My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 185: Chapter 185: Sword Light Flashes by, A Fountain of Blood Emerges (10,000-word update, please subscribe)

In the mansion of the Marquis of Pingyang, the sounds of gongs and drums were incessantly resounding, and the noise was unceasing.

An Jing, led by the servants, arrived at the main venue of the wedding banquet. By this time, the venue was surrounded by a sea of people. On the left were the distinguished officials and nobles from the Court, and on the right were wealthy merchants and influential figures from Jianghu.

Qiu Heng, brimming with joy, stood in the center, welcoming the guests coming and going.

When An Jing walked in, he also attracted quite a bit of attention.

“Look quickly, the Ghost Swordsman has arrived.”

“I didn’t expect him to really come. Could he be here to challenge Lin Yiyang?”

“It’s quite possible. Haven’t you heard that instead of preparing to challenge Lin Yiyang, he was ridiculed and mocked by Lin Yiyang?”

“I wonder who among the two of them holds the upper hand.”

…….

Many people in Jianghu were quietly discussing among themselves.

The confrontation between the Ghost Swordsman and Lin Yiyang, two notable figures of the Great Yan Martial World, had recently been the subject of much heated discussion, and many were eagerly anticipating the duel between these two swordsmen.

“The Ghost Swordsman!?”

Dai Ling’s cold eyes flashed with a spark of fire when she saw the man in the black robe entering.

You could say that her greatest motivation now was to catch up with the strides of the Ghost Swordsman.

And Ling Yuanjing and He Chen, who had just taken their seats, exchanged glances and chuckled wryly.

They once had the courage to cross swords with the Ghost Swordsman, but ever since the old man Qingfeng was slain by the Ghost Swordsman, they no longer even had the courage to draw their blades against him.

Their strength was no longer on the same level.

“Great Commander Gao, who is that person? May you enlighten me?”

Minister of Rites Zhu Yongfang asked with some curiosity.

The surrounding civil and military officials were also looking curiously at a middle-aged man beside them.

Just who was he that all the martial experts from Jianghu around him fell silent, especially the two Peak Masters of the Zhenyi Sect who changed their expressions abruptly?

The middle-aged man had a firm and determined face, calm and steady, and even the loose black clothes he wore could not disguise his tall and robust stature, clearly someone who practiced martial arts.

It was none other than the Great Commander of the Inner Forbidden Palace, Gao Sheng, known as the “Thousand-Mile Arrow.”

His fame had spread throughout Jianghu when he once shot and killed an over-the-wall monkey from several miles away.

Gao Sheng glanced over and then said, “His black robe covers his face, and there is no release of Qi mechanism, it must be the Ghost Swordsman, well-known in Jianghu.”

“I have heard that the Ghost Swordsman has a close private relationship with Jiang Sanjia, Minister Zhu might need to be careful.”

With that, Gao Sheng took a glance at Zhu Yongfang.

Minister of Rites Zhu Yongfang felt a chill in his heart, but on the surface he said nonchalantly, “No matter how formidable, he’s just a rogue from Jianghu. When the tide of power turns, he can only curl up and hide.”

The other officials around nodded in agreement, thinking when had they ever been threatened by these rabble from Jianghu?

Gao Sheng chuckled without saying anything.

If it were just ordinary Jianghu rabble, naturally there would be no need to care; they also wouldn’t have the audacity. But when someone reached the level of an expert like the Ghost Swordsman, that was a different story.

“My lord, please feel free to take a seat anywhere,” said the Marquis of Pingyang, looking quite composed as he spoke calmly.

“Alright.”

An Jing bowed with his hands clasped together and casually found a seat to sit down.

Surrounding him were all the well-known experts in Jianghu, some of whom he recognized, and many others he did not.

“My lord.”

Just as An Jing took his seat, an old voice suddenly rang out.

The speaker was an elderly man in blue, accompanied by a sweet-faced and gentle young girl.

An Jing smiled faintly and stood up with his hands clasped in salute, “Sect Leader Jia, my respects.”

The visitor was none other than the Sect Leader of the Four Symbols Sect, Jia Shiwu.

With profound significance, Jia Shiwu said, “My lord, your talents are unparalleled in my experience. In just one day’s time, you brought our Four Symbols Sword Technique to perfection. Truly extraordinary.”

The Four Symbols Sword Technique was a martial art of the Heavenly Martial level. To cultivate it to perfection, so far, only the Four Symbols Sword Ancestor had achieved it.

Jia Shiwu was ‘complaining’ because An Jing took away the Sword Sticker of the Four Symbols Sword Ancestor.

Jia Meixian, on the other hand, was looking at the famed swordsman in front of her, filled with curiosity.

Indeed, no one among the high-ranking martial artists of the world was not curious about the face under the Ghost Swordsman’s black robe.

