Ming Dynasty: pacifying the rebellion and defending the border, dominating the world

Chapter 502 Coercion and Enticement, the Final Result, and the True Intention
Dead or Alive.

This has always been a very simple multiple-choice question.

None of the people present were fools. Anyone who could cultivate to the level of a terrestrial immortal or a grandmaster of celestial phenomena was a genius of their time, an exceptionally intelligent individual.

Those who understand the times are wise, and they are also able to bend and stretch.

Not to mention, the olive branch extended by Li Wuyi was incredibly tempting to them.

"If the Buddhist sect is willing to join, whether it is the Shaolin Marrow Cleansing Classic, the Yi Jin Jing, or the Tathagata Palm, as long as you acquire enough merit, they are all within your grasp."

"The terrestrial immortals who have trapped you for half your lives, the terrestrial celestial beings, are no problem."

"As long as you join the Secret Guard, or serve His Majesty and the Ming Dynasty, you can get whatever you desire."

"and……"

Li Wuyi pondered for a moment, then slowly offered a deal that no one present could refuse: "As long as you have enough Secret Guard merits and contribution points, an immortal will explain martial arts to you and elucidate the mysteries of martial arts and immortality."

A celestial being bestowing upon us the Dharma?
Everyone's eyes widened instantly, filled with disbelief.

Even figures like Yan Kuangtu, Zhu Fajia, and Dugu Qiubai showed expressions of disbelief.

"Sir, may I ask if what you just said is true?"

"Is there really an immortal who imparts martial arts and guides you through the maze?" The Heavenly Monk's voice trembled. He had a blood feud with Zhao Min, but he did not feel much pressure about submitting to the Ming Dynasty.

Even though he knew in his heart that Zhao Min and Tianjian were probably inextricably linked to Zhu Jinzhen and the Ming Dynasty.

However, one side is the realm of celestial beings on land, which is the ultimate bliss of ascension.

On one hand, there is hatred related to Jingnian Zen Temple.

The scales in the monk's heart still unconsciously tipped towards the former.

"Are there immortals in the mortal realm?"

Yi Tianxing's face was also filled with disbelief and suspicion.

Li Wuyi nodded calmly: "Of course."

"You've been isolated from the outside world for too long, so it's understandable that you don't know much about it."

"When His Majesty's Jingnan campaign reached the capital, the Heavenly Gate suddenly opened wide, and celestial beings descended to the mortal realm. They were ultimately killed outside the capital by General Yang Ning, the top expert of the Tian Ce Mansion, my Xuanjia Secret Guard Commander, and Yan Shuai of Cangyun."

"This matter is known to all!"

At first, when Zhu Faga, Yan Kuangtu, Xie Xiaofeng and others heard Li Wuyi say that they had been isolated from the outside world for too long, they wanted to complain in their hearts. After calculating the time, they had only been captured for less than three months.

But as they heard the rest, everyone's expression changed.

Xie Xiaofeng gasped: "Even immortals can be slain by this sword?"

Li Wuyi made it very clear that everyone knew about this matter, and they naturally knew that the other party could not possibly deceive them on this matter. In other words, during the time they were away, many shocking changes had taken place outside.

But they never imagined that the strength of the Ming Dynasty—no, the strength wielded by the former Prince Su—would be so terrifying that it could even kill immortals from the heavens and the mortal realm!
“The Ming Dynasty has become so powerful that it can even kill immortals in the heavens. Do we have any other choice?” Gu Mutian and the old man from the frontier exchanged a glance and saw the helplessness in each other’s eyes.

Immortal!
Even if it's weak, it must still be an existence above the terrestrial celestial beings, right?

The Ming Dynasty suppressed them without hesitation, killed them without a second thought. Judging from Li Wuyi's relaxed tone just now, it was clear that they hadn't paid a heavy price. Even immortals were so easily defeated, so what right did they have to refuse?

Yan Kuangtu, Zhu Fajia, Song Que, Ning Daoqi, and the others sighed.

Do they even have a choice?

If Li Wuyi hadn't offered such a huge reward and temptation, these people wouldn't have been afraid of death. From the day they entered the martial world, they were all prepared to die there; it was just a matter of sooner or later.

