Longzang

Chapter 448 The Peerless Young Master (Thanks to Alliance Leader Yossarian2024)

Wei Yuan knew very well that the announcement of the new system was just the beginning.

Some powerful families and clans have now set their sights on Qingming, and their influence is even greater than imagined.

There are only about 7,000 mu of similar quasi-spiritual fields in Qingming, and the fact that the nephew of the Duke of Xiang of Zhao was able to set his sights on half of them shows just how large they are.

This is just the beginning; there will only be more to come. Under their instigation, wartime measures may be cancelled sooner than expected, or at least partially cancelled.

However, Wei Yuan still does not intend to conduct a strict investigation across the entire region. Instead, he will continue to maintain a lenient atmosphere and instead impose severe penalties afterward. He will increase the punishment for any behavior that dares to cross the line, and impose severe penalties for each instance of violation, just like he did with this caravan this time.

The caravan was carrying goods worth 50,000 taels of silver. Wei Yuan confiscated half of the goods, executed the two direct instigators, and exiled the rest of the managers, but did not take any action against the basic personnel.

This was meant to make the caravan's owners wince, and to let other caravans and the agents of various noble families know what the consequences would be for daring to provoke the Azure Nether Army. At the very least, they needed to know that Wei Yuan never hesitated to kill, and there would be no exceptions unless a True Lord could be summoned in person.

Naturally, Wei Yuan also slapped that young master Wang across the face. Let alone just being a duke's nephew, even if the Duke of Xiang himself came, Wei Yuan would not back down in the slightest. Every claw that was extended would be chopped off and finely sliced.

Of course, if the Zhao state sent a princess to intercede, Wei Yuan might be willing to make an exception.

While dealing with this matter, Wei Yuan recalled a remark made by Consort Yuan: "Perhaps the one who most wants this child dead is King Zhao." Similarly, King Zhao would not want a powerful military governor of Dingxi to emerge on the border of Zhao.

Wei Yuan had long ago investigated the Zhao King's temperament, hobbies, and life story. The current Zhao King is diligent and hardworking, waging war on all sides since he ascended the throne. Not long ago, he defeated the Ji State, acquiring six cities and thousands of miles of land.

King Zhao acted decisively and ruthlessly, but was sometimes stubborn and self-willed. He had great ambitions since childhood and was determined to expand his territory and overwhelm the Southern Qi Li family and the surrounding countries.

Wei Yuan felt that simply backing down was useless when dealing with the King of Zhao. He had to confront him head-on and make him realize that it was not worth it to be an enemy of Qingming, in order to dispel any thoughts that he should not have.

This incident may not be related to King Zhao, but future conflicts between the two sides are likely unavoidable, unless Consort Yuan has no ambition and Qingming stops developing.

Back then, Consort Yuan orchestrated a scheme to have the King of Zhao issue an edict bestowing titles upon Wei Yuan, forcing the King of Jin to reluctantly appoint Wei Yuan as the Military Governor of Dingxi. Subsequently, it was also the Zhao merchant caravan that first broke through the blockade and arrived in Qingming. At that time, the relationship between Wei Yuan and the Zhao state was quite close; unexpectedly, just over a year later, signs of conflict were already emerging between them.

This reminded Wei Yuan of a quote from Xu Wenwu's file: "There are no permanent friends, only permanent interests."

However, according to Xu Wenwu, the reason he remembers so many similar phrases is mainly for arguing and bickering with others online.

Thinking of this, Wei Yuan felt somewhat tired, and then gave the mortals in the world a new long-term task: to reverse-engineer the various systems of the outer world based on Xu Wenwu's information, and compare them with the laws and rituals of the Great Tang Dynasty.

Fortunately, it was within my own Dharma form. If it had been outside, the task itself would have been enough to warrant the extermination of nine generations of my family.

Having finally finished his tasks, Wei Yuan looked at the starry sky and prepared to visit Bao Yun's new city. There was still a lot of cleanup work to be done there after the war, and it was right on the edge of the border region.

Under the cover of night, Wei Yuan flew silently across the boundary and arrived above Ding'an City.

Although it was late at night, Ding'an City was still brightly lit, with countless craftsmen busy quarrying rocks to repair the destroyed city walls. Another group of craftsmen were building various houses and facilities according to the plans, and large quantities of logs were being carried into the city by monks. The roads into the city were still very rudimentary, and carts moved slowly and laboriously.

The first batch of supplies delivered were ammunition for the city's defenses, followed by the newly manufactured short-barreled cannons.

From his high vantage point, Wei Yuan looked down upon the tiny figures below, like ants, diligently building a new city. Working day and night, it wouldn't be long before it became an even more formidable fortress. The next time the Witch Clan attacked, they would surely leave behind far more than just forty thousand corpses before the city.

Looking at these busy people, Wei Yuan was somewhat lost in thought, and sighed to himself.

