Zhu Tian: A journey of spiritual practice starting from Joy of Life

Chapter 219 Unification of the World: The End of Joyful Life
And so the group accompanied Si Gu Jian as they wandered around, chatting and laughing, until they arrived at the city lord's mansion, where a bloody feast unique to Si Gu Jian began.

Leng Feibai watched the whole thing with indifference, not taking it seriously at all, as Si Gu Jian bloodily massacred the entire city lord's mansion.

Then, looking at the brothers Si Gu Jian and Ying Zi, a life-or-death battle began.

In response, Leng Feibai immediately pulled Haitang Duoduo away from the City Lord's Mansion and went to a breakfast stall nearby. They ordered two bowls of spicy soup and two baskets of steamed buns and ate and drank heartily there.

Looking at the hot soup in front of her, Haitang Duoduo couldn't help but say, "Are you really so sure that Sigu Jian won't..."

"Si Gu Jian is a straightforward person; he won't go back on his word!"

Leng Feibai popped a steamed bun into his mouth, his gaze simultaneously fixed on the City Lord's Mansion.

Just then, Lang Tao arrived at the city lord's mansion in a carriage.

Wolf Peach flew off the carriage like an arrow and rushed towards the city lord's mansion.

Before long, Lang Tao, along with Zhan Doudou, Fan Xian, and Yingzi who had chased after them, rushed out of the City Lord's Mansion and headed towards the inn.

"problem occurs!"

Haitang Duoduo immediately stood up from her seat and hurriedly chased after him.

Upon seeing this, Leng Feibai took out his money to pay for the meal and quickly chased after him.

The atmosphere inside the inn was extremely oppressive. Following the scents left by Fan Xian and Haitang Duoduo, Leng Feibai quickly arrived at a courtyard.

As soon as he entered, a series of reprimands, delivered at a speed comparable to a Gatling gun, reached Leng Feibai's ears.

Leng Feibai hurriedly pushed open the door and went in, only to see the Empress Dowager of Northern Qi blushing, pointing at Zhan Doudou who looked aggrieved, and loudly scolding her.

Meanwhile, Fan Xian, holding a two- or three-year-old girl and Haitang Duoduo, was watching the show with several women.

Si Lili was chatting with a handsome young man when she saw Leng Feibai enter. A blush flashed across her face, and she kept stealing glances at him.

"It's been a long time, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!"

Leng Feibai stepped forward and greeted her. The Empress Dowager of Northern Qi glanced at Leng Feibai and stopped scolding him.

Seeing this, Leng Feibai turned to look at Haitang Duoduo and deliberately asked, "What happened?"

"The Empress Dowager knows what happened last night!"

Haitang Duoduo replied softly, "His Majesty just told the Empress Dowager that she has fallen for Fan Xian!"

Upon hearing this, Leng Feibai's face was full of amusement. He turned his head and deliberately asked, "But why did you come, Empress Dowager, and why did you bring so many maids with you?"

"What maid!"

Zhan Doudou turned around and said, "Is that my concubine?"

Leng Feibai glanced at the women, said nothing, and sat down to the side.

After hearing this, the Empress Dowager of Northern Qi sighed and said, "I owe my safe arrival here to Young Master Leng's promise from back then! Last night, Shang Shanhu launched a rebellion, colluding with the Nine Gates Commander and the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard, Ou Yang, to storm the palace. If it weren't for that young hero arranged by Young Master Leng, who used unknown means to bring us out of the palace, I and Consort Xian would already be dead at Shang Shanhu's hands!"

Leng Feibai calmly replied, "Your Majesty is too kind. Since I have promised Master Kuhe, I will naturally keep my word!"

Zhan Doudou glanced at Leng Feibai with great gratitude and couldn't help but say, "But if Shang Shanhu rebelled, why would the Nine Gates Admiral and Ou Yang side with him? And what about the court officials..."

Looking at her confident daughter, the Empress Dowager of Northern Qi sighed and said, "The news of your true gender has spread throughout the capital. Now that Shang Shanhu has successfully usurped the throne, even if those civil and military officials are dissatisfied, I'm afraid they will no longer be loyal to you!"

"what!"

Zhan Doudou covered her head and said, "How could this happen? I hid it very well!"

Upon hearing this, Fan Xian released the red bean rice from his arms, stood up, and said, "Leaving aside how the news was leaked, now that Shang Shanhu has stormed the palace, as long as he tortures your personal maids, it will prove that you are a woman!"