Moreover, when Lin Tianhai was about to harm her at the Four Symbols Sect, it was this very Ghost Swordsman who saved her. In Jia Shiwu’s eyes, the Ghost Swordsman was a ‘thief’, but in the eyes of Jia Meixian, he was her life-saving benefactor.

An Jing smiled faintly and said, “Sect Leader Jia is too kind. The Four Symbols Sword Technique is mysterious and unfathomable; Master Lin Tianhai, at the Grandmaster Realm, couldn’t even withstand that one sword, which shows its extraordinariness.”

“This item was fortuitously obtained by myself at first, and now it would seem it has returned to its rightful owner.”

As he spoke, An Jing took out the sword sticker from his bosom and handed it to Jia Shiwu.

Jia Shiwu’s eyes lit up as he took the sword sticker.

The true relic left behind by the Four Symbols Sword Ancestor, the sword sticker, had never been discovered by the people of the Four Symbols Sect; otherwise, how could An Jing have taken advantage of it?

“Good, thank you very much,” Jia Shiwu said with control over his emotions as he put away the Four Symbols Sword Sticker. After all, it is better to resolve enmities rather than prolong them, and naturally, he did not want to make an enemy of the Ghost Swordsman before him.

First, the Ghost Swordsman had returned the sword sticker to him, and indeed, had saved Jia Meixian at the Four Symbols Sect previously. Secondly, he really had no way to deal with him.

“The Junior Preceptor of the Eastern Palace has arrived.”

Just then, a clear and forceful voice rang out.

The entire residence of the Pingyang Marquis became silent.

The Junior Preceptor was one of the Crown Prince’s three mentors, representing the current Crown Prince himself.

Following the voice, a lady in pale yellow palace attire, Bai Jing, slowly walked in.

“Junior Preceptor, please.”

Qiu Heng took a few steps forward and said with a big laugh.

“The Marquis is too courteous,” Bai Jing replied, bowing slightly before choosing a seat and sitting down.

Not long after Bai Jing sat down, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, Yue Tingchen, also arrived.

If Bai Jing represented the Crown Prince’s faction, then Yue Tingchen naturally belonged to the Second Prince’s line.

Both factions, although not present in person, sent their key confidants, showing considerable respect to the Pingyang Marquis.

Great Commander Wang Shiyi, Marquis of Pingding, and others stationed far on the border could not attend but had sent their gifts of congratulation.

“Valley Master Zuo Biwen of Youfeng Valley has arrived.”

Another voice announced, and the sight of Zuo Biwen in purple attire, with his son Zuo Zixin, entering the scene.

“Congratulations, Brother Qiu.”

“Please, come inside,” Qiu Heng said as he ushered them further in.

Zuo Biwen nodded and soon after he saw An Jing sitting in a corner, he quickly approached.

“Are you the famous Ghost Swordsman who has been making quite a name for himself recently?” Zuo Biwen asked.

An Jing nodded and smiled, “I have the honor of meeting the Valley Master.”

Zuo Biwen waved his hands dismissively, his expression serious, “Please, there’s no need for such courtesy. You saved my niece, which is a great kindness to both me, Zuo Biwen, and the entire Zuo Family. Should you need anything in the future, I wholeheartedly pledge my full support without any hesitation.”

The Zuo Family is known for its great scholars; they hoped that the young Zuo Biwen would gain academic honors and enter the court as an official. However, Zuo Biwen was drawn to the chivalrous and unrestrained life of Jianghu, and later joined Youfeng Valley to study martial arts, eventually becoming its Valley Master.

Zuo Biwen places great importance on loyalty and friendship. He is very well-known and respected in Jianghu for his wide connections.

An Jing smiled but did not respond.

His rescue of Princess An Le had been a matter of fate and coincidence. If he had not encountered Qi Shu in that dilapidated temple, their subsequent adventures might never have occurred.

“Imperial Concubine Rong has arrived!”

“The Distinguished Official has arrived!”

Two more sonorous voices rose, turning the heads of everyone present.

Imperial Concubine Rong?

An Jing’s eyes narrowed slightly as he looked toward the entrance.

The woman who walked in first appeared to be in her thirties, with curved eyebrows and a slightly upturned petite nose, her face like white jade, her complexion like morning glow.

She bore a resemblance to Mu Xiaoyun but had a different aura.

Her skin was smooth as cream, and she exuded a gentle and alluring charm, adding a mature and captivating quality that was irresistible to men.

Following the woman was an elderly eunuch in a python robe, his demeanor as calm as still water, his eyebrows graying, and despite standing behind the stunning woman, he seemed even more eye-catching.

These two were none other than Imperial Concubine Rong, Mu Xiaowan, and the Human Emperor’s handprint eunuch Bai Mei.

