I Fabricated the Techniques, but my disciple really mastered them?

Yuzhou did not stir because of the downfall of the Jade Spirit Sect and the Su Family, or the killing of the Vermilion Ming's true lineage. Instead, it remains unexpectedly peaceful.

This tranquility made many Spirit Sects, prominent families, and martial artists in Yuzhou wonder. Isn't the Vermilion Ming Sect planning an act of retaliation in line with the so-called Sky's Pride Rivalry rules?

However, there are some who believe this calm is the harbinger of a storm and the Vermilion Ming Sect is planning some major moves.

In the royal palace of the Zheng Country, Emperor Zheng summoned the important members of the royal family and some high-ranking ministers.

"Yuzhou may be about to experience turbulence. We Zheng have always remained neutral and avoided getting involved in conflicts. This time, no one is permitted to get involved.

"If we offend the Spirit Sect, then we will face an irreversible disaster!"

With a serious tone, Emperor Zheng warned.

"Has the Vermilion Ming Sect made any moves?"

A high-ranking minister asked with surprise.

"They should be about to,"

Emperor Zheng responded uncertainly.

"Father, about that Loose Cultivator group in Yuzhou..."

The crown prince cautiously started.

"This matter has nothing to do with us, the Zheng Country. They have neither targeted nor provoked our country, and the Spirit Sect hasn't given any instructions, this has nothing to do with us.

"Remember, unless the Spirit Sect issues a command, or they violate the law of our Zheng Country, we will not interfere, oppress or support..."

Emperor Zheng stated with a heavy voice.

The Zheng Country holds a unique position. As long as they abide by their role and refrain from getting involved in Martial Arts disputes, neither the Loose Cultivator side nor the Spirit Sects' and prominent families' sides will drag the Zheng Country into the conflict.

The Transcendent Spirit Sect, almost seems to have a silent understanding not to interfere in these disputes. After all, the Zheng Country's power, while not extremely strong, won't make much of an impact.

Emperor Zheng issued the decree and after everyone left, he sat in his chair with a slight look of worry. Yuzhou was harbouring a Loose Cultivator group that wasn't weak.

Do other states also have such groups?

"This Ling Domain, every once in a while, some people and powers would try to challenge the authority of the Spirit Sect.

"The one that truly almost challenged the Spirit Sect's authority was the Wàn Xīng (Ten Thousand Stars) Martial Arts Academy. As a result, the Martial Art Academy collapsed, and all of the once Ten Thousand Star Pride vanished.

"The Blood Demon, despite his terrifying reputation and the top-ranked Spirit Sects that he destroyed, was eventually defeated and fled to the Inner Domain, where it ultimately vanished."

Emperor Zheng sighed in his heart.

The Ling Domain is, after all, the world of the Spirit Sect.

With the existence of the Transcendent Spirit Sect, and the absence of Transcendent Prominent Families, the Spirit Sect is the true ruler of the Ling Domain.

The Great Zhou State is an exception. The reason it can stand side by side with the Transcendent Spirit Sect is a secret that nobody knows. It remains a mystery how the Great Zhou Royal Family could stand on par with the Transcendent Spirit Sect!

...

Jian Zhai, the top-ranked Spirit Sect in the Ling Domain, is a Sword Dao Spirit Sect.

Despite being a top-ranked Spirit Sect, Vermilion Ming Sect isn't comparable to Jian Zhai in terms of strength. Moreover, Jian Zhai, in fact, belongs to the Transcendent Spirit Sect and is under the control of the Thousand Martial Hall.

Jian Zhai, which only nurtures Sword Dao, has fewer disciples. However, each disciple is extremely talented in Sword Dao and kills without parallel.

Every disciple who enters the sect needs to undergo "sword-sharpening training" to cultivate their Sword Dao, deepen their understanding of Swordsmanship, and enhance their battle experience.

When disciples of Jian Zhai sharpen their swords, many martial artists inevitably become sharpening stones.

While Loose Cultivators make up the majority of the sharpening stones, there are many disciples from other Spirit Sects and prominent families who also serve this purpose.

If the disciples of Jian Zhai feel that their Sword Dao and Swordsmanship have grown strong and those Loose Cultivators aren't worthy to sharpen their swords on, they may challenge the disciples from the Spirit Sects and prominent families.

This is considered a Tianshao contention between the Spirit Sects.

Over time, the disciples of Jian Zhai have been known for their ruthless killings and aggressive attacks, often winning and rarely losing when using other Sect's disciples as sharpening stones.

Since Jian Zhai is under the rule of the Thousand Martial Hall, any disciple that successfully sharpens their sword and becomes the number one in Jian Zhai, suppressing Tianshao at the same stage from other Spirit Sects, is eligible for promotion to the Thousand Martial Hall.

Jian Zhai is also considered as one gateway to select Tianshao for the Thousand Martial Hall.

"Master Hong!"

Sect Master Xing from the Vermilion Ming Sect respectfully saluted.

Master Hong, the current head of Jian Zhai, is a peak God-refining powerhouse with a determined face and three long beards flowing down his face.

Even though Sect Master Xing is also a peak God-refining warrior, he is extremely respectful towards Master Hong. Master Hong's strength isn't something he can compare to.

Master Hong had dedicated his life to studying the Sword Dao. His swordsmanship had reached its peak long ago. His strength is one of the peak God-refining warriors that are only second to the strongest of the Transcendent Spirit Sect.

It's rumored that he possesses one of the top ten treasures.

Once, he single-handedly battled three peak God-refining warriors and slaughtered them all, causing a sensation.

Neither Master Hong's strength nor his background is something Sect Master Xing can compare to.

"Is Xu Yan's Sword Dao real?"

While looking at the information handed over by Sect Master Xing, Master Hong asked.

"Yes, it is!"

Sect Master Xing responded solemnly.

Master Hong's eyes flashed coldly. After pondering for a while, he said, "Such Sword Dao is indeed remarkable. How can there be such a strong Sword Dao method among Loose Cultivators?

"Even our Jian Zhai have never known of this Sword Dao."

After pausing, he continued, "Our Jian Zhai's Sword Dao is second to none. Xu Yan's Sword Dao indeed has unique aspects. How can a Loose Cultivator like him have such strong Sword Dao?

"I think, his master might have stolen our Jian Zhai secret method. What do you think, Sect Master Xing?"

Sect Master Xing rejoiced at this and nodded, "Exactly! Xu Yan's Sword Dao is certainly Jian Zhai's secret teaching. That's why I came to Jian Zhai, to tell Master Hong that your sect's secret teaching has been stolen!"