upon hearing Pei Xuanjing's question, Bai Xiaosheng nodded, "I have already sent someone to the True Martial Sect. The Qingxu Taoist should not object to this matter."
The fact that the True Martial Sect represented by the Qingxu Taoist had devoted their full attention to studying this formation was already an indirect confirmation of their desire to complete the formation.
Furthermore, the plan was to be carried out in the True Martial Sect's territory, even if it failed, it would not cause a significant loss to the True Martial Sect.
On the contrary, it was Pei Xuanjing's side that would be making a significant investment in the True Martial Sect due to this plan. If it succeeds, all will be well, but if it fails, they will gain nothing and incur substantial losses.
That's why he sent someone to Taihe Mountain and personally came to Shenxiao Mountain, with the intention of persuading Pei Xuanjing.
Pei Xuanjing quickly understood, realizing the profound implications of Bai Xiaosheng's visit.
He laughed, "Brother Bai, why go to such lengths? Consider it a repayment for the help you both have provided me in the past."
For Pei Xuanjing, all means were merely aids to his quest for power.
He consolidated the forces under the Lord of Shenxiao Gate. Regardless of what he did, it all ultimately aided his cultivation.
As long as today's plan goes according to plan, he does not mind the power play, as long as it further smooths his path of cultivation.
For the likes of Yu Zhenzi and others, Pei Xuanjing would certainly not easily give up, as they proved to be useful tools and he had no plans to replace them.
Therefore, he would naturally devise a way to compensate them.
Bai Xiaosheng wasn't sure of Pei Xuanjing's exact thoughts, but he pledged, "Once this matter is settled, the Qingxu Taoist and I promise to give Brother Pei a satisfactory answer, guaranteeing you won't suffer any loss."
He understood that if an alliance was to last, it had to ensure fairness. If one party was at a disadvantage, compensation should be provided in another form.
An alliance where one party only gives, without receiving in return, is doomed to collapse, leading to enmity.
Bai Xiaosheng considers himself to be the one who understands the upcoming situation best, which is why he formed an alliance with the two strong forces, the Qingxu Taoist and Pei Xuanjing.
He would not allow the three parties' alliance to disintegrate over trivial matters at this critical juncture.
Pei Xuanjing laughed. Since Bai Xiaosheng offered, he saw no reason to refuse.
After all, people like Yu Zhenzi under his command needed his support, and this could be used to reassure them.
Then he heard Bai Xiaosheng say, "Apart from this, Brother Pei also needs to take some actions to attract everyone's attention and buy us time."
This was a crucial part of the plan.
Pei Xuanjing, the former number one on the influential figures list, re-entering the martial arts world and stirring up trouble, would certainly attract everyone's attention.
At this time, they could carry out all their actions under the cover of Pei Xuanjing's momentum, making things convenient.
Pei Xuanjing smiled. He had no intention of refusing. He said with a laugh, "Brother Bai, how would it be if I challenge the Heroes using this opportunity and then announce my intent to reestablish Shenxiao in the process?"
After being closed off in contemplation at Shenxiao Mountain for so long, besides his brief skirmish with Zhao Baiyang, Pei Xuanjing had spent all other times honing his cultivation in solitude.
However, now he had so little of his martial arts skills left that it could not support him to carry out multiple simulations in refining Taoyun anymore.
So even if Bai Xiaosheng hadn't made this request, Pei Xuanjing was ready to leave the mountain..
This time, he prepared to challenge heroes from all quarters. On one hand, he wanted to verify his path in martial arts; on the other hand, he wanted to learn from these people's martial knowledge to refine his Taoism.
"Brother Pei, this move will certainly attract the attention of everyone in Jianghu. The Slayer Taoist comes back to challenge the heroes in Jianghu and wants to re-establish the Shenxiao Sect. With such a gimmick, I am sure no one in Jianghu will not participate in this lively event." Bai Xiaosheng exclaimed with joy upon hearing this, feeling that Pei Xuanjing's idea was excellent.
Pei Xuanjing grinned, "Then I will have to bother Brother Bai to get the word out."
"For such a cause, I'm most willing." Bai Xiaosheng lightly swung his folding fan, and asked, "I wonder who Brother Pei has chosen as his first opponent?"
There are countless experts in Jianghu. Selecting who to be the first opponent is a tricky matter.
Having a suitable opponent would indeed bring out the full effect of Pei Xuanjing's battle.
Pei Xuanjing also understood the importance of the first opponent. He mentioned the opponent he had chosen in his life simulation, and asked tentatively, "How about Justice Hall?"
This was the power he chose in his life simulation. Justice Hall belonged to the top-tier power in Jianghu, and the two masters were also formidable.
"Justice Hall?" After hearing this name, Bai Xiaosheng repeated it quietly.
He carefully recalled the information about Justice Hall. His somewhat furrowed brow instantly relaxed, and the smile on his face became increasingly jovial.
