"Master, they are from the Divine Sword Sect!"
Xian Yun, the eldest disciple standing behind his master, reminded the Sect Leader, Zhong Yu Long.
"Divine Sword Sect?"
The Left Banner Elder sitting beside them, as well as Chong Ling Er, Qi Xiu, Xu Yu Xin, and the other disciples, looked surprised and eager for an explanation, wanting to know the background of the Divine Sword Sect.
Only Zi Qing, who appeared indifferent, clad in a simple and elegant white Daoist robe, with her dark hair messily pinned up with an ordinary twig, strands of hair falling before her face, sat in a chair behind her master. Her exquisitely carved face was expressionless, her naturally dazed phoenix eyes fixated on a few ants crawling on the ground, lost in thought…
As the eldest disciple, Xian Yun managed the daily affairs of the Wudang Sect, serving as Sect Leader Zhong Yu Long's trusted assistant. He was also involved in some matters of the Martial Arts Association. It was Xian Yun who registered the Divine Sword Sect's notification to the association that they would be participating in this Martial Arts Gathering.
"That person is Yan Chang Jian, the Sect Leader of the Divine Sword Sect!"
Xian Yun, looking at Yan Chang Jian who carried an arrogant demeanor and was surveying the various sect members in the hall, said to his master and the Left Banner Elder.
"His sword energy pierces the heavens; this person is extraordinary!"
The Left Banner Elder raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on Yan Chang Jian, sensing the invisible sword intent he exuded, which was truly astonishing.
Even Sect Leader Zhong Yu Long beside him nodded in agreement, saying, "Yan Dong Hai of the Divine Sword Sect, I have encountered him before. His self-created sword techniques are unmatched, not inferior in the slightest to the Great Dao Sword Techniques left by our Sword Dao Ancestor!"
"So formidable?"
Chong Ling Er, wearing a light blue Daoist robe, though baggy, could not conceal her graceful figure and her pair of bright, lively eyes. Hearing how powerful the Divine Sword Sect was, she and her senior brothers and sisters were astonished.
Not only the Wudang Sect members were observing Yan Chang Jian of the Divine Sword Sect, but the Sect Leader Yuan of Kunlun Sect, Sect Leader Lu of Kongtong Sect, and others were also discreetly appraising him. The invisible sword intent emanating from Yan Chang Jian caused everyone to feel a sense of awe.
"Esteemed guests, the Abbot Wan of Wuliang Daoist Temple, Sect Leader Zhou of Emei Sect, and Sect Leader Liu of Qingcheng Sect have arrived…"
Following that, Shi Yi Zhen personally led Wan Yun Ting and Yang Jing Yi, Zhou Ruo Xi and Master Yun Bai, Liu Bing and Elder Jia, and others into the hall. Zhong Yu Long and the sect leaders and sect masters of other sects present then shifted their gaze from Yan Chang Jian to Wan Yun Ting and his companions…
"Abbot Wan…"
Xiao Lan Xin, standing beside her master Zi Qing, couldn't help but jump a couple of times, waving a greeting to Wan Yun Ting.
Wan Yun Ting also saw Zhong Yu Long and the Left Banner Elder, waved back with a smile, and then said to Yang Jing Yi and Zhou Ruo Xi, "Let's go sit over there."
"Okay…"
They walked directly over. Wan Yun Ting cupped his fists and politely greeted Zhong Yu Long and the others, "Sect Leader Zhong, Elder Left Banner, I trust you are well…"
Zhou Ruo Xi also bowed. Zhong Yu Long and the Left Banner Elder and others also bowed or nodded. Zhong Yu Long first smiled at Wan Yun Ting and said, "Abbot Wan, it has been a long time. Your martial arts have improved considerably."
Wan Yun Ting smiled, "Sect Leader Zhong flatters me."
Zhong Yu Long then turned his gaze to Zhou Ruo Xi and said with a kindly smile, "Are you Zhou Ruo Xi, Feng Ling's disciple?"
Facing Zhong Yu Long, a highly respected elder, Zhou Ruo Xi bowed respectfully and said, "Ruo Xi greets Sect Leader Zhong."
Zhong Yu Long nodded and smiled, "Good. Feng Ling chose you to succeed her as the Sect Leader of Emei Sect, which shows her excellent judgment. I hope you do not disappoint her expectations."
Zhou Ruo Xi was touched and nodded, bowing, "Thank you, Sect Leader Zhong."
