Chapter 271: That Figure of a Back, Filled with Invincibility!
There are also certain rules to follow when exiting the Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony.
Naturally, the elders leave first; the younger generation cannot walk ahead of the elders.
Of course, this rule isn’t absolute.
As long as your strength is about the same as Zhang Yangqing’s, you can walk right in front of them, and they wouldn’t dare say a word against it.
After all, if you come in with no intention of being reasonable, then they can’t use morality to restrain you.
Since Zhang Yangqing hadn’t gone down yet, naturally, no one else could go down either.
Not because they had to respect Zhang Yangqing, but because they wanted to take a commemorative photo with him!
How else can you prove you attended the Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony?
You absolutely must have a photo taken with the most prestigious person there!
As for the other old-timers who wanted to go down, no one dared to walk in front of them. But Zhang Yangqing? He found it hard to even leave.
However, the crowd wasn’t that large, much smaller than the last time they went to Wudang Mountain.
To maintain a good image, and also because the people nearby were so enthusiastic and adored him, Zhang Yangqing agreed to the photos.
The most absurd thing was that even the disciples of Yao Ci, the head of the Tianyong Sect, didn’t follow their own master down the mountain. Instead, they frantically crowded around Zhang Yangqing, just begging for a single photo to fulfill their wish.
These disciples figured their master might be angry for a while, but he couldn’t possibly expel them all from the sect, right? But missing the chance for a photo with Zhang Yangqing right now would lead to a lifetime of regret!
By the time Yao Ci went down the mountain, his face was completely dark with anger.
There was nothing he could do about it. Zhang Yangqing can no longer be called just the best of his generation in the Dragon Kingdom. With his performance today, he fully deserves the title of the number one person in the entire Dragon Kingdom today.
Having a photo with a powerhouse of this level is an immense honor.
Just like Luo Hao: he would rather offend his own master and the association president than offend Zhang Yangqing.
He could clearly tell the difference between suffering for a few days versus suffering for a lifetime.
When Luo Hao went down the mountain, his master was also quite displeased.
After all, he was one of the old-timers who bore the brunt of Zhang Yangqing’s “onslaught” from the front row.
It would be strange if he were in a good mood.
“That kid Zhang Yangqing is really unreasonable! You mustn’t learn from him!”
This was only said when Zhang Yangqing wasn’t around.
Earlier, no matter how furious they were, they had to hold it in.
With Zhang Yangqing’s aura, it was clear he came looking for a fight. Who would dare to run their mouth and risk a beating?
“Okay, Master, I definitely won’t act like him.”
Luo Hao replied dutifully.
Master, you give me too much credit. I wouldn’t have the ability even if I wanted to learn!
If I had that kind of ability, I’d be the head of the Kunlun Mountain Association right now!
“I’m just baffled. Didn his master teach him any of this?”
The head of the Xiaoyao Sect was puzzled the whole way down.
This was his first time meeting Zhang Yangqing, and he thought, as the heir to an ancient sect, respecting elders and valuing the teachings should be fundamental. Yet this kid came in with such an overbearing attitude, it’s simply incomprehensible!
This was exactly why this group of old-timers thought they could teach Zhang Yangqing a lesson.
How could Luo Hao dare to chime in? Whether his master taught him that or not, how would I know?
What if his master specifically told him, ‘Don’t show those old geezers any respect’? Then he technically didn’t do anything wrong.
But these were just Luo Hao’s guesses; he wouldn’t dare to speak recklessly.
If he said something wrong and it got back to Zhang Yangqing, Zhang Yangqing could just come and punch him.
You guys just haven’t interacted with him. Once you do, you’ll know that this kind of moral talk doesn’t work on him.
Here’s Luo Hao’s clear understanding: he feels that in Zhang Yangqing’s eyes, only his own master deserves respect.
After his master passed away, no one else could be above him.
As for those old-timers who once studied at Longhu Mountain and wanted to use their seniority to pressure Zhang Yangqing, well, after seeing how Zhang Yangqing showed no respect even to Tang Zhong of the Tang Sect Association, they didn’t dare say a word.
They could only, when going down the mountain, get together in small groups behind his back and denounce him.
