Advance the future and become a martial saint on earth!

Changbai Mountain and Heilongjiang River, Cangdu.

As the emperor rode in his royal palanquin, with armored guards in front and behind him, sprinkling water to clean the streets, the person inside lifted the curtain and cast a pair of dragon-like eyes down.

That one word, 'I'm alone.'
Just a moment ago, Ji Xiu was secretly thinking that this person had a very impressive air about him, and he couldn't help but be surprised.

act like an absolute monarch!

this.
Counting through the entire Great Xuan Dynasty.

Only those of the Xuanjiang bloodline can call themselves "I" or "King," and they must be the most direct descendants, capable of governing a region with both civil and military prowess!
Protected by the ancestral temple in the Great Xuan Baiyujing and infused with the nine hundred years of Xuan Jiang's fortune, even if his own cultivation was slightly inferior, as long as he was under the jurisdiction of a fiefdom established in the capital, he could still achieve great things.
Then there are those who falsely claim to possess martial arts skills that are "the best in the world"!

Although if one lacks sufficient foundation and has not yet reached the pinnacle, one will inevitably be slightly inferior to the true elite, but even so...
That's enough to dominate an entire continent, truly deserving of the title of 'King'!

There are only a handful of such vassal kings in the entire Great Xuan Baiyujing.

And without exception, they had all made a sprint toward that great imperial throne over the past few decades!
Xu Longxiang, who had previously ignored this, stopped in front of his grand-disciple, standing beside Yu Jixiu.

He looked at the carriage and the flag bearing the character 'Yan' fluttering in the wind, and raised a thick eyebrow:
"It can truly be described as 'lonely'."

"Are you a prince from Baiyujing, sent to govern a region?"

Xu Longxiang turned his head, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger.

But Ji Xiu, who was quite familiar with Xu Longxiang's temperament, knew that
When the grandmaster speaks in such a tone, it usually means he is not very happy.

In Ji Xiu's eyes, the Prince of Yan who lifted the curtain had sharp, dragon-like eyes that seemed to see through people's hearts, and the five claws engraved on his python robe were so lifelike that they seemed to come to life at any moment.

Upon hearing Xu Longxiang speak, the Prince of Yan looked at him, sized him up, and nodded slightly.

"Not long ago, the 'Impermanent Yuan Mansion of All Laws' in the Eastern Canghai appeared. It is said that the 'Corpse Puppet Master,' a prehistoric demon who entered the Abyss at the end of the Brahma era and the beginning of the Xuan Chu era, was born."

"In the White Mountains and Black Waters region, His Excellency Jiang Shu, the head of the Qishan Jiang clan, reported this matter to Baiyujing. After the Grand Examination, the decision was made in conjunction with the leaders of the Nine Clans and Ten Pillars, that the Prince of Yan would be sent to his fiefdom to tour the White Mountains and Black Waters region and to oversee the three prefectures."

"And I am none other than King Yan, Jiang Shentong."

"Your martial arts skills are extraordinary. May I ask which powerful family or legitimate leader you are in this state?"

Prince Yan, Jiang Shentong!
Ji Xiu couldn't help but glance at the king's carriage a few more times.

Out of the corner of his eye, relying on his intuitive understanding gained through Taoist arts, he could see that even though the interior of the royal carriage was shrouded in layers of golden mist, only the true appearance of Prince Yan, Jiang Shentong, was deliberately revealed.

But Ji Xiu could still sense that someone was openly scrutinizing him.

Thus, the 'double pupil' mystical pattern instinctively appeared beneath his eyes, activating the Double Pupil Technique, the 'Great Forbidden Technique of Profound Insight'!
In just a moment, the interior of the carriage in his eyes was cleared up and became perfectly clear with a single glance.

[The ordination master opened his double pupils, activated the Xuanqiong Heavenly Eye 'Dongxuan Forbidden Zone', illuminated the prince's carriage, and glimpsed its true form, advance payment +33]

[Mysterious Sky Eye - Cave Profound Forbidden Zone: (710/800)!]

It was originally just an instinctive reaction, a resistance to the unknown.

But unexpectedly, there was such a pleasant surprise, which caused the 'Dongxuan Forbidden Zone,' which could only be improved through combat and strategy and by opening the double pupils, to advance even further.

