Chapter 197: Chapter 197: Paying a Visit
Inside the hall, dozens of disciples had formed seven or eight lines, all looking at Shi Xiaole with shocked expressions, wondering why the Sect Leader would have them kneel before a young man who was even younger than they were.
"Elder above, what the hell are you guys dawdling about?"
Yang Jiuding shouted sternly.
Despite reluctance, some people kneeled, but many others remained motionless.
"You don’t have to kneel if you don’t want to, but you can leave the Yangxuan Sect."
Yang Jiuding looked at those unmoving individuals.
In his heart, respecting the master and revering the discipline has always been the first principle. Although Shi Xiaole was young, the Elder was the Elder.
Moreover, from the previous encounter, Yang Jiuding could see that Shi Xiaole had great potential and was not ordinary.
Upon hearing this, even the reluctant ones had to kneel.
They were all orphans adopted by Yang Jiuding, almost like his adopted children, so of course, they couldn’t possibly leave the Yangxuan Sect.
"Elder!"
The crowd shouted in unison.
Shi Xiaole sidestepped, saying, "You all rise."
He didn’t want people to kneel before him, but judging from the series of actions that Yang Jiuding just took, if he didn’t accept this kneel, it would probably go on endlessly.
Yang Jiuding waved his hand to let the crowd disperse, leaving only his eldest and second disciples to wait upon him.
Shi Xiaole couldn’t help but look at the two, raising his eyebrows.
Yang Jiuding pointed to the youth on his left and introduced: "Elder, this is my eldest disciple, Yang Zheng, who is eighteen years old and has reached the Fifth Tier of Qi Absorption."
He pointed to the youth on his right, saying: "This is my second disciple, Yang Yi, who is seventeen years old and has reached the Fourth Tier of Qi Absorption."
"The talents are not bad."
Shi Xiaole nodded.
If he remembered correctly, Su Junhao, the most powerful among the Four Outstanding Youths of the Cloud Triangle and dubbed ’Young Master Sword’, was only at the Second Tier of Qi Absorption at the age of eighteen, which was far less compared to Yang Zheng and Yang Yi.
Not only that, but Shi Xiaole also felt a special aura from the two, proving that not only were their realms high, but their strength should also be strong.
"Hmph!"
Upon hearing Shi Xiaole’s evaluation, Yang Zheng was fine, but Yang Yi snorted secretly.
Despite the decline of the Yangxuan Sect, their brothers had considerable talents. If it weren’t for their teacher’s admonition to intentionally hide their skills, they would have been famous long ago.
There was even a time when one of them, while concealing his identity, defeated the youth ranked seventy-six on the Junior Heroes list.
But this boy, relying on his status, had the audacity to make a senior encouraging a junior gesture!
Not paying any attention to Yang Zheng and Yang Yi, Shi Xiaole asked the question he cared about most: "Sect Leader Yang, as I understand it, the Yangxuan Sect was once a top-notch faction in Qingxue State, why is it now....."
Yang Jiuding wore a desolate expression and chuckled bitterly as he began to explain to Shi Xiaole.
Back in the day, Gu Danchen was exceptionally talented and dominated Qingxue State with the Yangxuan Technique. Under his influence, the Yangxuan Sect rose along with the tide, reaching unprecedented heights.
However, after Gu Danchen had gone missing for many years, some old enemies began to eye the Yangxuan Sect. At the time, Gu Danchen’s reputation was still so influential that they dared not be presumptuous.
But after fifty years passed and Gu Danchen was still nowhere to be found, the enemies couldn’t sit still any longer and teamed up to ambush the Yangxuan Sect one night.
In this battle, the Yangxuan Sect suffered heavy losses, with more than 80% of their masters being killed. The remaining disciples either died or fled, scattering to the four corners of the world.
Centuries passed, and the forces of the old enemies were exterminated long ago, and while the Yangxuan Sect returned to its old lands, when it came to Yang Jiuding’s generation, it wasn’t even close to its former prosperity.
Yang Jiuding was not lacking in talent, but unfortunately, he was too eager to succeed in training the Yangxuan Technique, causing him to go astray and his cultivation to fall, becoming a warrior of the Seventh Tier of Qi Absorption.
As he said, for fear that the enemies of the past were not yet eliminated, he didn’t dare to reveal information about the Yangxuan Technique. Without any other resources, the entire Yangxuan Sect couldn’t recruit any formidable masters. Little by little, they simply ended up relying on these disciples.
"So that’s how it went."
