The Path of the Martial Arts BOSS

Under the azure sky lies vast yellow sands, with hot winds occasionally sweeping through, carrying away every trace of moisture.

This is the Western Desert, Daqian Western, a gathering place for Peacock Remnants and the Cangsheng Sect.

Daqian built a defense line in the Western Regions to distinguish the interior from the exterior. Inside the line, the climate is arid but not entirely a desert; beyond it lies an endless desert.

Though this is Daqian's territory, in truth, Daqian does not have any expectations for this desert. The Western Regions are more like a place of exile. Everything Daqian does not want is pushed into the Western Regions.

Of course, many who cannot make it in Daqian flee to the Western Regions to escape their enemies' pursuit.

In the past, overseas was also a refuge for many, but recently, Japan has frequently sent fleets to raid overseas; it's become a meat grinder and can't be called a refuge anymore.

Thus, people can only flock to the Western Regions.

On this day, a mysterious figure clad entirely in a black cloak arrived at a gathering place beyond the defense line.

Everyone knows that wearing a black cloak in the desert is extremely foolish. Sunlight on the black fabric absorbs all light and heat, creating a strong sensation of heat.

However, this figure in the black cloak clearly did not feel any heat. Beneath the hood was a deep darkness that seemed to absorb all heat, bringing coolness to the surroundings.

And within that darkness was a face filled with boredom.

"It's such a tiring life; one body is at Zhenwu Sect succeeding, and the other has to run to this desert. Truly a tiring life."

Qing Yu yawned helplessly, maintaining a measured pace forward.

Western Regions strife is about to begin, and both inside and outside the defense line are tense. At this critical moment, the snitches from the Nine Heavens want to drag down the efforts.

The Shadow King had already sent a Divine Communication expert to come here, who has arrived early at the gathering place "Kartim."

Kartim, in the Western local dialect, means Western treasure. This largest gathering place in the Western Regions is filled with mixed forces: Peacock Remnants, Cangsheng Sect members, Shadow Pavilion, and undercover agents from Six Gates.

"However, due to the recent tightening checks by the Divine Martial Army, fugitives from the Central Plains can't escape the barrier. Inside Kartim, it's also bustling. Wearing this in the past was normal, but now entering Kartim will undoubtedly mean a check, better to sneak in."

"I heard from the Shadow King that other members from the Nine Heavens also have ideas to drag down efforts and will take action. It seems I'm not the only ally (fake) of the Shadow King in the Nine Heavens."

While idly contemplating, Qing Yu, maintaining an even stride, transformed into a haze outside Kartim's earthen city wall, permeating through the wall and entering the gathering place.

···························

The scene shifts back to Zhenwu Sect, where the succession ceremony has already begun. Presiding over the ceremony is Tong Hua, the sole awake member among the Zhenwu Three Elders.

As the last remaining elder, Tong Hua was most suitable to preside over the ceremony. Even though he was extremely reluctant, he still emerged from the Secret Realm to host Qing Yu's succession ceremony.

At this moment, facing numerous guests in the Taiji Palace, Tong Hua held the Zhenwu Sword and proclaimed loudly, "Fellow Daoists, our Zhenwu Sect has encountered calamity. Sect Leader Xuan Chen was harmed by a traitor, their identity supplanted, causing havoc within our sect. Fortunately, our young disciple Qing Yu, naturally talented, at barely twenty has achieved transcendence, reaching the Divine Communication Realm.

Several months ago, Qing Yu ascended Chonghe Peak, exposed the impostor, fought and rectified the chaos, cleansing the sect from evil. Therefore, after consultation with me and the Peak Masters, Qing Yu is to succeed as Sect Leader today; please bear witness!"

In few words, he recounted all of Qing Yu's accomplishments, whether others believed or not, the Seven Peak Masters present all nodded with smiles, appearing deeply gratified.

Among them, the reactions of Zhengyang Peak Master Xuan Zheng and Heavenly Void Peak Master Xuan Lin were most intense. Zhengyang Peak Master Xuan Zheng, being Sect Leader Xuan Chen's confidant, was almost in tears, showing his gratitude toward Qing Yu.

After all, Qing Yu's killing of the impostor also avenged Sect Leader Xuan Chen, naturally making Xuan Zheng overwhelmingly moved.

As for the others, their focus was mainly on the words "twenty years old." Twenty years old being indicative that this young Divine Communication expert, the new Zhenwu Sect Leader, was barely in his twenties.

Reaching Divine Communication Venerable status at just over twenty is simply unimaginable.

Of course, many had already investigated Qing Yu's background, knowing who his master was, and looked at the people of Zhenwu Sect with strange expressions, perhaps pondering something.

"Please Qing Yu enter the palace." Finally, Tong Hua summoned Qing Yu with True Qi to enter the palace.

At the entrance of Taiji Palace, a figure materialized out of thin air, like a teleportation, amidst the varied gazes, stepping forward.

The White-haired Taoist walked with composed strides, as if he were the center of the world, drawing everyone's gaze with an indescribable aura, leaving everyone speechless, without a stray thought, knowing only to watch this figure advance.

Whether malicious intent or goodwill, the thoughts of all present were blank.

Of course, this excluded the Divine Communication experts.

Nearing the front row, just three steps from Tong Hua, suddenly a hand extended horizontally, obstructing Qing Yu's path.

"Hold on!"

Qing Yu kept moving forward with steady steps, but within the seemingly slow form was an irresistible force.

"Boom—"

Like a bolt from the blue, the resounding noise was deafening as the advancing body collided with the outstretched arm. The mingled True Qi of both parties officially clashed, releasing a powerful airflow that pushed back those nearby. All guests involuntarily retreated, only stopping when they reached the wall of the grand hall.

"Bang—"

Following the first sound came another thud, the obstructing figure retreated two steps, bracing one leg against the ground to stop.

As for Qing Yu, his stride remained unhindered, his advancing stance unwavering and uninterrupted, taking three steps forward to stand before Tong Hua.

Tong Hua extended his hands holding the Zhenwu Sword.

Qing Yu took the sword, symbolizing the authority of Zhenwu Sect Leader, as well as being perfectly matched with the "Taixu Wuji Scripture," and bowed toward the image of Emperor Zhenwu at the end of the hall.

Afterward, holding the sword in one hand, he turned to face the person who tried to disrupt the ceremony, "Young Heavenly Master, what do you wish to say?"