Humans are always flawed; they are ignorant, superficial, a mob, easily swayed, focused only on the present, always seeking survival, and prone to betrayal for petty gains. But if given a glimmer of hope, they can work tirelessly, fearlessly, and fight the enemy to the bitter end.

This is what it means to be an ordinary person—imperfect, yet there will always be those who will throw themselves into the fire for their ideals.

So someone has to step forward, disregarding personal gain or loss, to lead them through life, to move forward, and to gradually build a better life, until, like in another world, mortals can be born with value and meaning.

Wei Yuan felt that, at least for now, that person should be himself.

Just then, a bright, pure sword light, without the slightest impurity, came from beyond the sky and struck Wei Yuan directly!
The sword strike came without warning, only alerting Wei Yuan when it was almost upon him. Wei Yuan instantly shifted to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. The sword light continued forward, like a flowing stream, when suddenly a hidden stone emerged from the shadows.

A distorted black shadow emerged from the sword light, barely possessing what appeared to be holes for facial features, and then emitted a scream that should have pierced the heavens and earth. But within the sword light, it uttered not a sound, like a clump of mud being washed away by flowing water, quickly reducing it to only a tiny core.

After the sword light disappeared, a black crystal fell from the sky and flew into Wei Yuan's hand on its own.

This assassin from the Wu Clan, who was at the late stage of the Dharma Aspect realm and possessed the innate ability to conceal supernatural powers, was thus annihilated.

A soft, languid voice rang out in the night: "I have long heard of Young Master Wei Yuan's invincible Dharma Aspect. Seeing him today, I can confirm that his demeanor is indeed extraordinary. I am new here and have not prepared any gifts, so I offer you a spy from the Witch Clan as a small token of my appreciation. I hope you will not find it offensive."

Wei Yuan felt a chill run down his spine. This witch clan member had been lurking nearby without him noticing. Yet the newcomer not only discovered him but also killed him with a single, effortless sword strike.

This person's sword light was as calm as water, passing by silently, without waves or ripples, as soft as nothing, yet indestructible, concealing an unparalleled chilling power within, truly approaching the Dao.

There are such masters in the world?
Wei Yuan stared intently at the source of the sword light, and saw a young man in white emerge from the night, holding a four-foot-long sword with a blade as white as snow.

He was somewhat handsome, with a gentle face, only his sword-like eyebrows hinting at a sharp edge, while his eyes held a warm smile, making Wei Yuan feel no murderous intent whatsoever. "May I ask who you are...?"

The white-robed young man said, “Sword Palace, Su Xuejing, wields the sword ‘Treading Snow on Kunlun.’ My junior sister, Shangguan Qianmo, received your guidance back then, and I have not yet had the chance to thank you. However, at that time, Young Master Wei was still at the Foundation Establishment stage, and I was unable to learn from you. Recently, I was delighted to hear that Young Master Wei has achieved the Dharma Aspect stage, so I have traveled thousands of miles to learn from your Daoist magic and supernatural powers.”

Another one of the Seven Swords Guarding the Palace… Wei Yuan was somewhat helpless. He had only been training down the mountain for a short time, and he had already encountered four of the Seven Swords Guarding the Palace. Fortunately, there were only seven swords guarding the Palace.

But then Wei Yuan thought again, could there be other names besides the Seven Swords of the Palace Guard? For example, the Seven Swords of the Palace Protection, or the Seven Swords of the Palace Guard?
The white-clad swordsman seemed to know what Wei Yuan was thinking, and slowly said, "My sword 'Treading Snow Kunlun' was originally just an ordinary sword. I nurtured it with my divine sense every day, nourished it with the primordial energy of heaven and earth, and honed it with the sword energy in my heart, and that's how it came to be what it is today. Therefore, it is not among the Seven Swords that guard the palace. There is only one of its kind in heaven and earth. When I return to heaven and earth one day, it will also go with me."

This sword has only one lifetime.

Wei Yuan understood; it meant that this sword was even more powerful than the Seven Swords of the Palace.

Several possible responses flashed through Wei Yuan's mind in an instant. Based on past rumors about the Sword Palace, the common characteristics of the people he had encountered from the Sword Palace, and his intuition about the white-robed swordsman, he determined a solution.

Subsequently, Wei Yuan used the girl's yin-yang energy to enhance his own fortune, thus overturning the original moral blackmail plan and replacing it with the binding chariot plan.

Wei Yuan said solemnly, "With a formidable enemy at hand, I bear the safety of millions of people in the entire realm. How can I sacrifice my own fighting strength for a moment's pleasure? If the alien race were to attack now, wouldn't that be playing with the lives and fortunes of the people of the realm? Are the lives of mortals not lives?"

The white-clad swordsman raised an eyebrow, realizing the logic in the statement, and was momentarily speechless.

But Wei Yuan added, "Young Master Su has come from afar to make friends through swordsmanship and has even slain a lurking Great Witch of the Witch Clan, indirectly saving countless lives in this realm. I, Wei, should certainly show my gratitude. Moreover, when the Great Curse of Karma of the Witch Clan fell that day, though the world is vast, only Immortal Lord Feng of the Sword Palace stepped forward to help. So, if you agree to just one request, I will fight you!"

