Chapter 244: Jingyun Prefecture

Chapter 244: Jingyun Prefecture

October 27, 2024

The appearance of the Heavenly Martial Sect did not cause any ripples in the entire Eastern Domain, but within a thousand miles of its vicinity, the emergence of a new sect naturally drew the attention of many.

Upon learning of the existence of the Heavenly Martial Sect, many sects and powers were taken aback.

"Since when did a Heavenly Martial Sect appear here?"

"Mount Heavenly Martial... I've never heard of it!"

The Patriarch of Clear Wind Sect was visibly shocked.

At this moment, one of the elders spoke up, "It's said that Mount Heavenly Martial was originally Black Wind Mountain, the territory of the Black Wind Gang. Later, a powerful figure broke through the Black Wind Gang, exterminating all the bandits. Thus, it was renamed Mount Heavenly Martial, and the sect was established on it."

"Black Wind Gang..."

The Patriarch of Clear Wind Sect's expression changed.

"I remember that the leader of the Black Wind Gang was a Seventh Stage Divine Transformation Realm expert, and the rest were also quite powerful. For such a force to be completely eradicated by the Heavenly Martial Sect, it seems this sect is not to be underestimated!"

The Black Wind Gang was notorious for its ferocity within a ten-thousand-mile radius.

After all, with a Seventh Stage Divine Transformation Realm expert as their leader, their strength was formidable enough to be ranked among the top sects.

For instance, in the Clear Wind Sect, the strongest was the Patriarch himself, a mere Fifth Stage Divine Transformation Realm cultivator.

Even with the Clear Wind Sect's accumulated resources, in terms of true strength, they might be on par with the Black Wind Gang, or perhaps even slightly inferior.

Therefore, upon learning that the Black Wind Gang had been wiped out, the Patriarch of Clear Wind Sect was naturally shocked.

A fierce dragon crossing the river!

This was the first thought that came to his mind.

If not, why would they target the Black Wind Gang directly?

Now that the Black Wind Gang was destroyed, it indicated that the Heavenly Martial Sect was much stronger.

At this moment, one of the elders of Clear Wind Sect asked in a low voice, "Patriarch, should we pay them a visit?"

"Of course, why not?"

The Patriarch of Clear Wind Sect smiled.

"Currently, in the ten-thousand-mile region of Jingyun Prefecture, the Cloud Mountain Sect is the most respected. It's rumored that their leader is about to break through to the Dao Palace Realm, with the intention of unifying the entire Jingyun Prefecture.

The Heavenly Martial Sect, being a fierce dragon from elsewhere, might bring some changes."

As he spoke, the Patriarch's expression grew more serious.

The Eastern Domain had 108 states.

Each state had 3,600 prefectures.

Jingyun Prefecture, located in the Blood Sun State, was just one of the 3,600 prefectures, and its strength was not particularly formidable.

But wherever there are people, there is a world of martial arts.

Even if Jingyun Prefecture was small, it still spanned ten thousand miles and was home to numerous sects, with the Cloud Mountain Sect being the most powerful among them.

Originally, even if the Cloud Mountain Sect was strong, the gap between them and other sects was not that significant.

After all, most sects had Divine Transformation Realm cultivators at best, so how much stronger could they be?

The issue was that over the years, the Cloud Mountain Sect's resources had grown increasingly robust, and there were even rumors that they had a cultivator attempting to break through to the Dao Palace Realm.

In a region of Jingyun Prefecture filled with Divine Transformation Realm sects, the emergence of a Dao Palace Realm expert would have significant consequences, which any discerning person could see.

Moreover, the Cloud Mountain Sect had long harbored ambitions of dominating Jingyun Prefecture, causing great concern for the Clear Wind Sect.

While it was true that if all the forces in Jingyun Prefecture could unite, dealing with the Cloud Mountain Sect would not be a problem.