Mu Xiaowan’s presence caused a stir, making several people marvel at her beauty—with only Dai Ling capable of commanding such presence over the women present. However, Mu Xiaowan possessed a maturity and allure that made her irresistible.

And yet, even more attention was paid to the eunuch Bai Mei.

As the one who held the Jade Seal on behalf of the Human Emperor and was revered as a father figure, his status was extraordinary.

This eunuch Bai Mei stood as a stabilizer within the Imperial Palace, and even the Crown Prince and the Second Prince had to approach him with the utmost deference.

Be it the nobles from the court or the masters from Jianghu, all rose to their feet in his presence.

Imperial Concubine Rong spoke with a smile, “Congratulations to you, Minister Qiu.”

“Imperial Concubine, Distinguished Official, please take your seats,” Pingyang Marquis Qiu Heng said with a smile.

Mu Xiaowan’s special status meant that she represented the Royal Family; thus, her seat was distinctively positioned.

Skilled expert!

An Jing glanced at the white-browed eunuch, silently remarking to himself.

The burst of qi around the white-browed eunuch was not completely concealed, so the top martial artists present could still sense it, that elusive sense of oppression.

Absolutely a top grandmaster expert, at the very least at the Three Qi and possibly even the Four Qi Realm.

However, An Jing merely glanced once, then turned his attention to Mu Xiaowan.

The death of Jiang Sanjia was largely due to this woman.

Otherwise, even if Jiang Sanjia’s lifespan and essence blood were almost depleted, he could have lived a few more years at the very least.

“Hmm?”

Mu Xiaowan glanced over and met An Jing’s eyes.

“I don’t like the look in your eyes,” she said.

Her crisp voice rose, carrying a mix of coldness, nobility, and arrogance.

In an instant, many people looked over.

An Jing still sat on the bench and said, “Perhaps Her Highness’s gaze is different from that of others.”

Mu Xiaowan asked, “How so?”

An Jing smiled faintly, “Her Highness has a pair of eyes that look down on people, unlike others.”

The bustling scene suddenly quieted down, and even some people’s movements halted.

When had Mu Xiaowan ever been insulted in public like this?

Her facial expression changed rapidly, although she quickly regained composure, her heart grew colder.

“How audacious!”

Ling Yuanjing burst out sharply, “Do you know who stands before you? This is an insult to the Great Yan Royal Family!”

Without changing his expression, An Jing said, “Peak Master Ling, why the rush to defend? Could it be that you have some unspoken secret with the Imperial Concubine?”

Ling Yuanjing’s heart trembled, but his face showed no change as he sneered, “You are too bold, slandering me is one thing, but to utter foul language against the Imperial Concubine, you are showing contempt for the Great Yan Royal Family, contempt for the current Human Emperor.”

Ling Yuanjing spoke as if to align himself with the Royal Family, as though he intended to set An Jing against the Human Emperor.

This was Yujing City, and if the accusation were to be substantiated, even a black flood dragon comparable to a grandmaster of the Three Qi might find it difficult to leave the Great Yan capital today.

At this moment, Marquis Pingyang’s eyebrows were tightly knit; he had not expected such a turn of events today.

Zhenyi Sect was the first to start trouble with the Ghost Swordsman.

The white-browed eunuch calmly said, “Although you have saved Princess An Le, you still need to mind your words, after all, many disasters in the world start from the mouth.”

No matter what, Mu Xiaowan was representing the Royal Family today. If she was insulted, it would not reflect well on the Royal Family’s dignity.

Upon hearing this, An Jing slowly stood up.

What was he going to do?

All eyes turned to him, full of curiosity. Could it be that he was about to acknowledge his mistake?

But An Jing looked at the white-browed eunuch and said indifferently, “The mouth is on my body, how I choose to speak, surely I do not need you to teach me, do I?”

Wow!

As his words fell, they immediately caused a great stir among the crowd.

After all, no one expected the Ghost Swordsman to be so outspoken and refute the Royal Family’s Stabilizer.

“The overly rigid is easily broken, while the gentle are invincible,” Dai Danshu muttered to himself upon witnessing this.

Dai Ling’s eyebrows frowned as he locked his eyes on the swordsman standing tall.

A smirk appeared on the corner of Ling Yuanjing’s mouth, evidently, he had achieved his goal.

“Boom!” “Boom!”

The next moment, the clear skies suddenly darkened with heavy clouds obscuring the sun.

From within, the sounds of dragon roars and tiger howls echoed incessantly.

The exotic beast Black Flood Dragon!

The white-browed eunuch, looking at the Ghost Swordsman, recalled Zhao Xuening’s words, about a mysterious grandmaster expert beside the Ghost Swordsman; Qi Shu hadn’t lasted three punches against that expert.

Today, offending the grandmaster behind the Ghost Swordsman for the sake of Mu Xiaowan and Zhenyi Sect seemed unwise.

