Demon Sword Sect’s Undercover
Chapter 713 - 713 712 A New Identity Seeking Guaranteed Monthly Tickets

713: Chapter 712: A New Identity [Seeking Guaranteed Monthly Tickets] 713: Chapter 712: A New Identity [Seeking Guaranteed Monthly Tickets] Hou Niao adopted a different identity.

Although the blind elder did not specify, he didn’t dare transform into a bear person; under Bai Qingqian’s interference, he had no choice but to select the ugliest among all human males, a man of unremarkable appearance from beyond the civilized world.

As a price, the woman turned into a Snake Spirit at night…

Heavenly Heart Pavilion, a complex located amidst a sea of flowers, lies in Sui Mo City, surrounded closely by the Nine Towns, with a sea of large flowers enclosing a sea of smaller ones.

Although named a pavilion, the buildings there are not tall; most are only two or three stories high and do not stand out amidst the sea of flowers.

Based on the structure alone, Heavenly Heart Pavilion is a small Daoist lineage, roughly equivalent in size to a province in Shan Country, which aligns with its position on the Jinxiu Continent.

There is no gatekeeping, allowing free entry and exit; naturally, for the True Disciples from every sect on the Continent who wish to gain something here, the absence of a gatekeeper means there is a gatekeeper everywhere, and no one dares to casually enter and leave, so as not to leave a negative impression on the host.

Such is Heavenly Heart Pavilion’s standing on the Continent: small in size but shrouded in mystery, with substantial power hidden within, the higher one goes, the more this is true.

On the Jinxiu Continent, who is the strongest Nascent Transformation Master?

Opinions vary, and there is no consensus.

But if there really are a few who are the strongest, the old Nascent Transformation ancestor of Heavenly Heart Pavilion must be one of them.

No one dares to take them lightly.

A gaunt and withered man with a slightly hunched back walked amid the sea of flowers, his exceedingly ordinary appearance somewhat out of place with the surrounding floral splendor.

Yet in this world, there is no absolute standard for beauty or ugliness.

If one must define such a standard, then rarity would be the essence of value.

He might be considered ugly, but at this moment, the countless flowers and plants instead served as his backdrop.

To a self-confident person, ugliness is impossible.

As he wandered through the sea of flowers, a Daoist approached him, “Daoist friend, please stop.

May I ask if you are here to seek the Dao or to find a friend?”

“To find a friend, Daoist Qiu Shi.”

“Please follow me.”

This Daoist did not inquire about his name or origin and led him through winding paths to a two-story hanging-foot building,

“Master Qiu is here.

Daoist friend, please go ahead.”

Hou Niao nodded in acknowledgement, climbed the stairs, and approached the purely wooden building.

If one didn’t control their body with mana, they would produce creaking noises with every step, just as he was doing now, which also served as a way of greeting to the host, signifying one’s arrival.

This type of building lacks doors and is bright and open on all sides, with elegant screens bordered by curtains as needed.

With Shangyu’s climate being more rainy than windy, there’s no need to worry about the elements.

A Daoist with a dignified presence cast a warm gaze upon him, Qiu Shi, a Golden Core Cultivator, and most likely one at a higher level within the Golden Core Realm,

“You’ve arrived, take a seat.”

Hou Niao sat cross-legged, uncertain of what to say, as the blind elder’s introduction had been brief, and all he needed to do was listen.

Clearly informed in advance, Daoist Qiu Shi did not mention Hou Niao’s origins nor his identity, indicating that the individual concerned about him possessed high status and significant influence.

“I don’t care who you are, or where you come from.

That’s not important.

What is important is who you are now and which power you represent?

Since the higher-ups have sent for you, they must trust you completely, and so shall I.

What I will explain to you—if there is anything you don’t understand, just ask.

After today, you will be a junior disciple of Heavenly Heart Pavilion, and you must heed my commands.

Do you understand?”

Hou Niao nodded, “Understood.

I am here to cooperate with you to my fullest capacity, aside from this, I have no other purposes.”