What’s most ridiculous is that even while badmouthing Zhang Yangqing, they’d be glancing out of the corners of their eyes, terrified that the young man might suddenly appear.
That sneaky, behind-the-back gossip actually struck Luo Hao as somewhat funny.
Going down the mountain, the only old-timers who looked pleased were Qingxu Daozhang (Taoist Master Qingxu) and some elders from Daoist sects.
Seeing those other old coots so frustrated, Qingxu Daozhang was secretly delighted.
Serves you right for provoking him. Feeling comfortable now?
If I, this old Daoist, hadn’t intervened at the end today, you’d probably all be left with no dignified way to back down.
This is the main reason why that kid has both veto power and a decisive vote at the Daoist Conference.
Our entire Daoist Association doesn’t dare to provoke him, but you guys actually dared.
Sometimes, respect is mutual. The entire Daoist Association shows Zhang Yangqing respect and honors his decisions, so naturally, he gives them face in return and doesn’t make things difficult for them.
Actually, at first, Qingxu Daozhang could have advised Zhang Yangqing to calm down, but he didn’t. Wasn’t it because he wanted Zhang Yangqing to teach the other associations a lesson?
After the old-timers had been gone for quite a while, Zhang Yangqing was still up on the mountain taking photos.
The young disciples who got a picture with Zhang Yangqing were jumping for joy.
“Wow, I got a photo with the Purple-Robed Heavenly Master Zhang! I’m going to print out this wonderful moment and hang it in my room!”
“Haha, I just sent it to my sister to see, and she nearly cried. She begged me to ask Heavenly Master Zhang to wait, she wanted to come too, but I think she’s dreaming!”
“From now on, if anyone dares to say I’m second-rate, I’ll just show them this photo!”
Seeing Zhang Yangqing so busy, Xiao Xuan, who was standing nearby like a transparent person, was already used to it.
It didn’t matter if he had “Disciples of the Heavenly Master’s Mansion” written all over his face; no one paid him any attention anyway.
His purpose in coming was to shield Zhang Yangqing from some unnecessary hassles. Calling him a sidekick wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
Just as he was feeling melancholic, a sweet-smiling female disciple actively started a conversation with him.
This woman had a graceful figure, delicate and pretty features, and a waterfall of long black hair.
Especially her every smile and frown, they could tug at a person’s heartstrings.
Xiao Xuan was overjoyed. So gold really does shine wherever it goes!
Has someone finally recognized my excellence, Xiao Xuan?
At that moment, Xiao Xuan felt like crying.
But the next second, he felt even more like crying.
“Excuse me, Daoist, could you please take a photo of me with Heavenly Master Zhang?”
She wanted a full-body shot, so she had to bother Xiao Xuan, who was just standing there with nothing to do.
Xiao Xuan’s excited heart instantly sank into the abyss.
He had just thought his luck with romance had finally arrived. He’d met a woman he liked, and had already started thinking of names for their future children.
Then the cold, hard reality hit him.
He could only say he was overthinking it.
His still-warm love vanished before it even had a chance.
With tears in his eyes, Xiao Xuan helped her take a picture.
But he didn’t lose out entirely; he got a “thank you” from a beautiful stranger.
Xiao Xuan couldn’t understand why so many beautiful women were all fans of the Heavenly Master.
In what way am I, Xiao Xuan, inferior to the Heavenly Master?
Isn’t it just that I’m slightly worse in strength, looks, popularity, prestige, status, and ability? Aside from all that, the rest of me seems pretty good too!
After all, I hold a legitimate position within Longhu Mountain! It makes no sense!
Just as Xiao Xuan was racking his brain, Zhang Yangqing finished with the photos.
“Let’s go. What are you standing there daydreaming for? Are you going to stay behind and sweep the floor?”
After Zhang Yangqing gave him a roll of his eyes, Xiao Xuan’s thoughts snapped back from the clouds, and he quickly accompanied Zhang Yangqing as they disappeared down the stone steps.
Lately, he had been strictly trained by a few of his very capable senior martial brothers, and his fundamentals had started to become solid.
Otherwise, climbing up and down like this would have exhausted him to death.
And this wasn’t just simple mountain climbing; he had to keep up with Zhang Yangqing’s pace.
