Sword from the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 114 A Chinese Ghost Story
As winter begins, the mountain scenery changes, with green fading and red disappearing.

Bian Bufu was placed in his coffin on the eighth day.

On Wolong Mountain, the bright moon hung in the distance. Around 9 PM, Zhou Yi walked out of the side room. The cool moonlight shone on two green bamboo stalks.

The west wind howled, rattling against the doors and windows in the night, its sound rustling softly.

He held the scroll in both hands, tucked it behind his back, and slowly strolled around the green bamboo, his hair and clothes fluttering in the wind.

The grand scheme of things flashed through my mind, along with the turbulent history of the martial world and the tender feelings between men and women.
Later, it became a book, inscribed with the Celestial Master's Random Thoughts.

In my imagination, two little figures are having a big battle on the turning pages of a book.

One man wields a sword, the other carries two rings.

The endless stream of techniques and secret skills ultimately shattered the illusion, turning it into a lingering thought that silently lingered in the heart.

This was the most intense and brutal confrontation he had ever experienced.

Unfortunately, Bian Laomo was too weak-willed and lacked the determination to fight to the death, so he rarely had a truly satisfying time.

but,

Old Demon Bian's Demon Heart Chain was truly wondrous, adding another page to his otherwise limited knowledge of martial arts.

As night deepened, Wuzhuang Temple grew increasingly quiet.

The icy spring water, choked in the secluded ravine, also clearly reached our ears from the mountains.

Then, a faint rustling sound came from the ancient cypress forest, like wild foxes hunting for food at night.

Zhou Yi went back inside and tried to close the window to keep out the night wind.

Ok?
He furrowed his brow slightly and looked towards the outside of the pavilion.

He still managed to catch a very faint sound of wind.

However, the dojo members on night watch were completely unaware of this.

He lit the candle, placed it on the candlestick stand, turned around and sat on the soft bed, sitting cross-legged in meditation.

Not far away, on a sutra cabinet, there is an openwork incense burner with a small flame and fine smoke, emitting a calming fruity and woody fragrance.

A gust of wind blew, billowing the paper windows and slowly opening the half-closed window.

The wind stirred the fragrance, and the moonlight intruded, casting a delicate shadow that just happened to cover half of Zhou Yi's face.

The shadow swayed slightly, disturbing his mind.

Zhou Yi was forced to look through the window.

A figure in white was seen sitting on the windowsill. She slightly bent her legs and raised her skirt, revealing her long, slender, snow-white legs and her delicate, jade-like feet.

With her left hand, she gathered her glossy black hair, and with her right hand, a comb appeared out of nowhere. The night breeze gently lifted her hair, and she combed it with a self-pitying, sorrowful air.

While combing her hair, she gazed intently at the young man on the bed with her elfin eyes.

Such a scene, and the allure of that unparalleled beauty, who in the world could resist it?
Like the scholar in the tales of the strange and supernatural, even knowing the ghost of the beautiful woman, he still longed for a dream of Wushan.

Wanwan stared into Zhou Yi's eyes, and their eyes met.

Perhaps the Celestial Master's mind was extremely unsettled, and he used all the spiritual techniques he had learned in his life.

but,

Even if his eyes weren't completely empty, they held nothing more than a hint of appreciation.

The most indifferent man in the Sui Dynasty, truly deserving of the title.

Wanwan put away the comb and waved her hand towards the window.

A sudden gust of night wind swept a green bamboo leaf between two fingers, which was caught by the power of the demon.

She stared straight at Zhou Yi, pressing the bamboo leaf against her thin, red lips.

Strands of hair were blown by the wind, partially obscuring her face.

She held the leaf in her mouth, stretched it into a crescent shape with her fingertips, and gently blew on it.

It was neither the mellow sound of a bamboo flute nor the mournful sound of an ocarina, but rather a crisp sound carrying the green bark of grass and trees, as if a mountain stream had suddenly cascaded down from between rocks, with the final note still carrying the astringent taste of bamboo leaves.

Wanwan used her demonic power to pull the vivid sound and transmit it all to Zhou Yi's ears.

as if to say,

This youthful melody is played only for you.

Zhou Yi seemed to be hallucinating, and a strange voice inexplicably echoed in his mind:

Life's journey is like a long road of dreams; in this mortal world, how many directions do our dreams take?

His expression of admiration deepened.
The candlelight and incense in the room flickered, as if they were dancing.

Just as Zhou Yi was engrossed in his conversation, the elven girl in the night suddenly fell silent.

She stared at his young, handsome face and asked in an infinitely alluring voice:
"Young Emperor, is that you?"

Her demonic energy was constantly connected to her spiritual core, and her spirit expanded to its limit amidst the fluctuations in space.

She would inevitably detect any psychological weakness in the other party.

Unfortunately, she only saw a slightly confused face.

It seemed like he didn't understand what she was saying.

Wanwan was unwilling to give up.

She swayed through space, her figure flashing like lightning, faster than any enchanting demon in a storybook.

