Chapter 681: Chapter 680: Clues from Shi Xuanzhong
What happened at Wuling Villa hasn’t reached the Martial World yet, but predictably, it has ignited discussions within the Villa itself. Everyone was intrigued by it, fueling endless discussions.
The focal point of the discussions was mostly centered on the strength of Shi Xiaole.
"Given the Master’s usual style and what we saw that day, I’m sure he didn’t give it his all."
"That’s not news, anyone could tell! What we’re all curious about now is how much of his power the Master actually used."
"No one can answer that question. What I want to know more is whether the Master is now at the level of a Third Tier Earth Immortal."
The disciples would gather for discussions after their martial arts practices, sometimes even bothering the high-levels of the villa with their endless questions, to the latter’s helplessness.
They were curious to know too.
Eventually, even the higher-ups couldn’t resist the temptation but dared not ask.
Xia Yunxi had no such doubts, so she asked Shi Xiaole, "Hey, what is your actual strength?"
"It’s hard to say, but based on Xu Zhenhai’s level, I could spar with more than three of him."
Sitting in the octagonal pavilion by the Green Water Lake, Shi Xiaole spoke in a carefree manner.
This was not an exaggeration.
Having mastered the Dragon Gate Divine Skill, and making a breakthrough in cultivation, his vigorous air was far superior. With raw strength alone, he could crush his opponents, and no one expected that he hadn’t even employed his minor accomplishment in the Divine Wind Movement.
Of course, this wasn’t to say that Shi Xiaole’s strength was three times that of Xu Zhenhai.
It’s like an adult proficient in combat could definitely beat three kids, but to claim that his strength is three times that of the kids? It’s unlikely, maybe not even twice as much.
As for whether he’d reached the level of a Third Tier Earth Immortal, Shi Xiaole didn’t know. After all, he hadn’t encountered a Third Tier Earth Immortal before, and he hadn’t tested it out either.
"You!"
A hubbub raised by Xia Yunxi was soon followed by a stifled exclamation. "Why does she feel like hitting someone? Hmm, your sword technique is great, you should teach me."
Shi Xiaole nodded and offhandedly said, "To tell you the truth, I have a skill that is even more formidable than sword technique."
Xia Yunxi, fighting the urge to punch him, crossed her arms and glanced at him, "Let’s hear it."
"Hmm..."
After a while, his lips parted.
Shi Xiaole stroked Xia Yunxi’s blushing face, letting her lean back and collapse onto him, and laughed, "How is it? Isn’t it more powerful than sword technique?"
"You, shameless!"
The charming coyness and the irresistible charm warmed Shi Xiaole’s heart, turning into a powerful urge under the influence of the blood sun.
Suppressing the urge, Shi Xiaole swiftly leaped and flew away, leaving Xia Yunxi chuckling behind at his panicked retreat.
...
The chaos caused by the Earth Immortal a few months prior had a significant impact on Wuling Villa. Secretly, some high-level officials even packed up, ready to leave at any moment.
Their actions and attitude changes were recorded by Zhu Ling’s confidante, compiled and handed over to Shi Xiaole.
"Keep an eye on these people, but some resources shouldn’t be invested in them for now."
In the Yinfeng Pavilion’s sixth floor, Shi Xiaole idly tapped the table as he spoke.
After coming back this time, he had copies of all the martial arts techniques he bought, drawn, or even exchanged for assassination techniques and placed them in the Villa’s library.
Only key figures like Xin Zhuliu, the Three Weirdos, Su Yanru knew about the rich and frightening resources. If they were exposed, even the top figures of Flying Horse Dynasty would be tempted.
That’s why they knew more clearly how great an opportunity those high-level figures on the list missed by Shi Xiaole’s one sentence.
Wuling Villa was Shi Xiaole’s real power base, hence he didn’t mind training it with all his might, and he cared even less about exposing martial arts techniques.
Firstly, the library was the crown jewel of the Villa, and the Array System protecting it, containing the only defensive system incorporated by Shui Lingping, was of indescribable might.
Secondly, he had set the method to obtain secret books of corresponding levels, which could best motivate the people of the Villa. Of course, only select core members were aware of the top-notch and first-rate martial arts that were not public yet.
Shi Xiaole wasn’t worried about Xin Zhuliu and others abusing their power. If such a situation arose, it would only mean that his judgment was off.
Zhu Ling took back the list and asked, "Master, the villas on the Southwestern, Northwestern, and Northeastern peaks have all been completed, when should we inaugurate them?"
Upon hearing those words, all the core members watched Shi Xiaole with burning eyes, including the Three Weirdos who were focused on their practice and retirement.
They had visited those three Villas and had seen the final design of Nine Profound Mountain, hence, they were nothing short of astounded by the young man’s audacity, determination, and ambition.
After some contemplation, Shi Xiaole responded, "We won’t inaugurate them just yet. I haven’t found suitable villa owners yet to keep up the facade."
Everyone chuckled in despair. A handful of them glanced at Xin Zhuliu with strange looks, knowing too well how he was drafted by the Master.
After some hesitation, Zhu Ling added, "Master, the construction project has heavily drained the Villa’s finances. I’m afraid the remaining ones can’t be completed in a few years."
Bystanders, mostly martial experts, rarely worried about finances. However, those who establish sects know the importance of money. A couple of millions or a couple of tens of millions of silver coins were nothing more than water under the bridge, they could hardly notice the drain.
