Sword from the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 125 Dao Embryo, Sword Heart, Buddhist and Taoist Banners
The Taoist priest was led into the hall, and Zhou Yi introduced him to both sides.

The four brothers, Chen Changgong, Song Yinzi, and Ji Xun and Ji Shou, all have connections to the Louguan Daoist tradition.

The Wood Taoist appeared unkempt. Zhou Yi introduced him to the others, saying that he was a disciple of the Western Han Dynasty's Quanxing Daoist lineage and was studying Zhuangzi's philosophy on human affairs.

It is also said that he wandered the mortal world and performed many chivalrous deeds to eliminate evil.

In this way, he appears to be unconstrained by external influences, revealing his true nature.

He greeted all his friends, especially the two friends from Songshan, who seemed to feel a bit closer to Master Mu.

The Ji brothers also studied Laozi and Zhuangzi, and were well-versed in the principles of human relationships.

However, their understanding is not profound. People like Mu Daoren, who use the Dao to influence people's lives, roll through the mortal world, and do not lose their original intentions.

As a fellow practitioner and friend, especially one who meditates in the mountains, I can't help but admire him.

Such people who cultivate the Tao are unique, and thus have few friends.

However, Mu Daoren seemed to be quite familiar with Zhou Yi.

When Nanyang was in trouble, he traveled a long distance to help.

First, I saw the kindness of the wooden Taoist priest; second, I saw the popularity of the abbot.

At lunchtime, Yang Zhen, Fan Naitang, Meng Degong, and Su Yun were all present, along with Master Lü Chong of the Tiankui Sect.

The four members of the Nanyang Gang and Lü Chong all felt that this banquet was too special.

This is simply the first time I've ever seen anything like it.

It was unimaginable before that I would suddenly encounter so many masters from different sects.

During the banquet, some of the people sometimes couldn't get a word in edgewise.

After all, the things the old Taoists talked about were quite different from what the martial arts world was all about.

For example, Ji Xun from Mount Song mentioned Cheng Gongxing when discussing the Songshan Cave, saying that he was not only skilled in Taoist magic but also knew arithmetic, and that he taught Kou Qianzhi, the son of the Prefect of Donglai of the Former Qin Dynasty, the "Zhoubi Suanjing".

As a result, the two of them went into seclusion on Mount Song and even had descendants.

The successor first went to find Ning Sanren, but his relationship with the Buddhist monks was not pleasant, so he went to Sichuan to find Yuan Tiangang.

His tone carried a hint of regret, perhaps because he couldn't come to Nanyang with them.

The old Taoist with white eyebrows knew more, and as soon as he opened his mouth, he talked about Han Dynasty figures such as Zuo Ci, Li A, and Yin Changsheng.

At this moment, Yang Zhen, Lü Zhong, and the others saw another side of a certain abbot.

When the old Taoist priests mentioned these figures, he could always recite some scriptures.

The text mentions several figures from the Han Dynasty, including the *Taiqing Shendan Jing* and *Jiuding Dan Jing*, as well as the *Zhenling Weiye Tu*.

Although he was the youngest among the Daoist disciples present, his knowledge of classical texts was vast and profound, revealing his deep understanding and profound learning.

The old Taoist priests were all delighted, setting aside their age, and secretly regarded him as their leader.

Yang Zhen watched silently, inwardly praising the scene.

It has to be a Taoist master.

Thinking about the situation in Nanyang, I felt much more at ease. These Taoist masters, each seeking peace and quiet, seemed to be giving their full support.

During the meal, Mu Daoren and Ji Xun from Songshan talked about Zhuangzi.

After leaving the blacksmith's workshop in Ryukyu, Mokudo-jin escaped the boiler room and, more importantly, the Three Dragons.

At this moment, he was in high spirits and began to practice the Heavenly Frost and Cold Technique from the human world.

While standing guard outside, Lü Wuxia and Ying Yu, who had come with Grandpa Lü Chong, were both stunned.

Inside the hall, numerous blocks of ice appeared. The cold melted the ice, creating a thick, icy mist that rolled and dispersed, instantly floating around the banquet tables and wrapping around everyone's calves.

From the outside, it looked as if everyone was attending a banquet while sitting on clouds.

Furthermore, various Taoist priests discussed the Dharma, and the Celestial Master preached the scriptures, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the celestial realm.

The Nanyang Gang seemed to have become a paradise on earth.