The white-browed eunuch’s silence suddenly shocked all the experts present.

Meanwhile, Marquis Pingyang hastily said, “Imperial Concubine, your magnanimity is vast. Why bother with these petty issues? Please, take your seat first.”

“Fine, for Marquis Pingyang’s sake, I will let this matter go,” said Mu Xiaowan with a nod before she headed to her seat.

The atmosphere, originally tense as drawn swords and ready crossbows, changed in an instant.

This left many people extremely astonished.

Why had the white-browed eunuch suddenly gone silent for a moment?

Could it be because of the exotic Black Flood Dragon in the sky?

An Jing’s expression remained indifferent and calm, but if one looked closely, they would see he was holding an ancient jade in his sleeve.

Jiang Sanjia also hurried over, whispering, “Big brother, big brother, today is my big day, you have to save face for me.”

He had never imagined that in the blink of an eye, his ‘big brother’ would be standing in confrontation with the Handprint Eunuch of the Human Emperor.

An Jing patted Jiang Sanjia on the shoulder, “Don’t worry, nothing will go wrong on your wedding day.”

Jiang Sanjia laughed dryly twice. If nothing really went wrong, that would be troublesome.

“The Great Commander of the Xuanyi Guard, Lord Tang, has arrived.”

“The Sect Leader of the Yu Heng Sword Sect, Lin Tianhai, has arrived.”

At this moment, two more voices rang out from outside the door.

Immediately, many people regained their composure and looked over.

Tang Taiyuan and Lin Yiyang entered side by side.

The title of Great Commander of the Xuanyi Guard made people shudder with its mere mention.

The sharpest knife in the hands of the Human Emperor.

Moreover, in the Court, Tang Taiyuan also possessed an extremely high status as one of the closest confidants of the Human Emperor and one of the most trusted individuals.

Lin Yiyang was one of the most renowned Sword Immortals at the moment, especially after his battle with the Universal Benefit Bodhisattva. He had claimed he would reach the Sixth Realm within three years.

This boast had raised his prestige to its peak, and if it wasn’t for Lou Xiangzhen’s sudden emergence, many had already placed him in the rank of the world’s number one swordsman.

The appearance of Lin Yiyang once again caused many eyes to turn toward An Jing.

In recent years, there had been rumors in Jianghu of the Ghost Swordsman challenging Lin Yiyang, with both preparing to contend for the title of the world’s number one swordsman. Now, the two were finally face to face.

To the disappointment of many, the two swordsmen seemed to lack the animosity of pointed swords facing sharp awns.

Lin Yiyang, accompanied by his Sword Servant Qiu Wanxia, sat down at his designated seat with an indifferent gaze, not even bothering to look in An Jing’s direction from a distance.

Apart from acknowledging Qiu Heng with a clasped fist, he did not interact with anyone else.

An Jing’s attention was more on Tang Taiyuan.

The elder in black clothes had completely concealed his Qi mechanism, appearing to be nothing more than an ordinary person.

But everyone from Jianghu present knew better than to dare regard him as a mere commoner.

Suddenly, the steward of the Pingyang Marquis Mansion came rushing in and whispered a few words into Qiu Heng’s ear.

Qiu Heng said calmly, “Since he’s here, let him come in.”

“Yes.”

After responding, the steward headed towards the door, and shortly after, a clear voice echoed.

“The Sect Master of the Demon Sect, Li Fuzhou, has arrived.”

Boom!

This announcement ignited uproar like a stone stirring up a thousand waves.

Li Fuzhou from the Demon Sect is here!?

Both the Court’s officials and the experts from Jianghu were shocked to the core.

The people of the Demon Sect dared to come to Yujing City!?

As the announcement concluded, Li Fuzhou entered under the watchful eyes of the crowd, looking free-spirited with a touch of indifference.

Following him was Tan Yun, looking sincerely honest and straightforward.

Tang Taiyuan glanced at Tan Yun, as if a thought had struck him, and for a moment, a sharp glint passed briefly through his eyes.

“Brother Qiu, it has been a long time since we’ve seen each other.”

Li Fuzhou greeted Qiu Heng with cupped hands.

Qiu Heng responded, “It has indeed been a long time.”

Li Fuzhou glanced around and then turned to the elevated Tang Taiyuan, “Lord Tang, how have you been lately?”

“Very well,” was Tang Taiyuan’s terse reply, as if his words were worth gold.

Li Fuzhou nodded and said with a smile, “Lord Tang, your well-being truly distresses me.”

“I have a method that could relieve you of your troubles.”

“What method?”

“Death.”

Tang Taiyuan’s eyes were filled with an almost intense murderous aura at this point, without a hint of concealment.

