Chapter 7 : Nine Saint Demon Gate (1)
Sectional Leader Fu led the three into a medium-sized meeting chamber. Such a room was only used for entertaining guests without great importance. For an event as influential as the marriage proposal between the two sects, the Nine Saint Demon Gate was letting a mere leader class to do the negotiation. Not only that, they used the courtesy procedure befitting the greeting of normal guests which showed that they did not place heavy emphasis on the event.
After settling the guests into their resting area, Sectional Leader Fu used flowery language without sincerity and quickly left. Protector Mo was mentally ready for the lack of hospitality, so he was not angry, merely solemn.
Sectional Leader Fu headed straight into the inner sanctuary of his sect. Approaching an ancient temple, he met an elder. The elder was floating in the air; a heavenly halo surrounded his head. While it rotated non-stop, each strand of the world’s truths in physical form was visible to the eyes and covered his body; nothing was comparable to his pressure. A god was, seemingly, amongst us.
“How is the prime disciple of the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect?”
The thunderous voice of this elder struck the surrounding, but this voice that instilled fear into the heart could only be heard within the temple.
Sectional Leader Fu, when outside, was extremely arrogant with his title of Named Hero. However, right now, he could only quiver in fear. He got down on his knees and spoke:
“Dear Elder, it was but an ant, merely a mortal, an ignorant young brat that is not worthy of a discussion.”
“I see, take your leave.”
The thunderous voice rung again.
Sectional Leader Fu politely bowed one more time and carefully left the temple. His body was sweaty after leaving. He was only a sectional leader; he did not have the qualification nor status to meet an elder. Even a Royal Noble would need to be summoned before they can have the honor.
“Picking a mortal with a Mortal Physique, Mortal Life Wheel, and Mortal Fate Palace to be the prime disciple; there is no saving the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect.”
After Sectional Leader Fu left, the elder started to speak with someone else in the empty temple.
“It is truly a shame for the emperor techniques of Immortal Emperor Min Ren; there is a good chance that they still reside in that sect.”
A mysterious and noble voice rang through the air.
The elder continued.
“Your Majesty, as long as the techniques remain there, it is only a matter of time until we can obtain them. That mortal is not worthy of our prime descendant.”
The mysterious voice remained silent; same with the elder. If there were spectators, they would be shocked at the appearance of the Demon King. One has to know that the Demon King was an extremely dangerous character.
Legend has it that his origin and true form were extremely formidable. The sect, led by him, became increasingly radiant; nothing could shake his tyrannical rule. Within Old Ox Country, no one dared to oppose his heavenly grasp.
***
Protector Mo was still sitting there silently. Nan Huai Ren had wittingly escaped the torturous room with the uncomfortable atmosphere.
Li Qi Ye had left for his own room. He started to practice the “Invisible Dual Blades” technique instantly, not wasting a second. He wanted the technique ingrained into his body and mind.
Over the years, Li Qi Ye had learned that it is one thing to understand the illustrious truths behind a technique, but another to reach the apex; and actually utilizing them was yet another. Even a peerless genius with true knowledge of Immortal Emperor merit laws could not perform them without an excruciating level of practice.
“Whoosh, whoosh, wooooshh…”
The two blades left Li Qi Ye’s hands and gracefully traversed the air like a pair of butterfly’s wings. They intersected each other multiple times and ultimately returned to Li Qi Ye’s hands. He had practiced this particular move so many times, but it still contained flaws.
“What impeccable blade plays; Senior Disciple is so diligent. I feel ashamed comparing myself to your great efforts.”
At this second, Nan Huai Ren came into the room; there was another teen next to his side.
Nan Huai Ren couldn’t help but sigh in regret. He truly respected Li Qi Ye’s earnest efforts. It was truly unfortunate that his innate talents were so underwhelming.
“To reach the apex, one must never stop self-improvement.”
Li Qi Ye sheathed his blades. Although sweaty and tired, his posture and expression remain at ease.
Nan Huai Ren respectfully smiled.
“I will remember these words and will strive to improve myself as well.”
Then he started to introduce the young man standing next to him.
“This is Big Brother Zhang, a good friend of mine.”
Nan Huai Ren had good talents, but he could not be considered a genius. However, he was different from his master. His social capability made his network wide, and he had friends everywhere.
This Disciple Zhang was very similar, but in his eyes, a mortal like Li Qi Ye was not worthy of respect. He nodded his head toward Li Qi Ye because of his relationship with Nan Huai Ren. To him, whatever martial techniques practiced by Li Qi Ye were meaningless.
“This is the first time Senior Disciple visits the Nine Saint Demon Gate, how about we walk around so that you can be accustomed to the scenery?”
Li Qi Ye suddenly remembered an event, so he smiled and responds.
“Sure.”
Nan Huai Ren turned around to the disciple named Zhang.
“Brother Zhang, this time we will have to impose upon you.”
“Brother Nan, you are too reserved!”
Disciple Zhang had no choice but to nod his head. Unwilling as he may be, he did not want to strain their friendship. He had no desire of taking the scenic route with Li Qi Ye.
In reality, the Nine Saint Demon Gate was the host; they should be taking Li Qi Ye around in order to positively promote their relationship. However, since they did not consider Li Qi Ye to be worthy, all courtesy and rules were set aside.
Fellow Zhang led them around the premise while he only made conversation with Nan Huai Ren. He treated Li Qi Ye like an invisible man. Their presence caused a lot of whispers amongst the disciples.
“Isn’t that the prime disciple of that old sect?”
In the distance, a disciple frowned from seeing that Li Qi Ye was only a mortal.
Another disciple in the sect, with scorn in his expression, laughed:
“Heh, the Cleansing Incense Ancient Sect is only a second rate establishment, and even a mortal can be the prime disciple. This position has become worthless.”
“A mortal wanting to marry Senior Li? Rotten chopsticks wanting a gold bowl; why not look into the mirror to see how lowly you are?”[1]
Li Shuang Yan was the prime descendant of the Nine Saint Demon Gate. Not only was she gifted in her talents, but she was also extremely beautiful. Countless young talents in the sect have her as their secret desire; the numerous geniuses from other places that seek to court her could form a line from one edge of the nation to the other. The one thing they all have in common, though, was wanting to spit onto Li Qi Ye’s face for being so shameless.
Fellow Zhang was even more embarrassed; he could see the hostile eyes from his fellow disciples. He started to walk faster to maintain a distance from Li Qi Ye, eventually leaving him behind. However, Li Qi Ye seemed to pay no mind to his actions. He continued with his own pace in a calm and carefree manner as he absorbed the heavenly scenery of the Nine Saint Demon Gate.
“Senior Disciple, you have to be careful. Many people are courting your fiancé, and they will not hesitate to cause trouble for you.”
Nan Huai Ren earnestly reminded Li Qi Ye.
“It is only a girl, there is no need for such commotion.”
Li Qi Ye calmly answered. He had seen many country-destroying beauties. Thus, he does not truly keep his potential fiancé in mind; it was only a minor matter in his head.[2]
Unknowingly, they reached the training ground of the sect. This was a place where all of the disciples could enter. Once one was inside, they truly felt tiny compared to the gigantic battle stage; like an ant in the middle of a boundless ground.
[1] The former sentence is a Chinese proverb, similar to how a frog wants to eat the swan
[2] Country-destroying is a phrase in Chinese to describe beautiful women that are so alluring that countries fall trying to win their favors, it might sound out of place, but I think it keeps some of the original flavor of the author