She stepped onto the bed with her jade-like feet and came to Zhou Yi's side.

She leaned down and whispered in his ear:
"You have mastered the Great Dao Heart Demon Seed Technique, making you the most talented person in the history of our Holy Sect. Wan'er admires you greatly. I have not mentioned this secret to anyone..."

She moved even closer, her warm breath hitting my face.

"Holy Emperor, please let me keep this secret, and I will help you unify the two sects and six paths of the Holy Sect. I will be your close little enchantress, okay?"

Wanwan seemed frail and boneless, slumping into Zhou Yi's arms.

Her elfin eyes were gentle and tender, gazing intently with deep affection.

No one in the world could resist such a temptation.

But
The most aloof man in the Sui Dynasty would never bow down and submit to a vixen.

"what are you saying?"

Zhou Yi raised his hand and pushed her aside from his arms: "Don't disturb my cultivation."

Wanwan took his hand and then lay on his chest.

While listening to his heartbeat, she said, "Holy Emperor, you killed Bian Bufu, well done."

"He had always held a grudge against them, and now that he has died under the Holy Emperor's sword, it can be considered that he has helped them vent their anger."

"Ok?"

Zhou Yi asked in confusion, "Bian Bufu is dead?"

"That's fine too. With the person dead, the debt is settled, saving me the trouble of chasing after him for the money later."

This time, without Zhou Yi pushing her again, Wanwan floated away from his chest and looked at his face.

She frowned slightly, but couldn't find a flaw.

Am I overthinking things?

"You suddenly came to find me because you suspect that I killed Bian Bufu?"

"Ah."

Wanwan made no attempt to hide anything: "Bian Bufu died in a deserted inn on a desolate hill not long after leaving Xiangyang. It's too much of a coincidence."

"Given the temperament and methods of those people in Champion City, it would be difficult for them to do things so meticulously."

"I'd rather believe you did it."

Zhou Yi remained calm: "It's rare for you to speak so highly of me, but you've misjudged the situation."

“Recently, I have been stuck at a bottleneck and have been practicing my skills in the mountains, hardly paying attention to outside affairs.”

Wanwan remembered Elder Yun's words, looked at his slightly thin figure, and sat down again:

“If it is the Dao Heart Demon Seed Technique, then your power is beneficial to my cultivation, which can also be explained.”

"Actually, you have grasped the highest secret of the Heavenly Demon Strategy, which is why you are able to transform the Daoist and Demonic Profound Techniques, is that right?"

Zhou Yi shook his head: "What I cultivate is the Taiping Hongbao, which has nothing to do with your demonic sect."

Wanwan smiled charmingly and leaned back against him.
"Holy Emperor, please don't lie to me. I can swear that I will not only keep your secret, but also help you unify the Holy Sect."

She tugged at the hem of her skirt, lifted her delicate white foot, and gently swayed Zhou Yi's leg, filling the room with an alluring atmosphere.

"As long as the Holy Emperor doesn't mind, I'll warm your bed tonight."

She lowered her head as if to say she was shy.

Zhou Yi sighed helplessly: "Miss Wan, please stop testing my resolve."

"You have broken my cultivation technique, and I will no longer be able to help you practice."

“If I am truly the Holy Emperor you speak of, I would have already confessed everything to you by now.”

Wanwan was somewhat disappointed.

Zhou Yi then asked, "I wonder if Empress Yin is in Xiangyang?"

"Master has gone to Champion City, and I have come to find you."

"Is Bian Bufu that important?"

Wanwan shook her head: "Although Uncle Bian has a bad reputation, he is a supporter of Master. Besides, when he goes all out, he is undoubtedly a martial arts master of our time."

"Having roamed the martial world for so many years, to suddenly die in Nanyang is too sudden."

"Even our master cannot remain indifferent."

Zhou Yi looked towards Champion City and couldn't help but ask, "I wonder what the Empress's attitude is towards my humble temple?"

"Master wishes to see the Celestial Master."

“It’s a pity,” Zhou Yi said sincerely, “My master travels all over the world, wandering aimlessly. He once sought out Ning Sanren to discuss the Dao, but now, even I don’t know where he is. Sect Master Zhu wants to see him, but he cannot grant that wish.”

Wanwan looked at him and said:

"In that case, Master's attitude will depend on how the members of the Evil Extreme Sect react."

"Furthermore, there are still elders within the sect who harbor deep resentment towards you."

She noticed a hint of hesitation on Zhou Yi's face, then suddenly smiled:
"But they can put in a good word for you."

Zhou Yi turned her face:

"I have no deep-seated hatred or grudge against your clan, so why should we fight?"

Moreover, the Evil Extreme Sect is the champion, and they have always been a thorn in my side. Thinking of them many times has kept me awake at night.

They have a powerful champion and many skilled fighters. If our two families were to fight in Nanyang and Xiangyang, wouldn't that just let the Evil Sect reap the benefits?

"Anyone can figure out the situation, but sometimes making decisions is not just about considering the big picture."