Others might not feel it, but Tan Yun, who stood beside Li Fuzhou, felt a chill run down his spine, straight to the crown of his head.

If the atmosphere between the Ghost Swordsman and Mu Xiaowan was somewhat subtle just now, then at this moment, the tension between the two was like an arrow on a taut string, which could not be held back and almost wished they could draw their swords and settle life and death immediately.

An Jing’s brows furrowed slightly, for Tang Taiyuan’s cultivation was extremely high, seemingly even above Feng Lingyue. Li Fuzhou, even if he had entered the Master Realm, would not be his match.

Li Fuzhou faced Tang Taiyuan and laughed loudly, then looked at Tang Taiyuan and said calmly, “Three days from now on the Eight Feet Platform, Li Fuzhou invites the Great Commander to come and meet his death.”

His voice was not loud, but it echoed in everyone’s ears.

A glint of astonishment flickered in everyone’s eyes. Was Li Fuzhou seeking death? How could he possibly be a match for Tang Taiyuan?

Tang Taiyuan’s expression was calm as water, and he replied, “Bold, truly worthy of being Li Fuzhou. Then prepare your coffin.”

Others didn’t know the purpose of Li Fuzhou’s visit today, but he was very clear—it was to deliver a challenge letter.

Li Fuzhou was unwilling to continue arguing with Tang Taiyuan and walked down, taking a seat next to An Jing, “If I had known you had an invitation, I would have come with you and avoided waiting outside for so long.”

An Jing raised an eyebrow but did not speak.

Had Li Fuzhou come to Yujing City to challenge Tang Taiyuan?

Li Fuzhou did not seem to be one who sought death.

And did he truly not fear that the Court’s martial arts experts would rise against him and directly take his head?

Tan Yun then blinked at An Jing and quickly lowered her head, afraid that Li Fuzhou would see.

The arrival of various masters made the situation on the scene extraordinarily complex and delicate, with friction between different forces.

Qiu Heng’s brow furrowed deeply.

The person he was waiting for had not arrived, while those who should not be appearing had shown up one after another.

“Marquis, the auspicious time has come,” said the steward of the Pingyang Marquis Mansion.

Qiu Heng nodded and responded, “Then let us begin.”

Upon hearing this, the steward loudly announced, “The auspicious time is upon us!”

Suddenly, the cracking sounds of firecrackers erupted within Pingyang Marquis Mansion.

Qiu Lun and Fang Jinxiu made their appearance.

The loud, festive, and shrill sounds of the suona penetrated the crowded throng.

The two walked side by side in the midst of the gathering, taking up the room of four people.

Tan Yun looked at the pair’s physique, opened her mouth, and said, “This… this really is quite a match.”

“Yes, indeed.”

An Jing nodded, his mind suddenly recalling when he got married to Zhao Qingmei in Yu State City.

It was a hot July, and the arrangements back then were nothing like the luxurious spectacle in front of him. It was rather simple, and just like that ten months had slipped by.

Amidst the loud readings of the ceremonial host, Qiu Lun and Fang Jinxiu bowed to heaven and earth, to each other as husband and wife, and finally, the bride was escorted into the bridal chamber.

Then, with the surrounding crowd, Qiu Lun went about toasting and drinking spiritedly with the guests.

The other guests also engaged in conversation, making for a harmonious atmosphere. Even Lin Yiyang welcomed several martial world figures approaching him for polite greetings.

Only An Jing, Li Fuzhou, and Tan Yun formed a group around which no one gathered, as if they did not fit in with the wedding banquet.

Li Fuzhou poured himself a cup of wine and commented, “It seems your popularity isn’t all that great.”

An Jing replied indifferently, “With Sect Leader Li sitting beside me, who would dare to come?”

The sect leader of the Demon Sect Human Sect, a turncoat from the Lv Sect, had offended both the martial world and the Court thoroughly. Coupled with An Jing’s standoff with Bai Mei the eunuch earlier, no one dared to approach the trio.

Tan Yun tore off a chicken leg without any pretense and declared, “What’s there to look down upon.”

An Jing said pensively, “In any case, you certainly didn’t come here in vain today.”

“I’ve eaten my fill in one go.”

Tan Yun’s face reddened as she whispered in defense, “I actually couldn’t eat that much.”

An Jing, however, looked up at Mu Xiaowan, seated high at the front, who also seemed to glance over intentionally or otherwise.

Their gazes met in midair and then, as if by agreement, shifted away.

“This Mu Xiaowan, she harbors a killing intent towards me.”

An Jing’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he then looked toward the entrance.

Li Fuzhou lifted his cup and said slowly, “Someone is arriving.”

An Jing inquired, “Who is it?”

Li Fuzhou drank the wine in his cup and replied, “Houjin.”

“Rustle, rustle, rustle!” “Rustle, rustle, rustle!”

