Reborn as Murong Fu: This Time I'm the Protagonist

Chapter 476 Nine Yangs Dispel the Cold
Fang Qingxue felt a warm current flow into her body, as if she were soaking in a hot spring, a warmth that penetrated to the very marrow of her bones. Even when she slept on volcanic rocks during previous attacks of her cold poison, she had never felt this way.

At this moment, she was like a tabby cat in winter, basking in the warmth of the fire, comfortably closing her eyes, and in her daze, she did not notice that a thin layer of ice had formed on the surface of the water in the wooden basin.

Murong Fu's eyes narrowed slightly: This cold poison is more potent than he had imagined!

He precisely controlled his inner energy, peeling away the wisps of cold energy hidden within Fang Qingxue's meridians as if operating a scalpel.

This is ten times more difficult than using internal energy to cleanse someone's marrow and tendons, because Fang Qingxue has been suffering from a severe cold poison since childhood. The poison has long been integrated with her bloodline, and it can be said to be a part of her body now. In addition, this girl has no foundation in internal energy, and her meridians are more fragile than those of a little girl who has never practiced martial arts. To say that they are made of paper would be an overestimation of her.

However, Murong Fu's control over his inner energy has now reached a level of unparalleled mastery. It is no exaggeration to say that even if someone were to drop a piece of tofu from a height of several dozen feet, Murong Fu could catch it steadily without damaging it in the slightest.

The Northern Darkness Divine Art combines Yin and Yang. In the past, Murong Fu specialized in the Yin-Yang lineage because it was compatible with the Star Shift technique for controlling power and exploring the subtle nuances. However, this does not mean that he could only use softness to overcome hardness.

Nine is the extreme of Yang numbers; nine Yangs means double Yang.

Under Murong Fu's careful control, a wisp of pure Yang energy gathered in Fang Qingxue's fragile dantian. As if sensing something, a large amount of cold energy within Fang Qingxue's body surged forth from her limbs and bones like sharks smelling blood.

Although yin and yang are mutually generating and restraining, this is only true when both sides maintain a balance and are in equilibrium. If one side is too weak and the other side is too strong, then one side will devour the other.

In terms of purity, Murong Fu's Pure Yang True Qi is unparalleled in the world. No matter how powerful the Cold Qi is, it is far inferior in quality. In recent years, it has only been causing trouble by taking advantage of Fang Qingxue's weak body.

Fang La, concerned for his younger sister, blindly sought out numerous rare and precious herbs to nourish her. While this did help prolong her life, it was like adding fuel to the fire, giving the cold energy a continuous and unending source of power.

A large amount of cold air surrounded Murong Fu's wisp of pure internal energy, like hyenas surrounding a lone lion.

As if sensing danger, the true energy instinctively contracted into a point of light, drawing in a large amount of cold air from the surrounding area, which surged wildly toward it.

The true energy was always at a disadvantage, like a kite suspended by a thin string. On the other hand, the cold energy, despite its fierce approach, could not take down that wisp of true energy and instead grew weaker and weaker with each passing moment.

Finally, as the last wisp of cold air was drawn in like unraveling a cocoon, it perished along with the last trace of true energy.

Fang Qingxue's face flushed red, and then with a "crack," she spat out a bright red blood clot the size of a pigeon egg.

Fang Qingxue's beautiful eyes widened, and her delicate body, which had been frail and pale for many years, was now tinged with a faint pink.

Murong Fu turned and left, instructing A'Zhu to take care of Fang Qingxue. Naturally, A'Zhu couldn't help but tease him during the process.

After a night's rest, the cold poison in Fang Qingxue's body was completely gone. Fang La naturally expressed his gratitude.

The next day, Fang La led Murong Fu on a leisurely stroll through his own lacquer garden.

The garden covered a vast area and was frequented by Ming Cult members.

Fang La sighed, “Young Master Murong, as you can see, most of us Ming Cult members are just ordinary people who have been exploited by the government and have spontaneously gathered together to help each other. If we can live a good life, naturally no one will cause trouble.”

