Chapter 341

341. Chapter 341: Change at the Border

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Protagonist:

Yu Zhangsheng

"Peak Master Zhu's disciples are numerous and talented; this kid just got lucky and took first place, it amounts to nothing."

Yu Zhangsheng lowered his head slightly, meeting Zhu Zhengping's words, and replied softly,

Zhu Zhengping laughed in spite of himself, shook his head lightly; regardless of what he thought inside, at this moment his eyes held a smile and praise. He patted Yu Zhangsheng's shoulder lightly, with a faint sigh.

"Suppressing a crowd of prodigies and standing out — you are no fluke."

"Rest assured, my Profound Yin Gate naturally dares to open the Tian Sha Secret Realm, and naturally would not go back on its word. No matter what, although your taking first place was very unexpected to me, the rewards belonging to you all, I will still produce."

"To speak honestly, I never imagined these rewards would ultimately fall into the hands of a single outer sect disciple. Wanxiang Sect producing a prodigy like you is their fortune; this old man also misjudged."

Zhu Zhengping sighed lightly, but his magnanimity was naturally present. As his words fell, two pills shimmering with flowing light appeared in his hand. The moment they appeared, they triggered a violent surge of spiritual qi, extremely extraordinary.

Everyone's hearts and minds were drawn to them, intoxicated as if by a sea, expressions moving.

"These are... fifth-grade pills, Yin-Yang Shattering Mirror Pill, and Reincarnation Life Pill?"

Gasps rose and fell in succession, carrying shock and envy.

"Good heavens, the Yin-Yang Shattering Mirror Pill — this is something that has unimaginable marvelous effects even for Golden Core cultivators breaking through to Sub-Talisman. A Golden Core cultivator consuming it can increase cultivation base, and at the moment of breaking through the realm, it can even increase the probability of breaking through to Sub-Talisman!"

"The latter, the Reincarnation Life Pill, is also a fine thing! Bringing the dead back to life, flesh and white bones are no problem; for Sub-Talisman cultivators it is still a rare life-saving holy medicine. Saying it gives an extra life is no exaggeration. Just these two pills, their value is difficult to estimate — price without market!"

"No such opportunity was found inside the Tian Sha Secret Realm, yet unexpectedly Zhu Zhengping used them as the first-place reward and handed them out. His generosity is truly grand! As expected of a great family estate!"

Envious gazes fell upon Yu Zhangsheng one after another. Yu Zhangsheng stared blankly at the two pills in Zhu Zhengping's hand, his mood equally surging. He cupped his fists toward Zhu Zhengping and bowed.

"Many thanks, Peak Master Zhu."

Fifth-grade pills — this was the first time Yu Zhangsheng had seen them. To say he wasn't excited would be impossible.

"This is what you deserve."

Zhu Zhengping's face was calm as he nodded lightly, suppressing the reluctance and heartache in his heart. He handed the two pills to Yu Zhangsheng, and also handed over a storage bag. Inside were a million spirit stones, counting as vassal tribute.

Yu Zhangsheng received them respectfully. Looking at the two pills in his hand, he gently inhaled the pungent medicinal fragrance, and instantly his spirit was invigorated.

"Good stuff!"

Yu Zhangsheng praised inwardly. With a thought, he stored them into the system's backpack.

"Next, announcing the second-place rewards..."

Zhu Zhengping withdrew his gaze from Yu Zhangsheng and continued distributing the rewards for the remaining ranks. However, this time a trace of ease surfaced in his eyes.

After all, second, third, and fourth place were all his own sect's disciples. Naturally, distributing them wouldn't cause heartache.

The rewards for the remaining ranks were likewise generous, but these were no longer what Yu Zhangsheng cared about. No matter how generous, they naturally paled in comparison to his own two fifth-grade pills.

After thanking Zhu Zhengping, Yu Zhangsheng cupped his fists lightly and rose to return to the sect residence. Lu Ruikai and Ruan Hao simultaneously surrounded Yu Zhangsheng and nodded lightly at him.