Lu Wuxia and Ying Yu exchanged glances, occasionally glancing at Lu Chong, the old master of the Tiankui Sect.

For some time now, Master has always looked worried.

Now, with a smile on his face, all the gloom on his face has vanished.

They even heard Lü Chong asking the long-browed old Taoist about Taoist teachings, seemingly very interested.

The two had a strange illusion that the "Tiankui Sect" was about to become the "Tiankui Taoist Temple".

After the banquet, we chatted for a while longer.

Then Yang Zhen, Lü Zhong, and Song Yinzi Chen Changgong spoke.

Zhou Yi went to Chen Laomou's place again, and Mu Daoren, who also wanted to inquire about some things, went with him.

From Mu Daoren, Zhou Yi learned about the current situation of the Three Dragons of Yangzhou.

"They went to the Dongming Sect, and then another great battle broke out at sea?"

"How can it be false?"

Master Mu seemed to see through everything: "I knew this voyage wouldn't go smoothly. The Dongming Sect couldn't recognize those three unlucky dragons, how could I not know? I was prepared from the moment I boarded the ship."

"When the naval battle broke out, I grabbed a piece of driftwood and jumped into the sea to escape, swimming far towards the shore."

"Where's Sanlong?" Zhou Yi asked with concern.

"Perhaps they went to Goguryeo, or perhaps they returned to the Dongming Sect. Before the great battle, there were members of the Hai Sha Gang, as well as Kim Jeong-jong, the grandmaster of Goguryeo, and Fu Cailin's disciples were also present."

The wooden Taoist priest fled early and was not entirely clear on the matter:
"You don't need to worry, they're very lucky, and they've even mastered the Longevity Technique quite well."

Come to think of it, Zhou Yi smiled and asked, "How did you spend your time at the Dongming Sect?"

"How did you get through it?"

The wooden Taoist was reluctant to speak, but seeing his curiosity, he managed to utter two words: "Blacksmithing."

"what??"

Thinking of the four of them forging iron, Zhou Yi couldn't help but chuckle: "This is the first time I've heard that you guys can forge iron. Are you trying to pass off yourselves as experts and ruin the reputation of the Dongming Sect?"

"Don't underestimate people."

The wooden Taoist priest stood with his arms crossed, exuding a sense of confidence.
"I, Daoist, have poured my heart and soul into practicing blacksmithing, and through this process, I have devised the Heavenly Frost Tempering Iron Method, which has enabled me to forge several precious cold iron blades that can be called divine weapons!"

"All martial artists in the world yearn for this but cannot obtain it. However, I have no interest in staying in the Dongming Sect, otherwise the sect leader would invite me to become a master swordsmith."

"Why are you looking at me like that? Don't you understand the principle that one should look at a person with new eyes after three days of separation?"

Zhou Yi was very surprised and drew his long sword from his waist.

The wooden Taoist hadn't noticed until now, when his gaze was drawn to the long sword.

His eyes widened as he heard Zhou Yi say:
"Look at this, isn't it something you can only dream of but never get?"

"you you."

The wooden Taoist looked at the sword, then at him, his gaze shifting back and forth:

"How did the divine weapon I painstakingly forged end up in your hands from Ryukyu in the blink of an eye?!"

Zhou Yi smiled. Wei Che truly lived up to his reputation as a wealthy landowner in Yan County; the Dongming Sect really gave him face.

"Your craftsmanship is truly excellent. If you ask me, you are undoubtedly the greatest swordsmith in the world."

Hearing his praise, the wooden Taoist revealed a hint of pride as he returned the sword: "I dare not presume to be so now, but if you continue to forge swords, it's only a matter of time."

Suddenly I felt someone put their arm around my shoulder.

"I'll name you a Sword Forging Manor, and you can be its owner, how about that?"

"Your scheme is so cunning, I feel like throwing up just thinking about the sound of those three unlucky dragons hammering away in my ear."

The wooden Taoist quickly abandoned his thoughts:
"If I were to return to Ryukyu, I would rather starve to death or jump off the island than go to that boiler room."

Seeing his attitude, Zhou Yi naturally wouldn't force him.

Holding the cold iron blade, he sighed, "What a pity. Such a divine weapon will henceforth become a legend of the Dongming Sect, rarely to be seen again."

Mu Tao Ren knew him too well.

He shut his ears and refused to listen to anything Zhou Yi said.

