Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

However, Shen Mo knew that this was just the beginning. The benefits of a good reputation were real; for example, people were more polite when buying supplies, and prices were even slightly discounted.

Through channels like Baibaoge, we can obtain more and more timely information from the outside world.

But the ensuing jealousy, espionage, and potential crises are like venomous snakes lurking in the shadows, ready to strike a fatal blow at any moment.

"Sect Leader, this is a summary of information that we have recently collected through the Treasure Pavilion, which may be related to the outside world's concerns about our sect."

A few days later, Su Xiao handed a jade slip to Shen Mo with a worried look on his face. "There doesn't seem to be much activity from the Lieyang Sect, but the Xuanbing Pavilion's disciples in the surrounding area are obviously more active."

"In addition, several independent cultivator groups with a bad reputation in Blackwater Marsh have been frequently appearing near our mountain gate recently..."

Shen Mo took the jade slip and scanned it with his divine sense. It contained scattered but not optimistic information:

Strange cultivators lingered and spied on the nearby mountains for a long time; outrageous rumors circulated that the Qingyun Sect had obtained an ancient sword immortal's treasure.

There are even rumors that the "Blood Fiend Gang," a group that makes a living by plundering small sects, seems to have developed an interest in the Qingyun Sect...

Shen Mo put down the jade slip, his gaze deep. "Junior Sister Xiao, pass down the order: all disciples will double their cultivation tasks. In particular, they must be able to use their combat skills and formation coordination as if they were extensions of their own arms."

"In addition, distribute the batch of 'Sharp Metal Talismans' and 'Earth Prison Talismans' stored in the warehouse, giving each person three, just in case."

"Yes!" Su Xiao sensed the seriousness in Shen Mo's words and dared not delay, so she immediately went to make the arrangements.

The Qingyun Sect, a machine that had just accelerated due to the injection of resources, was now operating even faster and more cautiously under external pressure.

Every disciple felt that invisible pressure, so they cultivated even harder and were more vigilant when carrying out missions.

An atmosphere of outward relaxation but inward tension enveloped the entire Qingyun Mountain.

In the midst of this oppressive atmosphere, a sudden visitor rang the "Questioning the Heart" bell outside the gates of Qingyun Mountain.

The newcomer was a middle-aged man who looked to be in his early thirties. He had an ordinary face, slightly dark skin, and wore a faded gray outfit. He looked travel-worn and had very sharp eyes.

His cultivation level was at the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining, just one step away from attempting Foundation Establishment!

But what is most striking about him is not his cultivation level, but his weathered, calm, and reserved demeanor, as well as the seemingly ordinary longsword at his waist that is shrouded in a bloody light.

Unlike the others, he didn't make a fuss. He just stood quietly in front of the notice for a moment, then walked to the bronze bell that Su Xiao had set up to ring the application assessment and struck it three times, neither too hard nor too softly.

The melodious sound of the bell echoed throughout the mountains and fields.

Zhang Daniu, who was on duty that day, cautiously poked his head out and asked, "Hey! Who are you? Didn't you see the notice? Do you want to become my apprentice or what?"

The gray-robed man cupped his hands and replied in a hoarse but clear voice, "Han Lin, a rogue cultivator, has come here because of your reputation, sincerely seeking to join the Qingyun Sect. I am willing to accept all the tests of your esteemed sect, only asking for a place to stay and to serve the sect faithfully."

His gaze was open and honest, and his tone was sincere, a stark contrast to the excited or greedy visitors before him.

Zhang Daniu paused for a moment, then scratched his head: "You wait here, I'll go inform the sect leader!"

The news quickly reached Shen Mo's ears.

"A rogue cultivator at the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining? Coming to join us willingly?" Shen Mo tapped his fingers lightly on the table, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.

At this critical juncture, is the arrival of a powerful rogue cultivator a timely act of kindness, or an invitation to a wolf into the house?

"Junior Sister Xiao, what do you think?" Shen Mo looked down at Su Xiao.

Su Xiao pondered and said, "This person is composed and doesn't seem like a cunning person. But it's not easy for rogue cultivators to survive. To be able to cultivate to the ninth level of Qi Refining, he must have extraordinary abilities and must have experienced many complicated things."

"It is difficult to judge whether their motives for seeking refuge are genuinely seeking stability or have other intentions."

"Junior Brother Tie, go and test his strength," Shen Mo instructed Shi Tie, who was standing beside him. "Stop when you've made a move, and be careful."

