The stolen magic is a bit magical

Lin Xiaosu's seclusion this time is also for a mission.

That was the next stage of his spiritual practice.

Upon entering the realm of enlightenment, he theoretically completed a two-stage leap, going directly from physical enlightenment to divine enlightenment without pause, because the symbol of divine enlightenment—the primordial spirit—was already waiting for him.

However, even the Enlightened One needs time to adjust.

The process of comprehending the divine involves fusing the primordial spirit with one's cultivation.

The fusion of a person's primordial spirit and cultivation involves implanting a primordial spirit imprint into the Sea of ​​Wheels, Blood Tower, and Heavenly Stars, thereby achieving a perfect integration of the primordial spirit and the cultivation system. With a single thought, myriad forces arise, and the entire body's cultivation techniques can be manipulated at will.

Lin Xiaosu certainly still has ambitions.

His primordial spirit merged with his inner body, following the path of perfection.

His primordial spirit needs to merge not only with the Sea of ​​Wheels, the Heavenly Stars, and the Blood Tower, but also with every cell in his body.

After a period of seclusion, the Sea of ​​Wheels, Heavenly Stars, and Blood Tower were perfectly connected. It seemed that every meridian had an invisible thread connecting it to the primordial spirit, allowing for the manipulation of power as easily as using one's own arm.

There is reason to believe that if he were to unleash the True Essence Dharma Body of Enlightenment at this moment, it would be incredibly solid, just like his true body.

For most people, reaching this stage is the end of the Enlightenment Realm.

But his journey has only just begun.

The road ahead cannot be traversed in a single day.

Lin Xiaosu opened her eyes and saw an autumn rain outside the window.

The autumn rain is misty, and the Jiangnan region truly becomes a water town.

On the bed by the window, Fufu's clothes were half-exposed, revealing the unique beauty of the fox clan.

In the past, Fu Fu was genuinely afraid to get too close to her, because her charm penetrated to the bone; any touch would arouse the most primal impulses.

When there's nowhere to vent one's impulses, whoever flirts with her is just making a living in misery.

But I'm not afraid anymore.

I can't just touch you, little girl, because there's a mad wolf outside, isn't there?
Although Mad Wolf isn't particularly beautiful, she does have her strengths. Her strength is her toughness; she can withstand even the most violent attacks.

It seems my thoughts have diverged at this point.

However, just as he reached the bolster bed, he suddenly stopped.

Because he saw a golden gleam of an official seal amidst the autumn rain.

The fourth-rank official seal was being carried towards the location of this group.

Lin Xiaosu's heart stirred, and she slowly walked to the door...

Just as he reached the door, Zhang Tao's voice came from outside: "My lord, we have a guest."

"Who is it?" Lin Xiaosu asked.

As soon as he spoke, Fu Fu's eyes snapped open, and she sprang up with a whoosh.

With this sudden movement, her disheveled clothes instantly transformed into the familiar appearance of a page in blue robes.

"The same applies to the fourth-rank registrar of the Huzhou Prefectural Office."

Zhang Yiran!
A fourth-rank clerk!

Lin Xiaosu opened the cabin door and came out at the same time as Fufu.

On the flagship's deck, the light drizzle was kept above the deck, forming an arc several meters high.

At the edge of the deck, an official stood respectfully.

This man was about forty or fifty years old, with a refined appearance and an air of scholarly refinement about him.

It was Zhang Yiran, whom Lin Xiaosu had carefully observed through the official seal during her trip to Shangqiu yesterday.

But Zhang Yiran today is very different from yesterday.

He was no longer a recluse; he was full of vigor and seemed to have become the top scholar who once rode through the streets on horseback, drawing crowds everywhere, only now he had shed his former glory and gained a more composed demeanor.

“Zhang Yiran, the registrar of Huzhou, greets Lord Su!” Zhang Yiran bowed deeply, more so than usual.

Lin Xiaosu stepped forward and returned the greeting: "Lord Zhang has come all this way to pay his respects, how dare I accept such hospitality?"

Zhang Yiran said, "Lord Su led the Zhen Tian Iron Cavalry to quell the bandits in three prefectures, rescuing millions of people from suffering. The things he did are things I have wanted to do for decades. I have long admired him and wanted to visit him earlier, but I was in a position of crime as the Prefect of Xijiang at the time and could not visit him. Instead of punishing me for my inaction, you strongly recommended me to Minister Song. His Majesty issued an edict overnight to transfer me to the Prefectural Office. I have come to visit you today to express my gratitude for your guidance and for recognizing my talent!"