When Zhou Yi arrived at Chen Laomou's place, he ran into Shan Xiongxin, who had returned from the north.

He got the latest information on the movements of the caravans from the northern frontier.

With a confident tone, Shan Xiongxin said, "The Northern Horse Caravan has gone to the Eastern Capital. I heard from people in Yuguan that recently many powerful bandits have also ventured into the Central Plains."

"Dongdu?"

Wanwan only mentioned the Good Mother, and the Great Bright Venerable Teachings may have been carried out separately, with the Great Venerable not present.

What was Xu Kaishan doing in Dongdu?
The situation is in complete chaos, and Zhou Yi can hardly guess what's going on: "Are Chief Lou and the others planning to go to the northern frontier again?"

"Not going for now."

Shan Xiongxin explained the reason: "I heard that there are bandits active near Jingling, and the Dangyang caravan is also sending people back to investigate. I estimate it is the forces of the Four Great Bandits."

These four guys have committed numerous evil deeds, but there are many bandits, so it won't be easy to wipe them out.

Chen Laomou interjected, "I will send someone to keep an eye on Jingling's movements."

"Well, it would be best to contact the Duba Manor in the city."

"it is good."

With the Dangyang caravan business temporarily suspended, Zhou Yi made new arrangements for Shan Xiongxin. Not long after, Shan rode his horse to the Gray-Clad Gang to find Qiu Wenzhong, and the two of them went together to find Yang Dalongtou.

The Wood Taoist came here only to send a message to the Crow Taoist of Misty Mountain.

He didn't care much about the world situation, and he found it boring to stay with Chen Laomou, so Zhou Yi gave him all the copper coins he had.

Mu Taoist smiled and went to drink.

Working closely with Chen Laomou, they made arrangements to connect the Giant Kun Gang with the Nanyang Gang.

They also dispatched capable men from other gangs, and tried their best to cover it up.

It is indeed quite difficult.

Fortunately, Nanyang City has always been under their management and they have absolute control over it.

Foreign powers rarely enjoy various conveniences.

As the sunset faded, Zhou Yi, engrossed in a book, walked towards Xiangyan Temple in the twilight. It was already early evening when the night mist began to settle.

In one more day, we will have to negotiate with the Buddhist community.

Zhou Yi was finally relieved after arranging everything.

This time, I am not here to seek a master of wisdom.

He was simply seeking out the Holy Maiden for tea, and incidentally testing her attitude.

Just as he was thinking about how to deliver the message, his footsteps approached, and suddenly a slender figure dressed in a light blue robe appeared on the gilded roof of the temple.

Upon seeing Zhou Yi, the figure on the gilded rooftop vanished.

In an instant, a person emerged from behind the temple gate and strolled over.

Compared to her previous disguise as a man, she now fully reveals her ethereal beauty. However, the pale moonlight gives her a hazy, dreamlike beauty, as if one cannot see the goddess by the Luo River, but only her reflection in the water.

"Brother Dao, it's been a long time."

Shi Feixuan's voice was ethereal, her clear eyes slightly curved, and she bowed with both hands.

Zhou Yi smiled and returned the greeting: "Greetings, Miss Qin."

"I apologize for disturbing you at night."

"Actually, I've been waiting for you, fellow Daoist. Please come with me."

After she finished speaking, she led the way. In front of the Xiangyan Temple guesthouse, Zhou Yi saw several Cihang disciples carrying swords. Shi Feixuan raised her hand to signal them, and they withdrew with their swords.

The two entered the inn and sat on either side of the tea table near the window.

A lotus lantern is placed on each side.

Just like last time, Shi Feixuan poured him tea again.

"Brother Dao, have you come here to discuss the matter of Champion City?"

"Exactly."

Zhou Yi didn't mince words: "I find the attitude of the holy monks strange. If they wanted to deal with the Coffin Palace, why would two of the holy monks leave Nanyang?"

"Because the Evil King showed up in the Eastern Capital."

Shi Feixuan glanced at him and knew that no further explanation was needed.

As Zhou Yi was pondering, he heard her say, "Master Zhihui doesn't want to linger in Nanyang, but he can't bear to see his fellow Buddhists being persecuted by Elder Zhou. He wants to bring him back to Dongdu and try to save him with everyone's help."

"The cultivation techniques of the Holy Extreme Sect members have caused endless harm. If Shi Zhixuan hadn't shown up, not only would the two masters not have returned, but Master Jiaxiang would have brought people here instead."

