Chapter 545: Taking the Initiative to Lay Everything Bare

Wang Sheng's emergence from seclusion had caused far too great a disturbance.

He frowned at the tiny wooden sword floating above the vortex of immortal power around him.

Why does that sword come across as offensive?

It was clearly formed from the root that he had bitten off. Yet for some reason, the Chaos Green Lotus, which was said to have transformed into countless treasures, had produced nothing more than a palm-sized wooden sword.

It was not imposing at all. On the contrary, it was even a little cute.

With a thought, he made the wooden sword appear in his palm. Detecting an aura rapidly approaching his location, he commanded the sword to vanish and reappear in his qi sea.

The earlier destruction came from the insight that he had gained during his years of secluded cultivation.

Considering the sect's light barrier had yet to fully recover, Wang Sheng felt quite satisfied with the destructive power of the Green Lotus Ultimate. However, it had drained nearly half of his immortal power and left a faint sense of fatigue lingering in his heart.

Creating an entire sword technique out of nothing was exceedingly difficult. What Wang Sheng had achieved was not the result of accumulated mastery in the Dao of the Sword. Rather, it was born from the insights that he gained by observing the Chaos Green Lotus, which then resonated with his Great Dao of the Sword.

It wasn't some heaven-defying divine ability. It was just a little powerful, a bit cool to look at, and exuded a somewhat intimidating Dao aura.

"Elder Pi!"

The first to land before Wang Sheng were the three male and two female elders who were on duty at the main peak. Gazing at the empty ruins of the small courtyard, they found themselves momentarily at a loss for words.

A kind-faced female immortal gently broke the silence. "Congratulations, Elder Pi, on successfully breaking through to the True Immortal Realm. Your divine abilities have greatly advanced."

Wang Sheng smiled and cupped his fists. "Thank you, Senior. My sword intent surged just now, and I failed to restrain myself. Not only did I accidentally destroy the courtyard and the array around it, but I also damaged the sect's grand defensive array."

An elderly Daoist asked hastily, "Was that green lotus just now your sword technique, Elder Pi?"

Wang Sheng lightly replied, "Yes. I gained insights out of nowhere, causing my Dao of the Sword realm to advance further."

Each cultivator's path and secret arts were private matters. It was improper for others to probe too deeply into those.

Yao Xingzi, who resided not far away, soon arrived riding on clouds. Streaks of light also shot in from all directions. Having been disturbed by the green lotus, the Xinghai Sect's immortals had rushed over to congratulate Wang Sheng on exiting seclusion.

This was one of the inconveniences of joining a celestial sect. There were simply far too many social obligations.

Wang Sheng returned their regards one by one. After some time, he finally managed to extricate himself. However, the sect master, vice sect master, and over a dozen of the sect's elders with the highest cultivation pulled him to the great palace for a discussion.

𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

The gathering wasn't held just to celebrate Wang Sheng's success. It was also meant to get him updated on the past few years' external affairs.

More than ten people sat around a long table. Beautiful, fair-skinned female disciples served celestial fruits and fragrant tea. Once they had left, Yao Xingzi gently waved his hand, enveloping the great palace with an array.

This meeting had a strong sense of ceremony.

Even at that moment, Wang Sheng was still comprehending his cultivation realm. There were countless profound subtleties that he could only slowly study now that he had reached the True Immortal Realm.

Yao Xingzi spoke first, expressing concern for the elder under his care. "Elder Pi, have you stabilized your realm?"

"I have," Wang Sheng replied with a smile. He then showed a trace of embarrassment. "Due to a moment of excitement, I accidentally unleashed a sword technique earlier. I have no idea how severe the damage to the array was, but please deduct Spirit Stones from my yearly salary to make up for the damage I caused."

Smiling, Yao Xingzi waved his hand. "There's no need for that. Anyway, that sword technique of yours is quite formidable. Could you briefly explain it to us? What kind of sword technique and what manner of divine ability is it?"

Wang Sheng nodded, then recalled Ziwei's vague figure standing on a small boat. He sighed softly. "This can be considered an opportunity that a senior of mine has bestowed upon me. I cannot speak of his origins or title, and he has already passed away. Please take a look."

