Ever since the Zhenwu Sect opened its mountain gates, many had been paying close attention.
The Wuxiang Sect's capitulation undoubtedly elevated Zhenwu Sect's reputation even further.
Sometimes, the rise of a sect is just like that—stepping up on the backs of one prestigious martial sect after another.
But Wenjian Pavilion's continued silence was intriguing.
"Wenjian Pavilion is an old-school sword sanctuary, filled with elite sword cultivators and several Heaven-Man swordmasters. Especially their Supreme Elder, the Heart-Sword Gu Changhe—he's ranked fourteenth on the Heaven-Man Ranking!"
"With such power, there's no reason they should fear Zhenwu Sect."
"Wuxiang Sect feared the sharp edge of the Heaven Sword Immortal, but the Heart-Sword surely doesn't. His rank on the Heaven-Man list was earned through real battle!"
"Tsk tsk, I wonder how Wenjian Pavilion will respond. If they show no sincerity, Zhenwu Sect probably won't let it go."
Some people sharply smelled the gunpowder in the air.
Especially the blade cultivators—who were getting excited.
A confrontation between Wenjian Pavilion and Zhenwu Sect—
On a deeper level, it could be seen as a clash between the Heart-Sword and the Heaven Sword Immortal.
This was internal strife among swordsmen.
The Heaven Sword Immortal had previously risen by stepping on the name of the Thunderblade Master, but now, with two peerless sword cultivators clashing, no matter who won or lost, the onlookers would be thrilled.
At this moment—
They were actually hoping Wenjian Pavilion would show some backbone.
All eyes turned toward Wenjian Pavilion.
...
Wenjian Pavilion.
A three-hundred-thirty-three-zhang-tall sword tower pierced the heavens, majestic and imposing. The sword intent radiating from within was awe-inspiring.
This was the Pavilion's place of inheritance. Outstanding sword cultivators of Wenjian Pavilion, when nearing the end of their lives, would voluntarily walk into the tower to rest eternally on one of its levels, leaving behind their lifetime of sword mastery. The stronger one was, the higher they could ascend.
Wenjian Pavilion's cultivators saw this as an honor.
Over the years, no one knew how much sword inheritance had accumulated inside. Sometimes, geniuses were granted entry to absorb the legacies of their predecessors.
And now—
One powerful figure after another waited respectfully outside the sword tower. These were the Pavilion's highest-ranking members.
Their expressions were solemn, their gazes steady, as if in worship.
Suddenly—
A peculiar ripple emanated out. Everyone's spirits jolted, and their internal sword intents were involuntarily stirred—like ten thousand swords ringing at once. Their eyes lit up with heat.
A white-haired elder silently appeared.
Clearly, he had come from within the sword tower—yet no one had noticed a thing.
The elder looked utterly ordinary, with no powerful aura and calm eyes. The only noticeable feature was his left hand—only the thumb and index finger remained, the other three fingers had been severed clean.
"We pay our respects to the Supreme Elder!"
Everyone bowed respectfully.
Gu Changhe lightly waved his hand:
"Tang Qiu, you summoned me—what for?"
His gaze fell on the Sect Master of Wenjian Pavilion. Though calm, it carried a chilling pressure.
Tang Qiu tensed up and quickly said:
"There is a matter that requires Supreme Elder's judgment."
Moments later—
Inside the grand hall, silence reigned.
Gu Changhe sat at the head, looking down at everyone, his voice devoid of emotion:
"So, you're telling me—you sent someone to infiltrate another sect, got caught red-handed, and now they've sent a letter demanding an explanation?"
Tang Qiu's scalp tingled:
"Supreme Elder, it was because of the Zhenwu Sword Stele. That monument is truly extraordinary..."
Before he could finish, he was already cut off:
"Trash."
Everyone fell silent.
Gu Changhe said coldly:
"Wenjian Pavilion has passed down its legacy for nearly a thousand years. The sword tower alone provides limitless benefits to our disciples. Why are you still coveting others' treasures?
If you'd just focus a bit more on your own sword path, Wenjian Pavilion would already be the number one sword sect in the world!