Master Jiaxiang was the most skilled in martial arts among the four great monks, and was proficient in "One-Finger Zen" and "Dry Zen Mystery".

He was the only one absent from this raid on the coffin palace.

Therefore, it is clear that the Buddhist community's determination to destroy the coffin palace is unshakable.

“I have been in Nanyang for a long time and I am well aware of the threat posed by the Coffin Palace. The thoughts of you masters coincide with my own.”

Upon hearing his statement, Shi Feixuan nodded slightly:

"Master Daoxin said some time ago that if Zhou Laotan is allowed to continue to be left alone, he may become an even more troublesome person than Shi Zhixuan."

At this point, a hint of melancholy, like distant mountains, appeared between his brows:

“This person is different from the Evil King. He has almost no flaws in his mindset. He has developed an aura that cannot be ignored in the coffin palace.”

"but."

Her tone shifted, the faint worry vanished, and she pursed her red lips, looking at Zhou Yi with a smile:

"The demonic aura that Elder Zhou sighed over was difficult to break even with the Heart Buddha Palm of Master Zhihui. Feixuan also recalled the wonder of the three-tenths of Yuan Qi. Brother Dao's profound skills are truly admirable."

Her lips maintained a perfectly curved shape, as did her expression.

It seemed like he had some suspicions, yet he was perfectly able to suppress his curiosity.

"It's not surprising that Taoist mystical arts and demonic arts restrain each other."

Zhou Yiju took a sip of tea.

Shi Feixuan suddenly asked, "Has Wanwan sought out Brother Dao?"

"How did you know?"

"Because she asked me if I had seen you, and I only gave a vague answer."

Shi Feixuan slowly said, "The Yin Gui Sect has been focusing its attention on Nanyang for a long time. It is reasonable for her to seek contact with you, fellow Daoist. However, the methods of the Demonic Sect are strange, so please be careful in everything you do."

"Miss Qin, did you two discuss this beforehand?"

"Why do you say that?" Shi Feixuan asked, looking puzzled.

"She also told me to be careful of you."

The saintess simply smiled captivatingly, looking at him with ethereal eyes, without even offering an explanation.

It's as if they're saying, "How could I possibly have any ill intentions towards you, fellow Daoist?"

Zhou Yi replied, "She said you wanted to use me as a practice tool and toy with my feelings."

Shi Feixuan wiped the blush from her pretty face, her beautiful eyes still clear and bright.

She picked up the teacup and poured Zhou Yi another cup of tea, lowering her voice slightly as she said softly, "Brother Dao, please don't believe it."

The saintess under the lamp exuded an ethereal beauty, every movement graceful and exquisite.

Zhou Yi looked at him with appreciation, but did not linger or become intoxicated by his presence.

He took a sip of tea, put down his cup, and stood up without hesitation.

His movements were somewhat sudden.

Shi Feixuan thought he would chat for a while longer, but he left without a word.

“Miss Qin, I am aware of the master’s attitude, and I will now make preparations to go.”

"Hopefully, this time, we can all get rid of our troubles."

Shi Feixuan swallowed her words of urging him to stay and raised her hand to see him off: "Brother, take care."

Before she could finish speaking, the man in white seemed to ride the wind and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

This extraordinary lightness skill, rarely seen in the world, is hard to believe, as it belongs to the person she saw before.

What's even harder to believe is that,

Three years ago, there was a man named Zhou Yi who was being hunted down in Yongqiu and was even forced to set himself on fire at the mountain gate.

The pure white spirit rises into the azure sky, and the bells on the eaves gleam with light, like hanging silver millet.

Shi Feixuan stood under the eaves, gazing at the spot where the white figure had disappeared, and gently exhaled from her small, red lips.

After seeing him last time, I couldn't forget his unique temperament, and I was restless. I went back to Cihang Jingzhai and secluded myself for a long time.

Although he couldn't forget the person, he continued to hone his skills, mastering the essential principles of sword cultivation, which allowed his swordsmanship to improve.

Bathed in the moonlight, she slowly suppressed the chaotic thoughts in her heart.

Just as my mind was calming down, I suddenly heard a slight gust of wind.

On the courtyard wall where the white figure had just disappeared, someone had returned.

"Brother Dao, is there anything you need to say?"

After Shi Feixuan finished speaking, a slightly apologetic voice was heard.

"Miss Qin, I have lost a book. Could you please check if it was left here?"

