Volume 1, Chapter 33: The Rise of the Sect Rests on Your Shoulders

“So, does that mean the Autumn Burial Blade was truly taken by him after killing Zhao Qianqiu?”

At this moment, Liang Sheng of the Overlord Blade Sect shuddered all over.

He had originally thought that since the people from the Supreme Mysterious Sacred Land were here today, he couldn’t back out on the deal. But once they left, he planned to find a way to reclaim his Overlord Blade from the Eternal Life Sect in a few days. At worst, he would wear a mask. Here, there was Li Hanzhou, who lacked martial skills, and a few junior disciples—none of them could stop him. Even if he slaughtered the entire Eternal Life Sect, there would be no obstacle.

However, recalling his earlier thoughts now, Liang Sheng broke out in a cold sweat.

Fortunately, he had discovered Li Hanzhou’s hidden strength.

Otherwise, had he come, he might not have even known how he died.

Zhao Qianqiu was a heavenly-level existence, halfway to transcendence, with extraordinary power. Even he had fallen to Li Hanzhou’s hand; his own strength was nothing compared to Li Hanzhou’s.

At this moment, Zhao Wuxing did not waste words and obediently handed over his Dingfeng Ancient Herb.

Nie Shengyu also handed over the secret manual of the Mountain-Shaking Palm without hesitation.

“The Supreme Mysterious Sacred Land is a large and reputable place. They wouldn’t renege on their promise, right?” Li Hanzhou looked toward the Elder and Jiang Yixuan of the Supreme Mysterious Sacred Land. He wasn’t worried about the three sects withholding items; his concern was the Supreme Mysterious Sacred Land.

After all, the Supreme Mysterious Sacred Land was vast and filled with powerful experts. If they truly refused to honor their word and tried to renege, Li Hanzhou would have little recourse.

“We of the Supreme Mysterious Sacred Land are not a place without credibility,” Jiang Yixuan stood and took out the Supreme Mysterious Heart Scripture from his storage pouch.

“Then many thanks, Holy Lord.” Li Hanzhou’s eyes lit up.

This was a treasure.

The Supreme Mysterious Sacred Land’s advanced cultivation technique.

It was not comparable to the Mountain-Shaking Palm of the Yueshan Sect.

This cultivation method was coveted even by the sect leaders of the three sects. Such an advanced technique could be cultivated to a very high realm, far beyond the sect’s own methods.

“Thank you, Brother Jiang,” Li Hanzhou said, feeling that the Supreme Mysterious Holy Lord was quite approachable.

“Holy Lord, your disciple has disappointed you,” Lu Tianxing approached and knelt before the Holy Lord. At this moment, Lu Tianxing’s spiritual conviction was somewhat broken.

He had repeatedly fallen to Liu Dongyue’s hands.

“Rise.” Jiang Yixuan did not make things difficult for Lu Tianxing. He knew that Liu Dongyue must have had Li Hanzhou’s help behind him; otherwise, Liu Dongyue would not have such strength.

With such a powerful ally, Lu Tianxing had no chance of winning.

Since they had lost, the disciples of the three sects were eager to leave.

Li Hanzhou’s feigned generosity in inviting them to dinner only made the sect leaders more eager to leave.

It was as if he was silently saying, “If you dare stay for dinner, I’ll kill you.”

Better not to tempt fate.

The Supreme Mysterious Sacred Land also departed. The elder saw from afar Shi Ming chopping wood with the Prajna Axe, heart aching but unable to take him away.

Before leaving, Jiang Yixuan invited Li Hanzhou to visit the Supreme Mysterious Sacred Land when he had time.

Li Hanzhou agreed, though he knew it was mere courtesy. What reason did he have to visit their sacred land?

Once everyone left, the sun had already set.

After a day of turmoil, Li Hanzhou felt tired but truly fulfilled.

“Senior Uncle!” Liu Dongyue approached excitedly, “I still can’t believe I actually won today. It’s unbelievable.”

However, Li Hanzhou circled around him, stroking his chin thoughtfully, as if pondering something.

“Senior Uncle, why are you looking at me like that?” Liu Dongyue’s excitement quickly turned to caution under Li Hanzhou’s gaze. He felt as if Li Hanzhou had some ill intentions.

“Dongyue, you did well today. Tonight, Senior Uncle will stew you some braised pork,” Li Hanzhou said with a smile.

“Huh?” Liu Dongyue was stunned. “Senior Uncle, I defeated the Yueshan Sect, the Zhao family, the Overlord Blade Sect, and the Supreme Mysterious Sacred Land, won you the Supreme Mysterious Heart Scripture, the Dingfeng Ancient Herb, and other treasures, and you’re just giving me a bowl of braised pork?”

“Oh, you know how poor the Eternal Life Sect is. Now, we finally have a chance to rise. All these winnings are to strengthen our sect. With greater strength, we can attract more disciples and become a powerful sect worthy of our founder’s expectations. One day, you, Liu Dongyue, will be remembered in history. Isn’t that more important than any reward?”

Listening to Li Hanzhou’s earnest words, Liu Dongyue felt something was off but couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

So he nodded dumbly.

“So, Senior Uncle is also working hard for the sect. These treasures weren’t won for me, but for the sect. Don’t you want the Eternal Life Sect to regain its former glory? With the senior brother gone, you are now the highest-ranking disciple here. You can’t expect little Shi Ming and Xiao Qianzhu to shoulder this responsibility, can you?” Li Hanzhou continued to coax.

“For the sect’s rise, your disciple is willing!” Liu Dongyue said solemnly.

“Good. Then it’s settled. The Eternal Life Sect declares open challenge to the world. From today onwards, disciples from all sects may come to challenge us. Four-person teams are required, and challengers must bring corresponding treasures. If we lose, I’ll give them that blade,” Li Hanzhou chuckled. “But don’t worry, it’s limited to ninth grade or below disciples. Your Divine Power Pill is powerful but only effective against those below transcendence. Senior Uncle won’t let you take risks.”

“Huh?” Liu Dongyue was dumbfounded.

So this means I have to take on the challenge?

“That’s decided. Rest now; the road ahead is long and arduous, no rush. Here, take this Supreme Mysterious Heart Scripture and try to master it,” Li Hanzhou handed it to Liu Dongyue.

Then he turned and left, leaving Liu Dongyue alone, flustered in the wind.

The martial world was a place where secrets could not be kept for long; anything would spread mysteriously.

The news of disciples from the Zhao family, Overlord Blade Sect, Yueshan Sect, and Supreme Mysterious Sacred Land all being defeated by the Eternal Life Sect spread rapidly.

For a time, the name Eternal Life Sect appeared in everyone’s vision.

Additionally, the Autumn Burial Blade became a topic of discussion.

When the Tang Sect learned the news, its leader Tang Jue was stunned. If the Autumn Burial Blade was truly in the hands of this person named Li Hanzhou, then there was a high chance the Thousand-Life Ghost Lotus was also in his possession.

The emperor had intended to help Li Hanzhou hide his identity, but Li Hanzhou had inadvertently exposed himself.