My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult-Chapter 373 - 273 The Difficult Path Towards a World of
Chapter 373: Chapter 273: The Difficult Path Towards a World of Great Unity
Chapter 373: Chapter 273: The Difficult Path Towards a World of Great Unity
For a time, countless experts converged near the Dragon Locking Well, where undercurrents surged, and killing intent filled the air.
At this moment, Wang Yangsheng’s emotions were also turbulent. At his level, his six senses had connected with the heavens and the earth, giving rise to a heart sense that could perceive a hint of hidden danger.
In other words, not only could the three people in front of him pose a threat to his life, but there could also be other experts lurking nearby, which immediately put him on high alert.
“Interesting!”
“Thud!”
Wang Yangsheng slapped his hand on the black coffin, leaving five deep palm imprints on its surface, followed by a thunderous roar that echoed throughout the area.
“Swoosh! Swoosh!”
The black coffin, like a mountain, charged towards An Jing, with the sound of tearing through the air in its wake.
An Jing’s pupils reflected the black coffin, yet his expression remained calm; he raised the Dulu Sword with one hand while True Qi surged around him like a tidal wave before he cleaved forward.
Snip!
A sword nearly thirty feet long appeared in the night sky, as if it intended to split the ancient darkness itself.
Boom!
The giant sword struck the black coffin with a deafening crash.
Wang Yangsheng stood on the coffin, his foot set firm upon it, and dispatched a palm strike towards An Jing with a howling gust, overbearing and unmatched.
An Jing twirled the Dulu Sword in his hand and thrust forward, piercing through Wang Yangsheng’s domineering handprint with the sword’s sharpness and the unique chill of the Dulu Sword.
The True Yuan from the dispersed handprint turned into a vast golden wave, scattering crazily in all directions as if intending to flatten everything around it.
Zhao Qingmei, and Xiao Qianqiu, standing on the other side, acted at the same time to block the overflowing True Yuan.
“What an overbearing strength!”
Xiao Qianqiu took a step back and frowned deeply.
This was the scattered True Yuan. If gathered into a palm imprint, how tyrannical would it be? The Ghost Swordsman was actually fighting Wang Yangsheng so fiercely.
Could it be that the Ghost Swordsman has already broken through to the Five Qi Grandmaster!?
With this thought, Xiao Qianqiu couldn’t help but be greatly moved.
Although he considered himself a banished immortal with exceptional talents, compared to the Ghost Swordsman, he realized he was nothing.
Zhao Qingmei unsheathed her Mandarin Duck Twin Blades, and two sharp blade lights slashed forward.
“Thud! Thud!”
Using the force of the Mandarin Duck Twin Blades, she managed to shatter all the incoming True Yuan.
“This is somewhat interesting; today, let me see the extent of your three’s strength,” declared Wang Yangsheng with a light shout, slightly stretching his palm.
Clearly, he was ready to bring out his true strength and take on all three of them.
Golden light was changing and spreading in Wang Yangsheng’s palm, and the coffin under his feet seemed to be transformed by the influx of True Yuan, turning as bright as the sun in the night sky.
“How can the aura of this coffin be not inferior to the Imperial Jade Seal? What kind of exotic treasure is this!?” An Jing was shaken.
It was known that the Imperial Jade Seal was a legacy exotic treasure, a symbol of unity under heaven, said to contain the existence of a million ghost soldiers within.
Yet, this coffin could be compared to the Imperial Jade Seal, indicating that it wasn’t just made of special material—there must be other mysteries hidden within it.
Wang Yangsheng clenched his hand, and the omnipresent golden flow suddenly condensed, turning into streams of golden Force Qi that swayed in the evening breeze, twisting and fracturing the void.
Even before the golden Force Qi had flown over, An Jing already felt a strong sense of crisis and immediately flashed a look, proceeding to use the Soaring Nine Heavens Body Technique to rush towards the distance.
Zhao Qingmei and Xiao Qianqiu both were dodging repeatedly, never having exchanged blows with a Great Grandmaster like Wang Yangsheng before. They had no idea how formidable a Great Grandmaster could be, and it was only upon confronting one that they realized the immense pressure one faced against an opponent who was an entire major realm above them.