She turned and went back into the house, and sure enough, she found a book next to the tea table.

Curious, I looked up and saw: "Laozi Xiang'er Commentary".

He went out of the room and handed the book to Zhou Yi.

"Brother Dao, there's no need to rush. Let Feixuan see you off."

Without giving Zhou Yi a chance to refuse, she led the way toward the main gate of Xiangyan Temple.

They chatted casually for a few minutes.

After exiting through the main gate, Zhou Yi said goodbye again.

He stood with his hands behind his back, scroll in hand, and disappeared into the pale moonlight.

This time, Shi Feixuan's mind was filled with that white figure, and she could not calm down for a long time.

Back then, Di Ni gleaned the secret of "shattering the void" and the method of cultivating "inner elixir" from the Record of Demonic Thoughts.

This led to the development of the methods of "Tao Embryo" and "Death Gate".

To some extent, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to consider Cihang Jingzhai as the ninth sect outside of the two major sects and six paths.

Moreover, the method of the Dao Embryo is extremely unique.

Only through extreme mental training can one achieve true enlightenment and enter a life-or-death struggle.

As the contemporary saintess of the martial arts holy land, her talent is beyond doubt.

After contemplating for a long time, Shi Feixuan opened her eyes and looked up at the moon in the sky, as if she wanted the people of the Moon Palace to help her think.
Another day passed. A scene rarely seen in the martial arts world appeared in the Nanyang Gang.

On the left side of the banquet hall, at the head of the table, sat an old monk.

He wore a grey monk's robe with a dark brown kasaya over it. He had a high, broad forehead, glossy black eyebrows and beard, a long face, and eyes that shone with wisdom.

He has the compassionate face of a highly enlightened monk, showing utmost sympathy and compassion for all humanity.

Seated one seated between them was the ethereal and beautiful Cihang Saintess.

Next came the two masters, Bu Chi and Bu Ju, from Jing Nian Chan Monastery, followed by masters from Cihang Jingzhai, Tiantai, and Huayan schools.

Even those with the shallowest martial arts skills are among the top figures of their time.

Looking across at the seat opposite, the first person to sit was a distinguished young man in white.

The aura of the wise master could dominate the entire hall, yet he was thwarted in his presence.

Beside the man in white stood a row of Taoist masters, some with white eyebrows, some with long beards, and some with indifferent expressions.

Six Taoist practitioners, including the abbot of Wuzhuang Temple, who were usually practicing in seclusion in various places and rarely seen, appeared.

Even the eminent monks of the Tiantai school who were present were astonished.

The Buddhist, Taoist, and Demonic sects each have numerous masters.

Taoist figures are usually loosely organized, but with six people present, their lineage and friends must be taken into consideration.

Within the Taoist community, this has become a force that cannot be ignored.

The Master of Wisdom and Zhou Yi, each leading a different school, had already exchanged greetings before taking their seats.

Several of the most capable managers from the Nanyang gang came up to serve tea. They were extremely careful at this time, serving tea and water according to etiquette and seniority, and not allowing any mistakes.

The Taoist and Buddhist sects negotiated, though they themselves didn't care much.

Those who know the importance of things in the martial arts world would not dare to be negligent.

You can't help but slow your breathing and tense up.

Fortunately, the head of the Taoist sect in the hall was a member of their own family.

The managers also felt honored by their careful handling of affairs.

Zhou Yi sat with his Taoist friends, while the host was naturally still Yang Dalongtou.

He addressed the holy monk of Tiantai:

"Master, there is also a plan for the Champion City matter. Let Master Yi explain it."

The wise master nodded to him, put his hands together, and looked at Zhou Yi: "Master, what are your thoughts on the Coffin Palace?"

The martial arts skills of this monk from the Tiantai sect were the worst among the four great monks because he was not good at fighting.

When it comes to Buddhist spiritual practices, his internal strength can only be described as unfathomable.

Zhou Yi looked at the Master of Wisdom, then glanced at the Holy Maiden.

The master stared directly at him, while the saintess, under the watchful eyes of the Taoist elders, avoided his gaze.

“Master, the Coffin Palace was already an enemy of both Buddhism and Taoism in Nanyang. Now that it has grown stronger, it has made many arrogant remarks. Given time, it will surely become a great threat to the martial arts world.”

Wise masters don't listen to empty platitudes:
"Is Nanyang sending troops?"

"out."

This one word seems to be enough, and the wise master nodded in satisfaction.

