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

Chapter 728 He Can Create Miracles

In the mine, the various martial artists who had been eagerly anticipating the event with all sorts of thoughts quickly noticed the unusual change in the atmosphere.

They discovered that the Marquis of Zhenxi, who had just returned to camp, was once again making a show of going out!

This trip seemed particularly mysterious and unusual.

Several ordinary-looking but exceptionally sturdy carriages, escorted by elite soldiers, slowly emerged from the depths of the camp.

The carriage doors and windows were completely covered by thick, heavy, dark curtains, making it airtight.

What surprised everyone even more was that Liang Jin himself rode a horse and appeared at the front of the caravan.

Liang Jin sat astride a magnificent black horse, his gaze sweeping over the group of martial artists with varying expressions. A smile, seemingly gentle but actually tinged with detachment, appeared on his face. He clasped his hands in a fist salute and raised his voice:

"Gentlemen, I have some urgent business to attend to today and cannot stay here to entertain you all."

"Please rest and wait here in the mine for the time being. Once I have finished dealing with my important matters, I will certainly host a banquet and drink and chat with you all."

His words were polite, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.

After saying that, he didn't even give the crowd a chance to react or ask questions, and simply waved his hand.

“Thump, thump, thump—!”

As soon as he made his gesture, a large number of soldiers who were already prepared poured out from all sides of the camp!
They moved swiftly and expressionlessly, quickly occupying all the entrances and high points of the mine, forming a tight blockade that completely surrounded the entire mine in the blink of an eye!

This sudden turn of events stunned all the martial artists. They looked at each other, their faces filled with astonishment, confusion, and even a hint of anger at being offended.

One of the middle-aged martial artists, dressed in a blue robe, carrying a long sword, and seemingly an elder of some sect, couldn't help but step forward, suppressing his dissatisfaction, and asked with his hands clasped:
"My lord! What do you mean by this?"

"We have come here with sincere intentions, why are we being guarded here like prisoners?"

Liang Jin sat upright on his horse, the faint smile on his face unchanged, but a barely perceptible cold glint flashed deep in his eyes:

“My friend, you flatter me. I have no ill intentions, much less imprison you all.”

"However, the matter I am here to handle is of great importance and cannot be overlooked. I also do not wish to be disturbed by irrelevant people."

"Please rest assured and wait here for good news. Once I have returned victorious, I will naturally grant you your freedom."

His tone remained calm, but the assertiveness and uncompromising nature of his words were unmistakable.

After saying that, he ignored the various expressions on the faces of the crowd and the suppressed commotion, pulled on the reins, and turned his horse around.

"set off!"

At a command, the entire convoy slowly started moving, escorted by cavalry, heading out of the mine and gradually moving away from the blocked area.

As Liang Jin's convoy disappeared from sight, the oppressive silence within the mine was instantly shattered, plunging into an uproar and discussion.

"What... what's going on? What do they take us for?"

"Hmph! We've come all this way, only to be treated like this!"

"That's incredibly rude!"

The martial artists present all felt a surge of resentment.

They were all prominent figures in their respective fields, or elites of their respective sects, and were respected by others. They had never been subjected to such treatment, which was almost like "house arrest."

However, despite the discussions and dissatisfaction, no one dared to actually stand up and cause trouble.

Although the soldiers guarding the mine were not considered by these martial arts masters in terms of individual combat strength.

But everyone knew that these soldiers represented the will of the Marquis of Zhenxi!
Once a conflict occurs with them, it would be tantamount to directly provoking the new overlord who holds immense power in the Western Desert and commands a large army—Meng Xinghun!

This consequence is something that no one present, nor any sect, is willing or able to bear.

Amidst the noisy and chaotic crowd of martial artists, two individuals, seemingly no different from the other indignant warriors, were actually engaging in a secret communication using a profound technique of telepathic communication.

One of the strong old men wore a large felt hat made of mink fur, an outer vest made of tanned snow leopard fur with the fur side facing out, and a close-fitting brown wool coat underneath.