Especially for Xiao Qianqiu, who only days ago was almost equally matched with An Jing, had believed An Jing to be only slightly stronger than him. But now, he found that the gap had widened to a significant extent without him noticing it.
“He’s too strong; Wang Yangsheng was already very powerful, and now with the support of that exotic treasure under his feet, it’s going to be tough to hold him back,” thought An Jing as he dodged another lethal move, feeling thoroughly shaken.
“Slippery like an eel,”
Wang Yangsheng, while watching An Jing make a decisive retreat, glanced towards the distant Dragon Spring Temple and thought to himself: “That old monk is hiding inside the temple; it seems there is hardly any chance of getting into the Dragon Locking Well today.”
With that thought, Wang Yangsheng gave a fierce kick to the black coffin below him.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
The black coffin fell like a mountain, and the entire night sky fell eerily quiet.
An Jing’s heart skipped a beat as he felt a killing intent the likes of which he had never encountered before rushing toward him, marking one of the most intense crises of his life.
Wang Yangsheng was already strong, but now, with that exotic treasure in his possession, he was like a tiger with wings.
An Jing once again swung the Dulu Sword in his hand forward, and a mighty Sword Qi burst forth, filled with dazzling starlight, as if it could split the falling coffin in two.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
This time, the majestic coffin was not blown away. Instead, it crashed down like a mountain. If it were to crush An Jing, even he could suffer severe injuries, prompting him to quickly sheathe his sword and retreat into the distance.
Thud! Thud!
When the coffin smashed into the ground, the earth cracked open foot by foot from the impact site, creating a web-like pattern.
The entire Dragon Locking Well, including Dragon Spring Temple and even Yujing City, began to tremble, with countless trees and buildings collapsing.
The sky was falling, and the earth was shaking!
Within several miles around, there was nothing left but devastation.
The might of the Great Grandmaster was on full display!
Wang Yangsheng’s eyes narrowed, his golden radiance twinkling, as his True Yuan circulated to its extreme.
Apart from not unleashing the Dragon Transformation Secret Technique from his Ancestor Dragon Technique, he was exerting his full strength.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
In an instant, the surrounding golden light transformed into golden petals, swept up by the cold wind and rushed towards An Jing, Zhao Qingmei, and Xiao Qianqiu.
A beam of starlight emerged around An Jing’s body, making his physique seem as majestic as a mountain and even brighter and more vast than the stars above.
He was pushing the Great Celestial Star Refining Body Technique to its limit—this was the Star Protection Divine Light.
An Jing had never revealed such a lifesaving secret technique in front of any master before, but today, facing this Great Grandmaster, he had no choice but to use it.
“The Great Celestial Star Refining Body Technique!?” Wang Yangsheng obviously recognized the martial arts technique An Jing used and a cold smile appeared on his lips.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Countless golden petals of force hit the protective starlight around An Jing, immediately sparking a flurry of light and creating a storm.
While the Protective Starlight wasn’t cut through, An Jing could still feel the sharp pain and repeatedly stepped back.
“The gap between a Great Grandmaster and a Grandmaster is so vast that even numerous techniques can hardly bridge it; coupled with that coffin exotic treasure, defeating Wang Yangsheng is undoubtedly a pipe dream,” thought An Jing as his mind raced. Swords from his sword box behind him flew out.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Sword Qi shot out, sweeping through the sky, and as the Sword Qi surged, one could see the air twisting and warping.
Every sword, with the support of the Immortal Sword’s Sword Qi, became incredibly huge, and each giant sword was connected in a peculiar way, forming an imposing and magnificent Sword Array.
As An Jing’s cultivation improved and his comprehension of the Sword Dao deepened, the Sword Array also underwent great changes.
The Candle Dragon nests at the frigid gate, its brilliance unfolding like the dawn.
Why doesn’t the sun and moon shine upon it? Only the northern wind thunders furiously down from the heavens.
