Chapter 50: Chapter 49 Behind the Scenes Power
Translator: 549690339
“Who backs the Liu family from the shadows?”
Pei Xuanjing frowned after reading through this latest life simulation.
He had believed that everything related to the Liu family was over, but clearly, this was not the case. He had already been marked by those pulling the strings behind the scenes.
“But why wouldn’t these people retaliate immediately, instead opting to wait for several years?” Pei Xuanjing found himself lost.
Apparently, he needed to seize an opportunity to question Gu Ji about the roots of the force behind the Liu family, in order to prepare some defenses.
Admittedly, he felt rather uncomfortable to be targeted by an unlmown power.
The most nerve-wracking and terrifying moment is always the one immediately preceding the fall of the blade.
[Simulation ended. You may choose to retain one of the following rewards.]
[First, the third realm of the “Dragon Elephant Skill”.] [Second, ten years of True Qi accumulation.] [Third, experience in combat against a Third-grade Martial Artist.]
Pei Xuanjing decisively selected the first option.
After making his choice, he could instantly feel his internal True Qi boiling once more. His muscles and tendons were absorbing the circulating True Qi as rapidly as a sponge, initiating further reinforcement.
“No wonder the Transverse Martial Training function can bring about such formidable physical strength.” Pei Xuanjing thought, feeling the changes in his body.
He had thought his muscles and tendons were perfect after being nourished and reinforced by the True Qi, but only after practicing this kind of body-strengthening skill did he discover he was nowhere near perfection.
Simultaneously, he could feel his raw physical strength continuing to grow. It used to be that he needed to rely on True Qi to exert any power, but now his body alone sufficed.
After the True Qi settled, Pei Xuanjing conducted a test. On physical strength alone, he could now exert power exceeding that of three elephants. With the right martial arts skills, he could even go beyond that.
An elephant is regarded as the most powerful animal on land, and is often used as a metaphor for strength. Unless the power exceeds ten thousand catties, it is insufficient to be called elephantine strength. Similar animals used to describe strength include dragons, tigers, lions, bears, bulls, and leopards.
This breakthrough brought Pei Xuanjing immense strength. Aside from recovering his vitality, he needed time to gradually master his newfound power.
The drastic increase in physical strength was something he had to adapt to over time. Otherwise, rather than being a help, it would simply be a burden.
At this time, he got the news that Gu Ji was about to leave. After recovering his vitality, instead of starting the third life simulation right away, he decided to meet him first.
Government office, the rear hall.
“Congratulations, Mr. Gu. Your journey to Tiandu will certainly lead to a promising future…” Pei Xuanjing showered him with compliments.
“This time, I should thank you for your help, younger brother. Without the unusual treasure orb you helped me obtain from the Forbidden Place, I wouldn’t have this opportunity.” In the face of the glowing praise from a promising young man like Pei Xuanjing, even Gu Ji couldn’t help but beam. He expressed his gratitude with sincerity.
He further invited Pei Xuanjing, “This time, would you like to accompany me to Tiandu?”
A Fourth -grade Martial Artist in his early twenties, of course Gu Ji wanted to hold him close.
Pei Xuanjing shook his head and declined: “I am currently practicing a certain skill, which disallows me from traveling far. Besides, the law and order in Tiandu are too stringent for my liking.”
He spoke truthfully. Tiandu was the capital of Great Ming, Land of Ultimate Virtue under the emperor’s feet. Not to mention the numerous powerful figures hidden within, the restrictions on martial artists were far more severe there than in other places.
Pei Xuanjing did not want to go there yet, at least not until he had broken through to the Third-grade Realm.
“Pity.” Gu Ji shook his head.
He understood that for many martial artists, Tiandu wasn’t a great place. All of them have been accustomed to their freedom, and unless necessary, none would willingly go there.
Pei Xuanjing took the initiative to raise the purpose of this visit, “Brother Gu, there’s something I want to ask you.”
“Oh?” Gu Ji was slightly surprised, but he replied frankly, “Apart from some imperial secrets, I will hide nothing and tell you everything.”
Pei Xuanjing nodded, “I want to know, what power truly supports the Liu family from behind the scenes?”
“Why would you want to ask about this?” Gu Ji frowned, not answering right away.
Pei Xuanjing smiled, “Now that the Liu family has been wiped out, isn’t it natural for me to want to know who I’ve offended? It’S always better to be prepared than to find out someone wants to kill me someday and not even know who they are.”
Seeing Pei Xuanjing’s frankness, Gu Ji looked around, then whispered three words: “White Lotus
Sect!”
“It’S them!”
White Lotus Sect!
Pei Xuanjing’s pupils contracted. He didn’t expect that the power behind the Liu family was the White Lotus Sect.
Now it all made sense. That was explaining why, in his simulation, the Liu family was able to get Gu Ji transferred away, and why, despite his trepidation, Gu Ji dared to eliminate the Liu family’s influence given a legitimate reason.
Even though Pei Xuanjing was from a small border city, the reputation of the White Lotus Sect was well-known to him.
The White Lotus Sect, originating from Tang Dynasty, neither belonged to Buddhism nor Taoism, albeit embracing elements from both. Some branches had a close relationship with the imperial court, whereas others insisted on rebellions. Their philosophies varied dramatically, as did their demands.
But one thing is beyond doubt: over thousands of years, the Sect has developed countless branches and established strong power.
In fact, the founder of Great Ming had a deep connection with the White Lotus Sect during his early years. After establishing Great Ming, he ordered the ban of the White Lotus Sect.
However, even so, the White Lotus Sect’s status oscillated between banned and recognized throughout the reigns of various emperors, zigzagging back and forth.
Therefore, even officials of the Great Ming government had different attitudes towards the White
Lotus Sect.
“As for which branch, I’m not certain,” Gu Ji admitted , shaking his head.
All he knew was that the Liu family was supported by the White Lotus Sect, but he was clueless about which specific branch was involved.
Pei Xuanjing nodded. He too was aware that there were numerous subsects within the White Lotus Sect, each tangled up in its conflicts and struggles. Even insiders sometimes had difficulty discerning the affiliations.
But knowing the identity of his opponent gave him some peace of mind, avoiding a shocking surprise down the road..