"Therefore, the Northern Qi Dynasty ultimately perished at my hands!"

Zhan Doudou covered her head and squatted down on the ground.

Seeing this, Leng Feibai gave Fan Xian a wink.

Fan Xian understood and quickly stepped forward to embrace Zhan Doudou, gently comforting her.

Leng Feibai chuckled lightly, but seeing the Empress Dowager's unfriendly expression, he coughed softly.

Upon hearing this, Fan Xian suddenly felt a gaze upon him and quickly looked up.

The Empress Dowager of Northern Qi squinted and stared intently at Fan Xian.

Fan Xian gave an awkward smile and quickly said, "Empress Dowager, Northern Qi is in turmoil right now. Would you like to return to Qing with me? Besides, my sister-in-law misses you. It would be a good opportunity to visit her!"

Upon hearing Fan Xian's invitation, Zhan Doudou and the Empress Dowager both fell silent.

Now that everyone in Northern Qi knows that Zhan Doudou is a woman, if she goes back, no one will support her to continue being the ruler of Northern Qi.

After a moment, Zhan Doudou nodded and turned to look at her concubines.

These four concubines were all peasant girls with no background, and two of them had no family members left.

After being chosen by Zhan Doudou to enter the palace, she was pampered and spoiled, and had long been ruined.

The only option is to go to Kyoto with Zhan Doudou. As for Si Lili...

"I don't want to go to Kyoto!"

Si Lili said calmly, "I don't have any good memories of Kyoto, so I don't want to go back!"

Seeing Si Lili's resolute expression, Zhan Doudou did not force her. The reason she brought Si Lili into the palace was simply to help her find someone from the Empress Dowager's hands who could help her manage the affairs of the harem and take care of Hongdoufan.

In reality, the two didn't have much affection for each other, and Zhan Doudou never touched Si Lili.

Despite having worked in both brothels and the imperial palace, Si Lili is still a virgin.

Seeing this, Haitang Duoduo couldn't help but ask, "Lili, where are you planning to go?"

Si Lili shook her head and said, "I don't know either. My brother and I will probably look for a place outside!"

"Why don't you come with us to Danzhou?"

Haitang Duoduo suggested, "Lili, why don't you and your brother stay at my house for a while? I have plenty of empty rooms!"

As soon as she said that, a blush appeared on Si Lili's face, and she said shyly, "Is it okay? Wouldn't that be a bit of a bother?"

"Don't worry, I'm the boss in my family!"

After saying that, Haitang Duoduo turned to Leng Feibai and asked, "Husband, you don't have any objections, do you?"

Leng Feibai shrugged, indicating that he had no objection.

But upon hearing this, Si Lili's younger brother suddenly stood up. "Wait, sister, I want to go to Kyoto!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's eyes turned to Si Lili's younger brother, Si Chen!
Si Chen said calmly, "I have studied for a long time because I want to take the imperial examination. Now I can't take the imperial examination in Northern Qi, so I want to go to the capital to take the imperial examination there."

After saying that, Si Chen turned to Fan Xian and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, according to the laws of the Qing Kingdom, scholars from Northern Qi with official titles are allowed to participate in the Qing Kingdom's spring imperial examination, right?"

Fan Xian nodded, indicating that there was indeed such a rule.

Originally, there was no such rule in Qing Kingdom, but after Fan Xian took over the literary legacy of Zhuang Mohan, Emperor Qing took the opportunity to win over students from Northern Qi and issued this rule.

However, because Zhan Doudou ordered strict border control, very few students have been able to travel from Northern Qi to Qing State to participate in the imperial examinations in recent years.

"Si Chen!"

Looking at Si Chen's resolute eyes, Si Lili couldn't help but sigh and said, "Fine, since you've made your decision, I won't stop you. Remember, don't cause trouble, and don't do anything reckless!"

Si Chen nodded, then turned to Leng Feibai and said, "Young Master Leng, I'll leave my sister in your care. After all..."

Si Chen originally wanted to say something, but after seeing the murderous look in her sister's eyes, she obediently kept her words to herself.

Seeing this, Fan Xian quickly said, "Brother, I have something to discuss with you. Let's go for a walk!"

Leng Feibai nodded and ran out with Fan Xian.