Fallen leaves, as large as mats, are blown one by one beneath the Dragon Locking Well.
An Jing became one with the Sword Array; he himself was the sharpest sword in this world.
The cold Qi Mechanism pierced through the dark clouds in the sky above.
Above the ninth heaven, a gorge a thousand zhang in length appeared, splitting a vast expanse of dark clouds in half, a sight to behold.
“Who knows how many years it will take before such a swordsman appears again,”
Liu Moyuan, gazing at the sword marks above the sky, couldn’t help but remark, “Perhaps there will never be another.”
Even among masters of the same realm, there are distinctions.
Like Liu Moyuan and Hao Tian, who belong to the top ranks among the Four Qi masters for a century, and Xiao Qianqiu and Zongzheng Huachun, who also rank at the top among the Five Qi Grandmasters, An Jing, who can challenge masters across realms at any time, is simply an unprecedented genius.
“But it’s too difficult to confront the Grandmaster Realm with the Master Realm, especially with that coffin Exotic Treasure in his hands,”
Sword Demon Hao Tian said slowly, “Unless the Ghost Swordsman can reach the Seventh Realm.”
The Seventh Realm, a realm so many top swordsmen of the past and present have aspired to but could not reach.
In a world teeming with masters, how many can reach the Grandmaster Realm? They are already considered as the Land Immortals, beings of the heavens in this world.
At this moment, the Sword Array was already condensed, and astonishing Sword Qi was gathered in an instant.
Such fleeting radiance!
Even Wang Yangsheng was taken aback, channeling True Yuan into his subordinates’ coffin, which with the support of the vast True Yuan, continued to release golden brilliance.
It seemed to turn into a canopy that covered the sky and the sun, spreading over the distant Sword Array.
Everyone could clearly sense the dangerous aura, the coffin itself was an Exotic Treasure, and with the addition of Wang Yangsheng’s True Yuan at this moment, it immediately produced a tremendous pressure.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The void above Xiao Qianqiu seemed twisted, and his body appeared to be shaken by that pressure, moving extremely slowly.
“Not good!”
Xiao Qianqiu cried out silently. If hit by that coffin, even his cultivation would not be enough to save him.
Just then, a cold radiance surged forward, and the endless Sword Array emitted a dazzling light, charging towards the black coffin.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
A series of explosive sounds erupted across the night sky, numerous rays of light intertwined together, illuminating the originally dim sky.
“It’s not over yet!”
A deadly intent flashed in Wang Yangsheng’s eyes, and he struck the coffin with a palm.
Empowered by this Hand Force, the coffin became even more forceful and heavy as it collided towards the front.
An Jing’s eyes were extremely grave. Immortal Sword, Heavenly Human Communication, and all other moves were employed, with the Sword Array heavily falling towards the front.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Upon impact, a huge mushroom cloud instantly burst forth from the epicenter.
“We shall meet again.”
Wang Yangsheng glanced at An Jing, his True Qi began to circulate, and instantly, a layer of golden light filled the surroundings. Then he carried the coffin beneath his feet and swiftly soared into the distance.
An Jing was also pushed back several yards by the terrible mushroom cloud, and by the time he had steadied himself, Wang Yangsheng’s figure was nowhere to be seen.
Grandmasters can move incredibly fast, and within just a few breaths of time, they can cover hundreds of yards, making it virtually impossible to catch up.
Zhao Qingmei leaped to An Jing’s side and whispered, “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine.”
An Jing shook his head, his eyes fixed on the direction of Dragon Spring Temple. Even after Wang Yangsheng left, the seriousness in his eyes did not diminish. “That old monk has not yet come out.”
Wang Yangsheng had noticed this Grandmaster, and An Jing had long been aware of him.
Zhao Qingmei had not taken action earlier, not because she was intimidated by the aftermath of Wang Yangsheng’s power, but because she had been watching that old monk from Dragon Spring Temple.
Xi Hafu was also a Grandmaster, and his strength might even surpass Wang Yangsheng’s, able to match Wang Yangsheng who possessed an Exotic Treasure.
With such a top-notch expert present, how could the two of them not be cautious?
