Six Immortals of Peach Valley

"But our Mount Song Sect, Mount Tai Sect, and Mount Hengshan Sect have already agreed. The few shall overcome the many. This matter is already settled!"

Zuo Lengchan smiled faintly.

"If Sect Leader Yue does not believe it, you may ask the sect leaders of Mount Tai and Mount Hengshan."

Yue Buqun immediately looked toward the Mount Tai Sect and Mount Hengshan Sect.

Someone from the Mount Tai Sect promptly stepped forward and called out loudly:

"I, Yu Jizi, agree to the merger!"

"Yu Jizi?"

Yue Buqun's expression shifted slightly. "Daoist Tianmen is clearly the sect leader of Mount Tai Sect. Since when did you, Yu Jizi, become Mount Tai's sect leader?!"

He had not seen Daoist Tianmen today and had already found it strange. Now it seemed Daoist Tianmen had likely been murdered by Zuo Lengchan through some despicable means!

A chill ran through Yue Buqun's heart, and his eyes grew ever deeper.

Daoist Tianmen had been a rare gentleman, hating evil as though it were an enemy, his temperament fierce and unyielding. Now that he was dead and Yu Jizi had risen to power, with Mount Tai Sect supporting Zuo Lengchan, the matter was already settled.

"Sect Leader Yue, this is an internal matter of our Mount Tai Sect, so there is no need for you to concern yourself with it. You only need to know that I am now the sect leader of Mount Tai! Our entire Mount Tai Sect supports the merger of the Five Peaks Sword Sect!"

Though Yu Jizi was old, he remained vigorous and sharp-eyed. There was a trace of frivolity in his gaze, and when he spoke, he looked at Yue Buqun with faint disdain.

Rage surged within Yue Buqun, but his expression remained unchanged. He looked toward Mr. Mo Da of the Mount Hengshan Sect.

"Mr. Mo Da, do you also support the merger?"

Mr. Mo Da was lean and tall, his face gaunt. Draped in a faded blue cloth robe washed pale with age, he sat at the side of the Mount Tai Sect with a huqin in hand. Hearing Yue Buqun's words, he sighed, slowly closed his eyes, and remained silent.

"Sect Leader Yue, three sects have already agreed. It is a settled matter. Do not struggle any longer. Better to go with the current."

Zuo Lengchan's smile was radiant. Every gesture he made displayed the bearing of an alliance leader.

"Fine."

From the corner of his eye, Yue Buqun caught sight of the dazed Ji Shu. An idea stirred in his heart, and he asked expressionlessly:

"If the Five Peaks merge into one sect, then naturally there must be a sect leader. Who will take that position?"

"Of course, the one with the highest cultivation shall be sect leader!"

"How will we determine who has the highest cultivation?"

"We can hold an arena competition."

Zuo Lengchan spoke unhurriedly.

"Our Mount Song Sect has rushed to build an arena over this period. When the time comes, each sect may send disciples to challenge the arena. Whichever sect's people fight until the very end, with no one able to check them, will have one of their own elected as sect leader!"

"Fine!"

Yue Buqun said:

"Our Mount Hua Sect agrees to the merger!"

"..."

Zuo Lengchan froze, but he reacted swiftly and burst into laughter. "Good. Since Sect Leader Yue has agreed, what about Mount Hengshan Sect?"

He looked at Linghu Chong.

Linghu Chong frowned, unwilling to accept.

Zuo Lengchan smiled. "Sect Leader Linghu. Sect Leader Yue has accepted it already. As the former senior disciple of Mount Hua Sect, are you going to defy your master's decision in full view of everyone?"

Linghu Chong was left roasting on the fire and could only nod.

All four sects had agreed. Even if his Mount Hengshan Sect did not agree, it would have to agree.

"Excellent."

Zuo Lengchan was high-spirited as he laughed loudly.

"Everyone, eat and drink to your heart's content. On the morning two days from now, we shall begin the Arena Competition. In the afternoon, we shall hold the merger ceremony! Master Fangzheng of Shaolin and Daoist Chongxu of Wudang will serve as the judges and witnesses for this ceremony and Arena Competition!"

A new era of the "Five Peaks" was about to arrive.

