“What else would you want? I don’t mind if you owe me another favor.”
Lu Changsheng knew that favors from the Tai Hua Holy Land were no small matter, since he had a large amount of artifact materials that he didn’t need.
“These will be enough.”
The Tai Hua Holy Maiden had not anticipated that Lu Changsheng would have other artifact materials, but she did not want to owe too many favors.
Her favors were extremely valuable.
“If you need help with something, you can contact me through this talisman, and I can assist you once.”
The Tai Hua Holy Maiden produced a talisman, which then landed in Lu Changsheng’s hands.
Written on the talisman in a bold and vivid script were the words “Tai Hua,” beneath which were the delicate characters “Qinghan.”
Lu Changsheng put away the talisman and made a gesture to show her out.
The Tai Hua Holy Maiden left Changqing Cave.
Elder Chang waited outside the cave abode. Seeing the Tai Hua Holy Maiden emerge, he asked, “Holy Maiden, did you acquire the treasure you desired?”
The Tai Hua Holy Maiden nodded.
“This Daoist Changsheng truly has an extraordinary background, to have the very thing even you, Holy Maiden, were seeking.”
“He is indeed no ordinary figure. Keep a closer watch on him for me,” she instructed.
“Yes.”
After the Tai Hua Holy Maiden departed, Elder Chang returned to the Treasure Pavilion.
Having established one more favor in his debt, Lu Changsheng continued his cultivation.
He was simply laying the groundwork for unforeseen needs; to truly resolve matters, he would rely on his own strength.
Besides visiting Daoist Yuxuan in Enlightenment Cave to discuss swordsmanship, Lu Changsheng only frequented the Treasure Pavilion, spending the rest of his time cultivating in his own cave abode.
Lu Changsheng kept a low profile, cultivating in seclusion on Mount Zhengsheng, never stepping foot off the mountain, to the point where the ordinary elders and disciples of the Zhengsheng Sect were unaware that there was such a Supreme Elder among them.
Even the Seven Great Demons were at a loss about what to do with Lu Changsheng.
The Zhengsheng Sect was no ordinary place, and even heavenly-level assassins were reluctant to incur the wrath of the Zhengsheng Sect for a few billion Immortal Stones.
Unbeknownst to anyone, three thousand years passed by.
The Zhengsheng Sect’s Nine Veins Martial Meeting began, and the previously tranquil mountain suddenly bustled with activity.
Every ten thousand years, an internal martial arts competition was held within the Zhengsheng Sect for mutual exchange and enlightenment.
The strongest among the Supreme Elders could even obtain the legendary Enlightenment Tea.
Elders and disciples from the nine peaks gathered at the main peak, where swords flew through the mist, powerful auras omnipresent.
“Let’s go.”
Lu Changsheng emerged from his cave abode. After consolidating his realm over three thousand years, he had become stable in the Half-Step Daluo Golden Immortal Realm, and had cultivated the Transforming Dragon Art to its sixth level.
Lu Changsheng headed to the main peak of the Zhengsheng Sect with his four disciples.
On the main peak’s Martial Arts Platform, hundreds of thousands of elders and disciples had gathered, a sea of people.
The Nine Veins Martial Meeting was a grand event. Many elders and disciples hoped to make a name for themselves, with the best catching the notice of the nine Peak Masters.
The Nine Veins Martial Meeting had left behind many legends. There was once an outer sect disciple who, despite being in the Earth Immortal Realm, made a name for himself in battle, overpowering his group’s other disciples, and was taken as a direct disciple by the Sect Leader of the Zhengsheng Sect, later advancing to the Half-Step Daluo Golden Immortal Realm. There also was an Earth Immortal Realm elder who suddenly had an epiphany during the competition, ascending three minor realms in one go, stepping into the Heavenly Immortal Realm.
Elder Chang from the Treasure Pavilion and Elder Qian from the Palace of Seeking Talents, along with other elders, also brought their disciples to participate in the Nine Veins Martial Meeting.
If they so wished, they could roll up their sleeves and join the competition themselves.
“Hmph.”
Han Jie arrived at the main peak with his disciples and the Han Family’s servants, and upon seeing the throng, he let out a cold snort.
To him, these disciples of the Zhengsheng Sect were like ants.
“That is Elder Han from the Bone Spirit Cave of Azure Dragon Peak, said to be from the Ancient Han Family. Quick, make way for him!”
“Someone from the Ancient Han Family, we definitely can’t afford to offend him.”
The elders and disciples of the Zhengsheng Sect promptly stepped aside for Han Jie.
Not only was Han Jie a Half-Step Daluo Golden Immortal, but he was also a particularly influential figure. Apart from the nine Peak Masters, the elders and disciples of the Zhengsheng Sect dared not cross Han Jie.
Many female elders and disciples of the Zhengsheng Sect looked at him with admiration.
If one could become a dao companion with a cultivator from the Ancient Han Family, the resources for cultivation would be endless.
The Han Family enjoyed the admiring and fearful gazes of these ants, leading their entourage to some of the foremost seats at Azure Dragon Peak.
“Elder Qian, with the Ancient Han Family placing Han Jie in our Zhengsheng Sect as a Supreme Elder, they’re likely eyeing the Enlightenment Tea, aren’t they?”
