Zhao Jiudou returned to his seat with a gloomy expression, remaining silent. The Zhao Family disciples nearby noticed that the atmosphere was not right and carefully avoided Zhao Jiudou's gaze.
Originally, he had intended to stand up for his fellow clan members and salvage the family's face. Unexpectedly, that young man turned out to be so formidable. His swordsmanship was indeed remarkable, and Zhao Jiudou found himself unable to deal with him.
In this encounter, not only did he fail to embarrass the young man, but he also elevated the other's reputation. Zhao Jiudou didn't guess wrong; Meng Zhang displayed extraordinary sword skills and fought him, someone with a higher Cultivation Base, to a draw. This scene drew a lot of discussion from the onlookers.
No one had expected that a little-known sect like Taiyi Sect would have such a powerful Sect Master.
Those cultivators who were previously unfamiliar with Meng Zhang began inquiring about his background and experiences. Some who had underestimated Meng Zhang when they first met him were now regretting their assumptions.
Among Twin Success Valley's vassals, there were not many forces with Foundation Building cultivators. These forces typically only had 1-2 Foundation Building cultivators, making them the trump cards of their sects. In situations where Foundation Building cultivators were reluctant to make a move, Refining Qi completion stage cultivators became the pillars of their respective forces.
With the fighting prowess Meng Zhang demonstrated, he alone could support Taiyi Sect's reputation.
Originally, Zhao Dong had a grudge against Meng Zhang, but seeing Zhao Jiudou unable to gain the upper hand, he couldn't help feeling somewhat relieved. He was worried about Zhao Jiudou venting his anger on him.
After some discussion among the lower-level cultivators, Lin Shenpo called for silence. He used the battle between Meng Zhang and Zhao Jiudou as an example to begin a new round of explanations.
Lin Shenpo expounded on the gains and losses of their swordplay in a clear and profound manner. Both Meng Zhang and Zhao Jiudou found it very enlightening and felt they had benefited greatly from the lecture.
Zhao Jiudou's previous gloominess also lifted a bit.
After Lin Shenpo concluded the lecture, the next program was a banquet hosted by Forest Mountain School to entertain the various guests. Xu Yishan personally received the Foundation Building cultivators among the guests.
Forest Mountain School's Sect Master, Xu Chengxian, led the guests to an outdoor banquet venue. After a string of expressions of gratitude to the guests, the banquet entered a phase of free interaction.
The guests mingled and moved around the banquet venue, engaging in conversations with fellow cultivators they encountered.
Meng Zhang's situation now was completely different from when he first arrived at Linshan. Back then, no one paid him any attention, but after the swordplay competition, he became quite popular. Many people came to greet him, hoping to get to know him better.
Everyone understood the principle of not underestimating a youth just because they were poor. With such cultivation at a young age, Meng Zhang's future prospects were bright. As long as he didn't die young or meet a tragic end, he might even have a chance to reach Foundation Building in the future.
However, the enthusiasm of others didn't make Meng Zhang lose his guard. He understood very well why the situation had changed from being ignored to being sought after.
Cultivation Base was the foundation, and he must never relax in his pursuit of strength.
Enduring the slight impatience in his heart, Meng Zhang still warmly interacted with fellow cultivators.
Fortunately, everyone present was a cultivator and therefore more reserved. Even if they had high hopes for Meng Zhang's future, they wouldn't immediately curry favor with him.
Among those who came to greet Meng Zhang, Sect Master Jin Qigu of Qiaoshou Sect was particularly proactive. After introducing themselves, she bombarded Meng Zhang with inquiries about his parents, marital status, and whether he had any romantic interests. Qiaoshou Sect was a sect composed entirely of women. The disciples were skilled in female arts, excelling in weaving and sewing top-quality Daoist robes, cloaks, and armor.
Many forces in the vicinity had their standardized Daoist robes tailored by Qiaoshou Sect. Some special garments and leather armor were even exported to other regions. Relying on these products, Qiaoshou Sect could be considered relatively prosperous.
However, no one should underestimate these women. Qiaoshou Sect's flying needle technique was well-known both far and wide. Their Foundation Building elder, Aunt Jin, was the only mid-level Foundation Building cultivator among Twin Success Valley's numerous vassals. Her combat strength was formidable, and she commanded great respect, even from Twin Success Valley.
Sect Master Jin Qigu of Qiaoshou Sect had keen insight and was not someone easy to deal with.
She assumed the appearance of trying to play matchmaker for Meng Zhang, which made him somewhat helpless. After chatting for a while, he quickly found an excuse to escape.
Jin Qigu didn't persist either because she was also entangled by Sect Master Ruan Xiaodao of Golden Blade Sect.
Meng Zhang had finally managed to distance himself from the crowd when Li Xuan caught up to him.
"Sect Master, Li Shengqi approached several forces, but they all ignored him," Li Xuan reported.
Since discovering that Li Shengqi was hiding something and being targeted by the Zhao Family, Meng Zhang had taken an interest in him. He instructed Li Xuan, who was familiar with him, to keep an eye on Li Shengqi's movements.
Li Xuan's report didn't surprise Meng Zhang. Li Shengqi had approached these forces to seek help against the Zhao Family's pressure. However, the resources he had were too limited, just two shops in Singing Sand City and some remnants of wealth.
Several forces with Foundation Building cultivators wouldn't take such meager offerings seriously. Especially after Forest Mountain School had just been reprimanded by Twin Success Valley, they wouldn't want to get involved in any more trouble.
While Zhao Family didn't have a Foundation Building cultivator, they had numerous Refining Qi cultivators and were considered one of the strongest among Refining Qi sects. Without substantial benefits, no Refining Qi sect would be willing to provoke the Zhao Family.
Even old enemies like Taiyi Sect wouldn't confront the Zhao Family head-on . Meng Zhang was merely paying attention to the situation and looking for the right opportunity to intervene. If the opportunity wasn't suitable, he wouldn't act rashly.
"Keep an eye on Li Shengqi and try to find out what he's been up to recently," Meng Zhang ordered, "All of this must be done discreetly without being discovered by the Zhao Family."
Li Xuan nodded in agreement. Just as he was about to leave, his expression changed as he looked at a group of people walking nearby.
At the head of the group was a short, slightly taller than a dwarf, and sly-looking old man with a sly expression on his face. This man was in his fifties, yet his movements were agile. Even in this situation, he was looking around suspiciously, giving off the air of a cunning rodent.
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