From martial arts sects to immortality sects

Chapter 138: A meteoric rise
"Grandpa Lin? You know him?" Li Qingqiu asked curiously.

Xiao Wudi nodded and said, "It was Grandpa Lin who led us up the mountain."

This made Li Qingqiu even more curious. Qingxiao Zhenren was imprisoned for thirty years. From leaving Zhenyang Imperial City to returning to Qingxiao Mountain, it only took two months. How could he possibly find the descendant of a martial arts legend?
He felt there must be a secret involved!

When Master Qingxiao saw how quickly Xiao Wudi spoke, he couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth.

Seeing that Qingxiao Zhenren was unwilling to say more, Li Qingqiu was not in a hurry, since he had already taken these three brothers under his command.

"Let's go, I'll take you to practice your skills."

Li Qingqiu stood up and said this, then walked towards the forest behind the mountain.

Master Qingxiao wanted to follow, but Yuan Qi stopped him.

"The sect leader didn't call you," Yuan Qi said seriously, which made Qingxiao Zhenren feel a tightness in his chest.

He watched the excited and jubilant figures of Xiao Wudi and the other two, sighed, and then turned and left.

Xiao Wudi, Xiao Wuqing, and Xiao Wuming lived up to their excellent aptitude, and all of them successfully condensed a trace of Yuan Qi within half a day, stepping into the first level of the Yuan Qi Nourishing Realm.

Li Qingqiu also learned about the story of the martial arts legend Xiao Xuanzun through Chu Jing.

Xiao Xuanzun ventured into the martial world in his early twenties and swept across the land in eight years. By the time he was thirty, his martial arts had reached an even higher level. Chu Jing heard of his name and went to challenge him, but was almost killed by him. After that, Chu Jing retired from the martial world and devoted himself to practicing martial arts.

That battle left Chu Jing with a deep psychological scar, and he didn't dare to reappear in the martial world until Xiao Xuanzun passed away.

"Could it be that Xiao Xuanzun isn't practicing martial arts, but rather a method of cultivating immortality?" Nangong E asked curiously.

Chu Jing shook his head and said, "I don't know either, but his martial arts are indeed far superior to ordinary martial arts, giving me a feeling of facing a master."

“He might indeed be a cultivator, because the underground palace he built does contain magical techniques, which were obtained by our Elder Yang Jueding,” Li Qingqiu answered in his mind.

Upon hearing this, Chu Jing smiled and said, "If that's the case, then I'm relieved."

Li Qingqiu had one more thing to say: even if Chu Jing and Xiao Xuanzun cultivated immortality at the same time, Chu Jing might not be a match for Xiao Xuanzun. Judging from the aptitude of the three Xiao brothers, Xiao Xuanzun's aptitude must be even more extraordinary, and he might even have a combat-type destiny.

The more Li Qingqiu learned about Xiao Xuanzun, the more he understood why Shen Yue, despite being so strong, was not considered a martial arts legend.

Xiao Xuanzun's strength is beyond the comprehension of martial arts practitioners. He has never been defeated in his life, and has even faced thousands of troops alone. The number of people is meaningless in front of Xiao Xuanzun, and in a one-on-one fight, no one can defeat Xiao Xuanzun in a single move.

It is worth mentioning that when Li Qingqiu asked Chu Jing if he was sure that Xiao Xuanzun was really dead, Chu Jing was unable to confirm it.

If Xiao Xuanzun were a cultivator, would he still be alive?

Li Qingqiu watched Xiao Wudi and the other two practice their skills while lost in thought.

It wasn't until evening that Li Qingqiu stopped Xiao Wudi and the other two, and asked them to come back to Lingxiao Courtyard with him for dinner.

After the other hall masters arrived one after another, Xiao Wudi and the other two became anxious. They sat stiffly in the corner of the long table.

Just before dinner, Li Qingqiu introduced Xiao Wudi and the other two to the others, saying that he would personally guide their cultivation and have them work for him.

Zhang Yuchun curiously observed Xiao Wudi and the other two. It was the first time he had seen Li Qingqiu treat his disciples with such seriousness. It seemed that these three were very rare geniuses.