He was extremely tall, with shoulders as broad as a wild bear, yet he did not appear bulky. His dark brown skin was the result of the combined effects of the snowy sun and the Gobi Desert winds.

At this moment, he seemingly casually glanced around, but a low, cold smile curled at the corner of his lips as he transmitted his voice:

"It seems that Meng Xinghun is eager to head to the spirit mine."

"Hmph, the value contained in that spirit mine is immeasurable. He's afraid that if the news leaks out and someone else gets a share, that's why he's trapped everyone here."

"However... this is just right. Without these troublesome minions interfering, our operation can be much cleaner and more efficient."

"Today, this Jade Gate Mountain will be the burial ground for Meng Xinghun!"

The other person was an elderly man wearing a pure white sheepskin coat.

The old man had a round face, with deep, dense wrinkles like ravines etched by wind and sand, but his eyes were still remarkably bright. His white hair was neatly combed and tied back with a cow bone hairpin wrapped in red silk.

He toyed with an exquisite silver cup filled with mare's milk wine in his hand, seemingly relaxed, yet the tone of his voice carried a condescending indifference and disdain:
"Chile, your Yinxi would go to such great lengths to get me to personally intervene, just to deal with such a mere brat? Ha, how laughable! You really don't care about wasting resources."

"And that Demon-Slaying King, he has the title of a second-rank official, but he's a piece of trash who has been repeatedly defeated by this kid! The second time, he even lost his life. He has utterly disgraced us!"

He appeared nonchalant, but in reality, he had been carefully observing Liang Jin in secret.

No matter how he looked at it, he felt that Liang Jin did not have the qualities of a peerless master.

Too young, with an overly ordinary, even somewhat... plain, demeanor.

Although it could be sensed that he might have used some kind of secret technique to conceal his aura and cultivation level.

But King Hunxiu firmly believed that the unique temperament of a true master who stands at the pinnacle of martial arts, who looks down on all living beings and regards everything as straw dogs, could not be completely concealed.

In Liang Jin, however, he saw more of a "human touch" that was entangled with worldly affairs, and a concern for the life and death of ordinary people.

In his eyes, a person who still has concern and affection for the common people is not worthy of being called a true peerless master!

How can one reach the pinnacle of martial arts if one's heart is not cold and one's blood is not hard?
The robust old man, known as Chile, was unfazed by his companion's arrogance. Instead, he chuckled and responded telepathically:

“King Hunxiu, as the old saying goes, even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit.”

"Since Meng Xinghun was able to kill two second-grade martial artists, Tu Xiewang and Beihuan, in succession, no matter what methods he used, it is enough to prove that he has already possessed the strength of the second-grade realm and is by no means someone to be underestimated."

"Either of us alone could face him with absolute certainty. Only by joining forces can we guarantee a foolproof victory and completely kill him here."

Chile was very satisfied with the arrangements for this mission.

Not only did they enlist the help of Hunxiu Wang, a top expert from the Black Dragon Empire, but they also personally oversaw the operation. With Hua Nongying providing internal support, the plan was flawless and proceeded with great determination.

For the sake of the magnificent and sacred "great cause" of the Yinxi Society, he would not allow any accidents to happen and would strive for "stability" in everything.

Upon hearing this, the white-haired old man, known as King Hunxiu, showed even greater disdain on his face:

"Looking at all the people in this world, among the so-called strong, there are only three who can catch my eye: the first is His Majesty of the Black Dragon Empire, who is both talented and ambitious; the second is the Duke of Zhenguo of the Great Qian Dynasty; and the third is the God of War of the Kingdom of Sihali."

"Besides, all other so-called masters in the world are nothing but clay chickens and earthen dogs in my eyes, utterly vulnerable!"

"Chi Le, your martial arts have stagnated for so many years, and you have never been able to touch that final threshold. It is because you are too cautious in everything you do, and you lack the sharpness and arrogance that a top martial artist should have!"

"The path of martial arts is like rowing against the current. If you are always cautious and timid, dare not take risks or gamble, and do not have absolute confidence to crush everything, you are destined to be mediocre and unsuccessful in your life!"

