Zhu Ming Jianjun

"Ah--!! Zhu Ming Jianjun! It's Zhu Ming Jianjun!"

The rabbit excitedly scurried around inside the temple.

How do you recognize me?

Yuepo was overjoyed, "Of course I recognize her! It 'Zhu Ming Jianjun! Oh, I mean, I recognize her but she doesn't recognize me..."

So Yuepo performed a divination for Li Fan.

This world of immortals and heroes is full of top-tier divine weapons and magical artifacts. Various divine artifacts and magical treasures emerge one after another, but so-called divine artifacts are ultimately 'tools' rather than 'people'. They are acquired with consciousness but do not have the true cultivation methods for enlightenment like the Xuan Girl Heavenly Book Blood Record Heavenly Book. Therefore, even if they continuously refine their skills and materials, reaching the first level of the Divine Transformation stage is already the highest level of artifact spirit.

If one wishes to break through to the Enlightenment stage, the only option is to rely on a top-tier weapon-refining master to reshape one's body. However, the difficulty of this is unimaginable. There are very few people who can achieve Enlightenment to begin with, and it is extremely rare to hear of a Divine Transformation magic weapon being reshaped to the Enlightenment Stage.

However, such divine artifacts also have completely different opportunities and destinies. Unlike the 'objects' that cultivators transform into, they will not suffer the calamity of death. Therefore, they can be passed down as magic treasures to protect the sect for a long time.

Qingyang, Zhuming, Baizang, and Xuanying—these four sword masters form a renowned divine sword combination, possessing some of the world's most supreme divine weapons. Their origins are shrouded in mystery, with various theories ranging from ancient treasures to the swords of celestial beings and even the weapon of the Profound Maiden. In short, each of the four sword masters boasts a legendary history of slaying immortals and gods, vanquishing demons and monsters—truly ancient relics of immense prestige. Nowadays, they are rarely used for killing; instead, they are kept within the sect's walls for meditation and enlightenment, serving as treasured heirlooms passed down through generations.

These four sword masters mostly hide in famous mountains and rivers to cultivate in seclusion. They will occasionally appear to select those extraordinary talents and elite Dao children with immortal destiny to form couples for dual cultivation. Almost everyone who can gain their recognition as masters is a peerless talent who is famous throughout the world.

"Usually, the male and female swords appear together. White Treasure Sword Lord is now the sword of the Emei Sect Leader, while Sword Lord Xuan Ying is the Dao Companion of Dao Lord Cangming, one of the Four Ancestors of Emei. Qingyang Sword Lord has been missing for a long time, so Zhu Ming Jianjun was originally stationed at Kongsang Mountain!"

Wow, Emei has two of the Four Great Sword Masters, that's pretty awesome! Why don't they come to our Beichen Sword Sect?

Yuepo paused for a moment, "In fact, all four Sword Lords helped the Xuanmen defeat the Immortal Palace back then, and the Nine Yin Mountain Sword Pavilion also worshipped them. Among the past sect leaders, many of them were partners with the Sword Lords. However, back then, the Divine Lord used the five forms of the <Blood Record Sword Scripture> to storm Nine Yin Mountain and defeated all the Sword Sect masters. Even if the sect leader invited the Sword Lords, they could not win. Even the Sword Pavilion was destroyed. Therefore, the four Sword Lords were extremely ashamed and had no face to return to Nine Yin Mountain for many years."

Moreover... Moreover, the last leader of our sect, the Sword Ancestor Xuantian, seized power by storming the main mountain. Many in the Xuan Sect were dissatisfied. Only after the Sword Ancestor defeated all the masters in the world during the Nine Yin Mountain Sword Tournament could he gain the respect of the masses. At that time, the Dao Companion of the four Sword Lords all died at the hands of the Sword Ancestor. And... sigh, when the Sword Ancestor was researching sword forging, he didn't seem to have much respect for the Sword Lords...

So later, when the Sword Ancestor fought against the Three Elders and Four Ancestors of Emei, the Sword Lords all went to support Emei...

Wow! Xuan Tian, you really know how to stir things up! What kind of disrespect is this?! Turning "Sword Sect's Ancestral Divine Weapon" into "Weapon Exclusively for the Sword Sect" is ridiculous! Well, no wonder he had to forge his own sword later on. He shouldn't be jumping out and claiming to be a true disciple of Xuan Tian of Beichen Mountain; this doesn't just create a connection, it creates maximum animosity...

"Greetings, Zhu Ming Jianjun."

Among those present, only Yuepo was truly happy to see her idol; the others were anything but happy to see Zhu Ming Jianjun in person.

