Free Web NovelChapter 442: Chapter 217: Discussing the Martial Arts Assembly, Part 2
Zhao Rui led Cang Zhenzi and the others around Qingcheng Mountain several times, searching for hidden observation points. They not only assigned personnel but also installed surveillance equipment.
Martial Arts and technology, working hand-in-hand.
They set up hidden sentry posts not only on Qingcheng Mountain but also within a thirty-mile radius.
The slightest disturbance would not escape the eyes of the Qingcheng Sect.
One day, a secret scout from the base of the mountain suddenly sent word that dozens of figures from the martial arts world were heading for Qingcheng Mountain.
From their attire, they appeared to be from more than ten different groups, including the Kongtong Sect, the Mangshan Sect, the Taishan Sect, Yuzhu Manor, and the Huashan Sect.
Upon hearing this, Master Weichen immediately had an elder from the sect go down the mountain to receive them.
When the elder reached the base of the mountain, he saw they were all elders or key personnel from their respective sects.
Startled, the elder hurriedly led them up the mountain.
Once on the mountain, after paying their respects to Master Weichen, the group explained the reason for their visit.
They wished to unite the various sects, go to Shaolin together, and ask this "preeminent authority" of the Martial Arts world to convene a Martial Arts Conference and re-establish order in the Jianghu.
Although the Demon Dao had gone into hiding, the Evil Dao was now running rampant. A great war was imminent, causing widespread panic. The government supported the major, renowned sects, but they couldn’t be of much help in matters like this.
Their focus was on developing technology to deal with the impending Gui Xu invasion.
How could a clash between two cultures possibly be peaceful?
Either one would annex the other, or one would disappear completely from the river of history.
When it came to the affairs of the Martial Arts world, their hands were tied.
"The Qingcheng Sect has no objections. Cang Zhenzi, take three disciples with you to Shaolin and make our sect’s stance clear."
Master Weichen pondered for a moment before summoning Cang Zhenzi and relaying the Sect Leader’s decree.
"Yes, Sect Leader!"
Cang Zhenzi bowed and accepted the order.
"We haven’t seen your sect’s Zhao Zhenren, have we? It’s been some time since we parted at Taishan."
Master Qingshan, representing the Taishan Sect, asked with a smile.
"Indeed. I’ve also come on behalf of my Sect Leader to pay my respects to Zhao Zhenren."
An elder from the Kongtong Sect also spoke up with a smile.
"Haha, Elder Zhao left the mountain a few days ago. He’s always been a free spirit. Your visit is quite ill-timed."
"Ah, that is truly a shame."
Master Qingshan shook his head slightly, a look of regret on his face.
"Is this Zhao Zhenren the one who forced his way out of Gui Xu?"
A master from another sect who had never met Zhao Rui couldn’t help but ask.
"The very same."
"Ah, what a pity. I haven’t had the good fortune to meet him..."
"For Zhao Zhenren to force his way out of Gui Xu at such a young age is truly astonishing. I heard he also killed many Exotic Beasts in the East Sea..."
The crowd began to whisper among themselves. What was supposed to be a discussion about going to Shaolin had turned into a discussion all about Zhao Rui.
Master Weichen looked on helplessly. He hadn’t expected Zhao Rui to be so popular now.
A glint appeared in Master Weichen’s eyes. ’If this keeps up, perhaps one day the Martial Arts Conference could be held here on our Qingcheng Mountain...’
The group whispered for a while longer. Once Cang Zhenzi was ready, they stopped their discussion, immediately rose, and descended Qingcheng Mountain, heading towards Mount Emei.
"The storm is coming!"
After the group had left, Master Weichen stood facing the wind, gazing at the turbulent, ominous mountain clouds. He couldn’t help but stroke his beard and sigh softly.
...
The capital city, over thirty miles from Qingcheng Mountain, was as bustling as ever, filled with heavy traffic and swarming crowds.
Aside from the addition of many pedestrians in ancient-style clothing and the proliferation of signs for various Martial Arts Halls and factions, not much had changed.
Of course, a closer look would reveal that more and more people were vaulting over obstacles.
Road dividers that used to be a struggle to climb over were now simply leaped over by many people.
High ledges that might have previously required climbing dozens of stairs could now just be jumped down from or up to.
It saved time and effort.
Of course, this "uncivilized" behavior only happened where the Patrol couldn’t see. Otherwise, they’d still get a lecture.
As individual strength increased, the combat effectiveness of the Patrols also rose sharply.
In the past, a regular Patrol officer might be a Level 1 or Level 2 Martial Artist at most.