Daoist Qiu Shi was satisfied, “You are Hao Ren, a Tongtian disciple of Heavenly Heart Pavilion, who travels abroad most of the time and has only recently returned to the sect.

In terms of heritage, you are my disciple and I have personally taught you as you’ve grown.

Our ways at Heavenly Heart Pavilion differ from other Daoist lineages; because our numbers are few, everyone has a master.”

Hou Niao pondered, “Is such a person real?”

Daoist Qiu Shi nodded, “Yes, he’s real, but decades ago he left Shangyu.

You needn’t worry about being doubted or exposed by anyone inside Heavenly Heart Pavilion; it’s precisely because of our small numbers that we at Heavenly Heart Pavilion harbor no second thoughts.”

“However, since this person has been traveling abroad, he must have encountered various experiences and made some friends, right?”

“He’s no longer alive.

He left shortly after departing Shangyu.

He turned out to be the only traitor in our sect in the last few centuries.

He wanted to use Heavenly Heart Pavilion’s secrets to trade for cultivation resources, as he found life here too harsh.

Therefore, we couldn’t let him live; I was the one who acted.

However, as a blemish on our lineage, we could not publicize it.

So it has always been kept secret.

Since he had no family or kin, it’s perfect for you.”

Hou Niao was in a cold sweat, but there was nothing he could do, “Understood.

Hao Ren, Tongtian Realm disciple of Heavenly Heart Pavilion, newly returned from my travels.”

Daoist Qiu Shi continued, “You probably know what kind of place Heavenly Heart Pavilion is.

Although we live in seclusion from worldly strife, countless fortune-seekers incessantly gather here, all for a vain and illusory prestigious title.

In the past, we had plenty of time to discern and decide, but this time is somewhat different.

Firstly, with the great changes in the heavens and the earth imminent, we are pressed for time; secondly, two Constellation True Inheritors have ascended to higher realms, leaving sudden vacancies; and thirdly, the major powers are jointly pressuring us to come up with alternative talents quickly.

After considering all these factors, we’ve decided to set up certain obstacles for the Constellation True Inheritor selection trial—the most convincing kind being a benchmark of strength.

Only those who surpass this benchmark may proceed; all others must step back or retire.

However, we cannot find such a fitting benchmark within Heavenly Heart Pavilion itself.

We need a cultivator whose realm within Tongtian is convincing and transcends competitive disputes.

Such cultivators are exceedingly rare.

Thus, the old ancestor found us a person through his friends, and that person is you.”

Hou Niao was somewhat flattered, “I am honored.

But I would like to know Heavenly Heart Pavilion’s true intention.

Do you want someone to pass or not?

Who should pass?

Who should be stopped?

Knowing this, I can act accordingly and know when to ‘let water through’.”

Daoist Qiu Shi was taken aback; the unremarkable-looking cultivator was rather audacious.

Did he mean that if he wished, not a single True Disciple from the whole Continent could pass his challenge?

If this wasn’t just arrogance, then the cultivator’s actual strength must be terrifying.

After all, it was the old ancestor who had someone recommend this ally, and he was no ordinary being.

From his perspective, given the bold statement and the fact that he was recommended, he certainly must possess exceptional skills.

It might not be all boastful talk.

“The traditions of Heavenly Heart Pavilion will never change.

We will not hasten to decisions under the sway of others.

We have to look clearly, to live up to history, to live up to the heavens.

So do your best.

No one will secretly instruct you to let anyone through.

If someone does, they certainly are not a descendant of Heavenly Heart Pavilion.”

“Understood.

I will do my utmost to stop them.”

“There are nearly a thousand True Disciples from the various Daoist sects of the Jinxiu Continent.

Subtracting those who know they lack the strength or entertain vain hopes, the number of True Disciples who have come to Sui Mo City is also two to three hundred.

Our trials go beyond mere combat, so by the time it comes to you stopping them, only a handful, perhaps a few dozen, will remain.

I suppose you can handle this?”

“I shall comply with your wishes.”