Zhong Yu Long then gestured to Wan Yun Ting and Yang Jing Yi, and they all took their seats. Gu Luo Tang, Qi Miao Miao, Duan Ying Ying, and others could only stand aside. Wan Yun Ting also turned to Xian Yun, Qi Xiu, and Zi Qing, who was still lost in thought, and smiled, "Senior Sister Zi Qing, have you recovered from your injuries?"
Zi Qing, sitting behind Zhong Yu Long and watching the ants, heard his voice and finally came back to her senses, looked up, and nodded slightly without speaking.
Wan Yun Ting smiled, accustomed to her quiet nature, and said no more. He turned back to chat with Zhong Yu Long and the Left Banner Elder, his gaze also scanning the sect leaders and sect masters from other major sects present. He nodded from afar to acquaintances and, if unfamiliar, would ask Zhou Ruo Xi, who had done her homework…
Meanwhile, Yan Chang Jian of the Divine Sword Sect, along with disciples like Jian Feng, sat in front of Wan Yun Ting and Zhong Yu Long. He cupped his hands and smiled at Zhong Yu Long, "Sect Leader Zhong, greetings."
Facing Yan Chang Jian's imposing and arrogant posture, Zhong Yu Long, like an ordinary old man, did not reveal any uncomfortable aura. He nodded and smiled at Yan Chang Jian, acknowledging his greeting.
"Everyone, please be quiet for a moment…"
Shi Yi Zhen, the Sect Leader of Hua Shan Sect, stood in the center of the hall, pressing his hands down on those seated on both sides, and smiled, "First, I, Shi, welcome everyone who has traveled thousands of miles to our Hua Shan Sect to participate in this year's Martial Arts Gathering. Our Hua Shan Sect feels greatly honored…"
Wan Yun Ting sat with Zhou Ruo Xi, listening along with Zhong Yu Long and the other sect leaders and sect masters as the Sect Leader Shi Yi Zhen of Hua Shan Sect delivered a lengthy opening speech, which even made Yan Chang Jian and his group across the hall impatient.
Seeing that it was about time, Shi Yi Zhen smiled and said, "Many sect representatives have not yet arrived. I will not go into detail now. We will discuss the arrangements for tomorrow's Martial Arts Gathering after their representatives arrive. What do you all think?"
Liu Bing waved his hand and said, "Then let's wait until they arrive before we discuss it…"
Others also agreed. The next second, someone outside shouted, "Abbot Ren Xin of Shaolin Temple has arrived!"
"Heavenly Master Zhang Xuan Liang of Dragon Tiger Mountain has arrived!"
A slightly plump master from the Shaolin Sect, dressed in a magnificent brocade kasaya, with a string of prayer beads around his neck and holding another string in his hand, was none other than Abbot Ren Xin of Shaolin Temple.
Simultaneously, the familiar Master Hui Kong also arrived, followed by a group of young disciples with shaven heads bearing tonsure marks. Among them was a monk in his thirties, of ordinary appearance but with an extraordinary aura, named Jin Xuan, a martial monk!
"Abbot Ren Xin…"
The sect leaders and sect masters of the various sects present, surprised that Abbot Ren Xin of Shaolin Temple had also come, all rose to greet him.
"Amitabha, greetings to all…"
Abbot Ren Xin gave an impression of kindness and gentleness. He clasped his hands together and bowed to everyone present.
Following the Shaolin Sect were a group of people in magnificent Daoist robes. The elder walking in the center, clad in a splendid blue Daoist robe, wore a nine-yang crown. His robe was embroidered with patterns of the unseen and copper coins, making it incredibly ornate and dazzling. He was none other than Heavenly Master Zhang Xuan Liang, the Sect Leader of Dragon Tiger Mountain.
Beside the Sect Leader were two middle-aged Heavenly Masters. One was Heavenly Master Lin Yi Ping, whom the Emei Sect had met before, and the other was a female Heavenly Master named Zhao Yi Xia. They were both among the Six Heavenly Masters of Dragon Tiger Mountain.
Behind them was a group of young male and female disciples of Dragon Tiger Mountain, each dressed in magnificent Daoist robes and appearing very formal and proper. Especially the pair of young male and female disciples following behind Heavenly Master Zhang Xuan Liang, the man was tall and handsome, named Zhang Xing Yue.
The woman, in a luxurious white Daoist robe, was also tall. Her dark hair was smoothly cascaded over her shoulders and down to her waist. Her naturally beautiful face, with straight dark eyebrows and bright, gentle phoenix eyes, gave her an aura of wisdom and comfort. Her name was Zhao Xu Yan.
"Heavenly Master Zhang has also arrived…"
Seeing that Sect Leader Zhang Xuan Liang of Dragon Tiger Mountain had also personally attended, Zhong Yu Long, Wan Yun Ting, and the sect leaders and sect masters of other major sects again rose to greet him.