As Li Fuzhou’s voice fell, a rustling sound came from outside the door.

“I didn’t expect to still be late in the end.”

A leisurely voice sounded. @@novelbin@@

A tall and burly old man strode in, followed by dozens of experts dressed in Houjin attire.

An Jing looked at the elder and said, “Grandmaster?”

Li Fuzhou glanced at An Jing and said with a smile, “The Mu Jin Dharma King who rescued Qi Shu from your grasp, you don’t recognize him?”

So it was him!

An Jing saw the elder and couldn’t help but look again.

Back then, when he was chasing Qi Shu at the Great Yan border, a mysterious Houjin expert appeared out of nowhere and saved Qi Shu. He never knew who it was, but it turned out to be the Mu Jin Dharma King in front of him.

The moment the Mu Jin Dharma King appeared, everyone from Great Yan frowned.

Qiu Heng said indifferently, “Guests are always welcome, please take a seat.”

The servants of the Marquis Mansion brought over some tables and placed them to the right of Mu Xiaowan.

“Good.”

The Mu Jin Dharma King nodded and slowly took a seat.

Bai Mei, the eunuch, said indifferently, “I didn’t expect the Mu Jin Dharma King to have such leisure and interest.”

“It was just too boring, so I came to have a look. It was said that there would be many Great Yan experts today, and I wanted to see for myself. But having a closer look now, it’s rather disappointing,” the Mu Jin Dharma King declared and then turned his eyes to Mu Xiaowan and smiled, “However, the beauty and charm of the ladies of Great Yan truly live up to their reputation.”

Upon hearing this, some remained expressionless while others felt a surge of nameless anger.

Bai Mei asked, “Why are you disappointed?”

“We, the Houjin people, speak straightforwardly; I hope none of you take offense.”

The Mu Jin Dharma King laughed out loud and shook his head, sighing, “I heard that the Sword Dao of Great Yan is prevalent and its swordsmen numerous, but on my journey here, not one was a match for Houjin’s talent, Yan Gang, including some swordsmen famous for twenty years…”

Yan Gang, standing behind the Mu Jin Dharma King, couldn’t help but raise his head at these words, a hint of arrogance flickering in his eyes.

Li Fuzhou murmured to himself, yet as if talking to An Jing, “This swordsman is thirty-three, in the Fifth Realm of Sword Skill, has consumed the millennial Snow Lotus from the Great Snow Mountain, and his cultivation has reached the Heavenly Flower Realm. On his way here, he has killed many Great Yan swordsmen and is called Houjin’s number one talent swordsman by his people.”

An Jing looked at Yan Gang, whose face was full of arrogance, and remained silent.

He couldn’t fathom what was so prideful about being thirty-three and reaching the Fifth Realm; he simply couldn’t relate.

Qiu Lun suddenly stepped forward with anger on his face and said, “There are two Sword Immortals from Great Yan here; why doesn’t the Mu Jin Dharma King let Yan Gang have a try?”

A sharp gleam appeared in Yan Gang’s eyes. Just as he was about to speak, the Mu Jin Dharma King started laughing and said, “I’ve heard of the name of Great Yan’s Sword Immortals, but these swordsmen are all over forty, while Yan Gang is just past thirty, so it’s not quite fair…”

Qiu Lun argued with reason, “It wouldn’t hurt to have a friendly spar.”

However, the Mu Jin Dharma King let out a cold sneer.

If Yan Gang were defeated, the momentum he had built would be broken, and his proud heart would surely retain an indelible impression, which could greatly impact his future.

Having already humiliated the people of the Great Yan Dynasty, his purpose was achieved. Why gamble unnecessarily?

Yet all of a sudden, Yan Gang interjected, “Alright, I’ll have a spar with the seniors then.”

“Yan Gang!” exclaimed the Mu Jin Dharma King with a deep frown.

“Rest assured, Dharma King.”

Looking at Lin Yiyang in the distance, Yan Gang said, “Since it’s a spar to exchange swordsmanship, how about we fight with a single strike at the same realm?”

A single strike at the same realm!?

Everyone present frowned upon hearing this.

Tang Taiyuan explained in a low voice, “Yan Gang practices Fast Sword; among swordsmen of the same realm, his sword is almost the fastest. To defeat him with one strike is virtually impossible unless you are a Sixth Realm swordsman.”

Zhu Yongfang, the Minister of Rites, snorted coldly, “I see, quite cunning indeed.”

Gao Sheng said indifferently, “A contest with a single strike is almost an assured victory, and if he wins, the name of Great Yan’s swordsmen will be trampled under his feet, further boosting his fame.”

Naturally, Yan Gang was not foolish. He had even calculated everything in his heart.

Practicing Fast Sword, and at the same realm, it was impossible for anyone to kill him with just one strike.

