Chapter 137: Chapter 136: The Origin of ‘ Shenxiao Sect
Translator: 549690339
The so-called centipede, though dead, does not stiffen.
The Shenxiao Sect, as a potent force with a millennium-long heritage, naturally, was not easily extinguished.
“The Shenxiao Sect” Yu Zhenzi brought up signifies a group of “inheritors” who accidentally obtained the dispersed heritage of the Shenxiao Sect.
The Great Ming territory spans millions of miles, with endless human resources. It has never lacked geniuses; rather, many potential geniuses that could have reached the peak of martial arts fail to realize their potential due to lack of opportunity and absence of martial studies and skills, thereby fading into mediocrity.
Perhaps the dispersal of Shenxiao Sect’s heritage was arranged for this purpose. They spread an unknown amount of heritage, and after two centuries, gifted individuals naturally emerged, carrying on the legacy and rising to power.
Even, perhaps, Pei Xuanjing, if indeed a true genius, could be counted as a genius of the Shenxiao Sect.
In the two centuries following the Shenxiao Sect’s demise, relentless persecution by the imperial court, although destroying many lives, indirectly served as a trial.
Anyone capable of inheriting the Shenxiao Sect’s legacy and rising above the imperial court’s incessant harassment surely is extraordinary.
And due to the imperial court’s relentless persecution, these people certainly won’t stand by the imperial court; instead, they would inherit the will of the Shenxiao Sect and become adversaries of the imperial court.
The “Shenxiao Sect” that Yu Zhenzi talked about is a faction made up of such individuals, all of whom have more or less been wanted by the imperial court. They are undoubtedly opponents of the imperial rule.
Over these two centuries, some have perished, and others have joined the group. Although still short of top-notch powers, they nonetheless pose significant force.
They consistently attract and scavenge for people to join, with plans to reestablish the Shenxiao community.
“So, my purpose here today is to invite you to join our cause,” Yu Zhenzi spoke with a grim facial expression.
His recruitment of Pei Xuanjing, in fact, could have been a mundane matter. It’s just that this time, Pei Xuanjing’s strength far exceeded that of ordinary people and was stronger than others.
Those chosen by them typically have disputes with the imperial court, and even if they refuse the offer, they usually wouldn’t choose to betray them to the imperial court.
At this thought, Yu Zhenzi couldn’t help but lament his misfortune for coming across Pei Xuanjing, a strong figure who dealt unfairly.
“I see!” Pei Xuanjing nodded.
After hearing Yu Zhenzi’s explanation, Pei Xuanjing finally understood everything.
Combining what Yu Zhenzi said with some information he himself knew, Pei Xuanjing roughly sketched out an idea in his mind.
The Shenxiao Sect must have made preparations for the results of the Longevity Plan.
They knew that the Longevity Plan they planned was extensive and ambitious, so they naturally had a
fallback plan for a potential failure of the plan to preserve their heritage.
They handed over the Shenxiao Jade Book to the True Martial Sect, as an exchange, to seek the protection from the True Martial Sect and to preserve the continuous heritage in case they could not retrieve the jade hook
But would such a powerful Shenxiao Sect simply pin all its hopes on the True Martial Sect alone?
Wouldn’t they fear the True Martial Sect having second thoughts or turning against them to keep the alliance secret?
Therefore, the Shenxiao Sect must have other plans apart from the Shenxiao Jade Book.
Before the Shenxiao Sect perished, they quietly dispersed part of their heritage, ensuring that the Shenxiao Sect’s traditions would continue unimpeded.
They waited for one day when someone would gather all of the Shenxiao Sect’s heritage, ascend Shenxiao Mountain once again, and reestablish the Shenxiao Sect.
This is how a force with a millennium-long lineage retains its influence. They wouldn’t trust anyone unconditionally, not even their allies.
“And I suspect that’s not all?” Pei Xuanjing thought.
At first, the True Martial Sect and Bai Xiaosheng might not have known about it, but after two centuries, given their power and abilities, they must be well aware of the existence of this “Shenxiao Sect”.
The development of the current “Shenxiao Sect”, whether it had any underhand assistance from the two, it is still a question.
Given their eagerness for the Shenxiao Sect’s Forbidden Places and Blessed Lands, there might be quite a few people in the current “Shenxiao Sect” who were secretly nurtured and guided by the two. They might have once had the same status as Pei Xuanjing but were ultimately abandoned.
After clarifying this, Pei Xuanjing asked, “You said you were an elder of the ‘Shenxiao Sect’. How many of you are there now, and how many masters?”
Hearing Pei Xuanjing’s question, Yu Zhenzi shook his head, “I don’t know?”
“You don’t know?” Pei Xuanjing frowned, thinking Yu Zhenzi was playing some kind of trick.
Seeing Pei Xuanjing about to lose his temper, Yu Zhenzi explained, “We once had a traitor within the Shenxiao Sect which led to a comprehensive crackdown from the imperial court, causing serious damage. Since then, only the sect leader knows everyone’s identities, and no one else is allowed to make contact on their own initiative.
According to our current rules of the sect, in the name of safety, we all have to conceal our identities and wander the martial arts world under assumed identities, with only the sect leader knowledgeable of our true identity. Even if we have to confer on something, we would still maintain our assumed identities.”
Given that the Shenxiao Sect is still being persecuted by the imperial court, they’ve completely dispersed throughout the world since the crackdown, hiding their identities amidst the crowd unless called upon by their leader, or having verified their identity, otherwise, even face-to-face, they wouldn’t recognize each other.
“Breaking up and regrouping silently, your sect leader is quite cunning,” Pei Xuanjing praised.
The current Shenxiao Sect indeed finds it difficult to assemble as it would invite unwanted attention.
After all, besides the imperial court, there are also people who do not want the Shenxiao Sect to rise again as it would infringe upon many people’s interests.
Even internal members of the Taoist School probably have the same thought. They respect the efforts the Shenxiao Sect has made, but they do not want to see the Shenxiao Sect return.
To them, only a ruin Shenxiao Sect is a good Shenxiao Sect, worthy of their praise.
Yu Zhenzi nodded, proudly said, “The sect leader is indeed excellent, as broad as the sea, possessing a heroic spirit!”
In his speech, he seemed to have a high respect for the “Shenxiao Sect” leader.
Pei Xuanjing couldn’t help but throw cold water over his praise, and laughed, “Would your excellent leader, if he found out you betrayed him, spare you his heroic fury?
Yu Zhenzi’s face stiffened, and he weakly defended himself, “I had no choice.”
Pei Xuanjing neither agreed nor disagreed with him and didn’t expose Yu Zhenzi.
He asked again, “How strong is he?”