Teng Qingshan smiled as he pushed open the door and stepped inside.

"Hmm?" Zhuge Yuanhong's heart skipped a beat when he saw the expression on Teng Qingshan's face. It was clear that Teng Qingshan had already made up his mind, which was why he appeared so relaxed.

"Qingshan, sit," Zhuge Yuanhong said.

Zhuge Yuanhong and Teng Qingshan sat down side-by-side.

"Master, you mentioned I needed to consult the sect elders about establishing my own sect. Are there any results yet?" Teng Qingshan inquired.

Zhuge Yuanhong looked at Teng Qingshan before replying, "Qingshan, you know as well as I do. Although our Guiyuan Sect now occupies Yang Province, one of the Nine Provinces, it is mainly due to your deterrence that we can keep the other sects in the Nine Provinces in check. The elders do have opinions, but—ultimately, everything depends on what you, Qingshan, decide."

"Qingshan, decide what you wish to do," Zhuge Yuanhong said, looking at him.

"The sect must have some bottom lines, right?" Teng Qingshan asked.

Zhuge Yuanhong nodded solemnly. "The first point is that the name Guiyuan Sect cannot be changed! The second point is that Guiyuan Sect is unwilling to become a subordinate branch of any other sect! If you are unsatisfied, Qingshan... then Guiyuan Sect would rather remain just the Guiyuan Sect of Jiangning County. As for the other twelve counties of Yang Province, Qingshan, you may manage those."

"Oh," Teng Qingshan nodded.

He had actually learned quite a bit from Qing Hu's letters, understanding that many within the Guiyuan Sect were quite stubborn.

"Master," Teng Qingshan said with a slight smile.

"Hmm?" Zhuge Yuanhong listened closely, knowing that the final decision truly rested in Teng Qingshan's hands.

"Master, actually, in my original plan, establishing a sect was not something that needed to happen right now." Teng Qingshan shook his head and smiled. "After all, my third generation disciples in the Inner Strength Fist lineage are still quite young. If you hadn't brought it up, Master, I probably wouldn't be discussing this matter today."

Zhuge Yuanhong nodded. Teng Qingshan truly had very few capable subordinates under him; manpower was scarce.

"But because you, Master, brought it up, I’ve pondered deeply. I also discussed it with my wife, Xiao Jun, and my maternal grandfather offered some guidance. Just this noon, I finally reached a firm decision," Teng Qingshan smiled. "Currently, Guiyuan Sect only occupies Yang Province. In my plan, however... it will be far more than one province. Once our foundation is stable and my strength achieves a breakthrough, we will attack Yan Province and seize the second province of the Nine Provinces—Yan Province!"

"Yan Province?"

Zhuge Yuanhong was startled. The Guiyuan Sect had been confined to Jiangning County for over a thousand years, and occupying Yang Province now had already thrilled everyone. Yet, Teng Qingshan seemed utterly unconcerned by this achievement.

"Yes, if not for the Divine Palace, my plan would involve taking even more territory," Teng Qingshan chuckled.

"Qingshan, what exactly are you thinking?" Zhuge Yuanhong pressed.

"Since the discussions within Guiyuan Sect have occurred, then establishing my sect should be moved forward," Teng Qingshan stated.

Zhuge Yuanhong’s heart tightened. Was he really going to establish a sect now?

"But Master, don't worry."

Teng Qingshan smiled. "When I founded the Inner Strength Fist lineage, I always intended for it to spread across the entire Nine Provinces! Originally, my plan was to conquer more territory within my lifetime, perhaps even unifying the realm like Emperor Yu or the Qinling Heavenly Emperor, allowing my Inner Strength Fist lineage to reach every corner."

"Unify the realm?" Zhuge Yuanhong held his breath.

"Unifying the realm is extremely difficult," Teng Qingshan shook his head. "And it would lead to countless deaths!"

"After careful consideration, my thoughts have changed," Teng Qingshan said with a smile. "To spread my Inner Strength Fist throughout the Nine Provinces, unifying the realm is entirely unnecessary! In fact... in my plan, the sect I am about to create will be different from the seven great sects across the Nine Provinces."

"Completely different?" Zhuge Yuanhong was taken aback.

"Yes."

Teng Qingshan nodded. "The great sects of the Nine Provinces all occupy a specific territory and teach their disciples within those borders. But I will be different. The sect I am about to found, I plan to learn from the Mu family on the Duanmu Continent, or perhaps from the Myriad Manifestations Gate in our Nine Provinces."

"Myriad Manifestations Gate?" Zhuge Yuanhong began to understand.

"However, my sect will still have distinctions from theirs," Teng Qingshan smiled.

"Distinctions?" Zhuge Yuanhong had largely grasped the core idea by now.

"Master—"

Teng Qingshan spoke with gravity. "Of the thirteen counties of Yang Province, I only require five! Centered around Jiangning County, spanning a thousand li east to west and a thousand li north to south—the central five counties of Yang Province: Xuyang County, Fengshan County, Mengfeng County, Nanxing County, and Jiangning County. I only need these five!"

"The remaining eight counties of Yang Province will belong to the Guiyuan Sect! Furthermore, Yan Province, which we conquer in the future, will also belong to Guiyuan Sect," Teng Qingshan declared in one breath.

"What?" Zhuge Yuanhong exclaimed in shock.

He was completely stunned by Teng Qingshan’s decision. Zhuge Yuanhong harbored no doubt about his disciple’s words. Given Teng Qingshan's talent, conquering Yan Province was virtually guaranteed. Moreover, once Teng Qingshan became a Void Contemplation expert, combined with the Undying Phoenix, he would indeed be capable of deterring the world—his prestige potentially surpassing even the Divine Palace. If Teng Qingshan became the fifth supreme powerhouse in the history of the Nine Provinces, unifying the realm would be a simple matter.

