Urban Martial Saint

The crowd was in uproar, all accusing the Seven Steering Committees of the Hong Alliance of shamelessness for considering Shenchuan City their territory. This situation led to a commotion from the side of the Seven Steering Committees of the Hong Alliance as well.

In fact, it’s just as Ding Lianshun and the others have said: Shenchuan City is actually lent to the Seven Steering Committees of the Hong Alliance by Ye Qing. Previously, Shenchuan City was the territory of Ye Qing and Li Lianshan. However, since the battle between the Seven Steering Committees of the Hong Alliance and the Twelve Green Halls had begun, they had to use Shenchuan City as a transit area, so it was lent to them. Even the manor where the Seven Steering Committees of the Hong Alliance are currently residing also belongs to Li Lianshan, loaned to them for use. Therefore, when the Seven Steering Committees claim Shenchuan City is their territory, it naturally draws ridicule and contempt from people— they show no face to the Seven Steering Committees of the Hong Alliance at all in their words.

The faces of the people on the side of the Seven Steering Committees of the Hong Alliance were flushed with shame. They had been in Shenchuan City for so long that they had all but forgotten this matter and had always considered Shenchuan City their territory. Now that they hear others mention this matter, they realize that Shenchuan City does not belong to them. Therefore, they have no right to make such remarks at all.

Helian Tiehua frowned deeply. By now, he was very clear that if the Twelve Green Halls wanted to enter Shenchuan City, they could not be stopped. In the end, it was Aolingyun’s arrogance that led them to withdraw from the World Alliance, which resulted in the Seven Steering Committees of the Hong Alliance being in this passive position. He does not resent Ye Qing, because he knows what Ye Qing has in mind. In fact, even if he were in Ye Qing’s position, he would certainly do the same, which is not unusual. Now the key problem is, once the Twelve Green Halls have entered Shenchuan City, how should the Seven Steering Committees of the Hong Alliance deal with this event?

After much argument among the people, but without any results, even though there was much clamoring from the side of the Seven Steering Committees of the Hong Alliance, it was of little practical significance. The Twelve Green Halls decided to enter Shenchuan City, and that meant they would speak with strength. Even if Shenchuan City were truly their territory, they would still have to be able to stop the Twelve Green Halls. The Twelve Green Halls’ strength is comparable to theirs. If there’s really a struggle in Shenchuan City, it’s hard to say who will emerge victorious.

After much argument among them, Ye Qing finally found an opportunity, and in a loud voice said: ”As for whose territory Shenchuan City truly belongs to, there’s no point in saying much now; in time, it will become clear. However, what I’ve lent to the Twelve Green Halls is of my personal industry, and it shouldn’t have anything to do with territorial claims, right?”

”Of course not!”

”Who could speak against one’s personal industry?”

”Hmph, even if their power is great, they couldn’t just take others’ possessions, could they?”

”Exactly, they might not really be that shameless!”

The crowd rumbled again, speaking those words clearly aimed at the Seven Steering Committees of the Hong Alliance, making their faces turn red once more and filling them with anger. Yet, they couldn’t refute this issue.

”If that’s the case, then let’s decide it this way!” Ye Qing lifted his head to observe the already sunset Full Moon, and said: ”It’s getting late, after an evening of fuss, everyone must be tired. How about descending the mountain to rest, and we’ll discuss other matters another day!”

Naturally, no one refused, and under Ye Qing’s arrangement, everyone descended the mountain together along the path. Those who could ascend the mountain were already masters among masters. Although Mount Tai was steep, to them, it was like flat land. Within a short period, everyone had descended the mountain, leaving the initially crowded summit of Mount Tai empty and peaceful once more.

Just as everyone had retreated, halfway across the distant Mount Tai, several men emerged from a concealed cave. Leading them was Wanyan Second Master. The others were also members of the Wanyan family.

The battle between The Immortal Lord and Fu Qingping saw Fu Qingping representing Shijia while The Immortal Lord actually represented the Wanyan family. Though people hadn’t seen anyone from the Wanyan family tonight, they assumed the Wanyan family hadn’t come. Who’d have thought that the Wanyan family had actually come, only hiding away. The cave they hid in was sufficiently concealed that no one came to this area, and thus, no one discovered them.

Watching everyone descend from the mountain, the Wanyan Second Master leading the group frowned deeply, grinding his teeth, and said in a somber tone: ”I really didn’t expect The Immortal Lord to be defeated. He broke through the pinnacle over a hundred years ago; in both age and power, he far surpassed Fu Qingping, with his realm above Fu Qingping’s, and yet he still lost to Fu Qingping!”

”Ah, that’s because Fu Qingping’s talent is too strong. During the duel, he even broke through the acme’s shackle, which was unforeseen!” One man whispered: ”If Fu Qingping hadn’t unexpectedly broken through the acme’s limit, he would have certainly died tonight.”

”But, Fu Qingping’s strength is simply too formidable. He just broke through the acme, yet he defeated The Immortal Lord – this is absolutely incredible!” Another whispered: ”You have to know, The Immortal Lord had his power fully restored. His combat strength was fully restored to its peak, yet he still lost so miserably. So who could possibly be Fu Qingping’s match?”

