The fake prince was exposed at the beginning, and I took office as emperor on the spot

Chapter 264 Sword Qi Stretches Three Thousand Miles (Part 2)

The faith of Vatuma endowed Gu Fangchen's Dharma form with the supernatural powers of the Lotus Pure Land.

The Qingman's faith endowed them with supernatural powers, making them the "target of everyone's criticism."

The beliefs of the mermaids of the Tuoyin Sea Kingdom endowed him with a supernatural power called "Reversing Cause and Effect".

As the name suggests, this supernatural power directly transforms Gu Fangchen into something like a small conch shell book, allowing her to browse through the causal threads of others anytime, anywhere, and find the information she wants from the tides.

Ordinary causal techniques require divination to determine the outcome, but for Gu Fangchen, the outcome is merely a snap of the fingers, or even a glance.

Moreover, the causal cover-up was useless against Gu Fangchen.

【Turning the Cause and Effect】is a supernatural power that can directly trace back to the source, equivalent to the Fiery Eyes of Truth in the art of cause and effect, which can see the true form at a glance.

Therefore, the moment he saw Li Guisu, he knew that he was one of Li Kan's men.

Li Guisu did not come because of the safety of the people in the southwest, but because he came with a mission from Li Kan.

Li Kan was a cruel and despicable man, as evidenced by his feigned death and attempt to possess Gu Yuye's body.

Shi Qingguang has become famous in the past few months. She takes "sword" as her way and aims to be the "number one in the world". Li Kan, the holder of the "way of a hundred weapons", knows that she is coming for him as long as he is not stupid.

Among the recent challengers, several were sent by Li Kan.

It's probably because they wanted to test Shi Qingguang's skill level.

The result can be imagined.

The ancestral master's swordsmanship is pure and genuine, and her strength naturally deserves the title of "Number One in the World".

Moreover, during the time she spent forging swords with Gu Fangchen, she gained insight into the essence of swordsmanship through the art of sword forging, deeply resonated with the sword, and her swordsmanship had reached a new level.

Li Kan must have seen the fear in those people's eyes as well.

Even if he didn't know that Shi Qingguang had a grudge against him, he would not allow someone who could challenge his "Hundred Weapons" Dao to exist.

If Shi Qingguang uses him to consecrate his sword and prove his Dao, he might be able to use him as a stepping stone to advance to the True Immortal realm!
Given Li Kan's ruthlessness, he would definitely strike first.

Thus, Li Guisu made his "unreasonable request".

Shi Qingguang knew he cultivated karma, and as he watched the fleeting golden tidal pattern, he frowned, his expression turning cold.
"So, Li Guisu wanted to deliberately lure me into fighting the 'Lord of Blissful Underworld' so he could stab me in the back?"

Gu Fangchen shook her head:
"more than."

He dispersed his divine form and said in a deep voice:
“Li Guisu has a causal connection with Li Kan, and also with Yin Jin. I just traced the clues and found that Yin Jin also has a causal connection with Li Kan.”

Gu Fangchen's gaze was deep and serious:
"Then, I checked Zhang Yi and found that he was the same."

In other words, Yin Jin, the "Lord of Blissful Underworld," and Zhang Yi, the "Sleeping Celestial Venerable," are actually Li Kan's men!
Throughout the entire Southwest, the three "enlightened ones" besides her at this moment were not actually after the "Heavenly Mandate" Dao Seed; that was just a pretext.

In fact, they came specifically for Shi Qingguang.

On the surface, they had no interaction with Li Kan, and there was even a heretical cultivator whom everyone hated.

This is a meticulously planned encirclement and annihilation operation!

Shi Qingguang remained expressionless, but his gaze was as cold as ice.

The wind chimes hanging on the pavilion behind him jingled rapidly, causing the broken swords on the ground to vibrate violently with a clattering sound.

She sneered, "I haven't even gone to him yet, but he's come looking for me first."

Although Shi Qingguang acted so conspicuously, it was actually to provoke Li Kan's murderous intent.

In her mind, Li Kan would likely use a "Hongmen Banquet" to lure her, the rising star and number one swordsman in the world, to the capital, then close the door and use his despicable methods to defeat and kill her in the challenge.

But she never expected it to come so suddenly, so quickly, and even more ruthlessly than she had imagined.

The fact that three "enlightened beings" were dispatched at once shows how much Li Kan values ​​and fears her!

It seems that Li Kan is determined to crush her in the southwest during this encirclement and suppression campaign.

Gu Fangchen stroked her chin and said:

"However, it is also a good opportunity."

"Yin Jin was coerced by Li Kan to work for him, so naturally he was unwilling to be controlled by others. Over the years, he has secretly done many disgusting things for Li Kan and left behind some evidence."

"If we can capture him, we will have a legitimate reason to go to the capital to attack Li Kan."