That was what many people were now passing from mouth to mouth.

Ji Shu did not care much about it.

He followed Yue Buqun and the others to a courtyard, where they settled down.

That day.

Yue Lingshan came to his room to practice swordplay with him. Whether on the mountain or below it, she had done the same throughout this time.

But in the eyes of Linghu Chong and the Six Immortals of Peach Valley, this was anything but ordinary.

Linghu Chong watched Yue Lingshan happily shut the door, his gaze dimming as he turned and left in loneliness.

The Six Immortals of Peach Valley looked at one another.

"Brother Linghu specially brought some sweets to see his junior sister this time. Who would have thought he would witness his junior sister meeting her lover with his own eyes! Brother Linghu is surely heartbroken."

"Let's go muddy the waters for him. Let junior sister know that Ji Shu is an unreliable scoundrel. Brother Linghu is still the better one."

"Good, good, good. We'll do just that."

The Six Immortals of Peach Valley acted the moment they thought of it, but Yue Buqun happened to walk out and run into them. Yue Buqun frowned as he looked at them.

They laughed awkwardly and pretended nothing had happened before leaving first.

Each of them muttered inwardly: It would be more straightforward to just tear that bastard Ji Shu apart. Once we find an opportunity, we'll act decisively!

"Why are these strange fellows here again? What are they trying to do?"

Yue Buqun's thoughts turned, returning to Ji Shu. He went to find him.

After Ji Shu invited him in, he saw Yue Lingshan in the room. Not only did he not get angry, he was instead deeply gratified. He hoped his future son-in-law would be a young man like Ji Shu—refined, broad-minded, and steady.

Naturally, he hoped Yue Lingshan and Ji Shu would grow closer.

It was rare for his daughter to finally come around. Yue Buqun's attitude toward Yue Lingshan became much gentler as well. Yue Lingshan was somewhat bewildered and did not understand why, but being treated this way by her own father still made her happy. She poured tea and served water at the side, looking very obedient.

"Ji Shu."

Yue Buqun took the initiative to speak.

"I wonder what realm your martial arts have reached?"

"I do not know either."

Ji Shu said:

"I do not understand the current martial world's divisions of cultivation realms very well."

"Could you let me examine you?"

"Of course."

Ji Shu indicated that Yue Buqun could inspect him as he pleased.

Ning Zhongze had already examined him. Being examined by Yue Buqun as well made no difference. In this matter, before Ning Zhongze and the others, he was as open and aboveboard as the bright wind and clear moon.

After some time.

Joy appeared on Yue Buqun's face. The hand stroking his beard trembled slightly; clearly, his surprise had reached its peak.

"Ji Shu."

He looked at Ji Shu with a kindly expression.

Ji Shu responded.

"Your internal cultivation has now reached the pinnacle realm. Even if your Martial Mother and I joined forces, we would likely only barely be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with you. Furthermore, your attainment in the sword is astonishing beyond compare. Combined, the two are enough to sweep through my entire Mount Hua Sect! By that reckoning, there is a ninety-nine percent chance that you can win this Arena Competition."

Yue Buqun was invigorated, his eyes blazing as he looked at Ji Shu.

"Whether our Mount Hua Sect can seize first place depends on you, Ji Shu."

"..."

Ji Shu opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but Yue Buqun reached out and patted his shoulder, saying solemnly:

"Ji Shu, you are the hope of Mount Hua Sect. If you can seize first place this time, your Martial Mother and I will both support you in firmly taking the position of sect leader of the Five Peaks Sword Sect! You must stay vigilant and careful. You cannot be plotted against before the competition."

Yue Lingshan, listening at the side, nodded repeatedly. Her eyes shone brightly as she looked at Ji Shu.

"Then it is settled."

Yue Buqun left.

Before leaving, he gave Yue Lingshan an encouraging look.

While Yue Lingshan remained dazed and confused, he departed in high spirits.

Yue Lingshan did not think too much about it. She was simply happy for Ji Shu. After saying a few considerate words to him, she began practicing swordplay again.

Ji Shu called her Master Yue.

As Master Yue, she could not bring shame upon Ji Shu!

Jade Maiden Swordplay!

Time to practice!