”Perhaps the Corpse Ghost Dragon could defeat him?” One person finally suggested in a whisper.

”Yes, yes, the Corpse Ghost Dragon, we still have the Corpse Ghost Dragon. Although this old ghost has surpassed the age limit, living over three hundred, he cannot simply be described as being beyond peerless. Perhaps he’s already touched a realm beyond Beyond The Pinnacle, one we don’t even know!” the second man immediately replied: ”Second brother, shall we summon the Corpse Ghost Dragon to kill Fu Qingping and completely eradicate this hidden danger?”

Everyone looked at Wanyan Second Master, who took a deep breath, glanced at everyone, and said in a somber tone: ”The Corpse Ghost Dragon hasn’t surpassed Beyond The Pinnacle’s realm yet, otherwise he wouldn’t be unable to break Shijia’s Vajra Indestructible Body.”

Everyone’s expressions were somewhat uncomfortable, one whispered: ”Then... could the Corpse Ghost Dragon not be Fu Qingping’s match either?”

”Certainly, the Corpse Ghost Dragon can defeat Fu Qingping!” Wanyan Second Master spoke firmly: ”Our big brother once said among today’s peerless masters, the Corpse Ghost Dragon was undeniably number one. Comparing The Immortal Lord with the Corpse Ghost Dragon is like heaven and earth, the two aren’t even in the same league. Although Fu Qingping could defeat The Immortal Lord, it was largely due to his potent attack power. Facing the Corpse Ghost Dragon is altogether different. Peerless masters have a lifespan of three hundred years; the Corpse Ghost Dragon has lived beyond three hundred, so it’s evident he’s close to touching a realm above Beyond The Pinnacle. To kill Fu Qingping wouldn’t be difficult for him at all!”

Everyone felt joyous, one said: ”In that case, let’s summon the Corpse Ghost Dragon to kill Fu Qingping!”

”No!” Wanyan Second Master shook his head resolutely, speaking in a somber tone: ”The Corpse Ghost Dragon’s strength hasn’t yet been fully restored, and his body is incomplete. Without full restoration of his body, he’ll never recover his pinnacle strength. He’s crucial, the most critical part of our family’s plan, so no mistake can be afforded; restoring his full power is imperative, otherwise, our family’s millennia-old plan could be annihilated!”

Seeing what Wanyan Second Master had pointed out so gravely, everyone dared not mention summoning the Corpse Ghost Dragon to duel Fu Qingping. Yet, considering Fu Qingping’s earlier defeat of The Immortal Lord, everyone was also filled with worry. If Fu Qingping were to confront them with such power, would they be able to escape?

Wanyan Second Master suddenly inquired: ”By the way, did anyone see where The Immortal Lord went just now?”

As Shijia and Fu Qingping descended from the mountain together earlier, no one paid attention to The Immortal Lord lagging behind. When everyone looked up again, The Immortal Lord was nowhere in sight. Now, with Wanyan Second Master asking about The Immortal Lord, the few members of the Wanyan family were slightly stunned, one spoke: ”I saw him leap toward the cliff edge over there.”

”Leaped toward the cliff edge?” Wanyan Second Master frowned deeply, his tone took a turn for the somber.

”Second brother, what’s worrying you?” One man whispered: ”The Immortal Lord was likely shamed, unwilling to stay atop Mount Tai. Perhaps we’ll find him when we descend the mountain shortly. After all, doesn’t he remain under our Heart Demon Technique’s control, he can’t flee far. Should he dare to rebel thoughtlessly, we need only employ the Heart Demon Technique to make him wish for death!”

Another said with a smile: ”Right, he’s under the control of the Heart Demon Technique, we needn’t worry. As long as he’s alive, he’ll surely find his way back to us obediently.”

Wanyan Second Master maintained his solemn expression, inhaled deeply, and spoke slowly: ”Things aren’t as simple as you imagine; this time, The Immortal Lord may not return!”

”Why is that?” Everyone asked in amazement, one added: ”Does he not fear your Heart Demon Technique, Second Brother?”

Wanyan Second Master said in a low voice: ”Did you not see? During the duel with Fu Qingping, he unleashed his full potential, fully exhibiting the power of Beyond The Pinnacle!”

The crowd exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of Wanyan Second Master’s meaning.

”So what happens then?” One asked quietly.

”Alas, you all know too little!” Wanyan Second Master sighed, continuing: ”You ought to have heard earlier, that old monk Shijia advised The Immortal Lord to flee for his life. But do you know why Shijia demanded The Immortal Lord to escape?”

”Why?” The crowd eagerly asked, not understanding what had transpired.

”This matter, speaking of which, relates to the restrictions on peerless masters.” Wanyan Second Master surveyed them, inhaled deeply, and carried on gravely: ”Simply put, it’s that peerless masters cannot freely exhibit their strength beyond Beyond The Pinnacle, or they’ll face Heavenly Retribution. They’ll either die unexpectedly or mysteriously vanish!”