Just being able to keep up with Zhang Yangqing’s casual stride already meant he was stronger than the vast majority of cultivators his age.
If Zhang Yangqing noticed he was slowing down, he wouldn’t wait; he would pick up the pace.
And then that would mean extra training and a scolding.
So Xiao Xuan gritted his teeth and forced himself to keep up.
After Zhang Yangqing left, the others naturally had to go down the mountain too.
Chu Yiyi, seeing how high those steps were, felt her spirit collapse.
“Help! I just got up here!”
Inside the Tianyong Sect’s议会小厅 (Council Chamber), the seven major associations held an emergency small meeting.
Not for any other reason, but because Zhang Yangqing’s performance that morning had been too arrogant, making them quite resentful.
If Zhang Yangqing were present, they wouldn’t have much nerve to speak up.
But on the way down the mountain, the more they thought about it, the angrier they got, and the more they talked, the angrier they got.
So they gathered here to discuss how to deal with Zhang Yangqing and stop him from continuing on like this.
Otherwise, how could they even hold the concluding meeting that afternoon?
With so many people present, even foreign observers coming, if Zhang Yangqing didn’t show them any respect, how could they continue to function within the Dragon Kingdom? Or within the cultivation world of the entire Blue Star?
And so, over thirty old-timers were stewing in anger inside that small room.
The moment the door closed, everyone started condemning Zhang Yangqing’s rudeness.
Phrases flew around like “no respect for elders,” “disrespecting seniors,” “insolent,” and “arrogant.”
They wished they could make Zhang Yangqing kneel before them and lecture him for days and nights on end just to calm their inner fury.
Some were so senile they even suggested complaining to Zhang Yangqing’s elders.
Complain about Zhang Yangqing’s lack of manners to Longhu Mountain? What a joke! The only result of them doing that would be a certain scene:
Them, badmouthing Zhang Yangqing right to his face.
After all, who holds the most power at Longhu Mountain if not Zhang Yangqing himself?
The group of old-timers enjoyed their rant, but after talking for ages, they still hadn’t gotten to the point.
The point was: how to rectify this “bad behavior” of Zhang Yangqing’s?
What this temporary emergency meeting needed was a solution, not just venting.
When Yao Ci brought this up, the whole room fell silent.
Finally, everyone looked at Tang Zhong, the head of the Tang Sect Association, who had the worst expression of all.
After all, Zhang Yangqing had shown him the least respect that morning.
Tang Zhong had indeed had a friendship with Zhang Yangqing’s late master. Now, being treated like this by his old friend’s disciple, he felt more frustrated than anyone.
He felt like he was getting younger as he aged.
Used to be the grandfather generation, now he’s been demoted to the grandson level.
So, seething with anger, Tang Zhong slammed the table and roared, “How about we just cripple the kid!”
Whether it was senility or twisted rage, he actually said something like that.
All the old-timers in the room were dumbfounded. They stared wide-eyed at Tang Zhong.
We were just venting, but you’re talking about doing it for real?
What you said sure sounds satisfying, but how are we supposed to follow up on that?
Not to mention the old-timers sitting behind, even the few others seated at the table looked at him with shock.
Yao Ci, who was drinking tea, nearly spat it out. He looked at Tang Zhong, speechless for a moment.
You old fool, talk is cheap. If we had the ability, we’d have gone up and struck him just now. Why would we be cooped up here fuming?
Abbot Huiyuan was a tactful person. He narrowed his eyes and stayed silent, wanting to see what the others would say.
Just then, Zhao Jinlai, head of the Tianshan Association, spoke up, “Old Tang, if you have a plan, just say it. I also think that kid has gone too far. Teaching him a lesson wouldn’t be bad.”
His unspoken message was: The Tianshan Association agrees with you. If you have a way to cripple Zhang Yangqing, I’ll support you.
After all, the Tang Sect Association was different from the others. It was a motley collection of people from all walks of life, including many eccentrics and gifted individuals. The Tang Sect’s legendary poisons and hidden weapons were the nightmare of countless cultivators.
Maybe Tang Zhong said that because he actually had a method.
But then, a loud ‘Bang!’ echoed.
The sound of a stool being knocked over.
“Tang, what exactly do you mean by that? This old Daoist is still sitting right here.”
