Chapter 54: Chapter 53 Another Choice
Translator: 549690339
A hundred miles outside of the West Capital, there is an unremarkable mountain. Despite its ordinary appearance, it is widely recognized in the Northwest Dao, as it’s known as Tie Zhangshan.
Over twenty years ago, Tie Qianshan emerged as a rising star. He revolutionized the martial studies of the Tie Sect and subsequently ascended to the Third-grade Realm. Afterwards, he moved the entire Tie Sect onto this mountain, establishing it as the sect’s headquarters.
Now, more than twenty years later, no one knows to what extent the once-proclaimed genius, Tie Qianshan, has cultivated. He hasn’t shown his skills in nearly a decade, and no one has been able to force him to do so.
All that is known is that the last time he took action was ten years ago. A ghost king from the Yin Division infiltrated Tie Zhangshan for a certain matter and faced Tie Qianshan. After just three moves, the ghost king was defeated and fled.
The Yin Division is one of the most mysterious organizations in the whole Great Ming, and the least powerful of the ten ghost kings under its jurisdiction are still at the Third-grade Martial Artist level.
If it wasn’t for Bai Xiaosheng personally spreading this news back then, no one would dare to believe it.
One day, Tie Mad, who had been adventuring outside for several years, returned alone to Tie Zhangshan.
“Disciple Tie Mad requests to see master.”
Tie Mad knelt outside a yard at the back of Tie Zhangshan. This was where Tie Qianshan secluded himself for cultivation. Without a significant reason, no one was allowed to break in, not even Tie Mad, who was a direct disciple.
“What’s the matter?” A deep voice rang out.
In a low voice, Tie Mad said, “Disciple encountered someone during my recent visit to Anping Prefecture…”
He honestly narrated his trip to Anping Prefecture, detailing the events which unfolded in the Forbidden Place, without any exaggeration or omission, even his own escape was included.
After a long while, Tie Mad left.
In the silent courtyard, only two words were voiced out.
“Interesting!”
As for everything that happened at Tie Zhangshan, Pei Xuanjing, who was far away in Anping Prefecture, had no knowledge of it.
At that moment, after having completed the courtesy calls on the various powers in the city, he returned to his mansion as night fell.
It must be said that sometimes socializing can be more exhausting than pure cultivation.
However, he hadn’t come away empty-handed. The several days of networking had brought him much previously unknown information, as well as spiritual materials given as congratulatory gifts by various factions.
“Anping Prefecture is no longer suitable for me. So, where should I go next?” Pei Xuanjing pondered.
Now that he had reached the Third-grade Realm, the Taoyun points needed for his next simulation activation had reached twenty thousand points. Over the past year, he had focused on increasing his power. Additionally, the rate at which he could accumulate resources for refining Taoyun through medium and low grade martial studies was too slow.
If he wanted to accumulate Taoyun quickly, he would need to find and refine Cultivation Method Manuals of higher grade martial studies or even peerless ones.
As for high-grade martial studies, besides, the Thousands of Households and Six Gates units having them, they are hard to find elsewhere.
And acquiring high-grade martial skills or martial arts from these two places is anything but easy. Even joining these powers wouldn’t guarantee immediate access; a significant price would still have to be paid in exchange.
“Should I accept Shen Qianhu’s proposition?” Pei Xuanjing was indecisive.
High-grade martial studies are treated as treasures even among first- tier forces, and they aren’t easily granted even to the disciples within the sects.
Pei Xuanjing’s original plan was almost the same as it was in the Life Simulator. He was planning to visit the Four Symbols Sword Sect to see if there are any opportunities.
He could discuss and share ideas with martial arts experts at the same realm from the Four Symbols Sword Sect, hoping to reap some benefits. Additionally, he could spar with them to gain more experience in fighting with martial artists of the same realm.
However, yesterday Shen Qianhu gave him a suggestion, telling him about a place in Tiandu where he could obtain high-grade martial studies.
From what Pei Xuanjing remembered, Shen Qianhu had said, “His Majesty loves martial arts and is a martial arts master himself. Not long ago, the Capital Commanding Department received a message from the Five Army Dudu Office that His Majesty intends to compile the ‘Martial Scripture’ and wants each regional command to recommend capable and extraordinary people to participate in it.”
Shen Qianhu’s intended for Pei Xuanjing to participate, with Shen Qianhu himself as a recommender, which would count as his merit.
Pei Xuanjing didn’t agree immediately, just saying that he needed to consider it.
Now, he was hesitating. Is it too early for him to step into Tiandu, the core of the Great Ming Empire?
“If this event is genuine, given the character of this present emperor, I might have many opportunities to study other martial arts.” Pei Xuanjing was somewhat tempted.
In any case, the Great Ming Empire is the most powerful force in the world. If this current emperor truly intend to do this, other forces would bear with it no matter how unwilling they are.
After all, the compilation of ‘Martial Scripture’ is not solely for the emperor, it is intended to pave the way for all martial artists. Then, other forces wouldn’t dare to oppose it. They would only attempt to delay the process in the background, rather than openly object.
And this was Pei Xuanjing’s opportunity. He doesn’t care if the ‘Martial Scripture’ could be successfully compiled. What’s important is the process, during which he could obtain and refine the Cultivation Method Manuals of various martial studies to accumulate Taoyun.
“Originally, the best path for me was to continue deducing the ‘Four Spirits Skill’ while finding a way to acquire the remaining part of the ‘Dragon Elephant Skill’ from Diamond Gate,” Pei Xuanjing lamented.
Unfortunately, deducing the ‘Four Spirits Skill’ requires a lot of reference martial studies, and high-grade martial studies are the most helpful ones.
As for going to the Diamond Gate to steal the remaining part of the ‘Dragon Elephant Skill,’ based on his experience in past simulations, Pei Xuanjing speculated that at least the master of Diamond Gate was a second or even first-class grand master.
He wasn’t yet capable of provoking such a powerful figure. He could only wait for the right opportunity.
Therefore, it seemed that accepting this proposal and going to Tiandu to participate in the compilation of the ‘Martial Scripture’ was the best choice.
Pei Xuanjing might be hesitant and extremely cautious when faced with choices.
But once he made a decision, he would be very decisive and there won’t be any regrets.
Thus, the next day, he gave Shen Qianhu a reply, telling him that he agreed to participate.
To prevent Pei Xuanjing from changing his mind, Shen Qianhu forwarded Pei Xuanjing’s name to the Guard Command Department swiftly. Shortly after , he received the corresponding documents..