Free Web NovelChapter 287: Chapter 283: The Blood of the Star Sword Sect, an Offering for the Birth of the Myriad Swords Sect
While all of Lei Province was in an uproar over the name Ning Jiang, he and his party had already left the desert and returned to the Yanyue Sect.
Accompanying them were members of Floating Snow Hall and the War Elephant Sect.
The leadership of the three major sects gathered for a meeting initiated by Ning Jiang.
"Ning Jiang, you said you had something to discuss and asked us to gather. We’re here now, so don’t keep us in suspense."
The Sect Leader of the War Elephant Sect, Lin Zhan, spoke to Ning Jiang as an equal.
Ning Jiang’s strength was now a cut above his own, so he would not dare underestimate him because of his youth.
"Indeed. Speak your mind," Fang Xue, the Hall Master of Floating Snow Hall, nodded.
"It’s simple. This is about the Evil Spirit Sect. I made a move against them, and their retaliation will come sooner or later. Your two sects helped out, so the Evil Spirit Sect won’t spare you either."
Ning Jiang spoke slowly. At his words, the other two’s expressions grew grave. They were all too aware that he was right.
Even though Ning Jiang had defeated three God-Seizing Realm experts, those three were insignificant compared to the might of the entire Evil Spirit Sect.
"I take full responsibility for my actions. I killed the men from the Evil Spirit Sect, so I will be the one to face their retaliation. I have two proposals. First, you can stay out of this. Go back, lie low, and wait until this feud between me and the Evil Spirit Sect is resolved."
Ning Jiang said. He had no desire to drag the two major sects into this mess.
Lin Zhan and Fang Xue exchanged a look. Fang Xue shook her head. "Let’s not even consider that first proposal. We made our choice when we helped the Yanyue Sect in the desert. We were prepared for the consequences. We’re all in the same boat now, so just tell us your second proposal!"
"My second proposal can be summed up in six words," Ning Jiang said, enunciating each one. "Divided we fall, united we stand!"
"Oh? And what do you mean by that?"
They both knew that when Ning Jiang said ’united we stand,’ he wasn’t talking about a simple alliance. There was a deeper meaning.
Ning Jiang looked toward the sky, his gaze distant. "Once the Evil Spirit Sect comes for revenge, our three sects will be scattered across three different locations. They will pick us off one by one, and I won’t be able to provide aid in time. What I mean by ’united we stand’ is simple: our three sects must become one, merging into a single entity!"
The headquarters of the three sects were a one or two-day journey from one another.
Ning Jiang’s solution was to integrate the three major sects into a single, unified whole.
"This..."
Lin Zhan and Fang Xue were stunned by the idea. They immediately sank into deep thought, knowing they had to make a decision in the face of the Evil Spirit Sect’s impending retaliation.
"Merge into a single sect... That means giving up our original names," Lin Zhan said with a frown, his hesitation showing.
Fang Xue, however, was more decisive. A determined glint flashed in her eyes. "A name is not important; it’s just a label. Call the sun by any other name, and it will still rise in the east and set in the west. This is a matter of survival for our sects. There is no room for hesitation. I agree to the merger."
"I’m ashamed. Sect Leader Fang may be a woman, but she has more backbone than I do. You’re right. A name is just a label; it’s the people who are the foundation. I was the one who failed to see that clearly. I agree to the proposal as well."
Lin Zhan burst out laughing. He knew that merging the three sects was the best solution.
With both of them having stated their positions, only Yue Wenfu remained.
Yue Wenfu was direct. "I have no objections, either. But if we’re to be a new sect, we’ll need a new name."
He didn’t place much importance on the sect’s name.
Protecting the disciples of the sect was the truly wise course of action.
After all, if the sect were to be destroyed, what use would a name be?
"I’ve already thought of a name. We’ll call it..." Ning Jiang took a deep breath and said slowly, "the Myriad Swords Sect!"
