My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 241: Chapter 241: The Mysterious Swordsman Under the Moonlight

An Jing’s brows ticked up slightly, “The Human Emperor wants to see me personally?”

The Great Yan Emperor had suffered serious injuries while trying to break through his cultivation restraints during seclusion, a matter that caused a great stir in the entire city. Numerous powers were secretly speculating whether the rumor was true or false, especially since Yan Country, a vast and powerful nation, certainly had healing holy medicines and other hidden strengths.

No one knew if this was indeed a ruse laid out by the Yan Country Emperor, and if it were true, there could be other great conspiracies at play.

Both Houjin and Zhao Country had not taken any action, precisely because they were quite wary, deeply fearing falling into the cunning plans of the Yan Country Emperor. As for the battle at the Northern Wilderness Dao that occurred previously, it was just an initial probe by Houjin.

The Yan Country Palace was also on high alert, and spies from all sides, whether palace eunuchs planted inside or Jianghu masters skilled in movement techniques, had been unable to obtain any information, suffering heavy losses instead.

To be able to plant a mere eunuch into the Yan Country Palace was extremely difficult, yet recently, all those painstakingly planted eunuchs had been caught cleanly.

As for the experts skilled in movement techniques and concealment, once they entered the Imperial Palace, there was no further contact with them.

This situation caused the various forces across the world to become more uncertain and hesitant to take rash actions.

Now, however, the Yan Country Emperor wanted to personally summon An Jing, making it the first audience he had granted since entering seclusion.

After pondering carefully, An Jing guessed the reason; it was very likely that the Human Emperor had summoned him regarding the National Teaching Order.

Yu Qiurong and Qian Cishan also perked up at the news; what kind of signal was the Human Emperor sending with this summon?

Xu Qianyue stated blandly, “That’s right.”

An Jing took a deep breath and asked, “When?”

Xu Qianyue replied, “Ten days from now, His Majesty will summon you in the Imperial Study Room.”

An Jing nodded and said, “Alright, I’m aware now.”

“Then Xu shall take his leave.”

Xu Qianyue gave a formal bow and walked towards the outside of the house. Midway, he paused, a complex and subtle emotion arising in his heart, and slowly said, “Xu does not wish to cross swords with you, but at the same time, his heart yearns to experience your sword Dao.”

Saying this, Xu Qianyue then walked straight out of the house.

After watching Xu Qianyue leave completely, Yu Qiurong asked, “Son-in-law, could there be danger…?”

An Jing chuckled lightly and said, “If the Yan Country Emperor really wanted to act against us, do you think we would be safe here?”

No matter how you put it, Yan Country is still one of the preeminent powerhouses of the world today, especially here in the capital of Yan Country, the Imperial Palace is surely filled with top-notch experts. Not to mention the likes of Xu Qianyue and the previously known eunuch with white eyebrows, who are themselves masters.

Xu Qianyue was very strong, but definitely not stronger than Exalted Vajra, and the strength of the white-eyebrowed eunuch was surely above Exalted Vajra. As for whether there were other strong figures in the Royal Family, An Jing did not know.

After all, the Demon Sect had the Sealing Demon Platform and the Zhenyi Sect had Hidden Mountain, so whether the Royal Family had any hidden experts was something probably known only to members of the Royal Family themselves.

Hearing this, Yu Qiurong nodded, feeling slightly relieved.

On the side, Qian Cishan said with furrowed brows, “Being summoned by the Human Emperor might actually be a good thing.”

An Jing glanced towards the direction of the Imperial Palace from the window, “The Human Emperor has summoned me because of the National Teaching Order. Since that’s the case, I might as well go meet this Human Emperor.”

An Jing was indeed very curious about this prominent and resourceful Martial Arts Emperor who had secured his throne through machinations.

Afterwards, the few of them chatted casually for a bit, and Qian Cishan stood up with a fist salute before leaving.

Yu Qiurong, who had felt tired earlier, said, “Son-in-law, I’m also going to rest.”

“You go rest, I’m going out for a walk.”

An Jing nodded slightly and headed towards the door.

It was his second time in Yujing City, but he had never really taken the time to stroll around, especially since it was Yan Country’s capital and the most bustling city in the world today.