Ji Xiu blinked, seemingly somewhat surprised, but as the advance payment progressed, his double pupils opened, and he could see much more clearly.

Besides King Jiang Shentong, there were three other people on the Yan King's carriage.

A handsome and refined young nobleman with a rare air of nobility and a deep, reserved demeanor.

A graceful and elegant woman, her skin as smooth as water, the marks of time seemingly never lingering on her face.

Beside this beautiful woman was another young woman who looked six or seven parts like her, with bright eyes, a phoenix hairpin in her hair, and jade ornaments jingling on her skirt. She was looking at him curiously.

That undisguised look just now was most likely from her.

Ji Xiu only glanced at it briefly before looking away, pondering to himself.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the only people who can ride in the same carriage as the Prince of Yan are likely the Princess of Yan, the Prince of Yan's heir, and the princess.

Since his birth, Ji Xiu has only ever been to Anning County and Jiangyin Prefecture.

Although he already knew that the 'Jiang Li' he picked up on a snowy night was the former last Great Xuan Lord, he had never seen any of the true high-ranking members of the Great Xuan before.

This was the first time I'd ever encountered such a sight, especially since they were carrying a coffin, dressed in mourning clothes, and making a grand entrance into the other side.

Recalling what Jiang Li had once mentioned to him, Ji Xiu couldn't help but ponder:
"According to Sister Jiang, during the 'Night of the Emperor's Fall' in Baiyujing, vassal kings, various Heavenly Pillars of different surnames, and heretical forces all participated."

"I wonder if this Prince of Yan has anything to do with this matter."

"We must be cautious nonetheless. This man is touring three prefectures and dominates the Changbai Mountains and Heilongjiang River region; he is quite powerful. Although he invited me to ride with him, I know nothing about him."

"The more you say, the more mistakes you make; it's best not to get too involved."

As for the double pupils that had just appeared, Ji Xiu was not worried.

After all, the process by which his double pupils, the foundation of a human immortal, were born was due to the divine eye of the Three-Five Slaughter God Lord in the Divine Palace. Such a resume can be easily verified, and he is completely innocent.

Even if the Prince of Yan had a entanglement with the departed Jiang Li, it wouldn't be possible to trace it back to him based on that alone.

Beside Ji Xiu, facing the Prince of Yan's deliberate attempt to strike up a conversation, his grandmaster Xu Longxiang seemed to share his thoughts, showing no intention of getting into the carriage and taking a seat. His attitude was neither overly respectful nor humble:

“I am but a commoner, a mere soldier, with no connection whatsoever with the various clans or orthodox families of Cangdu. I am unworthy of such a generous treatment from the Prince of Yan, and therefore I will not allow my disciple to ride in the royal carriage.”

"I have other matters to attend to in Cangdu, so I will not stay any longer."

"Farewell!"

Having said that, he strode away with the air of a dragon and the stride of a tiger, taking the lead. Ji Xiu saw this but said nothing more, showing no sign of lingering. He bid farewell to Prince Yan, Jiang Shentong, and followed closely behind.

See this scene.

Prince Yan, Jiang Shentong, withdrew his gaze, and inside the royal carriage, he let out a soft exclamation, somewhat amused:

That's strange.

"My departure from my post in the Changbai Mountains and Heilongjiang River region is clearly a preparation for staying here in the future."

"If the country is in turmoil in the future, I will muster my troops, train them, and establish my authority over the three states. With the help of the Great Xuan banner and destiny, I will secure my own territory and become the true 'King of the Northeast'."

“The noble families and true clans of those states knew this, and they all rushed to follow suit, each one eager to be the first to do so.”

"My first stop on my inspection tour was this 'Cangdu'. Apart from the orthodox sects established by those outsiders, there were also the long-established local powerful clans, such as the Qin Clan, the Yuwen Clan, and the Dugu Clan."

"They're not just sprinkling water to clean the streets, clearing the way in advance, or preparing a feast, all in anticipation of my arrival—they're practically showering me with attention."

"This old man and this young man are quite interesting."

"The old man possesses the cultivation of a giant. Although he looks like he has just broken through, his foundation is so solid that it surpasses the inheritance of an entire state and is comparable to the Nine Clans and Ten Pillars. He should not be underestimated!"

"small."