The female cultivator from Kongsang Mountain, wielding the Zhu Ming Divine Sword, completely ignored the monks and Daoists bowing and paying their respects on both sides. She charged into the Lingguan Hall, sword in hand, and with a swift movement, struck the forehead of the Lingguan Protector. A flash of Sword Light erupted, and flames shot skyward! The overwhelming sword power and surging flames burst forth in an instant! Not only the Lingguan Protector, but the entire entrance hall was scorched into a wasteland by the raging fire! Streams of flame broke through the barrier, pouring directly towards the main hall's entrance!

The people of Kongsang Mountain, clad in red swords, stepped into the sea of fire and filed in through the main gate, standing directly in front of the main hall facing south.

"Didn't you want to discuss the Dao and duel swords? Then let's have the duel!"

Fazhi and Wuzhui exchanged a glance, then bowed and smiled insincerely before entering the main hall together. They stood on the left and right sides, forming a tripod, like a triad meeting.

Once the disciples of the Three Mountains activated their protective barrier, concealing the secrets of heaven, the female cultivator wielding the Zhu Ming Sword ignored the monks of Tianlong Mountain and glared angrily at the black-clad Daoists, launching into a tirade of curses.

"Wuzhui! You 'Door Opening to thieves, letting these Hengshan bastards in. Do you think I'm afraid of them?!"

The female cultivator's throat and tongue remained still as she spoke, clearly indicating that they had been taken over. It was the Zhu Ming Divine Sword in her hand that was using a sound transmission technique, causing the sound waves to reverberate throughout the area.

Wu Zhui bowed respectfully, "Sword Lord, you misunderstand. I know that you are here to repay the kindness of Yuanmu Divine Lord. At this critical moment of life and death, you will definitely lend a helping hand, enter the killing tribulation to settle the karma, and fight for a way out for Kongsang Mountain."

If Wuzhui dares to enter this calamity today, he is prepared to perish. Here is your head; if you wish to take it to vent your anger, I will have no further objections. However, to be fair, our two families have fought for many years and have developed a considerable relationship. Leaving aside the rights and wrongs for now, while my Guyeshan certainly missed its chance to rise, hasn't Kongsang Mountain also exhausted its resources and is now in a precarious position regarding its future?

Even if you, Sword Master, personally intervene and sever many karmic ties, I, Wuzhui, a mere rogue cultivator, would not care if I died. However, for the sake of Kongsang Mountain, I would inevitably offend the fellow Daoists of Hengshan and Tianlong Mountain. How then could the lineage of Kongsang Mountain continue?

But there's always a way out! Fellow Daoist Liu is a close friend of Wuzhui, a true disciple of the Shangqing Palace, and a candidate for sect leader! He heard about the feud between our two sects and volunteered to vouch for both of us, resolving our conflict! He personally came into this world to show his sincerity!

Zhu Ming Jianjun sneered, "Hengshan has quite the appetite! Does it intend to use its power to force both mountains to submit to it?"

Liu Daoming bowed and said, "Sword Lord, you are mistaken. We are all fellow practitioners of the Xuanmen sect. I have no intention of forcing either mountain. It is merely that in these chaotic times, I proposed that we swear an oath and form an alliance to watch over and help each other."

Sword Master, your skills are unparalleled; I, Liu, am naturally no match for you. However, since you have come out of seclusion this time, you must help find a good future for the disciples and grand-disciples of Divine Lord Yuanmu, right?

"It just so happens that the lineage of Purple Void Dao Lord of the Yellow Court Palace in Hengshan is the most suitable superior cultivation method for female cultivators in the world! If Sword Lord is willing, this junior is willing to represent Hengshan to mediate the feud between the two families, resolve the root of the problem, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Upon hearing this, Fa Guang knew things were going badly and interrupted with a loud laugh, "Master Liu, you are mistaken! If the Gushe and Kongsang families could reconcile and resolve their long-standing feud, that would be a great thing. But how could such a long history of vendettas and blood feuds be resolved with just a few words!"

"But I can't blame you. After all, you're from the South, an outsider with limited experience, and you don't know many inside stories! Sword Master is an elder, and there are some things he can't say. Perhaps I should explain them to this outsider."

Zhu Ming Jianjun remained silent, and Liu Daoming could only squint at the legal code and smile.

So Fa Ding also said, "Thank you, Sword Lord! Fellow Daoist Liu, let me explain to you, a southerner, that when the Grand Commandant was still alive, the spiritual veins of Gushe, Kongsang, and even the three mountains of Guigu were originally bestowed upon the Bailudong lineage of Bi Xia Dao in the Gen Country. They were military merit rewards for the female immortals of Bailudong who assisted in the Northern Expedition!"

