Chapter 87: The Invitation to the Martial Arts Conference

The old monk, sweeping the floor, gently moved his broom, causing the yellow leaves around him to gather slowly.

The expert who had reached the pinnacle of post-heavenly stages was intently watching the monk's movements. He had a peculiar feeling that the monk's actions weren't powered by inner strength nor intentional; it seemed as if the monk had mastered a subtle and mysterious law, as though he had a deep understanding of the trajectory of the leaves, knowing exactly how much force was needed to make them float a certain way. He moved the broom, and without effort or waste, the leaves moved naturally and efficiently.

However, this was just a feeling. He couldn't be sure, but he sensed that the old monk was unusual. Cautiously, he stood beside Li Yuntian, his hand tightly gripping the hilt of his sword. If the monk came too close, he was prepared to intervene.

The monk slowly approached the group, glancing at their feet, where several yellow leaves lay scattered.

But he didn't step closer. Instead, he began sweeping in a nearby area, continuing his work, as though waiting for them to leave before he finished his task.

The group, while standing still, followed the monk's movements, their breaths held in silence.

As seasoned martial artists, they could easily gauge the monk's capabilities. If he meant harm to their young master, he was undoubtedly highly skilled, and they could not afford to be careless, even with the advantage of numbers.

While the atmosphere around them was tense, Li Yuntian remained oblivious. He was still engrossed in recounting the miraculous event he had witnessed at the bell tower, speaking enthusiastically to everyone, unaware of the subtle changes around him.

The monk soon finished sweeping his area and once again looked toward the group, seemingly waiting for them to leave. But the monk was in no rush. He stood silently, holding his broom about ten meters away from them, patiently waiting.

The atmosphere continued to grow more oppressive…

Finally, the post-heavenly expert couldn't hold back any longer. He could not allow someone with unknown skills to linger near the young master. Stepping forward, he said, "Monk, move further away."

The monk glanced at him and took a step back.

"Move even further!"

The monk stepped back again.

"I mean, get as far away as you can!"

This time, the monk didn't move. Instead, he bowed slightly and said, "Please allow me to finish sweeping the leaves before I depart."

The expert's eyes flashed coldly. He moved right in front of the monk and raised his hand, preparing to slap the monk on the shoulder. "I told you to move away quickly, no more nonsense. You're old, and I don't have time for this."

Inner strength filled his palm. With a swift strike, he believed he could easily break the monk's bones, even if the monk were a strong man.

But something unexpected happened. When he slapped, he found that his palm struck nothing but air.

Upon closer inspection, the monk was still standing right there, less than a meter away, in the same position as before. He hadn't moved at all.

"Strange!"

The expert thought he might have been seeing things. He stepped forward and slapped again.

Once more, his palm struck only air. The monk remained unmoved.

"Is this some kind of illusion?"

The expert rubbed his eyes and decided to try again.

The same result.

Those from the Tian Dao Alliance watched, puzzled. They were equally confused as to why one of their own was waving his hand around near the monk as if trying to swat a fly.

Several failed attempts later, the expert's fear began to rise. He stopped and stared at the monk, as though seeing a ghost, and didn't dare to speak another word.

Li Yuntian had finished sharing his excitement about the divine event at the bell tower. He turned to the group and said, "Let's go. We'll visit Master Yi Jie and take a quick tour of Shaolin. Luckily, I've met Master Yi Jie before, and we have some good relations. Otherwise, you all would've been turned away by the monks here."

Shaking his head with a chuckle, Li Yuntian led the group into the temple. The Tian Dao Alliance members followed in line behind him. After they left, the old monk continued sweeping the yellow leaves on the ground with a serene, unaffected demeanor.

At this time, Yue Ying had been ordered by Huo Yuan Zhen to remain in the rear mountains. Since the moment these people entered Shaolin, they had been under surveillance by the Golden-Eyed Eagle. Although these individuals weren't likely to cause any major disturbances within Shaolin, it was always safer to prevent unnecessary trouble.

After some time, Li Yuntian arrived at the door to Huo Yuan Zhen's room. Before he could knock, Huo Yuan Zhen's voice came from inside. "The green-clad guest has arrived. Come in, let's talk."

Li Yuntian chuckled and entered, bowing respectfully. "Master, I hope you are well."

"Ah, Li guest, I am well. What brings you here?"

"Master, I've come to pass along the request of the leader of the Tian Dao Alliance, Hua Wuji," Li Yuntian began, explaining Hua Wuji's intention for Shaolin to attend the upcoming martial arts conference. He assured Huo Yuan Zhen that the event would only be symbolic and that no harm would come to Shaolin or its followers.

