I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1462: Big Fish Eat Small Fish

The burgeoning success of the New Sword Sect stirred envy and suspicion among numerous established factions. Whispers and inquiries about this emergent power began to circulate, even reaching the ears of several sixth-grade sects, stirring unrest. A palpable tension settled over Yandang Mountain, with a noticeable increase in clandestine movements.

Over a month swiftly transpired.

The New Sword Sect flourished, its ranks swelling with new recruits. Each dawn saw over a hundred disciples diligently practicing fundamental sword forms on the training grounds, the once rough ambiance of the place entirely replaced by an aura of vibrant prosperity.

As the disciples honed their skills, a figure clad in black sauntered past the training area, a light, tuneless melody escaping his lips. His demeanor was one of complete nonchalance and ease.

Despite his casual air, the majority of the disciples offered respectful salutations as he passed.

"Greetings, Great Protector!"

The young man in black offered a dismissive wave and continued towards the main hall, passing through an ornate archway.

A few recent recruits, observing this peculiar sight, exchanged bewildered glances and turned to their senior brethren.

"Senior Brother, can it be true that this is the legendary Great Protector known for his terrifying cultivation?"

Upon hearing this, the disciple beside him quickly turned, clasped his fists in a gesture of respect, and corrected him with evident awe.

"Terrifying is an understatement!"

"The Great Protector's cultivation has reached an unfathomable level of perfection! A single casual movement of his finger would likely be beyond our capacity to withstand!"

The new disciples absorbed this information with looks of profound shock, nodding in unison.

"To think he possesses such formidable power?"

"I never imagined the Great Protector would surpass even the wildest rumors. Choosing to join the New Sword Sect was undoubtedly the correct decision!"

With these words, the new disciples felt a surge of invigoration, returning to their rigorous training with renewed zeal. A subtle pride bloomed on their faces, their bodies brimming with newfound motivation.

Momentarily, the training ground became a spectacle of leaping figures and flashing sword lights, their brilliance rivaling that of the morning sun.

Meanwhile.

The black-clad youth had unhurriedly entered the main hall. Today was the day for the distribution of monthly stipends, a prospect that filled him with eager anticipation. He finally anticipated acquiring some funds, which he intended to spend on visiting the nearby brothels for entertainment.

To his surprise, upon entering the hall, he found Yi Feng and the newly appointed Great Elder examining a greeting card with grave expressions, their prolonged scrutiny suggesting deep contemplation.

Noticing their posture, the young man in black took a seat nearby and inquired with evident curiosity.

"What troubles you?"

"Could it be that our New Sword Sect has already amassed debt?"

This Great Protector was truly an unusual character. Despite possessing cultivation that seemed to defy the heavens, his obsession with wealth was equally pronounced.

The Great Elder's lips twitched at the remark, yet he refrained from offering a direct response, unwilling to provoke.

Yi Feng slowly set down the greeting card and elucidated the situation.

"We are not precisely facing debt."

"With the recent influx of new disciples, the renovations to the main hall were not excessively costly. Our sect's treasury still maintains a healthy surplus. However, it appears we have encountered a rather vexing predicament."

"This card was delivered by the Golden Saber Sect. They are making demands for a monthly silver tribute..."

Upon hearing this, the black-clad youth brought his fist down on the table with a resounding bang!

"They must be dreaming!"

"What impudent audacity from this so-called Golden Saber Sect! They dare to plot against this young master? Do they mistake us for some roadside inn? Their minds must be utterly addled!"

Yi Feng offered a nod of agreement, a flicker of anger surfacing in his eyes.

However, exhibiting a degree of maturity, he abstained from immediate outward reaction. Instead, he turned to the Great Elder, who stood attentively by.

"Great Elder."

"Could you elaborate on the background of this Golden Saber Sect? And what is your assessment of this demand for a monthly tribute?"

Yi Feng understood implicitly that while he and the black-clad youth possessed formidable cultivation, they were, in essence, outsiders who had sought refuge here to evade pursuers. Establishing a sect for the first time on the fringes of the Raging Fire Kingdom necessitated a degree of prudence.

As the adage goes, even the mightiest dragon finds it difficult to contend with a local serpent.

Given the sect's future was at stake, gathering detailed information beforehand was a prudent course of action.

As his words concluded, the Great Elder bowed respectfully.

"Reporting to the Sect Master."

"This Golden Saber Sect is a veteran establishment in the Yandang Mountain area, having long ago ascended to the status of a sixth-grade sect. For generations, our former Dangjian Sect was subservient to them, submitting a monthly tribute of three thousand taels of silver."

"This arrangement has persisted for years, with no instance of this rule being broken."

"The Yandang Mountain spans hundreds of miles, hosting numerous sects, both large and small. Several escort agencies have also set up branches here, not to mention the ruthless bandits lurking in the valleys. It's truly a place where all manner of beings converge. Without significant backing, it's nearly impossible for an ordinary sect to establish a firm footing. Consequently, most nearby seventh-grade sects are vassals to higher-grade sects, making the payment of monthly tributes an incredibly common practice..."

Upon hearing this explanation, Yi Feng gained a clear understanding of the situation.