We wouldn't be in a situation where I'm the only Heaven-Man sword cultivator in the entire Pavilion!"
Tang Qiu's face turned bitter:
"Supreme Elder's lesson is just. I will immediately send someone to write a reply and express our apology..."
Gu Changhe's expression grew colder:
"Tang Qiu, it seems you're unfit to be the Pavilion Master."
The moment those words landed, Tang Qiu looked as though struck by lightning. His face turned pale as he dropped to his knees, trembling and speechless.
Gu Changhe stood up, sweeping his gaze over the crowd:
"You all think the same, don't you? A bunch of cowards! You've all lost your edge as swordsmen!"
At some point, the sword intent around him had begun to emerge, pressing down so hard the others could barely breathe.
"If you reply with submission this time, are you ready to toss away a thousand years of Wenjian Pavilion's reputation?
Are you all so frightened of a sect that's only existed a few decades?"
"The Heaven Sword Immortal, the Zhenwu Sword Stele—you marvel at others' strength but forget your own roots."
"Do you still remember the pride of a swordsman?"
His gaze was sharp as blades.
Every word struck the hearts of those present, causing cold sweat to pour.
He was the Heart-Sword. At thirty years old, he had severed three fingers from his left hand to question the heart of the sword. From there, his path had been smooth—his sword dao soared. Now, seeing the juniors like this, he felt deeply disappointed.
Calling them trash was because they sat atop a mountain of treasure without digging into it—instead chasing after others' scraps.
The grand hall was dead silent.
Only when Gu Changhe's anger subsided did Tang Qiu carefully ask:
"Then... what does Supreme Elder suggest we do?"
He could tell—the Elder was clearly harboring some resentment. He had been peacefully secluded in the sword tower, only to be suddenly summoned. Naturally, he was displeased.
Gu Changhe gave him a sidelong glance:
"So Zhenwu says there were spies, and that makes it true? Let them show the evidence."
"Is Wenjian Pavilion so easy to bully?
That Heaven Sword Immortal—so what? He only suppressed the Thunderblade Master.
Although he did establish the Zhenwu Sword Stele, which is somewhat impressive—perhaps he has unique insights into the sword path.
But I haven't been secluded all these years for nothing.
Perhaps I can climb higher on the Heaven-Man Ranking!"
As he spoke, a trace of pride gleamed in his eyes.
Everyone was elated.
"Congratulations, Supreme Elder!"
Tang Qiu smiled and said:
"Then I'll have someone draft the reply."
Gu Changhe nodded slightly, his gaze turning toward Qingzhou, battle intent rising.
After years of seclusion, he hadn't acted in a long time—his hands were getting itchy.
If that Heaven Sword Immortal wanted to fight, he'd be happy to oblige.
...
Several days later.
Zhenwu Mountain.
Inside Mingwu Pavilion.
Luo Wentian laid out the letter, face suppressing his anger.
Daoist Longshan and Ning Qi had already read it.
Ning Qi's eyes flickered, but his expression remained calm.
Daoist Longshan, however, let out a cold snort:
"So Wenjian Pavilion thinks they're so big they can just outright deny everything?"
The letter was brief and extremely polite. It expressed regret that so many spies had infiltrated Zhenwu's assessment—but firmly claimed Wenjian Pavilion had never sent any spies.
They even expressed concern that Zhenwu may have misidentified someone.
If any help was needed, Wenjian Pavilion would be happy to provide support.
A very polished surface-level reply—but not a word about compensation or apology.
Worse still, between the lines, there was a faint tone of lofty condescension.
Compared to Wenjian Pavilion, Zhenwu really was just a toddler taking its first steps.
"Seems the Heart-Sword Gu Changhe, number fourteen on the Heaven-Man Ranking, gave them a lot of confidence." Luo Wentian frowned.
They had considered this possibility—but hadn't expected Wenjian Pavilion to be this shamelessly arrogant.
"So what now?"
Thoughts raced through his mind.
If they marched in and started a fight over this—it would seem reactive and rash, less than ideal.
But if they didn't strike back—
They'd become a laughingstock.
Rumors were already spreading that Zhenwu only picked soft targets.