Xiao Qianqiu slowly walked over, following their gaze.
“Amitabha!”
Under the quiet night sky, Xi Hafu, clad in a black kasaya, walked out slowly, seemingly out of place with the world around him.
At this moment, his face showed neither joy nor sorrow, unreadable like the golden body statues high in the temples.
Seeing the person who appeared, Xiao Qianqiu’s eyebrows twitched, “Xi Hafu!?”
Xi Hafu had once intervened on behalf of Houjin to deal with the Ghost Swordsman in Yulong Snow Mountain, a widely known fact. Although later Buddhist masters like Fa Wu and Tian Yi Bodhisattva were summoned to Yujing City and seemed to have had a secret meeting with the Great Yan royal family, the outcome was unknown to all.
In short, the appearance of a Grandmaster with unclear motives and unfathomable strength in Yujing City wasn’t good news for Great Yan.
With hands joined, Xi Hafu said, “Amitabha, Benefactor An, we meet again.”
An Jing gazed at the Xi Hafu before him, recalling the Xi Hafus he had met previously—some in red kasayas, some in black, each with a distinctly different temperament. Perhaps none of them were the real Xi Hafu, and the one before him was the genuine one.
The Dulu Sword in An Jing’s hand was not sheathed as he replied indifferently, “You shouldn’t have come.”
From his previous actions, it was evident that Xi Hafu was very eager to unlock the Forbidden Dragon Locking Well, allowing the Earth Vein Spirit to return to the world and completely release the evil spirits along with nature’s spiritual energy.
Despite having fought, and even against a Grandmaster, the speed at which the “Nameless Heart Scripture” recovered True Qi was extremely fast, taking merely the time it takes to burn a stick of incense to return to peak condition—not to mention that An Jing and Wang Yangsheng had not fought to the point of mutual destruction.
Zhao Qingmei, holding her blade, was ready to act the moment Xi Hafu made a move, prepared to confront this great Buddhist Grandmaster with An Jing.
Xi Hafu chuckled softly, saying, “Benefactor, I think there may have been some misunderstandings before.”
Hearing this, An Jing and Zhao Qingmei exchanged glances.
If Xi Hafu spoke this way, could it be that his visit wasn’t for the Dragon Locking Well today?
An Jing eyed Xi Hafu, saying, “Misunderstandings should be clarified. I, An, don’t want to be left in the dark.”
Back at Yulong Snow Mountain, if An Jing hadn’t possessed the Imperial Jade Seal in his hand, he might very well have died at the hands of this Grandmaster.
With his hands joined, Xi Hafu solemnly declared, “Initially, this humble monk’s intention was to protect the Dragon Locking Well, to prevent others from approaching and harming the Earth Vein Spirit, causing turmoil in the world. My intention was no different from that of Benefactor An, so there were no conflicts of interest. At the time, our confrontation was merely due to misunderstandings. Now, this humble monk fully understands the inner thoughts of the benefactor. With the world in turmoil, countless power-hungry evildoers covet the Dragon Locking Well, like Wang Yangsheng just now. Besides him, there are many experts to fend off. We should cooperate to resist these desperately wicked people and protect the common folk from disaster.”
Seeing this, Zhao Qingmei secretly sneered to herself, telepathically communicating, “Bald monks of Buddhism, full of righteousness and morality, feigning sincerity—you can bet he has a new scheme in mind.”
An Jing also agreed; the Xi Hafu before him had been keen on killing him previously and had very much wanted to unlock the Forbidden Dragon Locking Well. Now, suddenly claiming to guard the well seemed somewhat suspicious.
However, with the current situation unclear and the threats of Wang Yangsheng and the Undying Qianqiu, if Xi Hafu was of the same ilk as these two, then no one would be capable of guarding the Dragon Locking Well.
Xiao Qianqiu, having experienced a full mortal lifecycle in the Heavenly Venerate’s Mirror and gained some memories of the founders of the Mystical Sect, knew some secrets unknown to others. He pondered over Xi Hafu’s words thoughtfully.