I bow deeply!
This bow was no longer the bow of a fourth-rank official of the same rank, but a standard bow to thank a superior.

Above the flagship, the storm rages.

A long wind blew by, revealing glimpses of white hair on Zhang Yiran's head...

Zhang Tao, Kuang Lang, and the guards all felt their hearts pound.

They all realized who the person in front of them was.

He is Zhang Yiran, the prefect of Xijiang, and he was the peerless scholar who won the imperial examination twenty-three years ago.

This time, when they led their army south, their first stop was to destroy the Dongxuan Sect in Fuyao Prefecture and replace the Fuyao Prefect. Their second stop was to destroy the Bapan Sect in Linjiang Prefecture and replace the Linjiang Prefect.

The third stop was the destruction of the Qingxuan Sect in Xijiang Prefecture. At that time, Fufu left behind the classic question: "My lord, are you going to change the prefect again?" which made everyone burst into laughter.

However, Lin Xiaosu did not replace the prefect of Xijiang.

He seemed to have completely ignored the prefect.

But that's just an appearance!

In fact, he did not overlook this prefect.

He strongly recommended this prefect to Minister Song Lifu.

This prefect, who was completely sidelined in Xijiang, rose through the ranks and entered the prefectural government, where he became a fourth-rank registrar.

Today, I have come here specifically to express my gratitude.

"Lord Zhang, this way please!" Lin Xiaosu gently raised her hand and took his hand.

"Please, Lord Su!" Zhang Yiran replied.

The two sat down at the coffee table, and Fufu poured them each a cup of tea.

All the guards turned around at the same time, including Zhang Tao.

This is the standard action of the guards when the official is discussing matters.

Even if the superior did not use the official seal to isolate them, as a guard, one must never appear to be eavesdropping.

"Lord Zhang, I do not deny that I strongly recommended you to Lord Song this time, but does Lord Zhang know why I did so?"

Zhang Yiran said, "This humble official dares not make any presumptions, please tell me frankly, Lord Su."

Lin Xiaosu said, "I recommend you for two reasons. First, your original intentions have not changed, which is commendable! Second, I need your help in dealing with the upcoming chaos in Huzhou!"

Zhang Yiran stood up, put his hands together, and pointed his thumbs down: "Whatever Lord Su needs, this humble official will not hesitate to risk his life!"

"Very well!" Lin Xiaosu also stood up: "I want you to set off today and visit the remaining seven major sects in Huzhou within a single day, so that the seven sect leaders can gather at the Prefectural Government's Foreign Affairs Hall at Chenshi (7-9 AM) tomorrow!"

"An order?" Zhang Yiran's eyes lit up.

"Yes, sir!" Lin Xiaosu said, "Those who disobey, inform them that I will personally lead the Zhen Tian Iron Cavalry to exterminate their clan and sever their lineage!"

"Yes!" Zhang Yiran took a step and soared into the air.

Lin Xiaosu raised her eyes and watched the figure disappear into the misty rain.

From this angle, this former top scholar still looks as dashing as ever.

A voice came from the side: "My lord, you sent this fourth-rank civil official to various sects to convey such a tough attitude. I am worried that something unexpected might happen."

This is Zhang Tao's voice.

Lin Xiaosu's gaze slowly descended and landed on his face.

Zhang Tao cupped his hands and said, “My lord, what I mean is that a civil official like him is not well-suited to the pressure of a sect. If those sects intend to establish their authority and use their power to intimidate him, he may not be able to speak a word properly, which would only tarnish your reputation. Perhaps we should make an adjustment and have me take on the role of messenger.”

The deputy captain of the guards also cupped his hands and said, "My lord, I believe that what Lord Zhang said is very true. Your lord has taken down four sects in a row. The remaining seven sects in Huzhou have already joined forces. According to the information I have gathered, they will be of one mind and one heart. In the final battle between the two sides, morale is the most important factor. In my opinion, the first stage of the battle of momentum among these seven sects will not be easily lost."

Lin Xiaosu smiled: "It's already quite good that the two captains can see this level! But what you're focusing on is only the tactical level, and you haven't reached a higher level!"

"Higher?" Zhang Tao frowned slightly.

Lin Xiaosu said, "Why do you think His Majesty transferred Zhang Yiran to the prefectural government to serve as a minor clerk?"

Zhang Tao shook his head; he had to admit that he didn't have a deep understanding of the ways of officialdom.