They didn't touch the Demonic Sect or Southern Alliance, but went after Wuxiang and Wenjian instead.
If things ended here, it would damage Zhenwu's reputation.
Ning Qi was considering as well.
If they were going to act, it had to be decisive and flawless.
The Demonic Sect and Southern Alliance had been spared only because their headquarters were hard to find—not because Zhenwu feared them.
If the chance came, Ning Qi would strike with thunderous force.
But for now—
Wenjian Pavilion could serve as an example.
Lately, he had been worried that the Demonic Sect and Southern Alliance, suspecting Zhenwu over the destruction of their Qingzhou base, might target Zhenwu disciples.
No matter how powerful he was, he couldn't be everywhere at once.
The best approach—was to kill a chicken to warn the monkeys.
Show overwhelming strength to make the other two wary.
And it needed to be effortless.
Right now wasn't quite enough. Wenjian Pavilion had to step into the trap themselves.
Originally, if Wenjian had offered a proper apology, Ning Qi might've considered other solutions.
But now?
Since they wanted to act like this—
Don't blame him for treating Wenjian Pavilion as the "chicken."
Ning Qi spoke slowly:
"Perhaps... we can pressure them with the greater momentum."
Luo Wentian and Daoist Longshan both looked over.
Ning Qi continued:
"The Zhenwu Sword Stele has been publicly accessible for some time now. What would happen if we suddenly closed it?"
Luo Wentian's eyes lit up—he responded quickly:
"These past few weeks, many sword cultivators have benefited from Zhenwu Sect. They've already tasted the sweetness of the Sword Stele.
If we suddenly close access—they'll go crazy."
Daoist Longshan also laughed.
Luo Wentian added:
"Xiao Jiu, you mean... use the Zhenwu Sword Stele to pressure Wenjian Pavilion into submission?"
Ideas began to flood his mind.
"Great idea!"
"Wenjian Pavilion said we misidentified the spies, didn't they? Then during this time, we can justifiably seal the mountain to thoroughly interrogate them—lest someone comes to rescue the spies. At that point, with the Zhenwu Sword Stele closed to the public, the sword cultivators are bound to panic.
But that alone isn't enough. The sword cultivators won't shift their focus to Wenjian Pavilion."
"When the time comes, we'll need to play this out carefully—leak part of Wenjian Pavilion's reply in secret. That way, they'll know the mountain closure was to interrogate Wenjian Pavilion's spies.
Naturally, the pressure will shift to Wenjian Pavilion's side."
As he spoke, his ideas flowed more and more smoothly—his eyes even began to glow.
"These sword cultivators aren't weak. Some are at the Heaven-Man Realm, and even one or two ranked on the Heaven-Man Ranking have shown their faces. Core Formation Realm sword cultivators are even more numerous.
With such an uncontrollable force, Wenjian Pavilion will have to tread carefully."
"But we have to handle it well—we can't let the sword cultivators feel like we're using them as pawns. Otherwise, there might be backlash.
But the risk is small. We just need to guide things subtly.
Sword cultivators across the realm have received the grace of your Zhenwu Sword Stele, Xiao Jiu.
They'll understand.
As long as we don't go too far, most will stand with us."
"When that happens, all the sword cultivators under heaven will become a force. Wenjian Pavilion will have no choice but to respond!"
"Either they lower their heads and admit fault… or they come to Zhenwu Mountain."
Luo Wentian's expression gradually grew solemn.
"Judging from Wenjian Pavilion's current attitude, the chance of them yielding is slim.
They'll most likely come up the mountain themselves—maybe even that Heart-Sword."
At that point, he paused, looking at Ning Qi.
Ning Qi simply sipped his tea with a faint smile.
"Even better."
Just three words made Luo Wentian's spirit jolt.
Suddenly, he understood Ning Qi's true intent.
Maybe from the very start, Ning Qi hadn't planned to make Wenjian Pavilion submit—
He wanted to force someone from Wenjian Pavilion to come to Zhenwu Mountain.
A ridiculous thought popped into his mind, and he couldn't help blurting out:"Xiao Jiu… don't tell me you just didn't want to bother going to Wenjian Pavilion, so you came up with this whole plan?"