"Not bad. This time you've brought honor to the sect."

"It's all thanks to the sect's nurturing."

Yu Zhangsheng spoke respectfully.

"After returning, the sect will naturally have other rewards for you. If there's anything you want, you can think about it in advance and bring it up."

Lu Ruikai laughed heartily, nodded approvingly at Yu Zhangsheng, his gaze full of admiration.

Yu Zhangsheng stared blankly, then nodded lightly: "Then I'll thank the Sect Master."

On the other side, the rewards for the top ten were soon completely distributed. Apart from the Profound Yin Gate, everyone returned to their own sect residences satisfied.

Zhu Zhengping collected his emotions, chose a day, lowered his head to think for a moment, and smiled:

"All of you are the prodigies of our Wu Zhou, future pillars. Although the Tian Sha Secret Realm has ended, since you've come all this way, and this place is not too far from my sect, if it's convenient, you might as well come with me to visit the sect for a while."

"Coincidentally, my sect's Spirit Transformation Ancestor recently finished refining and repairing the Sect Treasure. You can all take a look for reference."

As his words fell, the plaza fell briefly silent. Then a sect elder spoke with a smile: "Since Peak Master Zhu is so warmly inviting, it would be impolite to refuse. Being able to witness a Spirit Transformation treasure is naturally an supreme honor."

"Yes, yes..."

The plaza buzzed with chatter, voices of agreement incessant. At this critical juncture, no one opposed Zhu Zhengping's words.

"This old thing — he feels one Tian Sha Secret Realm wasn't enough to establish his own disciples' prestige, the Profound Yin Gate's deterrent force isn't enough, so he specially added this extra link."

Lu Ruikai stood beside Yu Zhangsheng. Hearing this, he muttered in a low voice.

Yu Zhangsheng turned his head, a bitter smile on his face, not knowing how to respond.

"But it's true. The limelight of first place was snatched away by you, Changsheng. It's normal for Zhu Zhengping to feel displeased inside. Us cooperating a bit is no big deal."

Lu Ruikai thought for a moment, spoke again, glanced at Yu Zhangsheng, a trace of pride in his eyes.

Yu Zhangsheng was speechless, continued a bitter smile: "This Peak Master Zhu appears to be a magnanimous person. He shouldn't take me to heart, right?"

"Rest assured. Zhu Zhengping, however you put it, is a prominent figure in the Profound Yin Gate. Lowering his stature — he wouldn't stoop to that. At most he'll just pay some extra attention to you."

Lu Ruikai laughed, reassuring him.

"Oh."

Yu Zhangsheng nodded, but a mutter stirred in his heart.

"This Tian Sha Golden Lotus was probably prepared by Zhu Zhengping for his own disciple. If he finds out it ultimately fell into my hands, what would he think..."

Yu Zhangsheng muttered inwardly, suddenly shook his head, exhaled a breath.

"Forget it. Let him know if he knows. The matter is already settled."

Just as he was thinking, Zhu Zhengping looked at the various sects' reactions, smiled lightly, and was about to continue speaking when suddenly a jade tube glowing red from the horizon tore through the Void and flew toward Zhu Zhengping. Zhu Zhengping's expression changed. He reached out and intercepted the red-glowing jade tube, pressed it to his forehead and sensed it.

"Red Transmission Jade Tube, urgent sect message. Could something important have happened..."

A sudden scene, the remaining sect elders present were all at a loss, waiting quietly, but only a moment later, they saw Zhu Zhengping sense for a moment, then suddenly crush the jade tube in his hand, his cultivation base aura soaring to the heavens, abruptly turning his head, looking toward the Spirit Dragon Sect with a face full of anger!

"Xuan Long! This matter, do you have an explanation!?"

While everyone was in confusion and doubt, Zhu Zhengping spoke out in anger, his voice turning into a great bell, like the opening of heaven and earth, muffled thunder rolling past, rippling open the flowing clouds, resounding through the sky's edge.

