179

The Evergreen Pavilion was still in a phase of rapid development. Large quantities of medicinal herbs were being purchased, and a third alchemy production line was being set up in the alchemy room.

Apart from the Qi Nourishing Pills, a batch of Qi and Blood Pills was also produced. These were taken by Xu Junhe and Kou Ruzhi to train the warriors of the Great Wilderness, as well as the warriors around Tie Mountain County.

The concept of the Great Wilderness was gradually spreading among the mountain villages and slowly gaining traction in Tie Mountain County.

Later on, slogans about restoring the glory of the Great Wilderness even started to appear.

This was the handiwork of Kou Ruzhi, who had ample experience in rebellion.

"The number of warriors breaking through the hundred mark isn't far off."

Li Xuan secretly anticipated the feedback he would receive once he cultivated his own martial arts technique to the point of breaking through the hundred mark. Currently, the cultivation of the Great Wilderness Martial Arts had entered a high-speed development phase.

With an ample supply of medicinal pills, as long as one's talent wasn't too poor, their cultivation speed was advancing by leaps and bounds.

Su Lingshou had broken through to the Minor Achievement of the Innate Realm.

Li Xuan's strength had also improved.

Moreover, Su Lingshou had some new insights into the Alchemical Medical Martial Canon, and it wouldn't be long before a higher-level canon would emerge.

Su Lingshou also had some insights into the Void Alchemy Technique; she was just short of the strength needed to perform it.

"A storm is brewing!"

Li Xuan sighed as he stood in the courtyard.

The steward of the Tianbao Pavilion had been replaced.

The new steward was a Peak Grandmaster.

Furthermore, he told Xu Junhe that the Tianbao Pavilion needed some time to procure the medicinal herbs.

He also hinted at whether the Evergreen Pavilion would consider joining the Tianbao Pavilion and becoming one of its members.

Meanwhile, some alchemy apprentices were being secretly approached and wooed.

However, the apprentices were all very loyal and reported this to Xu Junhe immediately.

Under Kou Ruzhi's ideological influence, these alchemy apprentices were imbued with the noble idea of revitalizing the Great Wilderness. Moreover, they were well-treated and never worried about the medicinal pills needed for their cultivation.

Why would they join another force?

Xu Junhe began to slow down the expansion and started limiting the supply of medicinal pills, citing a shortage of medicinal herbs and insufficient pill production.

Tianbao Pavilion did not take further action nor showed any signs of using force, which was somewhat unexpected.

Meng Shushu returned carrying a large bag.

He was very diligent now, constantly searching for medicinal herbs, and they were all of high quality.

"If only there were a storage pouch."

Meng Shushu sighed as he put down the medicinal herbs.

He finally understood why Xu Yan and Meng Chong coveted storage pouches so much. If he had one, he wouldn't need to carry such a big bag.

It was too conspicuous.

"Thank you, Brother Meng."

Su Lingshou expressed her gratitude.

"It's no trouble at all. I'm the best at finding medicinal herbs."

Meng Shushu waved his hand dismissively.

His strength had improved significantly, having broken through to a Grandmaster of Great Achievement.

Su Lingshou also taught him the method to refine true qi. He had started to condense his inner qi into innate true qi.

Once he succeeded in condensing innate true qi, his strength would further improve.

The future was bright, and he was filled with determination.

Suddenly, Li Xuan looked up in a certain direction.

"They're here."

Su Lingshou asked in confusion, "Master, what is here?"

"Trouble for the Evergreen Pavilion."

Li Xuan smiled.

Abruptly, Su Lingshou and Meng Shushu looked up.

More than a dozen figures flew through the air, all clad in black robes with long swords at their waists. The leader was actually a Grandmaster!

The group arrived above the Evergreen Pavilion, glanced around, and then the leading Grandmaster took out an imperial edict and opened it.

"Evergreen Pavilion, receive the edict. The Evergreen Pavilion has created the Qi Nourishing Pill, greatly promoting the martial arts of our Dayue Kingdom. Your achievements are remarkable. As a special reward, the Evergreen Pavilion is hereby designated as the Dayue Kingdom's Alchemy Office, and its master is granted the title of Marquis of Evergreen Pavilion. Receive the edict."

After announcing the edict, the leading Grandmaster looked down, his aura surging with a clear warning.

Either accept the edict and go to the capital of Dayue Kingdom, gaining a noble status and serving the emperor, or resist and become a prisoner, destined to be enslaved!

"Dayue Kingdom has no right to interfere with the Evergreen Pavilion. Whoever sent you, go back to where you came from!"

Su Lingshou said coldly.

"Insolence! Is the Evergreen Pavilion planning to rebel?" The leading Grandmaster shouted angrily, his aura bursting forth.

"You court death!" Su Lingshou was enraged. She grabbed a shovel, and delicate golden needles burst forth as she charged.

Though she was only at the Minor Achievement stage of the Innate Realm and more skilled in alchemy than combat, her opponent was merely an entry-level Grandmaster. Su Lingshou was not afraid at all.