Yu Qiurong, who was initially planning to rest, changed her mind upon hearing this and quickly caught up, saying, “Then I’ll accompany you.”

An Jing looked puzzled, “What, not tired anymore?”

Yu Qiurong’s face turned slightly red, and she replied somewhat awkwardly, “Suddenly… Suddenly I’m not tired anymore.”

An Jing let out a light laugh and continued walking towards the hostel’s exit.

At this moment, the night grew deeper, but Yujing City was still bustling, even more raucous than during the daytime. Vendors on both sides hawked their goods as cheers and clamor poured out of the teahouses and restaurants.

Fortunately, at this moment An Jing had already changed into a set of black clothes; otherwise, perhaps he really might have had to use the Concealing Qi Technique to prevent being recognized.

An Jing stood amidst the bustling streets, watching the lively scenery ahead. This ancient and weather-beaten street, through countless years, had witnessed no end of joy and sorrow, partings and reunions.

He remembered Yu State City, the misty rain, the meals he could have as soon as he got home, that silly girl, and the lazy little black dog. Most importantly, there was the person always holding the lamp waiting for his return.

An Jing looked at the busy passersby and seemed to be asking Yu Qiurong, yet also asking himself, “What is it that people are truly pursuing in life?”

Yu Qiurong didn’t respond to An Jing’s question but instead asked, “My lord, what are you thinking about?”

An Jing smiled and said, “I am thinking about that year in Yu State City.”

“That year in Yu State City?”

Yu Qiurong seemed to understand something, but at the same time she did not. “If I must think of a place, then it has to be Dongluo Pass.”

Everyone has different experiences and feels differently, which is why there are countless different people; some are naturally compatible, while others are naturally incompatible.

Clearly, An Jing and Yu Qiurong belonged to the latter. Even though it was a very ordinary matter, they could never resonate with each other.

Just then, an old man carrying a hawthorn stick approached and said with an apologetic smile, “Would this young master like to buy a sugar-coated hawthorn? It’s the last stick I have.”

An Jing looked at the old man, weathered by time, and said, “Then I shall buy it.”

The old man immediately beamed with a smile and handed over a sugar-coated hawthorn stick, saying, “One stick costs seven copper coins, but for the last one, five copper coins will suffice for the young master.”

Yu Qiurong took out a piece of broken silver from her purse, “Take it all.”

The old man’s eyes lit up, then he hurriedly said, “This…this won’t do. Seven copper coins for one stick is enough.”

Yu Qiurong said indifferently, “It’s fine, don’t bother with the change.”

The old man hesitated for a moment, then said, “No, no, I must give you the copper coins.”

Saying this, the old man carefully counted out the copper coins and handed them to Yu Qiurong.

Yu Qiurong shook her head with a light chuckle before accepting the copper coins.

“Old man!”

Just at this moment, an elderly woman was shakily walking over from a distance.

Upon seeing the old woman, the old man quickly went up to her and said, “Why have you come? Go back and rest. Don’t you know the state of your health?”

The old woman replied, “It’s already getting dark, and you weren’t back yet, so I was worried.”

The old man said grumpily, “Look, I’ve sold them all. Make more for tomorrow.”

The old woman was also dissatisfied, complaining, “What’s the use of making so much? Selling them all was just your luck today, and yet you’re not in a hurry to come home even when it’s getting dark.”

Upon hearing this, the old man hastily said with an apologetic smile, “Who said I wasn’t in a hurry? I’m so worried my hair has gone white.”

“Always the one to make jokes. After all these years, you haven’t changed a bit?”

……

An Jing watched the two support each other as they walked into the distance, and he sighed inwardly, “I wanted only to live a peaceful life, but alas, Jianghu, does not grant what one wishes.”

Yu Qiurong also watched their figures; unexpectedly, her heart suddenly felt a touch of envy and emptiness.

She thought such a life was far too distant for her, that if such a day ever came, it would surely be only in a dream.

After a while, An Jing asked, “This sugar-coated hawthorn, would you like it?”

Yu Qiurong shook her head and said, “No, thank you. I don’t like it.”

