Chapter 437: Under the Lamplight

Surviving In A Martial Arts World To Become A Saint

The night wind blew gently. Pine waves sounded in succession on Guest Receiving Peak.

Under the guidance of a steward disciple, Chen Qing passed through several courtyards and arrived before a guest house.

Two plain white lanterns hung under the eaves, gently swaying in the night wind.

"The two disciples of the Sword Lord are staying here."

The steward disciple said in a low voice. "True Disciple Nan is also inside. He arrived about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea ago."

Nan Zhuoran was here too?

Chen Qing's thoughts raced as he vaguely guessed.

It must be Li Yujun who sent him to inquire.

After all, this concerned Li Qingyu's life or death. Naturally, she would send someone to ask clearly.

And as the foremost among True Disciples, Nan Zhuoran representing her to interface with Jiuli City was indeed most appropriate.

Chen Qing nodded, then calmly pushed the door open and entered.

The guest hall was brightly lit. Light ink landscape paintings hung on all four walls. The furnishings were simple and elegant.

Around a rosewood round table in the center, three people sat in their respective seats.

Ling Han and Su Cheng sat in the host positions. Seeing Chen Qing enter, they both stood up.

Nan Zhuoran sat in a guest position. Hearing the sound, he also turned to look.

"Brother Chen has arrived. Please, have a seat."

Ling Han gestured to an empty seat.

Su Cheng said slowly, "Brother Nan also just arrived not long ago. We were just discussing matters after Crimson Sand Town that day."

Chen Qing cupped his hands in return and sat in the position opposite Nan Zhuoran.

Their gazes briefly met. Nan Zhuoran nodded slightly, which counted as a greeting. His attitude was neither warm nor deliberately cold, only maintaining the courtesy due among fellow disciples.

Candlelight flickered between the three, casting distinct light and shadow in the hall.

After Chen Qing was seated, Ling Han spoke. "Just now we were speaking to Brother Nan about the crucial point. Since Brother Chen has arrived, I'll speak from the beginning again. This matter is of great importance. Master instructed that Tianbao Upper Sect must know the full picture."

His expression grew more grave. "That day after the drastic changes at Crimson Sand Town, Li Qingyu fled. Master immediately pursued. Though Li Qingyu was severely wounded, his escape speed wasn't slow."

"Master pursued over two hundred li to the northern border snow line before finally intercepting him."

Chen Qing and Nan Zhuoran both listened intently in concentration.

"Just as Master was about to strike and capture him to death."

Ling Han paused. "A white light swept across from the extreme northern horizon."

Su Cheng picked up the thread, her voice lowering. "That white light was neither a physical form nor sword qi True Origin. Rather, it seemed like... some kind of manifestation of will. When it appeared, wind and snow stopped abruptly within ten li. Even heaven and earth's essence energy stagnated."

"Manifestation of will?" Nan Zhuoran's brow furrowed slightly.

"Correct." Ling Han nodded. "Master exchanged one move with it across space. The white light transformed into a ribbon of silk, slashing down horizontally. Master met it with the Vast Sea Floating Light Sword. When the two collided, there was no sound, yet all the snow plain within ten zhang around turned to dust, and the ground sank three chi."

"After one move, the white light withdrew, wrapping around Li Qingyu and fleeing north, disappearing into wind and snow in an instant."

Chen Qing asked in a deep voice, "Did Senior Xiao sense the identity of that white light's master?"

Ling Han shook his head. "Master said that person never truly appeared, only striking across space with a will projection. However, his cultivation realm, even if it hasn't reached the Primordial Spirit realm, has reached the Primordial Spirit realm's threshold."

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Primordial Spirit threshold!

These four words weighed heavily as a thousand jun.

Grandmasters were already the world's peak, and the Primordial Spirit realm was an even more terrifying existence.

If someone truly touched this realm, even if only half a step, it would absolutely not be simple.

Nan Zhuoran slowly said, "Since the Sword Lord had no certainty of keeping that person, withdrawing was a wise move. However... Li Qingyu isn't dead. The future trouble is endless."

