Chapter 73 The First Proclamation of the Martial Sect
Chapter 73 The First Proclamation of the Martial Sect
The next day, a message spread at an astonishing speed through various channels throughout the martial arts world of China and even to underground forums around the world.
The message was very simple, consisting of only a few words.
"In three days, the Wuzong Sect of Hualong Kingdom, Sect Master Ma Cong will issue the 'First Proclamation of the Wuzong Sect' at the summit of Longhu Mountain."
"All martial arts practitioners are welcome to attend the ceremony."
This news was like a bombshell, once again stirring up a massive wave in the already turbulent world.
"The Martial Sect? Ma Cong is really going to establish his own sect!"
"My God, this is so fast! The battle at Wudang Mountain just ended, then we had another fight with Shaolin, and now they're opening up the mountain?"
"The location was chosen to be Longhu Mountain? What does that mean? Does Longhu Mountain publicly support him?"
"Is there even a question? Didn't you see the Celestial Master follow him to Shaolin to demand his release? It's obvious that Longhu Mountain is backing him!"
"Hiss... A prodigy of all time, backed by Longhu Mountain and the government, the starting point for this Martial Grandmaster is just too high!"
"The first declaration of war against Shaolin? What is he going to say? Is he declaring war on Shaolin?"
"This is going to be good! See you at Longhu Mountain in three days!"
In an instant, the eyes of countless martial artists converged on Longhu Mountain.
Some were curious, some wanted to seek refuge, some were waiting to see the show, and of course, some had ulterior motives and wanted to test the waters.
Kunlun, Wudang, Kongtong... all the major hidden sects sent their representatives, elders or their most outstanding disciples, to Longhu Mountain to attend the ceremony.
This is not only giving face to Ma Cong, but also to Longhu Mountain.
Everyone wanted to see for themselves what kind of path the Martial Sect, founded by Master Ma, who had stirred up the world, would take.
At this moment, the center of the news is Shaolin Temple.
The atmosphere was so oppressive it felt like it was about to burst into flames.
"This is outrageous! This is outrageous!"
Xuan Tong, the head of the Arhat Hall, smashed the mahogany table in front of him with a single palm strike. His chest injury had not yet fully healed, and he coughed violently in anger.
"Who does Ma Cong think he is! A mere brat, daring to establish his own sect? And he even chose Longhu Mountain as his location—he's clearly trying to climb the ranks by stepping on the honor of Shaolin!"
Xuan Neng, the head of the Bodhidharma Academy, also had a gloomy expression. His shoulder, which had been injured by Ma Cong's sword energy, was still aching.
"Abbot, we can't sit idly by any longer! His so-called 'first accusation since the founding of the sect' is definitely not well-intentioned! He might just be trying to humiliate Shaolin in front of the whole world!"
Inside the main hall, a group of Shaolin elders were all filled with righteous indignation.
Ma Cong wreaked havoc at Shaolin Temple, severely injuring two of the chief monks, before finally escaping under the protection of the Celestial Master.
This incident has become the greatest disgrace to Shaolin Temple in its thousands of years of history.
Now, Ma Cong not only doesn't restrain himself, but he also wants to openly establish his own sect, which is tantamount to rubbing salt into Shaolin's wounds.
"Amitabha."
Abbot Xuankong slowly opened his eyes. His face showed no emotion, but those who knew him well knew that this senior abbot was truly enraged.
"He wants to establish his authority, but I won't let him have his way." Abbot Xuankong's voice was calm and composed.
"Mysterious and bitter."
"Disciple is here." A gaunt old monk stepped out from the corner, his hands clasped together.
He was the previous abbot of the Disciplinary Hall and rarely appeared in public. However, the higher-ups in the temple all knew that this Uncle Xuanku had unfathomable cultivation and was especially skilled in tracking and assassination.
"Take some men and go to Jincheng," Abbot Xuankong said calmly.
"Since the sect leader is not here, someone has to take care of the 'guests' in his place."
A sharp glint flashed in Xuan Ku's eyes. "Disciple understands."
"Mysterious understanding, profound power."
"Disciple is here."
"You two will represent Shaolin and attend the ceremony at Longhu Mountain." Abbot Xuankong's lips curled into a cold smile.
"I'd like to see what kind of nonsense Ma Cong can spout."
Xuan Tong and Xuan Neng exchanged a glance, both seeing doubt in each other's eyes.