Qingxu Daozhang of the Daoist Association stood up and rebuked, a sharp aura instantly radiating from him.
If you want to teach Zhang Yangqing a lesson or make him understand respect for seniors, go ahead if you have the ability.
After all, it’s not reasonable for the Daoist sect to monopolize resource channels, and you can’t argue against that.
But if you’re planning to use despicable tricks, especially right in front of this old Daoist, then don’t blame me for being ruthless.
“Amitabha. Allow me to say a few words, please. Daozhang, do not be impulsive. Let’s hear Old Tang out first. Even if you don’t trust him, trust us.”
Abbot Huiyuan, who was sitting near Qingxu Daozhang, quickly intervened to mediate, hoping to prevent things from escalating.
His underlying message was: We are all respectable people here. We wouldn’t do anything truly despicable. Since Old Tang said that, he must have some plan, so let’s listen first. If it’s something too dishonorable, we won’t agree to it.
That was Huiyuan’s unspoken implication.
After Huiyuan finished, others also began persuading Qingxu Daozhang to calm down.
After some effort, Qingxu Daozhang finally reined in his aura.
As the head of the Daoist Association, Qingxu Daozhang’s ability was beyond doubt.
Seeing that everyone had calmed down, Tang Zhong finally spoke: “I have a formation. It could trap this young man.”
Everyone had thought Tang Zhong was going to suggest some terrible idea, like poisoning him.
The people present all valued their reputation more than their lives; there’s no way they’d agree to something like that.
But Tang Zhong proposed a theoretically feasible method with a certain degree of certainty.
As everyone knows, formations are a divine skill that allow the weak to overcome the strong.
Those ancient ferocious beasts, each one overwhelmingly powerful, were ultimately defeated and controlled by formations.
If someone is trapped inside a formation, it’s tough luck even for the Jade Emperor himself.
In a one-on-one fight, or even a group attack, none of those present could match Zhang Yangqing.
So, this method could trap him without even hurting him.
According to Tang Zhong, Zhang Yangqing’s behavior that morning was extremely rude. Trapping him in a formation for ten years would temper his temperament.
Consider it a lesson.
After ten years, when Zhang Yangqing admitted his mistake, they could release him.
Honestly, there was a bit of ulterior motive here. Anyway, they were all old-timers who had offended Zhang Yangqing, and who knows if they’d even live another ten years.
If they all died in the meantime, Zhang Yangqing couldn’t take revenge on them.
That’s exactly why Tang Zhong suggested ten years.
If he said two or three years, then released Zhang Yangqing, that kid really might just attack and kill them all.
But trapping Zhang Yangqing, the Heavenly Master of Longhu Mountain, for ten years? Wasn’t that a bit far-fetched?
Yet, upon second thought, given how rude Zhang Yangqing was that morning, he’d probably act the same during the afternoon concluding meeting.
Furthermore, hadn’t this bunch of old-timers already openly broken ties with him, all for the sake of getting resources?
Since they’ve stooped to competing with a junior for resources, what shame is left?
The room erupted in noisy debate. Yao Ci seemed unable to make up his mind, though he leaned towards trapping Zhang Yangqing. However, he worried about public opinion.
Because Zhang Yangqing had a considerable reputation, not just within the Dragon Kingdom’s secular world, but even globally.
Qingxu Daozhang still opposed it. He felt this would only lead to even bigger conflicts later, and the people of Longhu Mountain wouldn’t let it rest.
While they were arguing endlessly, a knock came at the door.
The noise inside stopped instantly. Honestly, they all instinctively thought Zhang Yangqing had arrived.
To tell the truth, they were still a bit intimidated by him.
When the door opened, an elder from the Tianyong Sect walked in.
He looked like he wanted to speak but hesitated.
“If you have something to say, just say it.”
Yao Ci said in a deep voice.
The elder glanced around the room, took a deep breath, and said, “Heavenly Master Zhang requests that you all come out for a meeting.”
As soon as he said this, the entire room erupted in commotion.
Wasn’t the concluding meeting scheduled for six in the afternoon? It was only two in the afternoon now!
And Zhang Yangqing was utterly clueless about decorum! We haven’t called you up for a meeting yet, but you’re calling us? Aren’t you turning things upside down here?