Upon hearing this, Shi Qingguang's eyes lit up. He reached out and beckoned, and the wind chime fell into her hand. He puffed out his chest and said:
"That's quite right, it's like Li Kan tried to steal a chicken but ended up losing the rice instead."

"Let's just play along and agree to Li Guisu's request, and see what kind of tricks they're up to."

Gu Fangchen nodded.

Li Guisu is not a threat, but the three of them have set a trap together. If one is not prepared, it is easy to fail.

But if prepared in advance, with the strength of the Grandmaster, it's basically just a matter of slashing a few more times.

In terms of raw strength, Shi Qingguang can take on three opponents at once, but she is not very good at dealing with illusions and causal techniques.

It is probably because of this that Li Kan sent Zhang Yi, the "Sleeping Celestial Venerable," over.

Because the seed of the Dao that this instrument carries is "Dream".

However, now that Grandma has Gu Fangchen with her, this weakness is essentially gone.

Unless... Gu Fangchen deliberately set her up, then that's a different story.

……

"Thank you, Little Sword Immortal. The people of the Southwest will surely be grateful and build a shrine in your honor."

As Li Guisu led the way, he turned back and bowed deeply in gratitude.

His expression and demeanor were so flawless that anyone watching would think he was extremely fond of his hometown people.

Unexpectedly, this guy is actually in cahoots with the evil cultivators who are now wreaking havoc throughout the Southwest.

His gaze then shifted to the smiling young man next to Shi Qingguang, hesitated for a moment, and said:
"But... does the little sword immortal really intend to take his master with him? Of course, I understand that the little sword immortal's master must also have a benevolent heart and want to rid the people of evil. However, this journey involves a battle with the 'Lord of Blissful Underworld,' which is extremely dangerous. It would be better if we 'enlightened ones' took action instead..."

Li Guisu waited outside Jian Ge for a day and a night, and when Shi Qingguang agreed to help, he was naturally overjoyed.

However, Shi Qingguang then wanted to bring her, his master, along with him.

Li Guisu was bewildered.

He was truly baffled, just as he couldn't understand why Shi Qingguang would willingly call Gu Fangchen "Master," he was also completely baffled as to why she would bring Gu Fangchen along.

Even if this guy has indeed achieved something in the art of sword forging, let alone a sword forger who has not yet "attained the Dao," even if he has "attained the Dao," it is still useless!

A swordsmith is just a swordsmith; what help can he be in a duel?

Furthermore, it involves dealing with a notorious and ruthless evil cultivator like the "Lord of Blissful Underworld"...

Doesn't Shi Qingguang understand that someone who isn't even an 'enlightened one' will only hold others back?

She was so arrogant that she didn't care about Yin Jin at all.

Or is it that she's too young and simply attracted to this guy's good looks, wanting to bring him here to "gild" her image and ride on the fame this matter might bring?
Looking at Gu Fangchen opening her fan and waving it, Li Guisu even felt that it was both.

It seems... the general was worrying too much.

Shi Qingguang is indeed strong, but unfortunately, he's naive and simple-minded, and could be easily eliminated with a little trickery. Shi Qingguang said nonchalantly:
"You're overthinking it. I'll protect Master. Just lead the way."

Gu Fangchen nodded, and said sarcastically:
“Old Taoist, don’t be a coward. This so-called ‘Lord of Bliss’ will probably be scared out of his wits just by hearing my disciple’s name. How could he possibly harm me in the slightest? Why be so timid?”

He had an arrogant and domineering demeanor, befitting a "pretty boy."

Shi Qingguang glanced at him again, feeling a little confused and puzzled as to why he had suddenly adopted such a posture.

She now knows that although Gu Fangchen is somewhat frivolous, she is not the kind of brainless and arrogant person.

However, after thinking about it, she realized that he probably wanted to lower Li Guisu's guard, so she didn't refute him.

Seeing this, Li Guisu stopped trying to dissuade him.

He only said a few words symbolically in order to maintain his public image, and even had the intention of provoking him.

This little sword immortal seems to be deeply in love with this pretty boy.

If this pretty boy were to get into trouble, thus distracting Shi Qingguang, that would be the best thing ever.

Li Guisu led the two of them and they soon arrived at the core of the secret formation.

The core of this formation is located within the barrier, and there is nothing unusual about it from the outside.

Li Guisu claimed that he had been preparing for a long time and used magic to break the barrier. In reality, while chanting the incantation, he notified Yin Jin and Zhang Yi inside to begin preparations.

The group passed through the seemingly disguised barrier.

"Huhuhu..."

Looking around, the area around the eye of the formation had transformed into a hellish scene.

The land was barren and desolate, with howling winds carrying a heavy, sticky stench of blood. Everywhere, evil cultivators were engaged in wanton intercourse amidst severed limbs and broken bodies.