The Yandang Mountain region presented a fiercely competitive environment for survival. Not only did ordinary people struggle to get by, but even cultivation sects were preyed upon. It was a classic depiction of big fish consuming smaller ones, and smaller ones consuming shrimp. Exploitation was stacked layer upon layer, forming a long-standing hierarchy.

However, upon learning that the Golden Saber Sect was merely a sixth-grade sect and that its most powerful cultivator was only at the Taichu Realm—a full tier below his own previous cultivation—Yi Feng felt his apprehension significantly diminish.

The youth in black, lounging casually in a nearby chair, let out an audible laugh.

"Pfft..."

"A mere sixth-grade sect dares to demand silver from this Young Master? How utterly ridiculous; it's almost comical."

While the two of them remained remarkably at ease, the Great Elder grew increasingly anxious.

"Sect Master, Great Protector, I implore you to reconsider!"

"It has always been the way for lower-grade sects to pay monthly tributes. No one has ever dared to defy this tradition. If you act rashly and offend numerous sects, I fear the repercussions will far outweigh any potential gains!"

Addressing these concerns, Yi Feng raised a hand to halt the Elder's words.

"It matters not."

"This Sect Master shall bear the full responsibility for all consequences."

"Dispatch a swift reply to the Golden Saber Sect. Inform them that effective immediately, our sect will cease all monthly tribute payments. If they object, they may come to our New Sword Sect to collect it themselves!"

The Great Elder trembled upon hearing this decree. He considered further persuasion, but Yi Feng's unwavering gaze and the Great Protector's continuous smiles reminded him of their past dominance, silencing his dissent.

"Yes..."

Despite his heart brimming with profound worry, the Great Elder respectfully withdrew.

Once they were alone, the black-clad youth's laughter grew even more unrestrained!

"Hahaha..."

"Brother, your words resonate deeply with me! If they desire coin, let them have the audacity to come and seize it! This Young Master will certainly demonstrate the true methods of a formidable enforcer!"

Yi Feng smiled upon hearing this and rose to join the youth, taking a seat beside him.

With no extraneous ears present, he felt comfortable speaking with unreserved familiarity. It evoked the same relaxed atmosphere as their initial meeting in the small courtyard, fostering a sense of ease.

Observing the youth's hearty laughter, Yi Feng experienced a sense of deep satisfaction. He too smiled, articulating the thoughts weighing on his mind.

"A sixth-grade sect poses no genuine threat, thus we naturally need not concern ourselves with any monthly tribute. However, our stance on this matter must be firm. We must make it known to the surrounding sects that our New Sword Sect is not an entity to be preyed upon like fish on a chopping block."

"It would be ideal if they chose not to confront us, but should they dare to appear, I will make an example of the Golden Saber Sect. We shall leverage their downfall to establish the undeniable dominance of our New Sword Sect!"

Yi Feng's words caused the black-clad youth to gradually temper his laughter. Noting the sharp glint in Yi Feng's eyes, he recognized the burgeoning presence of a true sect master and inwardly nodded in approval.

His subsequent words carried a rare note of seriousness.

"Brother."

"Your reasoning is sound, and I wholeheartedly concur."

"Might I propose handling the Golden Saber Sect myself? After all, that group of weaklings covets our New Sword Sect's silver. As the Great Protector, I cannot possibly tolerate such audacity!"

Yi Feng's heart was touched by the youth's sincere demeanor.

Despite his frequent claims of indifference to others' affairs, this companion never faltered when it counted. Such steadfast loyalty and responsibility far surpassed the hypocrisy found in the mortal world.

The so-called prodigies of the orthodox sects couldn't even compare to this brother's character!

Through the perilous years.

Having this brother by his side through constant pursuit and forced exile was more than enough in life.

A gentle smile graced Yi Feng's features as he observed him for a prolonged moment before speaking.

He then produced a silver note from his sleeve, offering it with a hearty laugh. "These past few years, I've had you running all over. Now that we've finally found a stable place, take this silver and go enjoy yourself for a few days."

The young man in black froze upon seeing the silver note presented to him.

The inscription, "One Hundred Taels," caused his heart to flutter. It wasn't the fear of a significant debt, but rather the sheer novelty of receiving such a sum without any expectation. The genuine warmth and appreciation conveyed were truly priceless.

For a beat, the young man was speechless.

After examining the note several times, he looked up at Yi Feng and softly inquired, "Are these hundred taels all for me?"

Yi Feng chuckled and nodded, pressing the note into the young man's hand.

"Take a few days to rest. I'll handle any minor issues. You don't need to concern yourself with the Golden Saber Sect either."

"Go have some fun. You are the Grand Elder of our New Sword Sect, after all. This small monthly allowance is just a token. As our sect prospers, we'll have everything we desire!"

Clutching the silver note, a radiant smile finally illuminated the young man's face.

He quickly bid his farewells and enthusiastically departed. A cheerful melody escaped his lips as he ambled away, hands clasped behind his back. He radiated an utterly festive and joyful aura, much like a groom on his wedding day.

It's the perfect season of beautiful spring light, the beauty in the pavilion dons her red makeup...

Yi Feng watched the familiar figure recede, a contented smile playing on his lips. If only he weren't uninterested in visiting places of entertainment, he would have gladly accompanied his brother for a leisurely outing...