Prince Yan, Jiang Shentong, rested his chin on his hand, his eyes gleaming:
"It's even more remarkable."

"He's incredibly bold. The rules of Baiyujing are ingrained in his bones. Though he appears arrogant, he's very clear-headed, unlike the nobility and纨绔子弟 (spoiled brats). He's not afraid at all." "His double pupils opened, and he clearly saw everything inside my carriage."

"Tsk, I never imagined that in this remote place, there would be a talent capable of nurturing a great immortal, becoming a 'double-pupiled child,' and one with double pupils inherited from my Jiang clan!"

"Such a young age, yet so promising."

King Yan, Jiang Shentong, sighed for a moment, but had no other thoughts. He simply saw that this young man was extraordinary and thought of treating him with respect and recruiting him to see if he could be put to use.

But beside him, Princess Jiang Changle let out a soft "ah," her face immediately showing some embarrassment:

"Father, are you saying that the person just now saw everything that happened inside our royal carriage?"

Prince Jiang Changchi of Yan sat upright, and upon hearing his sister's words, he hummed in response.
"This child's use of his double pupils is by no means bad, and..."

His eyes showed suspicion:

"How could his ability to pierce through illusion and discern the truth be so similar to the 'Mysterious Sky Eye' passed down through generations of the Mysterious Lords?"

The Prince of Yan frowned:

"It does resemble it somewhat, but after the fall of Emperor Xuanjun, it disappeared for decades or even centuries. Even the Sun and Moon Pavilion, which once surpassed the 'Nine Surnames and Ten Pillars,' has fallen apart."

"With great changes imminent, even if Xuanjun were to be resurrected, it would be too late to reverse the situation."

He shook his head:
"Besides, how could such a great secret be related to a mere child in Beicangdu? Stop making wild guesses. Let's go and meet this powerful family in Cangdu, Chang Chi."

"When the time comes, you will act on behalf of your father and try to win them over."

"These powerful clans in the prefectures have been dominating their respective prefectures for at least two hundred years. Although they are not as numerous as the Qishan Jiang Clan, Shenbingtan, or Wangquan Family, their roots are deeply intertwined and deeply embedded in the various prefectures. In the future, they will all be an asset to my 'Yanwang Mansion'."

"My purpose in this inspection tour of the three prefectures is to have you gather some supporters and advisors. Then I will select a husband for you, someone who can understand government policies and set an example for you. That will be the foundation that is laid."

"Although the throne of 'White Jade Capital' is no longer much of a dream, chaos is coming. This time, I am sent out to govern a region. If I can dominate the Changbai Mountains and the Heilongjiang River, I will not miss the opportunity to establish my own independent regime."

Jiang Changchi nodded:
"My son knows."

Jiang Changle curled her lip, showing no interest whatsoever in the marriage alliance her father had mentioned.

Born into a royal family, Jiang Changle was instilled with martial arts and learned from a young age by Confucian scholars and disciplined by rules. She knew very well that unless she possessed extraordinary martial arts skills, marriage was never her own choice.

During the more than ten years he lived in Baiyujing, numerous nobles and princes flocked to him, vying to curry favor with him, all in order to get close to the powerful Prince Yan and gain preferential treatment.

Those elite noble families with top-tier backgrounds, some of whom had even been nominated for the Young Dragon Stele, were just like that. These prefectures and counties under the jurisdiction of the Changbai Mountains and the Heilongjiang River were probably unable to escape this cycle.

Whenever Jiang Changle thought about these things, he felt that they were really meaningless.

But the young man who had just been dressed entirely in white mourning clothes, with brows as sharp as knives and as cold as frost, carrying a coffin on his shoulder and a black weapon at his waist...
Did they actually see through the king's illusion?

Thinking of this, Jiang Changle recalled her undisguised gaze, and her cheeks flushed slightly, feeling a sense of shame at being caught in the act of peeping.

But at the same time, there was also undisguised curiosity.

Shouldn't a young martial artist from a prefecture be most eager for power and authority at this moment?

He remained composed and unperturbed when faced with an olive branch extended by a 'feudal king'.
Jiang Changle rested her chin on her hand, peering through the curtain of the royal carriage. A few strands of her dark hair, adorned with a hairpin, drooped slightly as she played with them with her slender index finger, her thoughts seemingly elsewhere.
"I didn't hear it just now. What's that young warrior's name? Now that you know the names of kings and nobles, why don't you introduce yourself?"