“Sect Leader Lin?”

Dai Danshu, Jia Shiwu, Zuo Biwen, Ling Yuanjing, and others all looked towards Lin Yiyang.

Lin Yiyang said indifferently, “I have no interest in him because he’s not worthy of me making a move.”

Lin Yiyang unwilling to make a move!?

Qiu Heng saw this and his brows furrowed slightly; Lin Yiyang’s temperament was well-known to the world, and if he did not wish to make a move, nothing could compel him to do so.

The Mu Jin Dharma King, with a tone of reproach, said, “Yan Gang, your sword is too fast; it’s so fast that people are afraid to even receive your strike.”

With a cold tone, Yan Gang replied, “Yes, Yan Gang will pay attention next time.”

Mu Jin Dharma King looked at Mu Xiaowan with a face full of pity, “The Imperial Concubine is indeed a national beauty. If Houjin had a woman like her, it would be wonderful.”

“Yan Gang, let’s go.”

Speaking, Mu Jin Dharma King stood up and walked towards the door.

“The swordsmen of Great Yan have disappointed me.”

Yan Gang spoke these words and then followed behind Mu Jin Dharma King.

Bai Mei, the eunuch, narrowed his eyes into slits, secretly calculating how to kill Yan Gang.

Seeing this, Qiu Lun shouted, “Hold on, there is still one Sword Immortal here.”

“Oh?”

Yan Gang paused momentarily upon hearing this.

Mu Jin Dharma King turned around with interest and asked, “Who is it?”

In an instant, everyone’s gaze once again turned towards An Jing.

Mu Jin Dharma King followed everyone’s gaze, his eyes narrowing slightly at the sight of the Ghost Swordsman.

He had once rescued Qi Shu from the hands of the Ghost Swordsman, so his impression of the swordsman before him was extremely profound.

An Jing waved his hand dismissively, “You can leave. I don’t wish to kill anyone today.”

Arrogance!

The words of Lin Yiyang and the Ghost Swordsman were one more arrogant than the other.

“Could it be that the senior only knows how to boast, and the sword in your hand is soft?”

Yan Gang’s expression became twisted at this moment; he could suppress the anger from Lin Yiyang’s words, but An Jing’s words completely made it unbearable for him.

“Although you two claim to be Sword Immortals, you’re only decades older than me. With my current Sword Dao realm, in a few decades you will definitely be trampled under my feet. Why be so arrogant?”

“Moreover, in a sword duel, Yan Gang does not believe himself to be inferior to any swordsman in the world.”

Upon hearing Yan Gang’s words, many people frowned slightly.

This might be the terrifying aspect of a genius. They have great potential, and no one knows how they will turn out in the future. It might indeed be as Yan Gang said: in a few decades, he could be stepping on the Ghost Swordsman and Lin Yiyang.

Lin Yiyang, who had mostly remained silent, chuckled, “If he can’t kill you with one sword, Lin is willing to give his head to Houjin.”

Lin Yiyang’s words shocked everyone present.

Everyone knows that in the Jianghu, it is widely rumored that the Ghost Swordsman and Lin Yiyang must fight one day. By all accounts, they should be opponents, but Lin Yiyang actually had such confidence in the Ghost Swordsman. To the point of guaranteeing with his own head that the Ghost Swordsman could kill Yan Gang with a single sword?

Mu Jin Dharma King, upon hearing Lin Yiyang’s words, was also greatly moved.

Yu Heng Sword Sect is the second largest sect in Great Yan, and Lin Yiyang is also a Sword Immortal of the Grandmaster Realm. If he could gain his head without any effort, it would be an immense joy.

“Let’s do it!”

“Shiii!”

Yan Gang’s eyes showed a trace of crimson as he suddenly drew the Devouring Tiger Sword.

Qiu Lun transmitted his voice to An Jing, who stood motionless, “Elder Brother, as the Taishan Beidou of Great Yan Martial World’s swordsmen, aren’t you going to teach this kid a lesson?”

In everyone’s mind, the Ghost Swordsman is considered a predecessor of the current Great Yan Martial World.

As a predecessor, wasn’t it his duty to uphold the reputation of Great Yan’s Martial World and to discipline his junior swordsmen?

Mu Jin Dharma King, afraid that An Jing would not agree, could not help but laugh softly, “What’s the matter, afraid? If you’re afraid, you might as well give up the title of Sword Immortal to Houjin.”

The head of Lin Yiyang was an enormous temptation.

“I couldn’t take down Qi Shu’s head, so I might as well collect some interest first.”

An Jing got up, yet his gaze was on Lin Yiyang, “Sect Leader Lin, you’re entrusting your life to my hands, are you not afraid?”

“Not afraid.”

Lin Yiyang’s voice was incredibly calm.

An Jing shook his head with a slight chuckle, then stood opposite Yan Gang.

