Chapter 143: Chapter 142: Request
The three men looked at each other, and a silence fell over the scene.
Zhao Xuanqi was pondering. ’What’s the secret behind my reincarnation into this world? Who was that so-called Holy Beast Divine General? And how should I handle my relationship with the Four Saints Sect?’
As for Xu Ji and Peng Weishan, their minds were still immersed in the brief exchange just now, unable to extricate themselves.
Ordinary Martial Artists wouldn’t see the profundity in Zhao Xuanqi’s techniques, but they knew exactly how terrifying this Fist Technique truly was.
The Four Saints Sect had stood firm in the Divine Land’s Martial Arts Realm for many years just by splitting the Profound Techniques of this Fist Technique four ways. This alone placed them at the pinnacle of the Divine Land’s Beast Form Fist Secret Transmissions. It was hard to imagine what heights this Fist Technique could reach once the Four Forms were unified.
Even though they had made all sorts of plans before coming, they couldn’t help but feel a flicker of greed now.
With such a legendary Fist Technique right in front of them, it would be a lie to say they weren’t tempted.
If not for their connection to the National Salvation Association, their two sects might have very well considered taking action back then.
Greed is only human.
However, the National Salvation Association had done a great service for the White Tiger and Black Tortoise Sects in the past. If they didn’t even remember this kindness, how could their two sects face the world and continue to exist in the Divine Land?
Besides, the National Salvation Association was no pushover. With the strength of their two sects alone, trying to snatch someone from the National Salvation Association’s hands would be no easy feat. It might be a different story for the Vermilion Bird Sect or the Phoenix Army.
In truth, they weren’t asking for much. ’Even if we obtained the Profound Techniques of a Fist Technique that the Four Saints Sect’s own ancestors couldn’t master, could we really comprehend a higher realm from it?’
They just needed to pay a price to get what they needed.
It’s important for a person to know contentment.
The two men exchanged a look and suppressed the stray thoughts in their minds.
"Sir, may I ask if what you practice is the supreme Fist Technique among the legendary Beast Form Fists, the Holy Beast Fist?"
In the end, it was Xu Ji who broke the silence and asked Zhao Xuanqi.
"To be honest, I can’t be sure if the Fist Technique I practice is the Holy Beast Fist you speak of. What I can confirm is that my Fist Technique is indeed closely related to your Four Saints Sect’s Secret Transmissions."
Zhao Xuanqi pondered for a moment before finally speaking.
"Then, would it be possible for you to tell us the origin of this Fist Technique, Sir?"
Peng Weishan asked.
"I’m sorry, but that is not convenient for me to say."
Zhao Xuanqi shook his head. The truth was, he didn’t know how to explain the connection himself.
"We were being presumptuous. Our visit today was not only to witness the wonders of your Fist Technique, Sir. We actually have an impertinent request."
Xu Ji said to Zhao Xuanqi with a smile.
"Oh? Let’s hear it."
Zhao Xuanqi raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.
"The Black Tortoise and White Tiger Sects greatly admire your Martial Dao, Sir. We hope to have the honor of inviting you to serve as an Honored Guest Elder in our two sects. This position comes with the same rights as a sect Elder, including the ability to mobilize a certain amount of our sects’ resources, channels, and manpower."
"As you may know, Sir, the Secret Transmissions of our two sects are incomplete. As long as you can do your best to help us complete them, you will forever be a benefactor to the Black Tortoise and White Tiger Sects. We will also stand by your side forever. We hope you will grant our request, Sir."
Xu Ji cupped his fists towards Zhao Xuanqi and spoke with utmost sincerity.
Hearing Xu Ji’s words, a hint of surprise couldn’t help but appear in Zhao Xuanqi’s eyes.
’An Honored Guest Elder...’ He hadn’t expected the White Tiger and Black Tortoise Sects to offer such a position right off the bat.
He originally thought that even if the two sects refrained from trying to seize his techniques by force due to their relationship with the National Salvation Association, they would at most propose some sort of exchange of benefits, asking him to help complete their Secret Transmissions for a certain price.
He never thought they would directly invite him to become their Honored Guest Elder.
One had to understand that such a position couldn’t be measured simply in terms of benefits. It was tantamount to completely binding Zhao Xuanqi’s interests with those of their two sects.
This level of determination made Zhao Xuanqi look at them in a new light.
"Is this your own idea, or a decision made in consultation with the upper echelons of your two sects?"