The issue was that the various forces would never truly unite, each fearing they would be working for the benefit of others, like a scattered group of sand.

Now, with the sudden appearance of the Heavenly Martial Sect in Jingyun Prefecture, the Patriarch of Clear Wind Sect was naturally concerned.

After all, the ability to wipe out the Black Wind Gang suggested that the Heavenly Martial Sect likely had an Eighth Stage Divine Transformation Realm expert, or perhaps even a Ninth Stage.

Such a force was one the Clear Wind Sect wanted to befriend.

"In a month, the Heavenly Martial Sect will open its gates. At that time, our Clear Wind Sect will personally visit to congratulate them. Even if we can't form a strong alliance, at least we will leave a good impression!"

"The situation in Jingyun Prefecture is unstable. If our Clear Wind Sect is not careful, our thousand-year legacy might be destroyed in my hands!"

The Patriarch of Clear Wind Sect sighed.

...

The news of the Heavenly Martial Sect opening its gates naturally attracted the attention of the entire Jingyun Prefecture.

If it were just an ordinary sect, it would be different.

But the issue was that the Heavenly Martial Sect had risen by defeating the Black Wind Gang, which made the situation different.

What did this represent?

It represented that the Heavenly Martial Sect was very powerful.

So.

At this moment, the various factions have their eyes set on the Heavenly Martial Sect.

Right now.

Within the sect.

An elder, who is actually a covert guard, respectfully addresses the main seat where Gu Wu is seated.

"Report to the Sect Leader, there are many cultivators secretly monitoring outside the sect. I fear someone intends to harm the Heavenly Martial Sect!"

"There is no need to worry about this. Everything is within my expectations."

Gu Wu smiles calmly.

When he decided to pacify the Blackwind Bandit Camp and then establish the Heavenly Martial Sect, Gu Wu had already anticipated this situation.

However, among the 108 states of the Eastern Domain, Blood Sun State is just an ordinary one. Within Blood Sun State, there are 3,600 prefectures, and Jingyun Prefecture is particularly insignificant.

Even if the establishment of the Heavenly Martial Sect causes turmoil in Jingyun Prefecture, it is only within this small area, making it difficult to attract the attention of truly powerful forces.

Therefore.

The true troubles the Heavenly Martial Sect needs to address come from Jingyun Prefecture.

"Have you investigated the situation in Jingyun Prefecture as I instructed? How is it now?"

"Report to the Sect Leader, there are thirteen sects in Jingyun Prefecture that have cultivators at the Ninth Level of the Divine Transformation Realm, with the Cloud Mountain Sect being the most prominent.

According to the information, the Cloud Mountain Sect has twenty-three Divine Transformation Realm cultivators, two of whom have reached the Ninth Level of the Divine Transformation Realm, and one who has reached the Half-Step Dao Palace Realm, the sect leader of the Cloud Mountain Sect, Fushan!"

The elder of the Heavenly Martial Sect does not hesitate, immediately reporting all the information he has gathered to Gu Wu.

"Word has it that Fushan has been at the Half-Step Dao Palace Realm for a hundred years and is currently striving to break through to the Dao Palace Realm. Moreover, the Cloud Mountain Sect has ambitious plans to unify Jingyun Prefecture.

If Fushan succeeds, Jingyun Prefecture will likely be dominated by the Cloud Mountain Sect in the future!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Wu's expression remains unchanged, as if he is deep in thought.

After a moment, he opens his eyes, his expression tinged with reflection.

"So, the Cloud Mountain Sect is indeed a problem. Twenty-three Divine Transformation Realm cultivators, two at the Ninth Level of the Divine Transformation Realm, and one at the Half-Step Dao Palace Realm.

A small sect like the Cloud Mountain Sect has quite a formidable foundation!"

This makes Gu Wu even more aware of the current weakness of the Divine Martial Dynasty.

It is only because of Gu Qingfeng's presence that the Divine Martial Dynasty can stand up to the various forces of the Ancient Wasteland World.