“What a pity Tan Yun isn’t here; she might even eat the stick,” An Jing said as he put away the sugar-coated hawthorn. “I can only take it back for Qian Cishan to eat.”

Yu Qiurong couldn’t help but cover her mouth and laugh, “Tan Yun isn’t as gluttonous as you say. If she knew this is what you think of her, she might be angry enough to die.”

An Jing smiled and said, “If I say Tan Yun has a small chest, would she get angry?”

Yu Qiurong’s face flushed as she said, “That can’t be.”

“Then why?”

“She’s not young, why would she get angry?”

“Right, because she really is gluttonous.”

“Son-in-law, you really are wicked.”

With that said, the two of them walked towards the direction of the hostel.

Just then, an incredibly beautiful woman appeared before them.

She was dressed in a light purple embroidered robe, with a pearl white pleated skirt beneath. A pair of dimples faintly surfaced on her delicate, tender cheeks, with a light touch of rouge adding to the charm of her freshly bloomed peony-like face. Her captivating eyebrows arched like new moons above her expressive eyes, clear and bright, which shimmered with an enchanting allure.

Following the stunning woman was an elderly maid.

This was not the first time An Jing had encountered this woman. The first was in a jade shop in Ping County, the second in a dilapidated temple on Xuwang Mountain, the third in Dragon Spring Temple, and not counting yesterday at the Heavenly Martial Sect, today was already the fourth.

The woman was Princess An Le, Zhao Xuening.

“Commoner An Jing pays respects to the Princess.”

An Jing said with clasped hands, “I did not expect to encounter the Princess here by such a coincidence.”

Princess An Le’s face flushed with a hint of rosiness as she said, “It’s not a coincidence. In fact, I came here specifically to look for Tributor An.”

An Jing was somewhat puzzled, “Looking for me?”

Yu Qiurong’s eyebrows shot up, instantly becoming wary of Zhao Xuening who stood before her.

Zhao Qingmei had made herself An Jing’s personal maid, and Yu Qiurong fully understood her intentions—to keep an eye on this son-in-law who was capable of ‘flirting with every skirt’.

Though it seemed he was not such a person, it did not prevent the mad rush of wanton admirers from coming toward him.

Especially the stunning woman before him, and a princess of Yan Country at that. If she really flung herself at him, who wouldn’t be bewildered?

Princess An Le slightly bowed and said, “Previously, Tributor An saved my life, and I have not had the chance to thank you formally.”

An Jing smiled and replied, “In Dragon Spring Temple, Princess An Le, did you not already offer thanks?”

“How can a life-saving grace be settled with just a word of thanks?”

Princess An Le smiled sweetly, her eyes sparkling as she said, “May I ask if Tributor An has any time lately? I would like to prepare a modest banquet to express my gratitude personally.”

The pair of eyes were bright and fervent. If the women An Jing had encountered before were somewhat reserved, then those eyes spoke volumes quite directly.

It was almost as if she were saying, ‘This Princess has her sights set on you.’

Yu Qiurong narrowed her eyes into slits. Does this Princess not know An Jing’s status?

An Jing said indifferently, “After the battle yesterday, I felt somewhat unwell in health and may need a few days to recuperate.”

Princess An Le’s eyes revealed a trace of concern as she asked, “Is Tributor An seriously hurt?”

An Jing replied with a smile, “It’s alright, I’ll be fine after resting for a few days.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Princess An Le let out a sigh of relief and then, on seeing the sugar-coated hawthorns in An Jing’s hand, a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes, “I am very fond of this local snack. I intended to buy that last skewer, but I didn’t expect Tributor An to beat me to it.”

Without thinking much, An Jing said, “Since the Princess likes it, please take it.”

Just as An Jing was about to hand over the sugar-coated hawthorns, Yu Qiurong whispered, “Son-in-law, Qiurong suddenly has a craving for that skewer of sugar-coated hawthorns.”

An Jing’s hands stiffened in their motion.

Princess An Le glanced at Yu Qiurong, didn’t you just say you didn’t want to eat?

An Jing transmitted his voice, “Qiurong, how about we eat it tomorrow? We can buy ten skewers, a hundred skewers, there’s no need to waste time with her.”

“I suddenly feel like having it now.”