Just then, several figures approached from the distance, led by Tianpeng Ancestor, the head of the Imperial Guards.
He stepped forward and said, “State Preceptor, Master An, Sect Hierarch Zhao, Master, the Princess has prepared a banquet and asked me to invite you all.”
……
Imperial City.
The bright vermilion gate was topped with a black plaque made of golden silk nanmu, flamboyantly inscribed with three large characters: Fengya Jian.
The steps were cool as water in the night, red candles flickered within, while outside, a fine rain slanted across the sky, and the gathered water silently dripped down along the layers of eaves, spreading ripples on the ground, seeming to mark the spot as if to linger.
At this time, the great hall was brightly lit, radiating splendor.
Seated upon the gold-painted throne with carved dragons in the hall was a woman of ineffable beauty, dressed in a snow-white garment; her every frown and smile exuded a soft temperament, yet her brows still bore an emergent heroic spirit.
Below, there was peace and happiness as the dance went on, sleeves fluttered, bells chimed and chimes clanked, and the music floated melodiously.
Incense burned at the base of the platform, with smoke twirling around.
At the lower end sat, respectively, An Jing, Zhao Qingmei, Xi Hafu, and Xiao Qianqiu, who had just rushed over from the Dragon Locking Well.
Several Imperial Guards stood respectfully on both sides, and continuously, beautiful and graceful court ladies clad in colorful palace attire came forward to pour wine and serve dishes.
Zhao Xuening asked with concern, “Mister An, I’ve heard you had a fierce battle with Wang Yangsheng. Were you injured?”
An Jing waved his hand and said, “Princess, you are too kind. It’s just some minor injuries, nothing serious.”
“Mister An, you’re the one being too modest.”
Zhao Xuening instructed, “Someone, bring out the Nine Jade Pills I have prepared.”
As she spoke, the little eunuch Zhuo Yuchang came up with a dish which also held a jade bottle.
The Nine Jade Pills were an extremely precious healing holy medicine of the Royal Family, ranked third in the world, only below the Great Snow Mountain Snow Lotus and the Zhenyi Sect’s Nine Revolutions Return to Origin Pill.
Zhao Xuening said earnestly, “This little healing elixir is a token of my regard. I hope Mister An will accept it.”
Seeing this, An Jing’s brows raised slightly. He had yet to speak when Zhao Qingmei abruptly took the jade bottle and said, “Since it’s a token of the princess’s regard, husband, you should accept it.”
An Jing saw Zhao Qingmei’s enchanting eyes and felt a chill in his heart.
If Luo Chongyang were here, he would undoubtedly be watching An Jing with amusement, but Xiao Qianqiu was different. He sat calmly across from An Jing, sipped his tea gently, and adopted a detached pose as if the matter did not concern him at all.
Xi Hafu seemed to be deaf to everything, pressed his hands together over his chest, and his small eyes appeared to be tightly shut, as he was resting.
An Jing, witnessing this scene, immediately had a bad feeling, as if sitting on pins and needles.
Zhao Xuening laughed lightly and said, “Sect Hierarch Zhao, this is our first meeting, isn’t it?”
Zhao Qingmei also smiled and said, “Indeed, it is my first time meeting the princess.”
Zhao Xuening raised her cup and said, “Since we are so fated, why don’t we have a drink together?”
Zhao Qingmei did not lift her cup but asked, “Why are we fated?”
Zhao Xuening replied with a smile, “We share the same surname, don’t you think that’s fate?”
Xiao Qianqiu’s eyebrows raised slightly. Others might not be privy to some secrets, but as the State Preceptor of Great Yan, and one who used to be among the most trusted by the previous Great Yan Emperor, he was aware of the mystery surrounding Zhao Qingmei’s identity.
What did Zhao Xuening mean by saying this now? Was she trying to test Zhao Qingmei?
Zhao Qingmei remained composed, lifted her cup, and said, “It seems the princess is not only fated with my husband, but with me as well.”
After speaking, Zhao Qingmei emptied her cup in one gulp and then looked toward Zhao Xuening.
