Chapter 1653: Chapter 1653: The Number One of the Century

Martial Arts, Zhao Family!

In the study made entirely of top-grade rosewood, Zhao Xunjian sat, Zhao Zongsheng stood, the atmosphere stiflingly silent.

"In the mere movement of their hand, they can instantly kill dozens of martial artists..."

After a long pause, Zhao Xunjian finally spoke with a frown: "This person’s strength seems even more terrifying than I anticipated."

"If it wasn’t for Ye Xuan’s sudden appearance, I would have already brought Qin Yitian’s head back to see you!" Zhao Zongsheng gritted his teeth with resentment.

Zhao Xunjian waved his hand, glanced at Zhao Zongsheng, and said, "You did the right thing. Had you recklessly pursued her, you might not have returned."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zongsheng couldn’t help being startled, and then felt a surge of fear.

Previously he doubted whether he had been too timid, but now, hearing even his father say this, he realized his caution then was indeed warranted. Otherwise, he might have ended up like the other martial artists who perished, never seeing the sun again.

Zhao Zongsheng’s mouth twitched with a strong sense of jealousy surging in his heart.

Why?

Why can that lowly boy from the mundane world possess such terrifying innate talent?

He deserves to die!

"Father, Ye Xuan has extraordinary talent. Even compared to Qin Yitian, he only surpasses her. If only he were a friend, it would be fine, but he is the successor of the Divine Doctor Sect, destined to be at odds with our Zhao Family. We must eliminate him quickly!" Zhao Zongsheng spoke in a deep voice.

"I understand Ye Xuan’s power, but there’s no urgency to eliminate him." Zhao Xunjian lowered his gaze and said indifferently.

"Why?" Zhao Zongsheng asked in confusion.

"Because of the Martial Arts tournament," Zhao Xunjian replied.

Zhao Zongsheng was initially stunned, then quickly said, "But Qin Yitian is already poisoned with Bone-Eroding Poison. Even if Ye Xuan’s medical technique is miraculous, he can at most save her life. In three months, she won’t be able to recover to her peak. By then, you won’t have any opponents in the Martial Arts tournament!"

"Even if Qin Yitian returns to her peak, I won’t have any opponents at the Martial Arts tournament," Zhao Xunjian said confidently.

Zhao Zongsheng was bewildered for a while, unable to understand: "Even if Qin Yitian recovers to her peak, Father, you wouldn’t be afraid? Then... Why must I lead people to ambush her?"

"Her talent is extraordinary; she’ll need to be killed sooner or later. Do you know why?"

Zhao Xunjian glanced at Zhao Zongsheng and laughed out loud: "Could it be you’re like those outsiders who think your father is afraid of her, so I’ve shut myself in to focus on cultivation, preparing to secure my position as Alliance Hierarch at the Martial Arts tournament in three months?"

"I..."

Zhao Zongsheng was at a loss for words, lowered his head and said, "I don’t understand. Please enlighten me, Father."

"Recently, that boy Ye Xuan has stirred up quite some waves, causing significant losses to Qingcheng Mountain, Ghost King Valley, and even our Zhao Family.

Yang Kuangdao of Qingcheng Mountain, Yu Xiu of Ghost King Valley, and several elders within the Zhao Family have openly and secretly pressured me to eliminate him in the mundane world.

If I didn’t use Qin Yitian as a diversion, I’d have to leave home, affecting my focus on what I need to do. If Ye Xuan’s performance is strong, it could upheave all my plans!"

Zhao Xunjian explained in detail, "Sending you to ambush Qin Yitian was merely a show for them. Hence they’ll think I’m afraid of Qin Yitian, and before the Martial Arts tournament, they won’t disturb my peace anymore.

In this action, not killing Qin Yitian is exactly right; if she truly died, it wouldn’t be good news."

Zhao Zongsheng was dumbfounded, unable to regain his senses for a while. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Yet, he wasn’t entirely dim-witted and soon sensed something, thinking aloud: "If Qin Yitian died, they’d assume Father has no opponents at the Martial Arts tournament and would pressure you again."

Zhao Xunjian nodded slightly: "Exactly."

"But why?" Zhao Zongsheng asked, bewildered: "Before the Martial Arts tournament begins, why does Father need peace and quiet? You don’t want to kill Qin Yitian yet, but why send me to kill her?"

"I didn’t tell you the truth before because I feared you couldn’t keep calm; if the other sects know it’s just a bluff, it wouldn’t be easy for Qin Yitian to die, especially with Ye Xuan in East Sea, it’s almost impossible for just you and a few others." Zhao Xunjian said.

Zhao Zongsheng suddenly felt very discouraged.

Zhao Xunjian continued, "As for needing three months of peace, it’s naturally to build up momentum; Zhao Family has held its position for over ten years, but the martial arts world remains scattered. This year’s tournament, I must make a move."

Zhao Zongsheng asked, "What does Father intend to do?"

Zhao Xunjian replied, "To ascend the Martial Arts world, to be the foremost in nearly a hundred years!"

Zhao Zongsheng was shocked, "Father, is this... Are you about to enter the Qi Gong Realm?"

"Exactly," Zhao Xunjian said, "Six years ago, I sensed the presence of Qi, recently even stronger. If I can refine my skills for three months, there’s a high chance I can become a Qi Gong Master, something the martial arts world hasn’t seen in a hundred years!"

Zhao Zongsheng was elated.

Qi Gong Master!

That’s a realm every martial artist aspires to.

It’s said that a Qi Gong Master can lift mountains and rivers, become bulletproof, and contrasts starkly with ordinary martial artists, entirely different beings.

Even in the martial arts world, such a master hasn’t emerged in a century, as the elusive and intangible Qi remains hard to grasp without absolute talent and understanding, nearly unattainable in a lifetime.

Is Father finally going to enter this realm?

If Father becomes a Qi Gong Master, what a shock it would be for the martial arts world! With the overwhelming power of the first in a hundred years, who would dare resist?

The glory of the Zhao Family is near at hand!

"I see!" Zhao Zongsheng rejoiced, "So Father is preparing such a grand move, waiting silently for three months. On the stage of the Martial Arts tournament, Father’s strength is bound to be earth-shattering, showcasing true power far more convincing than mere rumors; I understand, I understand!"

Zhao Zongsheng truly understood.

Indeed, if Zhao Xunjian announced his goal, major sects would support it and avoid pressuring him; however, it would mean less prominence at the Martial Arts tournament.

What he seeks is shock, the shock of the entire martial arts world!

When Zhao Xunjian showcases his true strength to the Martial Arts community, his dominance as Alliance Hierarch will be firmly established, truly established!

Zhao Zongsheng suddenly felt proud. If Zhao Xunjian becomes the first in the martial arts world in a hundred years, what honor would that bring to Zhao Zongsheng?

He would be the son of the first in a hundred years!