My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 246: Chapter 246: News of the Great Qin Dynasty Emperor’s Mausoleum (10,000-word update, please subscribe)

Yujing City’s Buddhist-Demon conflict…

With the Demon Sect “abandoning” the National Teaching Order, the Buddhist faction regained the order and the curtain fell.

Although the Buddhist faction obtained the National Teaching Order, the Exalted Vajra was defeated by An Jing. This acquisition of the National Teaching Order hardly counted as a skillful achievement, and its prestige greatly diminished, not making it the true victor!

Meanwhile, the Demon Sect not only saw a significant rise in its influence but also regained the ability to spread its teachings throughout Yan Country once more.

Suddenly, Outer Heaven became a highly sought-after entity within Great Yan’s martial world.

Some were afraid, some were suspicious, while others began to plot in secret.

…

Zhenyi Sect, Zhenyi Mountain.

The sky was slightly dark, cool with a hint of green, reflecting the mountain summit of Zhenyi Mountain like a gigantic ice mirror.

The atmosphere of the night had not yet cleared, and the aura of the new dawn was just beginning to emerge, marking the merging of two auras and the transition between day and night.

That morning, Yu Ying, as usual, worshiped the Heavenly Venerate in the Heavenly Venerate Hall, then stepped out of the hall and approached the meditation room where Xiao Qianqiu was practicing.

“Grandmaster!”

The Daoist boy at the door, seeing Yu Ying, quickly bowed deeply.

Now in Zhenyi Mountain, Yu Ying was the sole Daoist of the senior generation and generally managed all the mundane affairs of the Zhenyi Sect, holding a status both exalted and extraordinary.

Yu Ying said indifferently, “Go in and announce that I wish to see the Sect Leader.”

“Yes.”

Upon hearing this, the Daoist boy quickly walked towards the meditation room.

Yu Ying stood at the doorway, his expression calm like still water, as he patiently waited.

After about several dozen moments, the Daoist boy came out, followed by another person in a light cyan Daoist robe.

This man was Xiao Qianqiu, who still held a teapot in his hands.

The teapot was a purple clay pot, simple and elegant in color and design.

The tea infused within was Zhenyi Rock Tea; with each rock producing its unique tea, the emphasis was on “every rock has its tea, each tea has its name.”

Xiao Qianqiu did not enjoy drinking alcohol. He liked drinking tea. He could not taste the sweetness in it, only the bitterness, which he greatly favored.

After the bitterness, what followed was sweetness.

“Uncle Master.”

Xiao Qianqiu greeted Yu Ying ahead with a bow.

Yu Ying spoke directly, “The tributor of the Demon Sect is the Ghost Swordsman.”

Xiao Qianqiu slightly raised his eyebrows and eyes, showing no sign of surprise.

“It is indeed him.”

Back at Xuanqing Mountain, he felt a familiar sensation watching that young man, a top swordsman from the Demon Sect, which naturally made him draw some connections.

Especially that swordsmanship, which had impressed him deeply.

Yu Ying said gravely, “He defeated the Exalted Vajra. He should have received the National Teaching Order, but, by retreating one step forward, he freely handed it over to the Buddhist faction.”

Xiao Qianqiu’s eyes showed a hint of admiration, “The bigger the tree, the stronger the wind it catches. He is indeed smart.”

Had it been him, his best choice would also be to hand over the National Teaching Order.

Yu Ying shook his head, his expression serious, “At Three Temple Mountain, he was First Grade Human Flower; at Xuanqing Mountain, he had reached the Heavenly Flower Realm; when he killed old man Qingfeng, he was a Half-step Grandmaster; during the mass killing of Qi Shu, he advanced to One Qi; and now, he has even defeated the Exalted Vajra.”

“And now, he is merely twenty-one, that is what’s most terrifying.”

Such a prodigy, and an enemy at that, hung like a sword over Yu Ying’s head, naturally disturbing his peace and rest.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qianqiu was slightly stunned and said, “Uncle Master, from what you’re saying, this An Jing is indeed formidable.”

Yu Ying looked at Xiao Qianqiu and said, “Qianqiu, don’t forget he is Yan Shaoshan’s disciple, and he has also killed three Grandmasters and one Peak Master of the Zhenyi Sect.”

Xiao Qianqiu nodded slightly, composed, “I know, so I’m waiting for him to come to the mountain.”

“Waiting for him to come to the mountain? He’s still young. Are you waiting for thirty years, or fifty years?”

Yu Ying shook his head, “He has the Demon Sect behind him, and the Demon Sect’s Demon Platform has always been extremely mysterious. The old man Jun Qinglin is very likely still alive.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qianqiu laughed, “Does Uncle Master believe I can’t suppress him?”

“Prevention is better than cure, and preparing for potential troubles is the real wisdom. Why let this young tiger grow freely?”

Yu Ying shook his head, “The spy I had placed has been exposed, the foundation in the royal court has been eradicated, and with the Buddhist faction crossing eastward, even our standing in the martial world is precarious.”

