The Strongest Sect of All Times

Jun Changxiao would not exterminate the Xiao Family. After all, it was a family of Liyang City and he had no evidence that they had tried to assassinate him. Still, he could retaliate with other methods, like smashing them economically. 

The Drizzle Hall members were very efficient and brought the news back within two days. 

“The Xiao Family has many businesses.”

Li Luoqiu reported: “They sell iron ores, medicinal pills and herbs, and have branches in all eight cities of Qingyang Commandery.”

“Medicinal pills and herbs?”

Jun Changxiao asked, “Can they compare to the Ai Family?”

Li Luoqiu shook his head. “The Xiao Family is an aristocratic family on the martial path. Their business can technically be comparable to the Ai Family’s, but according to our sources, the Xiao Family’s pills and herbs were mostly provided by the Ai Family.”

“Is that so?”

Jun Changxiao’s mouth curled into a smile. 

This was an excellent piece of information, something that could be used. 

“What about iron ores?”

“There is a mineral lode 300 li outside of Liyang City. It was discovered by the Xiao Family, so their ore originates from there.”

Jun Changxiao rested his chin on the back of his hand. “Say, if this mineral lode caught fire, suddenly flooded, or somehow collapsed, would the Xiao Family incur losses?”

Li Luoqiu said, “Not only would they suffer losses, they would suffer great losses.”

The Xiao Family maintained control over 60% of the iron ore industry in Qingyang Commandery. If they did not have this, they would have absolutely disastrous losses. 

“Lead men to the mineral mine and make an accident,” Jun Changxiao ordered. 

“Mhm,” agreed Li Luoqiu. 

Jun Changxiao said, “Are there miners in the area?”

“Yes.”

“People of the Xiao Family?”

“For this sort of hard labor, they generally hire from neighboring villages.”

Jun Changxiao said, “When you start, chase them out.”

For every grievance, someone was responsible. For every debt, there was a debtor. 

The Xiao Family sent people to assassinate, so naturally they would have to face consequences. 

But he would not injure the innocent. This was the bottom line he would hold himself to after adapting to Falling Star Great Continent. 

“Understood.”

Li Luoqiu walked out of the study room and shook her head. “Sect Head’s methods of retaliation… Xiao Family, you have provoked a devil that I fear is more ruthless than Vast Spirit Gate.”

…

“Sect Head.”

Li Qingyang walked over and placed a diagram onto the desk. “This is the diagram that I designed. What do you think?”

After returning to the Ironbone Sect, he spent part of his time cultivating, while also focusing on rebuilding efforts. 

“Leave it for now.”

Jun Changxiao said, “Wait until there are more disciples before reconstructing anything.”

Although he was not short of money, there was nothing wrong with using the older design. It wouldn’t matter, since they’d make changes after more people joined. 

Li Qingyang put the diagrams away and said: “This is just a draft. Since Sect Head isn’t in a hurry, this disciple will go back to carefully make designs.”

Jun Changxiao patted him on the shoulder. “If you didn’t cultivate the martial path, you’d be a proper civil engineer.”

“Civil engineer?”

Jun Changxiao did not explain further and said, “This lord has matters to attend to in Huyang City, I leave the sect in your hands.”

“Mhm.”

Our talented Li was already used to it. 

Before leaving, Jun Changxiao spent 20 contribution points to buy two basic Cold Edge Swords for Ye Xingchen and Li Fei, which were considered as rewards for their victory in the Vast Spirit Gate. 

And then… he headed for Liyang City!

Since he knew that the Xiao Family sold medicinal pills and herbs, he would be too uncomfortable if he didn’t do something about it. 

…

“I finally have a sword.” Ye Xingchen took the Cold Edge Sword and after feeling the chilling energy, he was quite satisfied. “This sword should be mid-grade, so it will be passable for now.”

A mid-grade weapon was not something that a Martial Master would necessarily have. 

Our Night Emperor said that it was only passable; if others heard this they would definitely gang up on him. 

“Huff!”

