From martial arts sects to immortality sects

Chapter 38 The Thirteen Swords of Qingxiao
As dusk fell, Li Qingqiu sat at the table in the courtyard, shelling and eating peanuts. These peanuts were grown by the Qingxiao Sect itself, and after being stir-fried, they were fragrant.

Xu Ning sat opposite him, looking sullen.

Li Qingqiu chuckled to himself. This girl said she could never surpass him, but she was a little depressed after losing.

Human hearts are unpredictable, unpredictable.

Cheng Canghai sat down next to Li Qingqiu and said in a low voice, "Sect Leader, didn't you ask everyone to brainstorm ways to make money? How about I steal the property of those high-ranking officials and nobles?"

Li Qingqiu rolled her eyes at him and said irritably, "What do you think? Isn't this just causing trouble? I'm talking about the right path, which is to create it through our own efforts."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Canghai was quite depressed and said, "If you could get rich just by creating things, farmers would have been the richest people long ago."

"Yes, you're not even as good as a farmer."

Cheng Canghai was so angry that he got up and left.

Li Qingqiu didn't care. Qingxiao Sect didn't necessarily have to be a righteous sect in the secular sense, but it also couldn't do anything underhanded or despicable.

He hoped that Qingxiao Sect would become a Taoist sect dedicated to cultivating immortality, free from worldly manipulation, revered by all living beings, upholding justice in ordinary times, and capable of turning the tide in times of crisis.

Of course, that goal is still too far away; Qingxiao Sect must first survive.

After an incense stick's time, the disciples began to serve the dishes. At this moment, Qin Ye returned, bringing with him another person, Jiang Kuotian from the White Emperor's Mansion.

Li Qingqiu and Xu Ning passed by the two of them on their way up the mountain. When they saw Jiang Kuotian arrive, Li Qingqiu was not surprised, but he still pretended to be delighted and stood up to say, "Uncle Jiang, what brings you here? Come and have a chat."

Xu Ning and the surrounding disciples turned their heads to look, their eyes filled with curiosity. This person was actually the sect leader's senior uncle?
Jiang Kuotian's expression was somewhat subtle; he wasn't as bold as he had been the last time he came, and even seemed a little uneasy.

He followed Qin Ye to the table, forcing a smile, and said, "Junior Nephew Li, it's been two years, and Qingxiao Sect has changed so much. Could it be that your grandmaster has returned?"

Before Li Qingqiu could answer, Xu Ning couldn't help but ask, "What do you mean? Couldn't it be my master's achievement?"

The other disciples also looked at Jiang Kuotian with dissatisfaction. It wasn't that they had any issues with Qingxiao Zhenren, but rather that they were all too young and often looked down upon by outsiders. Li Qingqiu, as the sect leader, was also young, and Jiang Kuotian's words were clearly a dig at Li Qingqiu. Could they tolerate that?

Although Li Qingqiu does not personally teach his disciples martial arts, he is kind to them and usually speaks humorously, which makes him very popular with them. How could they allow outsiders to look down on their respected sect leader?
This is not only disrespecting the sect leader, but also belittling them!
The sect leader once said that every disciple has contributed to the Qingxiao Sect's success today!
Jiang Kuotian was a little embarrassed by Xu Ning's retort, but he didn't hold it against the girl. He asked in surprise, "Hasn't Master Qingxiao returned?"

"Yes, I haven't seen this grandmaster since I was old enough to understand things, and my master hasn't returned either. The Qingxiao Sect is what it is today thanks to the efforts of everyone in the sect," Li Qingqiu replied. He wasn't angry at all. In his opinion, Jiang Kuotian's attitude actually proved that the Qingxiao Sect's development was very successful, and he felt a sense of accomplishment.

He didn't embarrass Jiang Kuotian, but warmly invited him to sit down and began exchanging pleasantries.

Qin Ye didn't stay there. He placed the wooden stick by the wall and began chopping wood. He was always like this, taciturn and quietly doing his work.

After chatting with Li Qingqiu for a while, Jiang Kuotian finally felt less awkward. He was a straightforward person and did not hide what had happened earlier. He said with emotion, "That kid named Qin Ye is really amazing. I was arrogant and only used one hand to spar with him, but I was defeated by him. I heard that he is your disciple. How did you teach him?"