“And the Demon Sect, thanks to An Jing and Zhao Qingmei’s sudden rise, is mighty and prosperous. Once they enter Yan Country, it’s like a fierce tiger coming down the mountain.”

Xiao Qianqiu asked, “So, what does Uncle Master suggest?”

“The Ghost Swordsman is a threat; the demonic influence of the Demon Sect is running rampant in the martial world, and the Human Emperor has already started to suppress Zhenyi’s living space. If we remain passive now, it will only embolden others. This is the time to make an example of one to warn a hundred, to warn everyone.”

“Kill whom?”

“The Ghost Swordsman and our Zhenyi Sect have public grievances, known to all. Besides, he also has many grievances with other forces like the Five Poison Sect and the Four Symbols Sect. We can unite with the forces of Great Yan’s martial world to set up a grudge platform, kill him leveraging the general trend. The Human Emperor has no reason to obstruct, and the Ghost Swordsman must also appear. Once he dies, while weakening the Demon Sect, we can also intimidate the world.”

Xiao Qianqiu pondered for a moment and said, “Now the Yan Country is surrounded by enemies, fraught with crisis. If Yan perishes, Zhenyi perishes; what honors one, honors both, and what damages one, damages both.”

He regarded An Jing, Lou Xiangzhen, and Luo Chongyang as his rivals, but not enemies. He had his own ways and means to defeat his rivals.

Descending the mountain this way was against his original intention.

Yu Ying’s brows furrowed slightly, and he asked in a series of questions, “Now, how sincerely do the Buddhist and Demon Sects protect the Yan Country? When Yan truly falls, they are merely birds in the forest, scattering in all directions. It is only Zhenyi Sect that is truly bound to Yan. With the internal instability in Yan’s martial world, how can we oppose Houjin, how can we oppose the Black Ice Platform?”

“And when Yan genuinely overcomes the crisis, a reshuffling will surely come. When the birds have flown, the good bows hidden, the cunning rabbit dead, the running dog cooked, Zhenyi Sect will no longer be the same Zhenyi Sect.”

Xiao Qianqiu looked at Yu Ying, falling into silence once again.

In Yu Ying’s words lay not only concern for the Zhenyi Sect but also for its power. He was not very supportive of throttling An Jing in his cradle.

But what others said, he could not say.

He had become the Sect Leader of Zhenyi because Yu Ying and Ye Ding had pushed him forward; otherwise, Luo Chongyang would be the Sect Leader now.

Everyone in the world may say Yu Ying is wrong, but he couldn’t, because Yu Ying had indeed treated him well and acted for the sake of Zhenyi Sect, considering his interests.

Yu Ying, seeing through Xiao Qianqiu’s thoughts, asked, “Can you make a move?”

Xiao Qianqiu slowly said, “Ever since the epiphany in the Heavenly Venerate Hall last time, I feel I am getting closer to the Five Qi Realm. I plan to retreat and meditate quietly for a period.”

Yu Ying pondered for a moment and said, “Then I will enter Hidden Mountain.”

Now An Jing had grown into a significant thorn in his side. If he was not removed promptly, it would trouble his heart.

Xiao Qianqiu nodded and said, “Then let’s go together. I have not seen the master for a long time.”

Without another word, the two headed toward Hidden Mountain.

Hidden Mountain, a mountain range true to its name for the Zhenyi Sect.

Located beside Zhenyi Mountain, truly a stand of magnificent peaks, with mountains extending continuously, lush and towering, enveloped in clouds and mist.

As the sky suddenly clears, the mountains lift their veils, and the clouds still cling, dressing the rocks.

The two walked up the mountain steps, each immersed in their own thoughts.

About half an hour later, they both reached the mountain top.

In the vast midst of clouds and mist, there sat a figure under a pine tree, his face very aged, his hair interlaced with black and white.

This person was Ye Ding, one of the original three heroes of the Zhenyi Sect.

Among the clear generation of Zhenyi Sect, three were particularly outstanding—Ye Ding, Yu Ying, and Luo Chongyang.

It was because of these three that Zhenyi Sect’s reputation had soared, overshadowing the Demon Sect, Buddhist Sect, and even nearly paralleling the Black Ice Platform.

Of them, Luo Chongyang was the youngest and most talented, but Ye Ding was the most stable in temperament and, due to being older, his cultivation was also the highest, thus he inherited the position of Sect Leader.

Ye Ding sensed their approach and slowly opened his eyes.

“Brother!”

“Master!”

The two bowed to the Daoist whose name had once shaken the world.

Ye Ding exhaled a breath of stale air and said, “It has been seven years since you two last climbed the mountain.”

Yu Ying started to speak, “Today, we have come up the mountain to discuss a matter with brother.”

About three breaths after, Ye Ding said, “Speak.”

He knew that if there was nothing urgent, they would not have come.

Yu Ying did not hesitate and relayed everything about the Buddhists crossing east, the return of the Demon Sect, the Human Emperor suppressing the Zhenyi Sect, and the Ghost Swordsman’s defeat by the Exalted Vajra.

