A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 234 Prelude to the Sacrifice to Heaven
The capital city, the residence of the General of the State
In a certain room, Shangguan Yu'er looked at Meiji, who was dressed in red, and said in a deep voice, "The preparations are almost complete, but whether it will succeed depends on yourselves."

Meiji nodded upon hearing this and said, "That's good. Everything is proceeding according to plan."

As she spoke, Mei Ji took out a brocade box from her sleeve and handed it to Shangguan Yu'er. Upon seeing it, the latter asked in surprise, "What is this?"

When Meiji took out the brocade box, Shangguan Yu'er felt incredibly comfortable, and even the demonic power within her body became very active.

Mei Ji reached out and opened the brocade box. Inside was a crimson bead, its entire body resembling congealed blood jade. Shangguan Yu'er's soul was involuntarily drawn into it at first glance. By the time she came to her senses, three quarters of an hour had passed.

"This was bestowed upon you by the Empress Dowager. This bead is called the Spirit Gathering Bead. Wearing it can quickly calm the mind and also mobilize more vital energy for cultivation. It is an extremely rare treasure."

Mei Ji pushed the brocade box forward with her right hand. Shangguan Yu'er was taken aback at first, but then eagerly took the box, her face beaming with joy.

Although Shangguan Yu'er is the younger sister of General Shangguan Yuanfan, the General Who Protects the Nation, and has a noble status, she yearns for cultivation. She wanted to join the Xuanxin Sect, but failed to pass the test of refining the heart.

Although she did not formally join the Xuanxin Sect, Jin Guang, out of respect for the Emperor and Shangguan Yuanfan, imparted some basic Qi cultivation techniques to her. These methods, though ordinary, were invaluable to Shangguan Yu'er, who came from a military family.

At first, Shangguan Yu'er practiced these Qi cultivation methods very diligently, and her martial arts skills improved considerably, even surpassing her brother at one point. However, the methods became increasingly difficult to improve as she progressed, which made Shangguan Yu'er feel irritable. As a result, she began to take a crooked path and secretly collected some unorthodox and heretical books.

The General of the State's Mansion is a first-class noble family in the current dynasty. It may not be easy to find a real Qi cultivation method, but it is not difficult to find some ordinary martial arts books.

In just a few months, Shangguan Yu'er had collected a large number of demonic scriptures. After a period of sorting, Shangguan Yu'er actually used these scriptures, which were mixed with the Qi cultivation techniques of the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect, to create a cultivation method that could devour the cultivation of others.

After obtaining this technique, Shangguan Yu'er immediately began experimenting with it. She secretly infiltrated the Heavenly Prison and absorbed the power of some martial artists. In just half a month, her cultivation level increased at a visible speed. However, this technique had limited foundation, and after absorbing the power of dozens of people, its drawbacks became apparent.

Just three months ago, when Shangguan Yu'er was cultivating in a place where Yin energy gathered outside the capital, her true energy was disturbed by various strange forces within her body. Just when she was about to explode and die, Mei Ji happened to appear and saved her life. Mei Ji also saw that Shangguan Yu'er was a superior seed of the demonic path, so she taught her a "Taiyin Refining Form Method".

Today, with the help of the Zhenguo General's Mansion, Shangguan Yu'er has mastered the first three levels of the martial arts, making her a first-rate expert in the martial arts world. However, the progress beyond the third level cannot be supported by any rare and precious materials in the world.

"Thank you for the treasure, Empress Dowager. I, Shangguan Yu'er, will do my utmost to contribute to the eternal foundation of the Holy Dynasty."

With this Gathering Spirit Pearl, Shangguan Yu'er is confident that she can reach the fourth level in a short time, at which point she will be no weaker than Yan Hongye and Zhuge Liuyun.

“Yu’er, your brother has been kept in the dark all along. Since things have already gone this far, it’s better to keep it a secret to avoid causing more trouble.”

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Yu'er nodded and said slowly, "My brother is wholeheartedly loyal, and this matter has nothing to do with him. Don't worry, he won't find out about it. He just needs to be a good general. However, regarding the Xuanxin Sect..."

Shangguan Yu'er initially harbored some resentment towards the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect. Although Jin Guang later taught her some Qi cultivation methods, which calmed her down, the resentment in her heart could not be eliminated in a short time. Now, although she was cultivating demonic techniques, she also knew the flaws and shortcomings of this technique. At best, she would only be able to achieve the same level as Mei Ji. If she was less accomplished, she would just be a pawn that could be discarded at will.

"As the most righteous sect in the world, do you think they wouldn't know that you cultivate the Holy Dynasty's techniques, Yu'er?" Mei Ji gave Shangguan Yu'er a deep look and said in a calm tone.

"It was somewhat fortunate, but since the envoy said so, it seems that the Xuanxin Sect doesn't take me seriously at all."