Although Xiao Wudi and the other two were young, they were all quite handsome. Xiao Wudi was tall and strong, second only to Wu Man'er. Xiao Wuqing looked reserved and had the refined temperament of a scholar. However, Xiao Wuming made Zhang Yuchun feel very uncomfortable.

Xiao Wuming sat to Xiao Wudi's right, his face gloomy, his eyes giving off the feeling of a venomous snake.

Not only Zhang Yuchun, but also Li Sifeng, Li Sijin, Yang Jueding, and Zhang Yu felt uncomfortable looking at Xiao Wuming.

"Senior Brother, which of them do you plan to assign to me?" Li Sijin asked expectantly.

Li Qingqiu replied, "I will write down your names in a couple of days. I cannot give you these three; they will serve me exclusively from now on, and I also need disciples to assist me."

It would be a waste to entrust such a genius to Li Sijin.

Li Sijin had no choice but to give up. She understood that the disciple recommended to her by her senior brother was definitely not as good as the three Xiao brothers.

The meal was both nerve-wracking and exciting for Xiao Wudi and his two companions, who knew that their fates would be dramatically changed from this day forward.

In the days that followed, Li Qingqiu took the three Xiao brothers with him wherever he went, including to the underground spirit lake, the Thousand Spirit Blessed Land, and the spirit mine, which broadened the Xiao brothers' horizons and rapidly increased their loyalty to him.

Li Qingqiu dared to cultivate them in this way because Xiao Wudi greatly admired him, and Xiao Wuqing and Xiao Wuming's destinies were worthy of his trust.

As he wished, within half a month of the three brothers joining him, their loyalty all climbed to 95.

The three Xiao brothers also became famous within the sect. Many disciples knew that the sect leader had gained three young disciples. It was said that they were highly regarded by the sect as soon as they entered, which made many disciples envious of them and look forward to their future achievements.

To be valued by the sect leader, one must possess extraordinary talent.

Xu Ning, Zhao Zhen, Yuan Li, Ji Ya, Li Yang and others also met the three Xiao brothers one after another. It was Li Qingqiu who took the initiative to introduce them, which is enough to prove his high regard for the three Xiao brothers.

The three Xiao brothers were shocked by the rumors about Zhao Zhen. The fact that a child under ten years old could be so powerful shattered their pride. They realized that they were not the most talented disciples under the sect leader, which made them even more grateful to the sect leader.

They were well aware of how much the sect leader valued them; this was a treatment they had never received before.

Late autumn is approaching, inside the Imperial Ancestral Hall.

While helping his two disciples with their tasks, Zhang Ping listened to them discuss a duel that would take place on the martial arts stage that day.

Lu Qing, a disciple of the Enforcement Hall, is preparing to challenge Zheng Yunqiao, who ranks second among the Thirteen Sword Masters. Both of them are at the fourth level of the Nourishing Yuan Realm. Lu Qing is a rising genius, while Zheng Yunqiao is a senior brother who has made great contributions to the sect. This showdown between the old and the new has many disciples looking forward to it.

Zhang Ping's face remained calm, but his heart was filled with anticipation.

When will he be as dazzling as Lu Qing and Zheng Yunqiao?
The fourth level of the Nourishing Yuan Realm was still a long way off for him, who was only at the second level.

After he finished his business with his two disciples and watched them leave, he picked up a secret manual and began to read it.

This was the first part of the Earth Talisman Manual, which he had exchanged from the Scripture Pavilion. He had used up all his accumulated contribution points, but he had no regrets. He was fascinated by the contents of the Earth Talisman Manual.

At this moment, a burst of footsteps came.

The three Xiao brothers entered the hall together, with Master Qingxiao following closely behind.

Xiao Wudi looked around, then walked up to Zhang Ping's table and asked, "Are you Zhang Ping?"

After embarking on the path of cultivation, Xiao Wudi and the other two reached the second level of the Nourishing Yuan Realm in less than a month. Their auras were all very strong, which immediately intimidated Zhang Ping.

"I am, and who are you?" Zhang Ping asked cautiously.