Wanwan snorted lightly: "The world of martial arts is full of grudges, fierce battles, and revenge killings. It's all about venting anger in a single thought."

"That makes sense. I wonder what Miss Wan's attitude is?"

The young woman's eyes held a seductive glint: "Then we'll see how you perform."

She circulated her qi and sat in meditation, turning her back to the world.

Zhou Yi gazed at the beautiful figure in the moonlight, lost in thought.

Back then, Goujian slept on straw and licked the bitter gall.

Today, the demoness is drawing energy from me to accomplish great things. What is there to be ashamed of in this situation?

He gathered his profound inner energy, placed his palm on the back of her hand, and channeled it into her Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin.

Wanwan felt a slight tremor in her heart upon sensing this true energy.

As a peerless witch, although she appears alluring and seductive on the surface, her inner cunning is beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.

Is it really Taiping Hongbao?

She is currently cultivating the spatial version of the Heavenly Demon Great Art.

This surge of true energy entering her body was impossible for her to ignore, because it could connect with the hidden spirit of the Heavenly Demon and unite with her spirit.

She steals tangible matter through absorption, thus experiencing a magical sensation.

The mental pleasure made her feel as if her own demonic energy field had come to life!

This is a realm she can hardly reach at this moment.

According to the Master's teachings, only the reincarnation chapter of the near-demon immortal can possess such power.

Wanwan was worried about going astray and dared not touch it too deeply.

But
Once you've experienced this true energy, it's really hard to let go of it.

She opened her mouth slightly, gazing at the cool moon outside the window.

A strange light suddenly flashed in his deep eyes.

After two cups of tea, Wanwan suddenly used her internal energy to catch Zhou Yi off guard!
Following his force, using the invisible power of the Heavenly Demon Technique, he stole the Heavenly Demon True Qi from his arm and redirected it into Zhou Yi's body.

All of a sudden.

The demonic energy in Zhou Yi's Ren and Du meridians contracted rapidly and was hidden in the Zhiyang acupoint.

When Wanwan's powerful and pure demonic energy first entered his Ren and Du meridians, it was completely absorbed by his Tanzhong Life and Death Acupoint.

A bead of sweat the size of a soybean slid down the back of his forehead.

The enchantress was too cunning.

They were just a hair's breadth away from being exposed.

The Cihang Sword Qi can penetrate the bodies of others and perceive their true nature from a distance, let alone the Heavenly Demon True Qi that comes from the same source and is even close together.

Zhou Yi immediately withdrew his hand, his face full of anger.

“Miss Wan, you have broken the rules and attempted to steal my precious treasure. From this day forward, we shall sever all ties.”

Wanwan turned around: "Don't be angry, I'm just curious and want to know if what you're practicing is the 'Demon Seed in the Heart of the Dao'."

"I have no interest in your curiosity. As for the Holy Emperor or the Evil Emperor, I have no say in that. If the Yin Gui Sect truly wants to be my enemy, then I'll fight them to the bitter end."

Zhou Yi, too lazy to listen to her explanation, pointed towards the window:
"Go on your way, go back to where you came from."

His expression was cold, and his eyes were like ice that had stood for a thousand years, sending a chill down Wanwan's spine.

I have never met anyone who would treat her like this.

And she felt it deeply.

The other party's anger was not feigned.

In other words, he was truly unmoved by his unparalleled beauty.

However, Hongbao's true energy is of great use to her and she must not give it up.

Two thoughts flashed through my mind at that moment.

Firstly, they used the name of the Yin Gui School to threaten and coerce.

Zhou Yi had something on his mind; he would think of Empress Yin.

Having learned about his character, she dared to expose her back to him, allowing her to practice her skills with peace of mind, without worrying about him suddenly launching a sneak attack.

If you force him, he might give in.

Wanwan possesses exceptional strength and acts as she pleases, naturally giving her such a strong personality.

But as she was about to speak, she saw the young man in front of her glaring at her coldly, his brows furrowed with anger, like swords drawn from the abyss.

The harsh words softened instantly; one idea was abandoned, and a second one was adopted.

She disguised herself as weak and delicate, and became the seductive maiden in the storybooks who seduce scholars.

She tilted slightly, completely unprepared.

Her slender, snow-white arms, bathed in the interplay of candlelight and moonlight, were alluring to the bone. She gently wrapped her arms around Zhou Yi's neck and pressed herself against him.

She said softly:

"I know I was wrong"

"I just wanted to get to know you better. Don't be angry, please give me another chance, okay, Yi-ge~~"

The little demon girl's voice trembled, and even her gaze trembled.

Before Zhou Yi could speak, she lifted her small foot, and in a flash, she had already slipped into the bedding.

"what are you doing?"

"I'll warm your bed. Even though you're not my Holy Emperor, how about you be my Holy Emperor for me alone?"

Zhou Yi chuckled; it would be a miracle if he believed her.

However, since the demoness had given in, he still had to back down.