Even with Ye Ding’s stable mind, upon hearing this, he could not help but ask again, “Are you saying that An Jing is only twenty-one?”

Yu Ying took a breath and said, “Yes.”

Ye Ding, upon hearing this, couldn’t help but express admiration, “Incredible, truly incredible. Yan Shaoshan actually found such a celestial talent. What a pity he joined the Demon Sect; how good it would have been if he had entered Zhenyi!”

Now Zhenyi Sect had Xiao Qianqiu, and if An Jing was added, Zhenyi Sect need not fear the world!

Yu Ying said, “The Buddhist Sect has long been in Pure Land, the talents within generally mediocre. Moreover, they returned to seal the breach, we have no other choice. But the Ghost Swordsman poses a great threat to Zhenyi…”

In this martial world, which can contain so many masters?

Not to mention An Jing’s enmity with Zhenyi Sect, even without it, killing him would be natural.

Because, he stood in the way.

This is Jianghu!

Ye Ding looked at Xiao Qianqiu and asked, “Qianqiu, what do you think?”

“In recent years, I haven’t dealt much with the sect’s mundane affairs.”

Xiao Qianqiu pondered for a moment, then said, “Currently Zhenyi Sect has spread far and deep across the land, but what I see is a hollowed trunk and decayed roots…”

Yu Ying’s brow furrowed, words ready but halted.

Ye Ding understood Xiao Qianqiu’s implication, suggesting a strategic retreat. Still, he sighed lightly and said, “If this proud and towering tree were to fall, how many would it crush?”

Former power had pushed Zhenyi Sect to its zenith. Now, giving up the power in hand easily, how could anyone be willing?

To retreat in order to advance, but after retreating, would there still be a chance to advance?

Xiao Qianqiu pointed towards the vast sea of clouds ahead, his voice a mix of inquiry and introspection, “Master, look at this vast world. The National Religion claims to have ten thousand disciples, but if you ask yourself honestly, are there really ten thousand people wholeheartedly dedicated to cultivating?”

“What Dao are they cultivating?”

Ye Ding remained silent.

Prosperity will inevitably decline; this is a natural law.

Yu Ying, unable to hold back, said, “Nowadays, the Human Emperor is continuously oppressing us. If we do not respond, it will only embolden the Human Emperor further, allowing him to overstep more and more.”

“Do you know what imperial authority is?”

“Imperial authority stands supreme, unique, dictating life and death. If you are asked to live, you must live; if you are asked to die, you must die!”

“When a sect develops to its limit, it confronts the imperial authority. It’s the same for Lv Guoyong, who fundamentally serves the people. Push anything to its extremity, and it will oppose imperial authority. This is the essence…”

The ceaseless expansion of power, while granting the Zhenyi Sect supreme status, also led the great tree to utter decay. Yet, should it face external aggression at this moment, it would undoubtedly be fatal for the Zhenyi Sect.

Even if the decay needs repairing, the external affairs must first be stabilized.

Xiao Qianqiu did not speak. He did not study the world’s power dynamics as deeply as Yu Ying, but indeed, under Yu Ying and Ye Ding, the Zhenyi Sect had grown to its extreme.

Ye Ding glanced at Xiao Qianqiu and then at Yu Ying, already having a resolution in mind, “Then let’s do as the junior brother suggests.”

Yu Ying nodded seriously, “With so many holding grudges against the Demon Sect in Yan Country, if the Zhenyi Sect merely makes a call, countless masters will respond. Do you know, brother, whom you plan to ask to come out of retirement?”

“Who?”

Ye Ding scanned around and replied, “Hua Yun, our fraternity senior, passed away three years ago. Now in Hidden Mountain, only Hua Lian, my fraternity uncle, remains. I haven’t seen him for over a year now. I suppose I, this old man who’s half in the coffin, should go and resolve this grudge.”

“The day after tomorrow, you may summon the martial arts masters in my name to thoroughly resolve the grudge of Outer Heaven.”

On hearing this, Yu Ying became somewhat melancholic, then chose not to say anything further.

Xiao Qianqiu knew that this would once again stir up a calamity and bloodshed in the martial world.

On the surface, it was to kill the Ghost Swordsman, to deter the Demon Sect, to put an end to past grudges.

In truth, it was nothing more than the last persistence of the Zhenyi Sect’s aging masters, and also a silent protest against the Human Emperor.

They were not chess pieces, nor would they allow themselves to be manipulated by anyone.

The imperial courts might belong to the Human Emperor, but what about the Jianghu?

They declared their own masters.

……

In the golden autumn of October, the repercussions of the clash between Buddhism and demons were fading, and the palace examination had officially begun.

Many were focused on the tri-annual palace examination because it involved Lv Guoyong’s disciple, Zhou Xianming.

There were rumors that if Zhou Xianming successfully became the top scholar, he would be taken in as the Prince Consort. Was this a compromise by the Lv Sect?

Yujing City, hostel.

An Jing sat at the table, pondering the identities of world masters collected by the Human Sect, contemplating the identity of the elder frequently seen beside the Crown Prince.

