Starting from the imperial palace guards, his clones spread all over the world.

Chapter 672 Liang Jin is alive
The north wind was like a knife, sweeping across the capital region.

Seven days have passed since Prince Zhao Hongyi perished at the mausoleum of Emperor Taizu.

The last vestiges of autumn warmth were completely swept away by the biting north wind, and the season officially entered the Beginning of Winter.

A light, drizzling snow fell silently over the capital.

Snowflakes covered the white banners, falling on the frozen rooftops and the moat covered with a thin layer of ice, gently covering the capital city, which was already draped in white due to the national mourning, with another layer of cold, silvery white.

The world seemed to be filled with only black and white, a somber and oppressive atmosphere.

Outside the capital.

The wind and snow intensified.

A convoy consisting of more than ten heavily loaded carriages covered with tarpaulins and dozens of strong guards was braving the howling north wind and speeding along the official road covered with a thin layer of snow.

The guards' mounts spewed thick white mist, and the guards themselves were all wrapped tightly in thick fur coats with a strong Western desert style.

Their faces were rough and dark from the wind and sand, the scabbards of their curved knives were riveted to thick leather with copper nails, and their saddles were inlaid with heavy turquoise or dark red agate, which was the unique atmosphere of the distant desert and frontier.

Although the group was well-organized, there was an overwhelming sense of urgency to escape the mire and return home.

When martial artists from the past saw the unique blue building emblem on the flag of this caravan, most of them would stiffen and subconsciously make way for it—this was the Blue Robe Tower caravan, which dominated the Western Desert and inspired fear in all who heard of it.

The passing court officials, upon seeing him, would give him a more complex look. They knew that in the largest and sturdiest carriage at the center of the procession sat none other than Meng Xinghun, the newly appointed Marquis of Zhenxi and Protector-General of the Western Desert by the current Emperor!

This legendary figure, who helped the new emperor ascend to the throne with swift and decisive means during the bloody night of imperial power struggles, yet miraculously survived the earth-shattering battle with the eminent monk, vanished after that night.

He secluded himself in his mansion to recuperate from his injuries, refusing to see any guests, and did not even appear at the enthronement ceremony to receive the honors and titles bestowed by the emperor.

Only the powerful Prince Jin, who now wields immense influence in the imperial palace, still maintains the courtesy he shows, frequently sending his trusted confidant Wang Huaishuang to deliver rare medicinal herbs, healing remedies, and generous gifts to the Marquis's residence.

The well-informed inner circle knew the inside story:

The earth-shattering battle between Marquis Meng Xinghun of Zhenxi and Abbot Beihuan of Wanfo Temple was one of the keys to the new emperor's successful ascension to the throne.

In the end, Master Beihuan perished, and Meng Xinghun also suffered a pyrrhic victory, bearing unimaginable heavy injuries. It was a miracle that he was able to survive.

There is little doubt about this.

A second-rank martial artist is already at the pinnacle of martial arts, let alone a second-rank divine monk from a thousand-year-old temple like Wanfo Temple.
Its desperate counterattack was incredibly powerful.

There were even pessimistic rumors circulating among the lower echelons of the elite: that the marquis was probably already on his last legs, clinging to his final breath.

The so-called "recovering from injuries and returning to the West" is nothing more than a fig leaf for Qingyi Tower to prevent its banner from falling completely!

now.

This convoy, symbolizing the supreme authority of the Western Desert, finally drove out of the massive main gate of the capital city, which opened like the fangs of a ferocious beast.

On the city wall, a figure wrapped in a black sable fur coat leaned against the cold battlements, his icy gaze sweeping over the snow dust kicked up by the rear of the caravan like a hawk's.

She was Wang Huaishuang, a confidante of Wang Jin, the supervisor of the Eastern Bureau of Investigation.

Wang Huaishuang, representing the eunuch, saw them off all the way, but soon after the caravan left the city gate, Meng Xinghun, inside the carriage, politely declined, saying, "Even after seeing you off for a thousand miles, we must eventually part ways."

Wang Huaishuang didn't insist. These were turbulent times, and she had too many things to deal with in the capital. So she stayed and watched the convoy disappear at the end of the official road.