He was angry, so he threw off the covers and crawled inside.

The moment he entered, Wanwan vanished, appearing like a ghost back at the window where she had been sitting.

She took out that comb again.

Zhou Yi gave him a look that said, "Didn't we agree that you'd warm my bed?"

Under the moonlight, she smiled as she combed her hair and whispered her words into Zhou Yi's ear.

"The bed has been warmed, Brother Yi, you should rest early."

"I'm taking care of the elders of our sect. My master has considered my opinion and won't be looking for you for the time being."

"They've left first. I'll find you to practice with them again next time."

"Um"

"Your skills have improved; I'm very satisfied this time."

Wanwan gently blew, and both candles in the room went out.

As her figure swept past the two green bamboo stalks, she carefully closed the window using the Heavenly Demon Technique.
Not long after, in the darkness, Zhou Yi sat cross-legged in meditation.

He extracted a wisp of Heavenly Demon True Qi from the Tanzhong acupoint and let it circulate through the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian.

A short while later, the wisp of demonic energy dissipated.

However, this also greatly helped him in his research on the secret arts of the Heavenly Demon.

Zhou Yi carefully reviewed the situation and indeed noticed a flaw.

But for those involved to see through the situation and make bold connections is extremely difficult.

However, the enchantress is quick-witted and must be guarded against.

He took a few deep breaths to calm himself down.

Tonight is extremely dangerous. If the Demonic Sect discovers our identities, the consequences will be unimaginable.

The situation in Nanyang will also develop in a direction that is beyond our control.

Then I thought about it again.

If this little vixen finds out, will she keep the secret?
Wanwan wasn't particularly interested in the Yin Gui Sect, and the older generation of elders were dissatisfied with her, eventually even sidelining her. However, she certainly wouldn't keep this from the Empress Yin.

Regardless of Empress Yin's attitude, Zhou Yi does not want to deal with her for the time being.

Even if ten sides fail, it is far less dangerous than a single Yin Queen.

Recalling the captivating and alluring charm of the little vixen.
Many of the world's renowned masters have become sycophants, a fact that is difficult to talk about.

This Celestial Master, however, is determined to become the last fig leaf for the Sui Dynasty.

That night, after calming himself down, Zhou Yi drifted off to sleep peacefully.

In my dream, fragmented images flickered, shattering my resolve.

After chatting with the little demon girl, he can also travel through dreams.

That would be terrible in Champion City.
Garuda Palace.

The chaotic, strong winds caused hundreds and thousands of pine resin torches to flicker violently.

"You old hag, don't go too far!"

Old Zhou sighed that he was both happy and troubled by the strange changes in the coffin palace, and was now studying the loopholes in the plan.

Unexpectedly, the Queen of the Underworld suddenly came to kill them.

Not only did they disrespect the Holy Extreme Sect, they also extinguished the inspiration he had just generated.

At this moment, his anger was burning, and he spoke without any restraint. With a deep roar, his demonic aura swept upwards!

There were more than a dozen corpses lying on the ground, all of them masters who had fallen into true demonic possession.

But when facing the Yin Gui Sect Master, they didn't even have the chance to burn themselves out.

The top of Garuda's palace.

The woman, her face half-veiled, raised her palm to shatter Zhou Laotan's murderous attack. She strolled leisurely on the glazed tiles, a cold, crescent moon reflected in her back.

The moonlight bathed her, perfectly complementing her.

Her aura reached an unimaginable level.

Zhu Can has already mobilized a large army, and in a short period of time, a thousand people have gathered in the palace.

The number of people grew larger and larger, and they began to surround the person on the roof of the palace.

"Where is the Evil Emperor?"

Her tone remained flat.

"Does the Holy Emperor exist so easily that you can see him whenever you want?"

You Niaojuan descended from the sky with an extremely unpleasant voice, having already produced the One-Legged Bronze Man. Emperor Ding and Jin Huanzhen appeared one after the other.

The experts from the Coffin Palace are also gathering.

Even the leader of the eight great masters of the Demonic Sect showed a hint of caution at this moment.

"You old hag, you don't actually think you can still hunt me down here, do you?"

You Niaojuan grinned maliciously, but when he thought of his own tragic experience of jumping into the Three Gorges, the smile disappeared and his face turned angry.

He originally intended to mock Shi Zhixuan again.

But after thinking about it, I decided to give up on this kind of performance art.

If that old hag ignores everyone else and only fights him, that would be terrible.

Zhu Yuyan ignored his words: "Since the Evil Emperor has already mastered the Dao Heart Demon Seed Technique, why is he hiding here and there?"

These four extraordinary demons, unparalleled throughout history, are naturally proud.

When the old witch spoke of the Evil Emperor, they could certainly understand.

You Niaojuan realized that Zhu Yuyan had misunderstood and immediately came up with a brilliant plan.

What does "hiding and running away" mean?