Yu Qiurong asked, “Son-in-law, do you think there is anyone suspicious here?”

“No.”

An Jing shook his head and spoke gravely, “That person dares to follow the Crown Prince openly. I think he must be no ordinary figure, likely in some disguise.”

The identity of Zhao Chongyin, the Crown Prince, is extremely prestigious. On a usual day, he encounters either the powerful or top martial artists. That the old man stays beside him without fear of exposure speaks volumes.

He’s either not a recluse master or he’s in disguise.

But in this world, with masters above the four Qi level, where can one find a true recluse? They are but previously well-known masters of the world.

Li Fuzhou pondered, “In my opinion, we should be cautious when we leave Yujing City tomorrow. After all, there are still many with ill intentions nowadays.”

An Jing thought seriously and then said, “You all should leave first.”

Yu Qiurong frowned slightly, “Son-in-law, you’re not coming back with us?”

An Jing smiled, “I still have some matters to attend to. It shouldn’t take too long.”

Beyond his diplomatic mission, his primary goal in visiting the Yan Country was to completely assemble the Evil Suppressing Sword. A complete Evil Suppressing Sword could absolutely enhance his power once again.

Knowing what was on An Jing’s mind, Li Fuzhou couldn’t refrain from teasing, “Son-in-law, you’re not planning on sneaking off to the Oiran without me, are you?”

Yu Qiurong looked at An Jing, equally suspicious.

“Nonsense, when have I ever been to such places?”

An Jing’s expression turned serious, then he shifted the topic, “Mr. Zhou has his exam today. Uncle, do you think his chances of becoming the top scholar are high?”

Li Fuzhou picked up his teacup and took a sip, “If nothing goes wrong, he will definitely be the top scholar. If he makes the right choice, he can reach the skies in one step; if he chooses wrong, he might never recover.”

Yu Qiurong, puzzled, asked, “Does the Human Emperor truly not want to utilize a grand talent?”

The saying goes, ‘Do not employ those you doubt, and do not doubt those you employ,’ everyone knows this logic written in the books.

“If everyone understands some principles, why then are there still so many fools and idiots in this world?”

Li Fuzhou shook his head gravely, “The Grand Secretary served for sixty years, with great influence, even able to sway the imperial court and the selection of the Crown Prince at one time. After Zhou Xianming receives support from the Lv Sect, could he become the next Grand Secretary?”

At the side, An Jing seriously said, “Unless the Human Emperor breaks the shackles.”

The Human Emperor broke through the shackles, increased his lifespan by three hundred years, and could dominate the world for another three hundred years. By then, he could rest assured in employing Zhou Xianming.

Li Fuzhou thought of something, “Recently, the masters from Wind and Rain Tower appeared in Yujing City, including the Moon Pavilion Pavilion Master Ling Yuhua and the heavenly assassin Li Yue. It is said that the mysterious Sun Pavilion Pavilion Master also appeared, and their purpose seems not simple.”

The five gangs and seven factions, with the five gangs under the seven, hold significant influence in Jianghu. Among them, Wind and Rain Tower is the most mysterious, with few knowing its details.

An Jing picked up a grape from the table, put it in his mouth, and said, “Detail it for me.”

“A night of listening to spring rain in a small building, where in Jianghu is there not flying flowers?”

Li Fuzhou said, “This Wind and Rain Tower is one of the few factions with a long historical origin. Their assassins are masked, and no one knows their identities. They are from Sun Pavilion and Moon Pavilion, usually active in the southern regions like Jiangnan Dao, Lingnan Dao, Nanping Dao, and rarely appear in the north. According to the intelligence I gathered, the purpose of these two ladies is to plot against the Crown Prince.”

Hearing this, An Jing laughed lightly, “Plot against the Crown Prince!?”

Zhao Chongyin was inherently cautious and careful, surrounded by masters above the level of Four Qi. They were also planning for the Crown Prince’s life and fortune, which seemed somewhat improbable.

Li Fuzhou continued, “Li Yue herself was the daughter of Lin Xiaoyun, the former Assistant Minister of War. After Lin Xiaoyun’s defeat in the war with Zhao Country, Zhao Chongyin once impeached Lin Xiaoyun for deserting the battlefield and delaying the military operation, eventually leading to Lin Xiaoyun’s beheading, and his family was sent to the Ministry of Works. However, she was later redeemed for a heavy price and entered Wind and Rain Tower by chance, where she practiced the Blood Spirit Technique, concealed her identity, and became Li Yue, becoming an Oiran in Yu State City.”

Yu Qiurong frowned, “Blood Spirit Technique?”

She naturally knew about this infamous martial art. The higher the cultivation, the faster one would die.

An Jing casually said, “I don’t think it’s that simple, is it?”

Would the people of Wind and Rain Tower march to their deaths?

The ones killed were not ordinary people, and even if all the assassins of Wind and Rain Tower gathered, it was unlikely they could harm Zhao Chongyin at all.