Without him, the Divine Martial Dynasty would likely have been divided and conquered long ago.

After all, the strength of the Divine Martial Dynasty, strictly speaking, is inferior to that of the Cloud Mountain Sect.

However, the difference is that the Cloud Mountain Sect is in the insignificant Jingyun Prefecture, while the Divine Martial Dynasty is in one of the Nine Provinces.

Fortunately.

Although the Divine Martial Dynasty has a weak foundation, it has the presence of a world-class powerhouse like Gu Qingfeng, which helps avoid many problems.

But the strength of the Cloud Mountain Sect now puts some pressure on Gu Wu.

Twenty-three Divine Transformation Realm cultivators, two at the Ninth Level, and one at the Half-Step Dao Palace Realm—such a force is not something the Heavenly Martial Sect can easily contend with.

Immediately.

Gu Wu takes out a communication jade token and sends the information back to the Divine Martial Dynasty.

Then, he looks at the elder before him and says, "I have already reported this matter to the imperial court. I believe His Majesty will have a solution. Continue to closely monitor the various sects, especially the Cloud Mountain Sect, and delve deeper to see if there are any hidden forces."

Gu Wu trusts the intelligence-gathering abilities of the Heavenly Martial Sect's high-ranking officials.

After all, these people are all former covert guards and are naturally skilled at gathering information.

After giving the instructions.

Gu Wu begins to enter seclusion for cultivation.

He has eliminated the Blackwind Bandit Camp and brought part of the resources back to the Divine Martial Dynasty. Meanwhile, Gu Yang has left the remaining resources behind to serve as the foundation of the Heavenly Martial Sect.

Now.

Gu Wu intends to use these resources to see if he can break through to the Dao Palace Realm.

If he can reach the Dao Palace Realm, the issue with the Cloud Mountain Sect will not be a problem. Even if he cannot reach the Dao Palace Realm, achieving the Half-Step Dao Palace Realm would be acceptable.

---

"Your son has come to pay respects to Father!"

Outside the Sharpening Hall, a voice rings out. Gu Qingfeng opens his eyes, and without any movement, the closed doors of the Sharpening Hall open.

Outside the door.

Gu Yang's expression remains unchanged as he steps inside slowly.

"Greetings, Father!"

He bows to Gu Qingfeng.

Gu Qingfeng calmly says, "You should be handling affairs in the imperial court. What brings you here today?"

As he speaks.

Gu Qingfeng skillfully opens his information panel, glances at the information under the descendants section, and sees no significant changes. He then looks at the information under the loyalists section.

……

"Your loyal agent, Austin Wu, plans to open the gates of the Heavenly Martial Sect to recruit new disciples and strengthen the sect’s power in a month."

"Austin Wu has gathered intelligence on the various forces in Jade Cloud Prefecture and feels that his own strength is insufficient. He has requested assistance from the imperial court!"

"Austin Wu is in seclusion, striving to break through to the Dao Palace realm!"

"Austin Wu’s cultivation has slightly improved during his seclusion!"

"Austin Wu’s cultivation has slightly improved during his seclusion!"

"Your loyal agent..."

……

Unlike the sparse information about his offspring, the reports from his loyal agents were numerous. However, Quincy Gu quickly found the information he was looking for.

Among all the reports, only the Heavenly Martial Sect, founded by Austin Wu, seemed to warrant Garrison Gu’s personal attention.

Sure enough, just as Quincy Gu was forming some suspicions, Garrison Gu spoke up.

"I dispatched Austin Wu along with some dark guards to the Eastern Domain. He has now established a sect in Jade Cloud Prefecture of Scarlet Sun Province, named the Heavenly Martial Sect."

"Although Jade Cloud Prefecture is not large, it is home to many sects. One of them, the Cloud Mountain Sect, is particularly powerful, boasting twenty-three Deity Transformation realm cultivators, two of whom are at the Ninth Rank, and one is a Half-Step Dao Palace realm cultivator."