“`

Yu Qiurong seemed to have become a different person overnight, no longer as understanding, gentle, and caring as she once was, gazing longingly at the string of candied hawthorns.

Princess An Le also stood by, staring eagerly at An Jing.

…..

In Yujing City, within the Imperial Palace.

The great hall was brightly lit, and Zuo Linglong sat on the soft couch, holding a wine cup as she asked, “Brother, have you seen the scholar?”

Zuo Biwen nodded and said, “I saw him. The scholar’s appearance may not be outstanding, but his demeanor is refined, and judging by his essays, he truly is a great talent, but…”

At this, Zuo Biwen paused.

Zuo Linglong said, “But what? Brother, speak freely.”

Zuo Biwen pondered for a long while, then said, “That Zhou Xianming seems to be on very good terms with An Jing, and he used to linger frequently in the company of an oiran, seemingly reluctant about this marriage.”

Who was An Jing, after all? He was a contributor to the Demon Sect, the great Sword Immortal who defeated Exalted Vajra.

Zuo Linglong smiled and said, “Just an oiran? Is she as beautiful as Xuening? I don’t believe that scholar could remain unmoved upon seeing Xuening.”

Hearing this, Zuo Biwen fell silent for a while.

Everyone has thoughts of weighing pros and cons. One is an oiran, the other a current princess; ninety-nine percent of people know which to choose.

It is human nature. Some always boast about their high morals and tastes, but when it comes to making a real choice, these high-minded people will also choose what’s most advantageous for themselves.

Because seeking benefit and avoiding harm is human instinct.

Regarding that scholar, Zuo Biwen couldn’t say he was completely satisfied; although the man’s scholarship was indeed formidable, Zuo Biwen, being a man of Jianghu, naturally appreciated the young heroes of Jianghu more. There are but a few scholars in the world that could impress him.

However, the huge presence behind Zhou Xianming, the Lv Sect, was of the utmost importance.

Zuo Biwen thought of something, “Xuening seemed somewhat reluctant the last time she came to Youfeng Valley…”

“I’ve pampered her too much before,” Zuo Linglong said indifferently. “Brother, do you remember how more than twenty years ago I also refused to enter the palace, even threatening death, and yet, in the end, I still entered the palace and became the Empress of a nation?”

Zuo Biwen sighed inwardly. Back then, Zuo Linglong’s affection was for Li Fuzhou of Lv Sect. However, Li Fuzhou had an engagement with Liu Huiyun of the Liu Family; it would have been one thing for an ordinary woman to be a concubine, but for the direct daughter of the Zuo Family to be a concubine would have tainted the family’s honor.

Moreover, the Human Emperor had taken an interest in Zuo Linglong, issuing an imperial decree to the Zuo Family.

Zuo Linglong was entirely unwilling at the time but ultimately had no choice but to enter the palace with tears in her eyes.

In fact, Zuo Biwen hadn’t really wanted Zuo Linglong to enter the palace at that time either; after all, he knew how cruel palace life could be, not to mention that the opportunities for siblings to meet would be exceedingly rare thereafter.

Some things are not up to him to decide, not even today.

This matter of marrying Zhao Xuening to scholar Lv Guoyong must be the intention of the Human Emperor, aimed at completely disintegrating Lv Sect.

“Alas.”

Zuo Biwen sighed, saying, “It’s better to marry a scholar than to be in the grand palace courtyard. Sister, rest assured, I’ll take care of Xuening’s matter with Mengtai.”

Zuo Linglong’s face showed a hint of a smile, “This place is quite nice as well: worry-free with clothes and food, respected by others who must all greet me reverently as ‘Your Majesty the Empress’.”

“Brother, you need not worry about me, if there’s nothing else, you may leave,” Zuo Linglong said.

Zuo Biwen looked at his sister. In the past, whenever Zuo Linglong had any issues, she would discuss them with him, even asking for his advice and strategy when she had feelings for Li Fuzhou. But now, Zuo Linglong seemed to have unconsciously put on a layer of a mask, pretending to be strong even in front of him.

Perhaps it started as a pretense, but eventually it became real.

The little sister who once followed him around could never come back.

“Amidst a thousand lights behind me, there must be one that leads home.”