"Five counties... you even want Jiangning County?" Zhuge Yuanhong’s mind was reeling from the decree. Jiangning County was, after all, the foundation of Guiyuan Sect.

"Master, in the future, Guiyuan Sect will rule eight counties of Yang Province and the entirety of Yan Province. The best location for relocation would be the border between Yan Province and Yang Province. Furthermore, as a colossal sect, a new sect city must be built from scratch," Teng Qingshan said with a smile. "Master, surely the elders will not object to this decision."

How could they possibly object? Not only would Guiyuan Sect avoid becoming subservient to anyone, but they would also claim nearly two provinces! Good heavens. This honor alone would drive the elders wild. Once they controlled two provinces, Guiyuan Sect’s status would make proximity to the East Sea, in 'Jiangning County,' unsuitable due to the distance from Yan Province, making management inconvenient. A relocation would naturally be necessary. This relocation would signify an elevation in the sect's status, unlike the forced move to 'Chu County' or 'Nanman County' under duress from the Divine Palace.

"Very well, that is not an issue," Zhuge Yuanhong agreed. Teng Qingshan's terms were far better than what the members of Guiyuan Sect had dared to hope for, especially since the ultimate authority now rested with Teng Qingshan.

"That is good then," Teng Qingshan nodded with a smile.

"However, relocating the sect will require time," Zhuge Yuanhong voiced a slight concern. "Master, there is no rush for this. How many people does my Inner Strength Fist lineage have right now? Guiyuan Sect can begin a gradual relocation; they can depart within ten years." Teng Qingshan had completely sorted everything out in his mind before arriving today. This clarity brought him ease and excitement.

Because—according to his current plan, the Inner Strength Fist lineage would spread across the Nine Provinces at an even faster rate! Its prosperity would reach an apex, and its vitality would last longer! Furthermore, the sect he created would surpass the seven great sects of the Nine Provinces, becoming an entity standing above and apart from them!

"Master, I have one more thing I need your assistance with," Teng Qingshan said with a smile.

"Oh?" Zhuge Yuanhong looked slightly surprised.

"Your painting skills are renowned throughout the world, Master. I would like you to paint the boxing form I practice," Teng Qingshan requested.

Zhuge Yuanhong laughed heartily. "That is simple enough."

"This set of forms is called Tiger Form Fist," Teng Qingshan immediately stood in the center of the study. "Prepare your brush and ink, Master, and I shall begin practicing."

...

That day, Teng Qingshan practiced the Tiger Form Fist in the study, allowing Zhuge Yuanhong to meticulously sketch every stroke. Afterward, Teng Qingshan departed, carrying a stack of papers depicting the 'Tiger Form Fist movements.'

Teng Family Village, West Courtyard.

As evening approached, the breeze felt particularly clear. Li Jun, dressed in loose white robes, lay on a chair, occasionally stroking her swollen abdomen.

"Haha!" Li Jun suddenly heard a burst of laughter and turned to see Teng Qingshan walking into the courtyard, smiling broadly.

"Qingshan, did you settle things with Sect Master Zhuge? You look so happy?" Li Jun stood up, walking toward him with her pregnant belly.

"Sit down, quickly," Teng Qingshan carefully helped Li Jun settle back onto the chair. Li Jun, somewhat impatient, kept asking, "Qingshan, tell me quickly! What exactly did you discuss with your Master? You looked so troubled last night?" Li Jun had also offered Teng Qingshan much advice the previous night.

Teng Qingshan laughed loudly. "It was Grandfather’s guidance—the concept of giving and receiving!"

"Giving and receiving?" Li Jun looked puzzled.

"Exactly. By relinquishing the struggle for world domination, I can instead spread my Inner Strength Fist throughout the world," Teng Qingshan stated confidently.

Li Jun became even more perplexed.

"In truth, having a vast territory is useless," Teng Qingshan shook his head and smiled. "Whether it is Azure Lake Island, the Palace, or Hongtian City... when facing an attack, it’s impossible to maintain perfect control over an entire province. A province is simply too large! Therefore, I only need five counties!"

"Five counties, with a population of about one hundred million," Teng Qingshan said confidently. "These five counties will be the foundation of my Inner Strength Fist!"

"I want the Inner Strength Fist to be learned across the Nine Provinces—the Desert Kingdoms of the West, the Great Northern Grasslands, and even the numerous islands in the East," Teng Qingshan smiled. "Then, any Inner Strength Fist cultivator who achieves mastery will converge toward the holy land of the Inner Strength Fist—Teng Family Village on Mount Dayan. Once they arrive here, they will enter my lineage, and I will teach them more profound martial arts."

Li Jun faintly began to understand.

"Qingshan, you mean..." Li Jun’s eyes shone with realization.

"Like the Mu family on the Duanmu Continent."

Teng Qingshan's entire demeanor seemed to have grown stronger. "Although my Inner Strength Fist lineage does not seek to dominate the world, it will, without anyone noticing, use the Nine Provinces as its base to absorb countless Inner Strength Fist talents. By solidifying the five counties of Yang Province into an absolute monolith, we will possess the strongest military force in the entire Nine Provinces! We will become a power that stands transcendent above all others in the Nine Provinces, stronger than even the Manichaean Temple or the Emperor Yu Gate."

"Though we do not contend for the throne, no sect in the world can compete with my Inner Strength Fist lineage!"

"You..." Li Jun paused, stunned.

"You will fully understand in the next month," Teng Qingshan said, lightly tapping the stack of papers in his hand—the drawings of the Tiger Form Fist.