“Hmm.”
“Never thought the deeply-rooted Ancient Han Family would covet the Enlightenment Tea.”
“Enlightenment Tea is a sixteen-grade Heavenly Material and Earthly Treasure. The Tai Hua Holy Land usually doesn’t pass it on lightly, even a single leaf of Enlightenment Tea is worth its weight in gold. It seems the Ancient Han Family wants to acquire the Enlightenment Tea leaves at the smallest cost possible.”
“So that’s how it is.”
Elder Qian, Elder Chang, and several other high-ranking elders of the Zhengsheng Sect silently exchanged messages and were all aware of Han Jie’s intentions.
Several streaks of light then descended.
Upon recognizing the identities of the newcomers, Elder Chang from the Treasure Pavilion immediately approached them with excitement to converse, cupping his hands in greeting: “Daoist Changsheng!”
The newcomers were indeed Lu Changsheng and his disciples.
Lu Changsheng had been to the Treasure Pavilion every now and then to exchange treasures, and each visit had brought a tidy profit to the pavilion, hence Elder Chang was always excited to see Lu Changsheng.
Moreover, Lu Changsheng had had transactions with the Holy Maiden of Tai Hua, and it seemed that she placed great importance on him.
Lu Changsheng responded with a slight smile, “Elder Chang, how have you been recently?”
“Very well. Does Daoist Changsheng feel confident in winning the top spot in this Nine Veins Martial Meeting?”
“Perhaps.”
“Then I shall watch with great anticipation.”
Elder Chang knew that Lu Changsheng possessed many treasures and his strength could not possibly be low.
Lu Changsheng led his disciples to the seats allocated for Jingyun Peak.
The Supreme Elders of the nine main peaks were all formidable figures, their cultivation starting at least from the Heavenly Immortal Realm, with some even being Half-Step Daluo Golden Immortals.
Suddenly, Lu Changsheng caught sight of Han Jie from the Azure Dragon Peak and his eyes narrowed sharply.
He had not expected Protector Han, who had been expelled by Qingyue Fairy, to have joined the Zhengsheng Sect!
Han Jie was also taken aback upon seeing Lu Changsheng.
He hadn’t thought that Lu Changsheng would have infiltrated the Zhengsheng Sect!
And the seat Lu Changsheng occupied was one for a Supreme Elder of Jingyun Peak!
When Han Jie left the Jing Long Immortal Temple, Lu Changsheng was just an Earth Immortal, but now, Lu Changsheng was sitting on an equal footing with him!
“Why is this guy in the Zhengsheng Sect? And how can he be a Supreme Elder here?”
A flicker of murderous intent passed through Han Jie’s eyes.
Lu Changsheng had spoiled his plans last time and even caused him to be swept out by Qingyue Fairy.
Such enmity, must be avenged.
His disciple Sun Peng whispered to Han Jie, “Master, why is Lu Changsheng here too? Could it be that he’s going to compete with Master for the Enlightenment Tea?”
Han Jie’s eyes darkened with even more murderous intent, “I hope he truly intends to vie with me for the Enlightenment Tea, I’ll kill him.”
He was a disciple of the prestigious Ancient Han Family; humiliated by Lu Changsheng on several occasions, how could he just let it go?
Sun Peng said with a sneer, “If he really doesn’t know what’s good for him and dares to challenge Master, he will surely be obliterated by you, Master.”
On the other side, Xiao Fan transmitted a message to Lu Changsheng, “It’s Protector Han, Master must be careful.”
“In the past, your disciple didn’t have the same realm as him, but times have changed, and now is a good opportunity for revenge.”
By this time, Lu Changsheng no longer needed to fear Protector Han.
Being a Daluo Golden Immortal himself, Lu Changsheng was almost invincible within the same realm.
“The Sect Leader and the eight Peak Masters have arrived!”
An elder of the Zhengsheng Sect reminded everyone.
Nine terrifying auras descended from the sky, every Peak Master being a Daluo Golden Immortal!
Tens of thousands of Zhengsheng Sect disciples said in unison, “We welcome the Sect Leader! We welcome the Peak Masters!”
An old man with a youthful face and white hair took the main seat of Mount Zhengsheng, his gaze sweeping over the tens of thousands of elders and disciples participating in the Nine Veins Martial Meeting. The world fell silent.
“Such a fearsome presence…”
Dugu Aotian sensed the terrifying aura of the old man with the youthful face and white hair.
This old man was none other than Qingyangzi, the Sect Leader of the Zhengsheng Sect.
Dressed in a primal position on Jingyun Peak, Daoist Yuxuan appeared.
He noticed the hostility Lu Changsheng had towards Han Jie of Azure Dragon Peak, “Could it be that you have a grudge with him?”
“Hmm, it’s a long story.”
Lu Changsheng did not hide anything and briefly explained his past conflict with Protector Han.
“Do you want me to take action and teach him a lesson?”
Daoist Yuxuan was known for his fiery temper and his protective nature. After hearing Lu Changsheng’s story, he even considered taking matters into his own hands.
“There’s no need for the senior to make a move, I’ll personally give him a good thrashing.”