"Austin Wu is concerned that the Cloud Mountain Sect might pose a threat to the Heavenly Martial Sect, so he has sent a message requesting aid."

"However, the imperial court’s resources are limited. Dealing with a Half-Step Dao Palace realm cultivator is beyond our current capabilities. Moreover, we cannot be certain whether the Cloud Mountain Sect’s leader has already taken the final step to become a true Dao Palace realm cultivator."

"Therefore, after much consideration, I believe only you can resolve this matter."

After Garrison Gu finished speaking, Quincy Gu summoned a divine weapon from the Forge Hall with a wave of his hand.

"This blade is named Clear Light. It is an ancient weapon. With Austin Wu’s strength, he can wield its power to slay anyone below the Dao Palace realm!"

He then flicked his finger, and a drop of his blood merged with the Clear Light blade.

"I have left a drop of my blood within this blade. In a critical moment, if it is activated, the ancient weapon’s power will greatly increase. At that time, even a newly ascended Dao Palace realm cultivator will not be a problem to slay!"

The Clear Light blade, being an ancient weapon, already contained the might of a Dao Palace realm. Now, with Quincy Gu’s blood, it would be even more formidable, capable of slaying ordinary Dao Palace realm cultivators.

This blade was not originally Quincy Gu’s. It was a supreme treasure from one of the many powerful opponents he had slain. Upon their death, the ancient weapon naturally fell into the Forge Hall.

"Thank you, Father!"

Garrison Gu accepted the Clear Light blade, feeling its immense power.

With this blade, the problem with the Cloud Mountain Sect would no longer be an issue.

Quincy Gu reminded him, "Remember, the drop of blood I left can only be used once to deal with a Dao Palace realm cultivator. Do not activate it unless it is absolutely necessary."

"I understand!"

Garrison Gu nodded and then left with the Clear Light blade.

After he departed, Quincy Gu glanced at the information panel, his expression calm.

"If the Cloud Mountain Sect’s issue can be resolved, the Heavenly Martial Sect might seize this opportunity to dominate Jade Cloud Prefecture. Among the 108 provinces, Jade Cloud Prefecture is indeed insignificant, with over 300,000 prefectures in total.

However, this is relative. If the Heavenly Martial Sect can truly control Jade Cloud Prefecture, the benefits for the Divine Martial Dynasty will be considerable."

Quincy Gu pondered.

Even though Jade Cloud Prefecture is small, it is still a part of the Eastern Domain.

The resources it contains far surpass those of the current Nine Provinces.

If the Heavenly Martial Sect can dominate Jade Cloud Prefecture, it can serve as a base, continuously supplying resources to the Divine Martial Dynasty.

With a prefecture’s resources as support, the Divine Martial Dynasty’s growth can be significantly accelerated.

Then, Quincy Gu closed his eyes and continued to cultivate the Primal Ancient Sky Blade.

He had already comprehended the art of forging to a great extent, and only needed to put it into practice. Forging a Great Sage weapon embryo did not require the intricate techniques of Great Sage divine patterns, so the requirements for forging were not too high.

Having understood the key techniques, Quincy Gu saw no need to delve further into them.

Instead of wasting time, he continued to study the Primal Ancient Sky Blade.

If he could break through with the Primal Ancient Sky Blade, it would be the greatest enhancement to his own strength.

While Quincy Gu was in seclusion, cultivating, Garrison Gu returned to the imperial palace and immediately summoned Gideon Gu. He handed the Clear Light blade to him, instructing him to carry it to Jade Cloud Prefecture and deliver it to Austin Wu.

He chose Gideon Gu for the task because crossing the Ancient Beast Mountain Range was risky. A Ninth Rank Deity Transformation realm cultivator could ensure that the mission would be completed without issues.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end