But now...

To die in vain, or to live and continue exploring the path of martial arts.

With over a dozen unparalleled martial arts techniques at the celestial level, guidance from celestial beings, and the allure of countless rare treasures, their perseverance was utterly meaningless.

"So, what have you all decided?" "Are you willing to submit, or... leave quietly?"

He just left quietly!

Many people secretly spat in their hearts, thinking that he probably passed away peacefully.

As for whether or not to join the Ming Dynasty or the Xuanjia Secret Guard.

Most of the people present already knew what was going on.

"I am willing."

Xie Xiaofeng was the first to express his opinion, and he felt the least pressured.

He was the third young master of the former Divine Sword Manor, and was originally a citizen of the Ming Dynasty. In the past, when the Ming Dynasty encountered crises, he helped out more than once. It was just a matter of holding a position and title in the Ming court, which was insignificant to Xie Xiaofeng.

A playful glint flashed in Li Wuyi's eyes. He remained silent and looked at the others.

After thinking carefully for a moment, Yi Tianxing slowly nodded: "As long as we are not asked to do anything that is immoral, inhumane, or against our conscience, I am willing to join."

Now, Yi Tianxing has no ties to hold him back, and joining the Ming Dynasty would be more beneficial than harmful to him.

Moreover, he was indeed very curious about the cultivation techniques of the terrestrial celestial realm and what the celestial immortals were like.

Faced with the threat of death and the allure of an infinitely bright future, few would be foolish enough to choose to die, especially after Li Wuyi raised the stakes once again, mentioning that an immortal would impart knowledge and guide them through their confusion.

Even the most arrogant and conceited Yan Kuangtu, and the most detached and carefree Yi Tianxing, were moved.

They can disregard power, wealth, and status.

They couldn't remain indifferent to the unparalleled martial arts of the Celestial Realm, the guidance of immortals, and the numerous priceless treasures circulating within the Secret Guard.

After all, their initial intention in practicing martial arts, swordsmanship, and saber techniques was to reach the pinnacle or to pursue the breaking of the void and ascend to immortality in broad daylight.

Now that the opportunity is right in front of them, who wouldn't cherish it?
……

Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Jinzhen nodded from time to time as he listened to Yan Yimei's report.

Especially after hearing that the captured celestial masters and terrestrial immortals, including Zhu Fajia and Yan Kuangtu, had ultimately succumbed to reality, Zhu Jinzhen couldn't help but praise, "Well done."

"Your Majesty, I have a question, but I'm not sure if I should ask it?"

"You want to ask me why I spared them?"

Zhu Jinzhen seemed to know what Yan Yimei was thinking, and the latter nodded silently.

“They are indeed insignificant. In the past, they were like terrestrial immortals, but now they are nothing in the Secret Guard, Cangyun, and Tiance.” Zhu Jinzhen put down the memorial in his hand and looked at Yan Yimei: “But we know our own situation. Tiance and Cangyun, including many terrestrial immortals and experts above them in the Secret Guard, all took the shortcut to success.”

"The Martial Arts Cultivation Furnace cannot record what I have learned and understood."

At this point, Zhu Jinzhen's face was full of helplessness.

If the Martial Arts Cultivation Furnace could absorb his learning, talents, and martial arts insights, there would be no need for such a complicated process. He could directly enable all the generals of Tian Ce and Cang Yun to possess strength comparable to extraterrestrial gods and demons, and peerless immortals.

Zhu Jinzhen quickly regained his composure and shook his head, saying:

"Therefore, it is necessary to continuously supplement various martial arts insights and templates of powerful figures."

"This is of great benefit not only to ordinary secret guards, but also to you."

“The stones from other mountains can be used to polish jade. Although Yi Tianxing, Song Que, Yan Kuangtu, Zhu Faga and others are only terrestrial immortals, their understanding of martial arts is no weaker than yours, and in some aspects they are even slightly better.”

"With their insights into martial arts as nourishment, you will be able to go further."

"They are insignificant now as land immortals, but what about when they break through to the land celestial realm?"

(End of this chapter)