"The Holy Emperor's Great Law is not yet perfected, so he should focus on practicing. Once he emerges from seclusion, you can see who is hiding and running away." Emperor Ding shook his Heavenly Crown, his tone extremely cold: "Empress Yin, if you don't want the Yin Gui Sect to be purged by our sect, I advise you not to bother us anymore."

Ignoring the threats, Zhu Yuyan faced the group of experts and suddenly smiled captivatingly: "The highest secret is perfected?"

"Wouldn't that mean he'd never be able to leave the pass for the rest of his life?"

"You fart!"

Old Zhou was even more furious at being questioned, and he angrily retorted:
"The profound secrets of martial arts are right before your eyes, within easy reach. What secrets do you, an outsider, understand?"

"Wait until you are qualified to face me alone before you say such things."

Above the royal palace, these calm and indifferent words struck like a heavy hammer blow.

What's frustrating is
This is an undeniable fact.

Enraged, the four grandmasters of the Evil Extreme Sect were unable to refute with words, but instead unleashed a powerful aura.

The palace lanterns were all flattened by the weight of the lanterns, yet they miraculously remained lit.

Such skill in controlling force and maneuvering is truly awe-inspiring.

Four powerful forces, like a mountain torrent, surged to the top of the palace.

The glazed tiles were overturned, and the Empress's flowing robes billowed in the air. She remained composed, like a solitary moon goddess beneath the moon, lightly stepping on the roof's ridges adorned with lion-like creatures. Her eyes, imbued with the coldness of moonlight and the aura of a celestial demon, shattered the imposing aura with her voice, retorting:

"Did you kill Bian Bufu?"

Old Zhou sighed angrily and sneered:
"Yin Gui Demon is hidden, his methods are weak, he only has lust and desire, and his martial arts are empty. His decaying body is no match for my pure demonic energy, he deserves to die."

"This matter."

"It was your Yin Gui Sect that started this trouble by destroying my mortuary and gathering in Yan Yang, plotting against our sect. How can we let you have your way?"

Zhu Yuyan was well aware of the matter of Yin Yang; the Yin Gui Sect did not intend to attack the Xie Ji Sect.

It was all for the sake of a small Taoist temple.

However, since the feud had already been formed, why would she lower herself to explain the misunderstanding?

Just as Zhu Yuyan was about to ask Bian Bufu about the matter, she suddenly saw a familiar face.

Thinking of the strange method Yunxia had described, and now seeing it with his own eyes, he frowned for the first time.

"Pharmacist Lin?"

Lin Yaoshi stepped out from the Crimson Shadow Legion and greeted, "Sect Master, you haven't made a mistake."

Your brother is looking for you.

Zhu Yuyan asked, "How did you end up like this?"

Pharmacist Lin revealed a hint of genuine joy:

"If one's spirit and energy can be cultivated to an inexhaustible level, even this void can be broken."

"I have now heard the Dao and am diligently pursuing it. I humbly request that the Sect Master convey my message to my elder brother to come here as well, so that we may discuss the Dao together."

He smiled, and Yuwen Wudi, standing beside him, cooperated by opening the coffin:

"Since the Sect Master has come here, why don't we go into the coffin for a chat?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Laotan, Jin Huanzhen, and the other three all burst into laughter.

The pharmacist is right.

"Queen Yin, why don't you join us in exploring the highest secrets?"

Zhu Yuyan didn't speak, then suddenly her figure flashed.

The four grandmasters of the Evil Extreme Sect were prepared and attacked together, unleashing a torrent of demonic energy.

However, Empress Yin did not resist directly. Instead, she unleashed the Heavenly Demon Dance, her figure flashing and splitting. Using the Heavenly Demon Great Art to steal power, she passed through the four Grandmasters, and the split Heavenly Demon shadows merged into one.

He stepped in front of Pharmacist Lin.

She reached out and grabbed Lin Yaoshi, pulling him into her palm. In the next instant, all his meridians were sealed.

The terrifying force field carried by the seventeenth level of the Heavenly Demon Art caused all those who attacked her to experience a terrifying feeling of spatial collapse.

That feeling of losing oneself and being unable to move forward in life.

Before Yuwen Wudi could react, Empress Yin grabbed Lin Yaoshi, stepped onto his shoulder, and leaped towards the outside of the palace.

Yuwen Wudi was sent flying backward, crashing into a group of soldiers.

Old Zhou and the others cursed and gave chase.
That night, the entire army of Champion City mobilized.

Even the strongest woman has her limits, and thus she could not face the heroes of the royal palace.

However, she displayed her full agility, and among the four members of the Evil Extreme Sect, only You Niaojuan could barely catch up by using the Reverse Movement Sect's ultimate technique, the Reverse Escape Technique.

It was using this method that he escaped into the Three Gorges.

But even if he had a hundred times the courage, he wouldn't dare to chase after the Queen of the Underworld alone.

If the Queen of the Underworld wanted to leave, who in the world could stop her?

Old Zhou stopped atop Champion City, listening to the rushing water, his eyes flickering with ghostly fire as he stared intently in the direction where the Queen of the Underworld had left.