This is Kunlun Mountain, my, Yao Ci’s, territory!
Zhang Yangqing’s actions truly angered them again.
They felt Zhang Yangqing’s attitude was the problem, never once considering that their own attitude towards a junior might be problematic.
“Excellent, excellent, excellent. Since he’s here, he’s not getting away!”
Tang Zhong stormed out angrily, determined to see what Zhang Yangqing had to say.
Even if Zhang Yangqing came crawling with an apology right now, he wouldn’t accept it.
He wanted to teach his deceased old friend’s disciple some manners!
Seeing Tang Zhong leave, the others followed suit.
The议会大殿 (Council Hall) of the Tianyong Sect was magnificent. The high dome was inlaid with countless golden ornaments that radiated dazzling light, illuminating the entire hall in splendid glory.
In the center of the hall stood a massive altar, upon which was enshrined a giant statue, said to be the founding ancestor of the Tianyong Sect. He stood there silently, as if guarding the hall.
Yao Ci, as the head of the sect, soon arrived before Zhang Yangqing.
“Heavenly Master Zhang, it’s not yet time for the concluding meeting. What is the meaning of this?”
His words carried a tone of accusation, and the usual humility was gone from his voice.
Because they had already thought of a way to deal with Zhang Yangqing.
“I bought plane tickets for three in the afternoon. So hurry up and say whatever you need to say. I need to get back.”
After Zhang Yangqing said this, everyone else’s composure shattered.
You dragged all of us old-timers out here for that?
Zhang Yangqing couldn’t care less.
Wait for you to call me to a meeting? On what basis?
I’ll hold the meeting when I feel like it. If you don’t want to come, fine.
Anyway, my ticket is booked, and I’m leaving on time.
Seeing Tang Zhong about to explode, Yao Ci raised a hand to stop him.
Yao Ci felt they didn’t have sufficient justification yet. He wanted Zhang Yangqing to cause more of a scene.
Only by causing more trouble could Yao Ci and the others morally condemn Zhang Yangqing.
That’s what it means to have a just cause for action.
So, he didn’t mind revealing the final content of the concluding meeting ahead of schedule.
It concerned the negotiations regarding entry into the Ghost Story World.
There were four main points:
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A seven-party rotation system.
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Intelligence sharing.
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Resource allocation.
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Resource protection.
After stating these four points, everyone looked at Zhang Yangqing.
Without a moment’s thought, Zhang Yangqing replied directly: “Oh, I disagree. Anything else? No? Okay, I’m leaving.”
Everyone: “…”
Isn’t this too flippant of you?
What kind of reasoning is ‘I disagree’? We spent days deciding on these points!
This is for the common development of the Dragon Kingdom’s cultivation world!
You, a young man, want to monopolize the resources? How is that possible?
Zhang Yangqing repeatedly pushed their buttons, and they finally exploded.
The heads of the six major associations exchanged glances, their eyes filled with ruthless intent.
Because now, if they dealt with Zhang Yangqing, the world wouldn’t blame them.
In an instant, the six of them appeared in six different positions, surrounding Zhang Yangqing.
Their powerful auras erupted, causing the very space around them to tremble.
The immense spiritual energy fused together, constructing a temporary, six-pointed Demon-Sealing Grand Formation!
For masters of their level, forming such a large formation was effortless.
Once the formation was complete, terrifying waves of energy swept outwards. The entire hall shook, causing the surrounding mountain body to vibrate.
Inside this grand, imposing formation, they were the masters!
The six men formed hand seals and shouted in unison: “Activate!”
The Six-Pointed Demon-Sealing Grand Formation enveloped Zhang Yangqing.
Seeing that Zhang Yangqing hadn’t ‘fled’ from it, they were overjoyed.
This was a formation capable of trapping even colossal ancient ferocious beasts.
Within the formation, each of them could unleash power five times greater than usual.
Six people unleashing fivefold power? The terror of that was unimaginable.
So what if you are an unparalleled Heavenly Master? You’re still too young.
The cultivation world isn’t just about fighting. Someone as impolite and unyielding as you is bound to meet setbacks sooner or later.
And this time, that setback is you!