Lin Xiaosu said, "This position is just a stepping stone! What His Majesty wants is to give him a platform so that he can make contributions and make it easier for him to be appointed next! His next position requires strong resilience. If he can't even do a good job of delivering a message, what can His Majesty expect from him?"

Zhang Tao's eyes flashed: "Sir, may I ask what his next position is?"

These words were transmitted to Lin Xiaosu's ears through divine sense.

Lin Xiaosu smiled and replied, "Prefect of Huzhou!"

Zhang Tao's heart was in turmoil.

Prefect!

Yesterday, they just took down the former prefect Song Yuncang, and today they promoted a minor prefect whom Song Yuncang had suppressed for more than ten years.

Moreover, he was promoted four ranks, rising straight to the top.

is this real?
If it's true, then this official will likely be a legend in the officialdom.

He can easily dominate even the top-tier inner circle of officials of the second rank.

A thousand words flowed through his mind, and Zhang Tao let out a soft breath: "Sir, the appointment of a second-rank prefect is no small matter. One's background and reputation are indispensable. Is he up to the task?"

"His talent as a top scholar is his foundation; what he lacks is fame!" Lin Xiaosu said. "Therefore, I will join hands with him to launch a major crackdown on the sects in Huzhou, so that all the people of Huzhou can experience a better life thanks to their new prefect, Zhang Yiran!"

The turmoil in Zhang Tao's heart surged to the sky, transforming into a raging tide that he could not even define.

The adults' idea was so perfect.

With your unparalleled achievements in establishing sects across the land, and with your compassionate heart for the world, wherever you go, the people are filled with gratitude.

He had such popular support, but it was all for the sake of making a former top scholar a successor.

My lord, what a magnanimous heart you possess! How many people did you benefit on your next trip to Jiangnan?

His Majesty received an astronomical sum of money.

Song Lifu cleared up a long-standing and difficult case in the Ministry of Justice.

The soldiers who followed you have received four hundred taels of gold so far, which is equivalent to several decades of military pay.

The generals who led these troops achieved remarkable military exploits.

Zhang Yiran, you went to great lengths to pave his way to power, and even helped him win over the hearts of the Manchu people and clear away obstacles in order to help him rise to the top.

Only yourself!
What did you take?
You didn't take anything!
Instead, you're just putting yourself in the eye of the storm, attracting strong attacks from all the cultivation sects and government officials around the world.

What kind of spirit is this?
This is a spirit of utter selflessness, dedicated solely to benefiting others...

You pave the way for others, but forget about yourself. I, Zhang Tao, will help you!
I don't care about life or death, I will follow you all the way!
Gu Suixin's voice also reached Lin Xiaosu's ears: "Brother Su, you have moved me quite a bit. You are helping Zhang Yiran so sincerely. Why is that?"

"What do you think?" Lin Xiaosu squinted and replied.

"After much deliberation, I believe there's only one possibility!" Gu Suixin said, "Zhang Yiran gave up everything for his wife. Neither you nor I could do that. To show our respect, and to make up for our own unfulfilled regrets about our own infidelity, and also to thank him for not using his status as a top scholar to seduce all the beauties in the world, thus leaving enough profit for shameless, promiscuous lovers like us..."

Lin Xiaosu rolled her eyes and replied with a bunch of ellipses.

Let's talk about the remaining seven major sects in Huzhou.

If the world had a "war preparedness" classification, the seven remaining sects in Huzhou—Guangyuan Sect, Jiyu Sect, Qingshui Sect, Liehuo Sect, Yuxuan Sect, Duanjian Sect, and Jiuji Sect—would certainly be at Level 1 war preparedness.

Although the ten major sects in Huzhou used to fight for territory, resources, talented disciples, and sect prestige, and were willing to fight tooth and nail on all fronts, they became nervous after the Zhen Tian Pavilion army arrived and forcefully wiped out three sects and one pavilion.

The seven sect leaders actively used their magical artifacts to connect remotely.

A consensus was reached quickly.

This trip to the south of the Yangtze River by the imperial court is not a joke, nor is it just a formality; it is a genuine effort to suppress the various sects.

If it were the entire Zhen Tian Ge army that was mobilized, that would be fine.

But only a town-level unit arrived!

A mere town-level force of three thousand people thinks it can sweep across Jiangnan?
What do you think?
We must strike back hard!

Although Dongxuan, Bapan, and Qingxuan were destroyed, the lessons learned have been laid out on the table.

Su Lin's army relied on battle formations.

Formations are difficult to defend against, but they also have limitations in their application. They can only cover a radius of 300 li at most, meaning that they can only deal with one sect at most.

