Lying Low in the Martial World to Become a Saint

Chapter 448: Chapter 200: Surging Clouds

He snorted coldly. His momentum receded slightly, but he was unwilling to be the first to back down.

Just then, at that delicate moment, Fang Hongtao of the Puppet Sect saw that both sides needed a way to back down without losing face. He quickly hurried over with his men. "My fellow Elders, why let a fit of pique ruin the peace between you? This is Fengye County, not Celestial Balance Prefecture or Yunlin Prefecture. If a fight breaks out, it could alert the local Government Office or, worse, word could reach the Upper Sect. That would be extremely detrimental to the all-important selection! In my view, this is just a misunderstanding. It would be best for each of you to take a step back. Harmony is precious, harmony is precious!"

Sang Yanping’s and Ruan Wenju’s eyes met for a moment, and each saw the desire to back down in the other.

He seized the opportunity, taking a deep breath to forcefully suppress his roiling qi and blood. Taking the opening Fang Hongtao had provided, he said in a deep voice, "Hmph. Since Elder Fang has interceded... Elder Ruan, I hope you can keep your disciples in line. If there is a next time, my Wutai Sect will not let the matter rest! Let’s move out!"

The last three words were directed at the members of the Wutai Sect.

Ruan Wenju also took the opportunity to retract his aura. "It is not for others to comment on how my Chaoyang Sect conducts its business," he said coldly, "but today, I will give Elder Fang some face."

With that, he flicked his sleeve and said to his disciples, "Let’s head back."

Fang Hongtao watched the two sides withdraw, secretly delighted. He had not only quelled the conflict but also made both Sects owe him a small favor—killing two birds with one stone.

In the Chaoyang Sect’s guest rooms.

Back in their room, Liu Wu was still fuming. He said coldly to Ruan Wenju, "Elder Ruan, I took a close look just now. The Wutai Sect only has four people in the Astral Force realm. That Sang Yanping is old, Chu Jinyun is just a woman, and Shen Xiuyong is already injured. The only one remotely interesting is that newcomer, Chen Qing, and he’s only just entered the Astral Force realm. If we ambush them tonight, taking them down would be child’s play!"

"Unwise."

Ruan Wenju immediately waved the idea away. "Sang Yanping’s strength is unfathomable; he’s nowhere near as simple as he looks. Plus, he has Chu Jinyun backing him up. If we were to fail and even one of them escaped to spread the word, what would become of the Chaoyang Sect’s reputation? And if the Upper Sect investigated, the trouble would be immense."

He knew the idea was far too risky. The Wutai Sect’s strength was not to be underestimated. If pushed into a corner, their desperate counterattack would have unpredictable consequences.

Gambling the Sect’s reputation and the all-important selection just to settle a score was by no means a wise move.

Though disgruntled, Liu Wu knew that Elder Ruan had a point.

To ambush another Sect, especially during such a sensitive time, would be a massive scandal if it were exposed. They were priceless jade; why risk shattering themselves against mere clay pots like the Wutai Sect?

He said nothing more.

"There’s no need to be hasty."

Ruan Wenju’s gaze grew profound as he looked out the window toward the Wutai Sect’s quarters. "The Xu Wang Mountain selection will be a battle of titans," he said lightly. "There will be plenty of opportunities. When the time comes... wouldn’t it be far better to cripple a few of their so-called geniuses?"

Liu Wu nodded and said no more.

Meanwhile, the members of the Wutai Sect gathered in Shen Xiuyong’s room.

Chu Jinyun was using her Cultivation to treat his injuries.

"How are you?" Sang Yanping asked with concern.

"I have some internal injuries, and my qi and blood are roiling. It’s nothing serious. I’ll be fine after a night of meditative recovery."

Shen Xiuyong, his face a little pale, shook his head. "That Liu Wu from the Chaoyang Sect is truly skilled. His Cultivation has progressed with frightening speed—he’s already at the Mid-stage Astral Force."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone present turned grim.

The Chaoyang Sect was like a great, heavy mountain pressing down on their hearts, making it difficult to breathe.

For one of their young disciples to possess such strength was a clear testament to the Sect’s profound depth and resources.

Chen Qing’s brow furrowed. ’Mid-stage Astral Force!’

’It seems the rankings on the Heroes’ Record are no exaggeration.’