Now, Level 6 and Level 7 Martial Artists were everywhere, a common sight.
With the entire population advancing, all sorts of monsters and demons were naturally no exception.
The government, which controlled the strongest forces, was naturally also adapting to the new order of the Martial Dao’s rapid rise.
"Your aunt, uncle, and the others have all been given jobs at state-owned companies. The benefits are quite good. It’s just that their housing is temporarily rented..."
In a residential complex, Zhao Jincheng sipped his tea and chatted casually with his son, Zhao Rui.
Since Zhao Rui had come to Qingcheng Mountain, he naturally had to come "home" to visit. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
This was his first time visiting since his parents and relatives had moved here.
The capital’s authorities took good care of them, arranging jobs for everyone. Zhao Jincheng was still in his old line of work, just transferred over from Dongqi.
As for Xue Wenhui, she now worked in logistics at a school. The old couple’s daily life was very fulfilling.
Zhao Rui had suggested they stay home and just take care of the grandparents.
But the two of them couldn’t sit still and felt it was too boring to just stay at home.
They felt more comfortable going out to work.
Zhao Rui couldn’t win the argument, so he agreed.
As long as they were happy.
"Rui, Brother Rui, have some fruit!"
As the father and son were chatting, Zhou Moshu walked over with a platter of fruit and gently placed it on the coffee table.
"Thanks, I appreciate it."
Zhao Rui said with a smile.
"It’s the least I can do."
Zhou Moshu said with a faint smile.
"You’d better not bully her. We treat her like our own daughter. When you’re not home, having her around to keep us company is much more thoughtful than you ever are."
Zhao Jincheng said with a laugh.
"Hey, Dad, am I that kind of unreasonable person?"
Zhao Rui said, disgruntled.
"I know exactly what you’re like, kid. You look harmless on the outside, but you’re stubborn to the core."
"I know, Dad."
Zhao Rui smiled helplessly.
Seeing Zhao Rui get put in his place, Zhou Moshu couldn’t help but cover her mouth and giggle.
’During this time, my job was to protect the Zhao Family, but I’ve barely had to lift a finger.’
’Instead, I’ve had a profound experience of a life completely different from my past twenty years.’
’It wasn’t just the technological changes, but also the social interactions, the way of life, and so many other new experiences.’
’Of course, I also learned many interesting stories about my "senior."’
’Only then did I realize that my "senior" was just like me—a young person not even twenty years old.’
’I couldn’t help but marvel at it.’
"Still laughing? Have you forgotten how formidable I can be?"
Zhao Rui shot Zhou Moshu a look.
"Hee hee, I’m just going to keep laughing."
Zhou Moshu chuckled, unconcerned, and turned to walk toward the living room.
"Sigh!"
Zhao Rui shook his head with a mock sigh.
’Sincerity really is the ultimate weapon,’ he thought. ’Controlling Zhou Moshu with force is nowhere near as effective as the emotional bond my parents have formed with her.’
’Now, Zhou Moshu already considers herself a part of this family.’
’The mundane world is truly the greatest corruptor of the Dao Heart.’
"You need to be careful out there. The world is different now. If you can avoid sticking your neck out, then don’t."
"I know!"
Listening to Zhao Jincheng’s nagging, Zhao Rui nodded in agreement.
Zhao Rui didn’t stay at home for long. It was enough for him to know that his family was well-settled.
He stayed for two days, and on the morning of the third, Zhao Rui left home and returned to Qingcheng Mountain.
When he got back up the mountain and heard that Master Qingshan and the others had visited, Zhao Rui’s brow furrowed.
"I’m just afraid Shaolin won’t want to get involved in this mess."
"It’s no longer up to them."
"Let’s just wait and see how things develop."
After a brief exchange, Zhao Rui led the Luo River Three Uglies down Qingcheng Mountain.
This time, his destination was the Celestial Mountain Sect.
As one of the Major Martial Arts Sects located far from the Central Plains, the Celestial Mountain Sect had always stayed out of Central Plains affairs. freeωebnovēl.c૦m
They were considered somewhat separate from the rest.
However, the Celestial Mountain Sect’s Martial Arts were unique, and from time to time, disciples with supreme skills would descend the mountain to gain experience and make a name for themselves in the Jianghu.
The Central Plains Martial Arts world never dared to underestimate them.
Zhao Rui was going this time not only to witness the Tianshan Martial Arts for himself, but more importantly, because Tianshan was near the Central Asian Domain of the Great Shang, where followers of the Evil Dao were gathering.
He wanted to investigate the situation for himself.
And fleece some sheep along the way!