It's impossible to deal with two at the same time.

Once an offensive and defensive alliance is formed, if one faction is besieged, the others will come to its rescue. Do you think he would dare to make a move?

so so, so so...

This discussion among the seven major sects conveyed a high level of confidence to each sect.

However, after disconnecting the connection with the sect leader, the sect leader of Guangyuan Sect stared at the sky outside the window for a long time. A light rain was falling, and his brows were furrowed with worry...

"Sect Master, can we really rely on the alliance of these seven sects?" asked the Grand Elder beside him.

“Under normal circumstances, I would not believe that the various sects in Jiangnan could unite as one. However, this situation is different. Su’s strategy of defeating the sects one by one is so obvious. Anyone who is not an idiot should know that saving allies is saving oneself. Perhaps we can really join forces this time,” the sect leader said.

"Then I will make the arrangements immediately!"

"Make the arrangements!" The sect leader gently raised his hand.

Suddenly, a golden light flashed in the sky!
A figure came flying through the air.

A fourth-rank official's robe, holding a golden seal in his hand.

On the twelve peaks of Guangyuanzong, countless people stood up at the same time.

The sect leader and the first elder's expressions darkened simultaneously, their gazes fixed on the horizon through the window.

Was it Su, the traitor, who personally came to the scene as a fourth-rank official?

The arrival of Su Zei was a situation that had occurred before the destruction of the Dongxuan, Bapan, and Qingxuan sects, basically foreshadowing the life and death of the sects.

However, as the person in the air approached, the sect leader and the first elder both breathed a sigh of relief. The person was not Su Lin, because Su Lin was not that old.

The figure in the air arrived at the summit of the sect leader's peak in one step and bowed slightly: "Lord Su Lin, the chief inspector of the capital, invites Sect Leader Ding Feilong of Guangyuan to meet at the Foreign Affairs Hall of the Prefectural Government of Huzhou at noon tomorrow!"

The sect leader and the first elder exchanged bewildered glances. It was a treat!
The sect leader's voice reached out to the Grand Elder.

The Grand Elder stepped forward and arrived at the sect square, clasping his hands in a fist salute: "My lord, your timing is unfortunate. Our sect master is still in seclusion and has reached a critical juncture. He is truly unable to keep his appointment with Lord Su. Please report the truth to Lord Su."

The seven sects have formed an alliance.

How could I possibly accept your invitation?
If anyone accepts it, it would be a betrayal of the alliance.

Therefore, the Grand Elder directly refused.

In cultivation sects, one reason for refusal is seclusion.

Retreat is a matter of lifelong mission for spiritual practitioners; whether you understand it or not, you must accept it.

Zhang Yiran smiled faintly from the air: "Seclusion? Important? How important is it? More important than the thousand-year-old heritage of Guangyuan?"

Upon hearing this, the Grand Elder's face darkened: "What do you mean, sir?"

Zhang Yiran's face also darkened: "I have come here today with courtesy first, then force! If your sect leader is willing to talk, please come to the Prefect's Foreign Affairs Hall at noon tomorrow. If he is not willing to talk, I will not force him! Later, a large army will be pressing in. Guangyuan's thousand-year heritage will be no different from Dongxuan, Bapan, and Qingxuan!"

"This is outrageous!" With a loud boom, a hundred elders from the northwest soared into the air, their magical shadows surging like a tide. All of them had furrowed brows and glared angrily, their killing intent boiling over.

"You come to my Guangyuan Sect, stepping onto the sect's main peak, do you really think Guangyuan has no one to rely on?"

At the same time, a hundred figures of Dharma Shadow rose atop the eastern mountain peak.

In the blink of an eye, almost all the elders in the south and west ascended into the sky simultaneously.

The Grand Elder ascended into the air in one step, and behind him was a vast starry river. At this moment, he revealed his Enlightenment Realm. Yes, he was an Enlightenment Realm cultivator. In the Guangyuan Sect, there were only two Enlightenment Realm cultivators: the Sect Master and him.

All around were countless Dharma images created by the Enlightened God and the Enlightened Body, and the Great Elder was a true god surrounded by these countless Dharma images.

The surrounding air was completely compressed.

The wind and rain seemed unable to penetrate this space.

Any official in such an environment would tremble with fear and lose all his authority.

However, Zhang Yiran, with his hands behind his back, walked step by step towards the Grand Elder amidst the raging storm.

The power created by the Grand Elder could stop ancient ferocious beasts, but it could not stop this former top scholar.