Ning Qi chuckled lightly:"This wasn't my idea. I just made a suggestion.
All the details came from you, Senior Brother."
Luo Wentian was stunned—then gave a bitter smile.
Alright, fine—he'd take the blame for this one.
Still, his expression gradually turned excited.
That reply from Wenjian Pavilion had pissed him off all morning.
For such a shameless sect, he had to make them pay.
People of Zhenwu Sect were never short of killing intent or decisiveness—especially when someone had already stepped on their heads.
He strode away enthusiastically.
Time to refine the plan's details.
Ning Qi also left with a smile.
Just a little interlude. Nothing was more enjoyable than reading scriptures in the Seeking Dao Courtyard.
Daoist Longshan watched his two disciples leave. He couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle.
But deep down, he felt content.
To have such excellent disciples in this life—he had no regrets about coming into the world.
...
The next day.
At the Zhenwu Sword Stele.
Luo Wentian personally arrived, gently waking each sword cultivator currently immersed in comprehending supreme sword intent.
At first, many of them were annoyed—
Some were right at the critical moment, like watching a celestial dancer, separated only by a thin veil.
But when they saw it was Luo Wentian, their expressions changed, and they quickly rose and bowed:"Greetings, Sect Master Luo!"
Luo Wentian's expression held guilt and sorrow. He returned the bow:"Fellow swordsmen, I have something important to inform you.
From this day forward, Zhenwu Sect will temporarily close the mountain.
I must ask everyone to descend.
When we reopen, we will welcome your return."
Someone immediately panicked.
They had been on the verge of enlightenment, and now, cut off at the final moment—it was unbearable.
"Sect Master Luo, what has happened? Why so sudden? Could we not wait just a few more days?" they asked urgently.
Luo Wentian closed his eyes. When he reopened them, sorrow and indignation burned within.
"Some of you may have heard:
During our entrance examination, many spies infiltrated Zhenwu, seeking to steal our sect's inheritance.
Some remain unidentified and are still under interrogation.
We've received intelligence that certain forces may try to break them out!"
"Left with no choice, we had to take this desperate measure—sealing the mountain.
I ask for your understanding."
"Once the spies' identities are fully uncovered and evidence is secured, we'll reopen the mountain.
In the meantime, you may wait patiently in Zhenwu City.
It shouldn't take long.
You will be informed the moment there is news."
The anger and frustration in Luo Wentian's eyes were plain to see.
The sword cultivators all looked at each other.
With words like that, what could they say?
They couldn't very well insist Zhenwu abandon serious business and keep the Sword Stele open.
For all they knew, some of the visiting sword cultivators might be spies or informants.
Zhenwu Sect had already shown great generosity by opening the Sword Stele to all—
Now that this incident had occurred, everyone could understand.
Still, in their hearts—
Their resentment toward the spies deepened.
It would've been fine if the situation hadn't affected them.
But now, they were cut off from the Sword Stele—
Frustration surged.
Especially for those right on the brink of a breakthrough, who were now forcibly interrupted.
They wanted to hack the spies into a thousand pieces.
"Sect Master Luo, if there's anything we can do—just say the word!" many declared.
Luo Wentian clasped his hands and bowed:"Thank you, everyone.
But we can't drag you into this matter.
Please go down the mountain and wait for news."
The sword cultivators sighed one after another as they descended.
No one knew when Zhenwu would reopen the mountain.
They looked back every few steps, unwilling to part.
Once the last sword cultivator vanished from Zhenwu Mountain—
The fury on Luo Wentian's face vanished too, replaced by a faint smile.
Beside him, Ye Qinghe gave him a strange look and couldn't help giving him a thumbs-up:"Senior Brother, ever since you became Sect Master, your acting's really reached another level!"
She clicked her tongue twice.
Luo Wentian's face darkened."Qinghe, is that any way to talk about your senior brother?"
Ye Qinghe laughed exaggeratedly:"I'm praising you!
If I hadn't known the plan ahead of time, I'd have been fooled myself."
Luo Wentian shook his head and laughed.
His gaze turned distant and deep.
Now—
It was time to let the situation simmer.