My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 174: Chapter 174: Martial Arts of The Three Religions Combined into One Body (10,000 Characters Update, Subscription Requested)

Nan Weiping looked at the pretty woman in front of her and said, “Are you so sure that this old body is afraid of death?”

“Certain.”

Zhao Qingmei replied.

Whether a person is indifferent to life and death can actually be discerned from their expressions and words.

Nan Weiping was not a person who was indifferent to life and death.

“That’s right, this old body indeed does not want to die.”

Nan Weiping picked up a piece of jerky and began to chew on it, “You mixed some poison in this food, and this old body indeed did not detect it. This Red Beauty Drunk would probably be effective against a general master-level expert.”

A general master-level expert?

Zhao Qingmei frowned slightly upon hearing this.

Nan Weiping asked indifferently, “You should know that my cultivation is at the Five Qi to the Yuan Realm. Do you know what the Grandmaster Realm signifies?”

Five Qi to the Yuan is the realm that comes after the Three Flowers Fused atop the Crown, where the qi of the five organs—heart, liver, kidney, lungs, and spleen—return to the primordial and ascend, resulting in the revelation of the spiritual body and an increase of five Jiazi in lifespan.

One Jiazi is sixty years, and five Jiazi are three hundred years.

And what are people who can live for several hundred years in the eyes of the world? Aren’t they land immortals?

In the martial world, the realm above a master is that of a Great Grandmaster, an existence with extraordinary and transcendent cultivation, and to ordinary people, that’s akin to demi-immortality.

There was a poem that said, “Among mortals who revel in meat and wine, who ascends to attain the Five Qi to the Yuan? Drawing water from the celestial spring to brew the pill, not indulging common guests with roasted river fish.”

In historical records spanning thousands of years, there aren’t many details about the Grandmaster Realm because they are very rare beings. It is possible that none emerge for hundreds of years, and it is possible that two or three appear in a few hundred years.

Each Great Grandmaster is an expert whose fame spreads for three to four hundred years, and some of these Grandmaster-level experts are even recorded in the history books.

All Zhao Qingmei knew was that the Great Grandmaster’s Five Qi to the Yuan increased their lifespan by three hundred years and their cultivation reached from heaven to earth. But about the specific realm, she was not very familiar.

How many in the world truly understand?

“It seems you are not clear, but it is alright for this old body to enlighten you, lest you waste any more crafty thoughts.”

Nan Weiping said eerily, “Your Red Beauty Drunk is indeed a fierce poison. It can work against mortal bodies, but it is far from enough against this old body. If you want to take action, bring a poison that can kill immortals.”

As she spoke, Nan Weiping extended her palm, and the Black Gold Lotus appeared in her hand.

“The Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture?”

Zhao Qingmei frowned deeply upon seeing this.

The Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture was the top martial art of the Demon Sect, only to be cultivated by the Sect Hierarch. Nan Weiping was cultivating the Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture, and by the looks of it, her realm was much higher than Zhao Qingmei’s, possibly already at the Tenth Layer, the Myriad Forms Heavenly Demon Realm.

Historically within the Demon Sect records, only two individuals reached the Tenth Layer of the Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture: the founding patriarch of the Demon Sect, and the fourth-generation Sect Hierarch.

Possibly, Nan Weiping was the third.

Such a world-shaking, exceptional person was right in front of her.

This person, if placed in the annals of thousands of years, was a supreme expert.

Nan Weiping said indifferently, “My body has long departed the mortal plane and formed Jade Bone. Let’s not mention that your Red Beauty Drunk is not in great quantity; even if you were to feed it to this old body as a meal, this old body would not even frown.”

Above the Golden Bone is the Jade Bone.

And Jade Bone has long transcended the mortal flesh and is also known as the Half-immortal Body.

“What a pity indeed.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qingmei’s eyes were as still as an ancient well, hiding her true inner thoughts.

She certainly did not expect Nan Weiping to cultivate the Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture and to have reached the Jade Bone Realm, a realm of transcending the ordinary and entering into the immortal.

“You’re far from ready to expend effort on this old body.”

Nan Weiping’s murky eyes exuded a hint of indifference.

“I understand now.”

After Zhao Qingmei finished speaking, she walked towards the exit of the cave.

“Where are you going?”

Nan Weiping asked as she saw this.

“To think of a method,” Zhao Qingmei said indifferently.

“What method?”

“How do you expect me to open my mouth and let you out?”

Upon hearing this, Nan Weiping couldn’t help but let out a wry laugh, “If you help me break these iron chains, I will naturally tell you the method.”

Zhao Qingmei didn’t turn back and walked towards the entrance of the cave.

