Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Exiting the Eastern Forest, after traveling several hundred miles, they finally encountered members of the Thunder Sword Sect.
Zhang Shi arrived with his eldest son, Zhang Yuzhen, his second son, Zhang Yuqing, and his precious daughter, Zhang Yuchu, to greet them.
Wei Chen hid in the middle of the group, chatting casually with Donghua Sword Immortal, Shaohuang God King, Taihao God King, Sui Huang, Great Merchant God King, Agricultural Sovereign, and Zhuanxu. He had no time to deal with the Thunder Sword Sect's people. In fact, Wei Chen's personality did not favor such matters; it was better for those like Ancestor Xu Elder to handle the necessary formalities. Even Yue Songyang, Deputy Hall Master, and Qian Youshi were not particularly fond of such things.
Moreover, although Wei Chen held a high position, he was not the Hall Master and could not casually take on the role of spokesperson.
Wei Chen understood this very well; when it was not his place to step forward, he would not do so.
"Greetings, Vice Master! Greetings, Qian Youshi! Greetings, Elders!" Upon seeing Yue Songyang and Qian Youshi along with Ancestor Xu Elder and others, Zhang Shi quickly paid his respects.
Although Yue Songyang was not adept at dealing with someone as shrewd as Zhang Shi, as Vice Hall Master he still had to take charge.
"Zhang Shi, are you really planning to go to Snow Ridge Mountains?" Yue Songyang asked lightly.
Zhang Shi nodded and replied, "That's right. We at Thunder Sword Sect have considered this internally for a long time and have decided to change our banner and pledge allegiance to the Temple of Martial Arts."
His words were extremely courteous and left no room for criticism.
"Have you encountered any difficulties?" Yue Songyang inquired. "Is there a threat in the Southern Ming Divine Domain that has forced you to submit?"
Yue Songyang found it hard to understand what was happening.
The intelligence department of the Temple of Martial Arts had reported nothing!
Zhang Shi shook his head. "Vice Master, Thunder Sword Sect has not encountered any difficulties. Our desire to pledge allegiance to the Temple of Martial Arts is a trend that cannot be reversed. Currently in the Southern Ming Divine Domain, among the major forces, there is a reshuffling taking place. If Thunder Sword Sect stands alone, it will be detrimental both for us and for the Temple of Martial Arts. Divided we are weak; united we are strong—this is an unchanging truth."
After hearing Zhang Shi's words, Yue Songyang fell silent. He had to admit that there was some truth in what Zhang Shi said. The strength of Thunder Sword Sect was not insignificant; if they truly pledged allegiance to the Temple of Martial Arts, it would be a significant boost for them.
Yue Songyang would not dismiss Thunder Sword Sect's contributions; their joining would indeed bring a leap forward for the Temple of Martial Arts. In fact, aside from top-tier experts, combined forces from both the Temple of Martial Arts and Thunder Sword Sect could rival the Southern Ming Divine Palace at the level of ordinary strong practitioners.
After pondering for a moment, Yue Songyang asked, "Zhang Shi, there must be some reasons behind this decision? Otherwise, why would you act this way?"
Just like a pie falling from the sky, the Thunder Sword Sect, such a major force, was inexplicably about to become a part of the Temple of Martial Arts.
Zhang Shi smiled and said, "Given the current situation, it's clear that chaos is imminent. For the sake of self-preservation, an alliance is necessary."
At this point, Yue Songyang, the Deputy Hall Master, already understood that there was little he could ask. Zhang Shi was deeply secretive and would not easily reveal his thoughts. Being the master of a major sect was no joke.
After hesitating for a moment, Yue Songyang said, "Alright then. Once we reach the Snow Ridge Mountains, let me negotiate with the Hall Master first before we discuss further."
"Whatever you say," Zhang Shi replied as he returned to the Thunder Sword Sect's group with his three children. Soon, they were fully assembled and joined up with the forces of the Temple of Martial Arts.
