Chapter 116: Crisis in the Market

“Yang Xiao, you have been with our Heavenly Sword Sect for two years now, haven’t you?” Upon seeing Yang Xiao, the Sword Forging Immortal immediately asked.

“Yes, Master. It has indeed been two years since I arrived here,” Yang Xiao replied.

“Hmm, although I haven’t personally instructed you during these two years, I have kept an eye on your progress. Your cultivation has improved greatly lately. I’ve also heard from the Martial Hall that you have been studying diligently, which pleases me greatly. Here are the techniques for the last two levels of the Peerless Sword Art. Take this and practice it,” said the Sword Forging Immortal as he tossed a jade slip to Yang Xiao.

Yang Xiao took the jade slip and examined it. Indeed, it contained the records for the last two stages of the Peerless Sword Art’s sword body and sword intent. He had long wished to obtain these techniques but had never had the opportunity to request them from the Sword Forging Immortal. Now, with the Immortal voluntarily handing over the manual, Yang Xiao was quite surprised.

“Thank you, Master,” Yang Xiao said.

“These two stages are not easy to cultivate. Even I have not reached their deepest depths. Whether you can master them depends on your innate talent. Of course, I called you here not just to give you this. About a hundred miles west of the Heavenly Sword Mountains lies a market town—our sect’s most important external trading post. Recently, it seems some trouble has arisen there. I want you to go and investigate,” the Sword Forging Immortal explained.

“What kind of trouble?” Yang Xiao asked.

“Recently, the lands of Yao Kingdom have been restless, with frequent appearances of demonic cultivators. According to Chen Tong, who is stationed at the market town, some individuals have been deliberately causing disturbances there. So I sent you to see what is going on. Chen Tong is also my disciple, so you two are senior and junior brothers. I hope you can cooperate to manage the market well. If there is no trouble, that’s even better. But if problems arise, you must work together to resolve them. If the matter proves too difficult, you can notify me immediately, and I will come to handle it personally,” the Sword Forging Immortal instructed.

“I see. Understood, Master. I will do my best to ensure the market’s safety,” Yang Xiao responded.

“Good. Then depart as soon as possible,” the Immortal said.

Yang Xiao nodded and set off for the market town. Not long after, he arrived and met Chen Tong.

“I am Yang Xiao, the new disciple of the Sword Forging Immortal. I have come at Master’s command to assist you. I hope you will guide me well,” Yang Xiao introduced himself.

“So you’re Brother Yang. Master had told me that a disciple would be sent here, but I didn’t expect it to be you,” Chen Tong said, looking at Yang Xiao with a hint of dissatisfaction. It was clear he doubted Yang Xiao’s cultivation.

“Brother, are you not satisfied with me?” Yang Xiao asked.

“To be honest, yes, I am somewhat dissatisfied. After all, you have only recently joined and are not yet proficient in the techniques. Although there have been some minor issues at this market, they are not severe enough that I cannot handle them myself. But since you’re here, you’re welcome to stay and cultivate. I doubt you’ll be much help with the current matters,” Chen Tong replied.

“I wish I could simply cultivate peacefully, but I must obey Master’s orders. Brother, please tell me exactly what problems have occurred here,” Yang Xiao requested.

“Very well. Lately, several small gangs have been purchasing materials from our Heavenly Sword Sect, and problems have arisen. I suspect someone is orchestrating this to harm our sect. At first, these gangs bought only small amounts, so to protect our sect’s reputation, I decided to replace all the problematic materials. But now, these gangs have become more brazen, buying large quantities—and all the materials have issues. Clearly, someone is targeting us. If we replaced all the faulty materials with good ones, it would ruin the entire market. That’s why I’m concerned,” Chen Tong explained.

“I see. This is indeed a serious matter that requires careful handling,” Yang Xiao nodded.

“Another batch of materials just caused trouble. I was about to negotiate with the other party on how to resolve it. Since you are here, what do you suggest we do?” Chen Tong asked.

“I think we should find out how these good materials became defective. Could someone have swapped them?” Yang Xiao proposed.

“That’s unlikely. The transactions are all public, and there’s no chance for swapping. Some deals I even personally oversaw. The materials were fine originally but turned bad after inspection by the other party. It’s baffling,” Chen Tong said.

“Such a thing can happen?” Yang Xiao was equally puzzled.

“Indeed. It’s as if some sorcery was cast. Most likely, demonic cultivators are targeting our sect to ruin this market,” Chen Tong said grimly.

“Brother Chen makes a good point. This is probably the work of demonic forces,” Yang Xiao agreed.

“That’s why I plan to capture the gang leader and interrogate him thoroughly. I’m determined to uncover the mastermind,” Chen Tong said through gritted teeth.

“While that’s one approach, if the leader refuses to talk, what can we do? Besides, it might attract rumors among other sects. I think we should not alert the enemy. Let’s provide them with good materials for now and secretly follow them to catch them meeting their boss. That way, we can learn the truth,” Yang Xiao suggested.

“Your idea makes sense. Alright, we’ll follow your plan. No direct confrontation for now. I want to know who dares to cross our Heavenly Sword Sect. When we find out, I won’t let them off,” Chen Tong said fiercely.

“Of course, we must be ruthless toward those who threaten our sect,” Yang Xiao said firmly.

“Haha, I’m glad you’re here, Brother Yang. Otherwise, it would have been difficult to uncover the truth. Your method is indeed superior,” Chen Tong admitted.

[End of Part 3]