The Grand Elder stepped in front of him, looking down at him: "Anyone who enters the sect and lightly speaks of destroying the sect will not be tolerated by the sect, do you know that?"

Zhang Yiran said coldly, "What will happen?"

"Do you really think I wouldn't dare kill you?" the Grand Elder said in a deep voice.

The elders around them echoed in unison, "Exactly! Our sect will inevitably confront this traitor Su head-on. Killing him sooner or later is the same as killing him. Let's kill this scoundrel!"

"kill!"

"kill!"

"kill!"

Hahahaha...

Zhang Yiran laughed loudly, his voice echoing throughout the entire sect!

The laughter ceased, and Zhang Yiran stepped forward, raising his right hand in a knife-like motion, the edge of his palm cutting against his own neck: "Come on!"

The entire room fell silent, everyone staring at the elder's finger.

With a single flick of his finger, the arrogant official in front of him would surely be beheaded.

Under normal circumstances, sects would not dare to use such deadly methods against officials. However, it also depends on the situation. The seven sects have already united and will have to fight Su sooner or later. They will kill each other then, and killing each other now is the same. What difference does it make?
But the Grand Elder did not make a move; he simply stared intently at Zhang Yiran.

Zhang Yiran laughed: "What is my life worth? With my life, the Guangyuan Sect will be wiped out, the biggest shadow hanging over the people of Lijiang Prefecture will be lifted, and millions of people will praise me. I, Zhang Yiran, will become the most memorable official in the history of this land. My ancestors will even thank your sect for your generosity! Elder, do you think I'm afraid of your actions, or do I hope you will take action?"

The whole audience was shocked.

People might not believe that an ordinary official could be so extreme.

However, when he introduced himself, he revealed that he was Zhang Yiran, the one who refused the offer of a high-ranking official in order to preserve his reputation. This madman of his truly cared about nothing but "fame".

The Grand Elder took a deep breath: "Lord Zhang keeps talking about destroying my Guangyuan Sect. Does he really think that the seven sects of Huzhou can only be slaughtered by your Lord Su?"

Zhang Yiran said, "The Grand Elder mentioned the Seven Sects of Huzhou. I understand what he means. The Seven Sects Alliance has been established, is that right?"

"Exactly!"

Zhang Yiran sneered: "The sect alliance is like a sandcastle. Under a gentle breeze, the castle can stand, but under heavy pressure, it will collapse! How laughable!"

The Grand Elder's eyes flashed: "What do you mean?"

Zhang Yiran said, “If Lord Su only had three thousand Zhen Tian soldiers, perhaps you would really have a chance to unite and resist. But do you really think that going south to Jiangnan was Lord Su’s idea? Do you really think that the twenty-six armies of Zhen Tian Pavilion are just sitting around doing nothing? This is the pressure! When the pressure arrives, the alliance you have built will immediately fall apart again! Today, I will visit all seven of your sects and give each sect a chance to repent. Your Guangyuan Sect can give up this opportunity, but you must believe that there will definitely be a sect that needs this opportunity. I only hope that on that day, you will not regret that the one who took the opportunity was not you, but someone else!”

As soon as this statement came out!
The entire clan felt the chill of the north wind in their hearts...

They were used to viewing the large army led by Su Lin as the entire crisis at present, but Zhang Yiran's words hit the nail on the head.

Do you think that going to Jiangnan was Su Lin's personal wish?
That's His Majesty!

Do you think that the three thousand Zhen Tian Army is all there is?

Zhentian Pavilion has 26 other teams like this!

Moreover, the military hall composed of these twenty-seven teams is only one of the eight halls of the Zhen Tian Pavilion!
You formed the Seven Sects Alliance, hoping to gain an absolute advantage against Su Lin's three thousand troops. You might actually succeed, but what are your Seven Sects Alliance compared to twenty-seven armies of equal strength?

I'll dismember you into pieces in no time.

On that day, the alliance will surely fall apart again.

There will definitely be sects that betray us and surrender.

Others can betray you or protect themselves, so why should you be the sacrifice?
The Grand Elder took a deep breath: "Lord Zhang, our sect does not necessarily have to be an enemy of the imperial court, nor does it mean we do not want to meet with Lord Su. It's just that the sect leader is indeed in seclusion..."

"Elder, there's no need for further words! If you cannot attend due to natural disasters or man-made calamities, it only means your sect truly lacks some fortune. How can the destruction of a sect due to bad fortune not be the will of Heaven?" Zhang Yiran took a step and soared into the sky. (End of Chapter)