Yang Xinpeng suddenly smiled at Yin Yi and said, "Lu Shao Xia's swordsmanship is unparalleled; I, an old man, can only bow in admiration. Truly, heroes emerge from the young."
He bowed again and addressed Gao Weiji below, saying, "Congratulations, High Hall Master. With such a talent in your Wuhua Sect, you will surely revive the glory of Wuhua Sect from a thousand years ago."
Gao Weiji and Tian Feiyu had long been standing beneath the arena, ready to rush up at any moment to assist Xunuo. Seeing that Xunuo not only faced no danger but also repelled Yang Xinpeng, they found it truly incredible.
Gao Weiji also cupped his hands and said, "Yang Protector, your graciousness in allowing our junior to shine is indeed the mark of a great person."
This statement was not flattery or mockery towards Yang Xinpeng; rather, it was because those below had failed to perceive the subtlety of the last strike between the two on stage.
Yang Xinpeng smiled coldly at Yin Yi and inwardly cursed Gao Weiji for being blind.
After leaving the arena, he strode away.
This battle marked the conclusion of this year's Three Factions Sword Debate, allowing Wuhua Sect to reclaim its long-lost reputation as a sword sect. Upon returning to their residence, they immediately penned a letter and sent it back to Wuhua Mountain via a swift horse.
Naturally, Wuhua Sect was filled with excitement and bustling activity. However, within a two-story small building at Shuanglong Villa, over ten people sat in an atmosphere that was tense to the extreme.
At the forefront was none other than Heartpiercer Yang Xinpeng. Below him were several Guardians, Hall Masters, and elders from Nanyue Sect.
Yang Xinpeng's face was as dark as water; his gloomy eyes swept across the faces of everyone present. He noticed that the members of Nanyue Sect wore expressions of anger and looked at him with hostility. Their faces were filled with rage, as if they would erupt at any moment.
When Yang Xinpeng's gaze landed on one Hall Master, that person glared back and said, "Yang Protector forced our Wei Cangqiong Hall Master to test swords yesterday and lost his life under Lu Zaisheng's blade. Today, not only did you fail to slay Lu Zaisheng but you also easily handed over our Nanyue Sword Sect's reputation. Shouldn't you give us a satisfactory explanation?"
Yang Xinpeng did not respond but continued scanning each face until he had looked at everyone. Only then did he say, "I must first ask all present: You speak only of Lu Zaisheng emerging from One Sword, Seven Flowers but do not mention that this person can also unleash One Flower Six Points. Are you trying to leave my life here by employing such underhanded tactics? To drag my Heavenly Shadow Sect down with you and bind us together with your Nanyue Sect?"
As he spoke the last sentence, Yang Xinpeng emphasized each word sharply. A chilling aura filled the entire room.
Upon hearing "One Flower Six Points," the anger on the faces of Nanyue Sect members instantly turned into shock. They knew all too well how terrifying One Flower Six Points could be. If this were true, Nanyue Sect would have provoked two formidable enemies. Wuhua Sect was already an arch-nemesis of Nanyue Sect; if they also incurred Heavenly Shadow Sect's wrath, there would be little hope for Nanyue Sect's survival.
A Guardian from Nanyue Sect who was closer to Yang Xinpeng cautiously spoke up, "Elder Yang, can you confirm that Lu Zaisheng can indeed employ the sword technique of One Flower Six Points?"
Yang Xinpeng coldly said, "I nearly lost my life to this person's sword. How could I not recognize the intricacies of the Sword Flower?"
After a moment of silence, the Guardian spoke again, "Please, Elder Yang, do not be angry. We truly did not know that Lu Zaisheng was so formidable. Otherwise, we would not have risked the life of Hall Master Wei Cangqiong by engaging in such self-destructive actions. I ask you to see clearly and not ruin the friendship between our sects."
Yang Xinpeng continued to look at everyone with a gloomy expression. However, he already understood in his heart. Just by observing their expressions earlier, he could tell that they were still in the dark. They had no idea that Lu Zaisheng had displayed unparalleled swordsmanship in the Arena, let alone that they had prior knowledge of it.
His earlier revelation was merely a precaution to prevent them from going berserk and losing control of the situation. If it were just three or five members from the Nanyue Sect, Yang Xinpeng could handle it easily. While he couldn't claim he could kill them effortlessly, he could still manage to come and go freely. But if these ten or so people rushed at him all at once, he would only meet a bitter end.
Moreover, after the battle in the Arena, Yang Xinpeng's Inner Strength was greatly depleted. Currently, he was nearly drained of any ability to fight back.