"Father, why do we have to join the Temple of Martial Arts?" Zhang Yuzhen, along with Zhang Yuqing and Zhang Yuchu, expressed their confusion over Zhang Shi's actions. In their view, the Thunder Sword Sect had fought hard for its independence; how could they just give it up inexplicably?
Zhang Yuzhen did not dare to openly contradict Zhang Shi's opinion. When he asked his question, he kept his head down and did not dare to meet Zhang Shi's gaze.
"Heh heh, once we arrive at the Temple of Martial Arts, you will naturally understand," Zhang Shi said, his eyes shifting toward his beloved Lady Zhang Yuchu.
Zhang Yuchu frowned in confusion and asked, "Father, what are you thinking?"
"Yu Chu, I can naturally see what’s on your mind as your father. Don't worry; I will take care of it for you."
Hearing this made Zhang Yuzhen and Zhang Yuqing feel inexplicably puzzled, but their precious younger sister Zhang Yuchu seemed to grasp something from it as a blush crept onto her face.
"Father, what do you mean?" A rare expression appeared on Zhang Yuchu's face.
Having grown up in the Thunder Sword Sect, Zhang Yuchu was usually straightforward with everyone. However, after arriving in the Eastern Forest and witnessing Wei Chen's impressive performance, her attention had been solely focused on him—a fact that did not escape Zhang Shi's notice.
As a father concerned about his daughter's future marriage, Zhang Shi had been worried that Zhang Yuchu's high standards would prevent her from finding a suitable partner. Now that Wei Chen had appeared—like a refreshing spring in the desert—Zhang Shi keenly noticed that Zhang Yuchu's gaze toward Wei Chen was unusual. Knowing his daughter well, he realized that she was experiencing her first stirrings of affection.
If it were someone else within the Thunder Sword Sect's influence, it would be easy enough to bring that fortunate individual into their fold. However, since the object of interest was Wei Chen from the Temple of Martial Arts—who had almost seemed divine during the Eastern Forest Contest—the situation became more complicated.
In the Endless Divine Realm, relationships between men and women were not so intricate; it was quite normal for women to take the initiative in expressing love or proposing marriage. Therefore, Zhang Shi planned to take the initiative himself without making Zhang Yuchu feel embarrassed. Of course, if he were to be rejected, it would be somewhat awkward. Regardless of whether it was a man or woman taking action in proposing marriage, being turned down was always quite uncomfortable.
Zhang Shi did not want to see such a situation arise, so he treated the Thunder Sword Sect as a dowry for the Temple of Martial Arts. By doing so, Wei Chen would likely have no reason to refuse.
The higher-ups of the Temple of Martial Arts could never guess that Zhang Shi's true intention was to promote his daughter by using the Thunder Sword Sect as a dowry.
No matter how Yue Songyang, Deputy Hall Master, Qian Youshi, Ancestor Xu Elder, and others speculated, they could not fathom this.
Of course, Zhang Shi was not that generous; the more important reason for the Thunder Sword Sect joining the Temple of Martial Arts was due to Wei Chen and the future situation.
From the Supreme Deity of Southern Ming's attitude towards Wei Chen, combined with the upcoming Blood Slaughter Shop Selection Tournament, Zhang Shi sensed that the Southern Ming Divine Domain was about to change. Rather than waiting to be swallowed by others, it was better to take the initiative and seek refuge in the Temple of Martial Arts; that way, he would still have some face.
Unlike Privy Hall, which was wiped out by Wei Chen with a single hand—an utterly humiliating fate.
"In the future Southern Ming Divine Domain and even in the Endless Divine Realm, that fellow Wei Chen will become a top power. Following him early on is far better than being wiped out alone."
"You all are still too naive to understand my thoughts. When the situation reaches a critical point, you will realize what it means to find shade under a big tree."
Zhang Shi calmly looked at Zhang Yuzhen and Zhang Yuqing, thinking to himself: "You are still too inexperienced. The Thunder Sword Technique is merely a basic version; perhaps under Wei Chen's guidance, you can obtain a more advanced version."
"No matter what, following that kid Wei Chen will not be a mistake. The future Endless Divine Realm belongs to Wei Chen and also to you."