"If it weren't for the fact that my Black Dragon Empire was taking the opportunity to annex the Western Desert, the Yinxi Society's meager offer wouldn't have been enough to persuade me to take action."

"With Meng Xinghun dead, the Western Desert army will be leaderless and will inevitably collapse without a fight."

"Alright, enough nonsense. My time is precious. After this is over, we need to hurry and seize more territory before those barbarians from the Kingdom of Shali can react, thus securing victory."

After speaking, King Hunxiu casually tossed the valuable silver cup in his hand aside as if it were trash, leaving it lying in the dust without a care in the world.

Then, the air around him seemed to distort and ripple slightly, and his figure swayed very slightly, almost imperceptibly to the naked eye. In the next instant, he vanished from the spot like a ghost!

Not even a slight breeze was stirred!

The soldiers guarding the mine were completely unaware of this.

Their level was far inferior to that of a top expert like King Hunxiu, and they were completely unable to sense his departure.

The so-called blockade is completely ineffective against experts of this level.

Chile looked in the direction where Hunxiu King had disappeared, and his face, which had maintained a humble and gentle expression, finally revealed a hint of undisguised mockery and pity:

"Still dreaming of conquering the Western Desert and dominating the world? What a laughable and pathetic worldly strife."

"How could you possibly know that the divine tortoise is about to awaken, and a brand new era belonging to the gods is about to begin!"

"At that time, no matter what the Great Qian Dynasty, the Sihali Kingdom, or your Black Dragon Empire are, they will all be ruthlessly crushed and reshaped in the face of that unstoppable historical torrent! The current territory and power are nothing but fleeting clouds."

His gaze seemed to pierce through layers of mountains, directed towards some distant and unknown place, his eyes blazing with a fanatical fire.
"In this world, there are always some self-righteous 'chosen ones,' who think they can control the tide and gather the fortune of heaven and earth. But they don't realize that all their efforts and achievements are ultimately just paving the way for others, becoming sacrifices to awaken the gods!"

"That Xuan Gu Shaman of the Black Dragon Empire, hailed as a once-in-eight-hundred-years talent, became the number one person in Rouge Mountain at the age of thirty. How glorious was that? Now, however, he has long since turned into a wisp of soul in the witchcraft cauldron!"

"Meng Xinghun, seizing hegemony in the Western Desert in just two short years, is nothing short of a miracle? Today he will perish in this desolate Jade Gate Mountain and become nourishment for the awakening of the divine tortoise!"

"Within the Great Qian territory, that Great Teacher who bewitched millions of followers is probably already in Nanzhou, torn to pieces by the Wuxu Demon Lord whom we have carefully cultivated!"

"Since that cowardly war god from the Kingdom of Sihali, who has been hiding for twenty years, dares to reappear, then he's next!"

"Finally, we will eliminate the biggest obstacle in the Great Qian Dynasty—Zhao Wuji, the skeleton in the tomb! At that time, all the nodes of destiny in the world will be severed, and the arrival of the new era will be without any hindrance!"

Thinking this through, an uncontrollable excitement and fervor welled up in Chi Le's eyes, as if he could already see that sacred moment approaching. He quickly pulled his wandering thoughts back and turned his gaze to the direction Liang Jin's convoy had left, the location leading to the Dry Dragon Gorge Spirit Mine.

"The time has come..."

He muttered to himself, then his figure swayed slightly, like a cheetah disappearing into the shadows, vanishing silently without attracting anyone's attention.

……

Liang Jin's convoy proceeded at a leisurely pace along the rugged mountain road.

The convoy was traveling at a much slower pace compared to Liang Jin's swift solo feat of light-footed skill, which allowed him to traverse mountains and valleys last night.

Liang Jin himself didn't seem to be in a hurry. This slow progress was undoubtedly a torment and test for the assassins who were lurking in the shadows, waiting for their chance to strike, and it was enough to wear down their patience.

As dusk fell, the setting sun painted the clouds on the horizon a brilliant golden-red, and the group finally arrived at the northern foot of Yumen Mountain, at the huge canyon called Hanlong Gorge.