Although Jiang Kuotian came from Baidi Mansion, he was not a first-class expert. Li Qingqiu was not too surprised that he was defeated by Qin Ye, who had been practicing the Ten Thousand Army Demon Subduing Staff, with only one hand.

If it were a life-or-death duel, Qin Ye would be no match for Jiang Kuotian.

The Ten Thousand Army Demon-Subduing Staff is a staff technique specifically designed for combat, and it also carries a unique internal cultivation method that can utilize internal energy, making it extremely lethal.

Li Qingqiu shook his head and said, "I don't have that ability. A top expert once came up the mountain and stayed for a while, and gave him some pointers."

"A top-tier expert? Who is it?"

Jiang Kuotian stared wide-eyed and asked, "How powerful are top experts? The gap between them and first-rate experts is like a chasm, let alone comparing them to me." He immediately understood.

There are many such legends in the martial arts world, where people receive martial arts instruction from top masters and their skills improve rapidly in a short period of time.

"That senior colleague wouldn't say, and it's not convenient for us to ask," Li Qingqiu replied naturally, without a trace of guile on his face.

Jiang Kuotian marveled, marveling at Qin Ye's good fortune and predicting that he would achieve great things in the future.

He continued to question Jiang Zhaoxia, very curious about how Jiang Zhaoxia had made such a name for himself. Two years ago, when he came to Qingxiao Sect, he felt that Jiang Zhaoxia was very arrogant, but he did not expect that he was really capable.

“Third Junior Brother is currently in seclusion practicing his skills. We haven’t seen him for several days. By the way, Uncle-Master Jiang, why did you decide to come and see us?” Li Qingqiu explained before turning to ask.

He had a good impression of Jiang Kuotian, after all, Jiang Kuotian had given him a magical artifact.

Even after reaching the fourth level of the Nourishing Essence Realm, he still couldn't break through the restrictions of that magical artifact, which shows that it was no ordinary artifact and was definitely a treasure.

Jiang Kuotian replied, "Recently, there was a mutiny in Guzhou. The army of the prefecture and the counties was unable to suppress the rebels and instead lost county cities one after another. Baidi Mansion is located in the prefecture and should naturally do its part for the prefecture. I was sent to a nearby county city to join the army and teach them martial arts. I heard about Jiang Zhaoxia's achievements and came to see you. Seeing that you are doing well, I am completely relieved."

Li Qingqiu was quite curious about this mutiny, so he asked a few more questions, which Jiang Kuotian did not hide.

In fact, it wasn't just Guzhou that was experiencing a mutiny; three other prefectures were also in turmoil. All four prefectures were suffering from famine. Bandits were inciting the people, recruiting refugees into their army, and attacking and seizing cities and territories everywhere. After entering the cities, they acted recklessly, looting, killing, and committing all sorts of atrocities. They even defiled women in the streets. Two years later, this disaster not only failed to be contained but instead intensified.

The imperial court has now issued bounties in various regions, calling on martial arts heroes to join in suppressing the bandits, with generous rewards offered.

"Senior Brother, why don't we go and suppress the bandits too!" Zhang Yuchun suddenly leaned close to Li Qingqiu and said excitedly. Before Li Qingqiu could refuse, Jiang Kuotian slammed his hand on the table and said, "No, you're still too young. Focus on your martial arts training. The world won't descend into chaos. The Sage already knows about this matter, and he can quell the unrest in various places within six months at most!"

"Sage" is an honorific title used by officials and common people to address the emperor.

Li Qingqiu didn't want his disciples to get involved either. They were too young, and getting involved in the chaos here might not be good for their minds. Besides, they would have to deal with the government.

In the future, the Qingxiao Sect can descend the mountain to save the common people during times of chaos, but it will not be the Qingxiao Sect of today.

"Half a year? That fast?" Zhang Yuchun asked in surprise.

Jiang Kuotian snorted, "That's natural. Previously, there were treacherous officials in the court who misled the emperor, and they have already been executed. Our Great Li Dynasty has only been established for thirty years. The true era of peace and prosperity has not yet arrived. You can enjoy your blessings in a few more years."

Li Qingqiu never expected that Jiang Kuotian would have such faith in the current emperor.

Qin Ye, who was chopping wood, couldn't help but turn his head to look at Jiang Kuotian, his eyes filled with anger. He regretted that he hadn't hit Jiang Kuotian hard enough and hadn't woken him up.