However, the successor of the White Deer Cave formed a bond with your Shangqing Palace disciples during the Northern Expedition. Moreover, that person was not a direct descendant of Hengshan, but a disciple of the Mao Mountain Shangqing Sect. The two became Dao Companion, which is why your Supreme Purity settled in Gen Province, claiming to borrow the land to spread your teachings. The Bi Xia Dao also suffered heavy losses during the Northern Expedition. Out of consideration for your fellow Xuanmen practitioners, we allowed you to temporarily reside in Guyeshan to jointly defend against the surrounding Demon Race and the Death Gate Demonic Path!

I never imagined that the direct descendants of Bailudong would suffer heavy losses while following the ruler of Gen Country on his southern expedition. This allowed Shangqingdao to Supreme Purity opportunity and usurp the territory, occupying the grotto-heaven of Guyeshan and forcing Bailudong to be reduced to only the Kongsang Mountain region! Alas! Even as an outsider, I find their actions too domineering and feel deeply indignant on behalf of the Bailudong disciples! Now they speak of mutual support and assistance, but as an outsider, I dare not believe it! I think Sword Lord must share the same concern: will the lineage of Kongsang Mountain be severed?

"Oh, Fellow Daoist Liu, you're certainly not from out of town to understand these things. Wuzhui, you have absolutely no connection with Guyeshan now, but honestly, have I uttered a single falsehood?"

Wuzhui glanced at the several resentful disciples of Kongsang Mountain, smiled at Fading, and remained silent.

Liu Daoming then laughed and said, "Master Fading is so familiar with these old stories. I almost forgot that Tianlong Mountain was also a heretical sect originating from Zhen Country."

Fa Guang laughed heartily, "That's different. Although Tianlong Mountain originated from beyond the borders, we monks are all locals! This humble monk is also a descendant of the brave warriors of Hebei. Back then, my ancestors followed the Grand Commandant on his Northern Expedition to the snowy and icy plains, brave young men who risked their lives for the Central Plains! Hehe, we are not like some of those who hide in the fortified city of Sanyuan, scheming behind people's backs and attacking them with hidden arrows!"

Wu Zhui immediately bowed and said, "What you say makes sense! I, Wuzhui, am also from Hebei! I don't trust those mediocre people from the Three Palaces either! But I know the fellow Daoists from Hengshan well. They are true disciples of the Xuanmen and righteous people! They are definitely not like those people from Songshan who collude with the Immortal Palace!"

Just as Master Fading said, the Gushe and Kongsang families were originally one, but because of the old grudges of our ancestors who separated their families, things have come to this point. Must we continue like this?

Liu Daoming also bowed, "Sword Lord, you are wise. Hengshan has no intention of setting foot in Hebei. On the contrary, we are currently preparing to attack the Divine Sect and are short of manpower. I have already reached an agreement with Guyeshan to bring the elite disciples of the Shangqing lineage back to our main mountain for further study. Guyeshan has occupied many Daoist temples and mines, which are now being returned to Kongsang Mountain as a sign of sincerity."

The official immediately replied, "To show sincerity, shouldn't we return the original Guyeshan?"

Wu Zhui chuckled, "Master, you are mistaken. We are now in a chaotic world. If we lack strength and occupy too many precious lands, we will only attract covetousness and bring disaster upon ourselves. Back then, our two families formed an alliance out of necessity. Now that we have returned to our old friendship and are helping each other, this is the best way to avoid disaster in this chaotic world!"

Legally, he wanted to say more, but Zhu Ming Jianjun coldly replied, "You people from Hengshan may swear that you will never set foot on Kongsang Mountain!"

Liu Daoming immediately agreed, "I swear on my life that this is absolutely true! As long as it can resolve the long-standing feud between our two families, I, Liu, am willing to swear an oath in blood!"

Zhu Ming Jianjun said, "Let's swear an oath first!"

Upon seeing Kongsang Mountain's apparent interest, Fazhi immediately knew things were going badly. However, after being glared at by Jianjun, he dared not say anything more and quickly slipped to the sedan chair and whispered, "Senior Brother! What should we do!"

Li Fan remained silent, took out a talisman, wrote a few words on it, and handed it over.

Upon seeing this, the official's face immediately changed, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

Meanwhile, Liu Daoming seized the opportunity and directly wrote a blood oath, which he then handed to Zhu Ming Jianjun. Seeing the reaction from Fading, he exchanged a smile with Wu Zhui and said, "Master Fading, since the Gushe and Kongsang families have sworn an oath, then it's time to discuss your Tianlong Mountain."

Wu Zhui nodded, and, as if performing a double act, said, "This time, the Yellow Heaven Path set up the Gate of Life and Death, causing countless disasters to befall the people. Our Three Mountains originally agreed to work together to wipe out these demonic paths in one fell swoop with the Heng Hai Army. But unexpectedly, recently, the Blood-Faced Ghost Mother colluded with the remnants of the Death Gate Demon Path to attack our camp, harm my disciples, and release the Fiend Corpse to wreak havoc on the world!"