"Of course. The enemy of Xuanxin Sect has always been the Holy Dynasty. Jin Guang and others simply don't have the extra time to deal with you. In addition, you are the elder brother and a confidant of the Emperor, and you are also the only younger sister of the General of the State. As long as you don't cross their bottom line, it's very possible that they will turn a blind eye."

Mei Ji's explanation left Shangguan Yu'er speechless. In the end, she was still relying on her brother's power. If it weren't for that, the other party probably wouldn't have been so lenient.

"Alright, I've been out long enough. Be careful in everything you do. As long as you don't provoke the Xuanxin Sect, you'll be fine."

After Meiji gave a few more instructions, her figure slowly disappeared. After Meiji disappeared, Shangguan Yu'er's eyes revealed a desire for power. She turned around and went into the inner room, sat cross-legged on the bed, and began to cultivate the Taiyin Refining Form Method after summoning the Gathering Spirit Pearl. Soon, wisps of moonlight power drifted in from outside the window and continuously flowed into Shangguan Yu'er's body.

Just as Mei Ji left and Shangguan Yu'er was cultivating, a figure silently arrived outside the study, gently knocked three times, and a warm and clear voice came from inside.

"Come in."

Upon hearing this, the shadowy figure gently pushed open the door, carefully entered, turned around and closed the door, then quickly took a few steps and knelt down in front of a figure holding a book in front of the table.

"The general is right, the young lady does indeed have a problem."

The shadowy figure recounted everything that had just happened in detail. After he finished speaking, the study was quiet for a moment. Then, the tall figure beside the desk put down the military book in his hand, revealing a resolute and extraordinary face in the candlelight.

"Understood, let's go down."

Upon hearing this, the figure bowed again and slowly withdrew from the study.

"Yu'er, it really is you."

A trace of pain appeared on Shangguan Yuanfan's face. He had initially thought that his personal seal had been used by someone else, but after careful examination, he found that his sister was highly suspicious. After tracing the matter to this point, Shangguan Yuanfan realized that something was wrong. After further investigation, a series of strange things were laid out on the table.

"The martial arts practitioners who died tragically in the prison, the large consumption of various precious medicinal herbs, the maids and servants who disappear every now and then, the rapid progress in martial arts in a short period of time, plus the sacrificial ceremony that His Majesty is about to hold, Yu'er, you are truly remarkable."

Shangguan Yuanfan's face was very gloomy. After thinking it over again and again, he took a deep breath, swept his sleeve, and the candlelight was extinguished. Shangguan Yuanfan reached out and activated the mechanism on the table, and a secret room appeared behind it.

Inside the Xuanxin Sect, Jin Guang and the four Xuanxin generals were discussing the sacrificial ceremony when suddenly a bronze cauldron in the hall emitted a bright light. Upon seeing this, the four Xuanxin generals' expressions changed, and they all stood up, drew their swords, and stared intently at the bronze cauldron.

"No need to panic."

With a wave of his hand, Jin Guang put down his hand, and the four members of the Azure Dragon Clan sat down with peace of mind. However, they still maintained their vigilance. Jin Guang swept his sleeve across the light, and as the light spread out, Shangguan Yuanfan's figure emerged from within it.

"Grand Preceptor, Shangguan Yuanfan greets you."

Shangguan Yuanfan clasped his hands in a salute to Jin Guang, then looked at Qinglong and the other three, and nodded.

"General Shangguan?"

Qinglong exclaimed in surprise. Shangguan Yuanfan was a confidant of the Emperor, so why would he come to see the Sect Master in the middle of the night? Could it be...?

Qinglong dared not think any further, and the other three, as if on cue, remained silent. "General Shangguan's visit so late at night, is there something urgent?"

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Yuanfan said, "Grand Preceptor Jin Guang, Yu'er has indeed changed. All the strange things that happened before were related to her. In the past, the Grand Preceptor did not pursue the matter too much out of consideration for me, but only punished her severely. However, this time I can no longer sit idly by."

Taking a deep breath, Shangguan Yuanfan said in a deep voice, "The people from the Yinyue Dynasty have come to the General's Mansion again tonight. According to the portrait, they should be Meiji under the command of Empress Dowager Yinyue."

"Oh, so the Yin Yue Dynasty is so impatient that it can't even wait a month or so." Jin Guang was somewhat surprised to hear this. He originally thought that the Yin Yue Dynasty would wait until the altar was completed before entering the capital. He did not expect that the other party would send a high-ranking person like Mei Ji.

"Meiji must have made some request to my younger sister. I am of low ability and cannot find out what she wants, but it is certainly not something good. I hope the Grand Preceptor can find out the reason for this as soon as possible."

Jin Guang nodded upon hearing this and said calmly, "General Shangguan, rest assured. Xuanxin Sect has an inescapable responsibility for this matter. Your sister has been practicing demonic arts for some time now, and your current actions have probably already alerted her."