Even more, an astonishing aura rose to shake the heavens, suppressing the eight directions, fluctuating violently along with Zhu Zhengping's emotional ups and downs, transforming into an astonishing pressure enveloping the four directions, pressing toward the Spirit Dragon Sect's location.

"What?"

The rest of the people were doubtful, each speculating in turn, Lu Ruikai narrowed his eyes, exchanged a glance with Ruan Hao, nodded lightly, pulling Yu Zhangsheng back two steps.

Xuan Long was also stunned in his spirit by Zhu Zhengping's sudden stance, a face of doubt, his complexion changed and he hurriedly waved his hand asking: "Dao Friend Zhu, what is the meaning of this? Why such a big mobilization? Just now wasn't everything fine?"

The remaining sect elders were the same, looking at this scene in doubt, faces showing puzzlement, each with their own guesses, yet all tacitly, they distanced themselves a bit from True Lord Xuan Long.

"Right, what's up with this Zhu Zhengping, the jade tube just now, was there some news inside, otherwise why would he suddenly change face?"

Just as everyone was guessing and suspecting, Zhu Zhengping took a deep breath, a sharp glint arising in his eyes, staring dead at True Lord Xuan Long, simultaneously opening his mouth to explain:

"Just now, I received an urgent message from the sect, the Wu Zhou southwest border, the defense line has fallen, the Qingzhou military, attacking in full force, eyeing covetously!"

"The southwest Yang Family rebelled! The Zihong Gate and my Xuan Yin Gate, the Ziyuan Great Powers guarding the southwest border, were lured by Spirit Dragon Sect cultivators, they united with Qingzhou Ziyuan cultivators to ambush the two Ziyuan Great Powers, one fell in battle, one heavily injured!"

"Even more, people of the undercurrents mobilized, aiding the tyrant, the entire southwest, the Yang Family, the Spirit Dragon Sect, thoroughly rebelled, causing the border to be greatly broken, countless dead and injured! The situation is critical!"

Zhu Zhengping's words fell one by one, his gaze deadened, face full of anger, his voice turning into wordless shocking thunder, falling and stirring up sky-covering giant waves, sweeping through everyone's hearts and minds.

In an instant, everyone's complexions greatly changed, eyes surging with incredulous color, the various sect team leaders, even more abruptly stood up, one by one their gazes tacitly cast toward True Man Xuan Long.

Everyone in their hearts knew clearly, this kind of matter, Zhu Zhengping could not possibly lie.

True Man Xuan Long was stunned, then covered in cold sweat, drop by drop sweat flowing down his forehead, under the pressure, gritting his teeth and pursing his lips, incredulously opening his mouth: "How is this possible?! This matter, I absolutely did not know, how could my Spirit Dragon Sect collude with Qingzhou, rebel against Wu Zhou? My Spirit Dragon Sect's foundation is here, such a thing violating the ancestors, how could it be done?"

"This matter, there must be a misunderstanding, other hidden circumstances, hope everyone please quell your anger, give me time, I will definitely thoroughly investigate this matter!"

True Man Xuan Long cupped his fists and spoke, feeling everyone's gazes, his eyes bloodshot, voice hoarse, explaining rapidly.

"Evidence is conclusive, what else do you have to explain, Spirit Dragon Sect! You truly have great audacity!"

Zhu Zhengping was furious to the extreme, coldly laughing as he looked at True Man Xuan Long, his gaze unintentionally sweeping toward the other sect people, when looking at True Man Xuan Long, killing intent abounded.

Zhu Zhengping knew clearly in his heart, this time the matter was no small thing, not only involving the Spirit Dragon Sect and the Yang Family, but the undercurrents were also swept up in it.

And the undercurrents, their relationship with his own Xuan Yin Gate was originally subtle, at such a critical juncture, if the Xuan Yin Gate wanted to avoid being suspected and pointed at, they could only thoroughly declare their stance, thoroughly sever ties with the undercurrents.

