Beichen Sword Sect's Headmaster's Secret Records

Chapter 357 A Chance to Find Immortality
Perhaps Yi Zhuang's punch was too forceful, or perhaps there was a blockage in his Qi channels and insufficient Qi flow, so Huangfu Yi's inflamed punch was actually only a small amount on his fist, almost silent and colorless, lacking in firepower and any explosive effect.

But the Burning Heaven Orthodox Method is not a mere rumor. How can a hundred years of cultivation be taken lightly? A body tempered a thousand times, a solid punch—even without special techniques, a strike that concentrates all the strength of the body into a single point of breakthrough—who would dare to withstand it?
Its power was unparalleled; even a Core Formation cultivator could be shattered by its powerful fist strike!
Overbearing and unparalleled, his entire body and internal organs were engulfed in flames, his fists scorching the heavens! His internal organs were burned to ashes!
Shattered to pieces, burned to ashes, reduced to dust and vanished with the smoke—this is the fate of those defeated by the Flaming Fist!

However, this move is indeed uncommon, as it is usually used for life-or-death situations. Not only do the immortal palaces not use it, but it has also been lost in the martial arts world for a long time. After more than a hundred years, no one has heard of anyone using it, and most people can no longer recognize it.

"How did it turn to ashes upon landing? How could the Gang Fist technique produce such a death?"

"Could it be some kind of demon or monster?"

"What kind of ghost could come out in broad daylight? Perhaps it's a backlash from my cultivation technique?"

"Perhaps this person's Crimson Fiend Technique was incorrect, and he was hit by a punch that caused his meridians to reverse and he went into a state of demonic possession."

"I think he possessed some kind of divine skill or secret manual, and didn't want it to benefit others after his death, so he deliberately destroyed the evidence."

The onlookers, not wanting to miss out on the excitement, gathered around and buzzed with discussion.

Meanwhile, the mage guarding the market town also arrived quickly. With a hand seal, he summoned a round mirror and unleashed a dazzling beam of light, like a searchlight, which enveloped Huangfu Yi, who had exhausted his punch and was unable to escape.

"Who are you! How dare you sneak into my Jiang County and commit murder in the street!"

Although the sorcerer had a fierce expression and a stern look, Huangfu Yi felt a warm sensation throughout his body under the bright light, as if his energy had been restored more quickly. He felt quite comfortable and assumed the man was performing first aid on him, so he politely returned the greeting.
"This young man is Bai Yi, escorting goods for the Weiyuan Escort Agency to the Pei family residence. We were just robbed."

The sorcerer frowned as he looked at the demon-revealing mirror. The image reflected was indeed not of any demon or monster.
"You've already killed him! Words are no proof!"

Knowing that a Core Formation cultivator was eyeing the wooden box he was carrying, Huangfu Yi understood why the镖师 (bodyguards/escorts) had been so cautious, reacting to the slightest disturbance. Now that his whereabouts had been exposed in public, he simply carried the bundle away.
"We have the escort documents as proof; a glance at Prime Minister Pei's residence will confirm it."

"……Walk."

The monk naturally recognized the Pei family and was somewhat reasonable for the time being. He pointed his hand, and two Yellow Turban warriors leaped out from the left and right, grabbed Huangfu Yi, and the group headed straight for the Pei residence.

Well, a group of people, after all, there are no cell phones to use these days, and a group of people who cultivate and fight monsters all day long don't even have any entertainment programs. There are quite a few idle people who want to watch the show, and they all followed along to Pei Mansion to watch the show, while chattering and adding background information to Huangfu Yi.

"The item was specially sent to the Pei family by a highly skilled expert and was sealed so tightly that even a Core Formation cultivator came to snatch it. I wonder what kind of treasure it is."

"What is the background of this family? Do they have a Nascent Soul cultivator as their ancestor?"

"The Pei family is a prominent local family in Jiangzhou. They were granted titles and generalships during the time of the Immortal Venerable. Later, when the Nine Great Mysterious Gates occupied Qianzhou, they split into two branches."

The main family followed the Qian State ruler back to the capital region of the Central Plains, and is now a famous clan in the Three Capitals, also known as the Pei Clan of Sizhou. They enjoy the same favor from the emperor, and the family has produced many dukes, marquises, generals, and ministers, as well as high-ranking officials in the imperial court for generations.

As for the branch families that remained here, many of them had become disciples of the Jiutian Temple in Jiaoyuan Cave on Donghua Mountain. Although no disciples have attained true enlightenment yet, their years of offerings have made them, in a sense, the outer disciples of the Jiutian Temple, a family of cultivators passed down through generations.