Zuo Biwen stood up, bowed his hands, and slowly exited the great hall.

The hall that was once relatively lively became quiet once again.

“Amidst a thousand lights behind me, there must be one that leads home…”

“`

Zuo Linglong spoke to herself, her heart feeling a slight warmth.

……..

The next day, the sky was clear and the air was fresh.

As usual, An Jing opened the door of his house and, gazing at the bright sun, couldn’t help but feel nostalgic, “It’s still more comfortable in Dongluo Pass, where one can live with the sun three poles high.”

At that moment, Yu Qiurong, dressed in white, came out and happened to hear An Jing’s words. Her beautiful eyes filled with curiosity as she asked, “If sir is tired, you could also sleep until the sun is three poles high. After all, there’s nothing else to do.”

An Jing shook his head, about to speak, when Qian Cishan hurriedly approached, “An Tributor, the Second Prince’s guest has arrived and has been waiting for half an hour.”

An Jing raised an eyebrow, “The Second Prince?”

With the intelligence from the Demon Sect, An Jing had also become quite familiar with the court of Yan Country.

Zhao Mengtai was one of the main culprits stirring up trouble in the current court. If it weren’t for the open and covert struggle between Zhao Mengtai and Zhao Chongyin, the court wouldn’t be in such a state of chaos as it was today.

Moreover, Zhao Mengtai had also established the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion in Jianghu, whose influence was profound, with a multifaceted layout in Yan Country. Besides, he secretly colluded with the Demon Sect through Jiang Renyi, forming a massive power system of his own.

In the past, An Jing had met the steady, calm Crown Prince with a deep strategic mind, but he never had the chance to meet this Second Prince, Zhao Mengtai.

Just by looking at his actions, it was clear that he was a man with ambition, aspiration, and ability.

While in You City, the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion had given him a reminder, which was the handiwork of the Second Prince Zhao Mengtai. It not only served as a warning to An Jing but also hinted at an intention to form an alliance.

An Jing said, “Let’s go and have a look.”

Subsequently, the group arrived at the guest hall, where a middle-aged man sat patiently on a chair. Seeing An Jing come in, he quickly stood up and said, “An Tributor, my name is Zhu Shangfa, a guest under the Second Prince.”

An Jing formally greeted him with a fist salute, “Apologies for keeping you waiting.”

“An Tributor is too polite, it was I who instructed not to disturb you, after all, you have been very busy since arriving in Yujing City,” the guest said with a light chuckle.

Zhu Shangfa smiled and said, “The master has prepared a banquet this afternoon and would like to invite An Tributor to join. May I ask if you are available?”

An Jing pondered for a moment and nodded, “Alright, this afternoon, then.”

…….

Crown Prince Zhao Chongyin’s Yuhua Enclosure was quiet and elegant. The decor was not extravagant and the location was fairly secluded, whereas the Second Prince Zhao Mengtai’s residence was quite different.

Exquisite carvings adorned the pavilions, with corridors flanking both sides, dotted with colorful parrots, thrushes, and other rare birds—a testimony to Zhao Mengtai’s particular fondness for bird-walking.

On the pavilion perch, several brightly dressed, pretty women sat, each with unique features. Together, they resembled a painting.

An Jing looked at the group of charming ladies, “They seem quite nice.”

This time he came alone, without Yu Qiurong or Qian Cishan, since people still needed to be left at the hostel.

Zhu Shangfa, thinking An Jing was referring to the precious birds, responded with a laugh, “The Second Prince has few hobbies, and bird-walking is one of his favorites.”

An Jing chuckled, “Bird-walking, that’s one way to put it.”

Zhu Shangfa looked puzzled but didn’t inquire further.

Soon, the two reached a chamber.

They could hear the crisp, pleasant sound of string and wind instruments before even entering, accompanied by the drifting aroma of incense.

An Jing thought he had come to the wrong place. This did not seem like a solemn, serious banquet but more like a brothel.

No wonder Zhu Shangfa said the Second Prince liked bird-walking.

“Ah, Brother An, I’ve been waiting for you with such hard-earned patience,” a man with unremarkable looks but extremely bright eyes greeted them warmly as he came down from the hall.