"How rude."

The woman patted her cheeks and murmured to herself.

The Prince of Yan's carriage, along with the coffin bearers, young and old, parted ways at a fork in the road. Only after these two groups had left did the wide road regain its bustling activity.

Suddenly, the sounds of vendors hawking their wares filled the air. The luxurious restaurants once again burst into flames and exuded the aroma of wine. Shops gleamed with a dazzling array of goods, and pedestrians streamed in.
The lifeblood of Jiangyin Prefecture lies in the 'Eastern Canghai'. The sea breeze is too strong everywhere, and the fishy smell of the sea cannot be removed. However, Beicangdu is located between the north and south, like a hibernating dragon. All kinds of industries are thriving, and all walks of life are gathered here. In terms of its prosperity, it is indeed beyond the reach of a county or prefecture.

But even a prosperous city like Cangdu!

The scene that had just occurred was spreading rapidly by word of mouth and was beginning to gain traction!
Cangdu is not lacking in martial arts masters and Taoist experts; after all, it is a place where a hundred flowers bloom.

Therefore, even if the royal carriage was far away
There were still some sharp-eared and sharp-eyed experts who heard it clearly.

The young warrior carrying the coffin on his shoulder appeared out of nowhere.
He actually refused the King of Yan's invitation to ascend the steps, saying that the king condescended not to board the carriage!
In Cangdu, let alone the king, if any powerful clan extends an olive branch, there are plenty of people eager to take advantage of it!

To refuse such immense wealth and honor is truly something the people of Cangdu Prefecture have never seen before.

Ji Xiu, however, was unaware that he had stirred up such a huge storm.

However, following closely behind Xu Longxiang, they arrived at the "street of nobles" where many powerful clans, orthodox families, aristocratic clans, and martial families were located. At this point, Xu Longxiang stopped:

"Young Ji, are you angry that I didn't let you board the royal carriage just now?"

"The Prince of Yan, that's quite a prestigious title."

"If you catch his eye, and with the support of the Jiang clan of Qishan, as the saying goes, a local official is more powerful than a distant one. In this land of Changbai Mountains and Heilongjiang River, he could easily establish his own government and military headquarters."

"As a vassal king, he can easily resolve all the hidden dangers you may have."

Xu Longxiang stood with his hands behind his back and sighed softly.

Upon hearing this, Ji Xiu blinked and patted the coffin on his shoulder:

"Grandmaster, what are you saying?"

"I have no relation to the King of Yan, and we have never met before. Even if I get on that carriage, what difference will it make?"

"If he wants to hold sway over this land of white mountains and black waters, within these three prefectures, on a grand scale, there's the Wangquan family, the Divine Weapon Altar; on a smaller scale, there's the Qin clan, the Yuwen clan, the Dugu clan."

"These are the very foundation upon which he maintains his rule!"

"How could he possibly offend those powerful forces for my sake?"

"Perhaps this trip to Beicang is actually to win over those powerful clans!"

"Since I began practicing martial arts, I have always been clear about my grudges and gratitude. I would rather seek the truth than resort to crooked means!"

"They arrived dressed in white, carrying a coffin."

"Then we will definitely follow your instructions to issue a funeral notice and find out all those villains from various clans who once killed Master Ip Man Kong before we will stop!"

He listened to his good grand-disciple's confident words.
Xu Longxiang laughed heartily:
"Good lad, I knew all along you had a temper with this old man!"

"Those vassal kings fought tooth and nail in Baiyujing, and this Prince Yan might just be the mastermind behind the destruction of the 'Sun and Moon Pavilion' along with the Black Ice Platform Master of the Northern Garrison."

"If that's really the case, how can I possibly sit on the ground with him and discuss friendship?"

"Of course not!"

"Even if he travels to Beicang, I have become a powerful figure and want to settle old scores. Once I arrive here, I will not be afraid of anyone and will settle all grudges!"

When this street of nobles and officials, filled with the air of high-ranking officials and the long-standing peace, arrived, the entire family was covered in white, like snowflakes falling, each presenting a 'funeral notice'!
The streets are full of the bones of nobles!
Today! (End of Chapter)