The convoy did not turn back, silently and resolutely plunging into the dense, swirling snow, heading along the official road into the desolate plains at the edge of their vision.

The wheels rolled over the hardened frozen ground, and snowflakes were stretched into fine silver threads in the howling wind.

The majestic outline of the capital city gradually became distant and blurred in the swirling snow, like a huge and cold lonely grave slowly sinking into the leaden gray horizon.

Suddenly!

The thick, dark green velvet curtains of the largest car in the center of the convoy were partially lifted by a steady, pale hand.

"stop."

A short, low-pitched word, carrying a long-lost sense of ease yet still hinting at weariness, clearly pierced through the wind, snow, and the sound of horses' hooves.

Mu Zheluo's gaze caught sight of that hand like lightning.

"Uu——!"

He slammed the reins in, and a deep, powerful voice, like a bear's roar, exploded out:

"The host has given an order! Stop!!"

Dozens of horses reared up and neighed.

The convoy, trailing a cloud of snow dust, slowly came to a stop in a vast wilderness covered with withered, frozen grass.

The horse's hooves pounded the ground, and the snow dust had not yet settled.

Muzheluo dismounted and strode to the main carriage, bowing respectfully.

Through the heavy curtain, he asked in a deep voice:

"My lord, the journey is still long, and we are not far from the capital. What are your orders?"

His Western Desert accent was rough, yet it carried a great deal of respect.

A moment of silence fell over the carriage, then Meng Xinghun's calm and composed voice drifted over:

"The snowy wilderness is vast, clear, and beautiful."

"Let's set up camp here for a while and rest."

Setting up camp?

Mu Zheluo lowered his thick eyebrows, his heart filled with doubt.

This place is only a few dozen miles in circumference and is desolate, with no mountains or water, let alone any scenery.

With snow and wind lashing our faces and the weather freezing cold, it was far from a good place to rest... The poster is usually clear-headed and decisive, so such an unusual behavior must have a deeper meaning.

"Yes."

He suppressed his doubts and solemnly accepted the order.

"With the main vehicle as the center."

Meng Xinghun's voice continued to penetrate the curtain, plain and unremarkable yet each word clear as a military order:
"A curtain will be drawn immediately within a radius of ten zhang!"

"Anyone who dares to approach and spy..."

"kill!"

The last word fell softly, yet carried a cold, metallic edge.

"I obey my orders!"

Mujahlut hesitated no longer!
He turned around abruptly, his deep, sharp shout like a tiger roaring in the mountains!

In an instant!
The well-trained elites of the Green Robe Tower moved instantly!

More than a dozen sturdy and spacious four-wheeled vehicles rumbled across the snowy field, quickly crisscrossing and joining one another!

Like a highly skilled craftsman, they erected an indestructible, nearly ten-foot-high circular wall from the thick carriage walls in just a few breaths!
Next!

Huge, thick, dark gray tarpaulin curtains, large enough to obscure the view of the battlefield, were quickly covered and draped over the top of the vehicle walls, like bat wings spread out!

It hangs down from the top inside the car wall until it reaches the ground!

In a blink of an eye!
A closed circular fortress, two zhang high and twenty zhang in diameter, completely isolated from external prying eyes and wind and snow, was miraculously born in this desolate snowy wilderness!
The knight in blue stood like a nail outside the carriage wall, his sword half-drawn, his cold, wary gaze sweeping over every inch of the area where danger might lurk!

Interior space...

It completely isolated us from the howling wind and snow between heaven and earth!
A deathly silence so profound you could almost hear your own heartbeat!
Only Meng Xinghun's luxurious carriage remained, parked all alone.

The surroundings suddenly fell silent, with only the occasional snorting of the horses pulling the carriage and the rustling of the curtains in the cold wind.

However, this silence did not last long.

A slender figure appeared silently behind the curtain at some unknown time.

The newcomer was a woman with eyebrows like distant mountains shrouded in mist and eyes like autumn waters rippling across the surface, her lively demeanor concealing a formidable resolve.

She has a graceful figure, possessing both feminine softness and a heroic spirit honed from years of martial arts training.