"Jiutian Temple in Jiaoyuan Cave... Oh? The lineage of Immortal Baopu? Isn't that the same as the Luofu Mountain lineage?"

"Indeed, Jiaoyuan Cave and Zhuming Cave are fellow disciples from the same lineage, the true lineage of Huguan, and the masters of alchemy."

"Wow, this senior brother seems to know the Pei family very well."

"Of course I'm familiar with it. I'm from the Jiutian Temple. Please give me some face and don't cause trouble in the city."

"...No problem, no problem."

Jiangzhou was originally the territory of Donghua Mountain, and the Pei family was a prominent local clan. Naturally, any slight movement in the market would have been reported to the head of the family long ago.

Upon arriving at the gate, they found strong guards standing ready. The entire Pei family had come out, with not only the patriarch personally greeting them, but also many Core Formation and Foundation Establishment cultivators taking to the air. Regardless of their fighting ability, they at least projected an imposing aura, deterring those treacherous individuals who were secretly spying and harboring ill intentions.

"Hehe, thank you very much for escorting me, senior brother! You must be tired from your journey. Please take a seat and have some tea!"

This Prime Minister Pei's cultivation level was actually not high, only at the Golden Core realm. In Qianzhou, a place where immortals and mortals coexisted, there was really nothing to boast about. However, he was born with a handsome appearance, possessing a refined and otherworldly air. His eyebrows were like distant mountains, his eyes like bright stars, his shoulders were broad and his back straight, as upright as a pine tree, his beard resembled a coiled dragon, and his hair flowed like an ink waterfall. He was an unparalleled beauty with extraordinary bearing. Therefore, his mere appearance attracted everyone's attention, and they were all awestruck by his every move and elegant demeanor. Everyone discussed how this aristocratic family was indeed extraordinary.

Before the market's guardian monk could even ask, the person had already been taken away by the other party, hand in hand. Since everyone was from Donghua Mountain, he couldn't say anything more and could only offer a reminder.

"Brother Guangting, are you sure you're not mistaken? Do you think you can just accept something that belongs to your family?"

Minister Pei chuckled and casually slipped a jade pendant into the monk's hand.

"Indeed, indeed, this is my daughter Yuhan's destiny. Judging by the time, she should arrive in the next two days. Thank you for protecting her, senior brother."

"Your daughter's destiny with immortality? This..."

The monk calculated with his fingers for a moment, then suddenly frowned, as if he had thought of something. However, he hesitated to speak up because of the many people around, especially since the gifts had already been stuffed into his hands. So he could only nod.

"In that case, the person is yours."

Then the monk didn't leave. He closed his eyes, turned around, and sat down in front of the Pei residence, with two Yellow Turban warriors standing behind him as protectors.

"Thank you for your help, senior brother."

With a beaming smile, Prime Minister Pei immediately led Huangfu Yi into the mansion.

Seeing that Donghua Mountain was on high alert and was protecting the Pei family from gaining the immortal opportunity, leaving them with little chance of success, the crowd could only disperse in disappointment.

Huangfu Yi was led all the way to the person's courtyard, and finding that the other party still wouldn't let go, he had no choice but to speak up.

"Lord Pei, now that the goods have been delivered, I will not disturb you any longer..."

"No rush, no rush. I heard that there were villains robbing a caravan in the market. Thanks to the brave warrior, he protected our precious treasure."

How could we not repay such a good deed? Come, come, let's have a cup of wine first.

Minister Pei led Huangfu Yi to the seat of honor, and maids served him jujube tea. Huangfu Yi felt awkward refusing such hospitality. He thought to himself that a wealthy family like the Peis, having come to deliver a treasure and having entered in full view of everyone, would hardly have any reason to commit murder.

So he thanked them, put the Pei family's wooden box back on the table, and took a sip of tea. He found it refreshingly sweet and delicious, its essence invigorating, truly thirst-quenching; it was indeed a top-quality tea. He couldn't help but gulp it down.

Minister Pei also sat down with a smile, looked at the bundle, and suddenly asked,
"I just don't understand why you killed my镖师 (bodyguard/escort) but then returned the goods."

"puff!"

Huangfu Yi spat it out directly, ignoring the tears streaming down his face, and leaped into the air.

Immediately, a Core Formation stage guard flashed in and blocked the doorway.

Huangfu Yi was terrified, wondering where he had slipped up.