Yan Gang looked at the black-robed man before him and said coldly, “Senior, our contest will be decided with a single sword.”

He thought that facing a top Sword Immortal of the current age, he wouldn’t be nervous, but when the Ghost Swordsman stood before him, he couldn’t help feel a significant weight in his heart.

According to the intelligence he received, the Ghost Swordsman before him had once killed a Grandmaster with just a Half-step Master’s cultivation.

He was definitely one of the top swordsmen in the world.

An Jing did not speak but simply stood calmly in place.

Seeing An Jing’s silence, Yan Gang sneered with a hint of mockery, “Senior, my sword is very fast against an opponent of the same realm.”

When it came to Fast Sword, Yan Gang had never admitted inferiority to any swordsman.

“Remember not to blink when I draw my sword.”

An Jing looked at Yan Gang with a light smile, “Blood will spurt out very quickly, and you’ll definitely see it when you’re dying.”

Yan Gang’s eyes revealed a hint of gloom, “Perhaps what I saw wasn’t even the blood of my senior.”

All gazes converged on the two of them, everyone holding their breath, even afraid to blink.

An Jing’s robes fluttered as he suppressed his cultivation to the Heavenly Flower Realm, his palm touching the hilt of the Evil Suppressing Sword at his waist.

The air seemed to solidify.

“Shi!”

Yan Gang made the first move, his Devouring Tiger Sword unleashing a beam of black light the moment it was drawn, which then vanished.

Fast!

Fast to an extreme!

In the martial world, nothing is indestructible, only speed is unbeatable.

Thus, Fast Sword is also a famous swordsmanship in the way of the sword, but not many can truly master it to perfection.

Yan Gang, however, counted as one of them.

The moment the sword was drawn, it was as if a black tiger burst forth from a mountain, pouncing towards An Jing with a biting attack.

In the eyes of many experts, Yan Gang’s sword was already drawn, and it was even on the verge of reaching An Jing’s presence, yet he still had not moved.

Suddenly, everyone’s hearts were in their throats.

“Pu!”

At the next moment, the black tiger abruptly burst apart.

Unity Sword Technique! Sword Drawing Skill!

The Sword Drawing Skill requires the unity of essence, energy, and spirit, with the stored sword skill growing stronger the longer it is nurtured.

Yan Gang did not blink; he could only feel a sword, like the morning sun, breaking through the pitch-black night. He couldn’t see the trajectory of the sword light, and his life had already disappeared completely into that brightness along with the darkness.

“Puchi!”

Blood, a strikingly beautiful fountain of blood, sprayed out.

Indeed, as An Jing had said, at the last moment before his eyes closed, he saw his own blood.

“Thud!”

Yan Gang’s body heavily collapsed to the ground, his breath cut off completely, while his blood still flowed slowly on the ground.

The entire Pingyang Marquis Mansion was as silent as death, as if everyone had not yet snapped back to reality.

The number one talent of Houjin, the swordsman, was dead!

The genius swordsman who had arrogantly vowed to become the best in the world after killing dozens of Great Yan swordsmen was dead!

“Zeng.”

An Jing sheathed the Evil Suppressing Sword and indifferently returned to his seat, as if he had done nothing more significant than eating or drinking.

“Impressive.”

Li Fuzhou watched An Jing return and sincerely praised.

Tan Yun’s mouth was wide open, her eyes showing continuous amazement.

“So fast!”

Gao Sheng’s eyes suddenly narrowed, and a chill ran down his spine.

Tang Taiyuan also had an extremely solemn expression. Both of them were at the Heavenly Flower Realm, but the Ghost Swordsman’s Realm was not weaker than a Half-step Master’s. This was horrifying.

Bai Mei, the eunuch, did not speak, his heart also filled with immense surprise.

Ling Yuanjing, Dai Danshu, Zuo Biwen, Jia Shiwu, and other experts all trembled in their hearts.

“There actually exists such a swordsman under the heavens,” thought Mu Xiaowan, feeling a slight heaviness in her heart.

Lin Yiyang’s pupils also contracted slightly, as he glimpsed a trace of the Ghost Swordsman’s swordsmanship. If not for being a swordsman himself, he wouldn’t have been able to sense the terror of that swordsmanship.

“What number one swordsman of Houjin? He’s dead just like that?”

“I didn’t even see what happened.”

“Houjin’s genius swordsman? What a joke.”

……

Upon seeing this, the officials on the court all laughed recklessly.

They did not know what exactly had happened, but they knew that Yan Gang had fallen to the ground.

How could they not cheer in exhilaration at such a sight?

Only the Mu Jin Dharma King and the other Houjin experts were completely astonished, even incredulous.

The Yan Gang, famed for his Fast Sword, was killed with just one strike?

This felt like a dream!