At this moment, Nan Weiping was bound by Nine Heavens Profound Iron, resembling a tiger without teeth. Once free from the constraints of the Nine Heavens Profound Iron, Zhao Qingmei couldn’t be certain what she would do next.

Nan Weiping was truly too terrifying!

“What a ruthless and decisive girl, if I had her disposition back then, would I have ended up like this?”

Watching Zhao Qingmei’s departing figure, Nan Weiping couldn’t help but mutter to herself.

……

Outside Dongluo Pass, at the East Camp.

Inside the central command tent.

A young man in black sat beside a desk, using the candlelight to examine the map before him.

Two Heavenly Sect experts also stood by his side. Although they wore simple clothes, the aura they radiated was incredibly solid and profound, clearly in the realm of First Grade.

Only Qin Bin, the head of the Xuanyi Sect, could have two First Grade experts guarding him.

“Report!”

Just then, an urgent voice rang out.

A soldier in Black Armor hurriedly ran in.

“Head Qin, urgent intelligence has come from the northern border of Beihuang Dao,” the soldier hurriedly said with a clenched fist.

“Speak.”

The young man continued to look at the map, without lifting his head.

“General Mo reports: Large numbers of troops bearing the Golden Eagle Banner and the Black Feather Banner have been spotted in the North Field, and their intentions are unclear. Head Qin, please advise.”

“Oh?”

Qin Bin raised his eyebrows slightly upon hearing this.

Tian Congyi, who stood behind him, paled and said, “This Black Feather Banner is one of the few that ranks highly among the Thirteen Banners, with formidable combat strength not to be taken lightly. Their appearance in the North Field surely indicates ill intent. Could they be planning a surprise attack on Dongluo Pass? I recall that last year the Golden Eagle Banner was seen scouting near Dongluo Pass…”

The Thirteen Banners of Houjin originated from different tribes with diverse combat strengths, ranked accordingly within Houjin. The Black Feather Banner was among the best of the Thirteen Banners, initially from the Black Feather Tribe of the steppes, a tribe that revered martial prowess and had bold customs. Each member of the tribe was skilled in martial arts from a young age, robust and strong.

The Black Feather Tribe was fearsomely powerful on the great steppes and was a formidable tribe. With the rise of the Holy Master of Houjin, their chieftain eventually fell to the Holy Master, and the entire Black Feather Tribe submitted to his rule.

Subsequently, the Holy Master chose a group of troops from the Black Feather Tribe to form the current Black Feather Banner, a force of notable military exploits and an unstoppable sharp edge that had earned many merits for Houjin in expanding its territories.

Qin Bin shook his head and replied, “Unlikely, the North Field is not the best place to station troops, and given Houjin’s combat traditions, they wouldn’t send the Black Feather Banner for a siege.”

“Then what is this about?”

The other Heavenly Sect expert, Teng Yanzong, furrowed his brows and suggested, “Great Yan?”

“Quite likely.”

Qin Bin nodded slightly, “Didn’t the Human Sect spy report that there’s a large convergence of experts from the Five Lakes and Four Seas Hall in Luan City recently? It seems Wang Shiyi has already noticed something amiss and is preparing a counterstrike.”

Marquis Wang Shiyi, stationed in the Northern Wilderness for many years, did so to guard against Houjin’s move southward.

From the intelligence of the gathering of the Five Lakes and Four Seas Hall in Luan City days ago, Qin Bin had sensed something unusual.

“So what do we do now?”

Tian Congyi looked to Qin Bin, “Does this need to be reported to Sect Leader Yu?”

Zhao Qingmei was trapped beneath the Sealing Demon Well, which naturally couldn’t be widely publicized. Instead, they needed to prevent the news from spreading. Therefore, aside from top experts like Duanmu Xinghua, Yu Qiurong, Lin Tianhai, and Li Fuzhou, hardly anyone in the Demon Sect knew about it.

Many experts in the Demon Sect believed the Sect Hierarch had just broken through to the Grandmaster Realm and was currently in closed-door cultivation to stabilize the current realm.

With the Sect Hierarch in seclusion, matters within the sect naturally fell to the leader of the Heavenly Sect to manage.

“There’s no need.”

Before Qin Bin could speak, an elderly voice came from outside the tent.

“Who’s there!?”

Teng Yanzong and Tian Congyi were both startled and turned to look quickly.

They were both in the First Grade realm with high cultivation, and this was the headquarters of the East Camp, surrounded by elite troops. For someone to approach the tent so silently, they had to be exceptional.

An old man with white hair walked in slowly, his pace neither fast nor slow. Yet his approach felt as imposing as a mountain moving towards the three men.

