Sword from the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 96 Sword Sweeps Through Gale, Plum Blossoms Shatter! (Thanks to Ruoyue Linchun for the generous donation!)
The chaos has temporarily subsided, but the unease among the people has not subsided.

"What kind of martial art is this?"

Hou Yan of the Zhenyang Gang looked grave as he reached out to examine the corpse of the elder inside the gate. He had narrowly escaped being killed by the traitor with a single blow.

No one could answer his question; aside from knowing it was related to the Demonic Sect, there was no other accurate information.

Mayor Yang exhaled, and the scene of the Eight Demons of the Mortuary resurfaced in his mind.

He connected a series of pieces of information: the Ren family of Sheqi, Anshan Temple, the Taoist temple in the city, the missing persons from the eight major forces, and the evil poison.

The old monster of the Demonic Sect has probably made further progress in his demonic skills.

'The highest secret of the Heavenly Demon is profound and mysterious, revealing the true wonders.'

'The ultimate interpretation of martial arts.'

Yang Zhen recalled Zhou Laomo's madness and his words, but he didn't offer any explanation to Hou Yan. He knew that saying anything would only create anxiety and wouldn't do any good.

Yang Zhen scanned the main hall and walked towards Zhou Yi's direction.

Wu Dexiu was investigating the living, while Zhou Yi was studying the dead.

All the major powers in Nanyang noticed that this Master of Wuzhuang Temple was more interested in the dead. While others avoided those strange corpses, he examined them one by one.

The rumors circulating in the martial arts world are indeed true.

"How is Chief Qiu?"

Wu Dexiu didn't speak immediately, and carefully examined Qiu Qianbo again. "Fortunately, Chief Qiu is diligent in his training and has a superb internal skill to protect his heart meridian. Otherwise, if this palm strike had hit his back, he would definitely not have survived."

"I can conclude that these people are in cahoots with the old demon of the mortuary, including those few from the Ape Carrying Horse Gang. Their evil aura comes from the same source."

The gray-clad gang members repeatedly called out "gang leader" in a soft voice, and Qiu Qianbo slightly opened his eyes.

He wanted to speak, but Yang Zhen stepped forward to stop him: "I am fine. This matter has nothing to do with the Gray-Clad Gang. Brother Qiu, please calm down and recover from your injuries. We can talk about everything after you have recovered."

Upon hearing this, Chief Qiu closed his eyes.

Several elderly men in gray robes stepped forward, bid farewell to Yang Zhen, and then clasped their hands in a fist salute to Zhou Yi.

After Zhou Yi returned the greeting with a cupped hand, he saw that Chief Qiu was carefully placed on a door panel and carried out of the main hall.

"Abbot, we shall take our leave now."

Lou Ruodan and Chen Ruiyang were filled with gratitude, and if the occasion had been different, they would have had a proper conversation.

Zhou Yi responded, and the Dangyang caravan members greeted Yang Dalongtou before turning and leaving.

Today's main discussion focused on Zhu Can's additional tribute, and an agreement has been reached.

The subsequent chaos stemmed from the seven major powers and also involved the Demonic Sect. Most people were unwilling to get involved, so more and more people left.

"That cannibal and the old monster of the demonic sect must have joined forces."

Lu Zhong looked at Yang Zhen's wounds and said, "If we die today, I'm afraid Zhu Can will attack the city the next day."

"These demonic arts are also vicious and unpredictable."

Old man Wu Dexiu, who was examining the dead body with Zhou Yi, said:
"The so-called refining of essence into qi means that one should replenish one's innate essence through the means of life, but they release their innate essence without reservation in a short period of time, almost burning themselves dry."

"Such methods are domineering and wasteful, but they can unleash extraordinary power in a short period of time."

Old man Wu Dexiu shook his head and pointed to the corpse of Elder Chu of the Tiankui Sect:

"This person's energy circulation efficiency is higher than the others, but I don't know what's so special about him."

Lu Chongdao said, "Elder Chu is a man of few words and is obsessed with martial arts. Perhaps his skill is even more refined."

Yang Zhen noticed something was wrong:
"Fu Taihong of the Gray Robe Sect is also a martial arts enthusiast. He was supposed to lead the team to Champion City the year before last, but due to seclusion, he was delayed and was replaced by Luo, the head of the Tuanjiang Sect."