Let them attend the ceremony? Wouldn't that be humiliating?
"Abbot, this..."
"Go." Abbot Xuankong waved his hand and closed his eyes. "Remember, you represent Shaolin. Do not disgrace this ancient temple."
……
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
The huge square in front of the Celestial Master's Mansion on Longhu Mountain was packed with people.
Martial artists from all over the world surrounded the place, making it impossible to move.
A temporary platform has been erected directly in front of the square.
On the high platform, there was only one chair.
The old celestial master of Longhu Mountain, the old patriarch of Wudang, the old monster of Kunlun, and the leaders of several other reclusive sects all sat in the first row below the high platform, each with a different expression.
Their arrival undoubtedly amplified the significance of this "Grand Opening Ceremony" many times over.
"The auspicious time has arrived!"
With a loud shout from the Taoist priest in charge of guest reception at Longhu Mountain.
A figure walked out step by step from inside the Celestial Master's Mansion.
Clad in white, pure as snow, spotless.
It was Ma Cong.
He did not arrive by flying through the air or display any earth-shattering aura as everyone had imagined.
He walked steadily up the platform, step by step, just like an ordinary person.
But none of the thousands of martial artists present dared to underestimate him.
All eyes were on him.
There was awe, curiosity, scrutiny, and undisguised hostility.
Ma Cong walked to the center of the platform and glanced down at the audience.
He saw the seniors from Kunlun and Wudang sects who came to offer their congratulations, and he also saw Xuan Tong and Xuan Neng in the crowd, their faces ashen.
He could even sense that in the distant mountains and forests, there were several malevolent divine senses hiding, spying on this place.
He ignored them and walked to the front of the platform, facing everyone, and spoke loudly.
His voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly.
"I, Ma Cong, hereby proclaim the establishment of the 'Martial Sect'."
"I know that many of you here are curious about what kind of sect my Martial Sect is, and what I, Ma Cong, intend to do?"
"Today, I will give you an answer."
He paused, then his voice suddenly rose.
"Our Martial Sect does not respect gods or worship Buddha!"
boom!
These words caused an uproar in the room.
People from Buddhist and Taoist sects, in particular, had their expressions change instantly.
What does this mean? Does this mean they are making enemies of all Buddhist and Taoist sects in the world?
Even the old master's eyelids twitched, thinking to himself that this kid had gone too far.
Ignoring the reactions of the crowd, Ma Cong continued:
"What my Martial Sect established were only rules, not beliefs!"
"The first rule: Education should be provided to all without discrimination."
"Regardless of background, past, or aptitude, as long as you are devoted to martial arts and uphold chivalry, even if you are a commoner or a former heretic, you can join my Martial Sect and learn its methods!"
"I, Ma Cong, hereby promise that I will impart all my knowledge and skills, including techniques and resources, to all my disciples of the Martial Sect without reservation!"
These words caused countless independent martial artists and disciples from small sects below the stage to gasp for breath and their eyes to blaze with fervent light.
Cultivation techniques and resources are what all martial artists crave most!
Those major sects, on the other hand, cherish their secrets and only pass on their core techniques to their direct disciples.
Ma Cong's promise is tantamount to undermining the foundation of all sects!
"Rule number two: Protect your own."
Ma Cong's gaze swept almost imperceptibly towards the two Shaolin monks, his voice turning cold.
"We, the people of the Martial Sect, will not tolerate being bullied by outsiders. If someone treats me with respect, I will treat them with even greater respect. If someone offends me, I will repay them a hundredfold!"
"Whether they are disciples of my sect or friends of my sect, as long as they uphold the principle of 'reason,' even if the opponent is a thousand-year-old sect or a martial arts master, my Martial Sect will fight them to the death!"
"What happened at Shaolin Temple a few days ago is a case in point."
"My chief steward, Zhou Tianyi, was falsely accused of stealing the martial arts techniques I gave him by Shaolin Temple. He was severely injured without cause and forcibly abducted."
"I, Wu Zong, have taken note of this matter."
"I will personally collect this debt soon!"
His words were resounding and filled with unquestionable domineering power.
Xuan Tong and Xuan Neng's faces were as black as the bottom of a pot.
They never expected that Ma Cong would publicly reveal this matter in front of all the heroes of the world, and make no attempt to hide his desire for revenge.
This is a formal declaration of war against Shaolin!
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