The wine was powerful, and ordinary women seldom drank liquor, let alone emptied it in one swallow like fighters of Jianghu. Zhao Qingmei, who grew up in the Demon Sect Main Hall, was half a veteran of Jianghu and could down even the strongest drink in a single gulp.
Zhao Xuening, seeing her eyes, did not hesitate and also drained her cup.
The two women thus looked at each other in silence.
The air seemed to freeze.
In this hall, there were women, monks, and Daoists, all of whom were some of the most tough to deal with in Jianghu. At this moment, both monks and Daoists could sense the spark in the eyes of the two women that was fleeting yet intense.
Both women remained silent, their gaze not straying.
An Jing could only feel his scalp tingling and promptly spoke up, “Come, let’s eat. The dishes prepared by the imperial chefs are indeed delicious.”
Zhao Xuening’s eyes lit up, “Mother taught me from a young age to learn cooking with the imperial chefs. I have essentially mastered the cooking of all sixteen imperial chefs within the Imperial City.”
“Oh? So the chef’s dishes are this tasty?”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Qingmei set down her wine cup and said with a smile, “Does that mean the food here is better than what we have at home?”
The two women’s words clashed like swords, but the one who suffered was the middleman caught between them.
An Jing suddenly felt overwhelmed, realizing he might have misspoken, he quickly added, “In my heart, the dishes made by my wife are naturally the most delicious.”
Zhao Qingmei nodded with satisfaction and said, “The imperial chefs serve the royal family, and their dishes comprise of rare delicacies. For commoners like us, it’s better to stick to our simple home-cooked meals.”
Zhao Xuening responded calmly, “If one eats plain and simple meals too much, one eventually needs to change flavors.”
As she said this, her eyes were intently fixed on An Jing.
An Jing immediately felt as if sitting on pins and needles, thinking to himself, “Just speak normally, why are you staring at me all the time?”
Zhao Qingmei said expressionlessly, “That’s different. Commoners are accustomed to poverty and simplicity, and might not be able to handle these rare delicacies fit for a princess.”
Zhao Xuening let out a laugh and said, “No one is unchangeable; after all, the human heart is unpredictable. Sometimes, what you think is constant is actually the biggest change.”
Zhao Qingmei, seeing Zhao Xuening’s laugh, also smiled gently, “Is that so? I can’t entirely agree with the princess.”
Zhao Xuening gestured with a wave of her sleeve, indicating an invitation to continue, “Please explain.”
“No need for further explanation.”
Zhao Qingmei gently placed her Mandarin Duck Twin Blades on the table, and with a ‘snap’, the sound echoed throughout the Great Hall.
Suddenly, the entire Great Hall fell silent, an icy and solemn atmosphere pervaded the space.
Tianpeng Ancestor and Xu Qianyue immediately stepped in front of Zhao Xuening, warily watching Zhao Qingmei.
After all, she was the Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect. Although lately, the affairs of the Demon Sect were mostly handled by the Ghost Swordsman, this Hierarch rarely showcased her own methods, but there was not a person in the world who dared to take her lightly.
Meanwhile, Xiao Qianqiu also looked towards Zhao Qingmei, while Xi Hafu slowly opened his eyes.
The atmosphere in the Great Hall instantly became tense, even reaching a point where it seemed like swords were drawn and arrows were nocked.
Zhao Qingmei put down the wine cup and instead picked up a wine jar next to her, tilting her head back with her fair and smooth neck exposed, she took large gulps of the alcohol.
Zhao Xuening called out sharply, “What are you doing? Back off now!”
Tianpeng Ancestor and Xu Qianyue exchanged glances and then retreated several steps back.
An Jing, on the other hand, was remarkably calm inside. Since the matter was out of his control, he might as well lie back and slowly enjoy his wine with a calm heart.
Zhao Xuening looked on with appreciation at Zhao Qingmei and said, “Sect Hierarch Zhao thinks the same way I do.”
Zhao Qingmei put down the wine jar and asked, “Do you know what I’m thinking?”
Zhao Xuening replied, “I know.”
Zhao Qingmei shook her head, “No, you don’t.”