Her temperament, however, was completely different from all the women from the Western Desert in the caravan; she seemed more like a local woman from the Great Qian Dynasty.

It turned out to be Liu Yuan.

She stood three feet in front of the main vehicle, and the cold, white air seemed to be stirred by the burning emotions emanating from her.

"Meng Xinghun!"

She spoke, her voice as clear as jade chimes, yet now carrying a forced, almost shattering sharpness:
"I'm leaving."

There were no pleasantries, no preamble.

To get straight to the point, with a do-or-die spirit:
"Even the Dragon Armor Divine Book on the old man's side has been largely deciphered, and he is currently doing a final, meticulous proofreading. The complete deciphered version will be handed over to you in three days at the latest..."

Her back was ramrod straight, like a lone pine tree braving the wind on a cliff, carrying a stubborn pride and resilience that she had maintained despite being betrayed and mocked.

"Our previous verbal agreement... comes to an end here."

"The Dragon Armor Divine Book is yours; my mission is complete."

She took a deep breath of the cold air, as if trying to freeze the last bit of weakness and hesitation:

"I, Liu Yuan, owe you a favor..."

"The accounts are settled!"

"Now... it's time to say goodbye."

silence.

The interior of the castle, enclosed by tar paper.

It was so quiet that you could hear the barely perceptible rustling of snowflakes falling on the roof.

Inside the carriage curtain, there was also a long silence.

It was as if a heavy sigh was gathering and dispersing in the invisible space.

squeak - ah -

The heavy wooden doors were pushed open from the inside.

A dry, warm aroma, a blend of the finest charcoal fire, the unique bitterness of medicinal soup, and a restrained yet unfathomable surge of vitality emanated from the air!

An unremarkable face appeared in the dim light.

He was unremarkable, with rather plain and unremarkable features, and a dark complexion.

Such a face, no matter where it appears, will instantly be lost in the crowd and regarded as the purest background.

But now!
When those eyes, calm as an ancient, cold well, deep enough to devour all light and scrutiny, opened and slowly rose to fall upon Liu Yuan's face...

Liu Yuan felt as if she had been hit head-on by an invisible, icy torrent!

The mental fortress she had carefully built suddenly developed tiny cracks, like ice!
She involuntarily lowered her eyes slightly, avoiding the gaze that seemed to reveal every detail of her, inside and out, leaving no hidden corner of her heart unexamined.

"You're blaming me."

Meng Xinghun's voice rang out.

Not high, not low.

Extremely gentle.

There was no hint of anger at being offended, only a calm statement that revealed the essence of things.

Like a perfectly precise scalpel, it deftly peeled away the disguise of anger in Liu Yuan's heart.

"It's my fault..."

"I failed to kill Wang Jin for you!"

boom!
It was like a muffled thunderclap exploding in Liu Yuan's mind!

She was struck in her deepest, most hidden pain!
All the grievances, resentment, and humiliation of being used instantly overwhelmed her forced coldness!

"Not only did they not kill him—!"

She abruptly raised her pretty face, flushed with anger! The fury burning in her beautiful eyes was almost bursting forth:

"You're basically working as a dog for that old castrated dog!!"

"I gave you the secret manual of the 'Mahagala Dharma Protector Technique' without reservation! As a deposit for your help in dealing with Wang Jin!"

"You know perfectly well! You know it better than anyone else!!"

Her voice trembled with rapid breathing, her posture as upright as a sword, yet also carrying a despair and lamentation on the verge of collapse:

"That old scoundrel and I... are sworn enemies, mortal enemies!"

"If you fear his power! If you're afraid of getting burned! You can simply stand by and watch!"

"even……"

She gave a bitter smile, raising her slender yet taut neck, conveying a sense of martyrdom and despair:
"You should have cut off my head back then... and given it to Wang Jin as a token of your loyalty!!"

"By going to extremes, at least I've completely given up on this idea."

"But you just..."

Her voice suddenly became sharp and piercing!
"Yet they engaged in nothing but sycophancy and fawning! The despicable acts of a lackey, wagging its tail and flattering!!!"

