The First Marquis of Daxuan

"Elder?"

Su Mu looked at the white-haired, youthful-looking old man opposite him and felt a strange sensation in his heart.

In this world, very few people dare to speak to him like that anymore.

However, in the Hengshan Sect, he was merely a true disciple, and his cultivation and status were inferior to those of the elder before him.

Even if he were to become the peak master of Zhenyue Peak, he would still be slightly inferior to the sect elders.

Most importantly, the opponent is a Dao Origin Realm expert.

Su Mu never expected that he would encounter a true Dao Source Realm expert so quickly.

"Didn't I say? I'm a bit tired from the long journey back. I'll go to the main peak to register another day."

Su Mu said calmly, "Elder, are you in such a hurry because my sudden return means your plan to annex Zhenyue Peak is going to fail?"

"ridiculous!"

The elder trembled with rage, "With Zhenyue Peak in its current state, who would want to annex it?"

Su Mu looked around and saw that Zhenyue Peak was overgrown with weeds and indeed had no value in annexing it.

However, many things are not as simple as they seem on the surface. The Twelve Peaks of the Yokoyama Sect are not just twelve peaks.

Su Mu had seen this kind of power struggle many times.

On the surface, Zhenyue Peak does indeed seem to have little value anymore.

Regardless, Zhenyue Peak is one of the twelve peaks of Hengshan Sect, and its status alone is of immense value.

Putting aside other matters, all twelve peaks have the right to vote on major issues concerning the Hengshan Sect.

This single voting right is enough to make the elders fight tooth and nail for it.

"It would be best if the elders had no intention of annexing my Zhenyue Peak."

Su Mu smiled faintly and said, "Otherwise, I would have to offend you."

"Now that the elder is here, let's register. I, Su, have returned from my training. From today onwards, Zhenyue Peak will reopen for business. I also ask the elder to inform the others to return my belongings from Zhenyue Peak as soon as possible, lest I come knocking on their door demanding them back. Otherwise, we are all fellow disciples, and it won't look good."

那鹤发童颜的长老：“……”

Can't you tell that I'm here to confront you?

竟然还敢给我分派任务？

What is your identity?
What is my identity?
Do you think I, a dignified elder, would listen to a mere disciple like you?

"Su Mu, right?"

The elder's face was ashen, and he said coldly, "Although I have never heard of your name before, since you are on the list of true disciples of Hengshan Sect, I acknowledge that you are a true disciple of Hengshan Sect."

"The rules of the Hengshan Sect cannot be broken. You've been away training for hundreds of years, and now that you've returned, it's time to make up for what you owed during those centuries."

According to the rules of the Hengshan Sect, each disciple must perform a sect mission at least once a year.

Since the disciples of the Hengshan Sect enjoy the benefits of the sect, they naturally have to contribute to the sect.

Some disciples are so engrossed in cultivation that they are unwilling to carry out missions, so they have to spend spirit stones to make up for the missions themselves.

As a true disciple, Su Mu had been away training for hundreds of years, but he had never carried out any sect missions during those hundreds of years.

According to the rules, he must make up for the tasks he has owed for hundreds of years.

There are naturally two ways: one is to carry out sect missions, and the other is to pay with spirit stones.

The hundreds of sect missions accumulated over hundreds of years would be an astronomical number if converted into spirit stones.

The white-haired elder with a youthful face sneered. "A mere disciple dares to challenge me? He's simply courting death!"
So what if you're back? Do you think you can hold up Zhenyue Peak now that you're back?
The sheer number of sect missions alone could overwhelm you.

Su Mu frowned slightly.

He had only just learned about these rules; Du Rongcheng, whether on purpose or not, hadn't explained them to him clearly!
Of course, Du Rongcheng may genuinely not have cared.

After all, he couldn't possibly consider every aspect when placing a true disciple into the Hengshan Sect.

The Hengshan Sect is one of the largest sects in the Great Qian Dynasty.

Du Rongcheng might not be able to figure out the ins and outs of this whole situation.

不过现在倒是有些麻烦了。

Su Mu definitely can't produce spirit stones right now.

The Great Xuan Dynasty was so poor that before leaving the Saha World, Su Mu left almost everything he had to the Great Xuan.