After listening to the whole thing, Shi Xiaole couldn’t help but sigh. He could only imagine what Gu Danchen’s thoughts would be if he knew about this.
Reaching into his robe, Shi Xiaole handed over the secret book, saying: "This is the Yangxuan Heavenly Scripture, a second-class top-grade inner power technique created by Master Gu himself. It contains healing methods within it that might be able to heal your injuries."
"What, a second-class top-grade inner power technique?"
Yang Jiuding thought he had misheard.
Yang Zheng and Yang Yi, standing behind him, also wore stunned expressions.
They clearly knew the value of a second-class top-grade inner power technique. Frankly speaking, aside from the few top-notch sects in Qingxue State, any sect that got ahold of it would consider it a treasure.
"Is it real or fake?"
Yang Yi couldn’t help but start to doubt.
Yang Jiuding had already trembledly received the secret book, and started flipping through the pages. Not long after, tears filled his face and he knelt on his knees saying, "Jiuding, thank you for showing us such mercy!"
"Master!"
Yang Zheng and Yang Yi were startled, but with even their Master kneeling, they, as disciples, couldn’t possibly remain standing, so they had to kneel as well.
At the same time, waves of shock were surging in their hearts.
If he hadn’t been so eager to succeed, Yang Jiuding’s strength wouldn’t have been inferior to the Gown Gang Lead, and his judgment was equally good. His current reaction, did it not prove that the Yangxuan Heavenly Scripture was indeed a second-class top-grade inner power technique?
At this moment, as Yang Zheng and Yang Yi looked at Shi Xiaole, their resistance towards him had diminished considerably.
The generosity and stature required for someone to give away a second-class top-grade inner power technique were considerable. If it were them, could they have done it?
"I was just fulfilling Master Gu’s wish, you all should rise. My work here is done, so it’s time for me to go."
Helping Yang Jiuding up, Shi Xiaole chuckled.
"Elder wishes to leave? This is your home."
Yang Jiuding seemed anxious.
If, initially, his respect for Shi Xiaole was based solely on his identity, now it was based on the latter’s character. He sincerely did not want him to leave.
Shi Xiaole shook his head.
He was used to being carefree and did not like staying in unfamiliar places for too long.
Moreover, for people like Yang Jiuding, perhaps the identity of the ’founder’ was a sign of respect, but for him, was it not another kind of burden?
"Founder, please stay for a couple more days."
Yang Jiuding pleaded repeatedly.
Shi Xiaole said, "I won’t lie to you, I’ve offended the Gown Gang. If I stay here, it will only harm the Positive Pole Sect."
"Founder, all the more you cannot leave. If Jiuding allows you to depart and fall into the hands of the Gown Gang, how can I face the ancestors of the Positive Pole Sect?"
Yang Jiuding was first taken aback, then resolutely responded.
The Gown Gang was really powerful, so powerful it could crush the Positive Pole Sect. Yang Jiuding was certain that as soon as Shi Xiaole left, the Gown Gang would be informed and he would definitely not be able to escape their pursuit.
Fortunately, years ago, he had set up a secret hiding place in his house. Instead of being hunted down, it would be better for the founder to hide there, where the chances of survival would be much higher.
"The founder may not be aware, but in recent years, the Gown Gang has been expanding rampantly. They have wanted to absorb our Positive Pole Sect for a long time. They have come to our door several times, but I have refused. However, their patience won’t last and they will take action sooner or later, so there is no question of implicating us."
Yang Jiuding explained with a bitter smile.
There were many small forces in Sea View City, but in recent years, those that didn’t perish disbanded, and those that remained intact basically joined the Gown Gang. In the past few days, Yang Jiuding had even found many people hiding nearby and watching.
To protect the lives of his disciples, he had decided to temporarily capitulate.
Hearing this, Shi Xiaole was moved and decided to stay after all.
Even though he did not practice the Yangxuan Heavenly Scripture, Gu Danchen after all had given him a chance. It might be better to take this opportunity to eliminate the trouble for his sect. It should also be considered as repayment for his kindness.
He agreed to stay, but Shi Xiaole did not want to live in the secret chamber, after all, it was prepared by others for him.
However, Yang Jiuding absolutely refused and did not believe that he had the ability to deal with the Gown Gang. Unable to reject his goodwill, Shi Xiaole had no choice but to move into the secret chamber.
The secret chamber was very quiet, with a lot of processed food that would not rot for a long time placed inside. It was enough for someone to stay for several months.