Every word is a lament! Every sentence an accusation! They resonate fiercely in this private space isolated by the cold wind!
As Liu Yuan spoke, she became more and more agitated, her chest heaving violently, her fair neck turning red with anger, and her eyes slightly red-rimmed.

Meng Xinghun remained silent in the shadows beside the car door, his face expressionless in the dim light.

Only those unfathomable eyes... quietly rested on Liu Yuan's furious and indignant face.

Waiting for her to calm down.

Time passed in the frozen atmosphere.

Liu Yuan's rapid breathing gradually subsided, and the heaving of her chest became less intense.

The rage that burns to its peak is like charcoal embers extinguished by cold water, leaving behind only scorched and cracked ashes and... an endless, bone-deep weariness and grievance.

She couldn't hold back her tears any longer; large drops, like broken ice beads, rolled down her tense cheeks, spreading dark water stains on her chin.

Meng Xinghun finally spoke again, his voice low and slow, carrying a rare hint of emotion:

"In my actions over the past few days, I have indeed not taken your feelings into consideration."

"Liu Yuan, I'm sorry you had to suffer."

No explanation was given.

A simple apology!
One sentence to understand!
Liu Yuan felt as if she had been struck in the spine by lightning!
She never expected that Meng Xinghun, who was always strong and aloof, would say something that was almost...an apology.

This, ironically, allowed all the pent-up grievances, resentment, and anger in her heart to find an outlet, bursting forth instantly.

It felt as if half the strength had been drained from every bone in my body in an instant!

She turned around abruptly! Her shoulders trembled violently uncontrollably!
Tears streamed down her face like beads from a broken string!

Looking at that stubborn, trembling back, desperately trying to hide but ultimately collapsing.

Meng Xinghun's voice remained calm as ever, but it carried a newfound strength:

"My conflict with Wang Jin is irreconcilable; my previous interactions were merely pretense."

"The complexities involved are far more complicated than you currently understand."

"Now is definitely not the best time to completely break ties with him and confront him head-on."

After a brief pause, with an undeniable promise:
"Come back to the Western Desert with me first. Spend a year or two lying low, accumulating strength for a future breakthrough."

"When the time is right, we will definitely return to Daqian."

"At that time..."

A chilling glint, enough to freeze everything, flashed deep in Meng Xinghun's eyes!

"Wang Jin's head..."

"It must be handed over to...you! To behead him with your own hands!"

Liu Yuan's body stiffened for a moment.

Then, unable to resist, she turned away again, forcefully wiping away the tears that kept flowing.

She has always been proud and never easily shows weakness in front of others.

After a long while, she finally stopped crying and turned around again.

The anger had been washed away from his face, leaving only a complex expression that mixed bitter relief and deep trust.

“Meng Xinghun…”

Her voice was hoarse, yet strangely calm:
"I believe you."

What she needs may never be an immediate promise, but simply a reasonable explanation, a future worth looking forward to, and the other person's recognition of her feelings.

Now, she has achieved it.

After all, since she met Meng Xinghun, they had gone through desert sandstorms, life-and-death hardships, and countless suspicions and tests together. She had long seen through the hidden character and abilities of the man in front of her.

Being able to follow him all the way to this day is already a kind of luck.

"but……"

Liu Yuan pursed her chapped lips, lifted her face, and forced a smile that was both fragile and radiant, like a stubborn glimpse through a snowstorm:

"This time... I can't go with you anymore..."

Her gaze was like the setting sun, filled with both determination and reluctance.

Meng Xinghun's brows furrowed slightly, almost imperceptibly.

A silent inquiry.

Liu Yuan shook her head slightly, a relieved smile on her face:

"No, it's not that I blame you."

“I am filled with gratitude. If it weren’t for your protection and guidance along the way, I would probably have perished in the desert long ago, never having the chance to return to the Central Plains, let alone… even dream of revenge.”

"It's true... it's time to leave."

Her voice carried a sigh, as if waking from a dream:
"Actually, I should have left as soon as I stepped back into the Great Qian Dynasty..."

"only……"

She lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes casting trembling shadows on her cheeks, her voice as soft as a sigh:
"I can't bear to part with it... but never mind..."