"Hahaha…" Bai Xiaosheng laughed heartily, tapping his folding fan, "Brother Pei is really wise, I'm impressed. I must say, choosing Justice Hall is the most appropriate choice."
As someone who prided himself on knowing and understanding all the affairs in the world, Bai Xiaosheng was familiar with the information about all major powers in the Jianghu.
After Pei Xuanjing proposed this plan, he quickly recalled the information about various powers in his mind, intending to help Pei Xuanjing select a suitable opponent.
Upon hearing the name "Justice Hall," the information about Justice Hall quickly surfaced in his mind.
Justice Hall was established 120 years ago when the obscure Ma Wuji rose to fame in Jianghu with his Wuji Fist Skill.
After he advanced to the first-grade realm, he founded Justice Hall with many other experts. After more than a hundred years of development, it has leapt to become a major power in the North's martial arts world.
Although Ma Wuji's strength was slightly inferior to the chief figures in Jianghu like Qingxu and the Lord of Shenxiao Gate, he was good at making friends thanks to his background as a merchant and had friends all over the world. He was arguably as influential as those chief figures.
Therefore, if Pei Xuanjing announced his challenge towards him, and Bai Xiaosheng pushed for it behind the scenes, the resulting ripples would inevitably draw many experts to aid him.
Such gathering of experts would undoubtedly attract the attention of many people.
That was why Bai Xiaosheng couldn't help himself from praising Pei Xuanjing's excellent choice of this opponent.
Moreover, out of confidence in Pei Xuanjing, he never thought that Pei Xuanjing would lose.
He was aware that when he saw Pei Xuanjing on Shenxiao Mountain again, Pei Xuanjing's strength had once again increased, which greatly surprised him.
From Bai Xiaosheng's perspective, many experts experienced a period where they seemed to have the Heavenly Mandate, their actions being smooth and successful, and their strength rapidly improving.
However, he had never seen anyone like Pei Xuanjing who could continuously grow stronger at such an astounding rate, which was simply startling.
He even wondered if Pei Xuanjing had broken through to the Spirit Realm before the revival of Heaven and Earth.
All these thoughts flashed through Bai Xiaosheng's mind in an instant, then he said to Pei Xuanjing, "If that's the case, I'll get ready. It will take only half a month to spread this news throughout the martial arts world."
Pei Xuanjing smiled and said, "In that case, I'll wait for the good news."
After detailed discussions, Bai Xiaosheng drifted away.
Only Pei Xuanjing was left on the mountain, continuing his cultivation, and waiting to descend the mountain again when the time was ripe.
The old lair of the Netherworld was the still same. The Ghost God of Fengdu still sat high on his throne, with long hair cascading down and wearing an imperial robe embroidered with ghost gods.
Regrettably, the Yama King, the second-in-command in the Netherworld, was dead.
Now it was King Qin Guang, another Yama King, standing in his place.
King Qin Guang, who wore a ghostly mask, stood in the empty hall, facing the throne. With his head bowed slightly, he asked, "Emperor, shall we get involved in this Mire Sect matter?"
Yes, Zhao Baiyang had relayed the plan to the Netherworld, hoping to get their support.
The Ghost God of Fengdu lamented, "What a pity, the Yama King is dead, otherwise he would have been the most suitable person to participate in this matter."
The Yama King'S cultivation method was extremely mysterious. If he could personally kill an emperor, it would significantly increase his strength
Unfortunately, two years ago, the Yama King was killed, and he not only lost his life, but also lost a page of the Netherworld Book.
Thinking about the death of his own henchman, the Ghost God of Fengdu was filled with rage.
According to the news from his subordinates, the person who struck the blow this time was still Pei Xuanjing, and the page of the Netherworld Book also fell into Pei Xuanjing's hands.
Thinking about how Pei Xuanjing had repeatedly hindered him and caused many of his people to suffer, the Ghost God of Fengdu could not contain his anger. He wished to smash Pei Xuanjing into pieces and scatter his ashes to ease his hatred.
If it weren't for the fact that he had been cultivating a skill two years ago, he would have broken through his cultivation and personally taken Pei Xuanjing's life.
Now that his divine skill was completed, he intended to personally kill Pei Xuanjing and let him know that anyone who offended the Netherworld was bound to die.
He also wanted to let people in Jianghu know that the dignity of the Netherworld was inviolable.
"Tell Zhao Baiyang, this time the emperor will personally go to Tiandu!" The Ghost God of Fengdu said coldly, his voice filled with murderous intent and coldness.
Since he happened to encounter this incident, he did not mind making a move.
He planned to enter Tiandu first to assassinate the emperor, then kill Pei Xuanjing on the side, retrieve the page of the Netherworld Book that belonged to the Netherworld, and restore the prestige of the Netherworld.
"Yes!" King Qin Guang did not dare to defy the Ghost God of Fengdu's decision. He responded and retreated. The cold and solemn voice echoed in the empty hall behind him.
"Pei Xuanjing, this time you are bound to die!"