He suddenly struck the moat with his palm, creating a splash of black water under the moonlight.

"Zhu Yuyan has gone too far!"

Jin Huan patted him on the shoulder:

"Old Tan, there's no need to be angry. Back when we first met her, we could only flee in panic."

“Now, things have changed a lot.”

"Not bad, but still not enough."

Old Zhou sighed, his gaze resolute: "I will endure hardship and cultivate in seclusion. Sooner or later, I will stand before this old hag and make her dare not be arrogant."

Emperor Ding asked, "Has the matter of the coffin palace been clarified?"

Yu Niaojuan's voice was unpleasant: "How come so many people have suddenly lost control?"

Old Zhou sighed, his expression turning somber, before laughing, "Someone is trying to scheme against us."

"A while ago, a large number of martial arts practitioners suddenly flooded into the city. Although I found it strange, I didn't think much of it."

"Now that I think about it, many of them were misled into believing that they had a secret technique to break my True Demonic Thoughts, and they tried to imitate that despicable Qiu Qianbo."

"Although the disturbance caused some people to flee, it's not a big deal."

“These people are using me, and I'm using them too.”

Emperor Ding pressed further, "Have you figured out the reason?"

"almost."

Old Zhou sighed, "If it weren't for that old hag interfering, I might have already figured it all out."

"Most of these people are related to the Great Ming Zun Sect."

"I suspect it's similar to the methods used by the 'Good Mother' to control people's hearts, but she thinks she can fool me? She's dreaming. She'll be perfect material for me to use to uncover the secrets of Xiaoyao Chai."

You Niaojuan looked at Old Zhou with a strange gaze and sighed, "Times have changed. My junior brother has impressed me greatly."

Even the emperor's zombie face showed a rare hint of emotion: "We've fought for so many years for the Holy Emperor's Relic, I never imagined things would turn out this way."

Old Zhou sighed, "I was right then, and I'm right now."

"There is only one Holy Emperor Relic. For the sake of our martial arts cultivation, we must seize it."

"Now we've taken a different path, one that no single person can fully explore; it requires our concerted efforts and joint research."

All four of them nodded.

Of the two factions and six paths of the demonic sect, the most divided was the Evil Extreme Sect, but now they have become an inseparable unit.

This is just as unusual as their alternative species of demons.

“The Great Virtuous Mother’s methods may be no less than those of the old witch; we must be careful.”

"This champion city is very important to us."

Without the tens of thousands of troops in Champion City, they wanted to find a quiet place to study, and Blackrock Mortuary served as a cautionary tale.

"We want peace, not war."

"It would be best if there was no war in the entire Nanyang."

"Tell Zhu Can to behave himself."

As they were discussing this, a fierce-looking man clad in golden armor leaped onto the city wall.

"Sect Masters, where is that beauty?!"

Zhu Can was stunned by the sight in the palace; he never imagined that such a beauty existed in the world.

He had just forbidden the archers from firing, fearing they might accidentally kill the beauty.

At this moment, Zhu Can's mind was filled with the image of that person's unparalleled elegance.

Old Zhou sighed and put his arm around his shoulder:

"She's gone, but since you like her so much, it won't be difficult for me to catch her and give her to you once I've mastered my skills."

"it is good!!"

Despite his martial arts skills, Zhu Can was now enjoying any kind of easy money without his external brain, Zhu Mei.

"When I become emperor, I will make her empress."

Old Master Zhou sighed and said to the cannibal demon king, "This sect master will definitely help you fulfill your wish."

"But before that, you need to change some strategies."

"Sect Master, please speak?"

Jin Huanzhen chimed in from the side: "You need to ease the atmosphere in the city and prevent indiscriminate killing. This will attract more people here. Our martial arts exchanges with others are based on mutual consent, which is more sustainable and efficient."

Old Zhou nodded with a sigh: "That's right."

He snorted heavily: "If I gain it, I am fortunate; if I lose it, it is my fate. I will also unleash my true demonic thoughts; no one can blame anyone else."

"I'd like to know if there are any other people like Qiu Qianbo in the world."

Zhu Can understood their meaning: "Okay."

"Laba is my birthday. From now on, I will invite masters from all walks of life to the Laba banquet to discuss the Dao with the sect leaders using all kinds of martial arts."

The Great Emperor sighed, and everyone praised it.

……

Bian Bufu was placed in his coffin on the twelfth day.

In Xiangyang City, the Qian family's Cangqing Pavilion stands.

Wen Caiting's expression turned hostile: "Pharmacist, are you really not going to say anything?"

"of course."

Pharmacist Lin smiled and said, "I will not reveal any secrets related to Sect Leader Zhou."

If you wish to discuss matters with me, I am willing to engage in a conversation. If you deem my knowledge too limited, you may visit Champion City.

"Then let me ask you, did you kill Bian Bufu?"

Pharmacist Lin said, "I didn't kill him, but it's normal that Senior Brother Bian died because he didn't want to be put in the coffin that day."