A sharp glint flashed in Su Xuejing's eyes as she said, "Tell me, and I'll grant you anything I can do!"

Wei Yuan took a deep breath, seemingly considering his options, but in reality, he returned his divine sense to the vast land and rivers, quickly taking a trace of energy from each of the immortal plants, and then looked at the mortals who were working.

It was late at night, and many people were asleep, so there were tens of thousands of ordinary people busy in the vast land.

Wei Yuan immediately waved his hand. This was his Dharma form, so he could do whatever he wanted. He plucked a few hairs from each mortal and threw them, along with the aura of the immortal plants, into the fortune array, thus boosting his fortune once again.

Wei Yuan pretended to think for a moment before saying, "My only concern is for the people of this realm. If I am seriously injured and weakened after our duel, you must protect Qingming. If the Witch Clan attacks, you must fight with all your might to prevent them from succeeding. However, if the human kingdoms attack, you don't need to pay attention. Once I recover, you can leave."

The white-robed swordsman was slightly moved and said, "Rest assured, this battle is only about skill, not life or death. If the Witch Clan dares to come, I, Su, am confident that I can handle a Nether Witch. But if any human nation dares to disregard the overall situation and take advantage of the chaos to attack, then I, Su, will definitely ask the elders of the Sword Palace to uphold justice!"

Wei Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Alright! Since you are so magnanimous, then I won't stand on ceremony!"

With a flash of light, Wei Yuan's gun flashed, and 'Brutal' was already in his hand. Then, a dim yellow light shone from the muzzle, and he actually used Immortal Path Twilight right from the start!

The white-clad swordsman instantly felt a strong sense of danger, his expression becoming solemn. He unleashed the Snow Kunlun Sword, and countless sword lights flowed forth like melting snow-capped mountains, winding and silently filling the heavens and earth, leaving Wei Yuan nowhere to hide.

This sword strike was incredibly powerful, yet it flowed silently like melting snow from a mountain stream, blending seamlessly with the heavens and earth, leaving Wei Yuan with absolutely no sense of danger.

However, amidst the hustle and bustle of the mortal world, all the immortal plants turned around, facing the direction of the initial sword strike!

The two guards, one civil and one military, appeared, wielding rotating flying swords and machine guns, firing in all directions and desperately unleashing a rain of swords, finally disrupting the rhythm of the sword light.

The dragon eagle appeared, wielding three giant swords. Its figure flashed three times, instantly planting the three giant swords in different positions in the air.

At this moment, Su Xuejing, who was almost one with heaven and earth, suddenly had a blue vein appear on her forehead and several blood vessels in her eyes as she stared at the three giant swords.

That was the inheritance of the three swords of the Eternal Sword, which instantly resonated with Su Xuejing, the peerless successor of the Sword Palace.

At this moment, a small Human King Cauldron suddenly jumped out from Wei Yuan's body, radiating light and instantly boosting Wei Yuan's luck a little further.

Although the improvement was not significant, the white-robed swordsman was shaken and emerged from the heavens and earth. It turned out that the three swords of the Eternal Sword's inheritance not only resonated with him, but also shook him out of the world.

This small cauldron was a wisp of the King's Cauldron's fortune that Li Zhi had attached to Wei Yuan before he left, anticipating that Wei Zhi might face many more battles. It would automatically activate in times of danger, slightly boosting his fortune and turning misfortune into good fortune. Although this wisp of fortune was not much, it still consumed Li Zhi's own fortune, and unexpectedly, it had a miraculous effect at this moment.

However, the thousands of sword lights were still difficult to block, and one of them naturally pierced through Wei Yuan's body. It wasn't until it passed through his body that Wei Yuan noticed the existence of this sword light!

Wei Yuan's life force plummeted, as half of it was sliced ​​off by the sword light.

At this moment, the white-robed swordsman was jolted out of his fusion with heaven and earth, his sword energy chaotic and his movements slightly sluggish. Suddenly, the girl's Yin-Yang aura appeared behind him, and the Crimson Night Immortal-Slaying Sword slashed upwards towards the white-robed swordsman's groin!
Su Xuejing's clear sword heart nearly shattered, and a curse almost escaped her lips! Fortunately, the Snow-Treading Kunlun Sword protected its master and blocked the sword at the last moment!
But he could already sense the faint, needle-like sword energy!

The white-clad swordsman wielded the Snow-Treading Kunlun sword in both hands, his movements as imposing as a mountain. In an instant, he blocked the girl's three Yin-Yang swords, retreating a hundred feet with each block. But after the three swords, the girl's Yin-Yang energy was exhausted, and she vanished in a huff.

The white-clad swordsman immediately turned to Wei Yuan, about to unleash a devastating sword strike with his boiling sword intent, when he suddenly turned to look westward.

The witch clan has arrived.

(End of this chapter)