"Master also said this." Ling Han sighed. "After returning to Jiuli City, he immediately entered seclusion. Before seclusion, he specifically instructed us two that the Night Clan threat may rise again. The secrets on Li Qingyu's body are of great importance. And that white light's master... most likely came from the Great Snow Mountain Holy Master's strike across space, or perhaps a Night Clan expert. If it's the former, that's still manageable. But if it's the latter..."

He didn't finish his words, but both understood the deep meaning within.

Chen Qing's thoughts raced wildly.

Great Snow Mountain Holy Master?

Or the Night Clan?

Whichever possibility it was, it meant that behind Li Qingyu, an intricate and complex web had already been woven.

Seeing the two fall silent, Ling Han turned to say, "Master also asked me to relay a message. The world isn't peaceful. Only strength is the fundamental foundation. He has us leave the city to travel and train precisely to prepare for condensing a sword domain and assaulting the Grandmaster realm."

Hearing this, Su Cheng's gaze flowed between Nan Zhuoran and Chen Qing. She suddenly smiled. "Speaking of coincidences, before we came to Tianbao Upper Sect, we heard Brother Nan gained quite richly in the Taiyi Spirit Ruins. Have you already touched the threshold of eleven refinements?"

As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in the hall subtly changed.

Nan Zhuoran's expression didn't move. He only said indifferently, "Only slight progress. How could the Grandmaster realm be an easy matter?"

Though these words were modest, the flash of sharpness in those calm eyes revealed a trace of confidence.

The Six Sects Grand Market and Taiyi Spirit Ruins journey had yielded gains for all the top disciples of this generation. And as Tianbao Upper Sect's foremost True Disciple, Nan Zhuoran had originally stood at ten refinements. After returning from this trip and entering seclusion to digest his gains, his cultivation and strength would surely advance greatly.

Once he broke through first, he would be Tianbao Upper Sect's first Grandmaster of this generation. The significance was extraordinary.

Not only could he consolidate his position within the sect, he could also seize the initiative among the entire Yan Kingdom's young generation.

Those who reached Grandmaster first often gathered great momentum. Their subsequent cultivation path would also be smoother.

Ling Han smiled. "Brother Nan is too modest. With your foundation and fortune, breaking through to Grandmaster shouldn't be difficult. When that time comes, Tianbao Upper Sect will have another pillar."

As he spoke, his gaze seemingly swept past Chen Qing.

Chen Qing sat upright without speaking, his expression calm.

If Nan Zhuoran truly broke through to Grandmaster within three years, his position within the sect would be completely consolidated. For Chen Qing to catch up, wouldn't the difficulty multiply many times?

Moreover, the two belonged to the True Martial lineage and Nine Heavens lineage. There was competition between the two lineages. As Li Yujun's personal disciple, Nan Zhuoran naturally stood in a different position from Chen Qing.

This kind of competition usually remained hidden, but once it involved resource allocation or sect authority, it would instantly sharpen.

"How has Brother Chen's cultivation progressed recently?" Su Cheng suddenly asked, her tone carrying some curiosity.

Chen Qing raised his eyes. "Still needs polishing."

Hearing this, something stirred in Nan Zhuoran's eyes.

As the foremost True Disciple, he no longer needed to constantly watch every fellow disciple's progress.

However, Chen Qing's sudden emergence made him feel an edge he hadn't experienced in a long time.

Only a year and a half remained until he stepped down from his True Disciple status.

He would not allow any regrets to remain in this final chapter.

Chen Qing's aura had indeed risen a layer compared to before entering the Taiyi Spirit Ruins, but exactly which step he had reached was difficult to see through.

This person's talent was truly terrifying, Nan Zhuoran silently pondered.

Having entered the sect for only a few years, he had charged from the Hundred Sects Selection all the way to second True Disciple. His spear technique accomplishment even directly pursued Grandmasters.

If given enough time, he truly might have a chance to compete with himself on equal terms.

But that was only an "if."

Nan Zhuoran withdrew his gaze and raised his teacup for a light sip.

On the martial Dao path, talent was certainly important, but resources, fortune, and time were equally crucial.

His own lead of over ten years was his greatest advantage.

After some more idle chat, Nan Zhuoran rose to take his leave. "I've imposed greatly today. Brother Ling, Miss Su, rest early. With the memorial concluded, tomorrow I must return to Lingxiao Peak to enter seclusion."

Ling Han and Su Cheng rose to see him off.

