Chapter 148 - 108: Three Years of Sword Nurturing, Drawn Today! The Death of the "Little Sword God

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Zhi sneered. "A Guiyuan Sect disciple, how impressive! He must be used to acting so high and mighty on his own turf. A Jianghu Pursuit Order is one thing, but to think he’d dare to chase someone all the way to Hidden Sword Manor? Hmph. This is Medicine Valley’s territory, not the Guiyuan Sect’s!"

As a Direct Disciple of a Medicine Valley Elder, Ouyang Zhi had always been proud and arrogant.

’In her eyes, while the Guiyuan Sect might be as famous as Medicine Valley, its disciples couldn’t necessarily compare to those from her sect.’

The Guiyuan Sect, the Five Elements Sect, and Medicine Valley—these three Major Sects held a firm grip on vast territories.

In terms of prestige, the Guiyuan Sect and the Five Elements Sect seemed to have a greater presence.

This was because the Martial Artists from these two Major Sects were more proficient in combat.

Medicine Valley, on the other hand, was more skilled in Alchemy.

But Medicine Valley was still one of the three great powers, in no way inferior to the Guiyuan Sect or the Five Elements Sect. Its disciples naturally had their own pride.

Moreover, Ouyang Zhi had a Postnatal Realm Elder from Medicine Valley as her master. She had no reason to fear an Inner Sect Disciple from the Guiyuan Sect.

’In her opinion, for a Guiyuan Sect Inner Sect Disciple to come stirring up trouble on Medicine Valley’s turf was simply asking for humiliation.’

Upon hearing this, Shen Mufeng also gave a faint smile. "It’s rare to see an Inner Sect Disciple from the Guiyuan Sect. Since he’s here today, we might as well meet him. I trust the Manor Master doesn’t object?"

His smile was gentle and his tone unhurried, as if he were discussing a trivial matter.

But anyone who knew him understood that the gentler Shen Mufeng’s smile, the more calculating his mind.

Though he was Ouyang Zhi’s senior brother, his status within the Medicine Valley’s Inner Sect was far higher than hers.

With his Huajin Cultivation and his Mastery of Swordsmanship, he was a prominent figure even among the Inner Sect Disciples of Medicine Valley.

"Of course not. You may observe, my dear nephew."

Ouyang Chuan waved his hand, the worried expression on his face vanishing completely, replaced by an air of confidence.

After a pause, Ouyang Chuan gave a direct order. "Jing’er, go invite Zhang Su in. Let’s see what he truly wants."

"Yes."

Ouyang Jing nodded, then turned and headed out of the manor.

His steps were quick, a clear sign he was taking the matter seriously.

As he left the main hall, the conversation between his father and Shen Mufeng replayed in Ouyang Jing’s mind.

’With these Medicine Valley disciples here, what trouble could a lone Huajin Martial Artist from the Guiyuan Sect possibly cause?’

At this thought, Ouyang Jing’s steps lightened.

...

At this moment, outside the manor, Zhang Su and his three companions waited quietly.

A cool night breeze drifted down from the mountains.

Zhang Su stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression serene.

He had been waiting for some time but showed no sign of impatience.

What was to come, would come.

Gu Ying stood behind him, her gaze locked on the main gates of Hidden Sword Manor.

Wang Hu and Zhou Yong stood a short distance away, occasionally exchanging glances. They could both see the tension in each other’s eyes.

’Hidden Sword Manor... a legendary place in the Jianghu.’

’After all their years in the Jianghu, this was their first chance to set foot in a place like this.’

’It would be a lie to say they weren’t nervous.’

Soon, a young man emerged from the gates.

It was Ouyang Jing.

His gaze landed on Zhang Su almost immediately.

Ouyang Jing was a Martial Artist himself, and with his excellent eyesight, he took in Zhang Su’s appearance at a single glance.

Dressed in white robes, a longsword at his waist, with a handsome face and a steady, composed air.

"Which of you is Young Hero Zhang Su?"

Ouyang Jing asked, his voice quiet but clear.

"I am."

Zhang Su stepped forward and gave a slight nod.

"Young Hero Zhang Su, please follow me inside."

Ouyang Jing stepped aside and gestured for him to enter, his tone perfectly neutral.

"Mm."

Zhang Su acknowledged and strode into the manor.

Ouyang Jing led the way with Zhang Su following behind. Gu Ying and the other two kept close as well.

After passing through a tall stone archway, they could faintly see the silhouettes of pavilions and towers in the distance.

Although Gu Ying knew no Martial Arts, she managed the Gu Family’s business and had seen her share of grand occasions. Even entering Hidden Sword Manor, she remained perfectly composed.

Her steps were steady and her expression was normal, betraying no sign of panic.

Wang Hu and Zhou Yong, however, were another story.

The two were merely ordinary Outer Force Martial Artists in the Jianghu, and the name "Hidden Sword Manor" was legendary to them.

Now that they were actually inside Hidden Sword Manor, taking in its magnificent sights, they were completely awestruck. They looked even more nervous than Gu Ying.

Wang Hu’s gaze frequently swept over the high walls and corner towers on either side, and he was secretly dumbfounded.

’The scale of this Hidden Sword Manor is more magnificent than any mansion I’ve ever seen.’

’And you can just make out Martial Artists patrolling the tops of the walls. None of their auras feel weak.’

Zhou Yong wasn’t faring any better.

He may have spent over a decade in the Jianghu, but it was his first time seeing a place like Hidden Sword Manor.

As for Zhang Su, his expression remained placid.

It was as if the great Hidden Sword Manor was nothing more than an ordinary place in his eyes.

His gaze swept over his surroundings, unhurried, betraying no hint of curiosity or awe.

It was like he was taking a stroll in his own backyard.

Ouyang Jing slowed his pace slightly, observing the reactions of Zhang Su and his companions from the corner of his eye.

Especially Zhang Su.

’To be so calm and composed...’ Ouyang Jing’s estimation of him rose a notch.

’As expected of a Major Sect Disciple. He really is different from the common Martial Artists of the Jianghu.’

Before, he had only had his men observe Zhang Su from a distance.

But now, observing Zhang Su up close, Ouyang Jing was certain.

’Zhang Su is a Huajin Martial Artist!’

Huajin was different from Outer Force and Inner Force Martial Artists.

It was very difficult to identify an Inner Force Martial Artist unless they actually made a move.