Chapter 824: Secrets of the Martial Realm (Part 2)

Jiang Yiyi’s father is naturally Jiang Yifan.

For so long, the name Jiang Yifan has been ringing in Liu Zixuan’s ears, but it seems everyone’s evaluation of him is different.

In Jiang Yiyi’s words, Jiang Yifan is a man with even thicker skin than Liu Zixuan, from which one might guess he’s similar to someone like Zhou the Mad.

Whereas, according to Jiang Yunxuan, Jiang Yifan is a terrifying figure who is extremely harsh on his son and has deep scheming, similar to the figure of the Willow Association’s patriarch.

But Old Wang gave an equally extreme description, describing him as definitely not a good person.

If an ordinary person said these words, Liu Zixuan wouldn’t care, but since they came from Old Wang’s mouth, Liu Zixuan could tell Old Wang holds quite a high position in the Dragon Spirit, and he surely knows Liu Zixuan deeply. Saying he’s not a good person proves that Liu Zixuan, whether in personality or style, exhibits the demeanor of a true grand individual.

And this grand individual seems not easy to approach.

This left Liu Zixuan quite puzzled; what kind of person is Jiang Yifan really?

Old Wang, sensing his confusion, smiled and said, "If you want to understand Jiang Yifan, you must face him directly. Yet, considering our friendship, I advise you: when working or merely chatting with Jiang Yifan, don’t completely expose yourself to him, or you’ll suffer for it!"

"Old Wang..."

"Alright, enough about Jiang Yifan, let’s continue with the main topic."

Old Wang cut off Liu Zixuan, seeming unwilling to discuss too much about Jiang Yifan.

Returning to the main topic, he continued, "The reason Dragon Spirit isn’t counted within the Martial Realm is twofold: partly due to its official affiliations, and also because of the Jiang Family."

"As expected." Liu Zixuan nodded.

"I just mentioned to you, besides Dragon Spirit and the Jiang Family, there are some Hidden Sects stronger than the current Martial Realm. Dragon Spirit is an anomaly because its background is extremely complex, while the Jiang Family is similar to those Hidden Sects in certain respects."

Old Wang paused and said, "Because they prefer not to meddle too much in worldly affairs, opting to live quietly. Like ordinary families, they have financial backing, and their descendants or disciples are mostly powerful Martial Artists.

However, their training avoids conflict with other Martial Artists, instead, their sects offer better honing opportunities, like arrays or secret realms full of challenges and dangers."

"But I heard that in the martial arts tournament, some Hidden Sects come out to select disciples." Liu Zixuan stated his confusion.

"Indeed, that’s why I’m returning to Dragon Spirit."

Old Wang sighed and said, "In past sixty-year cycles of martial arts tournaments, Hidden Sects only emerged to select disciples without involving themselves in disputes among family powers or ordinary sects. But this time is different; they plan not only to participate but also to support one side."

"Support one side?" Liu Zixuan laughed and said, "So, they didn’t declare support for the Eight Great Powers or the Four Great Clans or even say they would help those scattered Martial Artists?"

"Precisely why it’s causing headaches."

Old Wang pinched his forehead: "Think about it, if they choose to support one side, the whole matter would be settled. No matter if you’re one Liu Zixuan or ten Liu Zixuan’s, you wouldn’t be able to contend with those Hidden Sects. If they choose a side, the opposite side is bound to fail!"

Liu Zixuan’s mouth twitched several times: "Are Hidden Sects really that formidable?"

"It’s an understatement to call them formidable!" Old Wang patted Liu Zixuan’s shoulder: "Young man, you’re still young, don’t think the Emperor Realm is the endpoint."

Liu Zixuan gave a wry smile: "I’ve heard the Willow Association’s patriarch mention this, that there are realms beyond the Emperor Realm, but no one has reached them."

"He’s partially correct, but only halfway there."

"Halfway?" Liu Zixuan was somewhat puzzled.

"Hidden Sects seldom appear once in decades. Even when they do, you might not recognize them as Hidden Sects, so outside knowledge of them is fragmentary. After so many years, can you be sure those Hidden Sects haven’t reached the mysterious realm beyond the Emperor Realm?"

Old Wang’s words left Liu Zixuan speechless.

It seems he had underestimated the Star Sea Martial Realm.

Hearing Old Wang today genuinely filled the gaps in Liu Zixuan’s understanding of the Martial Realm. He also learned the true meaning of: there’s always someone stronger out there!

Old Wang poured Liu Zixuan a cup of tea and smiled: "So, I’ve told you everything about the Star Sea Martial Realm. Do you have any questions?"

Liu Zixuan summarized, "I’ve mostly understood what you said, basically after the martial arts tournament, a conflict in the Martial Realm is inevitable."

"Exactly."

"And who wins or loses in this upcoming conflict, no one can currently say; whom the Hidden Sects decide to help is anyone’s guess."

"Yes." Old Wang continued nodding.

"I have two more questions." Liu Zixuan raised two fingers.

"Firstly, you’re returning to Dragon Spirit, which means Dragon Spirit is taking action. You mentioned they wouldn’t help anyone, so what is Dragon Spirit going to do this time?"

Listening to Liu Zixuan’s question, Old Wang waved his hand: "I don’t know the specifics yet, but I can tell you with certainty that Dragon Spirit helps no one. However, at a critical moment, they might treat both sides as enemies!"

At this, Liu Zixuan frowned slightly. He already understood that Old Wang was talking about not helping either side in the Martial Realm. But the issue is, there is also a third party, the Hidden Sects. It seems Dragon Spirit might have reached some agreement with those Hidden Sects.

Of course, Liu Zixuan was puzzled as Dragon Spirit is clearly with the Jiang Family, yet from Old Wang’s words, it seemed Dragon Spirit’s stance was different this time.

Did something unfortunate occur between the Jiang Family and Dragon Spirit?

He didn’t ask, as it involved internal privacy.

He then raised the second finger: "Secondly, I remember earlier in our conversation, you said this unification isn’t the ultimate goal, but that there’s a big conspiracy hidden behind it. What is this conspiracy?"

Finally, the topic returned to the beginning.

"Zixuan my young friend, I’ve said so much, haven’t you understood yet?" Old Wang meaningfully patted Liu Zixuan’s shoulder: "I’ve actually told you this second question during our conversation. As for more than that, I shouldn’t say, you’ll have to ponder it yourself."