Liang Jin reined in his warhorse and stood on a high point at the edge of the canyon, looking down at the deep canyon below, which resembled a scar on the earth, and the disguised entrance to the spirit mine deep within the canyon.

He slowly raised his arm and made a simple gesture.

The large contingent of cavalry following behind him immediately understood the order.

They quickly and orderly dispersed to the surrounding areas of the canyon, occupying advantageous terrain and passage exits, and soon disappeared into the vast twilight and rugged rocks.

Their mission was not to participate in the upcoming top-level showdown, but to seal off the perimeter of the battlefield, prevent any unauthorized personnel from entering, eliminate any possible prying eyes, and ensure that the battle in the core area would not be disturbed.

In the blink of an eye, only a carriage with its curtains drawn, which had been following closely behind, remained standing alone beside Liang Jin.

Liang Jin did not rush to enter the mine below.

He had his own plans.

If the target is you and they want to take your life here, then as long as you show yourself here, those assassins will inevitably appear.

The initiative, seemingly in the assassin's hands, was actually firmly in his own.

Whether or not you enter the mine makes no essential difference.

He swiftly dismounted and sat cross-legged on a relatively flat boulder at the edge of the cliff to begin his cultivation.

Time passed slowly in silence.

Above the canyon, only the howling mountain wind remained, blowing the withered grass and sand, making a mournful sound.

As the sun finally sank completely behind the distant mountains, its last rays painted the sky with a magnificent fiery glow.
Soon after, dusk, like a giant curtain, began to rapidly envelop the world.

……

At the foot of the mountain, at the entrance to the Dry Dragon Gorge.

A group of elite cavalrymen stood in solemn formation, guarding the two carriages parked there.

Inside one of the carriages, Leng You sat upright before a table.

She was still wearing a black gauze dress that accentuated her beautiful curves, making her skin appear even whiter.

But at this moment, there was no allure on her face, only a calm and focused concentration.

On the table lay a rough map of the Western Desert and several documents. She held a brush and was writing furiously.

The news of the Black Dragon Empire's invasion weighed heavily on her heart.

As the key figure actually in charge of the daily military and political affairs of the Western Desert, she bore an extremely heavy burden.

Taking advantage of the lull in the wait, she had to make the most of every second to clarify her thoughts and draft preliminary strategies and instructions.

Once we return to Hanzhou City, we can mobilize the entire war machine of the Western Desert with maximum efficiency.

Just then, an old, hunched figure slowly approached the carriage.

It was the month of Milan.

With Liang Jin and Leng You, two core experts, leaving the main camp at the same time, it was impossible to leave this key figure who knew the secret of the divine turtle alone.

Mi Lanyue's cloudy eyes, which occasionally flashed with a sharp light, scrutinized Leng You, who was engrossed in her work inside the carriage. A hint of doubt appeared on her face, and she couldn't help but ask:
"Lord Leng You, judging from your calm and composed demeanor, preoccupied with official duties... it seems you are not at all worried about the Marquis on the mountain?"

Leng You didn't even lift her eyelids at the question, as if she hadn't heard it. Her pen continued to move across the paper, making a scratching sound.

Mi Lanyue met with a rebuff, but she did not give up.

She coughed lightly and continued in a tone that seemed casual but was actually inquisitive:
"Lord Leng You, you're not young anymore. And the Marquis is probably only in his early twenties, right?"

"I truly cannot understand why someone of your stature would choose to follow someone so young?"

"As for his martial arts skills, I admit he is very strong, but not strong enough to crush everything; as for wisdom and strategy, I have only known him briefly and have not seen any extraordinary talent; as for family background, as far as I know, he started from scratch and has no one to rely on..."

"So, I'm really curious, what kind of charm, or rather, ability does he possess that makes a beauty like you so devoted, even... seemingly placing all your hopes on him?"

Snapped!
Leng You's brush suddenly stopped, and she slammed it heavily onto the table!

She slowly stood up, carrying an invisible pressure.

Standing inside the carriage, she looked down at Mi Lanyue, her beautiful, cold eyes, as sharp as knives, piercing her as she stood before the carriage. Her voice was chilling:
"Are you slandering the Marquis?"