"Sticking to the confines of the Southern Ming Divine Domain means that the Thunder Sword Sect will never rise. Only by venturing into stronger territories can one become a true powerhouse."
Zhang Shi had ambitions. His ambition was not merely for the Thunder Sword Sect to dominate within the Southern Ming Divine Domain but for his two sons to find the ancestors of the Thunder Sword Sect and learn stronger sword techniques. Even if they mastered the Thunder Sword Technique to its fullest extent, it would only rank as a Seven-Rank Sword Technique in the Endless Divine Realm. However, from Wei Chen's sword formations, Zhang Shi sensed clues; he saw glimpses of a stronger version of the Thunder Sword Technique. Coupled with his conversations with Wei Chen, Zhang Shi speculated that there might be some connection between Wei Chen and the founder of the Thunder Sword Sect.
These reasons combined were why Zhang Shi valued Wei Chen so highly.
Throughout their journey, the atmosphere in the Temple of Martial Arts was joyous. They had reaped all the benefits from the Eastern Forest Contest and were about to welcome a powerful Thunder Sword Sect into their ranks; everyone in the Temple was delighted.
Soon after, the main force entered Snow Ridge Mountains where Golden Spear Elder Master and Gongye Long the Elder personally welcomed their triumphant return. Both Golden Spear Elder Master and Gongye Long were aware of what had transpired during the Eastern Forest Contest; news had already spread back. Wei Chen had played an instrumental role in securing so many benefits almost single-handedly. As one who recommended Wei Chen for inclusion in the Temple of Martial Arts, Golden Spear Elder Master felt proud.
"Wei Chen, our Temple of Martial Arts has gained so much thanks to you," Golden Spear Elder Master said after greeting Yue Songyang and Ancestor Xu Elder before flying directly in front of Wei Chen and slightly bowing as a sign of respect.
Wei Chen shrugged noncommittally, indifferent to the praise. He was a free spirit and wouldn’t be swayed by Old Master’s compliments.
After everyone arrived at the headquarters of the Temple of Martial Arts, Old Master instructed his people to prepare clean rooms for the members of Thunder Sword Sect to settle in before discussing the matter of their joining the Temple with Yue Songyang, Deputy Hall Master, and others.
Despite their negotiations, they still couldn’t understand what Thunder Sword Sect was up to.
Following a grand banquet, Golden Spear Elder Master, Gongye Long the Elder, Yue Songyang, Deputy Hall Master, and Wei Chen sat together with Master Zhang Shi from Thunder Sword Sect.
After exchanging greetings, Golden Spear Elder Master got straight to the point: “Zhang Shi, to be frank, we’ve negotiated before but still can’t figure out your intentions. If you don’t provide us with an explanation, then the matter of Thunder Sword Sect joining the Temple of Martial Arts will have to be dropped.”
With that one statement, Golden Spear Elder Master took control of the conversation. His implication was clear: whether Thunder Sword Sect joined the Temple or remained independent was of no concern to them; if they wanted to join without giving a reason, that was absolutely unacceptable.
Even though Old Master secretly hoped for Thunder Sword Sect to become a member of the Temple, he wouldn’t show it and even pretended to be indifferent.
Zhang Shi understood Golden Spear Elder Master’s thoughts well. He smiled slightly and said, “Joining the Temple of Martial Arts comes with conditions.”
“What conditions?” Golden Spear Elder Master asked casually.
Zhang Shi turned his gaze toward Wei Chen with a grin and said, “As the saying goes, when a man grows up he should marry and when a woman grows up she should wed. Lady Zhang Yuchu is top-notch in both looks and character and is quite renowned within Southern Ming Divine Domain. Because of this, her standards are high. This time in Eastern Forest, she has seen Wei Chenyu's prowess and developed feelings for him; as her father, I can tell. Therefore, I want to treat Thunder Sword Sect as a dowry. Wei Chenyu, what do you think?”
In front of so many people, Zhang Shi made his proposal without hesitation!
Comment 0 Comment Count