"but."

Zhou Yi pointed out the implications: "As the saying goes, 'a single hair can affect the whole body.' At this moment, Nanyang is not just about our two families. The Great Ming Venerable Sect is in the city, and there are other sects of the Demonic Sect in Xinye. In fact, I heard that the Evil King's people are also in Xinye."

The wise master's expression changed.

"This person must also be after the Dao Heart Demon Seed Technique. If we fight against the Coffin Palace and these two families benefit from it, allowing the Dao Heart Demon Seed Technique to fall into the hands of the Evil King Yin Queen, the Great Venerable Good Mother, and others, then the Coffin Palace will be the only threat."

After Zhou Yi finished speaking, he waited for the Master of Wisdom's reply.

The old monk lowered his eyes and looked into his heart: "What arrangements does the Abbot have?"

After he finished speaking, everyone looked at Zhou Yi.

His expression hardened, and his words were firm and resolute:

"Our Taoist and Buddhist sects will join forces to first destroy the Great Ming Venerable Sect, then destroy the Xinye Demonic Sect, eliminate future troubles, and then attack the Coffin Palace."

Zhou Yi stared directly at the holy monk on the rooftop, meeting the gaze of this top master of the era, his imposing presence in no way diminished:
“Master, Nanyang will certainly mobilize a large number of people to rescue Master Bu Tan. He has only recently fallen into demonic possession, and perhaps he can still be reformed with Buddhist teachings.”

Upon hearing this, the members of the Jingnian Chan sect all looked towards Master Zhihui.

The wise master is thinking.

Zhou Yi then looked at the Holy Maiden: "Fairy Master, what is your opinion?"

Shi Feixuan's ethereal voice rang out:

"We have been fighting against the Demonic Sect for a long time. This Great Ming Sect is a Uyghur heretical sect that is invading the Central Plains. We should not let them gain power. Rescuing Master Bu Tan is our wish."

The wise master nodded, then suddenly looked away from Zhou Yi and towards the group of Taoist masters.

What do you fellow Daoists think?

Chen Changgong's white eyebrows twitched, and a smile appeared on his radiant face.

His voice was slow but powerful:
"My fellow Daoists have no objections and will naturally follow the words of Master Yi Guan."

Song Yinzi, Mu Daoren, Ji Xun, and Ji Shou all nodded.

These people are so united.

It was as if the young man in white at the head of the table was being treated as a "Taoist master".

Others might wonder, but they themselves are perfectly clear-headed.

Shi Feixuan watched this scene quietly, her eyes unwavering, but her heart was far from calm.

The wise master gave Zhou Yi a deep look.

Even if Zhou Yi were the only one, with high skill and talent, he would still be regarded as a junior in his eyes, far from being a Buddhist disciple.

At this moment, however, he clearly realized that he held an extremely important position in the hearts of many Taoist masters.

Given his martial arts talent, he is destined to become the number one Taoist master in the future.

Moreover, he is somewhat different from Ning Sanren, the number one.

“The abbot is already confident, and this old monk will follow his arrangements.”

The wise master's words were tantamount to finalizing the matter.

This also instantly put Zhou Yi on the helm of both the Taoist and Buddhist sects.

With these two big banners waving and carrying them on your shoulders, you can walk sideways.
Before long, several fast horses galloped out from the front of the Nanyang gang.

All the major forces within the city, from south to north and from west to east, were mobilized.

Upon receiving the news, Chen Laomou immediately handed the letter he had written to a capable assistant.

This is a declaration of war.

After leaving Nanyang City, it was secretly sent to the Champion's Coffin Palace.
Nanyang City, Yangxing Association.

A gaunt steward rushed into the depths of the mansion: "Master, something big is about to happen in the city."

"What's wrong?" Ji Yinong's voice came through the window.

"The big boss is secretly arranging his men, it seems he's about to start a war."

The manager was sweating profusely: "But we don't have any of our own people involved."

"Don't bother."

After Ji Yinong finished speaking, seeing no reply from outside, he immediately scolded:
"Didn't you hear me?!"

"Yes~"

The manager was full of doubts, but dared not ask any more questions.

Ji Huizhu seems like a different person. He used to be so high-profile, but now he stays at home for long periods of time.

He claimed to be obsessed with martial arts and practiced it constantly.

But the manager knew that the Yangxing Society's affairs were still firmly in the hands of the society leader, who simply hid himself and rarely showed his face.

