Why do I have so many masters?

Outside of Guangfeng City, within the post station.

Gongsun Jing and the people of Immortal Pavilion were in a standoff, and although he was alone, his aura was not the slightest bit inferior.

His body stood as straight as a rod.

Upon him, one could see with the naked eye the iron-blooded spirit rising, distorting the air around him.

That was the invincible confidence found atop the battlefield.

It was a haughty gaze that had never known defeat, mingled with the iron-blooded ruthlessness and the overwhelming power of tyranny, rushing towards one’s face, constantly surging within this great hall.

In an instant, everyone was momentarily dazed, as if the environment around this man began to twist and change gradually from the post station of Xi Dingzhou into a battlefield shrouded in drifting snow. The sound of the wind grew distant from their ears, and within that receding wind, there came the thundering sound of horse hooves.

The sound of horse hooves grew louder and with them, the faint outlines of an oncoming iron cavalry appeared.

The spear was lifted.

In a flash, the cold glint was like a forest, the killing intent overwhelming!

The disciples of the Immortal Pavilion had turned deathly pale.

The Great Elder’s expression changed slightly. Although he had already restrained his demeanor, he could not help but take action at this moment. He stepped forward, his vigorous qi surged around him, forming a visible jade barrier that enveloped all the disciples of the Immortal Pavilion, isolating them from the outside.

The snowfield, the battlefield, the iron cavalry charging towards them.

As if they were mere bubbles and illusions, they vanished without a trace. In their line of sight, there remained only one man with a spear, standing solemnly there.

Yet, he felt as terrifying as a lonely peak on a snow mountain, giving an indescribable sense of horror and oppression.

This feeling seemed to be even stronger than the iron cavalry with their spears just now.

Amongst the crowd, Mei Feng’s face had turned ghostly white, his expression changing several times. In the end, he could not help but let out a wry laugh, his face showing three parts of hatred, three parts of jealousy, three parts of envy, and a hint of despair.

Just as Zhao Guang, before his death, had turned madness into power, transforming the poison into a jade Flood Dragon.

The ground where Gongsun Jing stood became a battlefield to behold. Wherever one looked, it was all about the realm of slaughter, a height that he could never achieve in his lifetime. It was proof that a Middle Third Rank Martial Artist had found the path forward, completely freeing himself from the shackles of the past.

He too was a Martial Artist. How could he not feel despair at such a sight?

How could he not feel a wild jealousy?

Explore more at NovelBin.Côm

The leading old man also felt a slight pressure.

This was the path he had seen only after returning to the basics past the age of seventy. And yet, the man in front of him hadn’t even reached forty but already possessed such insight. Although they were destined to be enemies in the foreseeable future, he could not help but silently praise him in his heart, sighing to himself,

What a formidable war veteran of the battlefield!

Even so, he did not wish to fall behind and, like an ordinary elderly man, he coughed lightly. The nature of his inner strength began to change. The ground seemed to grow various plants, with a forest of green bamboo emerging stealthily by the side, elegant yet containing hidden deadly intent.

When a Martial Artist reaches the Lower Third Rank, it is nothing more than Body Tempering and Qi Storing, honing their Martial Skills in pursuit of self-improvement. Even those with average aptitude could step into the Ninth Grade Realm after twenty years of daily diligent practice. Even Seventh Rank Martial Artists, who can slash out with Sword Qi, can be gradually honed over a long time.

But crossing the dragon gate means to look outside, to explore Heaven and Earth.

At this stage, the Martial Artist’s own potential no longer matters as much. It is about insight—that only those with a clear and undistracted mind can step further ahead.

This understanding of Martial Arts does not necessarily indicate the strength of one’s Martial Skills.

But those who have gained an insight are certainly not far behind, and within this lies the potential for a Martial Artist’s unique killer moves.

The elder stroked his beard, looking at Gongsun Jing in front with an imposing aura, as if an army was arrayed in battle formation, his eyes narrowed slightly.

Although the Immortal Pavilion and the Twenty-Seven Allied Gangs, annihilated by the Giant Whale Gang, belonged to the same generation, now was not the time to fall out with the Giant Whale Gang. Not only would it affect the plans of that individual, but the man in front of him would not necessarily be an opponent.

Although he did not find himself at a disadvantage in the contest of auras, he was sure that he had gone further in understanding Martial Arts. However, in a Martial Artist’s exchange, these aspects are secondary.

Will, Martial Skills, and even instinct are the key to victory or defeat.

The Martial Skills of the Immortal Pavilion rely on careful planning and need to prepare various exotic poisons to unleash their full strength.

Jianghu rumors say that the leader of the Giant Whale Gang was once from the Military Family of Great Qin and later left the military to wander the Jianghu. He experienced some adventures and practiced Martial Skills that were straightforward and forceful in the Military Family style. He even created several Martial Arts and, in addition to being young and strong, he was at the peak age for a Martial Artist’s strength and vigor.

If they fought now, he would probably not be a match for him at all.

Moreover, this incident was caused by their urgent arrival here, blocking the ’Mo Blade’ Martial Artist without notifying the Giant Whale Gang in advance. They were already at a disadvantage. To engage in a bloody battle over this trivial matter and damage their own sect’s strength would be unwise.