"I crave that little bit of warmth from you... through thick and thin..."

"You make me feel like I can rely on you, and you also make me more and more dependent on you... to the point that I want to rely on you for everything."

"now……"

She abruptly raised her head, her gaze sharp and resolute once more:
"The Dragon Armor Divine Book has been deciphered. I have no debts, no obligations, and no worries..."

"Now I can walk the path I've chosen with dignity!"

silence.

A silence even deeper than before.

Meng Xinghun looked at her quietly.

Looking at this woman who was sharp-tongued from the beginning, never suffered a loss, but was actually fragile and soft-hearted, and clearly distinguished between gratitude and resentment.

He understood her determination in the instant their eyes met.

It cannot be forced.

"Okay." He slowly uttered a single word.

Then, he asked with concern:

"Where do you plan to settle down? I will send my elite troops to escort you all the way."

"We met when we were both humble, and we've been friends through thick and thin. If you ever need anything..."

"Qingyi Tower is fully committed to helping you!!"

A warm smile appeared on Liu Yuan's face, but she only shook her head gently, her movements a tender rejection.

"No need."

She shook her head slightly, her tone firm:

"I don't want to owe anyone anything anymore."

"Besides..."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, and a calm aura belonging to a peak sixth-grade martial artist was faintly emanating from her body!

"Now that I have reached the peak of the sixth rank, I still have the ability to protect myself."

Liu Yuan herself has extremely high martial arts talent, but she just doesn't have the aptitude to practice martial arts.

However, ever since Meng Xinghun used a magical elixir to change her aptitude, allowing her to practice martial arts smoothly, her progress has been extremely rapid.

Now, he has become a peak sixth-grade martial artist, and all he lacks to enter the fifth-grade realm is time and experience.

She was no longer the weak woman who could only hide under the wings of others.

Meng Xinghun pondered for a moment, then said:

“I know you’re consumed by revenge. Since you’re no longer willing to follow me, then…”

He spoke, with a tone of both probing and guidance:
"I have heard that the Great Master of the Southern Way of Peace has supported Princess Kangning as Empress, and is determined to bring peace to the world."

"If you go to them for help, perhaps... you can also get your wish with their help."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yuan's lips curled into an extremely cold, even cynical smile, as if she had seen through the ways of the world.

"Clear the world?"

She repeated it softly, her tone wavering:

"Kings and generals come and go, but the bloodsucking parasites in the court... have they ever truly changed?"

"I have seen clearly enough of this upheaval in the capital and the change of imperial power. It is truly a case of the powerful and influential families remaining constant while emperors and princes come and go."

Her voice suddenly became clear and sharp:
"No matter who sits on that dragon throne, it will ultimately be inseparable from those deeply entrenched court officials and nobles."

"Even if Princess Kangning were to one day be destined to return to the capital and reclaim the throne, would she be able to completely purge the court and eliminate people like Wang Jin?"

She slowly shook her head:
"In the end, she will inevitably have to rely on, rely on, and even indulge eunuchs and treacherous officials like Wang Jin, who have long since turned the court into their own private property!"

"Now, I no longer rely on any kings or generals. They are essentially no different from Wang Jin."

Liu Yuan took a deep breath, faced Meng Xinghun again, and her smile brightened once more, carrying a sense of enlightened understanding:

"Don't worry!"

"I am no longer the Liu Yuan who needed to completely depend on others."

She emphasized:

"I have my own place to go, and my own... ideas!"

Meng Xinghun gazed into her eyes at the incredibly clear and insightful understanding and... unshakable determination!

a long time.

A gentle, approving smile slowly appeared on his usually stern face.

He slowly nodded at Liu Yuan.

There were no more words.

The decision... is already clear.

Liu Yuan suddenly turned around!

Without further hesitation, I strode quickly toward the tightly closed curtains on the outside!
All good things must come to an end!

Her voice was clear and bright, piercing the silence without any hesitation, yet carrying a barely perceptible sob:

"Meng Xinghun!!"

"I'm leaving. Take good care of yourself!"

"I hope... that one day when you return to the Central Plains, we... will be able to meet again in a season when willow branches are like smoke and peach blossoms are like fire!"