Arriving at the small training field in the inner court, Ye Xingchen let out a long breath and let one hand rest on the sword hild, both of his eyes staring straight ahead as he got into position. 

The nearby Zhou Hong noticed and muttered, “Does Senior Brother Ye also understand the sword?”

Clang-

Suddenly, the Cold Edge Sword left its sheath and a sword glare flashed through the air, weaving to instantly become ten. 

Zhou Hong said: “Ten swords in one move, not bad.”

Clang!

Ye Xingchen sheathed the sword, then got into position once more, thinking about the First Word: Quick Move. 

He’s going to try again? Zhou Hong secretly thought. 

Clang!

Ye Xingchen’s sword came out of the sheath again. 

Clang!

The sword was sheathed. 

Looking at the sword images in the air, vanishing like fireworks, Zhou Hong exclaimed in surprise, “One breath… 24 swords!”

Huh? Huh?

This was not done with sword intent alone, but using some sword technique to bolster natural strength!

Zhou Hong hurried to say, “Senior Brother Ye, did you use a sword technique just now?”

“Indeed,” confirmed Ye Xingchen. 

Zhou Hung hurried to ask, “What kind of sword technique can let Senior Brother Ye go from 10 swords in one breath to 24?”

Ye Xingchen lightly said, “Ice Sword Divine Art; Sect Head gave it.”

Sect Head gave it? 

Was it the sect’s sword technique?

The always calm and slightly eccentric Zhou Hong was a little excited, not even continuing to practice the sword as he rushed to find the sect head. In the end, he learned that the sect head had gone to Huyang City and sat outside the garden. 

This was truly a sword maniac. 

…

Jun Changxiao descended the mountain to enter the city and each time he would feel different things. 

This time arriving in Huyang City was quite remarkable since as he entered, the passersby were filled with admiration. 

Why?

Because the matter regarding the Vast Spirit Gate had spread through Qingyang Commandery and caused a tremendous sensation — to the magnitude of an huge earthquake. 

Let’s take Huyang City as an example. Xiao Family provoked someone and Qingya House was burnt down, but this was only talked about a little before discussions about the Ironbone Sect drowned it out — people forgot about the Xiao Family. 

What was Qingyang Commandery’s most famous sect now?

The Ironbone Unyielding Sect. 

Who was the most famous person in Qingyang Commandery?

Jun Changxiao!

From Earth’s perspective, Sect Head Jun was definitely an internet celebrity! No! He was the darling of the media!

If Falling Star Continent had a social network, he would have innumerable fans just in Qingyang Commandery. 

“Wah! Sect Head Jun is so handsome!”

As he walked down the path to the alchemist’s shop, numerous ladies watched the charming Jun Changxiao. As he passed, they would shyly lower their hands, their hearts thumping; only shrill shrieking was missing. 

“Sect Head Jun.” One bold young lady rushed over and shoved a bunch of fresh flowers over, cheeks flaming red. “Please… Please accept them.”

Jun Changxiao received the flowers and showed them his cool side profile, then smiled gently. “Thanks.”

“Ah! I can’t take it anymore!”

The young ladies in the distance saw his face and their eyes rolled up, fainting on the spot. 

The girl who had brought the flower used her hands to cover her flaming cheeks, running away in shyness, fearing she would faint from how fast her pulse was from the proximity. 

“Sect Head Jun, here are flowers from me!”

“Sect Head Jun, I have some too!”

“Sect Head Jun, can you give me an autograph?”

“Sect Head Jun, can I hug you?”

Shortly, a group of pretty young ladies crowded around great Sect Head Jun, pushing fresh flowers into his face — it was a scene that could be called magnificent!

“Ahaha, ahahahaha…”

Huyang City, inner gates. Jun Changxiao squatted in a corner, foolish laughter bubbling from his mouth and saliva pooling. 

The martial artists passed by and glanced, murmuring amongst themselves. 

“What’s wrong with Sect Head Jun?”

“He’s been squatting there ever since he arrived. In my opinion, he must have gotten good news.”

“Even if he’s happy, does he need to laugh so creepily?”