In the past two years, Wuling Villa expanded into the escort agencies, restaurants, and pawn shops industries. Although they were developing well, their expenses were high. They had to cater for the unique Villas under construction which drained money faster than water.
Zhu Ling’s business abilities have clearly demonstrated their worth by making it possible to hold up this far.
"I appreciate all your hard work. I’ll think about a solution. For now, let’s proceed according to our capability."
Hearing this, Shi Xiaole helplessly slapped his forehead. Frankly, he didn’t have any good ideas. Making money was not his strong suit, and he didn’t want to be distracted by it.
After discussing some major developments of the villa, everyone gradually dispersed.
In the following days, Shi Xiaole spent his time cultivating or chatting and relaxing with Xia Yunxi, Su Yanru and others. He also set aside time daily to deploy the Heaven and Earth Changing Spirit Great Method on people like Xu Zhenhai.
In his view, even if each time he only managed to extract one sentence, cumulatively, he could get a clear picture. Moreover, this process would also help cultivate the Heaven and Earth Changing Spirit Great Method, killing two birds with one stone.
Soon after, several Earth Immortals from the Martial Alliance came to visit, two of whom placed immense pressure on Shi Xiaole with their aura.
"Master Shi, we received your message. Why have you confined six of our top experts?"
A square-faced man asked, his tone fraught with tension.
Shi Xiaole only smiled, not saying much. He simply handed over a Sound Recording Stone.
The words in the Sound Recording Stone were fragmented, obviously spoken under psychic control. But the more it was so, the more credible it became.
After listening, the expressions of the Martial Alliance’s Earth Immortals became even grimmer, but this time it was not directed at Shi Xiaole.
"Inspector, I was framed! This kid has deliberately set us up, attempting to tarnish the good name of the Martial Alliance," exclaimed Xu Zhenhai, shivering at the sight of the Earth Immortals and the Sound Recording Stone in their hands, kneeling and crying out loud.
The Martial Alliance’s inspector, although lower in rank than the Protector, held a large amount of power, responsible for regulating the behavior of all high-ranking practitioners in the Alliance. They had the authority to arrest and even execute any members found guilty of misconduct.
Xu Zhenhai understood that if he didn’t reverse the situation today, his fate would be dreadful.
"Framed? You can explain it when we get back."
The square-faced man grabbed Xu Zhenhai and left like he was holding a chicken, without discussing anything derogatory about the Martial Alliance in front of Shi Xiaole.
The other five followed with ashen faces, especially the man with a flat nose. If Xu Zhenhai’s guilt was established, he would not be spared either. The other four, at most, could be accused of not reporting what they knew.
"Master Shi, we shall take our leave."
The Earth Immortals from the Martial Alliance gave a little bow and left.
"We are greatly indebted to your Alliance for all your help, especially Master Xu and others for their exceptional efforts. Thank you!"
Shi Xiaole uttered a perplexing statement. However, his respectful gaze made several Earth Immortals view him differently, with some even flashing cordial smiles.
This was a veiled declaration from Shi Xiaole, indicating that he would not publicize the scandal.
Although many had witnessed how he forcibly detained Xu Zhenhai and the others, outsiders didn’t know how it all started. When the news spread, would the Martial World believe the scandalous audience or Shi Xiaole himself?
The answer was self-evident.
"Master Shi, the Earth Immortals from the top three families are now implicated in their own problems. You can rest assured."
As a token of gratitude, one of the Inspectors offered a hint before leaving with the others in satisfaction.
Having dealt with this matter, Shi Xiaole was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. He felt much lighter. Now, only the last issue remained.
A few days later, he went directly to the depths of the villa’s dungeon.
"What exactly do you want since you’re not killing me?"
In the iron cell, an old man lay on the ground, half-sliced open with rotting wounds emitting putrid odour. It was none other than Five Poison Elder.
Under normal circumstances, Shi Xiaole wouldn’t spare Five Poison Elder’s life. He had already killed Earth Immortals from the Hell Gate, but this man was different.
The technique he employed before being captured, the finger pointing technique, was deeply mysterious and vaguely corresponded to some moves in the Outer Heaven Secret Record.
The Outer Heaven Secret Record was a book Shi Xiaole obtained from Jing Xincheng, a top expert from Great Cold State known as the Glazed Fairy (Chapter 300). Jing Xincheng had received it from the famous courtesan, Liu Yingying.
And the one who taught Liu Yingying was Shi Xuanzhong!
Perhaps Shi Xiaole was overthinking, but he felt that it was necessary to ask.
After many days, Five Poison Elder’s willpower was not what it used to be. After several rounds of resistance, he fell completely under control of the Heaven and Earth Changing Spirit Great Method.
"Dispose of him."
Walking out of the cell, Shi Xiaole instructed and walked on, unable to calm his mind.
He had two shocking pieces of news.
Five Poison Elder was not from the Hell Gate, but a dark horse planted by Ghost Lethal Sect in the Hell Gate. The reason he wanted to harm Shi Xiaole was to pave way for Ghost Lethal Sect.
Inside Ghost Lethal Sect, there was an Outer Heaven Absolute, and according to Five Poison Elder’s descriptions, the martial arts techniques within this book bore 90% similarity to those in the Outer Heaven Secret Record.
Shi Xiaole had reason to suspect that Outer Heaven Absolute and Outer Heaven Secret Record were connected.
So was Shi Xuanzhong related to the Ghost Lethal Sect?
