Chapter 186: Forbidden Zone

The news that the black market would soon auction off three Grandmaster-level martial arts techniques, heavily promoted by Yuanyang Auction House, spread like wildfire.

It reached not only the capital but also neighboring prefectures.

In the past, black markets were primarily for fencing stolen goods and trading illicit items, rarely engaging in such overt publicity.

But this time was different.

The individual selling the martial arts techniques was from the Demon Suppression Division.

Everyone knew the Demon Suppression Division possessed a vast collection of martial arts.

Normally, even if someone from the Demon Suppression Division were to sell a martial art, potential buyers would have to consider it carefully.

No one could be certain if the martial art being sold was truly from the Demon Suppression Division.

If it were, it could be a trap.

But this time was different.

The seller had not concealed their identity, opting for a public auction. This essentially eliminated the possibility of them selling techniques stolen from within the Division.

The logic was simple.

No one would dare to openly advertise their violation of the Demon Suppression Division’s rules.

Anyone who did would have only one possible motivation: a death wish.

The auction was scheduled a full two weeks out, allowing ample time for investigation.

If there were any issues, the Demon Suppression Division would have sufficient time to address them.

The fact that the Demon Suppression Division hadn’t intervened added credibility.

Moreover, the seller’s name lent further legitimacy to the affair.

Shen Changqing!

A year prior, the name Shen Changqing would have been unknown to most, familiar only to those Jianghu people in Guangyuan Prefecture.

But after he slew a Barbarian General amidst tens of thousands of soldiers, the name Shen Changqing truly became legendary.

Simultaneously, details about his background surfaced.

He had joined the Demon Suppression Division less than three years prior, an ordinary person with no prior training. In a short time, he had risen to the Late Stage of the Grandmaster Realm and was capable of slaying a Barbarian General.

Such rapid advancement was impossible without a heaven-defying stroke of luck.

Although they understood Shen Changqing possessed incredible opportunities, no one dared to challenge him.

The words "Demon Suppression Division" alone were enough to deter most.

Similarly, his decision to auction off three Grandmaster-level martial arts techniques was all the more believable. After all, someone with his incredible luck could easily acquire three such techniques.

Heavenly Saber Gate.

Unlike the Returning Origin Sword Sect, nestled deep in the mountains, the Heavenly Saber Gate was situated on open ground.

The vast Heavenly Saber Gate resembled a small town, housing a large number of disciples.

Inside the main hall, the Gate Master of the Heavenly Saber Gate and numerous Elders were gathered.

"You’ve all heard the news from the Yuanyang Auction House, I presume. Shen Changqing of the Demon Suppression Division is auctioning off three Grandmaster-level martial arts techniques. While our Heavenly Saber Gate does have Grandmaster-level techniques, our lineage is incomplete.

Under these circumstances, reaching the Middle Stage of the Grandmaster Realm is our limit.

Advancement to the Late Stage is hampered by a lack of resources."

A burly middle-aged man sat there, radiating an aura that could not be ignored despite his ordinary appearance.

This was Wu Que, the Gate Master of the Heavenly Saber Gate.

After he spoke, one of the Heavenly Saber Gate Elders responded, "The news has spread far and wide. If we want to compete for the three martial arts techniques, the competition will be fierce, especially from those sects lacking Grandmaster-level lineages.

For them, these three Grandmaster-level martial arts techniques are transformative.

As such, we will have to pay a steep price to secure them when the auction begins."

Everyone desired Grandmaster-level martial arts.

For sects without a Grandmaster heritage, the auctioned techniques represented an opportunity to alter their fate.

Therefore, they could anticipate fierce competition.

If cultivating a martial art didn’t require aptitude and luck to become a Grandmaster, the price could easily be doubled several times over.

Wu Que said lightly, "Those sects without Grandmasters have less foundation than our Heavenly Saber Gate. Besides, they will be competing primarily for Grandmaster-level internal energy techniques and techniques that directly point to the True Intent of Martial Arts.

The Heavenly Saber Gate also possesses these two martial arts. What our sect lacks are Grandmaster-level external martial arts.

Others are less likely to compete for external martial arts. After all, external martial arts are difficult to train, and they aren’t necessary until one reaches the Grandmaster Realm.

Therefore, the competition for external martial arts should be somewhat lower."

"However—"

"We must still pay attention to those major sects that possess Grandmasters!"

Wu Que had already made his plans.

The Heavenly Saber Gate was not a true top sect. Although it had a Grandmaster, its Grandmaster-level heritage was incomplete.

Before breaking through to the Grandmaster Realm, few would know that the Grandmaster level martial arts had two major systems division.

But once that realm was reached, the specific methods of cultivation at the Grandmaster level became clear.

Of the two systems, the mental system was easy to enter but difficult to master.

Wu Que felt that since breaking through to the Grandmaster Realm, he had made little progress in the mental system.

Further breakthroughs would require focusing on the physical body system.

By that time, a vigorous physical body and Qi and blood could further nurture his spiritual power, allowing both aspects to progress together.

That was why Wu Que valued the news from Yuanyang Auction House so much.

If it weren’t for the Grandmaster-level external martial arts, he wouldn’t have bothered competing for martial arts techniques.

Ultimately, quality was more important than quantity in martial arts.

