Chapter 1001
Zhu Yiqun's Destiny
"Disciple greets Master. Is there anything you require?"
Fang Zhengli put down the jade slip in his hand, glanced at his most prized disciple, pondered for a moment, and finally handed over a gold-embossed invitation card from the table, saying softly, "This was sent by the Song family of Wangyue. Take a look."
"The Song family of Wangyue?" Hou Yu was a little surprised to hear this, but he did not dare to slack off and carefully looked at it. His doubts only deepened.
"Master, what is this Southwest Alliance? Our Nine Profound Sect has been established in the Jade Dragon Cultivation World for nearly five thousand years, and we have never heard of any alliance in the Southwest."
This invitation was sent by Master Zixu. Master Zixu is renowned for his hospitality and enjoys discussing the Dao with others. Could it be that he wants to hold a Dao discussion meeting like the Wanxiang Palace did back then to deepen exchanges between different regions?
If that's the case, in my humble opinion, it's a good thing. The Myriad Manifestations Palace is located at the far end of the East Sea, which is far removed from our southwest.
In recent years, we have almost never had a chance to participate in the Wanxiang Palace's exchange meetings. Master Zixu is a genius recognized even by the True Lords. In the future, he may be able to attain the profound and mysterious Nascent Soul True Lord realm, which would be a good thing for our Southwest region.
Back when Jade Dew True Monarch was still alive, although she was just a rogue cultivator with a rather eccentric temperament, the southwest region was peaceful for quite some time.
If there are any issues, everyone is willing to sit down and discuss them together rather than act independently, all because of the prestige of Jade Dew True Lord.
"If Master Zixu can break through to the Nascent Soul stage, he will definitely be even better than when True Monarch Yushu was alive. This would be a good thing for the Nine Mysteries Sect and the Southwest. Why is Master so worried?"
In front of his prized disciple, Fang Zhengli never hid his emotions. He sighed and said, "If it were really just an exchange meeting, that would be fine, but I'm afraid it's not that simple."
The most crucial element of Master Zixu's invitation lies in the word "alliance".
The alliance meeting and the exchange meeting are two different concepts.
You have always revered Master Zixu, so you should also know some of his deeds. The cultivation world of the Great Qi began to explore the East Sea many years ago. This was initiated by the Song family, who established the East Sea Alliance.
This alliance differs from typical loose alliances in that the leader possesses almost absolute power.
In recent years, the Song family has been lobbying various forces along the Canglan River, trying to invite them to join a demon-slaying alliance to fight against the demon race. The Five Poisons Sect, Rakshasa Hall, and Tianxiao Sect have already agreed, while most others are still observing. The momentum is still quite significant.
The Song family's ambitions are obvious, and this so-called alliance meeting is probably because of this.
Our Master Zixu seems to be trying to ride roughshod over all the cultivators in the Southwest.”
"Master, please forgive your disrespect."
After Master Zixu broke through to the Great Perfection of the Golden Core stage, he was second only to the three True Lords of the Myriad Manifestations Palace, not to mention the Southwest.
If he were willing to step forward and coordinate the Southwest Nine Realms, it would be an excellent thing. Thanks to the existence of the Myriad Manifestations Palace, the resources of the major cultivation worlds in the Southeast have been better allocated, and all forces have worked together to develop the East Sea. The changes in recent years are obvious.
In contrast, the southwest is fragmented and each region acts independently, making it difficult for resources to circulate.
Taking our Jade Dragon Cultivation World as an example, spiritual veins are scarce and resources are barren. Apart from jade, we have nothing. Even basic cultivation resources are hard to obtain, which has led to the decline of the immortal path. Even the Golden Core is a luxury.
Fine jade can only be exchanged for cultivation resources at a low price. Once there is conflict with the surrounding areas, they will use it as a blackmail.
The situation was only alleviated when the Wanlong Chamber of Commerce suddenly appeared. The Nine Mysteries Sect was founded by the founder after breaking through to the Golden Core stage.
The cultivation world in Gusu is not peaceful these days, and no one knows what the future holds. We need to make plans early.
If Master Zixu can truly integrate the Southwest and facilitate the smooth flow of resources among the various cultivation worlds, we will no longer need to rely on the Wanlong Chamber of Commerce, and the jade from Yulong will be able to sell at its original value.
In my humble opinion, I think we should attend this alliance meeting. If it's just for exchange, then so be it. But if it's really about forming an alliance, we shouldn't refuse; on the contrary, we should support it.” Hou Yu also expressed his views without any reservations.
