Fire-element martial cultivators weren’t rare on the Xingyun Continent, so having an impersonator reveal fire element was quite normal.
Moreover, at least this person was professional enough in their impersonation. Unlike the balding old geezer—only a fool would believe he was the Tiegu Sect Master.
“Princess.”
The garrison commander said in a low voice, “This person is a fire-element martial cultivator and of similar age—perhaps he’s real.”
Princess Honglian said, “Would the Sect Master Jun who achieved Dual Sword-Martial King have such low-grade flames?”
The garrison commander immediately fell silent.
Jun Changxiao’s spiritual sense had been continuously released, and hearing their exchange, he thought to himself, “She actually knows I’m a Dual Sword-Martial King.”
The system said, “Host broke through in Qingyang City—it spreading is quite normal.”
“True enough.”
Jun Changxiao felt relieved.
Names could be impersonated, flames could be impersonated.
But this old man’s Dual Sword-Martial King cultivation—who in this heaven and earth could impersonate that?
Proving himself would only take a moment.
Princess Honglian said, “Tiegu Sect has many special martial techniques. Since you’re all Sect Master Jun, you should be able to demonstrate them, right?”
“…” The group remained silent.
Actually, upon entering the interrogation room, some counterfeits had already felt guilty.
Jun Changxiao said, “What martial technique would the Princess like to see?”
Princess Honglian said, “On Lingquan Mountain, Tiegu Sect disciple Li Qingyang once demonstrated a special spiritual-energy-type martial technique and defeated a Shengquan Sect inner sect disciple. Could you demonstrate it?”
Jun Changxiao said, “Remembering exactly where it happened and who performed it—the Princess truly knows my Tiegu Sect inside and out.”
Princess Honglian brushed aside the hair at her forehead and smiled. “A sect that was completely unknown suddenly rises in Qingyang Commandery—naturally one must investigate thoroughly.”
Their eyes met.
After a moment, Jun Changxiao withdrew his gaze and said, “The space is too small—unsuitable for demonstrating martial techniques.”
Princess Honglian said, “Commander Song, take these seventeen people away and continue holding them.”
“Yes.”
The garrison commander escorted the seventeen counterfeits away.
“Sect Master Jun.”
Princess Honglian smiled. “My subordinate was merely following procedure—if there was any offense, please forgive him.”
“You believe I’m real now?” Jun Changxiao asked.
Princess Honglian said, “Actually, from the moment Sect Master Jun entered, I knew you were real, because the aura of a Dual King isn’t something just anyone can casually impersonate.”
If that’s the case, why the interrogation? Too much free time?
Or perhaps, testing me?
Jun Changxiao became vigilant, thinking to himself, “This woman is definitely not simple.”
Liu Wanshi, however, looked at Princess Honglian with extreme excitement, practically ready to pull out a little notebook and ask for an autograph.
…
Jun Changxiao never expected his method of entering Tianyu Royal City wouldn’t be through the main gate, but directly from the prison, with a city princess as his escort!
“Sect Master Jun.”
Princess Honglian said, “I’ve heard you’re a martial arts master who has also provided guidance to many sects at Huashan.”
This woman truly knew everything about him.
The more this was the case, the more cautious Jun Changxiao became. “It was merely coincidence.”
Princess Honglian stopped and smiled. “I need to return to the academy. If Sect Master Jun has time, you could visit Tianyu Academy—many junior students and schoolmates have long admired you.”
“Is that so?”
Jun Changxiao immediately felt moved.
Of course, he wasn’t going to visit—he was thinking about how he might recruit disciples at the academy.
Tianyu Academy wasn’t a factional organization, and the students cultivating there were all sectless and unaffiliated—recruiting disciples wouldn’t count as poaching.
“Princess.”
Jun Changxiao said, “Are you interested in joining my Tiegu Sect?”
Direct enough, straightforward enough!
Liu Wanshi standing beside him opened her mouth wide.
If her idol joined Tiegu Sect and became her fellow disciple, just thinking about it was exciting!
Of course.
Just thinking about it.
The little girl also knew that Princess Honglian had a noble status—how could she possibly join a sect?
“Is Sect Master Jun recruiting me?” Princess Honglian smiled.
