Chapter Thirty-Nine: Poisoned Titan

Lately, there seems to be no major events in the martial world...

Hmm?

The young man noticed Li Ju’s sudden frown and immediately changed the topic.

Actually, there is something! I heard that recently the major sects of the martial world have united and dispatched ten top experts to raid the Demon Sect’s inner prison!

The young man spoke loudly. Apparently, the events within the Demon Sect’s prison had not yet spread widely...

After hearing what the young man considered significant news—though it was somewhat outdated for him—Li Ju silently mused to himself.

What else is there—

You insolent thief! How dare you abduct disciples of Pine Forest Sect on our territory!

Suddenly, a loud rebuke echoed from nearby. From the street emerged a middle-aged swordsman garbed in grey, gripping his blade, his eyes full of murderous intent as he glared at Li Ju, who held the young man in his grasp.

Master!

The young man called out in surprise and delight.

His master was none other than the head of Pine Forest Sect, a renowned expert whose fame had spanned decades, slaying countless demons and evildoers, now regarded as the strongest martial artist in Shui County and its guardian. With such a warrior intervening, surely the thief before him would be slain instantly.

A few minutes later...

The young man stared numbly at his master, whose head was now gripped in Li Ju’s other hand.

What’s your name? Li Ju asked in a gravelly voice.

Chai Sen.

How old?

Fifty-six.

Oh, an elder of the martial world, eh? Li Ju remarked with surprise as he studied the middle-aged swordsman in his hand.

Where do you operate?

I am currently the head of Pine Forest Sect.

Oh? Such weak strength—I wouldn't have guessed.

...

Take me to your sect. Li Ju casually tossed the master and disciple to the ground, signaling them to lead the way.

Chai Sen and his disciple exchanged glances.

Should we... run?

But if we run, what will become of the sect?

...

Forced by Li Ju’s overwhelming presence, the young man and Chai Sen had no choice but to bring Li Ju to the Pine Forest Sect’s headquarters.

Where is your sect’s library? Li Ju asked as soon as they arrived.

Senior, if you seek our sect’s secret techniques, Pine Forest Sect would rather every warrior die in battle than reveal even a single word of our legacy!

Chai Sen said solemnly.

For any sect, their legacy techniques were sacred, an absolute taboo for outsiders.

Rest assured, I have no interest in your legacy techniques. You may hide them away as you wish. I only want to look at miscellaneous books and common martial arts manuals.

Li Ju waved his hand carelessly.

With the sect master so weak, their secret techniques couldn't be that powerful anyway—certainly not stronger than his Ghost Bat Skill or Adamantine Body of Hundred Poisons. Thus, Li Ju had little interest in their legacy. He was far more intrigued by the ordinary manuals and martial records, which could enrich his foundation.

For this scenario, his strength was already formidable, but it was all built upon the Adamantine Body of Hundred Poisons, with no systematic martial training or deep foundation. He was in desperate need of basic manuals to bolster his knowledge; otherwise, his hollow foundation might hinder his future progress.

If you truly refuse to let me into your library, I'll simply slaughter your entire sect and enter anyway—the result will be the same.

Upon hearing this, Chai Sen and his disciple exchanged another glance and promptly opened the library for Li Ju, having removed all valuable techniques beforehand. Li Ju paid this no mind.

A few days later.

Any major news in the martial world lately? Li Ju sat in a reclining chair, holding a basic martial arts manual in one hand and a flatbread in the other, munching as he addressed Chai Sen and the Pine Forest Sect members nearby.

A few days ago, the righteous experts who raided the Demon Sect’s prison returned to their sects, achieving a great victory and rescuing many imprisoned comrades.

It’s said that Wang Lu, a disciple of Flying Sword Sect, contributed most to the operation and was personally praised by Alliance Leader Hai Yuan.

However, during the raid, a mysterious Demon Sect figure named Li Ju appeared and killed Elder Gao Bo of Seven Three Sect, the greatest righteous sect.

Li Ju’s martial skills are said to be formidable, possibly rivaling the Four Evils of the Demon Sect. For unknown reasons, he has defected from the Demon Sect. Based on his abilities, some have dubbed him 'Poison Vajra.'

Currently, Seven Three Sect has issued a bounty for Poison Vajra Li Ju and dispatched Elders Liu Wu, the 'Three-Foot Sword,' and Bai Jiu, the 'Falling Water Spear,' to hunt him down.

Chai Sen reported to Li Ju, cupping his fists.

Demon Sect fiend, Poison Vajra, Seven Three Sect...

Heh.

After hearing Chai Sen’s words, Li Ju let out a cold laugh.

He had expected this, but hearing firsthand how the righteous factions distorted the truth and slandered him still stirred his anger.

Without him, not to mention whether those imprisoned righteous experts could escape, those who attempted the raid would not have survived!

He was, in fact, the savior of the righteous martial world—yet this was how they repaid him.

Senior?

The Pine Forest Sect members standing by sensed the chilling aura emanating from Li Ju and shivered involuntarily.

Chai Sen, steeling himself, finally spoke up.

Enough, you may all leave now.

If anything arises, inform me promptly.

Li Ju glanced at the Pine Forest Sect members, who were drenched in cold sweat from his oppressive presence.

Yes.

Chai Sen and the others, feeling as if granted amnesty, hastily took their leave.

Master, do you think he’s Poison Vajra?

What do you think?

So, should we notify Seven Three Sect that Poison Vajra is here and let them come and defeat him?

The young man couldn’t help but suggest. Though Li Ju hadn’t been overly oppressive, the entire sect being controlled by an outsider was an unbearable humiliation.