Eternal Saber

Chapter 550 - 156: Building Momentum

Shen Zijing, the seventh son of Young Master Shen Yi.

Among the sons, his talent was the highest, and yet he was the most diligent, having exhausted eighteen vats of ink in his quest to comprehend the sword intent within Ink Rhythm Martial Arts.

The ’One-Stroke Calligraphy’ swordsmanship he created was continuous and seamless.

His accomplishments in the calligraphy sword dao were not even weaker than his father’s.

"What advice does Junior Brother Shen have?"

Yun Yifeng asked with a smile.

Yue Zhen, Sect Leader of the Broken Mountain Blade Sect, hailing from Yuezhou, chuckled and asked, "Could it be that Hall Master Shen disagrees with the martial alliance?"

The one known as the Broken Mountain Saber King was also a grandmaster.

"If others disagreed, it might be possible, but Hall Master Shen could never disagree."

The Isle Master of Flame Sun Island spoke up, "Everyone should not forget that Hall Master Shen’s elder brother, Shen Ningzhi, was killed by the Profound Celestial Sect years ago. He harbors a deep-seated vendetta against them, so how could he not agree to the martial alliance?"

These words might sound harmless, but they subtly placed Shen Zijing in a difficult position.

If he disagreed with the alliance, he would inevitably face criticism.

Flame Sun Island, situated on the South Sea outside Jiaozhou, its Isle Master was also one of the few grandmasters present.

No one else would dare to publicly reveal Shen Zijing’s scars.

Shen Zijing’s expression was calm, composed, and steady, as he spoke slowly, "Whether the alliance is formed or not, Shen’s opinion does not matter."

Seeing the attitude of the surrounding grandmasters and many sect leaders, the martial alliance had become an unstoppable force.

Even if he disagreed, he couldn’t stop it.

However, all he needed to do was to delay as much as possible.

Shen Zijing continued, "However, I suggest discussing the alliance after the Martial Arts Assembly. After all, with the various major sects of Jianghu gathered here, some sects have past grievances with each other."

"It would be better to resolve these issues first, so the various sects can work together, benefiting rather than harming the martial alliance."

Shen Zijing’s suggestion was clever, making it difficult to refuse.

The Martial Arts Assembly had a process of resolving Jianghu disputes.

Indeed, to form a martial alliance, it would be wise to first resolve the disputes between the major sects to prevent future issues.

Gang Leader Jiang Feng of the Boat Gang nodded and agreed, "What Hall Master Shen says is reasonable. I think it’s feasible, and it’ll be a good opportunity to see if there will be new changes in the Sword Pavilion’s four rankings."

The method for resolving Jianghu disputes was actually quite simple.

Before the Martial Arts Assembly began, some well-respected martial figures would host a banquet, inviting sects with grudges to sit down and talk things over, aiming to dissolve old grievances over a drink called ’Peace Wine’.

This time, besides Yun Yifeng, grandmasters from various states were present.

With several grandmasters hosting the Peace Wine, most sects would compromise.

If reconciliation couldn’t be achieved, then there was nothing more to say.

In the end, in Jianghu, strength speaks for itself.

Often, it is difficult to determine right from wrong in Jianghu feuds, with each side having their own version, making it hard to judge.

Ultimately, it must be resolved on the Sword Discussion Platform, or even in a life-and-death duel!

The winner is justified, and thereafter, there can be no further entanglements.

The feud ends here.

Therefore, Jiang Feng mentioned that resolving these disputes could lead to new changes in the Sword Pavilion’s four rankings.

Yun Yifeng pondered for a moment, then nodded, "Very well, it’s a good time to see what these young people are capable of. However, since no one from the Sword Pavilion is present, to ensure fairness, let’s invite a few of our old friends here to arbitrate."

With that, Yun Yifeng clapped his hands.

Immediately, several servants of Yunmeng Manor carried out some yellow pear wood chairs, placing them on the high platform.

Eight chairs, meaning only eight people were qualified to sit in them.

"Old Shopkeeper, please!"

Yun Yifeng first invited the Drunken Elder to take a seat.

After him were, from Yizhou, Sect Leader of Cyan City Sword Sect, Yu Qingfeng.