He's penniless now, not even a single spirit stone to his name.

He originally thought that once he arrived at Hengshan Sect, he would be a true disciple of a major sect and wouldn't have to worry about spirit stones. Who would have thought that he would encounter such a problem right away?

As for carrying out hundreds of sect missions...

Su Mu pondered for a moment, it seemed he had no other choice.

He came to Hengshan Sect to cultivate, and carrying out sect missions was also a good opportunity for him to gain experience.

Moreover, he needs to quickly make contributions to the Hengshan Sect in order to enter the sect's cultivation secret realm.

“身为横山宗弟子，为宗门效力是我义不容辞的责任。”

Su Mu said solemnly, “Elder, I have not carried out any sect missions for the past few hundred years. Now that I have returned, I will naturally not refuse these missions.”

From now on, even if I have to work without sleep, I will finish the tasks I owe as soon as possible.

Elder, if you have any important tasks here, please feel free to assign them to me.

"I'm not bragging, but with Su Mu's current cultivation level, he can handle most missions without any problems."

The elder was taken aback by Su Mu's quick agreement.

He had already planned how to deal with Su Mu if Su Mu refused him.

With his eyes slightly narrowed, the elder stared at Su Mu, seemingly trying to see through Su Mu's true thoughts.

But Su Mu looked completely honest, as if he genuinely wanted to serve the sect.

With a cold snort, the elder said coldly, "You have been away from the sect for four hundred years. According to the sect's rules, now that you have returned, you must complete four hundred sect missions within three years."

You may not leave the sect at will until you have completed four hundred sect missions.

Su Mu nodded and said, "I never intended to leave again after returning. I will stay in the sect for a while to cultivate in seclusion."

He sneered inwardly. Completing four hundred sect missions in three years, which meant finishing one mission almost every three days, was practically impossible.

It should be noted that Hengshan Sect disciples usually only undertake one mission a year.

He was almost certain that the Hengshan Sect elder would definitely sabotage his mission.

If they fail to complete the mission, or die while carrying it out, then Zhenyue Peak will be at the mercy of others.

"Very good, I'll give you three days. Come to the main peak to receive your mission in three days."

The elder flicked his sleeve and turned to leave.

"Those who know you will know you're an elder, but those who don't might think you're the sect leader."

Watching the elder leave, Su Mu couldn't help but curl his lip.

Just then, Zhang Qi returned.

"Greetings, Uncle Su."

He cupped his hands to Su Mu and said, "This disciple just saw Elder Xu leave in a huff. Did you have a conflict with Elder Xu?"

"Was that old man Xu Gu just now?"

A name popped into Su Mu's mind; Du Rongcheng had given him a list on the way here.

If you're going to pretend to be a true disciple of the Yokoyama Sect, you can't possibly not even know who the sect's elders are.

Although Su Mu had memorized those names, he couldn't match them up with the people yet.

“Uncle Su, you may not know this, but Elder Xu was promoted to Elder of the Punishment Hall a hundred years ago.”

Zhang Qi said.

如果苏牧真的是外出历练数百年不曾回来的横山宗弟子，那当然可能不知道这个消息。

However, Su Mu was different; his understanding of the Hengshan Sect came entirely from Du Rongcheng.

Du Rongcheng naturally had the latest information on the Hengshan Sect.

所以苏牧很清楚这个徐顾是横山宗的刑堂长老，在横山宗一众长老当中位列第三。

This is a true big shot.

"Does Lao Xu have some kind of grudge against me, Zhen Yuefeng?"

Su Mu asked casually.

Zhang Qi was stunned for a moment before realizing who the "Old Xu" Su Mu was talking about was.

A wry smile involuntarily appeared on his face. This Uncle Su was probably the first person to dare to address Elder Xu in such a way.

"I heard that Elder Du of the Merit Hall is nearing the end of his life, and Elder Xu wants to compete for the position, but the number of votes—"

Zhang Qi hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice.

Su Mu suddenly realized.

There are many elders in the Yokoyama sect, among whom there are six of the highest-ranking members, known as the Six Great Elders, who are in charge of the Merit Hall, War Hall, Punishment Hall, Finance Hall, Etiquette Hall, and Work Hall respectively.