Shangguan Yuanfan's expression changed. His martial arts skills were considered top-notch in the martial arts world, and he had activated the Spirit Communication Wall in a secret room. Logically, there shouldn't have been any problems. But judging from the Imperial Preceptor's words, he was afraid that he had already been exposed.

"General Shangguan, keep this talisman safe. After you return, stick it on your sister's room. It will ensure her safety for three months."

With a flick of his finger, Jin Guang pointed and a golden ray appeared. Immediately, the spiritual energy in the hall swirled and merged into the golden ray. In an instant, a blinding light flashed. Shangguan Yuanfan raised his hand to block it. When the light dissipated, he saw a golden talisman floating in front of him, exuding a sacred and profound aura.

"Thank you, Imperial Master."

Shangguan Yuanfan reached out and took the talisman, carefully putting it away.

"After the sacrificial ceremony, I will deal with your sister's matter."

Jin Guang is now focusing most of his energy on the sacrificial ceremony, so Shangguan Yu'er's matter has to take a backseat.

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Yuanfan's eyes dimmed slightly. Seeing that Jin Guang had nothing else to say, Shangguan Yuanfan bowed again and then withdrew. As soon as the light dissipated, his figure disappeared.

"Sect Master, the sacrificial ceremony is progressing steadily. The main altar has been largely completed, and the four auxiliary altars are also taking shape. The altars will be fully completed in at most twenty days."

“Yes, this sacrificial ceremony is very important. The Yin Yue Dynasty will definitely launch a countermeasure. Qinglong, the four of you will each guard one of the auxiliary platforms, and I will take care of the main altar.”

Jin Guang had already devised a plan. In addition to the four Xuanxin generals who were in the open, Yan Chixia and Sima Sanniang would also blend into the crowd. Other sects would also make an appearance, along with the disciples who had been cultivating in seclusion. This force was enough to support the situation.

The only worry is the Moon Demon, which Senior Brother Gu Xu can handle. If the Yin Moon Dynasty can still turn the tide with such a huge advantage, then there is no need for me to continue as the sect leader.

Twenty days passed in the blink of an eye. Five tall altars stood on the Xuanzhen Imperial Road in the capital. The area within several feet was surrounded by high walls of blue bricks to prevent ordinary people from entering. Under the main altar, the current emperor and a group of ministers were pointing and commenting on the altar.

One of the ministers looked at the magnificent altar in front of him and exclaimed in amazement, "It is incredible that such a spectacular sight was built in just over a month."

The other ministers were also amazed and spoke highly of it.

Although the Emperor did not show any joy on his face upon hearing this, he was very pleased in his heart. These ministers had never liked extravagance, and they had faced considerable pressure in building the altar themselves. Hearing them praise it now truly satisfied the Emperor's vanity.

While the ministers offered their compliments, the Crown Prince behind the Emperor frowned deeply. These five altars were clearly very expensive, and after the sacrificial ceremony, they would be basically useless. Such extravagance and waste was really inappropriate. However, seeing that his father was in a good mood, the Crown Prince would not go up to offend him.

Just as everyone was talking, a group of people suddenly walked quickly towards them. When the emperor saw the people coming, his expression immediately turned serious.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

Jin Guang, along with the four Xuanxin generals and their disciples behind him, bowed to the Emperor.

"Greetings, Imperial Preceptor."

The Emperor nodded, and the rest of the people bowed to the golden light.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the Emperor looked at the golden light and asked softly, "Imperial Preceptor, has the time for the sacrificial ceremony been chosen?"

Although the day for the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven was set for three days later, the exact time still needed to be calculated. Otherwise, if the auspicious time was missed, the ceremony would be flawed, which would be absolutely intolerable to the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, tomorrow at noon will be an auspicious time. The sun will be shining brightly, its energy reaching the heavens, a time when the righteous energy of heaven and earth will be at its peak."

"That's good. Then I'll leave it to the Imperial Advisor. This matter absolutely cannot fail!"

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang nodded and said, "This humble Taoist will do his utmost to pray for His Majesty's well-being and for the continuation of the dynasty's fortunes, and will not fail the Emperor's grace!"

The emperor's face lit up with joy upon hearing this, while some ministers stroked their beards and smiled. Some of them exchanged knowing glances.

"If the Imperial Advisor has something to attend to, go ahead and do it. I'll just take a stroll around here."

"This humble Taoist priest takes his leave."

After bowing to the emperor, Jin Guang led the Xuanxin disciples away quickly, their steps never faltering as they made their way to the main altar.

"Liu Yun, did you manage to capture the auras of those people just now?" Jin Guang asked a handsome young man beside him.

"They're all stored on the creditor's certificate."

Zhuge Liuyun took out four smooth jade tablets and presented them to Jin Guang, who glanced at them and then told him to put them away.

"At midnight tonight, I will unleash the power to reverse Yin and Yang. You must protect me carefully and absolutely not allow any outsiders to approach. Anyone who disobeys will be executed!"

(End of this chapter)