After pondering for a moment, Yang Xinpeng suddenly said, "Your sect leader Tuoba Buer's son and disciple must have also perished at this person's hands. You have many eyes and ears around Wuhua Sect; please investigate if there were any sightings of Lu Zaisheng during that time."
One of the Hall Masters from Nanyue Sect replied, "Alright, I will send more people to ensure this matter is thoroughly investigated."
The Guardian from Nanyue Sect added, "If your elder truly died at Lu Zaisheng's hands, our sect will certainly lend our full support should you take action."
Yang Xinpeng nodded and said, "In that case, I thank you in advance. This matter needs to be reported to Jiao Nantian before any decisions can be made. I am feeling somewhat fatigued today; you may return for now."
The members of Nanyue Sect stood up to take their leave.
They had originally come with great momentum to demand justice but were now sent away with their tails between their legs. Feeling embarrassed, they dispersed without further discussion.
Meanwhile, Wuhua Sect celebrated their victory as Gu Yuze from Pool Water Sect led several Hall Masters to offer their congratulations. Elders like Gao Weiji and Tian Feiyu hosted a banquet in welcome, creating a lively atmosphere.
Pool Water Sect lacked the strength to compete directly and thus preferred to see Wuhua Sect grow stronger. After all, Wuhua Sect was farther away from Pool Water Sect and had almost no conflicting interests. With Nanyue Sect acting as a buffer, even if Wuhua Sect harbored expansionist ambitions, it would primarily target Nanyue Sect first. Pool Water Sect still had room for maneuvering unlike before when Nanyue Sect grew powerful and immediately sought to encroach on Pool Water Sect's territory and interests, forcing Pool Water Sect into submission under Nanyue Sect's banner. Many matters had to be navigated according to Nanyue Sect's whims.
As the elders of Wuhua Sect feasted with Hall Masters from Pool Water Sect, their disciples began packing their belongings and preparing carriages for their journey back to Wuhua Mountain the following day.
That night within Wuhua Sect's courtyard, after the banquet had concluded and only Gao Weiji, Tian Feiyu, and others remained seated around the table enjoying their wine while discussing grand matters of state, a disciple came to report: Heartpiercer Yang Xinpeng requests an audience.
Upon hearing this, Tian Feiyu and the others immediately sobered up. They exchanged glances for a moment before Gao Weiji said, "With our Seven Star Sword Formation stationed here at Wuhua Sect, I doubt this person has come seeking trouble."
Tian Feiyu also said, "I have thought the same. However, this person is cunning and ruthless, so we must take some precautions." He then turned to a Vice Hall Master and instructed, "Liu Shidi, go inform Zhang Shoufeng to set up the Seven Star Sword Formation in case of any unforeseen circumstances. The rest of you, come with me to welcome this fierce god."
Upon hearing this, Liu, the Vice Hall Master, hurried off to the room where Zhang Shoufeng and others were stationed. Tian Feiyu and the others adjusted their attire before stepping outside to greet Yang Xinpeng.
Yang Xinpeng stood outside in a purple robe, arms crossed and empty-handed. He gazed up at the starry sky, appearing utterly relaxed. When Tian Feiyu emerged and saw Yang Xinpeng's demeanor, he felt a pang in his heart, thinking to himself: I am far inferior to him.
Gao Weiji noticed Tian Feiyu's dazed expression and reluctantly stepped forward to say, "It has been many years since we last met, Yang Protector. Your presence still evokes great admiration."
Gao Weiji had been active outside for many years on behalf of the Wuhua Sect and had encountered Yang Xinpeng before. Although they did not share a deep friendship, they could still engage in conversation out of courtesy. Moreover, while the Heavenly Shadow Sect had a closer relationship with the Nanyue Sect, it would not harbor enmity towards the Wuhua Sect because of it.
This time, Yang Xinpeng was acting as a Guest Elder for the Nanyue Sect, stepping forward on their behalf out of necessity. After all, they had lost Tuoba Buer's son without reason and had concealed it for years without informing his elders. Such matters were inherently unreasonable.
However, the Heavenly Shadow Sect had one significant advantage: despite its arrogance, it did not seek unlimited expansion. For thousands of years, although the Heavenly Shadow Sect had dominated the martial world, it had never united against them. This was also a testament to their cleverness.
As Ice Buddha once said: "What need do I have to strive for the title of leader of the martial world? If I do not become the leader, then there will be no leader in the martial world; isn't that even better?"
Yang Xinpeng nodded slightly and replied, "The High Hall Master’s presence is as impressive as ever. It is indeed a joyful occasion for us old fellows to meet again. Moreover, your sect's resurgence in reputation as a sword sect is truly commendable."
His expression remained calm as if the earlier conflict that day had nothing to do with him.
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