Zhao Xuening asked, “Why do you think I wouldn’t know?”
Zhao Qingmei responded, “Because you are not me, you will never truly know what I’m thinking.”
Zhao Xuening did not argue, then smiled and said, “Then let it be that I don’t know. Perhaps it’s better not to know certain things.”
Zhao Qingmei said, “It seems the princess is a wise person.”
Zhao Xuening replied, “The term ‘wise’ isn’t ideal. I prefer to be considered someone with wisdom, since it is rare for people to attribute wisdom to women.”
Zhao Qingmei’s tone lifted slightly, “Who says that women seldom possess wisdom?”
Zhao Xuening slowly said, “Just like throughout the millennia-long history of dynasties, there has never been a female Human Emperor.”
Zhao Qingmei said, “The Princess can be the first, and I think this will definitely be the most prominent stroke in the annals of history.”
Zhao Xuening asked, “Yes, but I wonder if the Sect Hierarch is willing to support me?”
Zhao Xuening had already completely taken control of the Royal Family and all the civil and military officials, and even the tens of thousands of soldiers of the Pingyang Guard were in her hands. She could ascend to the throne whenever she wished.
Zhao Qingmei laughed, “Do you really hope for my affirmation?”
Zhao Xuening earnestly said, “Indeed, after all, in my heart, Sect Hierarch Zhao is a very ‘important’ person.”
Their words were like swordplay, loaded with hidden intentions, shifting from the initial struggle over An Jing to the contention for the throne, each trying to probe the other.
And with every sentence, they came to understand each other better.
Zhao Qingmei did not hesitate, “Of course, I support the Princess and will support you wholeheartedly.”
“Good!”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xuening stood up and said, “With the words of Sect Hierarch Zhao, I can now rest easy. I plan to ascend the throne in three days.”
Although she had long known that Zhao Xuening would ascend the throne, hearing it from her own lips, there was still a subtle shift in her emotions.
“Then I shall offer my congratulations to the Princess in advance.”
“Congratulations to the Princess!”
Xiao Qianqiu and Xi Hafu also stood up to offer their congratulations.
Zhao Xuening grinned as she turned to the silently observing An Jing, “Young Master An, I have always invited you to admire the Four Views of Yujing, but you have been too busy. Don’t forget about it in the future.”
“The next time I invite you to enjoy the view, it will be an imperial command.”
An Jing felt a cold glare coming from beside him. Although it was fleeting—appearing quickly and vanishing even faster—he was aware of it.
…..
After the banquet, Zhao Xuening kept Zhao Qingmei behind, intending to give her some clothes and personal effects belonging to Zhao Shizai.
An Jing left the Imperial City, having a cheerful conversation with the two women, and returned to the Demon Sect’s stronghold.
If it were any ordinary future emperor who had kept his wife behind, An Jing might have thought differently, but as it was the soon-to-be Empress of Great Yan, he did not say much.
“Son-in-law.”
Seeing An Jing return, Li Fuzhou quickly greeted him and asked, “Where is the Sect Hierarch?”
An Jing waved his hand and said, “She’s still in the Imperial Palace.”
Upon hearing this, Li Fuzhou’s face went through a slight change, then he said, “Zhou Xianming has left Yujing City.”
An Jing sat down and poured a cup of tea, “Where did he go?”
Li Fuzhou answered, “He went back to Yu State City.”
“Let him go back.”
An Jing paused for a moment, then continued, “By the way, you didn’t mention to the wife what Zhou Xianming told you, did you?”
Li Fuzhou quickly replied, “I haven’t said a word to the Sect Hierarch about what Zhou Xianming told me.”
“This Zhou Xianming…”
An Jing shook his head. Back when he was in Yu State City, they often drank together and would speak their minds after getting drunk. An Jing had said a lot, and perhaps those words had given Zhou Xianming a lot to think about unwittingly.
Zhou Xianming’s life was quite exceptional; his parents died in the Jianghu feuds when he was young, and then as a teenager, he became a famous scholar but chose not to take the imperial exams. Instead, he traveled the world, visiting the Pure Land, Houjin, Zhao Country, and the Southern Barbarians.