“Who are you?”

Tian Congyi discovered he had never seen this old man before and could not help but frown slightly as he asked.

“Sealing Demon Platform.”

The old man spoke each word with a deliberate pause.

The visitor was not just anyone, but indeed the Second Elder of the Sealing Demon Platform, Yuan Feng.

“Greetings to the Elder!”

Upon hearing these three words, Tian Congyi and Teng Yanzong both showed faces colored with fear and trepidation.

In the Demon Sect, the Sealing Demon Platform was a supremely exalted existence.

“So it’s an Elder from the Sealing Demon Platform.”

Qin Bin’s heart stirred upon hearing this, but his face remained all smiles as he spoke.

Yuan Feng made no small talk and went straight to the point, “Before Houjin deploys troops to Luan City, my Demon Sect’s Black Armor Guard will also move south from Dongluo Pass, coordinating with Houjin to take down Beihuang Dao.”

Qin Bin’s brow furrowed, “Why?”

The battle between Houjin and Great Yan was an opportunity for the Demon Sect to watch as tigers fought from the safety of the mountain. Given that both Houjin and Great Yan were dynasties, and Houjin’s power was not even comparable to Great Yan, now that they were in a life-and-death struggle, it was a tremendous opportunity for the Demon Sect. At the very least, they would be too preoccupied to deal with the sect. Why would the Demon Sect wade into these troubled waters?

Yuan Feng glanced at Qin Bin and said, “The alliance between the Demon Sect and Houjin is the trend of the times.”

After considering for a moment, Qin Bin spoke gravely, “I think this matter should still be reported to Sect Leader Yu for deliberation.”

Such a crucial issue related to the future of the Demon Sect could not be handled rashly. Not only would they miss a great opportunity, but they could also end up mired in trouble themselves.

When Yuan Feng heard this, he began to laugh, “Are you questioning me?”

Qin Bin knitted his brows tightly and remained silent.

Tian Congyi quickly tried to smooth things over, “Elder, please don’t be angry. Sect Leader Qin didn’t mean that…”

Yuan Feng ignored Tian Congyi and said coldly, “In the Demon Sect, the Sealing Demon Platform stands above even the Sect Hierarch. This matter has been deliberated and decided by the Sealing Demon Platform. Even if the Sect Hierarch himself were here today, he would still have to listen to the Sealing Demon Platform.”

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Qin Bin shook his head and said, “Impossible. Since I took over the position of the leader of the Xuanwu Sect, I have only followed the orders of the Sect Hierarch.”

Both Tian Congyi and Teng Yanzong turned pale upon hearing this.

Yuan Feng’s expression grew even darker, “Are you defying the orders of the Sealing Demon Platform?”

Qin Bin replied calmly, “Are you planning to kill me? All these Black Armor Guards are loyal to me. If you kill me, you will not be able to mobilize this army of seventy thousand. Once the Black Armor Guard learns that you have killed me, they will certainly attack the Sealing Demon Platform to avenge me. Can you kill all seventy thousand of them?”

Suddenly, the entire central army’s tent became very quiet.

Even a grandmaster faced with the overwhelming number of seventy thousand troops would find it impossible to kill them all, for even grandmasters have their limits.

“Hahahaha!”

The next moment, Yuan Feng suddenly burst into laughter, then staring at Qin Bin, he said, “Do you know that I, Yuan Feng, hate being threatened by others the most?”

Murderous intent rose all around, almost without any concealment.

“Elder Yuan, maybe…..”

Tian Congyi, sweating profusely, hurriedly stood in front of Qin Bin, “Maybe there’s been some misunderstanding.”

The orders for both Tian Congyi and Teng Yanzong were to ensure the safety of Qin Bin.

“Misunderstanding?”

Seeing this, Yuan Feng extended his palm, his true qi began to circulate.

The First Grade Cultivation of Tian Congyi’s body swelled rapidly and then, with a ‘bang’, he burst into a cloud of blood, splattering throughout the entire tent.

Qin Bin’s clothing and face were sprayed with fresh blood.

Tian Congyi was dead!

And Teng Yanzong, witnessing this scene, was so terrified that he hardly dared to breathe.

The person who was joking with him just a moment ago had not even left behind a corpse, an occurrence too terrifying to comprehend.

In the blink of an eye, he had killed a fellow sect expert. Such bloodthirstiness was extremely rare even within the Demon Sect.

“I’ll give you time to think.”

Yuan Feng glanced at the visibly troubled Qin Bin and then strode towards the exit of the tent.