It was a perfect opportunity to hone her combat skills. With her master present, there was no danger to worry about.

Boom!

The battle erupted. Su Lingshou's Wind God Needles were swift and concealed. The Grandmaster, underestimating her, was instantly struck in the arm by the golden needles.

In an instant, he felt a numbness in his arm. The muscles around the needle entry point began to wither as if losing all vitality. He was shocked and horrified.

This girl was not to be underestimated!

Carelessness had cost him a severe injury to his arm, drastically reducing his combat power. The cunning and unpredictable nature of the golden needles made him cautious. Despite their ongoing battle, he could not defeat Su Lingshou.

"Everyone, attack together!"

The elite Tianyi Guards accompanying him, all Master-level warriors, surrounded her in an instant.

Meng Shushu, wielding a pen-shaped treasure, charged forward, shouting angrily, "Tianyi Guards, huh? Who are you trying to scare?"

However, despite his strength, he could only hold off two or three Masters at most.

Below, Zhou Ying became anxious.

At this moment, a streak of sword light cut through the air.

Boom!

The majestic sword light instantly killed a Master-level warrior.

The face of the Grandmaster fighting Su Lingshou changed, and he said solemnly, "Evergreen Pavilion, does your sect intend to interfere in the affairs of Dayue Kingdom?"

Dayue Kingdom was the strongest of the three major countries in the inner region. There were few forces within the inner region that dared to challenge the might of Dayue Kingdom.

A cold voice responded, "Tianyi Guards? Even if the Emperor of Dayue came, what could he do?"

The Grandmaster's face changed. He hurriedly retreated from the battle, his expression dark as he looked around.

"Who dares to interfere in the affairs of Dayue Kingdom?"

"Sword Sovereign Cliff, Hu Shan!"

Hu Shan sneered coldly.

Behind him, Hu Hai merely glanced at the Grandmaster, who immediately felt a shiver down his spine!

A Peak Grandmaster, and a formidable one from Sword Sovereign Cliff!

"The Evergreen Pavilion is under the jurisdiction of Dayue Kingdom. The hands of Sword Sovereign Cliff..."

Before he could finish speaking, a sword light flashed, and he was instantly killed.

Hu Hai sneered, "The affairs of Sword Sovereign Cliff are not for lackeys like you to comment on!"

Meng Shushu swallowed hard. This was the power and dominance of Sword Sovereign Cliff.

"Miss Su, should we kill them all?" Hu Shan asked, looking at the remaining Tianyi Guards.

Before Su Lingshou could answer, Hu Shan saw the bodies of the Tianyi Guards, including the Grandmaster, disintegrate into dust.

Gulp!

Was this the work of a senior master?

Hu Hai broke out in cold sweat. There was a great terror within the Evergreen Pavilion.

In that instant, he felt as if he had sensed the presence of true divine might!

Su Lingshou knew her master had intervened and breathed a sigh of relief. She looked at Hu Shan and asked, "Why are you here?"

Hu Shan chuckled, "We're here to buy medicinal pills. Young Master Xu has already arranged it on behalf of Sword Sovereign Cliff."

Then he introduced, "This is my father, Hu Hai!"

A Grandmaster from Sword Sovereign Cliff, Hu Hai!

"Greetings, Grandmaster Hu Hai!"

"Miss Su, you're too kind!"

Hu Hai hastily cupped his fists in respect.

Hu Shan had come on behalf of Sword Sovereign Cliff to purchase medicinal pills, and Su Lingshou readily agreed.

All the stockpiled pills were sold to Sword Sovereign Cliff.

The Hu father and son did not linger long, but they did reveal that Sword Sovereign Cliff would help block some troubles for the Evergreen Pavilion. However, they couldn't block all of them.

There were too many forces within the inner region.

By killing the Tianyi Guards, the Dayue Kingdom's royal family would not let this go. Tie Mountain County was ultimately under Dayue Kingdom's jurisdiction, giving them a legitimate reason to act.

Sword Sovereign Cliff going to war with Dayue Kingdom wasn't something Xie Lingfeng could decide alone.

Sword Sovereign Cliff's leader, Xie Tianheng, was in seclusion and hadn't emerged. They could only fend off some of Dayue Kingdom's threats but not all of them.

Su Lingshou was not surprised. The support from Xie Lingfeng was already sufficient.

"The Evergreen Pavilion is in the midst of turmoil. Xu Yan and Meng Chong should return to maintain order. We can't rely on Master to handle everything, can we?"

The Hu father and son departed.

Kou Ruozhi angrily said, "Rebellion, we must rebel and overthrow the emperor of the Dayue Kingdom!"

Su Lingshou glanced at him and said, "Is our Evergreen Pavilion suited for rebellion?"

Kou Ruozhi was stunned and fell into deep thought, saying, "I'll make a trip to the Great Wilderness to discuss with Emperor Qi and Emperor Wu. Those two emperors should also know how to stage a rebellion, right?