Unfortunately, the manager couldn't see it.

At this moment, Ji Yinong, who was inside the room, didn't even dare to lift his head.

When was the last time the Yin Gui Sect contacted you?

"Five days ago, she was still Elder Yun. But she didn't want to stay here and went back to Xiangyang."

"Hmm, you're quite honest."

Ji Yinong lowered his head even further: "To be able to serve the Holy Emperor is my greatest fortune. I would never dare to have any disloyalty. In the entire Nanyang, there is no one more loyal to the Holy Emperor than me!"

"Even if the Holy Emperor were to order me to die now, I would not hesitate."

"If you do your job well, who would want you dead?"

"Yes Yes Yes!"

Ji Yinong agreed repeatedly, though he was terrified, he knew this was a powerful backer.

It seems the Yin Gui Sect is no match for the Evil Extreme Sect.

"this is for you."

Ji Yinong knew the rules and never looked up. He only picked up a letter when it fell in front of him.

"Change it to your handwriting and send it to Xiangyang."

"Yes!"

The window sash moved slightly, and the person had vanished.

Ji Yinong glanced out the window, then bolted the window shut and carefully opened the letter.

After reading it once, I was greatly shocked.

Read it three times, memorize its contents, and quickly burn the letter.

Before long, a master of light-footed martial arts rushed out from Yangxing Society and headed straight for Xiangyang.

The day after the Buddhist and Taoist council meeting, in the evening.

In the north of Nanyang City, the afterglow of the setting sun shines on several large houses.

These mansions look very grand, occupying a large area, and the number of rooms in the courtyards is not visible at a glance.

But upon closer inspection, it appears gray and gloomy, exuding an air of decay.

This is the private residence of Ren Zhi, the former leader of the Jingshan Sect, one of the eight major powers in Nanyang.

At this moment, people were walking in and out of the dilapidated private residence.

A caravan has taken up residence here. This caravan is rather strange; perhaps because they frequently travel through the northern deserts, occasionally someone in the caravan communicates in a foreign language that is incomprehensible to others.

In the inner room, there was a tall, thin man with a long face who looked somewhat like a hanged ghost, wiping a heavy iron rod.

This iron staff weighs at least a hundred pounds, and when he picked it up to wipe away the bloodstains, he only needed to lift it lightly with one hand.

This person is Jiulingzhi, the "Dense Fog" among the five types of demons.

"Did the Nanyang Gang kill our people?"

Jiu Lingzhi rolled his eyes, revealing a large expanse of white, looking quite eerie: "Do they even have the guts?"

Whether they have the guts or not, it's all their fault.

The man who answered was fierce and ugly, with a lion's nose covered with red spots, and two knives hanging from his waist.

He was a fierce general of the Great Ming Sect, the "Extinguishing Fire" Kuojie among the five types of demons.

There were about twenty people surrounding them.

Although they may not be as imposing as the other two, they are all top-notch masters!
"Don't alarm them for now. There's something unusual going on in the city. A large force is gathering in the west, perhaps preparing to attack Champion City."

"Hmph, I've been waiting for this moment for a long time."

"..."

Inside the house, people were constantly chatting.

It wasn't until evening that someone brought back the latest news related to the Nanyang Gang.

Kuojie and Jiulingzhi did not make a decision and waited for Shanmu to return.

As usual, they sent out experts to spy on them.

A skilled fighter died a few days ago.

Therefore, the person sent out this time was a lean man with excellent light-body skills. He had a high nose, deep-set eyes, and sharp eyes that seemed to be constantly flashing.

"Be careful."

"Yes!"

Jiu Lingzhi watched as the two dots disappeared into the night.

As the largest sect in the northern desert, the Great Ming Sect has many top-notch experts, but it is still heartbreaking to see such a person die.

Jiu Lingzhi had excellent hearing. Suddenly, he turned his head to look in the direction where the thin man had jumped out, and his pupils suddenly focused into a single point.

Kuojie asked, "Is something wrong?"

"Did you hear that?"

"No."

Kuojie answered, channeling his inner energy into the acupoints around his ears, and listened attentively.

A moment later, he suddenly drew his twin swords!

Jiu Lingzhi raised his iron staff: "Someone's coming!"

The experts in the mansion remained calm, drawing their weapons one by one and taking up concealed positions.

With so many experts gathered together, even a martial arts grandmaster would die if he came here.