Long after Yuan Feng had left, Teng Yanzong finally mustered the nerve to ask, “Sect… Sect Leader Qin, what should we do now? Should we deploy troops…..”

Qin Bin wiped the blood from his face and said coldly, “No change. Report to Sect Leader Yu exactly as planned.”

…….

On Jiangnan Dao, in Yu State City, outside the Jishi Hall.

The early summer sunlight was warm and pleasant, spilling across the road and making one irresistibly drowsy.

Dogs are different, though—they fancy a nap any time of year.

Little Black stretched lazily, yawned, and then settled down in a comfy spot to lie down.

“Little Black, I’m here to see you again.”

At that moment, a voice rang out from a distance.

There came a bald monk dressed in a robe, holding two roast chickens in his hand.

This man was none other than Fa Wu’s senior disciple, Jie Se, Han Wenxin. @@novelbin@@

Little Black glanced at Han Wenxin, pretending not to notice, and continued lying on the ground.

It was as if he thought: Not everyone is worthy of my attention.

“Come on, today we’re having roast chicken. I haven’t been down the mountain for a while, and I’m nearly dying of boredom.”

Han Wenxin excitedly sat down next to Little Black, casually tossed one of the roast chickens in front of the dog, then hugged the other chicken and started tearing into it.

Little Black happily licked the chicken’s bottom, set his paws on it, and also took big bites.

He had no idea why the baldie was so nice to him. Could he be his father?

Under the gentle sunlight, with dappled tree shadows, a monk and a dog savored delicious roast chicken.

The scene was quite heartwarming.

Han Wenxin suddenly paused, feeling sentimental, “I wonder where An Jing is now, how he’s living, whether he’s alive or not.”

“When he left, he forgot to give me the land deed for Jishi Hall. If I had that deed, I would own three shops. Then, every month, when I collect the rent, that would be…”

Little Black raised his head and glanced at Han Wenxin, completely clueless about what he was muttering.

Sometimes people’s emotions don’t connect, like An Jing who is miles away and Han Wenxin at this moment. The feelings between different species are even more disconnected.

Han Wenxin had no idea what Little Black might be thinking.

“Senior brother! Senior brother!”

Just as Han Wenxin was enjoying his meal, a voice came from far away.

A fleshy-faced, hulking monk ran over from a distance, his face beaming with a chrysanthemum-like smile.

“How come you followed along?”

Han Wenxin looked at Jie Lu, his eating motion momentarily stopping.

The newcomer was none other than a recent student Jie Lu, taken in by his master not long ago.

Jie Lu’s eyes fixated on the roast chicken in Han Wenxin’s hand as he swallowed salivam then said, “Master said it’s not safe in the Jianghu lately. He asked me to come down the mountain with you for some company.”

Han Wenxin frowned and asked, “Are you talking about the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion incident?”

The biggest recent event in the Jianghu wasn’t the Ghost Swordsman slaying Old Man Qingfeng, because not many witnessed the deed, and Feng Lingyue hadn’t emphasized it, so it hadn’t fully spread.

The bigger event was atop Four Symbols Sect, where Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion had united with the Demon Sect to assassinate the current Crown Prince. This matter, being deliberately sensationalized, had caused quite a stir.

Nobody expected that Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, notorious in its right, would have ties to the infamous Demon Sect, let alone conspire to kill the Crown Prince.

Although Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion’s reputation was abysmal in the Great Yan Martial World, it still held ground. Many newcomers to the Jianghu even revered its Dragon and Tiger List like deities, with many paying silver coins to the Pavilion each year, fantasizing about being listed therein to gain great renown.

Furthermore, Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion was famous for gathering intelligence in the Great Yan Martial World—known to all and used by many, with various forces buying information from it every day.

Now, the decades of prestige it had built crumbled overnight, spurned by the martial world and hunted by the Xuanyi Guard.

Dozens of Great Heavenly Gang members from the Xuanyi Guard mobilized to hunt down experts associated with Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion in the world of martial arts.

For a time, there was terror and suspicion everywhere.

Everyone knew that it was the end for Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.

Consider that such a big move by the Xuanyi Guard was last made against the Demon Sect, and the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion’s experts reacted swiftly, most of them going into hiding. Nonetheless, many still fell to the Xuanyi Guard.

In the martial world at the moment, everything was in chaos.

“Yes.”

Jie Lu eyed the roasted chicken in Han Wenxin’s hand, swallowed again and said, “Senior brother, give me a bite, will you? I haven’t touched meat for a long time.”

“Here you go.”

Han Wenxin handed over half of his roast chicken to Jie Lu. “Seriously, you have no ambition. After you eat, go back right away. Tonight might be restless.”