I've thought it over and over. Our initial plan was flawless, with each family assigning skilled fighters to provide support, yet we were all wiped out. The enemy must have come prepared! So it must be one of our three mountains, with an internal traitor colluding with the Demonic Sect! Does Tianlong Mountain know anything about this?"

Legal remained silent, his back drenched in cold sweat. The three naked men around him watched him uneasily.

Liu Daoming exclaimed in surprise, "They're actually remnants of the Death Gate Demonic Path! Hengshan certainly can't ignore this! Fellow Daoist Wuzhui! Where are those remnants of the Death Gate Demonic Path and the traitors who colluded with the Demonic Sect now?"

The Wu Zhui smiled and looked at Fajing, "Master Fajing, do you have any insights?"

However, the legal system remained terrified and silent.

Seeing the Fa Deng situation, Fadeng decisively stepped forward and said, "Wu Zhui, our Tianlong Mountain is a pure land where monks never provoke trouble. This time, we are doing this to help eliminate demons for the sake of all living beings. We will never let those who collude with the demonic path go unpunished! Who exactly are these demonic people? Speak freely! Fa Deng and my fellow disciples will definitely kill these demons!"

Wu Zhui laughed heartily, "I know that the eminent monks of Tianlong Mountain are all righteous people and will certainly lend us a hand."

Liu Daoming nodded and said, "Very good, Master Fa Deng, let's fight demons together."

With a wink, Fazhi and Faqiao hesitated for a moment, but then followed him away from the sedan chair, and the three of them went to the Guyeshan.

Legally, however, was still staring at the talisman in his hand, trembling.

Wu Zhui and Liu Daoming exchanged a glance. "Master Fazhi, who is in the sedan chair? You haven't introduced us yet."

Zhu Ming Jianjun snorted impatiently, "Legal! What else do you have to say? Speak up!"

Stabbed by the swordsman's aura, Fa Ding suddenly stood up as if jolted, looking at the arena and saying, "... Inside the sedan chair is my senior brother, he has a few questions he would like to ask you all..."

Wu Zhui laughed, "Master Fading, aren't you Senior Brother Guishan? How come there's another Senior Brother here? Fa Deng, is this person also from your Tianzang Sect?"

Fa Deng clasped his hands and said, "This man calls himself Fake, claiming to be a wandering monk of the Tianzang Sect, but in reality, he is a demon of the Death Gate Dao."

Wu Zhui was surprised, "Oh dear! Master Fa Deng, is this true? Fadeng? You call the Death Gate Demonic Path Master your senior brother?"

But Fa Ding ignored him, instead turning to Liu Daoming with a cold sweat on his brow, "Master Liu, my senior brother is asking you, does Hengshan know anything about the Gate of Life and Death?"

Liu Daoming exchanged a surprised glance with Wu Zhui, but before he could answer, he turned to Zhu Ming Jianjun and asked, "Senior, my senior brother is asking if you know anything about the Gate of Life and Death."

Zhu Ming Jianjun was also silent for a moment.

Then, Fajing, drenched in sweat, knelt before the sedan chair, kowtowed, and said, "Senior Brother, your wisdom is as sharp as a torch. Since I entered the Death Gate Dao, I have repeatedly broken the precept against killing, and my hands are covered with blood debts. I also participated in this matter of the Gate of Life and Death. Now, I have committed such slaughter, harming the people of Gen Province. I know that my karma is heavy and I am bound by karmic debts. This time, I cannot escape my fate. It is also the retribution of karma. Fajing... Fajing... Fajing is willing! To be reborn through self-disintegration!"

The sudden turn of events by the authorities stunned the surrounding crowd.

Then something was thrown out of the sedan chair and landed in front of the law.

It is a golden cicada.

"Thank you for giving me this opportunity, Senior Brother!"

Legally grabbed the golden cicada, swallowed it whole along with the dirt, and was immediately struck by an overwhelming palm force! He was blasted into pieces in a single blow!

Liu Daoming and Wuzhui quickly flicked their sleeves to block the oncoming bloodstains, while Fa Deng, Fazhi Faqiao, who were closer, were dumbfounded and stunned, their bodies covered in Fadeng's blood and flesh.

The female cultivator whom Zhu Ming Jianjun had taken from him narrowed her eyes and looked at the person who stepped out of the sedan chair.

That wasn't a monk, but a young Daoist boy, who looked to be only fifteen or sixteen years old, just beginning to wear a crown. He wore a purple robe and a crane-shaped crown, his face was as warm as jade, his skin glowed with a radiant white light, he had sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, pearly teeth and red lips, and a pair of tiger-like golden eyes. Just by casually glaring at him, a murderous aura like that of a ferocious beast would rush towards you.

"Tai Xuan Dao, Qingyue. The plot is over, right? Then let's attack together."