其中刑堂长老列位第三，而功堂长老列位第一。

The Elder of the Merit Hall, also known as the Grand Elder, is the most important person after the Sect Master.

The current elder of the Gongtang is Du Rongcheng's uncle.

Generally speaking, the appointment of the six elders requires a joint vote by all the elders and the twelve peak masters.

这其中任何一票都很重要。

No wonder Xu Gu was so nervous when he heard that he was back.

Zhen Yuefeng's vote is in his own hands.

"I see."

Su Mu gave a half-smile and muttered to himself.

想当功堂长老是吧。

You shouldn't have threatened me.

If you had discussed it with me properly, the price would have been negotiable.

Now, the price is different.

"Uncle Su, I have informed all the peak masters of your return."

Zhang Qi continued.

"What did they say? When did they return the things they took from Zhenyue Peak?"

Su Mu asked thoughtfully.

He was thinking about how to extort money from Xu Gu.

The third-ranked elder of the Yokoyama Sect must be very wealthy, right?

"this--"

Zhang Qi hesitated.

"explain."

Su Mu glanced at him and said calmly, "What did they say? I forgive you."

"The peak master of Rift Sea Peak said he wouldn't return it, while the peak master of Rock Peak said that if Uncle Su wanted it, he could come and get it himself."

Jin Zhongfeng said he had never heard of you, Uncle Su, and didn't know who you were...

张崎小心翼翼地说道。

他已经尽量说得好听了，那些峰当时说得可比他这难听多了。

In short, none of the other eleven peaks were willing to return the items.

有一半峰主都说不知道苏牧是什么玩意，让他该滚哪去滚哪去。

Upon hearing Zhang Qi's words, Su Mu's face not only showed no anger, but instead revealed a smile. "Zhang Qi, let me ask you, of the twelve peaks of the Hengshan Sect, which is the strongest?"

Su Mu asked.

He actually learned some information from Du Rongcheng, but now he just needs to confirm it with the Hengshan Sect disciples.

"The strongest is naturally the main peak, Qingtian Peak."

Zhang Qi blurted it out.

"What about the second one?"

"Second is Hundred Refinement Peak, whose founder is from the Grand Elder."

Su Mu's face showed a thoughtful expression. The Grand Elder was Du Rongcheng's uncle, one of their own, so it was not convenient to make a move against him.

"Never mind, I remember Old Xu was from Panshi Peak, right?"

Su Mudao.

"Yes."

Zhang Qi didn't understand what this Uncle Su wanted to do, and whispered, "The current peak master of Rock Peak is Elder Xu's disciple."

Having two Dao Origin Realm experts in one sect is a remarkable story for the Hengshan Sect.

This is also the source of Xu Gu's confidence in vying for the position of Grand Elder.

Of all the elders in Hengshan Sect, only a handful can cultivate disciples who reach the Dao Source Realm.

"Go and write me the next challenge."

Su Mu pondered for a moment and said, "Tell the peak master of Panshi Peak that if he does not see what Panshi Peak took from my Zhenyue Peak before sunrise tomorrow, then I will wait for him at Hengduan Platform."

"Uncle Su—"

Zhang Qi exclaimed in surprise.

Hengduantai is where the Hengshan Sect resolves disputes.

Once you step onto the Hengduan Terrace, you'll have no regrets about life or death.

"Senior Uncle Su, Peak Master Yao of Rock Peak is a Dao Source Realm expert—"

张崎说道，语气中带着几分劝说。

Although the relationship between the Dao Source Realm and the Heavenly Venerable Realm is not strictly progressive, generally speaking, people still feel that the Dao Source Realm is a higher realm than the Heavenly Venerable Realm.

There is a path to progress in the Dao Source Realm, but the Heavenly Venerable Realm is a dead end.

当然，从战力上来说，并不是所有道源境都比天尊境更强。

In a sense, these two realms are actually quite similar.

However, because the Dao Source Realm can continue to improve, most Dao Source Realm cultivators are indeed stronger than Heavenly Venerable Realm cultivators.

In Zhang Qi's opinion, Su Mu might not be a match for the peak master of Pan Shi Peak.