An Jing saluted Zhao Mengtai, “Greetings to the Second Prince.”

Zhao Mengtai patted An Jing’s shoulder, “Brother An, why so formal? Please, take a seat.”

It was as if they weren’t meeting for the first time, but were good friends reunited after many years apart.

An Jing sat down, and Zhao Mengtai immediately clapped his hands.

As the clapping subsided, a graceful woman walked in.

She was dressed in a light purple gauze that veiled her body, with a seductively wide-open neckline that revealed her beautifully curved neck and delicate collarbones, setting off her skin which was smooth as jade. She was indeed very beautiful.

In this world, when a woman’s beauty reaches its peak, it’s hard to judge who stands above whom, one can only say that each has her own merits. The woman before him might not be the most breathtaking, but she was certainly a rare find in terms of looks.

The woman walked up to An Jing, bowed slightly, and greeted, “Shui Rou greets Young Master An.”

Seeing the handsome young man before her, Shui Rou’s heart beat erratically, and thinking of his recent fame as the Great Sword Immortal, it beat even faster.

“This is the Oiran of Cuilou, the top courtesan. Today, she will surely satisfy Brother An.”

Zhao Mengtai took the seat of honor, and a woman who was slightly less attractive than Shui Rou sat beside him, a detail that revealed Zhao Mengtai’s temperament.

Could this Second Prince think he was someone fond of soliciting courtesans and listening to music? He wondered where the false and absurd news came from.

An Jing sat down, unmoved, and Shui Rou also cleverly sat down next to An Jing.

An Jing chuckled, “It’s been quite some time since I last listened to music. Miss Shui Rou, please play some tunes.”

“Alright.”

Shui Rou froze for a moment upon hearing this, and even Zhao Mengtai showed a hint of confusion.

To be the Oiran of Cuilou, one must not only be beautiful but also excel in musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, painting, be perceptive, and know how to appeal to a man’s heart. Shui Rou’s skills with the guqin were naturally extraordinary.

Zhao Mengtai poured a cup of wine, smiling, “I’ve long heard of Brother An’s fame, and today I’m finally fortunate enough to share a drink with you.”

An Jing also offered polite words, “The Second Prince is too kind. I’ve admired the Second Prince’s elegant demeanor for a long time.”

“Brother An is jesting. The rumors in the streets suggest a close connection between me and the Zhenyi Sect. How could you admire my demeanour?”

Zhao Mengtai waved his hand, smiling, “Some are just misunderstandings by the public, I hope Brother An won’t take them to heart and let them affect our relationship.”

The emphasis he put on the word ‘relationship’ was heavy, its implication was clear without being spoken.

An Jing raised his cup, chuckling, “The Second Prince can rest assured, I am well aware and will not take it to heart.”

He didn’t believe a word of Zhao Mengtai’s.

“That’s good to hear. You are much too formal, Second Prince. Please, feel free to call me Mengtai.”

Zhao Mengtai laughed heartily, “Come, let us drink to that.”

The two of them chatted back and forth, seemingly probing, yet appearing casual in conversation.

An Jing was discreet in his speech, causing Zhao Mengtai to inwardly marvel at how the young man, not only powerful, handled matters with a ruthless maturity uncharacteristic of someone in their twenties.

After half an hour, they had gone through three rounds of drinks and sampled five courses.

Zhao Mengtai waved his hand, “You must be tired. You may withdraw for now.”

“Yes.”

All the entertainers in the room left, and Shui Rou and the woman beside Zhao Mengtai stood up to leave as well, leaving the two men alone.

An Jing felt a stir in his heart, suspecting Zhao Mengtai was about to get to the main point.

Zhao Mengtai pondered for a while before saying, “Brother An, there’s something that I must get off my chest. You too prefer straightforwardness, so I will speak frankly.”

An Jing replied, “Please do, Brother Mengtai.”

Zhao Mengtai put down his cup and looked at An Jing, “Actually, the person who instigated everything, causing Jiang Sanjia to be forced onto the Qintian Platform to predict the nation’s fortune and meet his tragic end, was not me.”