"Alright! I've been itching to get started!" Shi Tie rubbed his hands together and strode towards the mountain gate.

Outside the mountain gate, on an open space.

Holding a heavy iron cudgel, Shi Tie, his body brimming with energy, stared at Han Lin opposite him: "I am Shi Tie of the Qingyun Sect! The Sect Leader sent me to test your skills! Watch out!"

Han Lin remained calm as he slowly drew his long sword from his waist. The blade was dark red, as if it had drunk countless cups of blood. "Han Lin, a rogue cultivator, please enlighten me."

Without further ado, Shi Tie roared and unleashed a powerful strike with his iron rod, "Splitting Mount Hua," aiming straight for Han Lin's head!

He has now achieved a minor mastery of the "Giant Spirit Shaking Mountain Technique," and his power is astonishing. With this strike, even stubborn rocks can be shattered!

However, Han Lin did not take the blow head-on. He shifted his feet and slid half a step to the side like a ghost. The long sword in his hand turned into a blood-red arc of light. It did not slash at Shi Tie, but precisely struck the side of the iron rod where the force was weakest!

"clang!"

With a soft thud, Shi Tie's powerful blow was deflected to the side, crashing to the ground and leaving a shallow crater.

Shi Tie felt a slight numbness in his wrist and was shocked. This guy has such excellent eyesight and skills!

Han Lin's strike was effective, but instead of launching a counterattack, he sheathed his sword and took a step back, saying in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist Shi's strength is formidable, I admire it. Unless it's a life-or-death struggle, it would be unwise to take it head-on."

Shi Tie snorted. Although his attack had been neutralized, the other party's polite attitude made it difficult for him to retaliate. He then swung his staff again to attack. The two immediately engaged in a fierce battle.

Shi Tieshi was powerful and heavy, and his staff techniques were wide and sweeping; Han Lin, on the other hand, was agile and his knife skills were ruthless and cunning. He often avoided attacks at the last second and launched a fierce counterattack.

He was clearly extremely experienced and had an impeccable grasp of timing. If it weren't for their comparable cultivation levels and his willingness to yield, Shi Tie would probably have been defeated long ago.

A moment later, Shen Mo's voice came calmly: "That's enough."

Both of them stopped simultaneously. Shi Tie, panting heavily, looked at Han Lin with less disdain and more seriousness. This rogue cultivator truly possessed real skill!

Han Lin, his breathing steady, sheathed his sword and bowed deeply to Shen Mo, who had appeared not far away at some point: "Han Lin, a rogue cultivator, greets Sect Leader Shen."

Shen Mo sized up Han Lin, having witnessed the entire battle. This man was exceptionally skilled, with seasoned combat experience, and, more importantly, knew how to exercise restraint—truly a rare talent.

But the more this is the case, the more careful we need to be.

"Fellow Daoist Han, your cultivation is profound and your experience is rich. Why would you choose a small temple like my Qingyun Sect?" Shen Mo asked directly, his gaze sharp as if trying to see through his true thoughts.

Han Lin raised his head, met Shen Mo's gaze frankly, and said with a wry smile, "Sect Leader Shen, you are wise. I am a rogue cultivator, without any support. I have been able to cultivate to this point entirely by risking my life on the edge, fighting against heaven and against man."

"However, the path of a rogue cultivator eventually comes to an end. The Foundation Establishment realm is like an insurmountable chasm; without inheritance, resources, or guardians, there is no chance of survival."

He paused, a trace of vicissitude and weariness flashing in his eyes: "Over the years, I have seen too many rogue cultivators, whose cultivation stagnated due to the depletion of resources, or who died and perished in the struggle for opportunities."

"I am weary and afraid. I only wish to find a peaceful place to cultivate in peace. If I can glimpse the gate to Foundation Establishment, I will have no regrets in this life."

"The list from Tianji Pavilion has been released, and I, Han, have carefully studied the comments. Although your sect is small, it has a well-established lineage and shows signs of 'revival.' More importantly,"

Han Lin looked at Shen Mo with sincere eyes, "The fact that your sect was able to stand firm in the storm of the Flowing Cloud Water Mansion and receive such praise shows that Sect Leader Shen and your disciples are no ordinary people."

"It's easy to add flowers to brocade, but difficult to provide charcoal in the snow. I, Han, am willing to follow in the footsteps of your esteemed sect as it begins its rise, offering my meager strength, hoping only for... a glimmer of hope."

His words were simple and unadorned, yet they carried a sincerity born of experience and a resolute determination to stake the future.