Li Fuzhou solemnly said, “Behind Wind and Rain Tower, there is a mysterious force manipulating things. They are just waiting for an opportunity this time. In fact, it’s this hidden force that really wants to kill the Crown Prince.”

With a mix of curiosity and surprise, Yu Qiurong felt even more intrigued by Wind and Rain Tower following Li Fuzhou’s words, which undoubtedly added more mystery to it.

An Jing looked deeply at Li Fuzhou and said, “Third Master, I hadn’t expected you could even uncover such secret information. Truly worthy of being the leader of Human Sect.”

Such secrets, even the spies of Human Sect would likely struggle to find, not to mention it was probably Li Fuzhou who privately sought out that Ling Yuhua, trading his charms for the information.

Li Fuzhou modestly waved his hand, “It’s nothing to mention.”

An Jing looked at the grapes in his hand and sighed. The Crown Prince wanted to kill him, and others wanted to kill the Crown Prince; this tumultuous Jianghu was truly a matter of life and death.

Yujing City was a place of troubles, and he felt he should leave as soon as possible.

After some more casual chat, Li Fuzhou headed back, yawning.

An Jing glanced at Yu Qiurong and asked somewhat surprised, “Qiurong, aren’t you going to rest yet?”

Normally, given her character, she would have returned to her room to rest by now.

“I understand.”

Yu Qiurong looked deeply at An Jing and then turned to leave.

An Jing felt a bit puzzled by her gaze, and then startled, “Could it be that she has fallen for me?”

He then touched his cheek and let out a long sigh.

The matter with Princess An Le was manageable since they didn’t have to meet, but Yu Qiurong was always around.

“Well, let’s talk about it another time.”

An Jing sat cross-legged on the bed, began circulating the “Nameless Heart Scripture”, and entered into meditation. Compared to other martial arts, the “Nameless Heart Scripture” allowed for swift cultivation, but reaching the peak of the Three Qi Grandmaster overnight was impossible; he still needed to cultivate step by step.

However, constant drops wear away the stone; it wasn’t done in a day.

The moonlight outside the window was like water, and the weather turned a bit chilly as it was autumn.

Time flew by, and about half an hour passed by like this, when suddenly a blue radiance emerged from the Earth Book.

An Jing’s thoughts centered on it.

“Hint Three: There is a blue opportunity in Yujing City.”

Seeing this, his heart stirred. A blue opportunity was second only to a purple opportunity.

And the last hint of Sun Essence directly elevated his cultivation to the level of Second Qi Grandmaster. Now with this blue opportunity appearing again, how could he not be tempted?

“Let’s go see.”

After a moment of thought, An Jing changed into night clothes, and his body instantly vanished from the room.

Under the ink-like moonlight, a figure silently landed on the eaves, heading towards the Inner City.

As he reached the Inner City, due to the curfew, the streets teemed with guards wielding swords.

“This direction indicated by the Earth Book seems familiar…”

An Jing frowned slightly; it was the White Pavilion Manor where the Second Prince Zhao Mengtai resided.

There was only a blue opportunity and no black danger on the Earth Book, indicating the place was quite safe.

With that thought, An Jing leapt and entered into the White Pavilion Manor.

Following the blue light on the Earth Book, he soon arrived at a corner courtyard.

The courtyard was quiet, almost like still water.

“There’s a heartbeat…”

An Jing landed on the eaves, hearing the sound of a beating heart. With a flash, he arrived at the entrance.

The gate was wide open, the inside dark, with only the pulsing sound indicating someone inside. Beyond that, there was nothing else.

And the blue opportunity was indeed emanating from within.

Just then, footsteps were heard from outside the yard.

An Jing performed the Shrinking Land into Inches technique and vanished again, hiding in a distant tree.

The person arriving was none other than Zhao Mengtai.

“Second Prince, it seems you have thought it through,”

Upon hearing Zhao Mengtai’s footsteps, a shadow emerged.

By the sound of it, it was a woman, clad in a cloak with an average build, whose firm and steady steps allowed An Jing to perceive at a glance that her cultivation was at the Heavenly Flower Realm.

The Heavenly Flower Realm was indeed considered high-level in the martial world.

Zhao Mengtai coldly said, “I want to see your master.”

The woman chuckled lightly, “The Second Prince can speak to me directly, I am fully authorized to represent.”

“For such a major matter, you think you can handle it?”

Zhao Mengtai’s lips curled up with a trace of cold disdain.

Far from being offended, the woman started analyzing for Zhao Mengtai, “Second Prince, put nicely, we are collaborating; put bluntly, this is offering you a way out. Your ambition is too grand, Zhao Chongyin will definitely not tolerate you.”

Zhao Mengtai’s tone remained very cold, “Zhao Chongyin wants to kill me, isn’t your master also harboring harmful intentions, why bother with pretense.”

The woman giggled, “If so, why would the Second Prince still want to cooperate with us?”

Zhao Mengtai looked at the assertive woman in front of him, “It seems your master dares not come to Yujing City…”

The woman’s smiling expression tightened, “Would the Second Prince dare to go to our Houjin Royal Court?”