The words have not yet been spoken!

Her resolute figure had completely disappeared beyond the gap in the tarpaulin curtain!
A wisp of wind and snow rushed in for a moment, then immediately returned to silence!
Meng Xinghun, or rather Liang Jin, gazed at the curtain that had fallen again.

Beyond the wind and snow, there is no one else.

That's just her personality—she has strong likes and dislikes and acts decisively.

Once a decision is made, there is no turning back.

Her words were always sarcastic and pointed, and she liked to talk about calculating her own interests, which made her even annoying.

But Liang Jin could always see through her hard exterior to the completely different heart beneath.

She was also the one who left most freely and without the most lingering attachment at that moment.

Now that she is determined to leave, Liang Jin knows that her mind is made up and there is no point in trying to persuade her to stay; the only thing he can do is respect her decision.

However, the world is in turmoil now, and the future is uncertain.

This parting is now a long and arduous journey; whether we will ever meet again remains to be seen.

A sense of melancholy and感慨 arose in Liang Jin's heart.

Like icy snow water, it slowly seeps into the heart and soul.

But he knew even more deeply that the coming together and parting of people in life is a common occurrence.

His attention returned to the system interface in his mind, his gaze fixed on a strange item he had acquired long ago in the [Items] section.

[Nine-transformation Resurrection Pill: After use, it can revive an avatar that has met its end. If the physical body is damaged, it can be rebuilt and revived. It also works if the host dies. Simply place this pill in the item list and it will automatically be used. After seven days, the host will rebuild their physical body and revive at the same location. The avatar will not die with the host during this period.]

When Liang Jin drew this item, he knew it was like he had an extra life.

He just didn't expect that this extra life would be put to use so soon.

His gaze involuntarily fell upon the seemingly ordinary patch of land beside the carriage.

The area was covered with withered grass and a thin layer of snow, and it was bitterly cold.

There!

It was seven days ago...

The place where the original body perished!
"Time... is almost up."

"Resurrected from the dead, body and soul reborn."

"What exactly is it like?"

A strange sense of anticipation welled up in Liang Jin's heart:

"This time, the main body must... survive no matter what!"

Previously, his main body had always been extremely well-preserved and had never made a mistake.

Until he was drawn into the power struggle with Zhao Yu, he was forced to "go wild" once.

This one time almost led to his utter ruin, costing him his life.

This bloody lesson was etched into his memory.

From now on, unless all the clones are all dead, the main body will never step out of the safe zone again!
The thought of his own death sent a chill down Liang Jin's spine.

The terrifying power emanating from the depths of the underground palace, like a god or demon descending to earth, easily shattered him into dust, still haunts him to this day.

That kind of absolute crushing!
Powerless! Despair!
It was clearly imprinted on his heart!

The power was so strong that he couldn't even accurately determine whether it was at the first-grade level or... already beyond the first grade!

If it weren't for this heaven-defying divine pill, he would have already been truly doomed!

Hate!

A fierce fire burned deep within those calm, unwavering eyes!

We must possess a more powerful, more invincible force! A force strong enough to crush that arrogant, aloof power that views all living beings as ants!
Imperial Mausoleum Underground Palace...

Whether it's the legendary Emperor Taizu Zhao Wuji or some other ghostly being!
us……

There is ample time!!!
at this time--

Liang Jin suddenly noticed that the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill in his inventory had vanished without warning!

"The time has come!"

Liang Jin's gaze was fixed intently on that cold, hard ground!
really!

The next second, right before his eyes, above the place where his original body had died, nine dazzling golden orbs suddenly lit up without warning!

The light rapidly converged and merged, eventually transforming into a crimson fleshy ball about the size of a palm, pulsating slightly like a heart!

Like the initial birth of flesh and blood, the embryonic form!

Thump! Thump! Thump! ...

A series of strong, clear heartbeats began to emanate from inside that mass of flesh!
Liang Jin held his breath!

Even though he was prepared, the miracle of life before him still resonated with every cell in his body! Trembling!