Wang Sheng opened his right hand. Immortal power surged from his palm like a spring, then formed into a bud. The bud slowly bloomed, its lotus petals unfolding one by one.

The marvelous Dao Rhythm startled every expert present. They had never seen anything like it. It was unfathomably profound, as though it contained countless mysteries, yet also as though the Great Dao itself was embedded within.

Wang Sheng closed his fingers, and the lotus quietly withered away.

This was his fifth sword intent—the Green Lotus Sword Intent. Corresponding to this sword intent was only a single sword technique: the Green Lotus Ultimate.

Wang Sheng had chosen the name himself. It held no real significance. After all, when he used the sword technique to kill someone, he would not shout out "Green Lotus Ultimate" or anything. That would be far too embarrassing.

It would be better to shout something like "For the Heavenly Court!"

An elder cupped his fists in gratitude. "Thank you, Elder Pi, for revealing this Dao."

Wang Sheng, who was seated beside Linyuan, merely smiled.

Lishang, who was on Linyuan's other side, appeared to be contemplating deeply. Softly, she said, "I wonder if I can withstand Your Green Lotus Ultimate."

The True Immortal elders present were puzzled.

Wang Sheng had only just reached the True Immortal Realm. No matter how powerful the sword technique was, it couldn't possibly threaten Lishang, who was already at the peak of the True Immortal Realm.

Yao Xingzi answered, "There's no need to spar. You wouldn't be able to survive Elder Pi's sword head-on right now, Lishang. Naturally, taking it head-on is one matter, and evasion is another. We also can't be certain if that would prove true in an actual battle, where situations can change in an instant."

Lishang nodded. "In that case, our sparring match years ago counts as my loss, Elder Pi. You may continue your discussion. I will go rest first."

She turned around, rose, and left.

None of the elders dared speak, while Yao Xingzi simply smiled. Wang Sheng didn't know what to say either.

The sect master's conclusion was fairly impartial. He had been nearby when Wang Sheng had unleashed the Green Lotus Ultimate. As a Heavenly Immortal, he naturally sensed its true power.

Yao Xingzi continued, "You're now likely one of our sect's top five experts, Elder Pi."

Wang Sheng politely dismissed the notion. "I've only just become a True Immortal, Sect Master."

Linyuan smiled. "Cultivation realm does not determine actual combat power. Considering the thirteen qi planets have all spiraled into chaos now, our sect needs powerful figures to hold the line now more than ever. Kachew, please accept my praise.

"The sword technique you unleashed today alone can raise the morale of the entire sect. Come what may, as long as Lishang can successfully break through to the Heavenly Immortal Realm, our sect will be able to rest easy."

Wang Sheng smiled. "Is the vice sect master close to breaking through?"

"You could say that, but you could also say she's not. Her breakthrough still requires some—"

"Elder Linyuan," Yao Xingzi interjected.

Linyuan immediately realized that he had said too much, smiled, and calmly lifted his teacup.

Wang Sheng also changed the topic at once. "Everyone, I have been in absolute seclusion for more than forty years. How have things been on Fengmo?"

The other elders were perceptive. They knew that Lishang's breakthrough was of immense importance to the Xinghai Sect, and only a few should be aware of it.

Although the sect had purged spies before Wang Sheng entered seclusion, they couldn't be certain how many were still in their midst. Even among the elders present, there were still certain matters they couldn't fully disclose.

At once, several of the elders spoke in turn, explaining the current situation of the Xinghai Sect.

The sect was fairly stable at present. Yao Xingzi had exchanged letters with the sect master of the Celestial Wind Sect several times, but they only contained polite greetings and did not involve sect warfare.

Following Wang Sheng's advice long ago, the sect had already begun transferring and consolidating its forces on the two qi planets. They had decided to focus primarily on Fengmo in the future. However, they found it difficult to fully abandon their territory on the other qi planet since it provided them with a steady stream of Immortal Stones.

Wang Sheng smiled. "This is actually quite simple to resolve. On this planet, there are factions whose territories border ours. We can choose one or two of them and exchange territory. We can trade three for two, or even two for one. It doesn't matter if we take a small loss. Consolidating our forces is more important. At least on Fengmo, this would allow us to secure a position among the top three powers."

