Chapter 448: Good and Evil Rise Together
As soon as Xu Qingnian finished speaking, the noisy scene became quiet again.

The various warlords stared at each other in silence, but no one was willing to step forward for a long time.

Seeing this scene, the people watching the fight couldn't help but whisper to each other.

Xu Qingnian looked around and said jokingly, "The martial arts conference has been closed for a hundred years. It is rare that it is held again today, but the heroes are shy. Haha... We in the martial arts world always act straightforwardly. If you dare to compete for the leader, just stand up boldly without being shy."

As soon as these words were spoken, the tense atmosphere on the top of Mount Huashan disappeared in an instant.

"Humble? Or modest?" Xu Qingnian spoke again, "If you are modest, then there is no need. Because no matter how beautiful or ugly a daughter-in-law is, she has to meet her parents-in-law. If you are modest... Hehe, when we go on stage to fight later, if you give way to others, I'm afraid they won't give way to you."

Xu Qingnian's ridicule caused a burst of laughter, and the atmosphere suddenly became much more relaxed.

"If no one comes forward, I will call out their names." Xu Qingnian looked at the leaders of various sects with his old eyes and said jokingly, "You all don't want me, an old man, to be the leader of the martial arts world?"

"Mr. Xu is highly respected, so it's fine for him to be the leader of the martial arts world!"

"That's right! Let Old Xu be the leader of the martial arts world. I believe no one in the martial arts world will disobey."

"Ha ha……"

After the teasing, Xu Qingnian looked directly at Shaolin Abbot Xuanming and urged him, "Master Xuanming is highly respected, and you should take the lead in the martial arts world."

"I have been a vegetarian and chanting Buddhist scriptures for decades, and I have never liked fame and fortune. Fighting for the leader of the martial arts world is against the rules and regulations. I can't do it, I absolutely can't do it!" Xuanming was shocked and quickly waved his hands to refuse.

"Since Master Xuanming is unwilling to take charge, then Taoist Qingfeng will take on this important task, right?" Xu Qingnian said with a smile, "Shaolin and Wudang are the two major sects in the martial arts world. Taoist Qingfeng is a man of high moral character and is kind and generous. It is most appropriate for you to take on the position of leader of the martial arts world."

"Mr. Xu, you are too kind to praise me. I am ashamed to accept it." Qingfeng declined, "I am already over 60 years old. The leader of the Wulin Alliance is a heavy task and a long way to go. I am afraid that I am not up to the task. This opportunity should be given to the younger generation."

In fact, Xu Qingnian had long known that the six major leaders and the four family heads would not interfere in the fight for the leader position, but he still asked knowingly, in order to give a step to those who really wanted to compete for the leader position in the martial arts world. At the same time, it can also reflect the high moral character and deep understanding of justice of the martial arts masters such as Xuanming and Qingfeng.

After all, with Xuanming and Qingfeng present, even martial arts heroes like Luo Tianjin and Jin Fuyu would not be able to stand out directly. Otherwise, they would be seen as disrespectful to their elders and arrogant.

Knowing that it was just a show, he pretended to be humble, but everyone still had to be harmonious and pretended not to know.

This is the human relationship in the martial arts world, the customary rules, and the morality that everyone follows. These things may seem illusory, but in fact they are more important than a person's martial arts, wealth, and power.

After Xuanming and Qingfeng, Xu Qingnian also exchanged greetings with Kunlun, Emei, Kongtong, Qingcheng, and the four great families. As the saying goes, "old people become wise", Xu Qingnian is eloquent, and with just a few words, he praised all the heroes to the point of forgetting themselves and being overjoyed. This ability to be so comprehensive and polite is truly admirable.

In just a stick of incense's time, the various sects that were wary of each other and had their own ulterior motives had completely broken the awkwardness under Xu Qingnian's teasing, and the atmosphere became extremely lively.

"Since all the great sages are willing to give up their positions, it is a chance for mediocre people like us to shine. I am an old man with little talent, but I am willing to give it a try."

Suddenly, a cold laugh rang out from the crowd. Then, a figure as fast as lightning left a trail of afterimages in the air, and in the blink of an eye, he was standing next to Xu Qingnian.