Suddenly, the pulsating mass of flesh burst forth with countless slender, sticky, and frantically growing, writhing scarlet tentacles!
These tentacles frantically weave, entwine, and merge in the void!
skeleton!

It is clearly visible as solidified and drawn from nothingness!
After that……

Intertwined, rapidly growing and connecting, like the blood vessels of a dark red river!
then……

The tough texture covering it, the wriggling and pulsating internal organs, are skillfully constructed and shaped by an invisible hand!

A naked, uncovered human silhouette with bulging muscles and clearly visible veins.

In this silent space surrounded by ice and snow, in an extremely awe-inspiring, extremely savage, and extremely sacred way...

Floating appearance!

Finally, the skin!
Like the purest moonlight! Like freshly solidified cream! At a speed visible to the naked eye! From that terrifying muscular skeleton...

Spreading and covering!

Detailed and smooth!

No scars at all!

Smooth! Firm! Full of unprecedented vitality and pure essence!

It was as if God had used the most perfect mold to recast this body of flesh and blood!
A body of the same origin as the broken remains found at the bottom of the imperial tomb seven days ago, yet purer! More resilient! And possessing boundless potential…

A brand new body!

Liang Jin! Body!
Surrounded by a hazy red light, it slowly descended onto the cold, frozen ground!

Barefoot on the snow!

“Buzz!!!!!!”

The moment the new body landed!
Liang Jin felt as if a extinguished star in his own universe had been rekindled!
An unprecedented sense of "wholeness" instantly filled his entire soul!

The most crucial piece that was missing due to the death of the original body has been completely replaced!
At this moment, the connection between the consciousnesses of all the clones became clearer, more stable, and more unobstructed than ever before!
"call--!"

A long, deep sigh, as if from the depths of the underworld, or as if a sigh that had been slumbering for millennia had finally been roused!

Slowly, it was expelled from deep within the throat of that brand-new body!
Eyes tightly closed...

Suddenly opened!

The fog in my eyes instantly dissipated!
All that remains is a sharp edge born of survival!

A profound appreciation for life itself after experiencing extreme destruction!
as well as……

A chilling, oppressive hatred that reached the deepest depths of the abyss...

"Success!"

"I'm finally back!"

A low, familiar yet newfound voice rolled out from his throat.

He slowly clenched his fist, feeling the explosive power beneath his skin, the fibers as pure and resilient as newly forged steel!
"Everything is back!"

Liang Jin clearly felt that his incomparably powerful physical body, martial arts level, consciousness... everything had been restored to its original state, even...

He keenly sensed that this body, reforged by the Nine-Turn Rejuvenation Pill, seemed to have discarded all the impurities and hidden injuries accumulated in the old body during the formation process, becoming more pure and transparent!
The path of cultivation in the future will surely be smoother!

Liang Jin slowly raised his gaze, piercing through the cold air to the wide-open car door...

Two gazes transcended the boundaries of time, body, and life and death, in the void...

A silent meeting!

No words are needed!
Everything... is understood without words!
Inside the carriage, Liang Jin reached out and took out a package.

Inside was a set of neatly folded armor, even bearing the faint scent of old sweat... Imperial Guard standard-issue fine iron scale armor!
Including the cotton-padded jacket, military trousers, and those high-top military boots with slightly frayed edges!

Liang Jin deftly donned each of the cold pieces of armor!

When the last piece of the breastplate was securely fastened to the chest...

His figure, posture, and temperament seemed to be fitted with an invisible mold!

Subsequently.

Under the miraculous effects of the "Thousand Faces Technique," his face and body began to change rapidly!
Bones! Muscles! Skin! ...

With a teeth-grinding, micro-adjusting sound, it wriggles at lightning speed! Shaping!

His once handsome and upright figure gradually became ordinary and even slightly reserved.

Her sharp jawline softened, her nose bridge was slightly flat, and her cheeks had a touch of the usual tan from long-term exposure to the sun and wind. Even the width of her shoulders seemed to have shrunk.

At last……

A face, somewhat dull, somewhat simple, and somewhat roughened by military experience, was completely fixed in his mind.
He became...

Ding Jun's appearance!
The taciturn soldier who once shared a tent with Liang Jin and slept in the bunk next to him!