“Why restless?” Jie Lu asked.

“Since you’re here, I might as well tell you,” Han Wenxin spoke with a resigned look. “Tonight is destined to be a turbulent, sleepless night.”

Jie Lu stroked his smooth occiput and chortled, “Senior brother, are you serious with your head all smashed and bleeding?”

“Aoow!” “Woof woof woof!”

Little Blackie rolled over and stood up, barking furiously.

Jie Lu looked at Little Blackie with astonishment and wondered, “Senior brother, what’s with the dog? Why is it suddenly so agitated?”

Han Wenxin stroked Little Blackie’s head and said, “Maybe there is something hidden deep within its bones that cannot be eradicated, just like me.”

Little Blackie squatted on the ground and pushed Han Wenxin’s hand away.

“Senior brother.”

Jie Lu took the roast chicken and devoured it greedily, “Next time you go for a hair wash, take me with you. It’s been a long while for me too. Damn it, I just wanted to learn some Buddhist martial arts and find my footing in the Jianghu. Who really wants to be a monk?!”

“A hair wash? What hair wash?”

Han Wenxin said annoyedly, “How vulgar. I am going out to beg for alms tonight.”

“Begging for alms?” Jie Lu was taken aback, “Senior brother, are you lacking food and clothing?”

The whole Fa Xi Temple knew Han Wenxin came from a well-off background. His father, Han Wenju, used to be an arrest officer in Yu State City and he was his only child. Besides, Han Wenxin himself had also been an arrest officer. How could he be short of silver?

“Not lacking,” Han Wenxin shook his head.

“So why go out to beg for alms?” Jie Lu asked while busying himself with the roast chicken.

Han Wenxin’s eyes grew deep as he brought his palms together at his chest, “I am going out to seek alms under the bright heavens.”

Jie Lu: “…..”

……

Yujing City, Golden Throne Hall.

The great hall was grand and magnificent in its architecture.

The civil and military officials stood loosely on both sides, many wearing more solemn expressions than usual.

Unlike other days, there stood an elder among the many civil officials.

That elder had white hair and a face full of the marks of time, with hair like the first snow upon the ground in harsh winter or the first frost in autumn, partially concealing and revealing roots of silver hair, and his face was crisscrossed with lines like a series of complicated past events. His hands rested on his waist, and he looked like he could fall asleep at any moment.

There are not many who dare to pretend to sleep in the Golden Throne Hall.

This man was the Grand Secretary of three dynasties, the current leader of the Confucian school—Lv Guoyong.

The eunuch Zhao Tianyi, as usual, stood in a higher position, “If there are no matters to report, the court shall adjourn.”

The civil and military officials shook their heads, not saying anything.

“Wait a moment!”

Just as Zhao Tianyi was about to leave, a voice rang out.

Here it comes!

Hearing this voice, everyone present felt a chill in their hearts.

“The official has an important matter to report,” said Yue Tingchen as he stepped forward deliberately.

“Minister of the Ministry of Industry, please speak,” Zhao Tianyi glanced at Yue Tingchen and said.

Yue Tingchen stepped forward, “This official would like to impeach the Daoist Master of Jiangnan Dao, Chu Nanying. His son, Chu Huai, has forced himself on a civilian girl, taken human lives, in total three hundred and twelve. Chu Nanying neglected the laws of Great Yan for years, shielding and indulging his son in committing shocking crimes, abusing his power for personal gain with irrefutable proof. I request Zhao Da-ren to examine this case.”

Wow!

These experienced officials instantly sensed a different undertone.

This surely wasn’t as simple as it appeared on the surface!

Everyone knew that Chu Nanying was aligned with the Crown Prince’s faction, while Yue Tingchen was from the Second Prince’s camp. Now Yue Tingchen was directly impeaching Chu Nanying.

Being the Daoist Master of Jiangnan Dao, Chu Nanying held a Second Grade official position—a far from insignificant figure and a key member of the Crown Prince’s faction.

The struggle between the two factions seemed to be starting, right?

Everyone looked towards the Second Prince, Zhao Mengtai, whose expression was calm as if the matter did not concern him at all.

“Where is the evidence?” Zhao Tianyi asked indifferently.

Yue Tingchen ordered, “Present the evidence.”

Two eunuchs lifted the evidence that had been prepared long ago, which piled up as high as a small mountain.

Even the officials present couldn’t help but be astonished by this scene; it truly is rare for one person to commit such a litany of sins.

Fang Shaohan, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, stepped forward with a fist and palm salute and said, “As Chu Nanying is after all the Daoist Master of Jiangnan Dao, this matter still requires thorough investigation.”