From Jiaozhou, Isle Master of Flame Sun Island.

From Jiangzhou, Gang Leader of the Boat Gang, Jiang Feng.

From Yuezhou, Sect Leader of the Broken Mountain Blade Sect, Yue Zhen.

From Wu State, Hall Master of Book and Sword Hall, Shen Zijing.

From Yuezhou, Sect Leader of the Tea Dao Sect, Fan Qing, known as ’Layman Qingming’.

Including Yun Yifeng of Jingzhou, Manor Master of Yunmeng Manor, there were exactly eight people.

And they were all grandmasters!

Chen Tang suddenly understood why so many sect leaders had been subtly observing the attitudes of these few people earlier.

What follows would be the duels on the Sword Discussion Platform.

Besides resolving grievances, some also challenged others to compete for rankings in the Sword Pavilion’s four rankings.

According to Yun Yifeng’s arrangement, the young ones under twenty were to go up on the Sword Discussion Platform first.

Those with grievances could resolve them, and simultaneously determine their rankings on the Wind and Cloud Ranking.

This kind of occasion was an opportunity for young people to make a name for themselves.

It was rare to showcase one’s skills in front of so many fellow Jianghu members, with eight grandmasters present.

If one could gain the favor of any grandmaster, receiving a few words of guidance, it would be immensely beneficial.

The young members of the various Jianghu sects were excitedly preparing for their contests on the Sword Discussion Platform.

Even though Chen Tang was also in the Fourth Grade Awakening Realm and under twenty, such duels no longer held much appeal to him.

What he primarily wanted was to witness the martial arts techniques of the major Jianghu sects.

During this time, young people from various major sects made their appearances, including Lin Ling’er from the Ba Mountain Sword Sect.

Several also actively challenged Shen Zhiyuan, but he defeated each one of them.

Following this was the competition for the Human Ranking.

As previously expected, with the passing of the previously acknowledged top-ranked Master Zagu, the contention for the Human Ranking became extraordinarily intense.

In recent months, the rising star Feng Xiao Fairy, He Susu, made a particularly striking showing, appearing poised to ascend to the top of the Human Ranking!

"It seems no one else but Feng Xiao Fairy can claim the top of the Human Ranking."

"Last time, the top of the Human Ranking was Jade Flute Fairy; this time, it’s Feng Xiao Fairy, which seems to carry a sense of succession."

"In my opinion, it’s like the student surpassing the master."

"Indeed, many say that nowadays the most beautiful woman in Jianghu should belong to Feng Xiao Fairy!"

In fact, as the Martial Arts Assembly approached, such debates became more frequent.

Hearing the surrounding discussions, the disciples of Ba Mountain Sword Sect felt uncomfortable listening to people disparage Senior Sister Jade Flute.

However, Ye Yushi remained as composed as ever.

She never cared about such empty titles, which were merely thrust upon her by those with nothing better to do.

Chen Tang clicked his tongue.

In his previous life, this sort of thing was called hype, and it was quite common.

To make Feng Xiao Fairy famous required both her own strength and a bit of hype, the best target being, naturally, Ye Yushi.

The taverns and tea houses were where information gathered.

In this life, with the power of the Drunken Immortal Tower, which had establishments all across the Six States, it was akin to the internet of the previous life, with incredible spreading power!

Three people make a tiger; a mere rumor, with the Drunken Immortal Tower pushing secretly, could quickly spread, making countless people believe it to be true.

Much less when simply hyping He Susu.

Chen Tang’s notorious massacre of the Profound Celestial Sect’s altar at Cang Mountain earned him instant fame, even placing him at the top of the Wind and Cloud Ranking with a special poetic commentary, gaining unmatched prestige.

Yet less than half a year later, simply due to his Beiqian origins, his reputation plummeted, becoming a target of public criticism, and the guidance of the Drunken Immortal Tower was key behind this!

Even the swift resolution of the Drunken Eight Immortals incident relied on the massive influence of the Drunken Immortal Tower in Nanxia.

By simply appointing a few people to discuss it in taverns everywhere, they could quickly create a significant impact.

Especially since He Susu was born of the Drunken Immortal Tower, from a prominent family, with a grandfather considered one of the top martial figures, having many admirers and flatterers.