Jun Changxiao said, “My Tiegu Sect needs proud daughters of heaven like the Princess to create dreams together.”
Princess Honglian said, “Before Sect Master Jun, many sects have already tried to recruit me, including quite a few first and second-tier sects.”
“Though first and second-tier sects are strong, their potential is limited.”
Jun Changxiao said, “For a heroine among women like the Princess, only by joining my Tiegu Sect can you bloom with dazzling brilliance.”
System: “…”
When it came to recruiting disciples, he could really spin tales.
He had no choice but to spin tales.
Relying solely on his imposing aura—how could that possibly recruit genius talents with exceptional aptitude?
Princess Honglian said, “I’ll think about it.”
She neither refused nor agreed.
Jun Changxiao said, “Opportunity knocks but once—the Princess must consider carefully.”
Princess Honglian smiled. “Sect Master Jun, I’ll take my leave first.”
With that, she turned and departed.
Looking at that heroic and elegant beautiful silhouette, Jun Changxiao stroked his chin. “If I recruit the Royal City’s princess into the sect, even ten times the courage wouldn’t make Zhenyang Commandery dare act rashly.”
No wonder he was so eager to recruit her—turns out he had his eye on her status.
“Sect Master.”
Liu Wanshi asked, “Will Princess Honglian join the sect?”
“She will.”
Jun Changxiao said firmly.
Not just this Princess Honglian—he also wanted to recruit students from Tianyu Academy!
Coming to the Royal City this time, how could he return empty-handed!
…
Tianyu Royal City was truly enormous. Even just the western district they were currently in far surpassed the entirety of Qingyang City!
Jun Changxiao admired the densely packed buildings while searching for an inn with Liu Wanshi.
Approximately half an hour later.
They selected an inn comparable to a five-star hotel and checked in. The room was comparable to a presidential suite.
Having money meant being willful!
“Wow!”
Entering the room, Liu Wanshi exclaimed in surprise, “This room is so big!”
“Stop marveling.”
Jun Changxiao instructed, “The cooking competition starts in five days—hurry up and study the recipes more.”
“Mm-hmm.”
The little girl sat in the soft, cushiony chair and pulled out the Chinese Recipe Collection to browse through.
Jun Changxiao stood at the window facing the street, gazing down at the endless stream of people below, murmuring, “This Royal City must be filled with hidden dragons and crouching tigers.”
…
In the eastern district of Tianyu Royal City, the renowned Tianyu Academy was located. On its vast training grounds, countless geniuses were currently cultivating.
Atop a high-grade building stood an elder in long robes, with a full head of white hair, appearing quite ethereal and sage-like.
“Dean.”
A middle-aged man approached and said, “The Iron Bones Clanging Sect Master has arrived in the Royal City.”
“I know.”
The elder acknowledged, his voice aged yet carrying profound depth—clearly his cultivation was extraordinary.
The middle-aged man said, “In such a short time, developing from an unranked sect to sixth-tier—this Iron Bones Clanging Sect truly has great potential.”
The elder said, “Whether Tiegu Sect has potential is hard to say, but Jun Changxiao becoming a Dual Sword-Martial King means he’ll definitely achieve great things in the future.”
“That’s also true.” The middle-aged man agreed.
“Moreover.”
The elder said, “This young man’s understanding of martial arts is exceptionally profound. If we can convince him to abandon his sect and become an instructor at our Tianyu Academy, he’ll definitely cultivate students far and wide in the future.”
“This young man has an arrogant personality and has caused quite a bit of trouble—having him as an instructor might not be appropriate.” The middle-aged man said.
The elder fell silent for a moment, then instructed, “Invite him over in the name of our academy.”
“Yes.”
The middle-aged man departed.
It wasn’t just Tianyu Academy keeping an eye on Sect Master Jun—the Southwestern Yangzhou Certification General Hall was also watching.
At this moment, Hall Master Yi Tianjian had also received news of Jun Changxiao entering the Royal City and was discussing the matter with several elders.
Having just entered the largest city of Southwestern Yangzhou, two non-factional organizations were both very interested in Jun Changxiao—this was enough to make others envious and jealous.