"Then?"

Wen Caiting asked, "Did you do anything to Senior Brother Bian after that?"

“You need to ask Sect Leader Zhou. I am not by your side every moment.”

Pharmacist Lin said, "Most of the time, I'm in a state of practicing martial arts."

Qian Duguan, Yunxia, ​​and the others looked at Pharmacist Lin with a sense of unease.

Wen Caiting couldn't help but mock, "What's the use of your training? You're just making others benefit from it all."

"That's a bad word."

Lin Yaoshi's eyes gleamed: "You don't understand my profound skill. I can only tell you that everyone has the opportunity to transcend, so I don't hold much resentment towards Sect Master Zhou. His discussion of the Dao was not false."

If you don't believe me, you can go find Chief Qiu Qianbo.

Yun Caiwen asked, "Where is Wei Wei?"

"he died."

"what?!"

Wen Caiting didn't understand: "He was arrested just like you, so how come you live while he dies? His skills are much better than yours."

Pharmacist Lin said, "He is obsessed with medical and poison classics, not martial arts. Sect Leader Zhou has no use for him, so he must die."

"Don't look at me like that. Although I have been working hard for my brother, my desire for martial arts may be stronger than yours."

“When Master Pi first took my elder brother as his disciple, he saw that I was not very talented. I had to beg on my knees for several days before he finally taught me. But what I learned was a mess and I didn’t receive any real instruction.”

“In this respect, Master Pi is not as good as Sect Leader Zhou.”

"Although I was captured that day, when I arrived in Champion City, Sect Master Zhou did not use force. Instead, he seriously discussed the Dao and devoted his life's work to it. I am like this now, but my talent is insufficient."

Everyone remained indifferent, looking at him as if he were a madman.

But deep down, I was also touched.

Because at this moment, Pharmacist Lin became clean and transparent.

He was still the same person, but he had no other interests and became a martial arts fanatic on the edge of a cliff.

Pharmacist Lin got up from his chair and asked:
"Sect Master, are you going to kill me?"

Wen Caiting sneered: "You've gone mad. You've become a lackey of the Evil Extreme Sect. There's no point in you living a life of ignominy. Why bother asking the sect leader anymore?"

She prepared to make her move, but Empress Yin, who had been sitting at the head of the table and had not spoken until now, waved her hand, signaling her to step back.

"Go ahead and leave. I hope you can become like Qiu Qianbo."

The Empress's faint voice echoed through the hall.

Pharmacist Lin understood that Empress Yin had bought herself one last chance.

He clasped his hands together and bowed deeply, saying, "If I, Lin, leave Champion City, I will come to pay my respects to the Sect Master again."

After Yin Hou spoke, no one blocked her way anymore.

After returning from Xiangyang, Pharmacist Lin headed towards Champion City.

"Master, is he also cultivating the Demon Seed in the Dao Heart?"

"It's not pure."

Empress Yin had already examined Pharmacist Lin's meridians: "But this strange demonic energy is pure and profound, and even has a trace of mysterious energy, which I have never heard of before."

"Give the order to have someone keep an eye on Qiu Qianbo's movements. I want to see him."

Although everyone was surprised, they quickly agreed.

The Queen looked at her beloved disciple: "Wan'er, where is that old Celestial Master?"

Wanwan snapped out of her daze after receiving all the information she had from Champion City:

"That young celestial master said that his master went to look for Ning Daoqi, and then wandered around and disappeared without a trace."

Even the Empress Yin felt apprehensive upon hearing the name Ning Daoqi.

The title of three grandmasters is not just for show.

"What are your plans regarding the situation in Nanyang?"

Wanwan respectfully replied, "I agree with Uncle Yun's opinion for now."

Wen Caiting was somewhat dissatisfied after hearing this.

But with the Empress Dowager in person, she dared not say a word.

After thinking for a moment, Yin Hou said to Wen Caiting, "Tell the other friends of the two factions and six paths about what happened in Champion City."

"Yes."

Wen Caiting responded and then asked, "Sect Leader, should we also inform the people at Cihang Jingzhai and Jingnian Chan Temple?"

"No need, they already knew."

Empress Yin was somewhat convinced: "The people of the Evil Extreme Sect are truly unscrupulous in their actions."

Wanwan and Bai Qing'er, who were standing to the side, looked puzzled.

Empress Yin couldn't help but chuckle: "That night in Champion City, I saw monks wearing the robes of Jingnian Temple, just like Pharmacist Lin."

"It seems that even Buddhist Zen techniques are no match for the supreme power of the Heavenly Demon."

"No matter how despicable the Evil Extreme Sect is, they are still members of my Holy Sect."

"Now that they have grasped the Dao and planted the demon in their hearts, Fan Qinghui and those four old monks will certainly not be able to sit still."

"..."

Before long, everyone in the lobby went out to run errands with strange feelings.

Only the master and his apprentice remained.

"Wan'er, do you value that little celestial master highly?"

"Yes."

