Sacrificial Artifact System: From Bell-ringer to the Ancestral Patriarch of the Sect novel Chapter 65

Chapter 65: Chapter 65 Old Friends

The influence of the Divine Sword Sect radiates across three states and twelve counties, including the eight counties of Sword State, the three counties of Xuanzhou, and the lone county of Taiping County in Ming State.

Though it claims peace by name, Taiping County is anything but peaceful.

Due to its many mountains and steep ridges, it has historically been a land of destitution and treacherous terrain, with a fierce local populace and banditry widespread.

Over a thousand years ago, the unrest of the Taiping Sect originated in Taiping County, eventually leading to the downfall of the former Dayan Dynasty and the rise of the Dachang Dynasty.

After the establishment of the Dachang Dynasty, to thoroughly eradicate the roots of the Taiping Sect, they adopted a strategy of population replacement—relocating the remaining populace to other major provinces and migrating a large number of outsiders from neighboring states and counties.

This also led to the profusion of martial arts families and sects, large and small, in Taiping County. Coupled with the fact that Taiping County is separated by the Min River from the other counties of Ming State, making travel inconvenient, there was no powerful force to control the situation, which has kept Taiping County unstable.

It was not until the influence of the Divine Sword Sect infiltrated the area that a true balance was formed.

Even so, the undercurrents were still flowing in the dark, with struggles and conflicts between various forces being a regular occurrence.

On this evening, outside the city of Taiping County, a swift horse galloped to the city gates.

"Thank goodness the gates aren’t closed yet; otherwise, I would have to spend the night outside the city."

Li Qian, the rider of the swift horse, heaved a sigh of relief.

After receiving his mission, he had spurred his horse relentlessly, not stopping for a moment on his journey.

Even so, it still took him a full two days and a night.

It took more time than it would to reach the Iron City of Xuanzhou.

Not because the city of Taiping County was farther away, but due to the many mountains and steep ridges in Taiping County, the roads being windy and convoluted, leading him on many detours.

Before entering the city, Li Qian glanced outside the city walls of Taiping County, only to see a multitude of shanties constructed along the wall, densely packed and stretching endlessly.

These shanties housed a large population, mostly composed of migratory folk.

Due to various reasons, having lost their lands or livelihoods, they had no choice but to leave their homes and come to Taiping County to seek a living.

In the cities of Baibi and Iron City that he had been to before, such situations seemed not to exist.

From this, the chaos and suffering of the people in Taiping County were evident.

Li Qian did not linger; squeezing his legs against his horse’s belly, he charged into Taiping County.

The soldiers guarding the city didn’t even dare to intercept him.

For they were perceptive enough to recognize the unique pattern embroidered on the protective case around the neck of the swift horse Li Qian rode, which was specific to the Divine Sword Sect.

The Divine Sword Sect has a presence in this Taiping County City, with disciples often riding in and out on horseback, naturally making them recognizable.

Upon entering Taiping County City, Li Qian headed straight for the Divine Sword Sect’s local branch.

...

The local branch of the Divine Sword Sect was housed in a large mansion estate.

The plaque read "Taiping Divine Sword Mansion."

There were also guards standing at the mansion gate.

The local branches of the Divine Sword Sect in each state and county usually have attached local organizations in addition to the stationed disciples.

These local organizations are mainly made up of recruited freelance martial artists and those who have volunteered to join and often serve as the Sect’s affiliated external forces.

Often, a local Divine Sword Sect station would only have a dozen stationed disciples, but the numbers of affiliated martial artists could range from several dozen to a hundred or even more.

At this moment, inside the Taiping Mansion.

Several people were drinking and chatting.

Suddenly, a gatekeeper ran in, "Gentlemen, someone from the Divine Sword Sect is here."

"Here?"

Those who were eating and drinking quickly stood up.

They knew the Sect was going to send a Innate Realm expert to handle a case.

"Quick, we must meet them now, Junior Sister Fan, go inform Senior Brother Yan and the others..."

One of the bearded men, Hu Lang, took command.

Among those present, his cultivation was the highest, already having reached the Sixth Layer of the Postnatal realm.

The stronger the strength, the higher the authority.

"Okay."

The woman called Junior Sister Fan immediately turned and left.

The bearded man, together with a few Inner Sect Disciples, hurried out.

...

In a reception room.

Li Qian sat uprighteerily, with tea brought by the servants placed on the table beside him.

However, he did not drink.

Being out and about, even within a Divine Sword Sect station, he would not casually eat or drink.

At this moment, a group of people came in hastily.

When they saw Li Qian seated, they were first taken aback, puzzled by the youthfulness of the Innate Realm martial artist sent by the Sect.

However... they were well aware of another point: the younger the Innate Realm martial artist in the Divine Sword Sect, the higher his status.

"Inner Sect Disciple Hu Lang pays respect to Senior Brother."

The leading bearded man hurriedly greeted.

"Inner Sect Disciple Yan Chou pays respect to Senior Brother."

"Inner Sect Disciple Su Can pays respect to Senior Brother."

...

Li Qian did not stand up, but merely nodded his head: "Who is the Family Head?"

In the Sect’s local branches, the main distinctions are between the Family Head and the Squad Leader.

The Family Head holds a higher rank, usually undertaken by Half-step Innate or Ninth Layer Postnatal warriors.

The Squad Leader, on the other hand, has a slightly lower cultivation.

With so many local branches, there are not enough Innate Realm warriors to warrant permanent placements—a waste of manpower.

An Innate Realm warrior is only dispatched by the Divine Sword Sect to handle major incidents, on a mission basis.

"Senior Brother, since another case has occurred, the Family Head and a few other Senior Brothers went out not long ago. I’ve already sent someone to inform them immediately," said Hu Lang the bearded man respectfully.

"Take me directly to where the incident happened," Li Qian said as he stood up.

"Yes, Senior Brother," the bearded man responded promptly.

Then, he turned to another Inner Sect Disciple beside him: "Junior Brother Su, you stay in charge of the mansion."

These riders were none other than Li Qian and his group, who had set out from Taiping County town. _{freewebnσvel.cѳm}