Houjin Royal Court!?

This woman is from Houjin!?

Hiding in the distance, An Jing was shocked. The Second Prince was actually in collusion with Houjin, which was astonishingly bold.

Everyone knew that following the end of the great war between Houjin and Yan Country, both sides had tacitly ceased hostilities, yet it was merely the calm before the storm.

An intense battle was inevitable.

Last time, forced by Zongzheng Yuan’s death, Houjin had to fight to also test Yan Country.

Having suffered heavy losses, Houjin would definitely be more cautious; the next attack would surely be a tempest.

Zhao Mengtai was silent for a long while before speaking quietly, “I want to know how many experts Houjin can dispatch and what the odds are.”

Recently, a feeling of unease had been nagging at him; from various signs, his father the emperor obviously had not made a breakthrough, and with Lv Guoyong in Yujing City, it would remain safe.

He knew he could not wait any longer; he had to seize the initiative.

If successful, he could fulfill his father’s great undertaking; if he failed, he would only be meeting his end sooner.

Without action, there would never be a chance; with action, there would always be a glimmer of hope.

The woman laughed, “Distract the Xuanyi Guard and draw out Zhao Chongyin, and we will have a seventy percent chance of success. However, afterward, the Second Prince must cede the Beihuang Dao to our Houjin.”

Zhao Mengtai shook his head, his gaze piercing as he stared directly at the woman, “Seventy percent? Too low, I want your Great Dharma King to make a move personally.”

The Great Dharma King of Houjin was the second highest expert of Houjin. If he were to come to Yan Country, what kind of danger would that represent?

The woman hesitated for a moment before replying, “I can agree to the Second Prince’s terms, but I also hope to see the Second Prince’s sincerity.”

Zhao Mengtai indifferently said, “The sincerity is there, you will see it soon enough.”

“Good, then I wish this ‘Dragon Slaying’ operation all the best in advance.”

The woman nodded.

Zhao Mengtai turned and left, and the entire yard returned to silence.

The woman watched Zhao Mengtai’s retreating figure for a long time before finally turning to walk back into her own house.

Suddenly, she felt her brain spinning.

An Jing approached the woman, asking, “What is your name?”

Ghost Valley Enchantment!

This was precisely the secret technique from the Ghost Valley Heart Method!

The woman suddenly grew hazy, and said, “I… my name is Ren Yu.”

“And what is your identity?”

“Wind… the Pavilion Master of the Day Pavilion of Wind and Rain Tower.”

An Jing was taken aback upon hearing this; he had not expected this woman to be the Pavilion Master of the Day Pavilion, which meant that Wind and Rain Tower…

Who could have anticipated that one of the oldest assassin organizations among the five major forces of the martial fraternity was backed by Houjin!?

An Jing inhaled deeply, then continued asking, “Who is your master?”

“Zong… Zongzheng….”

As she spoke, Ren Yu’s face contorted in agony.

An Jing soothed Ren Yu, then did not inquire further.

Clearly, this question was already close to piercing her innermost secrets; forcing an enchantment could either awaken her or turn her into a fool.

Either scenario would alarm the enemy.

An Jing turned to look around the room and soon discovered a red jade token on the table, exactly the ‘blue opportunity’ hinted by the Earth Book.

The red jade token was not square but round, with strange patterns and ancient characters on it, and there was a faint fragrance emitting from it.

The characters were very old, and An Jing did not recognize them.

“What is this?”

“This is the Purple Sun Token.”

“What use is it?”

“There are three of these tokens in total, used to open the mechanism of the Qin Dynasty Imperial Mausoleum.”

“Where are the other two tokens?”

“I do not know.”

…..

An Jing asked and answered each question, and Ren Yu responded to each accordingly.

“Time is almost up.”

An Jing calculated the time, picked up the token, and disappeared into the room.

Just a few moments after his departure, Ren Yu gradually came to her senses. She subconsciously touched her head, “What happened? My head feels somewhat painful.”

She only remembered Zhao Mengtai’s visit and agreeing to a promise, then she remembered nothing else.

“Never mind, urgent matters at hand.”

Ren Yu took a deep breath, “I must report this to the master at once, and also send the Purple Sun Token back…..”

But when she looked towards the table, the Purple Sun Token was gone.

“What happened? Where did the Purple Sun Token go?”

Ren Yu’s face suddenly turned pale.

…….

The moonlight was like ink.

“This Purple Sun Token is crucial for opening the Great Qin Imperial Mausoleum; could there be treasures there as well?”

An Jing swiftly moved, fiddling with the Purple Sun Token in hand, his mind inevitably revisiting the conversation between Zhao Mengtai and Ren Yu.

Unexpectedly, a ‘blue opportunity’ had led him to such shocking news.

Second Prince Zhao Mengtai was actually planning a rebellion!

This time, it was more ruthless and decisive compared to the previous incident with the Four Symbols Sect, as if he planned to eliminate his own Crown Prince brother directly.

“It seems that the struggle between these two has indeed intensified. Could Zhao Mengtai have sensed something?”