Nan Zhuoran walked to the door, then suddenly turned to look at Chen Qing, saying indifferently, "Junior Brother Chen, Master asked me to relay a message. Now that Master Uncle Luo has passed, if you have any difficulties in cultivation, you may come to Nine Heavens Peak to find me."

These words were spoken with grand propriety, showing fellowship among disciples while subtly containing a condescending meaning.

Chen Qing stood up and said indifferently, "Thank you, Senior Brother Nan. If there's need, I will certainly impose."

He knew this Senior Brother Nan was establishing rules for him.

Nan Zhuoran nodded slightly, turned, and left.

After he had gone far, Chen Qing also took his leave from Ling Han and the others.

Su Cheng saw him to the courtyard gate. Watching his back disappear at the end of the stone path, she said softly, "Senior Brother Ling, what do you think about these two..."

Ling Han stood with hands behind his back at the front of the steps, his gaze profound. "One mountain cannot hold two tigers. Nan Zhuoran has sat firmly as first True Disciple for nearly ten years. With such lofty spirit, how could he tolerate others threatening him?"

"Chen Qing's talent is outstanding, his temperament even more so. Observing his conduct and bearing, he absolutely won't be content as a fish in a pond. Between these two, sooner or later they'll have to determine superiority."

"Who will win?" Su Cheng asked curiously.

Ling Han was silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head. "Nan Zhuoran has deep foundations, abundant resources, and Li Yujun's devoted cultivation. But Chen Qing, this person..."

His words paused slightly, as if weighing them. "I truly find it difficult to make a judgment at this time."

Su Cheng understood and didn't pursue the question further.

After all, this was Tianbao Upper Sect's internal matter. Outsiders shouldn't discuss it deeply.

As for this pair of talents from Tianbao Upper Sect, ultimately they were only two clusters of waves in the tide of Yan Kingdom's current generation.

What he and his junior sister looked toward had always been the vast clouded heavens of Yan Kingdom's entire young generation.

Now the young generation was racing to cross.

Breaking through to Grandmaster, knocking open that door, had already become a tacitly understood competition among this generation's prodigies.

Time flowed like water. No one wished to slow down by the slightest bit.

Ling Han turned and walked toward the house. "Let's just watch. This world is about to fall into chaos. It's precisely when heroes emerge in great numbers."

Inside the guest hall, candlelight gradually weakened, finally returning to darkness.

And at this moment, Chen Qing had already returned to True Martial Peak treading on moonlight.

He stood at the cliff's edge, gazing north.

"Not dead... that's good."

He murmured softly, cold light flashing like stars in his eyes. "Master's revenge, I will personally repay."

The night wind howled, stirring his robes to flap loudly.

Main Peak side hall, lamplight blazed brightly.

Eight bronze crane-beak lamps were distributed along all four walls. The lamp wicks were refined from deep sea whale oil. The halo of light was as gentle as moonlight, illuminating the hall down to the finest detail.

Jiang Lishan sat upright in the rosewood grand chair at the head position, still wearing his plain-colored sect master robes, his expression as calm as an ancient well.

The two rows of seats below were arranged according to clear position.

Starting from the left, Taiyi Upper Sect Elder Feng Shuofang sat upright. Opposite him, in the first position on the right, was Cloudwater Upper Sect Elder Jiang Shangui.

Going down, left second was Purple Sun Upper Sect's Sikong Lieyang, right second was Mystic Heaven Upper Sect's Shi Xiangyang.

In the last seat was Pacification Guard Vice Commander Tang Taixuan.

The hall was completely silent.

After a long while, Jiang Shangui slowly raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over everyone.

"Peak Master Luo's matter is deeply regrettable, but more urgent is that in this battle at Crimson Sand Town, the half-evil body Li Qingyu revealed... has already indicated that the Night Clan truly has stirrings."

He paused, his tone growing heavier. "The question now hanging over everyone's head is, to what extent have Great Snow Mountain and the Night Clan actually colluded?"

As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became solemn.

Sikong Lieyang said in a deep voice, "After Li Qingyu defected that year, he has been hiding in Great Snow Mountain all along. That he could refine a half-evil body is absolutely not coincidental."

