The disciples of the Divine Sword Sect were full of vigor and spirit, looking at the True Martial Sect with unfriendly eyes, as if feeling that their belongings had been stolen and they were determined to take them back.
The disciples of the True Martial Sect were equally unyielding.
Led by the Nine Great True Inheritor, all the disciples’ gazes were cold and stern.
The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat stagnant.
Taoist Longshan was helpless.
"I wouldn’t dare forget the ten-year promise."
"As Divine Sword Brother said, shall we stick to the old rules?"
Divine Sword Old Man’s originally imposing aura suddenly waned, his expression a bit unnatural.
Ten years ago, when he fought with Taoist Longshan, he already felt that the opponent was holding back, and now that he knew Taoist Longshan had half a foot into the Celestial Human Realm, fighting again would surely end in defeat.
Just thinking about being humiliated in front of so many disciples again made his teeth ache.
However, he had already spoken.
He certainly wouldn’t embarrass himself in public.
He cleared his throat twice and snorted:
"Longshan, is this how you treat guests?"
Taoist Longshan was taken aback but then laughed heartily:
"Divine Sword Brother brought your brilliant disciples here, and our True Martial Sect has long prepared a welcoming feast!"
"Wentian, take the fine disciples of the Divine Sword Sect over."
"Divine Sword Brother, please!"
Taoist Longshan and Divine Sword Old Man headed towards the Bright Martial Pavilion, clearly having matters to discuss.
The disciples of both sects were somewhat puzzled, looking at each other in confusion.
It felt like a fight was about to break out, tension high, but suddenly it turned into a meal.
Only a few could see clearly that the two elders seemed at odds only on the surface; deep down, they probably considered each other as friends but couldn’t swallow their pride.
Ning Qi couldn’t help but smile slightly.
Luo Wentian also shook his head.
He understood the situation a bit more clearly.
He said to the senior disciple of the Divine Sword Sect, Dong He, who also smiled wryly.
Qin Yun followed behind Luo Wentian, the sharpness in his eyes gradually dissipating, though still a bit indifferent.
Ning Qi walked at the back with the White Ape.
At this moment, a sneaky voice sounded:
Ning Qi turned to see a plump and fair kid staring eagerly at the White Ape, sniffing as if envious of Ning Qi having such a mystical pet. In fact, many of the Divine Sword Sect disciples had their eyes fixed on the White Ape.
Ning Qi hadn’t said anything yet, but the White Ape was already furious.
Having considered himself human, upon hearing the kid speak , he bared his teeth, scaring the kid. If Ning Qi weren’t beside him, he would have surely teased the kid a bit.
Ning Qi said sternly:
"He is not my pet; he is a third-generation disciple of the True Martial Sect named Yuan Tiancheng."
The kid was taken aback and then saw the White Ape snort coldly, realizing with an "ah":
He couldn’t help but say:
"Yuan Tiancheng, you’re so smart, being able to understand my words."
But the White Ape crossed his arms and snorted, ignoring him.
The kid sheepishly wiped his nose and looked at Ning Qi:
"My name is Zhuang Chen."
Ning Qi nodded and smiled:
He could perceive that Zhuang Chen’s vitality was not weak, clearly having stepped into the Martial Path at such a young age, indicating that he was a rare genius.
The disciples of both sects took their seats.
With Luo Wentian and others present, Ning Qi didn’t have to do much; he only needed to mind his own business.
A burden had been added.
Perhaps realizing there was a true disciple in the True Martial Sect of similar age, Zhuang Chen sat directly beside Ning Qi.
The senior disciple of the Divine Sword Sect, Dong He, wanted to stop him, but Luo Wentian smiled and persuaded, saying that their junior brother accompanying Zhuang Chen was not an issue.
This made Dong He give Ning Qi a surprised look.
This was causing some trouble for Ning Qi.
The chubby kid Zhuang Chen turned out to be a chatterbox.
"Ning Qi, have you started practicing martial arts?"
"Ning Qi, do you know swordsmanship?"
"Ning Qi, how did you meet Yuan Tiancheng?"
"Ning Qi, let me tell you, I’m very strong."
Ning Qi casually answered a couple of questions.
But after realizing the kid was becoming more talkative, Ning Qi wisely shut his mouth.
He zoned out, and after listening to the conversations between both sects’ disciples for a while, he immersed himself in his own world, seeking enlightenment and contemplation, which could be done anywhere.
"Ning Qi, Ning Qi..."
Zhuang Chen looked at Ning Qi, who appeared unfocused and unresponsive, with pity in his heart:
"Ning Qi seems not so bright; I asked him several questions, and he only answered one."
Zhuang Chen then looked at the White Ape, trying to strike up a conversation.
But the White Ape merely made a face at him and ignored him, as the Little White Ape held grudges deeply.
Zhuang Chen pouted slightly and then focused entirely on the food in front of him.
Eating was his second favorite pastime.
The welcoming feast passed uneventfully.
Although the disciples of both sects were young and vigorous, having some discontent towards each other, they all knew their manners and restrained themselves.
Up until near the end, the figures of Divine Sword Old Man and Taoist Longshan appeared again.
Ning Qi awoke from his wandering state.
The two sat at the head of the table.
Taoist Longshan smiled and said:
"Just now, Divine Sword Brother and I discussed one or two things, and from now on, the ten-year agreement between our two sects needs some adjustments."
Everyone stared without blinking.
Divine Sword Old Man cleared his throat and said faintly:
"Now that we two old men have grown old, it is inconvenient for us to fight. It is said that when the master has something, the disciples do the work. From now on, the ten-year agreement will be based on sparring between you disciples. This time will be for adaptation and practice; next time, it will officially begin."
"By then, the winner will have the usage rights of True Martial Mountain for ten years."
The disciples were all inwardly startled.
Determination rose in their eyes.
Originally, they were mere bystanders and witnesses to this ten-year agreement, but now they must participate.
Wasn’t this Divine Sword Old Man proposing this change because he knew he couldn’t beat his own master?
However, seeing Taoist Longshan smiling, it seemed he didn’t mind either.
Both were likely intending to put some pressure on their disciples, as pressure can drive progress, and the ten-year agreement hanging over their heads would spur faster improvement.
Ning Qi chuckled silently.
This method was evidently effective, even the nearby White Ape and the chubby kid were getting excited.
Some younger disciples’ faces turned red with excitement.
For Divine Sword Sect disciples, it was an excellent opportunity to fulfill Divine Sword Old Man’s long-time wish, while for True Martial Sect disciples, it was about defending their sect’s honor.
Ning Qi kept sensing a bit of mischievous humor in the smiles of both his master and Divine Sword Old Man.
He wondered what they discussed in the Bright Martial Pavilion.
Seeing the atmosphere had been stirred up.
Taoist Longshan stood and said:
"Although this time is just for you to adapt and practice, you shouldn’t be careless. You must give it your all; Divine Sword Brother and I have prepared some rewards, which will be awarded to those who perform outstandingly."
The disciples instantly became even more enthusiastic.
But Ning Qi felt indifferent.
The entire Scripture Pavilion of True Martial Sect was at his disposal; he reckoned Divine Sword Old Man wouldn’t have any earth-shattering manual to produce either.