Mi Lanyue was intimidated by her gaze and aura, and subconsciously took half a step back, forcing a sheepish smile onto her face:

"Lord Lengyou, you misunderstand. I had no such intention."

"It's just that... I haven't had much contact with the Marquis yet, and I don't really know him well. I'm confused, so I wanted to ask Lord Leng You for advice to clear up my doubts."

Leng You let out a cold snort, the chill in her voice almost freezing the air:

"The Marquis's martial arts skills, wisdom, and background may not seem top-notch to someone as narrow-minded as you. But that's completely unimportant!"

"Most importantly, we are willing to be the Marquis's sharpest blade and strongest shield! We are willing to devote ourselves to him and offer all our strategies! We are even more willing to be his largest and most loyal support!"

"And the reason why you are a marquis, and why we are worthy of your unwavering loyalty, is for only one reason—"

Her words were resolute, carrying an unquestionable, faith-like power:

"That's because he can keep creating miracles! He paves a way where everyone thinks it's impossible!"

Upon hearing this, Mi Lanyue was slightly taken aback, and an expression of disbelief appeared on her face:
"Miracle?"

Clearly, this term, which she considered vague and almost superstitious, failed to convince her at all.

Leng You answered in a deep, cold voice, each word seemingly carrying immense weight:

"Of course!"

"Since I met the Marquis, every crisis he has faced has been seen by others as a hopeless situation with no chance of survival!"

"But every time, he manages to turn the impossible into the possible in ways that are unimaginable to ordinary people, carving out a bloody path and trampling all impossibilities under his feet!"

"Following him, you can have complete peace of mind and absolute confidence!"

"Just believe one thing—no matter how powerful the enemy or how perilous the situation, he will definitely be able to overcome it!"

"This is the Marquis!"

Mi Lanyue scoffed at this, a cold smile spreading across her face.
"Reassured? At ease? Lord Leng You, you have no idea how powerful and terrifying the Yinxi Society is! You know nothing about them!"

"But I understand! I've witnessed their methods firsthand, and I know their true capabilities!"

"Today, your self-righteous schemes and tricks are nothing but a laughable farce in the face of true power!"

"I can tell you definitively that your lord will not live past tonight! He will pay with his life for his arrogance and ignorance!"

Looking at Mi Lanyue's resolute yet almost curse-like expression, Leng You felt no anger, but rather a hint of pity and mockery.
"The fact that you think this way proves your ignorance and shallowness."

"You don't understand the Marquis, and you don't understand what a true miracle is!"

Mi Lanyue was so angry at Leng You's almost blind confidence and contemptuous attitude that she trembled all over, yet she was helpless.

She felt that the woman in front of her was completely bewitched by that boy named Meng Xinghun!

Having reached this point, how can they still be delusional about some kind of "miracle"?
Yinxi Society has been planning for the Divine Turtle for many years. Its profound foundation and ruthless methods are far beyond what a young man who has only risen to prominence for two years can contend with!
Even if Liang Jin truly possessed the strength of a second-rank expert, he would only face certain death in the face of the well-prepared and highly skilled Yinxi Gathering!
In her view, Leng You's so-called loyalty and trust were nothing but foolish blindness!

Not enough words to speculate.

Mi Lanyue no longer wanted to waste her breath.

She was just waiting, waiting for the news of Liang Jin's death to come. She wanted to see with her own eyes how the resolute expression on Leng You's face would shatter into shock, astonishment, and despair!

Leng You had clearly lost interest in debating with her opponent. She sat back down at her desk, picked up her pen, and her gaze returned to the map. She left behind only a chilling statement that echoed in the twilight:
“You are someone the Marquis wants to keep alive, so I will not kill you today.”

"But you better remember this!"

"From now on, do not utter any more arrogant words or slander the Marquis in front of me."

"Otherwise... you will definitely regret being born into this world."

Her tone was calm, yet it carried a chilling murderous intent and resolve that sent a shiver down the spine of even the weathered old woman, Mi Lanyue.

(End of this chapter)