In the following two days, aside from practicing the Yangxuan Heavenly Scripture, Yang Jiuding spent his time with Shi Xiaole who was living in the secret chamber. He even generously brought out the secret books of the Positive Pole Sect for him to read.
After that year’s battle, the secret books left by the Positive Pole Sect were not many. Fortunately, the Yangxuan Technique and some third-rate martial arts were not lost.
Shi Xiaole memorized the secret books and successfully exchanged them for reward points.
Among them, a few third-rate secret books were exchanged for a total of 1,200 reward points.
The Yangxuan Technique was terrifying and was exchanged for a staggering 2,100 reward points.
The reason he didn’t exchange for the same level martial arts was mainly because the second-rate inferior martial arts couldn’t help Shi Xiaole much now. It was better to accumulate reward points and strive to exchange for first-class martial arts.
With the addition of the secret books of the Positive Pole Sect, Shi Xiaole’s reward points had reached a staggering 8,000. It is a pity that even the weakest first-class martial arts are worth more than fifteen-thousand points, and with the tax of the exchange, 8,000 points were still far from enough.
After telling Yang Jiuding not to intentionally accompany him, Shi Xiaole closed the stone gate and began to practice with all his heart.
At the same time, Lai Lingyao met Lai Wu and others on the way and then rushed back to the Gown Gang in Sea View City.
"The people are all killed by that kid?"
At the top seat, a man dressed in grey with a face as pale as paper and no beard, his eyes sparkled.
Even though the Gown Gang was powerful, a practitioner at the Eighth Tier of Qi Absorption was not common. Losing one is losing one. This time two have died directly. If Lai Qianyong said he wasn’t distressed, it would be a lie.
Especially when he heard that the killer was a teenager, his eyes sparkled even brighter.
"Father, I guarantee that the green horse is absolutely rare in the world. If we can offer it to Old Mr. Ma, we will definitely be the best at this birthday banquet. Let’s act quickly. Otherwise, once the news spreads, we may not be able to get it."
Lai Lingyao said urgently.
Lai Qianyong waved his hand, clearly having a plan in mind: "Let’s split the forces. One group will investigate the boy’s origin and destination, and the other will gather men and horses to ensure nothing goes wrong."
Just as Lai Lingyao said, treasures are tempting. He must seize the green horse in the shortest possible time and send it to the Qiongjia Gang, let alone dare to have any designs then.
Everyone knows that the first Gang Leader of the Gown Gang was an elder of the Qiongjia Gang, but they didn’t know that he was just the most ordinary elder with two bags. If it hadn’t been for so many years of hard work, the relationship would have faded long ago.
If this goes smoothly, it would be a good opportunity to deepen the relationship. Maybe when Old Mr. Ma is happy, the Gown Gang could reach higher levels.
As for Shi Xiaole, Lai Qianyong didn’t underestimate him. The lion uses all his strength to catch even a rabbit. All he needed to do was to figure out the latter’s background and use the right medicine.
"Father is wise!"
Seeing Lai Qianyong’s confident look, Lai Lingyao could not help but feel overjoyed.
Now, he was not just trying to snatch the horse, but also to avenge the arrow shot at him in the inn. Lai Lingyao secretly vowed that once he caught Shi Xiaole, he would torture him, skin him, and tear him apart.
...
Inside the secret chamber, a strange and eerie internal power flowed out continuously and penetrated into the crevices of the walls. The ants inside seemed to sense something, and they were restless.
Hoo!
When the power was withdrawn into his body, Shi Xiaole opened his eyes.
"Getting closer to minor achievement."
The Brahma-I Unity was difficult to cultivate, but correspondingly, any little progress would clearly reflect in Shi Xiaole’s strength.
Compared to the time when he left Purple Beauty City, Shi Xiaole’s strength had improved by about half.
At this rate, he should be able to cultivate the Brahma-I Unity to minor achievement before the start of the Contest of Heroes. At that time, his strength would surely advance by leaps and bounds.
Knock, knock, knock.
Under the dim night sky, the lantern outside the Positive Pole Sect swayed in the wind, and a series of footstep sounds broke the quiet here.
"Do you think hiding here will help?"
Lai Lingyao stood behind Lai Qianyong, looked at the gate, and revealed a triumphant smile at the corner of his mouth.
To avoid mistakes, the Gown Gang virtually dispatched all their elite this time. Apart from Lai Qianyong who was at the Second Tier of Qi Absorption, two Protectors at the First Tier of Xuan Qi, and ten elders at the Ninth Tier of Qi Absorption, they were all present.
Even if God himself arrived, that boy wouldn’t escape!
