The Path of the Martial Arts BOSS

"On the fifteenth of the first month, we are to assassinate members of the Divine Martial Army. Does anyone have objections?"

Within the Heavenly Vault, the Council of the Nine Heavens convened once again. This time, the discussion was centered around the assassination of Luo Feng and the Divine Captors, with the aim of at least making them abandon their operation to suppress Shu Province.

"I have heard recent disturbances in the Western Regions, and even glimpses of the grassland people have been spotted. Bian Tian, are you colluding with the grassland people?" Qing Yu, leaning casually against his throne, asked seemingly nonchalantly.

"Heh heh," Bian Tian chuckled lowly, "The grassland people could serve as a sharp and powerful butcher's knife; they will become another major disaster following the Blood Demon Sect, drawing Daqian's attention and resources."

Given the wolf-like nature of the grassland people, the chaos they cause would be no less than that caused by the Blood Demon Sect.

"Then why not help the grassland people invade Central Plains and slaughter the world?" Cangtian suddenly interjected.

His suggestion was undeniably bloodthirsty. If the grassland people were indeed to break through into Central Plains, widespread devastation and loss of life would be inevitable. In turn, it would trigger a vast Blood Tribulation, hastening the arrival of the greater calamity.

"The time is not right," Bian Tian shook his head, "If the Blood Tribulation were to erupt on a grand scale, the Heavenly Demon Palace would surely enter the fray. Should they draw the attention of the Evil Sky Slaughter and deplete the Tribulation Qi, it would only delay the coming of the great calamity.

However, if we manage to draw the Evil Sky Slaughter at the time when calamity is about to unfold, we could use the birth of the Sixth Generation Sky Demon as leverage to propel the great calamity into motion, breaking the barrier in one fell swoop."

'It is indeed feasible,' Qing Yu tapped his throne lightly, pondering, 'With the sixth following the nine and the nine following the six, the final generation's Evil Qi shall surge to unprecedented heights. If we capitalize on the force of its Evil Qi as it descends, the impending great calamity could indeed be brought forth in one go. Elder Shiming has indeed plotted deep.'

'However...'

Qing Yu cast a subtle glance at Cangtian, 'Cangtian suddenly suggests allowing the grassland people directly into Central Plains; what are his motives? Is he at the end of his lifespan, seeking a final gamble, or is he one of the grassland people, or someone from the Heavenly Demon Palace?'

The odds of nearing the end of his lifespan were slim; it was more likely that he had ties with the grassland people or the Heavenly Demon Palace. Of course, there was another possibility: that Cangtian simply aimed to break the restriction.

Similar thoughts were not exclusive to Qing Yu; others shared them as well. Cangtian's actions subtly disclosed his inclinations, sparking boundless speculation among the council.

"Hmph!"

Feeling the gazes of everyone present, Cangtian huffed coldly, his powerful spiritual fluctuations proved his strength and made everyone divert their eyes. Who else might be watching in secret remained unknown.

"Who among you will participate in the attack against Luo Feng and the others?" Bian Tian asked.

The crowd quieted down, and from within the veils of white mist and shadows, eyes roamed, assessing the reactions of all present.

To attack Luo Feng meant revealing a degree of one's martial arts prowess, which might allow others to guess your identity. In the enigmatic midst of the Nine Heavens where secrecy was paramount, those who revealed themselves first were always more vulnerable to crises and uncertainties.

"Count me in."

The voice came from Xuantian, who had recently joined. Everyone turned toward the sound, only to realize its source.

"Having just joined the ranks of the Nine Heavens, I should contribute," Qing Yu said with a light laugh, "However, should there be another operation, I reserve the right to refuse participation."

"That is acceptable," Bian Tian nodded, "It's unreasonable to expect one person to keep contributing without respite."

"In that case, also count me in." You Tian, also known as the Shadow King, was the second to speak up.

"To be safe, let's add one more," Bian Tian looked at the others, "Ideally, if we could spare the lives of Luo Feng or the Divine Captors, that would be best."

"Then count this consort in," chimed a delicate and flirtatious voice, coming from Zhu Tian, the council's only openly female member. She seemed quite intrigued by the prospect of the assassination, her words laden with anticipation.

"Then it will be the three of you. You each reserve the right to refuse the next operation," Bian Tian stated.

"With that settled, this meeting is adjourned."

One by one, the figures vanished until only You Tian, Zhu Tian, and Qing Yu remained.

"Where shall we meet?" inquired You Tian, looking at the other two.

"Outside of Shu Province, on Pan Yin Mountain," Qing Yu mused for a moment before replying.

"Agreed."

"This consort is quite excited to see Xuantian and You Tian in person!"

As they spoke, their figures, too, disappeared from the confines of the Heavenly Vault. The gathering, lasting less than two hours, had set the tone for the assassination and unveiled the turmoil in the Western Regions.

...

Back in reality, the light within the jade pendant clutched in Qing Yu's arms extinguished. Gazing at several disciples practicing their martial arts in the distant square, he spoke to Xuanzhen, "The reorganization has been a success. The disciples are beginning to adapt to the presence of the new leadership."

During these days, minds had been molded, favors had been doled out, and the disciples had generally settled down. Especially those who were once against the Sect Leader were now welcoming Qing Yu. Their goals had been achieved, and as long as the new leader did not disappoint them, they would naturally cease their blind opposition.

"There are still some who harbor discontent in secret. Chonghe Peak has been under Xuan Chen's influence for over a decade, and he has many loyal followers," Xuanzhen said.

Over ten years was enough time for a child to grow into an adolescent; it was no surprise that the disciples, raised on Chonghe Peak from a young age, had developed strong affection for Xuan Chen.

"No matter," Qing Yu smiled, "Now that I am in charge of Chonghe Peak, these people will naturally be gradually replaced."

These resentful disciples were at most at the Innate Realm; they were little more than superficial nuisances. Once marginalized, they would inevitably become mediocre.

Without resources or guidance from masters, how could they make significant progress? Breaking through in Martial Arts Realm is not something that mere secret manuals can accomplish; insights from predecessors and beneficial resources were indispensable.

Qing Yu and Xuanzhen strolled forward, their footsteps on the snowy ground producing a crunching sound.

"Aren't you afraid that one of those individuals will turn out to be a genius who, someday, might overturn you just as you did Xuan Chen?" Xuanzhen teased.

"Correction," Qing Yu said, lifting his head slightly to gaze at the clouds beyond the mountain peaks, "Xuan Chen did not die by my hand. His death had nothing to do with me. As for the emergence of so-called geniuses..."

Time was on his side. It would take at least ten, twenty, or even thirty years for a prodigy to grow to Qing Yu's current level. By then, what level of strength would Qing Yu possess?

"You are quite arrogant."

"It's simply confidence."

Their figures receded into the distance, yet suddenly, a pitch-black silhouette appeared in their place.

"Though time is on my side, I do not have much of it to spare now," Qing Yu shook his head.

If it were not possible for him to exist in two forms, Qing Yu would have had to fabricate excuses even to go after Luo Feng and the others. Moreover, he would have to scheme to sabotage the Nine Heavens' actions, requiring the action of his other self.

Qing Yu, wearing a dark gold robe, slowly put on his mask and, with a flicker, merged into thin air, his presence as ephemeral as a fleeting ghost.