Zhao Mengtai’s party had been the one to coerce Jiang Sanjia to test the nation’s fortune. If not for knowing that Mu Xiaowan had once approached Jiang Sanjia, most would believe that it was Zhao Mengtai who pressured Jiang Sanjia to his death.

An Jing set down his wine cup and asked unblinkingly, “Oh? Who is the mastermind behind this?”

Zhao Mengtai didn’t beat around the bush, stating directly, “It’s Imperial Concubine Mu Xiaowan.”

An Jing asked, “What’s her motive?”

“Because of the ‘Ghost Valley Heart Method’.”

A cold smile flickered on the corners of Zhao Mengtai’s mouth as he said, “Imperial Concubine Mu received the ‘Ghost Valley Heart Method’ from Jiang Sanjia, which she traded with Zhenyi Sect’s Yu Ying for some of Zhenyi Sect’s spirit pills.”

An Jing’s eyes narrowed, and he thought to himself that it made sense; no wonder the Zhenyi Sect had previously shown little interest in the ‘Ghost Valley Heart Method’—they had already obtained it.

Zhao Mengtai continued, “And since Jiang Sanjia knew about Imperial Concubine Mu’s dealings with the Zhenyi Sect, in order to silence him and also remove the stain from herself… ”

After all, those in the harem must not interfere with politics, especially an Imperial Concubine implicated with the Zhenyi Sect, which was a grave taboo.

Mu Xiaowan, having obtained the ‘Ghost Valley Heart Method,’ could have presented it to the Human Emperor to leverage against the Zhenyi Sect, but instead, she secretly gave it to the Zhenyi Sect. What would the Emperor think upon discovering this?

Zhao Mengtai left some things unsaid; in fact, he was blackmailing Mu Xiaowan based on this relationship and using her as a conduit to curry favor with the Zhenyi Sect.

He didn’t have the status or position of Crown Prince Zhao Chongyin, so he had to exploit everything that could be exploited.

An Jing fell silent, reflecting on how Jiang Sanjia had handed over the ‘Ghost Valley Heart Method’ to Mu Xiaowan wholeheartedly, and how ironically it had become his death sentence.

An Jing then inquired, “What spirit pills did she obtain in exchange?”

Zhao Mengtai shook his head, “I am not sure of the specifics, but a Heavenly Martial Level Heart Method, especially one as unique as this, would likely garner no simple exchange.”

An Jing bowed with his fists clasped and said, “I understand now, thank you Brother Mengtai for clearing up my confusion.”

“Since we are in an alliance with your sect, and since Zhenyi Sect has come up in our conversation, I feel obliged to say a few more words.”

Zhao Mengtai’s expression became grave, “Brother An, by obtaining this National Teaching Order, you’ve upset the Buddhist sect’s plans, which is secondary. Do you realize how many eyes are now upon you, including the Zhenyi Sect?”

“This National Teaching Order is of great significance; whether your sect or Buddhism acquires it, either can rise swiftly in Yan Country and become a preeminent faction. Especially since you, Brother An, have defeated Buddhism’s number one Vajra and garnered immense prestige. Now is the prime time for spreading the teachings and amassing followers. If I were in your shoes, I would take this National Teaching Order and slip away from Yujing City unnoticed, and then rally the faithful back in Outer Heaven and lead many of Demon Sect’s elites.”

An Jing instantly grasped Zhao Mengtai’s intentions for visiting today.

Briefing him on Mu Xiaowan’s affairs was a way to disassociate and gain favor, while his real purpose lay in the latter concerns.

He feared that An Jing would hand over the National Teaching Order to Buddhism, hence he advised An Jing to return to the Demon Sect with it.

An Jing inwardly smirked at the thought; if he really listened to Zhao Mengtai, he would probably die without even knowing how.

An Jing feigned contemplation on his face and finally said, “I shall decide after I have seen His Majesty in ten days.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Zhao Mengtai’s eyes, “The Emperor has summoned you?”

Clearly, he had been unaware of this piece of news.

An Jing nodded, “Officer Xu himself came to the hostel yesterday.”

“Fair enough.”

Zhao Mengtai nodded unnaturally, his focus wavering from then on, losing the coherence his words previously held. Others might not detect it, but An Jing felt it clearly.

