Chapter 164: The True Hidden Sects
Translator: Tim Editor: Chrissy
Daoist Xian’s eyes focused, and he spat, “Spirit Sensing Stone? Quick, show me.”
Daoist Xian had completely forgotten who Ye Mo was. In his eyes, there was only the rock that could help him break through.
At this moment, Ye Mo put the stone away. “Not bad, you’ve seen this before. Tell me, where did you see it?”
“Punk, give me the stone!” Daoist Xian saw Ye Mo put the stone away, and his face turned hideous. He completely forgot that his two disciples were dead and casually drew a whip from his waist.
Ye Mo was dazed; why did these ancient martial arts practitioners all like to use whips? But soon, he realized it was a practical matter. Carrying a large sword everywhere would likely attract unwanted attention.
Ancient martial arts cultivators here lacked storage devices, so they had to carry their weapons. A whip was the most convenient choice.
Ye Mo smiled and said, “You can’t threaten me. Try it if you don’t believe me.”
Daoist Xian calmed down and carefully examined Ye Mo but couldn’t discern anything unusual, except for his calmness. The Spirit Sensing Stone was a valuable prize. It was a pity Xu Mu was dead; he had been a great help.
Ye Mo had many questions for Daoist Xian. He could briefly incapacitate Lang Ji, but that was because Lang Ji was far weaker. He wasn't sure if the same technique would work on Daoist Xian, and if it failed, it might damage his memory. Ye Mo was confident he could defeat Daoist Xian, but he didn't know the extent of the latter's strength.
“Do you believe I can crush this stone with my bare hands?” Ye Mo saw that Daoist Xian was deep in thought. He knew Daoist Xian intended to catch him off guard.
Daoist Xian suddenly sneered. “Do you think you can escape today?”
“That’s a different matter, but I want to ask you something now. Do you know about the hidden sects? Did you come from one? Answer me, and I’ll let you touch the stone,” Ye Mo said confidently.
Daoist Xian was so angry he laughed. This young man didn’t understand the meaning of death. His hesitation stemmed from Ye Mo’s threat to destroy the stone.
Daoist Xian looked at Ye Mo’s hand, hesitated, then said, “Fine. Listen. I’m from the hidden sects. They are hidden, so they don’t operate openly in the normal world. Of course, individuals do.”
“In that case, the hidden sects are hidden deep in mountains or deserted places?” Ye Mo immediately asked.
Daoist Xian sneered. “Many are in such places, but some exist in the normal world—perhaps in a bustling market or a small mansion. As for how to find them, I only know the way to my sect.”
“Then how does one enter a hidden sect?” Ye Mo hadn’t expected them to be hidden in cities.
Daoist Xian sneered. “You think you can just get into a hidden sect?”
Ye Mo’s face fell. “Old man, we’re negotiating. If you don’t want the stone, don’t blame me if I crush it.”
“Wait, I’ll tell you.” Daoist Xian had been pursuing the stone, so he couldn’t let Ye Mo destroy it.
Ye Mo looked contemptuous. “Be specific. Don’t make me ask again.”
Daoist Xian was so angry he wanted to strike, but his desire for the stone held him back.
He took a deep breath before saying, “Do you think the hidden sects are just about ancient martial arts cultivation? There are many branches, and ancient martial arts is only one. And those from hidden sects who enter the normal world must never reveal their sect’s location, even if they die. Even if they told you, no one could find it.”
Seeing Ye Mo’s surprised expression, Daoist Xian sneered. “There are many branches. Most study ancient martial arts, but some don’t.”
“Each sect is protected by a formation, passed down from ancient times. Ordinary people wouldn’t notice it. Some have small dimensions, but some have collapsed. Each small dimension has a formation. Once the formation collapses, the small world disappears with it.” Daoist Xian seemed nostalgic.
Ye Mo asked in surprise, “In that case, each hidden sect has a small dimension? Is your sect in one?”
Daoist Xian sneered. “Insolent! Do you think finding a small dimension is easy? Some I’ve only heard of, let alone you. Plus, no one can be sure if any small dimensions even exist. My sect is only a branch of the main sect.”
Ye Mo was seeking information and didn’t want to anger Daoist Xian, so he asked, “What do you mean by ‘small dimension’?”
Daoist Xian eyed the Space Abyssal Rock in Ye Mo’s hand, considering whether he could snatch it while answering. “Sects with small dimensions are true hidden sects. We call them Inner Hidden Sects. Others are Outer Hidden Sects. Then there are Semi Hidden Sects, including hidden families and sects in the normal world.
“However, Inner Hidden Sects are practically unheard of now. We don't know if they even still exist. Most hidden sects now are Outer Hidden Sects. Meanwhile, Semi Hidden Sects are gradually being assimilated into the normal world and can no longer truly hide.”
Ye Mo pretended not to notice Daoist Xian’s focus on the rock and asked, “Can you name a few hidden sects? For example, yours.”
Daoist Xian pondered, still undecided about stealing the stone, and replied, “Jue Yun Temple, the Cha Family of the South River, and the Four States Nine Moons Daoist Temple. These are all Semi Hidden Sects.” However, he didn’t mention his own sect.
Ye Mo thought that Luo Susu’s sect must be an Outer Hidden Sect. Even Daoist Xian didn’t know if Inner Hidden Sects existed. Monk Wu Guang’s Jue Yu Temple was only a Semi Hidden Sect.
“In that case, no matter how hidden the outer hidden sects were, people should have found them after all this time?” Ye Mo reasoned that any accessible place would eventually be discovered. If found, how could it be considered hidden?
“You’re dreaming.” Daoist Xian sneered again. “Even Outer Hidden Sects are mostly in dangerous mountains and deserted places. Many are off-limits to the government. Don’t you see many areas are closed to tourism? Some are too dangerous, and many people never return. It’s very likely those places are where hidden sects are. So not only is it hard to get in, but it’s also hard for people to get out. Many never leave their entire lives.”
Ye Mo recalled Luo Susu’s words: “Don’t look for me; it will harm us both.”
Thinking this, Ye Mo asked, “In that case, what if I accidentally enter an Outer Hidden Sect?”
Daoist Xian looked at Ye Mo with contempt. “You think it’s that easy? Even if you did, they could kill you. If you had potential, perhaps you’d stay there for life. Otherwise, they’d kill you for no reason.”
Ye Mo’s heart skipped a beat; if it was so hard to enter and leave, how did Luo Susu get out last time? From her tone, it had indeed been difficult. Thinking of Luo Susu, Ye Mo was lost in thought.
Seeing Ye Mo’s distraction, Daoist Xian prepared to grab the stone, but Ye Mo suddenly asked, “Tell me a way to get into a hidden sect, and perhaps I’ll let you hold this stone for one second.”
Daoist Xian sneered but said, “Every three years, the hidden sects hold a tournament. This year is the third year. The location is Wu Liang Mountain. As for the exact location, I don’t know.”
Ye Mo was satisfied and casually tossed the stone to Daoist Xian. “Very well. I’m happy with your answer. You can hold this for one second.”
Daoist Xian saw the stone flying towards him. His eyes were desperate, and he instinctively grabbed it.
Just as his fingers brushed the stone for less than a second, it flew back into Ye Mo’s hand. Ye Mo pocketed the stone. “Okay, you touched it. I’m putting it away.”
“Willful qi control?” Daoist Xian yelled in shock. Cultivating inner qi to that extent… Even he couldn’t do it now. It would be difficult even at Earth Level. He immediately realized Ye Mo had tricked him. His whip whistled toward Ye Mo’s head.
…
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