This man, with white hair and a youthful face, looks energetic, and wears a deep blue robe that makes him look like a noble man.

He is none other than the master of Peach Blossom Sword Island, Yuwen Xiu.

At this moment, Yuwen Xiu was holding a bloodstained black cloth bag in his hand, inside of which was a Tartar head with its eyes open.

As soon as Yuwen Xiu came on stage, he was immediately cheered by the disciples of Peach Blossom Sword Island. At the same time, he was also booed by the surrounding crowd.

"So you are the newly appointed 'Wulin Hou', congratulations!" Xu Qingnian bowed to Yuwen Xiu and said with a smile, "Everyone knows that Taohua Immortal is an unrivaled martial artist. He fought against six sect leaders alone and was famous all over the world. I wonder how the martial arts of Yuwen Island Master compares to that of my senior brother?"

"My martial arts skills are naturally not comparable to those of my senior brother, but since I have been entrusted with the emperor's order, I will do my best, even if... I know it is impossible." Yuwen Xiu answered with deep meaning, which once again caused ridicule from the crowd.

Most people in the Jianghu had a grudge against the emperor. Therefore, when they heard Yuwen Xiu openly say "I am under the emperor's order", they naturally felt dissatisfied and showed contempt on their faces.

"Very good!" Xu Qingnian remained calm and said with a secretive smile, "With Island Master Yuwen showing up, I believe this martial arts conference will be very lively."

"I am just throwing out some ideas to stimulate discussion." Yuwen Xiu said modestly, "If I don't show up, I'm afraid no one will be willing to be the first to take the stage. Once I show up, I'm sure someone will soon be unable to sit still."

"Haha..." Xu Qingnian laughed heartily, and turned to "provoke" the people around him, "Did you hear what Island Master Yuwen said? I wonder which hero dares to step up and dampen Island Master Yuwen's spirit?"

Upon hearing this, everyone started whispering to each other again.

At this moment, Luo Tianjin cast his hidden gaze towards Ren Wuya, who was wrapped tightly in a white robe not far away, and then nodded slightly.

"Since Master Yuwen is interested, I am willing to play with you."

Before he finished speaking, Ren Wuya, who was originally sitting on the chair, disappeared without a trace.

As a gust of evil wind rose from the ground and swept across the sword-discussing stage, his figure was already standing quietly in front of Xu Qingnian and Yuwen Xiushen.

As soon as Ren Wuya appeared, the crowd immediately burst into exclamations of disbelief.

The smile on Yu Wenxiu's face gradually froze, and a solemn look emerged between his brows.

"I've heard that Palace Master Ren lives in seclusion and cultivates his character. He has hardly ever stepped out of Yulong Palace in the past few decades." Xu Qingnian greeted him with a hint of meaning. "Today, you have come all the way to Huashan. I admire you!"

"Oh!"

Ren Wuya flicked his sleeves, and a Tartar head fell down and rolled at Xu Qingnian's feet. Seeing this, Yuwen Xiu's eyes swept over Luo Tianjin inconspicuously, then frowned and said hesitantly: "Does Palace Master Ren really want to compete for the leader of the martial arts world?"

"According to the rules of the martial arts conference, I am absolutely qualified to compete for the leader." Ren Wuya said calmly, "Moreover, if I had no intention of competing for the leader, why would I have traveled all the way to Huashan?"

Having said this, Ren Wuya's eyes suddenly shot out two terrifying rays of light, which instantly intertwined with Yuwen Xiu's gaze, and he said word by word: "If there is a chance to seek advice from Yuwen Island Master, I hope you will be generous in giving me advice!"

Yu Wenxiu's eyelids trembled slightly, and he replied with a smile: "Sure!"

"It's rare to meet a true master, Yun is itching to show off his skills, so he wants to join in the fun!"

Suddenly, a hoarse and distorted voice sounded from the sidelines. Then, Yun Zhuiyue, wearing a golden mask and a black robe, slowly walked onto the sword arena, holding a shocking human head in his hand.

"hiss!"

The appearance of Yun Zhuiyue made the scene lively.