For similar types of martial arts, having one was enough. Of course, more Grandmaster-level techniques would provide the sect with more avenues for advancement, but that was not guaranteed.

After a pause, Wu Que said, "I’m not very clear about other sects, but the situation with the Seven Luminaries Sect is similar to our Heavenly Saber Gate. I suspect they also have designs on competing for these external martial arts."

"Seven Luminaries Sect!"

The Elders’ expressions turned serious.

There were not many major sects in the Guangyuan Prefecture Jianghu, but the Heavenly Saber Gate and the Seven Luminaries Sect were two of them.

Furthermore, their relationship was far from friendly.

Behind the scenes, there were many conflicts.

If the martial arts techniques fell into the hands of the Seven Luminaries Sect, it would be a significant blow to the Heavenly Saber Gate.

"How much money can we currently mobilize in the sect?"

Wu Que asked the Elder in charge of internal affairs.

Upon hearing this, the Elder did not hesitate and cupped his fist in response.

"Reporting to the Gate Master, we can currently mobilize approximately seven hundred and thirty thousand taels of silver."

Seven hundred and thirty thousand taels!

Wu Que nodded slightly.

This was not a small sum.

Being able to mobilize it freely meant that the seven hundred and thirty thousand taels was in ready silver, not including the Heavenly Saber Gate’s properties in various locations.

Thinking of this, Wu Que said, "Gather a million taels and convert it all into silver notes. I will take them to the black market then."

"Yes!"

The Elder of Internal Affairs nodded.

Subsequently, Wu Que’s expression turned solemn.

"Also, there have been many unusual activities reported recently from Xiaoqiu Mountain."

Xiaoqiu Mountain!

Upon hearing this, all the Elders’ expressions changed slightly.

Immediately afterward, someone asked with a puzzled expression.

"Wasn’t Xiaoqiu Mountain sealed off by the Demon Suppression Division? Even if there are evil entities there, shouldn’t there be any major problems?"

More than a year ago, Xiaoqiu Mountain had been inexplicably sealed off by the Demon Suppression Division.

Regarding this matter, many people speculated that there was a powerful evil entity there.

But with the Demon Suppression Division’s involvement, no one was overly concerned.

After all, the Demon Suppression Division was professional at dealing with evil entities. Until now, as far as they were concerned, there seemed to be no evil entity that the Demon Suppression Division could not handle.

Wu Que said, "Although Xiaoqiu Mountain has been sealed off by the Demon Suppression Division, according to the information we’ve received, many people are still going missing there, and it seems that some experts from the Demon Suppression Division have also been lost there.

Until now, the encirclement has not only not been lifted, but the encircling force has also become stronger."

"In that case, there really is a powerful evil entity there?"

One of the Elders looked shocked.

Wu Que shook his head.

"If it were just a powerful evil entity, the Demon Suppression Division wouldn’t just be taking its current actions. I suspect that the thing at Xiaoqiu Mountain is no ordinary evil entity.

But from the current situation, one thing is certain: the Demon Suppression Division cannot deal with that thing.

If that weren’t the case, the Demon Suppression Division wouldn’t just be encircling it without taking action."

His tone was grave.

Xiaoqiu Mountain was only dozens of miles away from the Heavenly Saber Gate.

If there was a powerful entity there, it would be a significant threat to the Heavenly Saber Gate as well.

Wu Que had noticed this matter as early as when the Demon Suppression Division surrounded Xiaoqiu Mountain.

However.

At that time, he was not too worried because the Demon Suppression Division was taking action.

But until now.

The Demon Suppression Division has been besieging it for more than a year, not only has it not withdrawn its garrisoning force, but it has also increased its sealing force. If there is no trickery in it, that is absolutely impossible.

"However—"

"What I’m most worried about is that a Forbidden Zone may have appeared there!"

Wu Que said each word slowly and deliberately.

"Forbidden Zone!"

An old man exclaimed in shock.

"Haven’t there been many years since a new Forbidden Zone appeared within the Great Qin Dynasty?"

"Forbidden Zone, how is that possible!"

"No, that won’t happen—"

Many Elders shouted, their faces showing disbelief.

Forbidden Zone!

How could it be a Forbidden Zone!

Few people knew what a Forbidden Zone was. They only knew that a Forbidden Zone was a terrible place, one that even the Demon Suppression Division could not destroy, but could only send people to guard it.

Moreover.

Forbidden Zones grow and expand in scope.

Anyone who falls into a Forbidden Zone never comes out again.

If a Forbidden Zone really appeared at Xiaoqiu Mountain, then the Heavenly Saber Gate should consider moving.

Wu Que said calmly, "It cannot be confirmed 100% whether a Forbidden Zone has really appeared at Xiaoqiu Mountain, but judging from the Demon Suppression Division’s reaction, the probability of a Forbidden Zone appearing is not small.

Our Heavenly Saber Gate has stood here for hundreds of years, and this place is our foundation.

But if Xiaoqiu Mountain really has a Forbidden Zone, we have to make plans for a retreat."

After he spoke, the room fell silent.

No one wanted to abandon the Heavenly Saber Gate’s centuries-old foundation.

Once they moved, it would inevitably cause great turmoil.

However.

If a Forbidden Zone really appeared at Xiaoqiu Mountain, then the Heavenly Saber Gate would have to leave.

Because the consequence of not leaving was certain death.

End of Chapter