Master Qingxiao came around from behind and said with a smug smile, "These are the three I recommended before. You refused to agree no matter what, and now you regret it, right? They are already serving the sect leader. You should have heard of their names: Xiao Wudi, Xiao Wuqing, and Xiao Wuming."

Zhang Ping was stunned. He had indeed heard of the Xiao brothers, but he never expected that he had once stood in their way.

He secretly groaned inwardly. It was truly infuriating to compare himself to others. He had been a disciple for so long without ever having a conversation with the sect leader, while these three had served the sect leader in less than a month, rising rapidly through the ranks.

Xiao Wuqing smiled helplessly, stepped forward, and said, "Senior Brother Zhang, don't listen to Grandpa Lin's nonsense. You did the right thing. The sect leader praised your attitude. We've come here to give you a gift on behalf of the sect leader."

"Sect Master? Giving a gift?"

Zhang Ping quickly stood up, feeling somewhat awkward.

Xiao Wuqing then took out a manual from his bosom and handed it to Zhang Ping, saying, "The sect leader said that Qingxiao Sect needs a disciple as dedicated as you. This manual is only for you to cultivate and must not be passed on to others."

Zhang Ping took the manual and read it aloud, muttering, "The Rejuvenating Ghost Immortal Needle..."

Master Qingxiao stood to the side, somewhat embarrassed. He didn't know that the three Xiao brothers had come for this matter; he had only met them on the road and followed along to join in the fun.

"These three little brats have only been in the sect for a short time, and their hearts are already completely devoted to that kid Li Qingqiu." Master Qingxiao was secretly annoyed, but then he thought about it again and was very happy. With Li Qingqiu's help, the three Xiao brothers would definitely be able to establish themselves in the Qingxiao Sect, so he was at ease.

"Thank you... Sect Master!"

Zhang Ping snapped out of his daze and quickly said...

Xiao Wudi and Xiao Wuming looked Zhang Ping up and down and felt that this disciple was nothing special. It seemed that the sect leader really just wanted to reward his attitude.

Xiao Wuqing, however, did not think so. He felt that Zhang Ping was not simple, but he could not put his finger on why.

"Let's go."

Xiao Wudi spoke, and after he finished speaking, he turned and left first, with Xiao Wuming following closely behind.

Xiao Wuqing smiled and bowed to Zhang Ping, then followed his elder and younger brothers, with Qingxiao Zhenren also leaving.

Zhang Ping watched them leave, then looked at the manual in his hand, a bright smile spreading across his face.

Li Qingqiu, far away in the Demon Control Hall compound, saw his loyalty increase through the Daoist panel and a smile appeared on his face.

Cheng Canghai, the former king of thieves, stood aside and, seeing him smile, excitedly asked, "Sect Master, you've agreed?"

The construction of the Demon Control Hall was no secret, and many people were eyeing the positions of Hall Master, Deputy Hall Master, and Elder. Cheng Canghai also wanted to advance.

Cheng Canghai has now reached the fourth level of the Nourishing Yuan Realm, and he feels that he is capable of taking on the position of the head of the Demon Control Hall.

Li Qingqiu nodded and said, "I can give you the position of Hall Master, but I must appoint the Deputy Hall Master. You can only select twenty disciples for the Demon Control Hall; the other slots will be reserved for other purposes."

"Thank you so much, Sect Master!" Cheng Canghai was overjoyed and quickly bowed to thank Li Qingqiu.

From now on, he is also a hall master. How could he not be excited?
Li Qingqiu chatted with Cheng Canghai for a while longer before leaving the Demon Control Hall and heading to the Training Hall.

Since Li Sifeng was not around, Li Qingqiu went directly to Xue Jin.

Faced with Li Qingqiu's arrival, Xue Jin, who already exuded the aura of a powerful figure, appeared very nervous.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with him, Li Qingqiu said, "The Training Hall has added a long-term mission: to find places with special spiritual energy and rare treasures. Even if it's just a discovery, as long as it's verified, the sect will reward you. If you offer them up voluntarily, you'll be rewarded handsomely according to their value."

　Thank you A寒雪夜月N for the 500 Qidian coins!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)