Imperial henchmen? Never been struck by the sword of the Six Doors (a secret police agency).

Shaolin Temple, Mahavira Hall

"Amitabha." The abbot knelt before the golden statue of Buddha, offered incense, and then turned and walked out of the hall.

"They've come after all..." The abbot looked at the distant sky and sighed deeply.

The Grand Tournament of the World... was a stage built by the imperial dynasty for Yun Wuji.

The Supreme Sect is very special; they live outside the world yet are still within it.

The imperial court intended for the Daoist sect to flourish, and he dared not stop it, or rather... he was simply unable to stop it.

The reason why the imperial court disliked Buddhism was simple: Buddhist disciples did not pay taxes or engage in production, so no matter which dynasty it was, no one would like temples.

Did he not know? Of course he knew.

However... Buddhist teachings are there, and Buddhist practices require a high level of wisdom, so casting a wide net is the best approach.

Moreover, unlike other forces, Shaolin Temple cannot open an outer gate. The way lay disciples behave has already been demonstrated by predecessors.

Warrior monks also need offerings, and pilgrims just fill that gap.

By supporting martial monks without paying taxes or tributes, the imperial court would naturally favor the Taoist sect.

Now, the Imperial Dynasty and the Supreme Sect have begun to communicate and cooperate, a rare occurrence, and the Daoist sect has gained power.

People in the martial arts world wouldn't mistake the Taishang Sect for a Taoist sect, but ordinary people wouldn't care so much. Taishang Sect? It sounds like a Taoist sect.

"It's time to make contact with Vajra Temple..." the abbot murmured to himself.

......

Sword King City, City Lord's Mansion.

"Lord of the City... the four garrison commanders have already returned to the capital," an old man said, bowing.

"Understood." The middle-aged man in the purple robe stood up.

"Is the Grand Commander of the Army guarding the Nine Outer Passes?" the middle-aged man asked casually.

"Yes," the old man replied respectfully.

"Let's wait, or perhaps we can ask the emperor for a favor during the grand competition," the middle-aged man said as he walked out of the main hall.

The old man grinned from behind. "Ghost Immortal Sword, would the dynasty agree to that?"

......

Longhu Mountain, at the entrance of the courtyard.

“Master, the imperial court has already begun preparations,” Zhang Wenliang said, pushing open the courtyard door.

"Understood." The rocking chair stopped moving, and the old master's somewhat cold and stern voice rang out.

The Celestial Master's eyes glazed over for a moment before regaining their sharpness.

......

Huaibei Road, Ye Family Courtyard, Study.

"Xiao Feng!" A playful voice rang out as the door was pushed open.

"What's wrong, Sister Rou?" The young man who was carving a puppet looked up and spoke gently.

The young man had delicate features, but his demeanor was calm and composed, which was very pleasant to look at.

"You're being instructed to prepare. Two years from now, you'll be in charge of dealing with those martial arts figures," Lin Qingrou said with a grin, waving a black warrant.

"Sister Rou, do you want to go?" Ye Feng asked helplessly, looking at his wife's excited eyes.

"Go, of course I have to go!" Lin Qingrou said excitedly. She had to let the world know what a true Taoist was.

Xiao Feng is usually too easy to talk to; this time, he must show the world what he's made of.

This is why the Six Doors directly gave the warrant to Lin Qingrou; no matter how much you talk to a henpecked husband, it's not as effective as his wife's words.

"Okay, let's go." As expected, Ye Feng simply smiled and agreed.

"Xiao Feng, you're so sweet, kisses."

"Sister Rou, I'm covered in sawdust."

"I do not care."

.......

Jiangnan Road, Six Doors.

"Have preparations already begun?" Yan Gui looked at the warrant and raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean, 'start preparations'?" Liu Rushi's voice came from behind.

"It's nothing. They'll need me for the grand competition two years from now." Yan Gui put down the order and spoke calmly.

“I think the grand competition needs me too,” Liu Rushi said, raising her hand.

"You're too weak," Yan Gui said with a half-smile.

"you!"

......

Jiannan Road

"It's starting." He Ning put down the command and stretched.

"What...what are you guys up to now?" He Ning muttered to himself, looking at the distant horizon.

......

The White Lotus Sect has its own secret chambers and branch halls.

"Young friend Black Lotus, what can I do for you?" the kind-looking middle-aged man asked.

In the pitch-black, secret room, the flickering candlelight illuminated several figures, giving the impression that none of the people present were good people.

"The Grand Tournament is about to begin... I plan to invite the Nightmare Demon Palace to join me... to give the Dynasty a surprise," Black Lotus said with a light laugh.

The imperial dynasty certainly couldn't invite the demonic sect, but... the demonic sect wanted to give the imperial dynasty a big surprise. In the martial arts world, being nameless meant extinction, and the demonic sect also needed a reputation.

Even if it's a bad reputation, that's how you let those lowlifes know that this is the place for them.

"Of course." The kind-looking middle-aged man nodded in agreement.

From the perspective of the Nightmare Demon Palace, only the White Lotus Sect and itself remain as the two orthodox sects among the six major demonic sects.

The Heavenly Demon Palace intends to break away from the demonic path, while the Blood Drinking Sect remains to occupy the position of the demonic sect. Before the Blood Drinking Sect begins its madness, it is not worthy to be ranked alongside them.

The Huanxi Temple is full of debauched good-for-nothings, and the Holy Fire Cult isn't even human. After all, they are not of our kind, and their hearts are bound to be different.

So now only the Nightmare Demon Palace and the White Lotus Sect remain, which are still the orthodox demonic sects.

......

"You've grown so fast..." Black Lotus smiled as she looked at Lingnan Xiao, who was ranked second on the Human Ranking.

"Keep growing." Black Lotus smiled and put down the ranking list.

......

Lingnan Road, main hall.

"Boss! There's a transfer order from above!" Su An rushed into the hall, shouting.

Li Junsu took the warrant handed to him by Su An and raised an eyebrow.

Two years later, the chief constable of Lingnan returned to the capital to report on his duties. After completing his report, he was put in charge of receiving guests at the city gates.

The sentences are short, but contain a lot of information.

"This job is mine again?" Li Junsu stroked his chin, thinking to himself speechlessly.

"Boss! Can I join the World Grand Competition?" Su An shouted, waving at Li Junsu who was lost in thought.

“Sure, I was going to bring you along anyway.” Li Junsu came to his senses and smiled at Su An.

Su An's Yin Qi vortex... is very useful.

"Go and cultivate, don't embarrass me." Then, Li Junsu said.

"No problem! I promise I won't embarrass the boss!" Su An straightened up and patted his chest.

"Starting preparations so far in advance, this is going to be exciting," Li Junsu murmured to himself.