Tang Zhong’s lips curled into a smug smile. He prepared to first verbally reprimand Zhang Yangqing from the position of a senior.
After all, during the Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony, Zhang Yangqing had left him speechless. Now he would vent it all!
Unexpectedly, Zhang Yangqing yawned and said, “Are you ready? If you are, I’m going to start now.”
His words sent chills down the spines of everyone present.
It wasn’t that he couldn’t escape before; it was that he had no intention of running.
Given Zhang Yangqing’s strength, they didn’t think he was joking.
But they also couldn’t comprehend. The six of them striking together, could anyone really break this formation?
Just as their faces turned grave, Zhang Yangqing pressed his palms together.
A thunderclap erupted, as if trying to shatter everyone’s eardrums.
Above the sky, a pool of lightning churned, golden light rippling!
The people outside the hall looked up. The clouds were thick with celestial energy, divine power manifesting.
It was as if all the gods were descending!
A single scroll of the Divine Light Incantation, images appear in the void. Chant the Golden Light Incantation, and ten thousand deities give way!
Zhang Yangqing’s golden divine eyes radiated waves of ancient godly aura.
The ancient god seemed like the True Martial Celestial Emperor who once suppressed all realms, sending chills down the spines of the six association heads present.
In that instant, they didn’t know whether the person trapped within their formation was human or a god!
At that moment, what Zhang Yangqing used was the Golden Light Incantation, one of the eight great Daoist incantations. When cultivated to its extreme, it’s a great Dao technique capable of erasing even gods.
Normally, Zhang Yangqing was afraid of tearing apart the fabric of their plane, so he never dared to use such power.
But you forced my hand this time. It’s not too much for me to turn it up a few notches, is it?
Boom!
With a single thought from Zhang Yangqing, golden lightning exploded from his body, crashing against the Six-Pointed Demon-Sealing Grand Formation.
When the six association heads tried to stabilize it, they learned the true meaning of “a praying mantis trying to stop a chariot.”
Forget the Six-Pointed Demon-Sealing Formation, the entire Tianyong Sect hall was directly demolished.
In the face of absolute power, the formation was useless!
Tang Zhong was blasted dozens of meters away by the surging golden energy. He fell to the ground, coughing up blood, instantly severely wounded.
Yao Ci wasn’t any better off. After being struck by the divine energy released by Zhang Yangqing, he was sent flying into the statue of his sect’s founder, collapsing it, and also fell to the ground, unable to get up.
One by one, six figures were sent flying.
Some were half-buried in the soil, others broke several trees and ended up hanging from the branches.
The scene was indescribably tragic. This was no longer the grand council hall of a thousand-year-old sect; it was a pile of rubble.
The combined effort of the six major association heads was only enough to withstand a single strike from Zhang Yangqing.
Seeing this scene, even Qingxu Daozhang felt a chill.
Thank goodness no one dared to provoke him back at Wudang Mountain.
Otherwise, the Wudang Sect would probably have suffered the same fate.
Since things had come to this, and the Daoist Association hadn’t suffered any losses, Qingxu Daozhang walked over to Zhang Yangqing and said, “Fúshēng Wúliàng Tiānzūn (Limitless Life, Honored by Heaven), Heavenly Master Zhang, please calm your anger. They brought this upon themselves.”
Here, Qingxu Daozhang was offering Zhang Yangqing a way to gracefully end the matter.
Zhang Yangqing had won, so he naturally shared in the glory. After all, Zhang Yangqing was part of the Daoist Association!
At this moment, why would he criticize Zhang Yangqing? If not for the other heads’ pride, he might have cheered them on, saying, See? I told you so.
This is what it means to be on the same side. Even though Zhang Yangqing used force, he would still defend Zhang Yangqing’s reputation and prevent others from spreading rumors.
After all, the six association heads struck first. Qingxu Daozhang’s position had always been firm!
“No worries. But didn’t you notice? I kept giving them chances to deal with me, to let them stand on their moral high ground. But they just couldn’t get the job done.”
After speaking, Zhang Yangqing let out a loud laugh, turned, and left.
His laughter pierced through the shattered dome, echoed through the heavens, and reverberated through the Kunlun Mountain range.
Everyone stared at his receding back. That figure was filled with invincibility!