As the dishes were served, Li Qingqiu invited Jiang Kuotian to eat with him and asked him to tell him about the affairs of the martial arts world. Compared to matters of the imperial court, the disciples were more curious about the events in the martial arts world.

Jiang Kuotian began to recount everything, becoming more and more excited as he spoke.

He even mentioned Li Yang, the martial arts champion.

It is said that when Li Yang challenged the Heavenly Blade Sect, he spoke rudely and was severely injured by the sect. This angered the Li family of Linchuan, and the Heavenly Blade Sect is now facing difficulties from all sides and is having a hard time.

"Having lost to Jiang Zhaoxia, their reputation is ruined, and they are being suppressed by the Li family of Linchuan. I'm afraid the Heavenly Blade Sect will have a hard time keeping its name among the seven major sects," Jiang Kuotian said gloatingly.

The news excited the disciples, but because Li Qingqiu had given them advance notice, they did not mention the grudge between Jiang Zhaoxia and the Heavenly Blade Sect.

Jiang Kuotian's arrival made Qingxiao Sect lively. The next day, Jiang Kuotian was even more surprised to see Yang Jueding. The two felt as if they had known each other for a long time, and Jiang Kuotian stayed for two more days.

Five days later, the river widened and the mountains stretched across the land.

Because of the news brought by Jiang Kuotian, the disciples of Qingxiao Sect cherished their time practicing martial arts on the mountain even more.

Days pass like pages turning in a book.

Autumn has passed and winter has arrived; the winter snow has begun to fall.

On this day, Jiang Zhaoxia broke through to the fourth level of the Nourishing Yuan Realm. Li Qingqiu, who was halfway up the mountain, sensed a sword intent. He followed the sword intent and saw Jiang Zhaoxia.

Jiang Zhaoxia was standing on a lake, where ripples spread across the unfrozen surface beneath her feet.

Sword intent is a magical thing. It is like an aura, yet it has a tangible power. Li Qingqiu, who was born with the destiny of a sword fanatic, was able to recognize sword intent the first time he felt it.

Jiang Zhaoxia's sword intent was very strong; he made Li Qingqiu feel that he was a precious sword, its sharpness fully revealed.

“I usually focus on cultivating the Rejuvenating Ghost Immortal Needle, and even though I share the same destiny as my third junior brother, my swordsmanship is not as good as his.”

Li Qingqiu stood by the lake, staring at Jiang Zhaoxia, thinking to himself, his face full of satisfaction.

Jiang Zhaoxia's breakthrough was not only in cultivation level, but also in her swordsmanship.

Without a master's guidance, his sword intent developed on its own, demonstrating his extraordinary talent in swordsmanship.

The snowflakes fell like flowers, melting into wisps of white smoke before they even landed on Jiang Zhaoxia. At this moment, Jiang Zhaoxia appeared otherworldly, as if she were about to transform into a celestial being.

Sudden.

Jiang Zhaoxia raised her hand, using her fingers as a sword, and thrust them towards Li Qingqiu. Sword energy shot out from her fingertips with lightning speed.

Li Qingqiu reacted extremely quickly, swiftly throwing a silver needle with his right hand. The needle flew out and collided with Jiang Zhaoxia's sword energy in mid-air. The silver needle shattered into pieces, and the sword energy dissipated as well.

Jiang Zhaoxia squinted and said, "Senior brother, I can't tell whether your skill is stronger or your acupuncture technique is stronger than my sword energy."

Li Qingqiu said irritably, "If I had reacted slower, I would have died from your sword energy just now."

"Impossible. My sword energy has reached a state of perfection, and I can control it at will. Even if it were to kill you right in front of me, I could make it stop immediately." Jiang Zhaoxia's tone carried a hint of arrogance.

Li Qingqiu's lips curled up as he asked, "So, do you still want revenge?"

Jiang Zhaoxia stared at him for a long while before saying, "Among the experts of the Heavenly Blade Sect who besieged me, there is a group of sword warriors. They are highly skilled and have excellent teamwork, which caused me a lot of trouble. I plan to select thirteen disciples from within the sect and personally teach them swordsmanship. In the future, I will lead them to annihilate all enemies that threaten the Qingxiao Sect."

"I've already thought of a name: Qingxiao Thirteen Swords Li."

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(End of this chapter)