Wanwan said, "Disciple discovered that Taiping Hongbao also cultivates the Twelve Meridians, which are very similar to the Heavenly Demon Great Law. The Dao Heart Seed Demon in the Heavenly Demon Strategy is divided into Daoist and Demonic schools, which shows that Daoist martial arts are also related to the Heavenly Demon Strategy."

"This Taiping Hongbao is known as the fifth extraordinary book, and it is of great benefit to my cultivation of the Heavenly Demon Great Art."

Upon hearing this, the Empress Yin merely nodded slightly, showing no emotion.

She was once deceived and lost her pure Yin essence, making further progress in the Heavenly Demon Technique impossible.

"Your talent is no less than mine, and you have the potential to cultivate the Heavenly Demon Technique to its highest level. Don't be too attached to external things."

"in addition."

Empress Yin frowned slightly, her eyes serious: "I've seen that young Celestial Master's portrait; he surpasses even my mortal enemy."

"You mustn't get yourself into this mess."

Wanwan understood what her master was worried about.

She nodded immediately: "Wan'er only cares about the cultivation technique and incidentally deceives his heart. She won't lose anything herself, so Master can rest assured."

The Empress Dowager said no more.

Actually, she mentioned this because of her own experience; she has complete confidence in her beloved student.

Wanwan glanced sideways at the sky outside.

A cold, indifferent face I had never seen before surfaced in my mind once again.
……

On Wolonggang Hill, Zhou Yi was writing furiously.

It reads:

"Sea cucumbers are tasteless, sandy, and have a fishy smell, making them very difficult to please. However, they are inherently strong and should never be simmered in clear broth."

"For melons with small thorns, first soak them to remove sand and mud, then boil them three times in meat broth."

"..."

The so-called sea cucumber is actually a sea cucumber.

After writing the recipe, he drew illustrations and detailed the process.

Once everything was completed, it was handed over to Xu Xingzhi, who was then to deliver it to Chen Ruiyang of the Dangyang caravan.

He didn't want to be so diligent, but the strategist kept urging him on.

This pseudo-strategist is even more vulgar than Chen Laomou, who is skilled at managing clothes and chairs.

They often talk about some kind of "grand plan".

It's truly speechless.

It's just gourmet chatter among connoisseurs, adding pictures for fun, like lotus flowers in a pond, pure and clean, what's there to worry about?
Zhou Yi wrote another letter to Little Phoenix.

The letter was several pages long; it asked about everything and wanted to talk about everything.

Now that both the championship and Xiangyang are secured, Zhou Yi can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

However, it was the twenty-fourth day of the border coffin calendar.

His peaceful life was disrupted once again.

Chen Laomou and Xu Xingzhi climbed the mountain together, and the three of them talked about the Jianghuai region from dusk until late at night.

It turned out that You Hongda learned of Li Zitong's shady dealings from the matter of grain in Runan County.

He collaborated with Meng Rang, but secretly sold rice to Meng Rang, earning him a large sum of money.

Knowing that Meng Rang was suspicious, You Hongda sent someone to deliver the matter along with the evidence to Meng Rang, which immediately caused chaos in Xuyi.

The alliance between Meng Rang and Li Zitong collapsed in an instant.

After Li Zitong and Meng Rang broke up, Li Zitong found Du Fuwei, who was doing very well. Although Du Fuwei listened to Zhou Yi's advice and was wary of Li Zitong, he was still cautious.

But then an unexpected variable occurred.

The general will abandon Meng Rang and pursue Li Zitong, closing in on Liuhe.

Du Fuwei and Li Zitong cooperated in a battle against Lai Zheng, and the two sides established trust in each other during this hasty battle.

Old Du felt that Li Zitong was brave in battle and chivalrous, so he seemed like a good person to get along with.

Okay, you can be my son.

Even if I can't be a son, I'll still be a Miao Haichao.

Unexpectedly, when the second attack came, Li Zitong, a good brother he had only known for a few days, stabbed him in the back.

He abducted some of the Jianghuai Army members and fled to Hailing.

Du Fuwei was wounded, and the army was thrown into chaos.

The Jianghuai army was about to collapse, but Li Jing led his navy to launch a fierce attack on Lai Zheng's rear along the Huai River, burning more than a dozen large ships.

Lai Zheng, fearing attacks from both sides, retreated to the north bank of the Huai River. Du Fuwei, with the help of Li Jing's surprise force, finally stabilized the situation.

When people feel lost and regretful, they are most likely to think of the people who reminded them of this.

I regret even more why I didn't listen to advice.

Especially this time, I was saved by this person's plan.

Without Li Jing's troops, Du Fuwei dared not imagine what the fate of the Jianghuai Army would have been.

Therefore.
"Is Old Du coming to see me?"

"Yes."

Xu Xingzhi and Chen Laomou spoke in unison:

"Du Fuwei, the overlord of the Jianghuai region, is coming to Wolong Mountain. Please invite Grand Commander Zhou."

……

(End of this chapter)