"To say that no one among Great Snow Mountain's upper echelons knew... even ghosts wouldn't believe it!"

Shi Xiangyang slowly spoke. "Great Snow Mountain's Holy Master has been in seclusion for a hundred years. Three Emissaries exercise his authority. Xue Li appeared at Crimson Sand Town that day. To say she knew nothing about Night Clan matters, this old man also doesn't believe."

Feng Shuofang opened his eyes at this moment.

"Based on our Taiyi Upper Sect's contact with Jinting and Great Snow Mountain over these years, between them and the Night Clan, they shouldn't have reached the stage of deep collusion yet."

Everyone's gazes fell on him in unison.

Taiyi Upper Sect guarded the northern border, confronting Jinting's Eight Divisions for hundreds of years with continuous friction. Their grasp of Great Snow Mountain's movements was indeed deeper than other sects.

Feng Shuofang continued. "Jinting's Eight Divisions are internally not a unified block. The warlike faction of Di Cang, Chi Lie, and others may harbor different intentions. But the other divisions, especially tribes like the Black Python Division and Ash Wolf Division that border our Taiyi with less friction, are extremely wary of the Night Clan. Their ancestors once fought bloody battles with the Night Clan. They deeply know the consequences of inviting wolves into the house."

Hearing this, Tang Taixuan nodded slightly. "What Elder Feng says generally matches the intelligence transmitted back by our Pacification Guard's agents. There are indeed divisions within Jinting."

He raised his head, his gaze sweeping over everyone. "But precisely because of this, the situation is even more complex. Enemies and friends are difficult to distinguish. One false move affects the whole situation. His Majesty has already issued an edict: regarding northern border matters, we need not act rashly for now, but absolutely cannot sit and wait for death."

Jiang Shangui raised his eyebrows slightly. "His Majesty's meaning is?"

Tang Taixuan said solemnly, "His Majesty has already dispatched secret envoys to the Western Region's Nineteen Nations and Pure Land Buddha Kingdom, explaining the stakes and discussing joint defense strategies. The Night Clan is the common enemy of Northern Cang. Five hundred years ago, the three parties joined hands to repel their southward advance. If true great changes occur this time, we must still respond with combined strength."

He paused, looking at Jiang Lishan. "Moreover, the Que Religion from Yun Kingdom has been crossing west for some time now. Though separated from Yan Kingdom by the Thousand Reef Sea Domain, if the Night Clan truly comes south in force, the flames of war may not fail to spread to the sea."

"At that time, perhaps we'll need the Que Religion's assistance. This connection... will depend on Sect Master Jiang."

Everyone in the hall showed varying expressions.

The Que Religion of Yun Kingdom was Yun Kingdom's state religion, with mighty strength.

Their westward crossing already contained thoughts of expansion and infiltration.

But if the world truly fell into turbulence, one more external force meant one more measure of victory.

Jiang Lishan was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded. "The Que Religion side, this sect will naturally make contact."

Everyone's hearts settled slightly.

Jiang Lishan had controlled Tianbao Upper Sect for many years. His methods and depth were naturally formidable. Since he had spoken these words, he should still have a thread of certainty.

"However,"

Jiang Lishan's words took a turn. "Whether the Night Clan will truly come south in force, whether Great Snow Mountain has truly turned toward the Night Clan... there's still no definite proof. In this sect's view, the urgent priority remains detailed investigation of intelligence, clarifying enemies and allies, while simultaneously preparing the sect to guard against the unexpected."

His gaze swept over everyone. "As long as we're united, even if there are storms, we can stabilize the overall situation."

These words were spoken without any loopholes, both expressing a cautious attitude and emphasizing the meaning of unity.

Feng Shuofang, Sikong Lieyang, and the others all nodded slightly.

Shi Xiangyang stroked his beard. "Sect Master Jiang's words are correct. With chaos initially showing, what's most feared is throwing ourselves into confusion. We each guard our positions, communicate intelligence, and quietly observe developments."

Jiang Shangui also said, "Cloudwater Upper Sect will strengthen sea patrol. If there are any unusual movements by Great Snow Mountain or Night Clan fleets, we will transmit to all sects immediately."