Yue Tingchen sneered and said, “The evidence is all here, please feel free to investigate, Minister Fang.”

Mad dog!

Fang Shaohan waved his sleeve and said, “Minister Yue is joking, what does this have to do with my Ministry of Revenue?”

Zhao Tianyi stepped forward to browse through the documents, glancing at Lv Guoyong unintentionally or perhaps intentionally, then said, “This is a matter of great importance, we need to immediately summon Chu Nanying to the capital, then deliberate further after a joint trial.”

With that, Zhao Tianyi slowly took his leave.

The hundreds of civil and military officials present all kept their silence as if sensing something different than usual, having lost their leisurely demeanor from days past.

After seeing Zhao Tianyi leave, Lv Guoyong finally opened his eyes, yawned, and walked toward the outside of the Golden Throne Hall.

The civil and military officials in attendance hastily stepped back to let this thrice-appointed Grand Secretary go first.

“Is Elder Lv feeling any better lately?”

At this moment, Zhao Mengtai came over with a smile and asked.

“Not bad.”

Lv Guoyong continued walking forward, absorbed in his own thoughts.

Zhao Mengtai lent an arm to Lv Guoyong and said, “That’s good to hear; Elder Lv is a pillar of our nation, and we cannot afford to have you unwell.”

“You need not concern yourself so, Second Prince; I haven’t reached that point yet.”

Lv Guoyong pushed away Zhao Mengtai’s arm.

Zhao Mengtai was not offended and said with a smile, “Seeing Elder Lv like this puts me at ease. I’ve heard that Elder Lv might take on another student; is there any truth to this rumor?”

It was common knowledge that Lv Guoyong had two students.

One had been Li Fuzhou, who defected from the Lv Sect and now sat as the Sect Master of the Demon Sect.

The other was Zhao Tianyi, currently an imperial eunuch, scribe of the Human Emperor, enjoying great trust, speaking on behalf of the emperor on important matters of state, and even possessing the right to enact punishment before reporting his actions.

If Li Fuzhou’s defection from the Lv Sect was a wound cut open on Lv Guoyong’s body, then Zhao Tianyi’s departure from the Lv Sect to become a eunuch was undoubtedly like pouring salt on Lv Guoyong’s wound.

Since then, Lv Guoyong had not taken any students.

Lv Guoyong paused for a moment, “He’s a fine young fellow.”

Zhao Mengtai laughed loudly and said, “Hahahaha, if Elder Lv speaks so highly of him, then he must surely be a prodigiously talented individual of this generation. However, I have heard he is still an examinee; I presume he is quite young?”

Lv Guoyong nodded, “Indeed, he is an examinee, in his thirties, the age of maturity, indeed not old.”

The two of them continued to talk as they walked out of the hall.

Zhao Mengtai inquired with a smile, “Will Elder Lv preside over this imperial examination?”

The year Li Fuzhou took the imperial examination, it was Lv Guoyong who presided over it in place of the emperor, and he awarded Li Fuzhou the position of “Exploration Flower” to ‘protect’ him.

“No need, he’s different from Li Fuzhou.”

Lv Guoyong said indifferently, “Li Fuzhou was famous from a young age, a once-in-a-lifetime genius, but he was stubborn and arrogant by nature, which required refinement. However, my newly received student is different; he is already a polished pearl, not needing the harsh polishing of the world.”

Zhao Mengtai’s expression remained light and breezy, but inwardly he was taken aback, not expecting Lv Guoyong to hold such high regard for his newly accepted student, even above Li Fuzhou.

Considering Lv Guoyong’s age and temperament, it was very likely this would be his last student, and the legacy was likely to be passed down through this student.

Zhao Mengtai stood on the steps and said, “My younger sister is still of tender age and yet unmarried; the Empress said she intends to choose a husband from this year’s candidates.”

Lv Guoyong, leaning on the rail next to him, took one step after another, saying, “That’s good; I remember the girl is indeed not young anymore, a shame she doesn’t seem to like Jing Chun. I’m afraid the lass might not fancy my student.”

Lv Jingchun, the son of Lv Fang, was Lv Guoyong’s grandson.

“She’s of age now, and it’s not up to her anymore; I think it’s time for her to find a good home.”

Zhao Mengtai gazed into the far, vast expanse.

Lv Guoyong did not speak further, continuing down the steps.

Zhao Mengtai left with a flick of his sleeve, and Yue Tingchen quickly followed, “Second Prince, what did Mr. Lv say?”

“He agreed.”

Zhao Mengtai exhaled a breath of air as he spoke.