"What's going on? In the past, the martial arts conference was clearly led by the righteous people. Today, heretical demons emerge one after another, while the righteous people are reluctant to show up. Could it be that... the future of the Central Plains martial arts world will be dominated by evil demons?"

"The world is going downhill, demons are rampant, and tigers and wolves are in power. If they were to take control of the Central Plains martial arts world, the martial arts world would be devastated and blood would flow like a river."

"Why is this martial arts conference getting more and more confusing? Originally, Lord Luo and Lord Jinwu were the protagonists in the fight for the position of leader, why is it now...

"Be patient! I believe that Lord Luo and Lord Jin will not let them succeed."

At this time, the doubts in the crowd became more and more. The current situation was beyond everyone's expectations.

At this moment, the six chiefs and the four family heads looked at each other in bewilderment, as if they were confused, and their faces became more and more serious.

"Luo Tianjin, Master Jinwu, what are you two waiting for?"

Seeing the rampant heresy, Teng Sanshi could not help but feel angry and urged: "At this point, do you still want to put on airs and wait for others to beg you to come on stage?"

As soon as Teng Sanshi's voice came out, Xiao Zhirou, who was sitting far away, couldn't help but tremble. She looked at Teng Sanshi's eyes, which were quietly covered with a layer of tears.

It seems that blood is thicker than water, and father and daughter are connected by heart. When Xiao Zhirou stared at Teng Sanshi, Teng Sanshi subconsciously felt a trace of bitterness from the bottom of his heart, and turned to look at Xiao Zhirou.

The father and daughter were dozens of meters apart, so that their figures became a little blurry. But even so, this was still the closest they had been in more than 20 years.

"Luo Tianjin from Xianwang Mansion is willing to come on stage and give it a try!"

"Jin Fuyu from Jinjianwu, I hope you can give me some advice!"

Two voices came one after another, and Luo Tianjin and Jin Fuyu finally stood up and went on stage under everyone's expectation. Their appearance undoubtedly gave everyone who was worried a reassurance.

A moment later, Luo Tianjin, Jin Fu Yu, Yuwen Xiu, Yun Zhui Yue and Ren Wuya had all shown their "sincerity" and, under the joint witness of Xu Qingnian and the heroes of the world, swore an oath in blood: to uphold justice, abide by the right path, and wholeheartedly safeguard the continuation and prosperity of the Central Plains martial arts world, and never disobey.

"Now, there are five heroes who want to compete for the position of leader of the martial arts world." Xu Qingnian said solemnly, "According to the rules, I will ask you one last time, is there anyone willing to compete with them?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the noisy scene suddenly became as quiet as dead water. When Xu Qingnian's eyes swept across everyone, people unconsciously looked away.

If you ask yourself honestly, there is almost no one in the martial arts world today who can compete with the five top masters on the stage.

After waiting for a while, Xu Qingnian nodded slightly, then coughed twice and said loudly: "In this case, then..."

"Wait a moment!"

Before he finished speaking, a laugh suddenly rang out from behind the crowd. Upon hearing this, everyone's faces changed, and they all looked around, trying to find this person.

Before people could discover his whereabouts, a joking voice sounded again: "The martial arts conference is such a fun event, how can I be absent? I just wonder... what it feels like to be the leader of the martial arts world?"

His frivolous words and defiant attitude immediately ignited anger among the crowd.

"How dare you! Who is playing tricks on me? Show yourself right now!"

"I have been here all along. It's just that you are blind and can't see me! Haha..."

Accompanied by a burst of unbridled laughter, a white figure suddenly dropped from the sky and landed on the sword-discussing stage as lightly as willow catkins.

Faced with such bizarre and extraordinary martial arts, everyone present was amazed.

He was dressed in white, as white as snow, elegant and graceful, handsome and unparalleled. On his bun, a red string tied a pair of exquisite jade rings, one with gold patterns and the other with silver patterns.

Upon seeing this person, Liu Xunyi and Qin Ku's eyes suddenly changed, and an indescribable feeling of astonishment instantly surged into their hearts.

This person is the one who stole the Teng clan's jewelry, played tricks on Qin Ku and Liu Xunyi, and guided them to find the mysterious master who hid the weapon.

……

(End of this chapter)