Chapter 191 - 118: Zhang Su Embraces the Pill, Advancing to Pill Force

It was almost unimaginable.

However, both the Bursting Sword Form and the Extreme Sword Form were trump cards. They were one-shot techniques. Zhang Su wouldn’t use them unless it was a matter of life and death, an absolute last resort.

But even without using these two forms of Swordsmanship, Zhang Su’s strength was terrifying just by channeling his Pill Force.

Among those who had achieved Embracing Pill, he probably had no equal.

Zhang Su stood in the Quiet Chamber for a moment, calming his racing heart.

He knew that Embracing Pill was just the beginning, not the end.

Above Pill Force, there was Gang Force.

Above Gang Force, there was the Postnatal Realm.

The path of the Martial Dao was endless.

’Now that I’ve achieved Embracing Pill, it’s time to ask the Sect Leader about the second part of the Celestial Pride Trial...’

Zhang Su placed great importance on the Celestial Pride Trial.

Not for the empty title of the Sect’s Celestial Pride, but because the benefits were too great.

To be nurtured with the full resources of the Sect.

It was naturally best to obtain such benefits as early as possible.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.

Suddenly, a knock came from outside the door.

"Is Inner Sect Disciple Zhang Su present? The Sect Leader summons you!"

Zhang Su paused, slightly startled.

He had just been about to look for the Sect Leader, but unexpectedly, the Sect Leader had sent someone to summon him first.

’What a coincidence.’

He immediately pushed the door open and saw an Inner Sect Steward dressed in black robes standing outside.

This Inner Sect Steward was about forty years old, with a square face and a short beard beneath his chin.

When he saw Zhang Su walk out of the Quiet Chamber, his eyes swept over him, a trace of surprise flashing within them.

He had seen Zhang Su once before.

But the Zhang Su before him now seemed somehow different.

Yet, he couldn’t quite put his finger on what had changed.

However, the Steward didn’t ask any questions.

He just needed to carry out the Sect Leader’s orders.

"I am Zhang Su. I’ll trouble you to lead the way, Steward."

Zhang Su cupped his fists in a slight bow and followed behind the Inner Sect Steward.

It was early morning, and many disciples had already begun their morning training.

The air filled with the flash of sabers and swords and the whistle of fists—a lively scene.

Some disciples recognized Zhang Su and began to whisper among themselves.

"Isn’t that Zhang Su? I heard he’s been in seclusion for a long time."

"There’s a rumor he killed an Embracing Pill master while still in the Huajin realm. I wonder if it’s true."

"That rumor is too outrageous. Even our Guiyuan Sect’s own Celestial Pride, Yu Hualong, couldn’t kill an Embracing Pill master when he was at the Huajin stage."

"Well, the Three Sects Exchange Assembly is about to start. We’ll find out when Zhang Su makes his move, won’t we?"

Zhang Su’s senses were sharp, so he naturally heard their discussions.

He paid them no mind and continued to follow the Inner Sect Steward toward the Sect Grand Hall.

...

Inside the Guiyuan Sect’s Grand Hall, Sect Leader Meng Shouzhen sat upon the highest seat.

The Ten Great Martial Vein Masters were arranged on either side.

Many Postnatal Realm Elders had also come.

Among them was Zhang Su’s master, Zhao Qianfeng.

Zhao Qianfeng had originally been sent to the Instructor Pavilion and had long since begun his retirement. He had virtually no say in Sect affairs.

But this time, the Sect Leader had specifically invited Zhao Qianfeng to attend.

Because the matter at hand involved Zhang Su.

As Zhang Su’s master, Zhao Qianfeng naturally had to be informed.

Meng Shouzhen appeared to be in his sixties, with a ruddy complexion. He wore a green robe, and his tone was kind and his manner easygoing.

But those who knew him well understood that this Sect Leader’s methods were not nearly as gentle as his appearance suggested.

He had led the Guiyuan Sect for thirty years, managing the Sect with impeccable order and steadily increasing its power and prestige.

Meng Shouzhen scanned the hall, his gaze sweeping over everyone’s faces before finally resting on Zhao Qianfeng.

He smiled and said, "Elder Zhao, I’ve invited you here today because of Zhang Su. The Three Sects Exchange Assembly officially begins tomorrow, and our Guiyuan Sect’s performance in recent years has been rather average."

At this, Meng Shouzhen’s tone paused slightly.

The expressions of the others in the hall also turned somewhat grim.

In the grand competition for those below Pill Force at the Three Sects Exchange Assembly, the Guiyuan Sect had placed last for several consecutive years.

For a Major Sect with several centuries of history, this was a true disgrace.

Meng Shouzhen continued, "However, this time we have Zhang Su. He can kill an Embracing Pill master from a lower realm and is unrivaled among those at the Huajin stage. Therefore, the Sect intends to have Zhang Su participate in the Three Sects’ grand competition for those below Pill Force. We want him to lead our Guiyuan Sect disciples to victory. Elder Zhao, what are your thoughts?"

After speaking, he lifted his teacup and took a gentle sip.

In the grand hall, all eyes fell upon Zhao Qianfeng.

The grand competition for those below Pill Force was the main event for the Three Sects.

It was a crucial measure of the overall strength of the disciples below the Pill Force realm from all Three Sects.

The reason the Guiyuan Sect had placed last in previous years was the lack of a leading figure among its Huajin disciples.

But now, things were different.

Zhang Su had appeared.

Therefore, the Guiyuan Sect naturally wanted to seize victory in the grand competition for those below Pill Force to display the might of the Guiyuan Sect!

Zhao Qianfeng sat in a seat toward the back on the right side. He wore a gray robe, his face flushed with a healthy glow.

The past two months had felt like a dream to him.

He never would have imagined it. Zhang Su could actually kill an Embracing Pill master while at the Huajin stage?

It was utterly unbelievable!

And Zhang Su hadn’t even told him about it.

Zhao Qianfeng had only found out from Wang Dakui.

He had wanted to find Zhang Su to ask him about it, but Zhang Su had been in seclusion the entire time, giving him no opportunity.

As a result, he hadn’t been able to see Zhang Su at all.

But now, Zhao Qianfeng no longer needed to seek out Zhang Su for confirmation.

The Sect Leader had summoned him to the Sect Grand Hall and personally stated that Zhang Su had killed a Pill Force master while at the Huajin stage.

How could that be false?

Without him even realizing it, Zhang Su had truly done something earth-shattering!