Lv Guoyong, a Grand Secretary through three dynasties, who held sway over the court and the country, his students and former officials spread throughout every corner of Great Yan, was recognized as the leader of scholars across the land. The entire scholarly world might not know the current Human Emperor, but certainly knew the name Lv Guoyong.

For over sixty years, the name and connections he had amassed were both terrifying and formidable; otherwise, the mighty Taiping Human Emperor would have to show him respectfulness.

Which Emperor wouldn’t be wary? Which Emperor would wish for such a mountain to loom over their head?

And Lv Guoyong just happened to have taken on two extraordinarily talented students. Would these two inherit the Lv Sect and continue to press this mountain onto the royal family’s head, passing it on from one generation to the next?

That was bound to be inevitable.

The talent of these two was imprinted before everyone’s eyes, eliciting awe from all who saw it.

Even the reigning Taiping Human Emperor, a mighty sovereign of his generation, naturally didn’t want to see this situation unfold before him.

From Zhao Tianyi’s entrance to the palace and Li Fuzhou’s defection, one could discern a trace of the Human Emperor’s intentions: he only wished for Lv Sect’s influence to end here and didn’t want anyone to replace Lu Sect and continue this momentum.

However, if the person to replace Lv Sect was one of the royal family’s own, then that would be a different story.

“This is very good.”

Yue Tingchen nodded, thinking to himself that he couldn’t disagree even if he wanted to.

Both of Lv Guoyong’s students had met with terrible fates: one was castrated and became an eunuch, standing beside the Human Emperor day by day. This seemingly became a laughingstock for the Confucian scholars; the former most promising young talent of the Confucian path had become a castrated man.

The other one had defected and sought refuge with the Demon Sect, becoming a primary target for the Court’s eradication efforts.

But this third one, if successful, would be out of the ordinary.

A student of Lv Guoyong and the current Prince Consort, with the backing of two of the staunchest bastions behind him, would practically allow Great Yan Temple to act with impunity.

“My brother, he sure plays a heavy hand.”

Zhao Mengtai thought of something and slowly said, “I only made a probing move, never expecting him to counter me so decisively.”

Zhao Mengtai had also learned that Zhao Chongyin had a top-notch expert by his side, possibly a recluse Grandmaster, but no matter how much he investigated, he couldn’t find out who this person was. Thus, he laid out this plan—success would be best, but failure could also lure out that Grandmaster.

But he never expected to lose both wife and soldiers in this venture, as the mysterious Grandmaster never appeared.

Yue Tingchen stood by silently, not uttering a word.

Zhao Mengtai narrowed his eyes and slowly said, “Tell Chen Wandou, I absolutely disagree with this Five Gangs Alliance. I want to see what he can do to enhance his reputation in the Jianghu.”

“Yes.”

Yue Tingchen promptly responded.

…….

Capital Road, Lingbei.

Lush mountains layered upon one another like the undulating waves of the sea, intermittently appearing and disappearing within the drifting mists, distant and close as if by whimsy, like light ink smudges against the blue horizon.

The rivers below were crystal clear, tinged with a touch of azure.

At this moment, with the sunlight just right, the green mountains and blue waters seemed like a paradise on Earth.

The river meandered quietly, shifting with the mountains, snaking through secluded valleys and clouds, stretching among the bird songs and floral fragrances.

A bamboo raft floated over from the distance.

A man in black robes, hands clasped behind his back, stood atop the raft, leisurely admiring the boundless scenery on either side.

This man was An Jing.

“Once past the city of Heaven Gate ahead, I’ll be in Ping County.”

Having taken in the magnificent views, his mood had greatly improved by now.

Lou Xiangzhen was right—true affection in this world was the rarest treasure. As long as the feelings were genuine, that was enough.

No matter what, since he was almost at Ping County, he had to take a look.

Cultivation: Half-step Grandmaster

Life Fate: Favorable Star Shining (on the rise)

Root Bone: Once in a hundred years

Martial Arts: Sword Drawing Skill, Hidden Sword Skill, Sword Control Technique, Nine-character Sword Technique, Soaring Nine Heavens Body Technique, Daluo Heart Method, Concealing Qi Technique, Hundred-step Flying Sword (Ninth Layer), Ghost Valley Heart Method (Second Profound), Nine Yang Divine Finger (Eighth Layer), Brahma Heart Sees Me, Great Sun Tathagata Mantra, Heavenly Intent Four Symbols Sword Technique (Third Layer), Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture (Second Layer).

Prompt One: The host’s Life Fate has not yet taken root (three months remaining). When displaying martial arts, one must not let others know the host’s identity; otherwise, a dark opportunity will be received.