Go and deliver the message.

Su Mu waved his hand and said.

…………

Hengshan Sect, Panshi Peak.

张崎将苏牧的话复述完毕，然后一脸忐忑地站在那里。

Although this matter has nothing to do with him, he is, after all, a legendary figure, and what if Peak Master Yao were to become enraged—

Yao Junhao, the peak master of Panshi Peak, was short and stocky with a cold smile on his face.

“A true disciple who has gone down the dead end dares to provoke me, Yao.”

Yao Junhao sneered, "Does he think that because I am the youngest among the eleven peak masters, I am an easy target?"

Zhang Qi was so frightened that he didn't dare to say a word.

However, he secretly thought to himself, "Uncle Su probably chose you not because of this, but because you are Elder Xu's disciple..."

"Peak Master Yao, how should I respond to Martial Uncle Su?"

After a long while, Zhang Qi cautiously asked.

"Go tell that guy surnamed Su that he wants his things back from Zhenyue Peak. Fine, as long as he defeats me on the Hengduan Platform, I'll send everything back to him without missing a single item!"

Yao Junhao said coldly.

…………

Qingtian Peak, the residence of the elders.

Elder Xu Gu of the Punishment Hall sneered, "You're really choosing the path to hell when there's a way to heaven."

I was originally planning to assign you a few challenging sect missions to discourage you, but I didn't expect you to be so eager to die.

That saves me a lot of trouble.

He pondered for a moment, then called in a disciple.

"Go and tell Yao Junhao not to hold back. I don't want to see that Su guy step down from Hengduan Terrace."

他沉声吩咐道，“另外，把御风靴给姚君豪送去。”

…………

Zhang Qi quickly relayed the reply to Su Mu.

"Uncle Su, we are all from the same sect, so we should value harmony..."

Zhang Qi couldn't help but offer a word of advice.

“我想以和为贵，但有些人不想。”

Su Mu said calmly, "Since some people don't want dignity, then I'll help them have dignity."

Zhang Qi, thank you for your hard work this time.

"Do me one more favor."

“苏师叔客气了。”

Zhang Qi bowed and said, "I wonder if Uncle Su has any further instructions?"

Zhang Qi didn't know why he was helping Su Mu; perhaps it was because of the aura Su Mu exuded when they first met.

Zhang Qi always felt that Uncle Su was no ordinary person, and that he was just going through a low point.

"Find me some martial arts techniques from our sect."

Su Mu said slowly, "From the most basic introductory techniques to the advanced techniques you can find, find them all."

"What do you need these for, Uncle Su?"

Zhang Qi asked curiously, "Some basic introductory techniques don't need to be kept secret, but those things are useless to a powerful cultivator like Uncle Su."

"My Zhenyue Peak library has been emptied. I want to review the basic techniques of Hengshan Sect so I can better deal with the peak master of Panshi Peak tomorrow."

Su Mu made up an excuse.

"this--"

Zhang Qi couldn't understand what use those basic techniques could be, but he could help with this.

"Uncle Su, I'll go find him now, but I still think you should have a proper talk with Peak Master Yao."

…………

Zhang Qi was very efficient, and soon he delivered a batch of basic cultivation techniques from the Hengshan Sect to Zhenyue Peak.

Su Mu originally wanted to give Zhang Qi some rewards, but he was short of money at the moment, so he could only wait until he defeated the peak master of Rock Peak.

Carrying the basic techniques of the Hengshan Sect, Su Mu randomly found a room and went inside.

Since I'm going to make a move in public, I need to quickly learn some of the Hengshan Sect's techniques, otherwise I'll be exposed as soon as I make a move.

Mastering the techniques of the Hengshan Sect overnight is unlikely for most people, but for Su Mu—

Wasn't this the time to use the hundreds of millions of points he had accumulated on his system panel?

Unbeknownst to Su Mu, his appearance had already stirred up a storm within the Hengshan Sect.

Everyone is waiting for tomorrow's battle.

大家都想看看这个镇岳峰突然回来的真传弟子到底有几分本事。

If Su Mu defeats Yao Junhao, then Zhenyue Peak will be able to regain its footing.