Everyone held their breath, gathering their killing intent.

There were more than two hundred people in the mansion, and in a short time, there was not a sound at all.

Suddenly, the sound of wind breaking came from afar, followed by a loud "thud" from inside the mansion.

A corpse fell from the roof and rolled down into the yard. Judging from its shape, it was the thin man who had just gone out to gather intelligence.

The sound of wind breaking increased, and the experts of the Great Ming Sect also changed their expressions slightly.

Even more devastatingly, the kind mother returned late today.

Jiu Lingzhi had the sharpest ears; he could tell how many experts were in the chaotic sound of wind breaking.

The more I listened, the more something was wrong.

They're coming for them!

"Come on!"

Without thinking of the reason, he immediately shouted and was the first to rush towards the north of the city.

They chose this location not far from the city wall, so that even if a large army gathered inside the city and charged, they could retreat calmly.

When they arrived on someone else's territory, the Great Ming Sect was very cautious and left themselves a way out.

The battle cries shattered the stillness of the night!
Jiu Lingzhi and Kuo Jie rushed forward the fastest, but just as they approached the city wall, two figures rushed ahead of them, one after the other.

Kuojie drew his twin swords and, by the faint moonlight, began to fight against the person in the darkness.

Jiu Lingzhi swung his hundred-pound iron staff and smashed it down on the white-clad figure.

Seeing the long sword hanging at his waist, yet not drawing it, it was clear that Jiu Lingzhi was not afraid of a swordsman.

Even if someone's skill is stronger than his, their iron sword will shatter upon impact with his iron staff.

The man in white flipped his hand, and a chilling aura rushed towards us.

Jiu Lingzhi laughed wildly, his hands moving rapidly together, his iron staff spinning continuously. When the staff's power was fully charged, he struck out with all his might from about half a zhang away from the white figure.

He broke through the icy energy from a distance with his own force!

The white figure dodged, and with a loud "boom," it smashed through the air, sending tiles flying everywhere. The surging force of the staff swirled around it.

These five types of demons possess extraordinary abilities.

Jiu Lingzhi created a thick fog, and at this moment, the staff's momentum was fierce and powerful, shattering the surrounding tiles and broken wood, turning into a cloud of dust that accompanied his body.

When his opponents fight him, they will inevitably be unable to see his staff techniques clearly.

This is to compensate for the lack of dexterity.

When the surrounding fog rises, he is virtually defenseless.

Even a martial arts master would have to face his fierce staff techniques at this point.

“Bang, bang, bang~!”

With a series of loud explosions, Jiu Lingzhi fought more and more frantically, swinging his iron staff faster and faster, but the white shadow was like a ghost, impossible to hit.

"Go to hell!"

His eyes shone brightly as he pushed the "Sutra of Light" to its limit.

From the crown chakra, spiritual power surged forth and merged with the staff technique.

When the two energies converged, a strange spiritual force immediately surged outwards.

In that instant, the momentum was vastly different from before.

The iron staff brought with it a whistling sound like a storm sweeping into the canyon, seemingly filling the sky and the earth. Although it covered a short distance, the iron staff made subtle changes in speed and angle, making it impossible to know when it would strike or what part of the body it would target!
Combining psychological attacks with a mental assault to influence the opponent's mind is a sure-kill strategy!

With a single strike, he hit his target!
The iron staff pierced through the man in white, yet he felt no real force being applied.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be an afterimage.

too fast!
The hundred-pound iron staff was even heavier, and the white figure actually stepped on it.

Jiu Lingzhi's hair stood on end, and he raised his staff and struck upwards.

After three strikes, his slow but powerful technique was completely useless. The white figure was as fast as lightning and stepped on the head of the staff once again.

With a sudden burst of force, Bai Ying exerted a tremendous amount of strength, causing his right hand holding the staff to sink abruptly.

The iron staff can't be lifted right away, this is bad!

The white figure stepped on the staff and rushed over in one step, aiming straight for the vital point. Jiu Lingzhi grabbed with his left hand in a claw-like strike, using a heart-grabbing counterattack to force the opponent to stop!

But before the left claw could even extend halfway, the wrist was already grabbed.

"Ah!" he screamed.

The next moment, his throat tightened suddenly; he had been choked and was unable to make a sound.

With a snap, before he could even speak, his neck was broken!

Zhou Yi casually tossed it aside.
Before he even drew his sword, he had already slain a demon.
……

(End of this chapter)