After all, the Human Emperor had not yet passed away, and Taiping, the Human Emperor, was a Martial Arts Emperor who could alone suppress half of the martial world.

Zhao Mengtai’s actions seemed fearless, unconcerned about the Human Emperor above him.

One must admit, Zhao Mengtai’s audacity was immense, first colluding with the forbidden sect of Yan, the Demon Sect, and then cooperating with Houjin, utterly reckless and lawless.

If he eventually succeeded in the fratricide, it would be a turning battle for him; if he failed, it would be akin to letting wolves into the house, potentially bringing adverse effects to Yan and making him a target of public criticism. Then, he would face both a destructive end and profound disgrace.

And the situation of the world might also change with this ‘Dragon Slaying’ maneuver.

As for the Demon Sect, what role was it playing in all this?

An Jing heaved a sigh, the overwhelming forces of destiny pressing forward, wondering who really held sway over the situation.

Was it the Human Emperor seated in the Imperial Palace?

Or was it the Holy Master of Houjin?

Or perhaps someone else?

Even the manipulators of the world’s fate could not confidently claim to control the world.

“The great situation of the world…”

An Jing sighed deeply, his figure moving faster.

Soon, he returned to the hostel.

As An Jing pushed the door, ready to enter his room, the door next to him also opened.

Yu Qiurong raised her eyebrows, “Son-in-law, where have you sneaked back from?”

An Jing chuckled dryly, “I went out to gather some information.”

He naturally could not expose the Earth Book.

“Gathering information.”

Yu Qiurong stepped forward, her nose close to An Jing as if sniffing carefully, seemingly searching for something.

An Jing asked curiously, “What are you going to do?”

Yu Qiurong responded seriously, “Son-in-law, did you go out to visit the brothel again?”

An Jing’s heart tightened as he said, “What brothel? What are you talking about?”

Yu Qiurong furrowed her brows, “I can smell it, a delicate fragrance from your embrace.”

An Jing, somewhat irritated, took out the Purple Sun Token, “Is this what you are talking about?”

Yu Qiurong took the Purple Sun Token and examined it closely, her eyes widening, “Was this given to you by that enchanting woman?”

An Jing glanced at Yu Qiurong and snatched back the Purple Sun Token, saying annoyed, “I am not that kind of man. If you don’t believe me, go ask that old man Li Fuzhou.”

A few days ago, he had gone to the entertainment district, simply had some drinks and enjoyed the breeze before returning home, maintaining proper decorum.

After all, if he returned, Zhao Qingmei would definitely scrutinize his integrity.

Yu Qiurong said with a deep voice, “It was Third Master who told me that tonight you would definitely not be able to restrain your loneliness and would sneak out to seek pleasures. He asked me to keep a close eye on you.”

An Jing: “…..”

…….

Capital Road, outside Heavenly Gate City.

The moonlight was like water, flowing endlessly.

At this moment, in the forest, two monks were sitting cross-legged.

It was none other than the Buddhist sect’s Foremost Vajra, Exalted Vajra, and his disciple Fa Ming.

Suddenly, Exalted Vajra opened his eyes and said in a low voice, “Fa Ming!”

Fa Ming also came to his senses and hurriedly asked, “Master, what is it?”

“Take this National Teaching Order and leave first.”

Exalted Vajra took out the National Teaching Order from his bosom and handed it to Fa Ming, then stood up and looked into the distance.

On a distant cliff, there was a figure, very tall, holding a longsword.

There seemed to be a strand of crimson on his sword, constantly flickering.

The Blood Tears Sword, and its master was Hao Tian.

“It’s…”

Fa Ming also looked that way, a chill running through his heart as he nodded subconsciously.

Then he took the National Teaching Order and sprinted towards the distance, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

Hao Tian watched Exalted Vajra, shook his head and smiled, “With the cultivation of Three Qi Peak, nearly reaching Four Qi, if Da Yan had not died, he might have had the same cultivation level as you, right?”

Exalted Vajra pressed his palms together and said, “Brother Da Yan was more talented than me. If his meridians hadn’t been severed by others, he would certainly have reached the Four Qi Realm.”

After Da Yan Vajra returned from a discourse at the Great Snow Mountain, he encountered a mysterious master who damaged his Three Yang Scripture, and he passed away shortly after his return.

Hao Tian said expressionlessly, “That person was me.”

Exalted Vajra felt a chill in his heart and demanded, “Who are you?”

Hao Tian raised the Blood Tears Sword in his hand, and fresh blood emerged on the blade. Suddenly, the surroundings were filled with a chilling wind, as though filled with the howls of ghosts and wolves.

“Sword Demon!?”

Struck by the realization, Exalted Vajra staggered.

The Blood Tears Sword was notoriously famous back in the day.

The reason he was known as the Sword Demon was that he acted according to his whims, righteous yet evil, and his origins were extremely mysterious, seemingly having mastered many sword techniques, hence the people of Jianghu called him Sword Demon.

After a long while, Exalted Vajra said with a concentrated voice, “Have you come for the National Teaching Order this time?”