He only referred to himself as "Young Master Murong" and not as "Vice Leader," which clearly shows that he did not acknowledge Murong Fu's identity as a follower of the Western Regions Ming Cult.

Murong Fu neither agreed nor disagreed, nor did he pay much attention to this detail.

"Is it because Envoy Fang specially invited me here for a chat that I am not here just to admire the scenery of West Lake? To be honest, West Lake is nothing special. In terms of scenery, it is far inferior to Suzhou."

Fang La said solemnly, "I know that Young Master Murong's purpose in coming here is Bianliang, and I also know who the old man traveling with you is. My purpose in speaking with you is simply to seek a way out for the tens of thousands of Ming Cult members!" Murong Fu asked in surprise, "Oh? Are you asking for amnesty? But the Ming Cult hasn't openly raised its flag in rebellion yet, so what's this talk of amnesty?"

Fang La snorted coldly: "Even if we raise the banner, what can the court do? I just want to ask that the Prime Minister Zhang who accompanied Young Master Murong, if he ever returns to the capital, not to play those same old tricks and torment us common folk."

Murong Fu remained silent for a moment.

Wang Anshi's reforms have always been met with mixed reviews. Those who praise him commend his courage in taking on responsibilities, his bold innovations, and his pioneering spirit that set a precedent for later generations.

Opponents, however, condemned it for disregarding the facts, building castles in the air, and doing more harm than good, which objectively accelerated the decline of the Song Dynasty.

Regardless of the circumstances, the factional strife in the imperial court that ensued caused real harm to the people of Song.

The reason is nothing more than the constant changes in the country's governance strategies, leaving ordinary people at a loss.

Murong Fu sighed inwardly, "I'm afraid there's nothing I can do about it. Under the circumstances, all we can do is go with the flow."

Yes, in an avalanche, no snowflake is innocent. But the cause of an avalanche is not necessarily a single snowflake.

Fang La remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "In that case, I hope we won't become enemies in the future, young master."

……

Seven days later, Murong Fu and his party arrived in Bianliang.

A'Zhu couldn't help but exclaim, "What a magnificent city Bianjing! Compared to Suzhou, it truly has a completely different atmosphere!"

If Suzhou is a gentle and refined woman raised in the misty rain of Jiangnan, a girl from a modest family, then Bianjing is a lady from a prominent family, adorned with jewels and finery.

Eight water gates connect the city's extensive waterways. The city walls, like a riddle, stand majestically in the twilight.

Murong Fu and his group entered the city through the Nanxun Gate at dusk.

Despite it being dusk, the streets were still bustling with tourists.

The spacious Imperial Street could accommodate eight carriages side by side, with their precious horses and carved carriages carrying the families of wealthy merchants, high-ranking officials, and dignitaries, each vying for extravagance.

The abolition of the xiangfang system in the Song Dynasty greatly promoted the development of commerce. Throughout the Song Dynasty, commercial taxes consistently constituted a major portion of the imperial court's revenue. Even at dusk, every house was brightly lit. Street vendors hawked various snacks and delicacies within their designated areas. Street performers energetically displayed their skills, hoping to attract the attention of passersby.

Azhu, who had lived in Suzhou for a long time, curiously looked around at the huge city before her. Abi, on the other hand, had been sitting in the carriage without saying a word since entering the city, seemingly lost in thought.

Murong Fu said, "I've long heard that there are two exceptional restaurants in Bianjing: Panjiayuan and Fanlou. It's already dinnertime, so why don't we postpone our lodgings and go for a stroll at Fanlou first?"

Azhu's eyes lit up, and she exclaimed happily, "Great! Maybe I can learn a few new dishes this time and bring them back to Suzhou!"

The coachman laughed and said, "Young master, you've come to the right person. My home in Li Family Lane is not far from Fanlou. Why don't you take me there?"

Murong Fu said, "Alright, then I'll have to trouble you!"