I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1470: The Heritage of the Tianyuan Sect
Previously on I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God...
"Two esteemed guests, please come inside!"
Noticing Yi Feng and the young man entering the establishment, a sharp-eyed waiter promptly approached to welcome them, respectfully escorting them to a cozy table situated by a window in the main hall.
Although the youth wore all black and presented a somewhat unconventional appearance, such sights were hardly uncommon in this bustling metropolis.
As they traversed the hall, hardly anyone paid them any particular attention.
Within the tavern, the din of conversation remained as lively as ever. Finely dressed merchants were seated together, cultivators bearing weapons engaged in animated discussions, and ordinary-looking travelers kept their heads bowed, concentrating on their meals.
The entire hall throbbed with energy, a vibrant mix of diverse individuals.
The seating Yi Feng and the black-clad youth chose offered a good vantage point. The surrounding tables were largely occupied by other cultivators or martial artists, a situation that pleased them greatly.
Observing the two take their seats, the waiter continued his effusive service.
"Are you two esteemed guests here for a meal or to stay the night?"
Yi Feng responded with a smile, his tone relaxed.
"Serve us a few appetizers first, along with two pots of wine. Arrange for a guest room for us afterward."
As he spoke, he placed a silver ingot on the table.
The waiter raised no further questions. With a conciliatory smile, he nodded repeatedly before departing.
Before long, the food and wine were presented on the table, appearing quite delectable.
Having been seated for mere moments, both of them sensed something unique about this tavern. To operate a business at the base of the Tian Yuan Sect, the proprietor had to be no ordinary individual; indeed, even the waiter demonstrated exceptional perceptiveness.
Yi Feng and the black-clad youth commenced their meal and drinks, maintaining a facade of normalcy while discreetly eavesdropping on the nearby conversations.
As anticipated, they soon overheard some intriguing rumors.
"I am but a humble man, but last night, I was fortunate enough to witness the magnificence of the Fourth Elder of the Tian Yuan Sect. He was every bit as majestic and awe-inspiring as the tales suggest. It truly inspires boundless admiration!"
"Oh? Brother Liu witnessed it as well?"
"Naturally. Yesterday at dusk, the Fourth Elder led a contingent out of the city. Such a prominent figure hasn't been seen in ages, so it naturally created quite a stir. I happened to be present and was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of his grandeur!"
"I wonder what transpired to necessitate the involvement of even the Fourth Elder!"
"I am ashamed to admit it, but such significant events are not easily uncovered by rogue cultivators like us."
...
Heeding the various remarks from behind them, Yi Feng and the black-clad youth exchanged a subtle glance.
Precisely as they had surmised, this lively, down-to-earth tavern served as an ideal hub for gathering intelligence. Despite being a common establishment, news often circulated most rapidly in such locales.
It was only last night that the Fourth Elder of the Tian Yuan Sect launched an assault on the New Sword Sect, and already today, whispers of it were spreading. It appeared their decision to come here was indeed the right one.
Both Yi Feng and the black-clad youth were seasoned individuals of the martial world, rendering them utterly unfazed by this development.
They maintained their composure throughout, attracting no undue attention from anyone.
It wasn't until Yi Feng overheard the whispers behind him that he feigned curiosity, turning around and cupping his fists in a gesture of greeting.
"Greetings, fellow Daoists."
"May I inquire, is this Tian Yuan Sect you mention the paramount sect in the Yandang Mountains? And is that Fourth Elder truly as magnificent as you describe?"
"My companion and I are newcomers to this region. I inquired out of mere momentary curiosity; please forgive my intrusion."
His words were delivered with the utmost politeness, effectively establishing his persona. This opening immediately garnered their favor and sparked a subtle sense of superiority within the locals. Without delay, someone smiled, returned the fist-and-palm salute, and leaned in to impart knowledge to Yi Feng.
"You are too kind, fellow Daoist!"
"As you are from outside, it is entirely understandable that you are unaware of the esteemed reputation of the Tian Yuan Sect's Fourth Elder."
"I happen to possess some knowledge on the matter, so allow me to illuminate you."
"The Tian Yuan Sect is indeed the preeminent sect within our Yandang Mountains, proudly holding its position as a fourth-grade sect and dominating everything within a radius of several hundred miles! However, those from afar are unaware that the reason the Tian Yuan Sect reigns supreme is not solely due to what is apparent on the surface!"
Upon hearing this, Yi Feng adopted an expression of feigned shock and astonishment, cupping his fists once more to seek clarification.
"Not just on the surface?"
"Your words have left me quite perplexed. I implore you to enlighten me, brother."
His humble demeanor earned him increased admiration from the patrons at the adjacent table, prompting a more detailed explanation.
"You are too kind."
"It is common knowledge that a sect's rank is typically determined by its strongest combatant. While the Tian Yuan Sect is a fourth-grade sect, leading many to assume their Sect Master is their sole expert in the Heavenly Sun realm, this is a misconception!"