Tang Taixuan stood up and cupped his hands toward everyone. "Your esteemed Grandmasters deeply understand righteousness. This official thanks you on His Majesty's behalf. The Pacification Guard will continue deploying additional agents, penetrating deep into the northern border, absolutely determined to ascertain Jinting and Great Snow Mountain's true movements."

Everyone discussed some more details, agreeing to share intelligence, until around midnight when they successively rose to take their leave.

In the hall, in the blink of an eye, only Jiang Lishan remained.

He slowly sat back in his chair, a trace of complex light flashing through his eyes.

Regarding this matter, his heart still remained full of doubts.

Why had Li Qingyu suddenly left Great Snow Mountain to infiltrate Yan Kingdom and assault Luo Zhixian?

And why had Luo Zhixian been able to lay a killing trap in advance, as if he knew early on that Li Qingyu would come?

Between these two, exactly what secrets were hidden?

Jiang Lishan understood Li Qingyu too well.

This person was extremely selfish. His actions all prioritized self-interest first.

Without tremendous temptation, he would absolutely not easily leave Great Snow Mountain to take risks infiltrating an enemy nation and assault Luo Zhixian.

And what could touch Li Qingyu's nerves with tremendous temptation...

Under heaven, there was only one thing—the Tianbao Tower!

"Senior Brother Luo... what exactly did you grasp?"

Jiang Lishan's brow furrowed tightly, his heart full of suspicions.

Luo Zhixian had been in seclusion for a hundred years, comprehending spear Dao, rarely concerning himself with sect affairs.

But this time planning to kill Li Qingyu, he had displayed far-reaching schemes. Even figures like Duanmu Hua and Xiao Jiuli could be invited to move. Without major plans behind it, this would absolutely be impossible.

Could it be... he truly found some method to control the Tianbao Tower?

Or glimpsed some key to the inheritance within the tower?

And Li Qingyu had come precisely for this?

The more Jiang Lishan thought, the more he felt something was wrong.

He suddenly called out, "Luo Ping."

From the shadows outside the hall, a figure emerged. It was Luo Ping.

He quickly walked into the hall and bowed. "Master."

Jiang Lishan looked directly at him. "Did Senior Brother Luo leave any clues from this planning?"

Luo Ping's expression was grave. He shook his head. "This subordinate has already investigated thoroughly. Peak Master Luo's actions this time were extremely secretive. Even Lineage Master Li didn't know."

Jiang Lishan took a deep breath. "Continue investigating! Senior Brother Luo wouldn't plan without reason, and Li Qingyu wouldn't come to attack without reason. Behind this, there must be connections we don't yet know."

He paused, then said in a deep voice, "Especially investigate... whether Senior Brother Luo frequently contacted the Tianbao Tower in recent years, or consulted secret texts related to it."

Luo Ping's heart shook. He suddenly raised his head. "Sect Master suspects..."

Jiang Lishan waved his hand to interrupt. "It's only speculation, but this matter concerns the sect's foundation. We cannot be careless."

Luo Ping took a deep breath and said solemnly, "This subordinate understands! I will certainly spare no effort to investigate thoroughly."

"Go."

Jiang Lishan nodded, his tone softening slightly. "Remember, conduct this secretly. Don't alarm others, especially Junior Brother Hua."

"Yes."

Luo Ping bowed and withdrew.

Silence returned to the hall.

Jiang Lishan sat alone under the lamp, unmoving for a long time.

He slowly raised his hand and rubbed his brow.

Luo Zhixian's death was certainly a tremendous loss for the sect, but what worried him more was the secrets about the Tianbao Tower that might be implicated behind this.

That was the foundation of Tianbao Upper Sect's establishment, the guidance to the path to heaven, and even more, a treasure sufficient to drive Grandmasters mad and sects into turbulence.

If someone truly found a method to control it...

Jiang Lishan shook his head, feeling this matter was also unlikely.

"What a pity..."

He sighed softly, not knowing whether he was lamenting Luo Zhixian's death or lamenting the coming wind and rain.

And what gave him an even greater headache was Hua Yunfeng.

This person's temperament was fierce and violent. Because of matters from years past, he harbored a rift with him in his heart.

Now with Luo Zhixian dead and him breaking out of seclusion, what would he do next...

But with this person's temperament and strength, even if he wanted to obstruct, he couldn't. This was the most troublesome matter.