The two of them arrived at a secluded spot within the inn in one go.

Fan Xian didn't probe further and went straight to the point, asking, "Brother, does this have anything to do with you?"

"If you're referring to Uesugi Tiger discovering Zhan Doudou's gender, then it was me who did it!"

Leng Feibai looked at Fan Xian calmly, "After all, this is also to enable you to successfully unify the world."

"Let Shangshan Hu disrupt the political situation of Northern Qi and cause great chaos in Northern Qi."

Fan Xian said in a deep voice, "When the time comes, I can let Ye Zhong and the others wait in comfort and then swallow up the prefectures of Northern Qi into the territory of Qing Kingdom one by one."

"Not bad!"

Leng Feibai nodded and said, "Now we just need you to handle the affairs of Dongyi City. Then, when Shang Shanhu and the rest of the Northern Qi are almost finished fighting, it will be time for the Qing Kingdom's army to annex Northern Qi."

"Then I'll hurry back!"

Fan Xian then said, "Brother, do you want to..."

"Stop! I'll take my wife and kids back to see Grandma, Godfather, and you during the New Year!"

Leng Feibai said irritably, "But don't expect me to live in Kyoto all the time. I really can't stand living there!"

After hearing this, Fan Xian didn't try to persuade Leng Feibai to return to the capital. Instead, he changed the subject and asked, "Brother, it seems like Si Lili has feelings for you?"

As soon as he said that, a moment of embarrassment flashed across Leng Feibai's face. He kicked Fan Xian and then turned and returned to the inn.

Three days later, after resolving the matter in Dongyi City, Leng Feibai returned to Danzhou with Haitang Duoduo and Si Lili.

Fan Xian then returned to the capital with Zhan Doudou and the majority of the Imperial Guards.

As for Lang Tao, he was somewhat worried about Mu Peng, who was left in Northern Qi, so he traveled north overnight to investigate. Half a month later, news of Shang Shanhu's rebellion and overthrow of the Northern Qi royal family spread throughout the land.

Because Uesugi Tora had a very high reputation in the military, few people dared to oppose him.

As for the civil officials, their predictions were correct, as Shang Shanhu confirmed that the young emperor of Northern Qi was indeed a woman, and that the crown prince was actually her daughter with Fan Xian.

The civil officials no longer objected to Uesugi Tora, and willingly accepted this warrior as their king.

After Uesugi Tora ascended to the throne, he changed the country's name to Yan and announced that he would soon march south to reclaim the state that had been taken by Nanqing.

These events, once they reached the Qing Kingdom, also caused some commotion in the Qing Kingdom's court.

Therefore, Fan Xian, who had just returned to the capital, immediately ordered the border to be on high alert.

He also instructed the Ministry of Revenue to coordinate the supply of grain and provisions, and to cooperate with the Ministry of War to be ready to support the border at any time.

At the same time, Fan Xian sent a message to Yan Bingyun, instructing him to fully utilize the power of the Surveillance Bureau to carry out small-scale harassment against Northern Yan, disrupt the political situation in Northern Yan, and create as much trouble as possible for Shang Shanhu.

Although Fan Xian is young, there are quite a few veteran officials in the court who are capable of handling things.

In addition, there was the financial support from the Imperial Treasury, as well as the military equipment that Emperor Qing had secretly accumulated during his lifetime.

Therefore, the Qing national football team can easily deal with the actions of the Northern Yan.

The only thing that almost caused Fan Xian trouble was Zhan Doudou's entry into the harem.

Lin Wan'er, who had just given birth, was almost furious when she learned about Fan Xian's good deeds in Northern Qi.

Therefore, Fan Xian directly apologized by carrying thorns on his back, and Lin Wan'er gave him a good beating to smooth things over.

In response, Leng Feibai in Danzhou secretly mocked Fan Xian and then went off to live his quiet life with his wife and children behind closed doors.

The war between Qing and Northern Yan lasted for more than half a year.

Although Uesugi Tora was militarily formidable, Ye Zhong, who commanded the troops on the Qing side, was no pushover either, and successfully led his troops to block the advance of the Northern Yan army.

With the help of Li Chengru and the Ye family members who were providing support from the sidelines, Shangshan Hu's military advance was repeatedly thwarted, and he could only grit his teeth and retreat back to Northern Yan.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, the Qing army marched forward and, with the help of the Surveillance Bureau, successively seized three prefectures of Northern Qi.