Yao Xingzi's eyes lit up a little. The elders immediately began discussing the idea. Before long, realization dawned on their faces as well.

Yao Xingzi said, "Elder Pi, since—"

Still smiling, Wang Sheng interrupted, "Sect Master."

He already knew what Yao Xingzi was about to say. It would be something along the lines of assigning him to handle the negotiations since the idea came from him, and rewarding him greatly if he succeeded.

"I have more important matters to attend to. Elder Linyuan is actually the best person to handle this task."

Linyuan was taken aback. He turned his head and glared at Wang Sheng. "You're still young and strong, yet you refuse to do the work yourself. Instead, you send an old man running all over the place! You're stepping over the line!"

"Elders in the family are like treasure," Wang Sheng replied. "You probably have many acquaintances on Fengmo, Elder Linyuan. I am merely a minor administrator within the sect; I don't know anyone at all."

Linyuan stroked his beard and pondered.

Yao Xingzi decided, "We'll have to trouble you with this, Junior Brother Linyuan."

Linyuan smiled. "You're too polite, Senior Brother. I was only joking with Kachew. Since I no longer have any hope of breaking through, all I wish for now is for the Xinghai Sect to endure through the ages. Even if it costs me my old life, I am willing to do a bit more for the sect."

At once, the elders all expressed their agreement. In the end, four elders were assigned to work together on carrying out Wang Sheng's proposal.

Wang Sheng added a few reminders about possible interference from the Celestial Wind Sect and the Fengli Sect, as well as the proper responses. He did not say much; the elders were all intelligent.

Half a day later, the elders departed one by one. Yao Xingzi instructed Wang Sheng to stay.

"You mentioned an important matter earlier, Elder Pi. What could it be?"

Wang Sheng's expression grew somewhat complex, which was rare for him. "It's closely tied to the Xinghai Sect and requires your full support, Sect Master, but I'll need ten days to consider it first. I'll report to you after that period."

Yao Xingzi simply nodded lightly and set the appointment for ten days from now.

When Wang Sheng returned to his ruined grounds after the "meeting," a simple wooden house and a defensive array had already been set up. He entered the house and sat on a meditation cushion.

On the soil before him, he used his finger to draw the thirteen qi planets and the ancient battlefield.

He thought about the arrangements to make next.

By chance, he had obtained the Green Lotus Ultimate. It seemed he now had the means to stir up great waves.

Yaoyun would likely return in another fifty years or so. Waiting for her to return before making a move would certainly provide more certainty, but he had endured several hundred years of suffering in the blood mines for nothing. He had to settle his grudge with the Celestial Wind Sect.

***

After pondering for ten days, Wang Sheng rose and went to Yao Xingzi's residence.

The sect master was already waiting by the window. The great arrays along the way offered no obstruction.

Soon, the two sat opposite each other in Yao Xingzi's quiet cultivation chamber.

Wang Sheng decisively said, "Sect Master, when I joined the Xinghai Sect, I wasn't just looking for a place to settle down. I had two other purposes."

"Oh?" Yao Xingzi remarked, but he didn't seem surprised. He gestured for him to continue.

"First, I want cultivators from my homeland to have a place to develop in the future. I want them to be able to join the sect or, at the very least, take shelter in it if they're merely passing through."

Yao Xingzi's lips curved into a faint smile. "Well, of course. I caught on to that when your three friends came to visit. That can't be considered a scheme, especially since our sect will also benefit from it. I see no reason to refuse."

Wang Sheng nodded. "Would you like to know why I have such an objective?"

"I'm all ears."

"It's because of the Celestial Wind Sect," Wang Sheng slowly disclosed. He sighed. "When I arrived at the ancient battlefield after leaving my homeland, their fiend cultivator Long Aotian captured me and forced me to mine blood ore. I was imprisoned in the mines for more than four hundred years. I will make the Celestial Wind Sect pay for this! I have declared them my mortal enemies!"

Despite his deep cultivation and vast experience, Yao Xingzi was still stunned. "Then the nameless sword immortal..."

Wang Sheng opened his right hand. The Heavenly Ziwei Sword Intent slowly emerged.