"Afterward, there will be no Dayue Kingdom, only our Great Wilderness!"

Rebellion was his specialty, but his strength was too weak. No matter how skilled he was in rebellion, he couldn't accomplish anything without sufficient power.

Su Lingshou couldn't be bothered to deal with him. These matters were beyond her concern.

Returning to the courtyard, she massaged her master's shoulders and apologized, "Master, I've caused you trouble."

"A minor issue," Li Xuan said, sipping his spiritual tea.

A mere Master-level warrior was nothing. With a single thought, he could manipulate the spiritual energy of the heavens and earth to obliterate them effortlessly.

"Master, you're the best," Su Lingshou said happily.

Li Xuan patted her hand and said, "Your troubles are likely about to begin."

Su Lingshou was taken aback.

Her recent actions had exposed her, and the forces of the Black Robe might soon learn she was in Tieshan County.

The Evergreen Pavilion was her creation.

"With Master here, how could your disciple have any trouble?" Su Lingshou said playfully.

...

Xu Yan managed to bring a few Martial Scholars to join the Evergreen Pavilion as guest consultants and study martial arts. He also reached a simple agreement with the Seven Stars Academy.

He held an honorary Martial Scholar title at the Seven Stars Academy but wasn't bound by any of their rules—just a nominal title.

Xu Yan felt the Seven Stars Academy was taking advantage of him. As his strength grew, their reputation would naturally rise. He wasn't interested in such a deal.

Bai Yunkong was speechless. "You took away several of our Martial Scholars, and yet you feel taken advantage of by holding an honorary title?"

In the end, the Seven Stars Academy agreed to pay Xu Yan an annual fee of 300,000 spirit crystals for the title, and the agreement was finalized.

The Martial Scholars could leave with Xu Yan, but the rules of the Seven Stars Academy remained unchanged. They would not intervene in martial arts conflicts or send experts to help Xu Yan against other forces.

Unless Xu Yan truly became a member of the Seven Stars Academy.

If he became a member, he would have to abide by their principles.

Although the academy wouldn't intervene, the Martial Scholars following Xu Yan had their own things to protect. Defending these did not violate the academy's principles.

Xu Yan had no objections.

He never intended for the academy to support him; he just wanted to recruit a few Martial Scholars.

These straightforward individuals, driven by their beliefs, were bound to give their all. Once they arrived at the Evergreen Pavilion and encountered true martial arts and medicinal pills, they would become fascinated and unwilling to leave.

Xu Yan observed that the darker the circles under a Martial Scholar's eyes, the more dedicated they were. It showed they had been immersed in martial arts since a young age, neglecting rest to the point of developing dark circles.

Even after becoming Grandmasters or Supreme Grandmasters, these dark circles remained.

"Headmaster Fu once said that the Seven Stars Academy holds some things I want to know. Could it be what I think it is?" Xu Yan asked Bai Yunkong.

If his guess was correct, what Fu Yuntian referred to was likely related to the Black Robe faction.

"The Black Robe faction hails from the Hidden Tower, one of the three most mysterious dark forces in the inner region, with no fewer than ten Peak Grandmasters," Bai Yunkong said solemnly.

"Peak Grandmasters are rare in the martial arts world, but the vast inner region has countless forces, so there are actually quite a few Peak Grandmasters.

"The master of the Hidden Tower is so mysterious and powerful that even Peak Grandmasters shiver in his presence. Even I have no certainty of victory."

The inner region was vast, with many top-tier forces. Each had numerous Peak Grandmasters due to abundant resources, powerful techniques, and long-standing traditions.

Even if it took decades to produce one Peak Grandmaster, the long accumulation would result in substantial numbers.

The rarity of seeing Peak Grandmasters was due to their presence at the pinnacle of the inner region, with few things attracting their attention.

Most were perfecting their skills and exploring the path beyond Grandmaster.

Xu Yan wasn't surprised by the numerous Peak Grandmasters in the prosperous martial arts world of the inner region. What surprised him was the unexpected strength of the Hidden Tower, to which the Black Robe faction belonged.

The master of the Hidden Tower was so powerful?

Even Bai Yunkong had no confidence in defeating him.

He was the headmaster of the Seven Stars Academy, the strongest inner region martial artist Xu Yan had encountered so far.

Xu Yan even felt Bai Yunkong was stronger than he could perceive.

"Where is the Hidden Tower located?" Xu Yan asked solemnly.

Though the master of the Hidden Tower was powerful, Xu Yan believed he could defeat him after reaching the Transcendent Realm.

At that time, he would directly take down the Hidden Tower's base.

Surely, it would be a huge windfall, right?

"I don't know."

Bai Yunkong shook his head, "Even the Seven Stars Academy or the Tianbao Pavilion don't know the locations of the three most mysterious dark forces."

The Hidden Tower was always mysterious. Even in face-to-face encounters, if the opponent wasn't wearing the iconic black robe, no one would guess they belonged to the Hidden Tower.

(End of chapter)