On the day Liang Jin entered the palace to avenge Xiao Lian, he encountered Wu Huan and other comrades-in-arms on his way to the palace, who were taking the sick Ding Jun to the clinic for treatment.

At that time, Liang Jin also gave Wu Huan and others a bag of money, asking them to hire the best doctor for Ding Jun, and made an appointment to drink together at his residence that evening.

Ding Jun was indeed cured.

However, he has been secretly kidnapped by the people of Qingyi Tower and is now hidden among their ranks.

Liang Jin raised his hand and touched the inconspicuous old scar on his face that he deliberately showed off.

A chilling calculation and resolute determination solidified deep within his eyes:
Now, he will completely take over Ding Jun's identity and lie low again in the capital city that swallowed him up once.

His system check-in function required him to stand guard in the palace.

The rewards offered by the system were so amazing that they were a huge advantage he could never give up.

Signing in daily is the cornerstone of his rise! It must never stop!

In order to continue signing in, he needed to have a legitimate identity that would allow him to stand guard in the palace for an extended period.

Ding Jun is undoubtedly the most perfect candidate.

Ding Jun's last relative passed away last year, leaving him all alone.

The familiar comrades-in-arms around him were also the brothers Liang Jin used to know.

The tent he lived in was the same place where Liang Jin had lived for a long time, and he knew everything about it and everyone inside.

Liang Jin was extremely familiar with his job duties and patrol routes.

Under these conditions, Liang Jin was confident that he could perfectly portray "Ding Jun" and would not arouse any suspicion.

The only ones who could see through his disguise were perhaps the "Yin Seal" that could sense the abnormal bloodline, and its controllers, Zhao Yu or Wang Jin.

But Liang Jin was not particularly worried about this.

For a low-ranking imperial guard soldier to get close to the emperor or the eunuch was as difficult as ascending to heaven.

He had served as a soldier at the lowest level for many years, and he had never had the opportunity to see the emperor or the eunuchs, let alone get close to them.

As long as he stays within his bounds and keeps a low profile, there will be no problems.

He will return to the palace as "Ding Jun," standing guard beneath the familiar palace walls, silently accumulating strength as he stands watch.

As for the real Ding Jun, Liang Jin will not mistreat him.

He will be secretly sent to the Western Desert by the Green Robe Pavilion, leaving the troubled Great Qian forever.

In the Western Desert, the Green Robe Pavilion would provide him with endless riches and honors, a hundred times better than being a lowly soldier in the capital.

"Until I possess absolute power, I must never let anyone know... that Liang Jin is still alive!"

"This secret must be kept from everyone!"

A resolute light shone in Liang Jin's eyes.

Now, the only people the original owner cares about are Zhao Bao and Zhao Yiyi.

Zhao Bao has now gained Wang Jin's trust and should be fine in the short term.

However, Zhao Yiyi's unexpected turn of events was somewhat beyond Liang Jin's expectations.

He had already arranged for skilled members of the Green Robe Pavilion to secretly protect the Zhao family, but unexpectedly, a few days ago, Zhao Yiyi's long-lost mother-in-law suddenly returned.

The old woman was highly skilled in martial arts and easily evaded all eyes and ears, taking Zhao Yiyi away.

It wasn't until the next day, when they discovered Zhao Yiyi's note, that her family realized she had voluntarily left with her mother-in-law.

Liang Jin knew that leaving the capital, the center of the storm, might be a good thing for her.

With her mysterious mother-in-law taking care of her, her safety should be guaranteed.

Moreover, through the [Thousand-Mile Tracking] function, he can keep track of her movements at any time.

We will meet again someday if fate allows.

soon.

Having changed his appearance, Liang Jin disappeared into the snow and headed towards the capital.

He will return to that cold imperial city, back to that familiar tent in the Southern Imperial Guard camp.

Meanwhile, Meng Xinghun boarded the carriage and led the large caravan of Qingyi Tower, continuing their journey towards the vast and mysterious Western Desert.

The snow continued to fall silently.

Everything seemed to have returned to its very beginning.

But everything has changed drastically.

(End of this chapter)