He spent the most time in Zhao Country and understood its national conditions best.
Zhao Country was under the extremely oppressive rule of the Black Ice Platform. Almost no other Jianghu forces existed outside of the Black Ice Platform, and they hardly influenced the overall situation, which turned the Zhao Country’s Jianghu into stagnant water. Few experts emerged, but the common people of Zhao Country were much better off than those in Yan Country.
Furthermore, ensuing events like those related to Li Yue and An Jing had sparked a special idea in Zhou Xianming’s mind.
Heroes committing crimes with martial arts!
This phrase was spot on. Once someone possessed power surpassing that of ordinary people, it would inevitably affect the order of the world, with commoners always bearing the brunt of the chaos.
These ordinary people were powerless lambs that could die amidst the surging tides with just a bit of carelessness.
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Zhou Xianming wanted to establish a new order, solidify imperial power, and, at the same time, protect countless citizens.
However, historically, reforms often had a downside— they would harm the interests of one group to protect the interests of another. Zhou Xianming wanted to establish a martial arts school, which nearly uprooted the entire foundation of Jianghu.
In the past, An Jing viewed the world from a doctor’s perspective, naturally expressing different opinions. But now, he served as a tributor to the Demon Sect, and his wife was the Sect Hierarch.
“Your position determines your thoughts.” This saying fully illustrates human nature’s weakness. Depending on where you sit, that’s the position’s problems you consider.
In fact, looking at Zhou Xianming’s life experiences, even he didn’t realize that the person who had the deepest impact on him was the Doctor An from Yu State City, whose influence subtly and profoundly changed his thoughts.
And perhaps, he was unaware of this change.
“Reform…”
An Jing looked back at the history of this world and then thought of the history of the previous world.
Because you would be surprised to find that history hasn’t changed. Technology changes, clothes change, diets change—these are all superficial. Inside, nothing changes; it’s still the same old pattern from thousands of years ago, going in circles. The same mistakes that should be made, will be made; the same people who should be killed, will be killed; loyal ministers and treacherous officials will die, and a thousand years later, they will still die.
We are aware of all the mistakes, yet we ultimately cannot correct them.
Those who truly transcend history do exist, and the world refers to these individuals as saints.
After all, this world is filled with countless people living in dire straits.
Life is not as some people describe it—short-lived. In fact, it can be very drawn-out, especially for those suffering, so lengthy as to make one wish for death.
Standing atop the waves of the era, An Jing is now this era’s greatest wave. His every action impacts the world and may even affect the future direction of the world.
And how should history proceed?
Upon reflection, martial arts are mostly in the hands of sects and schools. They grip these collections of martial arts and mental methods tightly; some have even been lost, completely disappearing from the human world.
But if martial arts truly become widespread, it’s a mixed bag whether this is good or bad for the people of the world. However, sects and schools will be completely eradicated, becoming history. Ancient sects like the Demon Sect and the Zhenyi Sect pose the greatest resistance.
Supporting Zhou Xianming’s reform is like cutting off one’s own arms.
What will become of the Demon Sect’s followers? How will he explain to Jun Qinglin? And how will he justify it to Zhao Qingmei?
Moreover, without the Demon Sect, the royal family’s power would undoubtedly grow, leaving him and Zhao Qingmei like tigers without wings.
“The cunning rabbit is cooked when the running dog is exhausted; the flying birds are gone so the good bow is stored away.” An Jing is well aware of this principle.
It is difficult to let go of power in hand.
Just like the saying goes, it’s easy to enter Jianghu, but difficult to leave its mire.
An Jing has never considered himself a saint, nor does he see himself as a mediocre nobody. But the decision he’s faced with now is akin to the kind that saints must make.
An Jing sighed and asked, “Third Master, what do you think?”
Li Fuzhou shook his head and said, “I’ve not figured it out yet.”
An Jing took a deep breath and replied, “Then keep thinking, until the day you understand.”
His words seemed to be directed at Li Fuzhou, but also at himself.
……