Left with no other option, Uesugi Tora sent envoys to the royal court of the Western Hu steppes.

In exchange for returning the three sacred artifacts of the Western Hu royal court that were taken by Zhan Qingfeng, they persuaded the Chanyu of the Western Hu grasslands to send troops to harass the border of Qing Kingdom in order to relieve the calamity of Northern Qi.

Upon seeing the sacred object, the Great Chanyu of Xihu was moved and immediately ordered the Left and Right Wise Kings of Xihu to lead an army of 20,000 to attack Dingzhou.

However, the actions on the Xihu grasslands did not escape the notice of the spies planted in Xihu by the Surveillance Bureau. Within a day, the intelligence about the Xihu's troop deployment landed on Fan Xian's desk.

Left with no other option, Fan Xian wrote to Leng Feibai, asking him to help resolve the Xihu invasion of Dingzhou.

After receiving the news, Leng Feibai didn't say anything, but replied that he would find someone to help solve the problem.

Fan Xian was very curious after reading the reply. Less than half a month later, Fan Xian received a secret letter from the Investigation Bureau in Dingzhou.

It is said that a mysterious master appeared in the camp of the Xihu army, summoning heavenly fire to descend upon the world, burning all 20,000 Xihu cavalry, including the Left and Right Wise Kings, to ashes.

At the same time, Fan Xian also received a message from Leng Feibai, which contained only a few large characters.

"Once the matter is settled, don't bother me unless it's absolutely necessary."

Fan Xian looked at the handwriting on the letter, a black line flashed across his forehead, and he raised his hand and tore the letter to shreds.

Three more months passed, and the Qing Kingdom successfully captured the capital city. Shang Shanhu fought desperately, but ultimately died from exhaustion, living up to his reputation as the God of War of Northern Qi.

Thus, the Northern Qi was successfully brought under the control of the Qing Kingdom.

Time flies, and seventy years have passed in the blink of an eye.

In the Leng residence in Danzhou, Leng Feibai, still looking like a young man, brought a plate of sliced ​​fruit to the bedside.

Seeing this, Haitang Duoduo, who was lying on the bed, struggled to sit up. Looking at the fruit that Leng Feibai had brought, she said irritably, "I don't have many teeth left, I can't chew them!"

"Don't worry, I've prepared oranges, watermelons, and grapes!"

Leng Feibai's voice also became somewhat old and slow, and a hint of depression appeared on his face.

"What happened!"

Haitang Duoduo sensed something was wrong and couldn't help but ask, "Could it be Shuang'er?"

"It's not Shuang'er!"

Leng Feibai said calmly, "It was Qin'er who sent the letter, saying that Si Zhe left half a month ago! Now, the only person we know in the capital is Uncle Wu Zhu, who is still the commander of the Imperial Guards in the palace."

After hearing this, Haitang Duoduo remained silent for a moment and did not say anything more.

For the past seventy years, apart from the first twenty years when he regularly went to Kyoto to spend the New Year with Fan Jian and his wife, Leng Feibai spent almost all his remaining time in Danzhou practicing alchemy and spending time with his wives.

Later, with the help of Haitang Duoduo and Sang Wen, Leng Feibai married Si Lili as his woman.

As for why Haitang Duoduo and Sang Wen did this, firstly, they realized that Si Lili also liked Leng Feibai.

Secondly, Leng Feibai was simply too strong in that area, forcing the two of them to find someone to share the burden.

In terms of offspring, in addition to Leng Zixi and Leng Shuang'er, these three wives gave birth to two more sons and two more daughters for Leng Feibai.

The eldest brother, Leng Zixi, inherited Leng Feibai's appearance and martial arts talent. He used the warm jade flute as his weapon and was invincible with his pure yang qi. However, he was later kidnapped by Fan Shuning from Fan Xian's family. They went to outer space together in a spaceship and never returned.

The second daughter, Leng Shuang'er, was chosen by Fan Xian and Lin Wan'er's eldest son, the current new emperor of Qing, and entered the palace to become empress.

Then came Sang Wensheng's third son, Leng Zifeng, who studied literature and pursued a career in government, and is now the Minister of Works.

The fourth and fifth daughters of Si Lili, Leng Qing'er and Leng Qin'er, were married off to the sons of Li Chengru and Fan Sizhe, respectively, and now they live a respectful life together.