"Yu'er, how could I not know what you're saying? Master Zixu's strength and talent are obvious to all. If he were to become the leader of the Southwest Alliance, I believe no one would object."
But the most crucial point now is that the timing is wrong. Master Zixu has not yet taken that step, so he is already a step behind in terms of prestige.
If Master Zixu can successfully break through in the future, that will be fine. But I'm afraid it will all be for nothing. In my life, I've seen no shortage of geniuses and prodigies. But geniuses are often envied by the heavens. Who can say for sure if you've actually reached that point?
He could have waited until things settled down before holding this so-called alliance meeting, at which point no one would have questioned it. But he chose this time, and there must be a reason for it.
It's highly likely related to the demon race. I'm just afraid they're not allies, but rather..." Fang Zhengli hesitated, then let out a long sigh.
Hou Yu was silent for a moment before saying, "Given Master Zixu's character... it shouldn't come to this."
Besides, we had no choice; the invitation said that if we didn't go, Master Zixu would personally come to invite us.
"This is what worries me the most, which is why I called you back. The invitation clearly states that the strongest members of each sect are required to attend."
Your abilities have long surpassed those of your teacher, so it is naturally your turn to go.
"Whether the Nine Mysteries Sect follows or rebels is up to you." Fang Zhengli patted Hou Yu's shoulder, his eyes full of trust and encouragement.
"Me?" Hou Yu was somewhat surprised.
"Indeed, make good preparations. Our Master Zixu has caused such a commotion, it's definitely not just a matter of saying a few words. Others won't be swayed by words, and they will surely resort to violence."
Be careful. Although you have broken through to the Golden Core stage at a young age, you are still far from being as good as that person. Don't be arrogant.
However, it would be good if they could gain fame through this event.
"We used to have you conceal your identity so you could be a trump card for the sect. Now, that's no longer necessary; you've surpassed us."
Upon hearing this, Hou Yu bowed firmly with a determined look in his eyes and said, "This disciple will absolutely not let Master down."
……
A small invitation, like a bird, spread its wings and flew throughout the Southwest Nine Realms, stirring up the winds and making the Great Qi cultivation world the focus of attention in the entire border region.
Everyone was pondering the significance of Song Changsheng's actions, and opinions were divided. However, this alliance meeting was not open to the public. Apart from cultivators with invitations, no one could even ascend Cangmang Peak, leaving many cultivators who wanted to witness it in person feeling frustrated and disappointed.
"Damn, this guy didn't even think to send me an invitation for such a big event. He's gotten distant, our relationship has cooled down. He's really become a big shot now."
On an unnamed sacred peak, Zhu Yiqun jumped up and down in an extremely exaggerated tone.
Beside the stone table behind him, a middle-aged man dressed in coarse linen clothes, with a weathered face and stubble, sat half-reclined, holding a large wine gourd in his hand. Hearing this, he casually took a sip of wine and said: "If Song Changsheng can find this place, then he can indeed be called incredibly powerful. You don't need to put on an act in front of me anymore. You won't be going anywhere until you complete the trial."
Zhu Yiqun's newly stirred emotions vanished instantly, his round face fell, and he pleaded ingratiatingly, "Uncle-Master, my dear Uncle-Master, I've been here for so many years, but I'm not cut out for swordsmanship. Please forgive me."
"If you really can't handle it, at least let me go out for some fresh air. Being cooped up like this for too long is making my brain rust."
Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man rolled his eyes and said, "Look at your lack of ambition. Sometimes I wonder how my senior brother chose you to be the next sect leader of the Ancient Sword Sect."
"Where is the extraordinary, refined air about you that belongs to our Ancient Sword Sect?"
"Aura?" Zhu Yiqun looked the middle-aged man up and down, recalling his master's "respectable appearance" in his mind, and couldn't help but secretly curl his lips.
"It seems my senior brother is really getting old, his eyesight is failing. He actually took in a blockhead like you as his disciple. You are far inferior to your senior sister."
"You can leave if you want, but I'm warning you, once you leave, don't even think about coming back."
"Really?" Zhu Yiqun was so happy he almost jumped for joy. This was like a double blessing for him.
Upon seeing this, the middle-aged cultivator took a large gulp of spiritual wine and sneered, "You think this is a good thing?"
Don't blame me for not warning you, as your senior uncle. The Calamity Star is about to appear. Before that, your cultivation must reach at least the Nascent Soul stage, otherwise you will surely die.