“No, I came today to see the master off on his journey.”

“Then it depends on the donor’s skill.”

Exalted Vajra’s hands began to intertwine, a series of strange Seal Techniques appearing in his hands.

Streams of spiritual light circulated in Exalted Vajra’s hands, and soon his body surface refracted beams of golden light.

Vajra Immortal Body!

At this moment, Exalted Vajra’s aura seemed to reach a pinnacle, an overwhelming pressure as formidable as a mountain bearing down on Hao Tian.

Hao Tian smiled faintly and said, “My sword, your Vajra Immortal Body cannot withstand.”

He spoke very casually, as if he didn’t care at all about Exalted Vajra’s surging aura.

Exalted Vajra turned into a streak of light and hurled a palm strike toward Hao Tian.

Earth Splitting!

This was the might of Exalted Vajra’s palm strike, showing no mercy towards Hao Tian.

Hao Tian’s pupils reflected the glow of that palm, growing larger in his vision.

Whoosh!

The Blood Tears Sword in Hao Tian’s hand burst out like an enraged dragon shaking the world, leaving trails of light as sharp as silk wherever the blade passed.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

The two did not plan to dodge each other’s edges and collided forcefully.

The terrifying impact almost flipped the entire mountaintop, their seemingly ordinary probing moves rivaling the full-force strike of a Second Qi Grandmaster in horror.

Exalted Vajra looked at the new bloodstain on his palm and couldn’t help but think to himself, “How fearsome the Blood Tears Sword is, truly unparalleled in sharpness, worthy of being the tenth famous sword on the Famous Sword List.”

It seemed like a draw, but because of the sharpness of the Blood Tears Sword, he still sustained a slight injury.

However, this was just the beginning. With Hao Tian’s cultivation above that of Exalted Vajra, and wielding the formidable Blood Tears Sword, he had a slight advantage.

Exalted Vajra fiercely clenched his palm, conjuring a golden pagoda in the center of his hand.

The moment the golden pagoda appeared, it brought a dense, ancient aura that nearly halted the air itself.

Water and Fire Seven Treasures Pagoda!

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

At the movement of the Water and Fire Seven Treasures Pagoda, terrifying red glows burst forth, unleashing a sweeping blaze like surging waves.

The sweeping flames roared majestically toward Hao Tian.

Whoosh!

Hao Tian watched the flames engulf him, his body surrounded by blue radiance, walking nonchalantly through the fire, his clothes unscathed.

“This is…”

Seeing this, Exalted Vajra’s expression slightly changed.

“Have you finished your move?”

Hao Tian flicked the Blood Tears Sword in his hand, a cold smile on his lips, and then abruptly stepped forward.

Shush!

A fierce, chilling Sword Qi burst out from Hao Tian’s body, almost piercing the night sky.

Supreme Sword Scripture! Heavenly Punishment!

Hao Tian, holding the enormous Blood Tears Sword, cleaved forward, splitting the air in twain.

Exalted Vajra initially furrowed his brows but suddenly felt every hair on his body stand on end, a sense of extreme danger flooding his mind.

“Not good!”

Alarmed, Exalted Vajra hurriedly leaped away.

But his speed was half a beat too slow. A blood streak emerged from his back, causing Exalted Vajra intense pain as his body staggered forward several steps.

Hao Tian, seeing Exalted Vajra dodge his sword, raised his eyebrows and lifted the Blood Tears Sword, stirring up terrifying Sword Radiance.

This Sword Radiance soared to the heavens!

This Sword Skill shook mountains and rivers!

Supreme Sword Scripture! Earth Destruction!

As Hao Tian raised the Blood Tears Sword, it seemed as if the mountains and rivers were on its blade’s edge, instantly reversing.

Great Sun Tathagata Seal! Encompassing Heaven!

Exalted Vajra’s hands were covered in jade-colored patterns, imbuing them with a profound and inscrutable essence, captivating anyone who glanced at them.

Boom! Boom!

Exalted Vajra’s eyes twinkled with golden light as he flipped his hands, as if mountains were tumbling down.

The brazen True Qi surged forward like a flood breaking through a dam.

Sword Qi and the mighty True Qi met mid-air, creating terrifying waves of energy that swept through the area.

Hao Tian, holding the Blood Tears Sword, stood at the storm’s center, allowing the fierce True Qi to wash over him, standing like an unchanging statue for thousands of years.

Body Refining Method!

Who could have imagined that Hao Tian, a divine swordsman, had also perfected the Body Refining Method to its extremes?

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Countless True Qi waves swept past Hao Tian, yet they did not inflict a single wound on him.

Meanwhile, Exalted Vajra, caught in the explosive flow of True Qi, swayed like a boat in a storm, his complexion increasingly pale.

“Ah!”

Finally, Exalted Vajra could no longer bear it and spewed a stream of blood.

“Master, please accept your demise.”

The Sword Demon lept forward, swooping down on Exalted Vajra with his sword.

Suddenly, the air was filled with ghostly wails and howling wolves.

……..