Zhang Xuan Liang, leading his disciples, bowed to everyone present, "Greetings to all Sect Leaders, Sect Masters, and Elders…"
Heavenly Masters Zhao Yi Xia and Lin Yi Ping, along with the young male and female disciples of Dragon Tiger Mountain like Zhao Xu Yan and Zhang Xing Yue, also bowed to everyone present. Especially when Zhao Xu Yan's phoenix eyes met Wan Yun Ting's, she couldn't help but linger for a few seconds, observing him…
"Heavenly Master Zhang, Abbot Ren Xin, I didn't expect you to arrive before lunch. Welcome," said Shi Yi Zhen, Sect Leader of Hua Shan Sect, as he stepped forward to greet Abbot Ren Xin and Heavenly Master Zhang Xuan Liang warmly.
Abbot Ren Xin and Heavenly Master Zhang Xuan Liang also greeted the sect leaders and sect masters of other sects and then approached Zhong Yu Long, bowed, and smiled, "Sect Leader Zhong, long time no see. I trust you are well."
In response to Zhang Xuan Liang's greeting, Zhong Yu Long rose and politely returned the bow, "Thank you for your concern, Sect Leader Zhang. Please be seated."
Zhang Xuan Liang nodded, then his gaze fell upon Wan Yun Ting and Zhou Ruo Xi, and he smiled, "Compared to the two of you, you must be Abbot Wan of Wuliang Daoist Temple and the newly appointed Sect Leader Zhou of Emei Sect?"
Wan Yun Ting and Zhou Ruo Xi exchanged a glance. They were surprised that Sect Leader Zhang Xuan Liang of Dragon Tiger Mountain and Abbot Ren Xin of Shaolin Temple recognized them. The two of them rose and bowed, "Heavenly Master Zhang, Abbot Ren Xin, greetings…"
Abbot Ren Xin nodded and smiled, "A pair of talented young individuals. Wuliang Daoist Temple and Emei Sect have successors."
Wan Yun Ting humbly smiled, "Abbot Ren Xin exaggerates. We should learn from all of you elders."
Zhang Xuan Liang waved his hand and smiled, "Our Old Heavenly Master thinks very highly of you!"
"Old Heavenly Master?"
Upon hearing this, Elder Left Banner, Sect Leader Shi, Sect Leader Liu, Sect Leader Yuan, and other members of the major sects looked surprised and asked Zhang Xuan Liang, "Is it the former Old Sect Leader of your Dragon Tiger Mountain, the Old Heavenly Master?"
Zhang Xuan Liang smiled and nodded, looking at Wan Yun Ting and saying, "Abbot Wan has a connection with our Dragon Tiger Mountain. We hope that in the future, when Abbot Wan has time, he will visit our Dragon Tiger Mountain!"
Wan Yun Ting bowed and smiled, "This junior will certainly pay a visit in the future."
Zhang Xuan Liang did not elaborate on the relationship between the Old Heavenly Master and Wan Yun Ting, which left the sect leaders and sect masters of the various sects present feeling confused and astonished.
After all, that Old Heavenly Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain had been in seclusion for decades, yet Zhang Xuan Liang was now saying that their Old Heavenly Master thought highly of Wan Yun Ting, leaving everyone perplexed. Had that Old Heavenly Master appeared in the mortal world?
Only Zhong Yu Long and the others from the Wudang Sect knew about this. This was because Zi Qing, after returning to Wudang Sect from the capital, had informed Zhong Yu Long about some of the events that had transpired with Wan Yun Ting in Korea and on Snake Island in Thailand, as well as the Old Heavenly Master's timely appearance to help Wan Yun Ting escape danger.
At the same time, Zhong Yu Long also learned that Ouyang Shen He, who lived in seclusion on Wudang Mountain, had personally gone to Dragon Tiger Mountain to invite the Old Heavenly Master to come out of seclusion.
"Hey, haven't you guys eaten lunch yet?"
Just as the members of the various sects were greeting and chatting with each other in the hall, a small figure entered from outside. It was that girl, Zhang Xian Er.
The girl, wearing a simple Daoist robe, held the Qing Ping Sword in her left hand and an apple in her right, which she was eating. Her messy, slightly disheveled long hair was loosely tied at the back of her head, revealing her delicate little face. Her peach blossom eyes were beautiful, with a lively and innocent gaze. Upon entering, she exclaimed, "I'm starving…"
The various sect members present were dumbfounded by the girl's words, all staring at Zhang Xian Er, not knowing which sect this disciple belonged to, to be so rude…