Zhao Xuanqi asked.
"The position of Honored Guest Elder is no trivial matter. Of course it was a collective decision by the sects’ leadership. It’s not something the two of us would just casually promise. You can rest assured, Sir."
Xu Ji said.
"Let me be clear beforehand: I cannot guarantee that the Secret Transmission I practice can definitely fill the gaps in yours."
Zhao Xuanqi stated.
"As long as you do your best, Sir, that is all we ask."
Xu Ji said nonchalantly.
"I need to think about this. I will give you an answer within three days."
Zhao Xuanqi said to the two men after a moment of silence.
"Very well. We will await your good news, Sir. For now, we’ll take our leave!"
Xu Ji and Peng Weishan bowed with cupped fists to Zhao Xuanqi. Knowing their place, they didn’t linger and turned to leave the residence. They got into the car waiting outside the courtyard and drove off.
"The White Tiger and Black Tortoise Sects have always had strict rules. They act with the honor of knights-errant, repaying every kindness and avenging every grievance. If your Fist Technique doesn’t have too many inheritance restrictions, joining them would bring you nothing but benefits."
Seeing Xu Ji and the others leave, Sun Yunyong walked over and said to Zhao Xuanqi.
"What price did your Divine Martial Department pay?"
Zhao Xuanqi looked at Sun Yunyong and asked calmly. He knew that the National Salvation Association must have acted as a mediator to bring about such a situation.
The position of an Honored Guest Elder isn’t something given away so easily.
"It was nothing. Just a small favor."
Sun Yunyong shook his head, not elaborating.
But Zhao Xuanqi knew it was definitely not that simple.
However, he had no reason to refuse.
Using the two sects’ channels to investigate the Holy Beast Divine General and the secrets of his own reincarnation was a good option. So was borrowing the power of the White Tiger and Black Tortoise sects to recover his strength more quickly. It was an excellent choice all around.
"You people... you really know how to offer a favor at a time when someone can’t refuse it..."
Zhao Xuanqi said with a sigh.
"You’re mistaken. We are simply trading sincerity for sincerity."
Sun Yunyong said with a smile.
「Meanwhile, in the car.」
"Elder, promising a position as important as Honored Guest Elder... I can’t help but feel it’s a bit excessive. We could have gained more for a smaller price."
Shi Huai’an said to Xu Ji in the car.
"Huai’an, you need to look at the bigger picture. Whether we like to admit it or not, our Black Tortoise and White Tiger Sects are no longer what they once were. In terms of power and influence today, we are no longer considered top-tier."
"From what I’ve seen of his Fist Technique, it is undoubtedly the legendary Holy Beast Fist. He has reached such a realm at such a young age. Setting aside whether he can even help us restore our Secret Transmission, a man of his talent is destined to become a formidable figure whose name will shake the Divine Land. His future fame and strength will be at least on par with the current ’Seven General Stars’ in Jinmen."
"The position of Honored Guest Elder repays most of the favor we owe the National Salvation Association, gives us a chance to restore our sect’s Secret Transmission and fulfill the long-cherished wish of past generations, and binds a future powerhouse to us. It creates a possible escape route for the future chaos that will engulf the world. This is a plan that kills three birds with one stone!"
"The price of one Honored Guest Elder is something we can afford. This decision brings nothing but benefits to our Black Tortoise and White Tiger Sects. My only worry now is whether he will accept our invitation."
Xu Ji said with a sigh.
"But..."
Shi Huai’an muttered.
Xu Ji glanced at Shi Huai’an and said calmly, "I know what you’re thinking. The Holy Beast Fist... it’s a legendary Fist Technique. It’s a shame not to be able to hold it in your own hands, isn’t it?"
"This world is vast. Are there not other legendary Secret Techniques besides the Holy Beast Fist? The Primordial Dragon Secret Technique, the Celestial Dragon Extreme Breakthrough, the Seven Stars Against Fate... which of them is inferior to the Holy Beast Fist? Can you seize any of them? And taking a step back, even if you did manage to seize it, could you truly grasp its essence? That’s something even our founding ancestors couldn’t do."
"Huai’an, everyone has their own path. Instead of envying someone else’s, you should focus on walking your own. Weren’t all those legendary Secret Techniques created by our predecessors? The one that suits you is the best one for you. When practicing the Martial Dao, you must never be fickle or change your mind on a whim."
Hearing Xu Ji’s words, Shi Huai’an fell into deep thought.