"With your lazy nature, breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage will be harder than climbing to heaven if you leave here. If you're not afraid of death, then go ahead and leave. You're the current sect leader, after all. My senior brother and I will definitely collect your body after you die, although you probably won't have much left by then."
Zhu Yiqun shivered inexplicably and chuckled awkwardly, "You're making it sound so serious. It's not that bad. It's just a catastrophe. We haven't done anything wrong in our lives. Heaven wouldn't be so hostile to us."
"If things get really bad, we can just find a secluded corner to hide away from the world. If we're not good at anything else, our skill at playing hide-and-seek is our specialty."
"Hey, you don't have much karmic burden on you, but this calamity isn't something you can just avoid. Silly boy, do you believe in fate?"
"I've never believed in fate in my life."
"Don't believe me? Well, that's not up to you. This is fate, your destiny. Do you know what destiny means?"
Back then, my foolish senior brother didn't believe in fate either. He took you, who was still an infant at the time, and hid in anonymity, concealing the secrets of heaven, and fled to the tiny land of Dayu. And what happened?
He's so old and still working so hard outside. I think he must have come to believe in fate by now. It's just a pity that it's too late for regrets now, and I'm being dragged into this mess too.
Kid, the path down the mountain has been cleared for you. It's up to you whether you stay or leave.
"What destiny could I possibly have? You're making it sound so real, old man. You can't expect me to save the world, can you?" Zhu Yiqun said with a dry laugh.
"Saving the world? That's too much. It's just about feeding you. I'm afraid you won't have the capacity and will just burst your stomach for nothing."
"Uncle-Master, whatever you say is fine, but I have a vast inner world. I could swallow this mountain with a little effort right now. And with further advancement in my cultivation, swallowing the sun and moon will be a piece of cake for me," Zhu Yiqun said shamelessly.
"Hey, remember what you said now. Don't be a coward when the time comes."
The middle-aged cultivator laughed loudly, picked up his wine gourd, and swayed away.
Zhu Yiqun felt a chill run down his spine and hurriedly chased after him. But even as he jogged to catch up, he could only see the other person's blurry back. It was as if there was an invisible wall between them.
He chased faster and faster, continuing to quicken his pace until he exerted all his strength and still couldn't catch up.
By the end, he was out of breath and asked loudly, "Uncle-Master, you're not serious, are you?"
Upon hearing this, the middle-aged cultivator stopped in his tracks, his tone more serious than ever before: "If one day..."
Your master, your senior sister, and the lives of Xu Yunhe, Song Changsheng, Zhuang Yuechan, even mine, and the lives of everyone in the world, all depend on you. Your life could be exchanged for everyone else's. Do you have the courage to stand up?
"I... even if I dared, I'd need to have the ability!"
"As long as you can comprehend the sword intent sealed within the Heavenly Sword Stele, you will be able to do it."
As the words fell, the middle-aged cultivator's figure gradually faded and finally disappeared...
Zhu Yiqun returned to his original position somewhat dejectedly, his mind still replaying the middle-aged cultivator's words.
My eyes were drawn involuntarily to the stone tablet located on the edge of the cliff.
If Song Changsheng were here, he would recognize it as the sword stele that the Heavenly Sword Sect had lost, only now it was a bit taller.
Zhu Yiqun reached out and gently stroked the inscription on the stone tablet, his thoughts momentarily in turmoil.
He didn't know how much time had passed before he gave a bitter laugh and said, "I never thought that one day this enormous burden would fall on my shoulders. I don't know if this shameless old man is just deceiving me."
"Immortality, oh immortality, if you were here, what would you choose?"
After saying that, he answered himself, "If it were you, you definitely wouldn't even blink, right?"
"Damn, I forgot your talent in kendo is also freakish. You've got this job much easier than I have."
"Forget it, when a person dies, the bird flies to the sky. If you're dead, you're dead."
I'd like to see what kind of fate this is!
……
P.S.: Oh no! I was looking at my phone last night and realized it's already March when I remembered that February only has 28 days. I can't make up for the missed updates.
I didn't check how many monthly votes I had last night, but after calculating, I figured it should be around 900 to 1000. So I'll add another 10,000 words. Thank you for your support, fellow Daoists. I'll make up for the missed updates as soon as possible.
This is an extra chapter; I still owe 9,000 words. I'll add at least 19,000 words in March. (End of Chapter)