With this in mind and noticing that Gongsun Jing had merely released his aura without actually launching a strong attack, understanding that the latter had no intention of falling out with the Immortal Pavilion, he weighed his options in his heart, gritted his teeth secretly, and suddenly took the initiative to dissipate all his aura and vigorous qi.

The bamboo forest illusion filled with a thick killing intent disappeared.

The people of the Immortal Pavilion were slightly shocked when they heard the elder laugh aloud,

"Gang Leader Gongsun’s Martial Skills have truly been witnessed by this old man. Indeed, he is a young talent. In my many years wandering the Jianghu, I have seldom seen the like."

"The fault lies with my Immortal Pavilion for today’s matter, owing to our haste in coming here and some oversight. I hope you won’t hold it against us, Gang Leader, haha..."

Having said this, he proactively bowed to Gongsun Jing with a clasped fist, his posture notably humble.

Upon hearing this, although no change showed on Gongsun Jing’s face, a small sigh of relief escaped him inwardly.

He had entered the Sixth Rank just over two years ago and, thanks to his previous arduous training with the Military Family, had laid a very solid foundation. His cultivation had progressed rapidly over these two years, encountering hardly any bottlenecks. However, compared to the old monster before him, who was in his seventies or eighties, he knew he would certainly not be a match.

As for the understanding of Martial Arts...

Gongsun Jing silently curled his lip.

If top-tier experts were to use a similar Martial Arts aura, in the span of two years, he would have been stabbed or sliced nearly a hundred times. Plus, he would often be terrified out of his wits by the Hall Master.

Even a pig would gain some understanding.

These thoughts lasted but a moment in his heart, and Gongsun Jing’s face remained stern. He nodded slightly at the old man, gave a slight shake of his hand, causing the spear he held to split into two short spears that he then put on his back. He still appeared somewhat vigilant, his voice cold as he said,

"If that is the case, it’s best..."

The old man breathed another internal sigh of relief, his desire to recruit and befriend rising again. Stroking his beard, he smiled and said,

"I heard Mr. Gongsun earlier say that you have not yet had a meal. The dishes on this table are newly served by the restaurant. If you don’t mind, why not share the meal together?"

His voice paused, then with a provocative tone, he added,

"Or is it that the Gang Leader dares not?"

Gongsun Jing sneered and replied,

"What is there to dare?"

No sooner had he spoken than he strode forward and sat boldly next to the table, his demeanor calm, his presence overwhelming like a cast bronze bell, his aura sharper than others. Instantly, he overshadowed the crowd around him. Seeing Gongsun Jing react just as he had expected, the old man inwardly sneered, feeling at ease. However, his face showed admiration as he exclaimed,

"Impressive spirit!"

"I am Qu Kang’an, serving humbly as an Elder of the Immortal Pavilion. Today, I am overjoyed to meet the Gang Leader."

"Come, let us drink tea in place of wine as a toast to honor."

With that, he tilted his head and swallowed a cup of green tea.

Gongsun Jing’s expression seemed to soften slightly but then slapped the table heavily, saying,

"A true man should drink wine, what’s this about drinking tea?"

"Shopkeeper, bring the wine!"

Perhaps out of concern for Gongsun Jing’s Martial Arts prowess, even though the shopkeeper had been rebuked quite harshly, no trouble arose. Shortly after, a waiter brought up a jar of fine wine. Without hesitation, Gongsun Jing popped the seal, tipped his head back, and began gulping it down. His manner carefree, he exuded a rough magnificence.

Qu Kang’an noticed that when the waiter brought the wine, he seemed overly respectful toward Gongsun Jing. Qu felt a twinge of suspicion but recalled Gongsun’s domineering entrance earlier and calmed down, assuming it was the waiter’s instinctive response. As he watched Gongsun Jing guzzle down the wine, a hint of coldness flickered deep in his eyes.

For now, he would ingratiate himself with him.

But when the day comes...

Hmph.

These thoughts were not to be shared with others, and his face showed no change. He simply applauded and praised,

"Good capacity for liquor!"

Gongsun Jing drained the entire jar of fine wine and flung it, smashing the jar to pieces on the ground. His face turned slightly flushed, showing a hint of drunkenness.

He looked up and took in the old man, Mei Feng, and all the people from the Immortal Pavilion, his mouth curving into a smile.

Whether it was the effect of the wine or a desire to foster good relations with the Immortal Pavilion, he exchanged a few more words. Gongsun Jing’s face no longer held its previous coldness, and the atmosphere between them had become quite harmonious.

Qu Kang’an happened to touch on an anecdote from the Jianghu and laughed softly.

Gongsun Jing, looking at the old man who clearly had ulterior motives, simply raised his hand to take another big swig of wine.

Inside, he felt a sense of nostalgia.

This act of disguise...

This type of adversary...

The once faithful and brave Colonel of Divine Martial Mansion, now the Gang Leader of the Giant Whale Gang, the first member of the Yi Nanping organization.

The experienced Military Family’s top spy, Gongsun Jing, looking at Qu Kang’an, couldn’t help revealing a warm and cheerful smile on his face.

Truly, it brought back memories.

PS: Second update...