The Myriad Swords Sect. It was a Sword Dao Sect from a hundred thousand years ago.
Ning Jiang chose this name in part to commemorate that ancient sect. A hundred thousand years ago, when the Demon Race invaded, the Myriad Swords Sect stood united against them, fighting to the last man until every single member had shed their last drop of blood. Not a single soul survived.
It was a sect of unparalleled camaraderie, embodying the spirit of courage, fearlessness, sacrifice, and benevolence.
The Myriad Swords Technique that Ning Jiang cultivated came from the original Myriad Swords Sect, so this act was also his way of repaying a debt.
’Since I cultivate your Sword Technique, I will make your name resound through the Great Thousand Realms once more!’
Besides, the name Myriad Swords Sect also implies the concept of "Myriad Swords Return to the Sect"—that all the sword techniques in the world belong to a single school. It evokes the image of the vast ocean accepting a hundred rivers, of ten thousand streams flowing back to a single source.
"The Myriad Swords Sect... an excellent name!"
The three leaders’ eyes lit up. They could all feel a sense of grand ambition and great destiny within the name.
"Ning Jiang, since we’re establishing a new sect, have you thought about who will be the Sect Leader?" asked Yue Wenfu.
"What do you think?"
"I nominate you," said Yue Wenfu. "Your current strength far surpasses the three of us, which is more than enough to command everyone’s respect. Moreover, this sect exists because of you. Without you, our three sects would never have united."
"I can accept the title, but the actual management of the sect must be left to you," Ning Jiang said, not refusing the offer. He knew this was a position he couldn’t turn down.
"Rest assured, we understand," Yue Wenfu replied. "With your talent, cultivation is what’s most important. The stronger you are, the stronger the Myriad Swords Sect will be. Leave the management to us. Sect Leader Lin, Sect Leader Fang, what do you say?"
"I have no objection."
"Nor do I."
Both nodded in agreement.
"Good. Then let me lay out my thoughts. The Myriad Swords Sect will focus primarily on the sword. I have some Sword Techniques that I can pass down."
"However, a sect should be all-embracing and inclusive, so other disciplines can also be cultivated. I can provide the necessary resources for those as well. Furthermore, the names War Elephant Sect, Floating Snow Hall, and Yanyue Sect need not disappear. They will become the three halls of our new sect: the War Elephant Hall, the Floating Snow Hall, and the Yanyue Hall."
Ning Jiang’s words were final. Though young, his every word and action made the others feel as though they were facing a true superior. He possessed a natural and immense authority.
"An excellent arrangement," the three agreed.
"The founding of the Myriad Swords Sect is a joyous occasion that calls for a celebration! Let us use the blood of the Star Sword Sect to commemorate our birth and let all of Qing Province know that from this day forward, the Myriad Swords Sect is its master!"
Ning Jiang spoke slowly, his voice calm, yet it carried an ambition vast enough to swallow mountains and rivers, an aura that looked down upon the heavens and the earth.
The expressions of the three leaders tensed.
However, they weren’t particularly surprised. Taking action against the Star Sword Sect was only to be expected.
Back in the desert, the members of the Star Sword Sect had tried to kill Ning Jiang. It was an irreconcilable conflict.
If Ning Jiang dared to kill people from the Evil Spirit Sect, what did the Star Sword Sect amount to?
Besides, this was the perfect time to strike the Star Sword Sect. If they waited until the Evil Spirit Sect’s main force arrived, the Star Sword Sect would surely coordinate with them, putting the new alliance at a disadvantage.
"What are your chances against the Star Sword Sect’s Earth Martial Realm expert?" Yue Wenfu asked.
"I wouldn’t make a move if I weren’t absolutely certain."
"Good! Then we’ll join you in this madness. When do we strike?" Battle intent ignited in the eyes of Lin Zhan and Fang Xue.
"Now!"
On that day, the experts of the three sects assembled.
Their blades were pointed at the Star Sword Sect!