"It's no trouble," Huo Yuan Zhen replied. "Shaolin only has the Wanfo Pagoda, the Luohan Hall, the Bell Tower, and this humble monastery. You are welcome to visit these places."

He then called for Yue Shan, the head of Shaolin's Luohan Hall, to guide the Tian Dao Alliance members during their visit.

Li Yuntian thanked him and motioned for the Tian Dao members to follow Yue Shan.

"Li guest, how is Miss Huang doing?" Huo Yuan Zhen casually asked.

Li Yuntian felt a little embarrassed but nodded. "She's doing quite well."

Huo Yuan Zhen smiled without saying a word. It was clear that the two had made significant progress, though Li Yuntian seemed shy about it.

Li Yuntian suddenly remembered something and said to Huo Yuan Zhen, "Master, I didn't just come for this matter. Hua Wuji sent you a letter, inviting you to attend the martial arts conference in Henan."

"A martial arts conference?"

"Yes. Due to the chaos in the Henan martial arts world and evidence suggesting the Demon Sect is actively preparing to strike, Hua Wuji, as the leader of the Songshan Sect and the Tian Dao Alliance, must act. He has called for a gathering of martial artists on the first of October at the Songshan Sect to discuss strategies for combating the Demon Sect. Shaolin, as a rising sect in Henan, is a vital part of the martial world here, and we hope you can attend."

Li Yuntian handed over a delicate invitation with Hua Wuji's personal handwriting. It was polite and formal in tone.

Huo Yuan Zhen closed the letter after reading it and began to ponder.

It was clear that unrest was brewing. With Zhao Yuanji's return to Chang'an, Henan would no longer be peaceful. The position of military governor of Guan Tianzhao was becoming increasingly unstable, and many who had once supported him were now beginning to question their loyalties.

Hua Wuji, as Guan Tianzhao's right-hand man, was in a panic.

Now, Hua Wuji was focused on stabilizing the Tian Dao Alliance, trying to prevent its collapse. If he could maintain a strong and unified Tian Dao Alliance, no matter who eventually took control of Henan, they would need his support.

If Huo Yuan Zhen rejected Hua Wuji's request, he would likely be considered an enemy.

Agreeing to the conference, however, would strengthen Hua Wuji's alliance, binding everyone together.

Huo Yuan Zhen did not want to join the Tian Dao Alliance, nor did Shaolin wish to be dependent on anyone else's influence, especially when that influence appeared unstable.

However, it was not the right time to turn against Hua Wuji. After considering, he said, "Please inform Hua Wuji that on the first of October, Shaolin will certainly attend the martial arts conference in Henan."

"I knew Master would agree," Li Yuntian responded eagerly. He leaned in slightly and whispered, "Master, once we reach Songshan, just follow my lead. I'll make sure Shaolin is treated fairly."

Huo Yuan Zhen looked at him curiously. "What position do you hold in the Tian Dao Alliance?"

Li Yuntian glanced around, almost conspiratorially, and whispered, "To be honest, Hua Wuji is my godfather."

"Oh? That's an interesting tidbit."

"Yes, he has no children of his own, but he adopted three sons. I'm the youngest of them. He once mentioned that when the time is right, he'll hand the leadership of the Tian Dao Alliance to one of us."

Li Yuntian seemed a bit proud as he spoke, but Huo Yuan Zhen smiled inwardly. It was clear that Hua Wuji hadn't really singled Li Yuntian out as his first choice. The future leadership of the Tian Dao Alliance would likely not fall into Li Yuntian's hands.

Huo Yuan Zhen then asked, "How confident are you about taking the position of leader of the Tian Dao Alliance?"

Li Yuntian hesitated briefly. "I think the three of us have an equal chance."

"Interesting…" Huo Yuan Zhen said, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Since Hua Wuji sent you here, it seems he hopes Shaolin will join the Tian Dao Alliance in some capacity. If this happens, it will certainly be beneficial for you."

Li Yuntian, still caught up in the conversation, seemed to appreciate the compliment.

Just then, someone from the Tian Dao Alliance burst into the room in a panic. He looked at Huo Yuan Zhen and hesitated for a moment.

"Speak! There's no need to hide anything in front of Master Huo!" Li Yuntian said sharply.

The man hesitated, then blurted, "Master, it's terrible! One of our people has spotted a Demon Sect witch outside!"