Chapter 467: Hidden Sects’ Meeting

Translator: Tim Editor: GlobeGlotter

Yu Tao, seeing Ye Mo accept the jade card, regretted not giving him one. He immediately handed one to Ye Mo, saying, “I also have one. If you, Qianbei, need somewhere to go, use this.”

Ye Mo thought of Han Yan. Taking her would be good, and not taking the card would worry Yu Tao. He took it.

Seeing this, Xia Changtian and Yu Tao left.

Ye Mo returned to find Han Yan, intending to bring her, but she wished to practice three new moves. Ye Mo, considering the tournament was insignificant to him but crucial for Han Yan—and that she wouldn’t shop at the meeting—agreed.

Their suite was spacious. Ye Mo offered Han Yan pointers, then departed for the meeting.

Since the auction, Ye Mo never underestimated the wealth of the hidden sects. They even possessed Blue Flower Blue Leaf Grass; he might find something he needed.

The wild Blue Flower Blue Leaf Grass was most potent, but artificially grown ones wouldn't blossom for a second generation. His was wild-grown. He intended to use it in a foundation establishment pill when mature.

His cultivation had reached a bottleneck. Without outside help, breakthrough was difficult in his deprived environment. The Silver Heart Grass aided chi gathering at the primary stage, but he was now in the middle stage; its use was limited, and he had only one left. The Purple Gear Vine was somewhat useful, but only budding.

While chi-increasing pills helped, they weren't enough. Even using all, he'd reach only the middle level of stage four at most, so he might as well empower his men. Their effect lessened with each use.

Thus, Ye Mo had expectations for the hidden sects’ meeting.

He obtained food and arrived before the meeting began. Entering the old, incense-filled palace, he saw many minor Buddha statues. A large hall, bearing a “Ancient Martial Arts Meeting” banner, was already full.

A waitress, noticing Ye Mo’s jade card, admitted him. She seemed surprised by his youth, though her expression was unreadable.

Attendees were usually sect leaders and powerful men. Aside from core disciples brought by elders, most were over forty.

Upon his entrance, all eyes turned to Ye Mo. His youth sparked curiosity about his identity.

While few had seen him, some recognized him from pictures.

Those who did nodded. Some wished to speak, but their sect pride restrained them. Excessive deference might invite scorn from other sects; Ye Mo was too young, and the larger sects hadn't reacted yet. Unlike Xia Changtian and Yu Tao, these individuals hadn't met him privately before potentially offending him.

Ye Mo didn't mind their pride. He wouldn't abuse his power unless provoked.

“Master, that young man—he schooled the Yi Jian Sect and Xia Family disciples. They say his surname is Ye; could he be the legendary Ye Mo?” a handsome young man whispered to an older man.

The old man nodded. “Likely. His inner qi is refined; he’s probably Ye Mo. While our sect fears no one, avoid excessive contact with such power.”

“Brother, I’ve heard of Ye Mo. People use his photo for identification, but this arrogant fool only bullies weaklings like the Yi Jian Sect or Xia Family. Let him challenge our Jiu Ming Academy; he’ll find someone stronger,” a middle-aged man scoffed.

“Brother Zheng, Ye Mo is different. He Liu Sect is an example. Killing their earth-level members suggests he’s at least earth level. That’s genius-level at his age. Avoid him,” the old man cautioned.

The middle-aged man, though hesitant to contradict, muttered, “Brother’s right. While He Liu Sect is among the six major sects, they’re inferior to the top three; I could easily defeat them.”

The old man shook his head. A middle-aged woman added, “Brother Zheng, heed our sect leader.”

“Yes, Sister.” Brother Zheng obeyed.

Ye Mo scanned the room, finding no one from Serenity. They hadn’t attended.

His name wasn't well-received. Seats beside him remained empty; no one dared sit near him.

Ye Mo smiled; he didn’t mind. Besides interest-based relationships, he had no friends among the hidden sects, nor needed them. Most looked down on outsiders, considering themselves superior.

Except for the 36 Rivers, ranked low among the six major sects, the other three were unfriendly, discouraging others from approaching Ye Mo.

However, not all heeded the major sects. A short, middle-aged man approached, sat beside Ye Mo, and asked, “Friend, are you Ye Mo? Did you annihilate He Liu Sect?”

Ye Mo smiled. “Indeed, I’m Ye Mo, but I didn’t annihilate He Liu Sect. I swatted a few flies buzzing in Beijing.”

“Excellent! Brother Ye, you’re courageous. I’m Gu Yanghe. I’m here for the meeting, not the tournament,” the man said.

Ye Mo, noting Gu Yanghe was earth level middle stage, nodded.

An old man rose, glancing at Gu Yanghe. “Friends, we’re scattered, rarely gathering. Ancient martial arts are declining due to scarce resources. Utilizing these limited resources effectively is crucial.

“This quinquennial tournament allows us to gather. I hope all find what they need. As a founder, I ensure fairness. Disrespect the rules, and blame no one but Xiang Mingwang.”

He then looked pointedly at Ye Mo, as if considering him the main troublemaker.

Ye Mo sneered, unconcerned. As long as he wasn't bothered, he didn't care, even if the old man was earth level peak or nearing great heaven.