Finally, the one who stayed by the two's side was Leng Yuexin, the youngest child of Haitang Duoduo. She also inherited Leng Feibai's talent in martial arts. She bought a mountain and more than ten acres of land outside Danzhou and built a sect called Liuyun Sect. Now she is also a grandmaster-level expert!
Sang Wen and Si Lili died of illness ten years ago, and their souls were taken by the Twelve Towers to the Garden of Flowers to be rebuilt into physical bodies. They have not yet woken up.

As for his old friends in Kyoto, Old Madam Fan passed away peacefully eight years after Fan Xian became emperor.

Upon receiving the news, Leng Feibai rushed back to Kyoto alone and accompanied the old lady on her final journey before she passed away.

Fan Xian reigned for a total of forty-eight years, during which time the government was efficient and the people were well-governed. Although he did not fulfill Ye Qingmei's wish on the stone tablet that everyone should be like a dragon, the people of Qing Kingdom were able to live a life of plenty for several decades.

Finally, at the age of sixty-five, he succumbed to illness due to overwork and passed the throne to the crown prince.

After eight years of leisure, Fan Xian, Lin Wan'er, and Fan Ruoruo passed away one after another. Fan Jian, Liu Ruyu, Chen Pingping, and Fei Jie all died of illness more than forty years ago.

Now, I fear even the crabapple blossoms...

"Cough cough!" Haitang Duoduo coughed twice more, then sighed and said, "I've taken so much medicine, and you've treated me so many times. But I still don't feel better. It seems I have to go see my two younger sisters now!"

"Stop talking nonsense!"

Leng Feibai quickly reassured him, "You'll get better..."

"Pull him down!"

Haitang Duoduo said irritably, "I'm already ninety-eight years old, living to this age is already a long life. On the contrary, after I leave, you should go live with Yuexin at the Liuyun Sect, and don't come down too early!"

"Stop talking nonsense!"

Leng Feibai gave a bitter laugh and said, "You're all gone, what's the point of me living alone!"

At this point, Leng Feibai stood up and said, "It's almost noon. Have some fruit first, and I'll go make you your favorite noodles!"

Half an hour later, Leng Feibai brought in the cooked noodles and saw Haitang Duoduo peacefully leaning against the bedside, having fallen asleep.

Seeing this, Leng Feibai pretended to be calm, and stepped forward with the noodles, saying, "Duoduo, the noodles are here. Eat a couple of bites before you go to sleep!"

As he spoke, Leng Feibai stepped forward and nudged Haitang Duoduo, but at that moment, Haitang Duoduo's body was completely cold.

Seeing this, Leng Feibai sighed, picked up a mouthful of noodles with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth, saying, "What's the rush? At least eat some noodles before you leave!"

After speaking, Leng Feibai slowly began to eat his noodles. However, for some reason, the more he ate, the more soup appeared in the bowl, and the saltier the noodles became…

Shortly after nightfall, a unique message-transmitting firework from the Flowing Cloud Sect bloomed in the sky above the Leng residence.

Before long, the experts from the Flowing Cloud Sect arrived at the Leng residence.

All that could be seen were Leng Feibai and Haitang Duoduo huddled together!

Not long after, the Kyoto court issued an edict posthumously conferring upon Leng Feibai the title of Duke of Changlin.

However, because Leng Feibai left a will before his death requesting the court to revoke his title, the court did not pass the title on to any of Leng Feibai's sons.

Meanwhile, in a hot spring room on the twelfth floor of the Twelve-Story Building, in the Garden of Fragrances.

Leng Feibai looked at the three pools in front of him and saw the rudimentary forms of Sang Wen, Si Lili, and Haitang Duoduo immersed in the pools.

The pool exuded a rich spiritual energy, which helped them perfect their physical bodies.

"Duoduo, Sangwen, and Lili, the three of you, just sleep here right now!"

Leng Feibai gazed greedily at the three women who were forming physical bodies, "I look forward to the day you return!"

After saying that, Leng Feibai returned to the Twelve-Story Tower and stood in front of the Gate of All Heavens.

"This life has come to an end."

Leng Feibai muttered to himself, "I've arrived at the Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Leng Feibai leaped into the Gate of All Heavens.

The moment he disappeared, the Gate of All Heavens, which had been radiating light, fell silent once more, as if it had never been opened.

(End of this chapter)