Minister Pei, however, seemed to have no ill intentions. He simply waved his hand, dismissing the servants, and addressed the highly vigilant Huangfu Yi.

"Brother, Weiyuan Escort Agency is my own business. This shipment was sent all the way from the capital. I know exactly how many shipments were made, who was sent, which shipment was real, which was fake, and which route was taken."

"To be honest, even that 'villain' you just killed was actually one of my own personal bodyguards. I originally sent him out of the city to meet the escorting caravan. He probably realized your identity was unusual and tried to take it back, but you killed him with a single punch."

Huangfu Yi was truly speechless. Seriously, how could someone be so unlucky? It turned out to be the same group of people, and they all ended up running into his fist?!
"Lord Pei...it really was a misunderstanding..."

Minister Pei shook his head, looked at the wooden box, and sighed again.
"A master like you, instead of running away after robbing my things, you brazenly delivered them to my home."

At first, I thought it was some enemy who had come looking for me, intending to take the opportunity to assassinate me.

But you showed me so many flaws just now, yet you showed no sign of aggression or any sense of caution, which doesn't seem like the behavior of a treacherous person.

And they even returned the real thing. It must have been a series of unfortunate coincidences, a misunderstanding…”

Huangfu Yi carefully retreated, using his whip for protection, and moved towards the window.
"Lord Pei, I had no intention of making enemies with your family, nor did I covet your predestined connection with the immortals."

However, this has indeed caused complications, resulting in the deaths of your household servants. If you wish to seek revenge, there's nothing more to say.

That's the only battle left.

Minister Pei neither answered nor fought. Instead, he slowly untied the bundle on the table, revealing a wooden box covered with talismans. He then held the three-foot-long box in his hands.

Do you know what this celestial destiny is?

Huangfu Yi, not knowing what he was up to, remained silent.

"It's a flying sword."

Minister Pei stroked the wooden box, and for a moment his eyes showed weariness.

"It seems this sword is destined for you..."

Huangfu Yi frowned.
"I have stated repeatedly that I have no intention of vying for your esteemed family's magical treasures..."

"Heh, a destiny to immortality isn't something you can just refuse or fight for..."

Prime Minister Pei smiled bitterly.
"Moreover, flying swords always recognize their own masters. This sword was originally ownerless. It was only because my mother owed the Sword Sect a life back then that she finally paid it back and returned the sword to sever the Pei family's karmic ties."

If Yu Han could gain the sword's approval, perhaps she could still cultivate at the foot of Mount Jiuyin and have a chance to continue her previous relationship. But now it seems that this sword has been forcibly taken by you..."

Huangfu Yi's heart stirred, and he couldn't help but ask,

"Nine Yin Mountain? Where is Nine Yin Mountain?"

Minister Pei looked at him,

"So you really do want the sword technique of Jiuyin Mountain."

Huangfu Yi remained silent for a moment, then frankly told him...

"I am going to Mount Jiuyin to ask the sword immortal to come down from the mountain to exorcise the demon. I also ask Lord Pei to tell me where the mountain immortal is. After this matter is done, I will return to your esteemed residence to settle the karmic debt."

"Is it about cause and effect...?"

After a moment's thought, Prime Minister Pei seemed to have made up his mind.
"Alright, I'll make a deal with you. Since this sword is destined for you, and I can't force it, I'll give it to you."

Huangfu Yi frowned.
"I had no intention of..."

"Since you have the ability to kill my men and seize my sword, then I want you to escort Yu Han into the mountains and become a disciple of the Sword Sect."

Prime Minister Pei's gaze sharpened as he stared intently at Huangfu Yi.
"A chance to become a celestial being is rare; if you have it, you have it; if you don't, you don't. There's no logic to it."

In these chaotic times, even the most powerful and influential families live a precarious existence. The situation in the capital region is becoming increasingly perilous. The reputation of a powerful clan can no longer protect their family business; instead, it attracts the covetous eyes of thieves. Moreover, my family has held power in the capital region for many years and has already offended countless enemies. We could be dragged into the vortex of the imperial court and overthrown at any time.

Since my mother passed away, my Pei family in Jiangzhou has had no chance of becoming immortals for generations. For many years, no one has been able to obtain the true teachings of Jiaoyuan Cave. Now, we can only serve as stewards of the outer sect and do some miscellaneous work for the Jiutian Temple. We still have to pay the temple's offerings for generations. With only expenses and no income, even if we had mountains of gold and silver, the treasury in our mansion could not support us.