……

An Jing didn’t hesitate and directly cultivated the highest demon path martial arts contained within the Heavenly Flipping Seal, reasoning that having multiple skills would not be a burden for him.

Moreover, after a few days of contemplating the Four Symbols Sword Ancestor Sword Sticker, his sword dao cultivation was visibly improving at a rapid pace.

Yet, it still hadn’t reached the sensation of Lou Xiangzhen’s approaching step. However, An Jing wasn’t in a hurry either. Lou Xiangzhen once said his sword intent was very vast, making it potentially more difficult for him to advance to the Sixth Realm compared to ordinary swordsmen, but once he ascended to that realm, his power would be much stronger.

At this time, two small boats floated past the bamboo raft.

It seemed there were several people from Jianghu on the boats who were currently engaged in an animated discussion.

“Have you heard!? On the Four Symbols Mountain, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion colluded with the Demon Sect to plot against the Crown Prince, but fortunately, Sect Leader Jia Shiwu of the Four Symbols Sect thwarted their scheme.”

“Who doesn’t know about such a major event? It’s all over Jianghu now.”

“The Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion is probably going to be expelled.”

“Not necessarily, I heard that the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion has already slipped away.”

“Did you know about the recent disturbances on Xu Wang Mountain?”

“What happened to Xu Wang Mountain?”

“It’s said that Xu Wang Mountain is haunted, and quite a few people have died.”

……

An Jing was contemplating the newly learned Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture when he suddenly heard the words ‘Xu Wang Mountain’ and instantly felt a stir in his heart.

He still remembered that in the cave at Baima Town, he had released a mysterious Grandmaster-level expert, Xu Wang.

Moreover, his goal was to come to Xu Wang Mountain in search of something.

“I wonder if he has made it to this Xu Wang Mountain.”

An Jing muttered to himself, “Xu Wang Mountain, I must make a trip there, but I don’t know if I can still encounter that Xu Wang.”

The blade of the Evil Suppressing Sword had been split into six parts, one of which was right in the mountains of Xu Wang Mountain, and it seemed that high-ranking Xuanyi Guards and armored soldiers were personally guarding it.

Suddenly, the bamboo raft shook violently, causing An Jing’s body to tremble along with it.

This was the doing of the Black Flood Dragon below.

“What’s wrong now?” An Jing’s brows raised.

In the past few days, he had discovered a disheartening truth: although this Black Flood Dragon had developed intelligence, its courage was exceedingly small. Not to mention confronting people, the sight of someone wielding a weapon was enough to make it tuck its neck in fear.

“Ao wu!”

The Black Flood Dragon let out a low, aggrieved howl.

An Jing steered the Black Flood Dragon to a secluded area of the bay and said, “Come out.”

“Splash! Splash!”

The Black Flood Dragon burst forth from the water, revealing its massive head, looking at An Jing with a silly and endearing expression before excitedly moving its body.

“??”

This scene nearly drove An Jing to kidney pain out of frustration.

He didn’t pay any more attention to the Black Flood Dragon, instead, he took a map from his chest and whispered to himself, “I should be able to reach Ping County by tomorrow.”

For some reason, his mood was very complicated right now; he was eager to reach Ping County immediately, yet he dreaded what might happen after arriving…..

“That old fellow Li Fuzhou should be on Capital Road; he can’t run away.”

An Jing silently thought.

As long as he found Li Fuzhou, wouldn’t he be able to find his wife?

Compared to the chaos of the past few months, An Jing’s heart was somewhat calmer now, which is why he had started to cultivate the Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture in the previous few days.

It must be said, the Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture was indeed one of the three great secret techniques, and a Martial Arts Heart Method of the Heavenly Martial Level truly could not compare to it, although the difficulty of cultivating it was also extremely high.

If someone like Han Wenxin, with such qualifications, were given this peerless martial art, he would still find it difficult to become a top Jianghu expert.

“Hmm!?”

Just as An Jing was preparing to sit down and rest for a while, he suddenly felt a fire burning and churning in his abdomen.

“What… what’s going on?”

Before long, a dense layer of cold sweat appeared on An Jing’s forehead.

The flames continued to scorch as if they were going to melt his Dantian.

At the same time, the Daluo Heart Method and the Ghost Valley Heart Method within An Jing started to operate, with streams of cold currents rushing towards him, instantly making him feel a lot more comfortable as the burning sensation was significantly reduced.

“Phew….”

“Not good!”

An Jing let out a breath and relaxed slightly, but then his face suddenly turned pale.

He saw that beneath the Dantian, the black flames were burning even more furiously, spreading as if they were going to set his entire body ablaze.

…….