And the Spirit Dragon Sect, was obviously the first target to be dealt with.

Sure enough, as Zhu Zhengping's words fell, the various sect team-leading elders, although clear in their hearts, still remained silent without a word, merely observing from the sidelines, their gazes carrying a hint of scrutiny.

After a long while, only a faint voice transmitted through the void.

"Dao Friend Zhu, relying merely on the Yang Family and the Spirit Dragon Sect... is not enough to break open the southwest border, those undercurrent people, are also an unstable factor."

The others did not speak, but obviously also acknowledged these words.

Zhu Zhengping coldly hummed, turned his head to look at True Man Xuan Long, coldly laughing repeatedly: "The undercurrents rebelled, such rat-like scum should naturally be exterminated, but their main force, the Spirit Dragon Sect is even more to be held accountable, True Man Xuan Long, this matter, has already reached a point with no room for discussion!"

Zhu Zhengping paused, exhaled a breath, wide sleeve swung once, a trace of giant force covering True Man Xuan Long, transforming into a pair of blood-red large hands, falling from the sky, fiercely smashing toward True Man Xuan Long.

"Those who betray Wu Zhou, die!"

Boom boom boom! The blood palm replaced the sky dome, its patterns clearly visible, Zhu Zhengping's beard and hair all bristling, arm fiercely pressing down, instantly wind and clouds changed, the blood palm carrying the force of overturning mountains and seas, booming down!

A Sub-Talisman Peak attack, comparable to heaven and earth changing color, everyone feeling the power of this strike, expressions solemn, each leading their own disciples, retreating repeatedly.

And True Man Xuan Long at the center of this strike, even more complexion greatly changed, expression revealing terror, swallowed a mouthful of saliva, while flying backward, while shouting explanation: "Dao Friend Zhu quell your anger, this matter is absolutely not like this, there must be various hidden circumstances, please discern clearly!"

"Hmph!" Zhu Zhengping coldly hummed once, not the slightest thought of withdrawing his hand, but instead even more fierce, the blood palm continued descending, enveloping True Man Xuan Long.

"Zhu Zhengping! Don't bully too much!"

Seeing explanation was futile, True Man Xuan Long's eyes bloodshot, throat hoarse from shouting, gritting his teeth facing Zhu Zhengping roaring once, raising his head to look at the brilliant heavenly might, hurriedly forming hand seals.

Instantly, white light flickered, along with True Man Xuan Long's two hands pushing upward, a huge hundred-zhang white dragon shadow stood erect between heaven and earth, dragon might vast and continuous for a hundred li, ferocious dragon head, charging toward this sky-falling giant palm!

"Ang ang ang!"

Boom!

Violent aftershocks rippled open a hundred li, the air for a moment stilled, the two collided, Zhu Zhengping's complexion normal, continuing to slap down, while True Man Xuan Long retreated three steps, corner of mouth pale, a mouthful of fresh blood sprayed out.

The white dragon phantom shattered inch by inch, while the blood palm merely suffered a slight obstruction, then once again with unstoppable momentum, like the sky collapsing boomed down, squarely hitting True Man Xuan Long.

"Don't!"

True Man Xuan Long shocked and angry roared, frantically resisting, but all methods, before this absolute strength, all appeared futile.

"A frog at the bottom of a well, delusionally wanting to oppose heavenly might?!"

Zhu Zhengping coldly hummed, expression cold, after the blood palm covered True Man Xuan Long, fiercely clenched once more, in an instant, only saw a huge fluctuation explode open, the next moment, a violent spirit qi wave, swept the eight directions.

A purple light flickered, looking closely, it was a True Man Xuan Long shrunk countless times, a face of terror escaping from within, but the next moment, along with Zhu Zhengping's wide sleeve swinging, this miniaturized True Man Xuan Long, body suddenly paused, turned into specks of fragments, thoroughly dissipating between heaven and earth.

True Man Xuan Long, thoroughly perished! Heaven and earth along with it fell silent. (Chapter End)