The Path of the Martial Arts BOSS

"Master Qingyu, I've long admired you!"

In front of the large courtyard house, Mu Xiuji, dressed like a teacher, bowed to Qingyu.

Judging from appearance alone, Mu Xiuji did not possess the domineering aura that the name "Haqi Heaven Monarch" should have. Neither his attire nor his act of waiting outside was befitting of the title of "Heaven Monarch."

However, Qingyu, who had previously reviewed Mu Xiuji's records, knew this person appeared mediocre on the outside but was extremely decisive in strategy. Once he set a plan, he executed it with swift and forceful actions.

In past years, he unhesitatingly left Jixia Academy, defeating four Sacrificial Officers of Jixia Academy consecutively, and fought the Great Sacrificial Officer to a draw through a hundred moves, agreeing to the terms of respecting each other's boundaries. He then founded Haqi Academy and formed the Haqi Alliance, showing remarkable skills and force to establish Haqi Academy and Haqi Alliance in the Daqian realm.

After all, Mu Xiuji's teachings in Confucianism differed significantly from Jixia Academy's Philosophy, both in terms of doctrine and thought. Without adequate force, achieving such feats would be impossible.

"Haqi Heaven Monarch, I too have long admired you." Qingyu paid respects with a bow.

Xuanzhen nodded with a cool demeanor.

"This is my uncle-master Xuanzhen," Qingyu raised his hand and introduced, "Mr. Mu must be aware of some disputes between Xuanzhen and the Hundred Herbs Pavilion. Three days ago, people from the Hundred Herbs Pavilion arrived in Kaiyuan City, likely coming for these disputes."

"Master Qingyu's news is very up-to-date. You have just arrived, yet you already know the whereabouts of the Hundred Herbs Pavilion." Mu Xiuji smiled.

"Mr. Mu's news is also very up-to-date. I have just arrived in Kaiyuan City, and Mr. Mu has already heard." Qingyu responded with a smile.

The two exchanged a smile, seemingly sharing a mutual appreciation.

"Master Qingyu, please!" Mu Xiuji gestured, turning his head.

"Mr. Mu, you are too kind!"

The two walked side by side, advancing all the way to the main hall. At this time in the main hall, a man and woman were seated, discussing matters. Seeing Mu Xiuji bring Qingyu and Xuanzhen in, they both stood and looked toward the unfamiliar pair.

"Patriarch Lian, Mr. Lian, these two are Master Qingyu and Master Xuanzhen of the Zhenwu Sect, invited here. Master Qingyu, Master Xuanzhen, these two..."

Just as Mu Xiuji was about to introduce the man and woman, Qingyu said, "I have long heard of the renown of the Lian Family of Hong Province. Patriarch Lian, Mr. Lian, greetings."

The man and woman were indeed Qingyu's primary targets upon arriving in Ling Province, Patriarch Lian Feihong and her husband Lian Lin. The two led the respective male and female branches of the Lian Family, and after marrying, Lian Feihong became patriarch due to her superior force, projecting the family name externally as the Lian Family.

If Lian Lin were the patriarch, it would be known as the Lian Family.

'The Lian family excels in weaving and forging due to Hong Province's underground fires; their forging skills are even better. If I can form ties with the Lian family, I need not worry about weaponry and armor in the future, and the Great Evil King's advancement would have solid groundwork.' Qingyu silently pondered while examining the Lian family couple.

"Greetings to both of you." Lian Feihong and Lian Lin returned the courtesy.

"I've long heard of Master Qingyu's fame. To invite the Master this time is a blessing for us indeed." Lian Feihong smiled.

Due to the reasons of cultivation techniques, females of the Lian family are generally petite, while males are of a stature that could shoulder a horse. Despite the stark contrast in size, the smaller party leads, which is indeed curious.

'Furthermore... the private affairs of this large and small pair in the room must be quite intriguing!' Qingyu mused playfully.

"Patriarch Lian overpraises me. I am merely a latecomer in the study, coming this time for justice and righteousness, not for any honor or glory." Qingyu replied humbly.

He understood the reason for Lian Feihong's flattery, knowing his distinguished position in Northern Zhou could influence national affairs. Hong Province being close to Northern Zhou, Lian Feihong naturally knew of Qingyu's stature there.

Moreover, Northern Zhou and Prince Shunping now are allies speaking with great weight, if Qingyu were to support the Lian family, their future would be devoid of worries.

And Qingyu, aiming to draw the Lian family near, naturally responded to Lian Feihong's goodwill. In just a few exchanges, the two sides had reached an understanding.

Justice and righteousness, helping the Lian family was one way to uphold fairness.

"Is that so—"

"Yet I, the Manor Master, do not believe that one with ulterior motives can speak of righteousness."

As soon as he stepped into the hall, there emerged a caustic comment, malevolence evident, directly targeting Qingyu. The speaker was none other than Manor Master Xiao Qianxiu of Yu Jian Manor, who had once collaborated with the Daqian Court.

Previously rooting for Young Heavenly Master Zhang Yuanchu, he knew it had antagonized Qingyu. Now facing him once more, Xiao Qianxiu could not believe Qingyu to be someone who forgets grudges.

With the evidence from Six Gates, Xiao Qianxiu was convinced. It was for this reason he recognized how ruthless and brutal Qingyu, who once faced the world under the guise of Gong Ziyu, truly was.

"Heh," Qingyu sneered and turned back, "I also do not acknowledge the supposed righteousness of the suspicious. Manor Master Xiao had once plotted with Six Gates to falsely accuse me, now you speak ill again; does Manor Master Xiao think my sword lacks sharpness?"

The Zhenwu Sword projected a portion of itself, absent external Sword Qi, yet possessing formidable Dao might, causing the atmosphere in the hall to freeze as if solidified. Despite the blankness in his gaze, an intangible intimidation was present, inducing a sense of withdrawal in Xiao Qianxiu.

He had grown even stronger, akin to a monstrosity.

Inwardly cursing, Xiao Qianxiu felt his estimation of Qingyu needed refreshing yet again. Comparing to his past performance at the inauguration, Qingyu's threat now ran deeper, the immeasurable strength evoking a suffocating sensation in Xiao Qianxiu.

This was simply unreasonable, beyond belief. Despite living nearly eighty years, Xiao Qianxiu had never encountered such a creature.

"Hm, do you wish to compete with me, to see whose sword is sharper? Boasting!!"

Unexpectedly, Xiao Qianxiu did not shy away; instead, he took a step forward, exuding a sharp aura with vibrating air, it seemed as if ten thousand swords were clamoring, challenging Qingyu equally.

"Screech—"

The ground between Qingyu and Xiao Qianxiu split with a sword mark, neither tilted nor offset, precisely situated between the two.

"Oh?"

Glimmered by divine light in his eyes, Qingyu conjured the Heavenly Son's Qi Observation Skill, probing Xiao Qianxiu's reality.

With just Xiao Qianxiu's own power, he would not possess such an aggressive sword momentum; someone matching Qingyu could not be relied on Xiao Qianxiu alone.

As light flickered in his eyes, Qingyu saw a sword shadow flit across Xiao Qianxiu, amplifying the sword momentum, pressing back upon him.

'Broken Sword...'

The sword shadow seen before was a fragment, only one third the length of a normal sword, missing the tip and handle, it seemed to come from the center part of a sword's edge.

"Relying on an external item, you dare strut before me?"

Dao might boundless, Yin and Yang Qi flowed and merged, evolving to Taixu, embodying hidden profound transformative power.