He thought to himself, ’If I were to go all out, taking down that Liu Wu shouldn’t be much of a problem.’

Sang Yanping glanced around at the expressions on his disciples’ faces and knew he had to act decisively.

He took a deep breath and said in a heavy tone, "It’s not wise to linger here! The Chaoyang Sect is arrogant and domineering; there’s no guarantee they won’t stir up more trouble. Time is of the essence. We’ll pack up and leave tonight, under the cover of darkness!"

"Leave tonight?" Chu Jinyun asked in surprise, Finishing the Practice.

"That’s right!"

Sang Yanping’s tone was as firm as iron. "We’ll leave while they assume we’re resting until dawn. We’ll throw off their expectations, put some distance between us, and avoid any more unnecessary trouble! It will be arduous, but safety comes first!"

After a moment’s thought, Chu Jinyun nodded firmly. Sang Yanping’s reasoning was sound.

When facing the powerful Chaoyang Sect, temporarily avoiding their spearhead was the best choice.

The disciples roused their spirits and immediately returned to their respective rooms to pack their belongings.

Night quietly enveloped Fengye County.

...

After leaving Fengye County, Elder Sang Yanping deliberately altered their route, avoiding the major official roads where they were likely to encounter other Major Sects.

The journey was long and arduous, leaving them travel-worn and covered in dust.

Fortunately, the rest of the journey was much more peaceful.

Although they occasionally encountered other Sects heading for the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect, most encounters were from a distance, with each party minding their own business.

Even when a few groups drew near, once Sang Yanping and Chu Jinyun identified themselves as being from the Wutai Sect and expressed no ill will, the other party would typically respond with courtesy. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they would go their separate ways.

Clearly, not every Sect was as aggressive and overbearing as the Chaoyang Sect.

During this crucial period leading up to the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect’s selection, most factions adhered to the principle that less trouble was better than more. They sought to arrive safely and were unwilling to stir up any unnecessary complications.

Chen Qing used this time to practice the Gui Cang Concealment Technique he had recently acquired, learning to conceal his aura until it became perfectly smooth and contained.

At the same time, Sects from all across the Three Paths and Fifty-One Mansions were rushing toward the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect. In an instant, the various official roads and waterways leading there were a forest of fluttering banners, with people and horses forming long, dragon-like processions.

Beneath the azure sky, enormous, exotic birds could sometimes be seen soaring past, their wingspan blotting out the sun. These belonged to the retinues of Major Sects that possessed flying mounts, drawing gasps of amazement from all who looked up to watch them pass.

On the wide rivers, uniquely designed multi-decked ships sped forward, Breaking Wave. Their bows parted the white foam, their speed easily matching that of the fine steeds galloping on the banks.

Some disciples from Sects skilled in water-based arts even ran directly across the surface of the water, their Body Technique so light and nimble they seemed to be treading on solid ground.

Most groups, however, were like the Wutai Sect, riding rare and valuable steeds that galloped like the wind through dense forests.

The Towns and post-stations along the routes became more bustling than ever before.

Taverns and inns were filled to capacity, with not a single room to be had. In the markets, the prices of spiritual Pills, Treasure Medicines, and Weapons soared. Even the well-informed news brokers of the Jianghu were abnormally active; copies of the latest, most confidential edition of the Heroes’ Record were being snatched up as soon as they appeared, becoming the topic on everyone’s lips.

When the various powers crossed paths, most maintained a cautious restraint.

The occasional minor friction or clash of egos was quickly suppressed by all involved. Arriving at Celestial Treasure City on time was the top priority.

The entire Land of the Three Paths seemed to be swept up in an invisible torrent, surging toward the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect.

It was a meeting of wind and clouds, a convergence of dragons and tigers. An unprecedented grand gathering of geniuses was about to begin.

Chen Qing and his companions traveled for another ten days, crossing through several prefectures. The landscape along the way gradually changed, becoming more densely populated. The official roads grew wider and smoother, spacious enough for ten horses to ride abreast.

On this day, just past noon, the group crested the final mountain ridge.

Elder Sang Yanping pulled on his reins, raising a hand to signal for the party to halt.

"The Celestial Treasure Upper Sect is just ahead."

Hearing this, everyone’s gaze followed the direction Sang Yanping was pointing.

...

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