After a while, An Jing stood up and said, “The night has grown quiet; Second Prince, I should take my leave.”

Zhao Mengtai, with a meaningful smile on his lips, said, “Very well, I will have Shui Rou escort you for a part of the way. I will not accompany you.”

This Second Prince really thinks I’m fond of gallivanting about in the courtesan houses…

An Jing shook his head and did not bother to explain further as he walked towards the hall exit.

Shui Rou was standing under the dappled shade of the trees, the breeze caressing her face, entangling her hair, as her beautiful eyes fixed intently on the man ahead.

“Miss Shui Rou, please stop there, I can manage alone,” An Jing called out before Shui Rou could speak.

“Master An, do you really not need Shui Rou to see you off?”

Pressing her lips together, Shui Rou said, “The Second Prince has instructed me to serve Master An well tonight, and I am quite willing.”

“Hahaha.”

An Jing laughed out loud, “Please thank Brother Mengtai for his kind intentions on my behalf. I am flattered.”

That said, he strode toward the courtyard exit.

Shui Rou watched his departing figure, her eyes suddenly deepening.

“His self-control is truly extraordinary, it seems his feelings for that Demon Sect Sect Hierarch are excellent.”

……

A crescent moon hung high in the ink-blue sky, casting a clear, watery glow across the land.

An Jing made his way toward the hostel outside the city, while recalling the words of Zhao Mengtai in his mind.

“Mu Xiaowan…”

Thinking of that woman, An Jing felt a chill in his heart.

If not for Jiang Sanjia, An Jing might have long since died at the hands of Jiang Shang, so he was determined to settle his debt of gratitude and vengeance with Jiang Sanjia.

Beyond that, regarding the attitude towards the National Teaching Order, Zhao Mengtai clearly hoped that he would leave Yujing City soon. After all, delay could lead to unexpected changes. He did not want the National Teaching Order to fall into the hands of Buddhism.

However, this also confirmed the dangers of leaving Yujing City with the National Teaching Order in possession.

The Zhenyi Sect and the Royal Family would surely send their experts. At that time, even with his strength, it might not be possible to escape unscathed.

It seemed using the National Teaching Order as a bargaining chip was the best choice.

Moreover, after the Human Emperor summoned him, Zhao Mengtai’s expression had become strange. It seemed he was unaware of the current situation of the Human Emperor.

That expression was part hesitation, part fear… as if Zhao Mengtai had some secret he was keeping from the Human Emperor.

But upon closer thought, Zhao Mengtai indeed had a lot of nerve.

Having already secured the support of the Zhenyi Sect, he still dared to collude with the Demon Sect and even attempted to assassinate the Crown Prince, Zhao Chongyin, at the Four Symbols Sect.

Even An Jing felt that he was too reckless and audacious in his actions. Despite having a meticulous plan, one shouldn’t always seek fortune amidst grave dangers.

Moreover, the words Zhao Mengtai said about ensuring his safe escort indicated that there might be more experts in the background. Could it be that Zhao Mengtai also had dealings with other powers?

An Jing suddenly became filled with apprehension. If Zhao Mengtai had the audacity to collude with the Demon Sect, what wouldn’t he dare to do with such powers as Houjin, Black Ice Platform, or the Southern Barbarians?

“Hm!?”

While deep in thought, An Jing abruptly halted as a figure emerged in the dark moonlit night ahead.

Under the faint moonlight, it was possible to see clearly: it was an elderly man in black, his aged face neither joyous nor sorrowful, and his eyes like still water, completely devoid of any emotion or fluctuation.

The black-clad elder was only thirty feet away from An Jing.

Not noticing someone within thirty feet indicated a cultivation that was terribly formidable, certainly above that of the Exalted Vajra.

This person was none other than Hao Tian.

Waves surged in An Jing’s heart like a tide, but his face remained composed as he asked, “Who might you be, sir?”

Hao Tian responded indifferently, “A swordsman.”

“A swordsman!?”

An Jing felt a rush of cold air.

The cultivation level of the person before him was definitely above the Four Qi, and perhaps even at the Five Qi level. Could there be such a terrifying swordsman in this world!?

…….

PS: Wherever I write, there are unfinished chapters, it’s all the same, so don’t complain.