"To be candid, the Tian Yuan Sect boasts more than one expert at the Heavenly Sun realm. In addition to the Sect Master, its four great Elders are all masters of the Heavenly Sun realm. They were quite renowned in their prime, but regrettably, they seldom appear in public these days, which is why the outside world remains largely unaware. Nevertheless, within Tian Yuan City, numerous fellow Daoists still recall the past glory of the Tian Yuan Sect's Four Heroes!"
"Should you ever have the privilege of encountering these esteemed individuals, it is imperative that you do not display even the slightest disrespect or offense. To do so would invite a catastrophic disaster, from which no one within hundreds of miles could possibly save you!"
Upon hearing this, Yi Feng nodded repeatedly, his eyes wide with astonishment.
Only after he returned to his seat did his expression normalize, and he resumed his meal and drinks. His act was utterly convincing, causing the black-clad youth sharing his table to stifle his laughter so intensely that he almost gave them away.
Once they had satisfied their hunger and thirst, the pair retired to their guest room.
The black-clad youth could no longer contain himself. Covering his mouth, he collapsed onto the plush couch.
"Pfft..."
"Hahaha..."
Fortunately, Yi Feng shot him a cautionary glance just in time, enabling him to suppress his mirth sufficiently to avoid alerting anyone else.
The two then sat together at a small table. The black-clad youth's lips remained curved in a roguish grin, his gaze fixed on Yi Feng, his eyebrows dancing with amusement.
"I never would have imagined! I truly never would have imagined!"
"Brother, with your honest face and handsome thick eyebrows, you look so forthright. We've known each other for so many years, yet only today do I comprehend the extent of your deceptive capabilities! Your performance, those few lines you delivered, you made it all seem so genuine!"
The more he spoke, the more difficult it became for him to quell his laughter. Mimicking the intonation of the diners at the adjacent table, the youth contorted his face into a comical expression, nearly erupting into laughter once more.
"Should you ever have the privilege of encountering these esteemed individuals, it is imperative that you do not display even the slightest disrespect or offense. To do so would invite a catastrophic disaster, from which no one within hundreds of miles could possibly save you!"
"Blah, blah, blah..."
Witnessing his antics, Yi Feng found it nearly impossible to suppress his own amusement.
Truth be told, he couldn't fault his companion's reaction.
If those individuals from earlier were to learn that the legendary and supposedly formidable Fourth Elder had nearly met his end at the hands of the very outsiders they were discussing, their jaws would likely hit the floor.
After a considerable interval, the black-clad youth finally managed to calm his laughter. Reclining on the soft couch with his legs casually crossed, he turned to regard Yi Feng with evident curiosity.
"Brother."
"Now that we have procured sufficient intelligence, we are aware that the enemy possesses only a handful of formidable combatants. As long as we evade them, we should be safe. When shall we commence our guerrilla tactics?"
"This Young Master is already growing somewhat impatient!"
Yi Feng responded with a gentle smile upon hearing this.
"There is no need for haste."
"In guerrilla warfare, the primary emphasis is placed upon harassment and psychological maneuvers. The initial engagement must be entirely unforeseen, designed to instillInitialize fear in the enemy. The core principle lies in the subsequent gradual torment of the opponent's mental state."
"Consequently, this first strike must not be rushed. We shall gather further intelligence, then rest and recuperate our strength. The optimal moment for our assault will be shortly after nightfall, when the enemy has retired for sleep!"
Having declared this, Yi Feng downed the clear tea in his cup in a single motion. Observing his confident and collected demeanor, the black-clad youth, still lounging on the couch, allowed a subtle smile to grace his lips.
Before long, all preparations were complete, and the precise location of the Tian Yuan Sect had been thoroughly scouted.
Noticing that dusk had just settled.
The two companions erected a restrictive formation just inside the doorway, then laid their heads down and peacefully drifted into a deep slumber.
Meanwhile.
At the Heavenly Fate Sect, constructed upon the mountainside, a solitary figure had been standing vigil outside the main hall's entrance for a considerable duration.
The individual revealed himself to be Jin Weiyuan, the Sect Master of the Golden Saber Sect from the other day. However, any trace of his former majestic demeanor and authority as a sect leader had vanished. Instead, he was seen pacing agitatedly, his back hunched as if he were a subservient attendant, a hopeful grin fixed upon his features.
Only after the grand entrance doors creaked open did he venture inside the hall. His face was alight with eagerness as he offered a respectful bow to the imposing figure occupying the elevated seat.
“Cousin!”
“I am curious about the outcome of yesterday’s conflict. With the Fourth Elder personally intervening, I surmise the nascent Sword Sect has already been completely eradicated?”
However, as soon as the words escaped his lips, a frigid, menacing aura instantly permeated the vast hall.
Before Jin Weiyuan could even articulate his bewilderment, a resounding, incensed roar descended upon him!
“Scoundrel!”
“You actually dared to furnish us with deceitful intelligence and almost led our sect to suffer catastrophic losses! Pray tell, what are your true intentions?!”