Just as Li Guisu was about to speak, Shi Qingguang's expression turned even colder, and he drew his sword directly.

"laugh!"

A clear flash of sword light passed by.

Without any apparent commotion, all the evil cultivators froze. Most of them only had time to raise their heads to look in Shi Qingguang's direction before their eyes were wide open and their bodies were severed.

"Dong dong dong..."

Their heads hit the ground, and their bodies also knelt on the ground, with a series of loud thuds.

In an instant, all the evil cultivators within the entire barrier, numbering in the tens of thousands, died under Shi Qingguang's sword!
There was no resistance, no sound, not even a splash of water.

The once noisy and chaotic barrier, which resembled hell, suddenly fell into complete silence.

A dead silence!
Li Guisu's face froze completely. The smile of a successful conspiracy, which had not yet been fully formed, was mixed with the fear of witnessing this scene, turning into an extremely comical expression.

In the distance, the red-robed evil cultivator who had just straightened his clothes and leaped out suddenly changed his expression, his pupils contracted, and his expression was one of utter horror.

Yin Jin stared at his trusted aide who had turned around right in front of him, his gaze turning ferocious, and a fierce roar erupted within him—

Li Kan, you've ruined me!

He originally thought that his disciples could at least buy him enough time, or even delay and interfere with Shi Qingguang for a while.

As a result, they were all killed in a single encounter!

With just this one sword strike, Yin Jin already knew that he was no match for Shi Qingguang.

Li Kan's plan was tantamount to sending him to his death!

In the next instant, Yin Jin suddenly felt a chill run down his spine and shivered. He looked up and met the girl's icy gaze.

Yin Jin immediately shouted:
"Li Guisu, if you don't want to die, let's fight together!"

At the same time, he immediately expanded his Dao Domain, and the Great Dao of "Life" enveloped him. The misty energy rose, and his flesh and blood began to grow wildly.

Yin Jin himself began to shrink, while the pillar of flesh and blood that surged from his body began to grow larger and larger.

He instantly transformed into something incredibly bizarre and indescribable.

Simply put, the original normal human being was a person, but the current Yin Jin is a person hanging on a lump of flesh.

The enormous fleshy thing had become like a bloody giant snake that had been skinned, with a shriveled and shrunken human figure hanging from its tail.

The humanoid object had lifeless pupils, resembling a dried-up corpse.

The flesh and blood, resembling a long worm, continued to grow, with the flesh and blood wriggling on it, eventually bursting open with eyes.

This path of "life" is still just as disgusting...

However, if one were to cultivate the Dao of "life" in a proper way, it probably wouldn't turn out like this, since this thing is also one of the proper "Great Daos".

Yin Jin's influence on the manifestation of the "Life" Dao stemmed from his own unorthodox cultivation methods.

Thinking about it this way, it's no wonder that the Dao Master of "Life" in later generations turned out that way... He cultivated in the wrong direction from the very beginning.

Seeing this, Gu Fangchen twitched her lips and almost immediately covered Shi Qingguang's eyes, saying:

"Cut it down quickly, it's an eyesore."

For a powerful individual like Shi Qingguang, having their eyes covered does not affect their performance.

She simply tilted her head, a sudden thought striking her.

At that time, Li Kan's army attacked her hometown, Baidi City, and the blood of her clansmen was spilled. Her mother hugged her like this, immediately covered her eyes with her hands, and trembled like a leaf when she pressed her body against hers.

For Shih Ching-kuang, this gesture was an unconditional protection and love.

The girl pursed her lips, feeling the warmth of the hand covering her eyes, and found it somewhat amusing.

Foolish master...do you really think she's a child?
She raised her longsword and, with a devout heart, slashed through the air.

Sword energy stretched for three thousand miles.

A cold light illuminated the world.

In just a moment, the path of "life" was severed, the seed of life returned to heaven and earth, the vessel died, and everything was annihilated.

Li Guisu, who was behind, had already taken off running when Yin Jin shouted. He ran out of the barrier and immediately saw a middle-aged cultivator carrying a coffin and standing in mid-air.

He hurriedly said:
"Zhang Yi! Quickly! Activate the formation!"

This middle-aged cultivator was none other than "Sleeping Celestial Venerable" Zhang Yi.

This so-called grand formation for sacrificing the people is actually an illusionary formation used to amplify Zhang Yi's "Dao".

Zhang Yi's expression was solemn. He had been preparing for some time, his hands forming a hand seal, and he chanted:

"In dreams, I am asleep; in waking, I am bound by the mortal world, a cage for the human heart."

"--open!"

The barrier closed again, turning into complete darkness that enveloped everything within.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

P.S.: Updated successfully... Not a day defeated by food!
(End of this chapter)