If Su Mu loses to Yao Junhao, Zhenyue Peak may cease to exist.

But regardless of victory or defeat, the internal structure of the Yokoyama Clan will inevitably change.

If Xie Junhao really wins, then the next Gongtang Elder will probably be Xu Gu's for the taking.

When the current elder of the Merit Hall heard the news, he simply hummed in response and then closed his eyes, as if the matter had nothing to do with him.

Other elders, some indifferent to the matter, others began to take action.

The sect leader is in seclusion most of the year, and the Grand Elder is practically the one who holds absolute power in the Hengshan Sect.

Now that the Grand Elder is being replaced, if they don't want to be purged, they definitely need to do something in advance.

Furthermore, some elders who were not convinced by Xu Gu secretly sent their disciples to Zhenyue Peak.

Cultivation techniques, weapons, elixirs, and intelligence were soon piled up in front of Su Mu.

Su Mu looked at the pile of things in front of him and was speechless.

As expected, there is no shortage of fighting in major sects. If you only dare to start, there will naturally be opponents to follow.

"Yao Junhao, 671 years old, has the cultivation level of the initial stage of Dao Origin Realm. His main cultivation technique is the Immovable Rock Body, one of the core techniques of Hengshan Sect. He has achieved the Rock Body True Body, which has great strength and amazing defense. The only drawback is that he moves a little slowly."

While Su Mu was using the system panel to cultivate the Hengshan Sect's techniques, he was also looking through the information about Yao Junhao that someone had sent him.

This intelligence was extremely detailed, even including how many concubines Yao Junhao had and how often they slept together.

"This rock-like true form is quite unique. When its feet touch the ground, its body is like a mountain, and anyone who attacks it will suffer the backlash of the earth."

苏牧脸上露出思索的表情。

"It seems that Yao Junhao broke through to the Dao Source Realm by taking the path of transforming into a mountain range. By becoming a mountain range himself, he naturally possesses the power of a mountain range and does not need to borrow power from heaven and earth. This is the difference between the Dao Source Realm and the Heavenly Venerable Realm."

The Celestial Venerable draws power from Heaven and Earth, while the Source of the Dao transforms itself into a part of Heaven and Earth.

苏牧心中暗自道，他忽然发现，他的道源境和横山宗的道源境不太一样。

The Dao Source Realm of the Hengshan Sect is to simulate the world with oneself, transforming oneself into a part of the world.

But he was different; he created a world of his own within his body.

He is a world unto himself.

"The main cultivation technique of Zhenyue Peak is called the Nine Mountains Prison Suppressing Body. When it is fully cultivated, one's body becomes the Nine Mountains, and wherever one stands becomes the prison soil, which is enough to suppress a space."

Su Mu thought to himself, "Although I cannot specialize in the Nine Mountains Prison Body, I can cultivate it as a secondary practice."

The world I've created is indeed missing something, and starting with these Nine Sacred Mountains wouldn't be bad.

The main cultivation technique of Zhenyue Peak was also secretly sent back, clearly intended to cause trouble for Panshi Peak.

Su Mu has already mastered the basic techniques of the Hengshan Sect, and now he can start cultivating the Nine Mountains Prison Suppressing Body.

Once he has mastered the Nine Peaks Prison Suppression Body, who would dare doubt that he is a true disciple of Zhenyue Peak?
There is absolutely no one in this world who can master the Nine Mountains Prison Body overnight, except for Su Mu.

"Transformed into an ancient divine mountain..."

The Nine Mountains Prison Body technique flowed through Su Mu's mind, and he silently clicked on the system panel.

In an instant, amidst the deafening roar within his body, the phantoms of nine "mountain spirits" gradually coalesced into form.

As if the heavens and earth were created, nine ancient divine mountains suddenly appeared within Su Mu's body, each suppressing a location in the world.

A mysterious power arose out of nowhere and surged into Su Mu's body.

Su Mu felt that his physical body, which had been tempered to its limit, was beginning to improve once again.

"So this is the Dao Origin Realm, the origin of the Dao, and also the source of power."

Su Mu murmured to himself, "From now on, my power will no longer rely on external sources, but will originate from within. My fate is in my own hands, not in the hands of heaven." (End of Chapter)