If things continue like this, any calamity or vengeance could bring about the collapse of our empire, and we might even face death and the extermination of our entire clan. I cannot allow the Pei family's centuries-old legacy to end in my hands.”

Huangfu Yi was speechless for a moment. After all, it was the Pei family's business, what business was it of his?
But Minister Pei continued to ramble on and on.

"Fortunately, among the descendants of my Pei family, my daughter Yuhan has the best aptitude. She has the bones of an immortal. As long as she receives guidance from a famous master and is taught divine skills, she will surely be able to attain immortality and protect the family business."

However, the cultivation methods of the Donghua Mountain lineage are not suitable for women to practice. My mother was delayed in her cultivation back then. Now that my Pei family has fallen into decline and has no backing in the sect, if Yuhan were to also join Donghua Mountain, I worry that not only would she not receive the Daoist teachings, but she might also be plotted against by someone with ulterior motives, taken as a partner, and then used to seize my family's property.

Besides, my mother was imprisoned by the Sword Sect back then. I pleaded for her for years, exhausting all my family's wealth, yet not a single person, whether on the mountain or below, was willing to come to her rescue. Heh, so I understand now. It seems even Donghua Mountain can't afford to offend the Sword Sect…

Fortunately, an opportunity has arisen. My mother has been reincarnated and is now cultivating in the Sword Sect. If I could send the jade box to her, it would be a good help and a powerful ally. Therefore, I originally intended to send the jade box to Jiuyin Mountain to become a disciple, but I still lack some karmic affinity and am waiting for this sword. Since you have come, it seems our fate has brought us together. Let us travel together.

Since you have been favored by the flying sword, you must have a special destiny to encounter a sword immortal. At that time, I would like to ask for your assistance in accompanying my daughter to the mountains to become a disciple. If you can help her see my mother, this karmic debt will be settled, and all past grievances will be forgiven. What do you say?

Huangfu Yi understood what the other party meant. In the current turbulent times, this Prime Minister Pei was concerned about his family business and was scheming. Therefore, he tried every means to obtain his mother's sword, hoping to give his daughter a chance. Who knew that he would get it by mistake and then have it taken away by him halfway? Therefore, he was afraid that his daughter would not have this opportunity.

But since Huangfu Yi had returned the sword, it seemed there was still a chance. Therefore, he planned to forcefully take advantage of Huangfu Yi's good fortune and have his daughter become one of the chickens and dogs that ascended to heaven, so that they could go to Jiuyin Mountain together to become disciples.

This sounds quite reasonable, but Huangfu Yi is now terrified of these Central Plains people. They kill without hesitation when they start fighting, and they have a whole set of strategies when they talk. Before the truth is revealed, who knows what other schemes they have up their sleeves? It's best to ask them in advance.

"But what if I don't agree? Are you going to kill me right now? Besides, we've already become mortal enemies. Do you really believe I'll send your daughter to Jiuyin Mountain? What if I harm her, or run away halfway there? Would you really trust me that much?"

Minister Pei looked at him, then at the bowl of jujube tea.

Huangfu Yi realized what was happening and his expression changed drastically.

"You! You! Despicable!"

Minister Pei cupped his hands in greeting.

"One should not have the heart to harm others, but one should not be without the heart to guard against others. Young brother, you are still inexperienced in the martial world, and you have a kind heart. You probably haven't been through much hardship and don't judge people with evil intentions. Besides, you took the initiative to return the flying sword and walked into the trap. How could I not see that you are a good person?"

Moreover, judging from your cultivation and knowledge, you must be from a family of guards. There's no need to worry; a few servants are hardly a mortal enemy. As for this curse, it's merely a secret technique of my family's Nightmare Control, only activated when a member of the Pei family is in danger, used to restrain people's hearts. Once we reach Nine Yin Mountain, Yu Han will naturally dispel it for you.

After all, in the pursuit of immortality, karma is the greatest taboo. I also hope that you will all become disciples together, cultivate together, and look after each other in the future.”

Huangfu Yi glared angrily at the other party, wanting to punch him, but even with a hundred years of internal energy protecting him, after throwing two Flame Fists in a row, he was now weak and powerless.

By listening and pinpointing the location, he discovered a large group of Core Formation and Foundation Establishment experts crouching on the rooftop and outside. Huangfu Yi knew that a direct assault on the Pei residence was unlikely to succeed, so he gritted his teeth and...

"Alright! A promise is a promise!"

Minister Pei nodded.
"It's hard to chase a horse."

(End of this chapter)