When Elder Chu burned out, he shouted "It feels so good!" in a strange and crazy way.

Zhou Yi sighed softly: "The more obsessed a person is with martial arts, the more difficult it is for them to resist extraordinary skills and techniques. Perhaps the old monster of the Demonic Sect is taking advantage of this weakness."

"This is what caused them to lose their composure and do unpredictable things."

Upon hearing this, the others also felt that it made a lot of sense.

"Good, good, good."

Master Jiechen of Xiangyan Temple put his hands together in prayer: "What's wrong with being devout in martial arts?"

Half an hour later.
Fan Naitang brought all the people who had been to Champion City with him.

Zhou Yi and Wu Dexiu examined the twenty-five people together but found no trace of demonic energy.

Among them was a protector of the Gray-Clad Gang, whose martial arts skills were not much worse than those of the Gray-Clad Gang elder who had betrayed them.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

If anyone can be seduced and driven to madness, then Champion City will become a great den of demons.

I'm afraid all the factions in Nanyang will be restless and unable to eat or sleep properly.

Ren Zhi, who had been observing silently, got up and took his leave.

Ji Yinong, Hou Yan, and Zeng, the leader of the Chaoshui Gang, also left one after another.

Seeing the troubled look on Yang Zhen's face, Zhou Yi couldn't help but ask, "Is there anything the Big Dragon Head can do to help us?"

Yang Zhen hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Wu Dexiu was an upright man, but not stubborn: "But are there still some people who have dealt with Champion City?"

“If you’re worried about the big boss, then bring him along,” Zhou Yi said.

Yang Zhen didn't care about doing them a favor, so he clasped his hands and said, "I'd appreciate it if you two could stay at the gang for a while. I will definitely resolve this matter within seven days."

Wu Dexiu readily agreed.

Zhou Yi said, "No problem, please send someone to inform my temple."

Yang Zhen expressed his gratitude once again.

At the behest of Grandpa Lü Zhong, Ying Yu and Lü Wuxia once again acted as messengers.

Yang Zhen was very cautious. He first checked the city gate guards, and then some big merchants who did business with Champion City.

of course
The big boss was very lenient in his approach to these big businessmen.

After all, Nanyang's prosperity is inseparable from them.

First, invite him to your residence for a discussion, appealing to his emotions and reasoning with him, and then introduce him to the Abbot of Wuzhuang Temple.

Zhou Yi had a strange feeling, as if he were having a joint consultation with Wu Dexiu, a renowned medical expert from Nanyang.

Since these people are all fine, Wu Dexiu will also provide them with personalized health-preserving prescriptions.

Over time, the merchants and travelers who were once strangers in the city became familiar faces.

Silk and porcelain, tea and herbs, weapons and salt, carriages and ships.
I've met more people in the last few days than Zhou Yi has in the entire last few years.

Using Yang Dalongtou's influence, they held one meeting after another.

If Wuzhuang Temple were to open its doors to worshippers at this time, it could make a fortune simply by leveraging its reputation, as many wealthy merchants, after getting to know Zhou Yi, expressed their intention to visit the mountain and offer incense.

In other words: Make friends, and we'll give you money.

Zhou Yi was more than willing, but politely declined.

After all, being neighbors with Old Devil Zhou next door, one can't be too high-profile.

This large sum of money for incense offerings was not received, and the blame should be placed on Old Zhou.

Therefore, Zhou Tianshi transformed into Zhou Laomo's creditor.

There were also several guards responsible for guarding the city gates, but due to years of practicing martial arts, their health had deteriorated.

Old man Wu Dexiu is not good at this kind of thing.

Zhou Yi, however, was well-versed in the subject and used the body-refining methods of the Taoist temple combined with the Taiping Danjing to point out the problems of several guards.

For those who practice martial arts, this is a great favor.

On the one hand, he made Yang Zhen owe him a favor; on the other hand, he got to know a big merchant in the city and made the garrison commander repeatedly express his gratitude.

Zhou Yi felt a little embarrassed, as he had gotten all the benefits.

For seven days in a row, Yang Dalongtou felt relieved.

The situation inside the city was much better than he had expected.

Zhou Yi was supposed to go straight back to Wuzhuang Temple, but Yang Zhen warmly invited him to stay and held a banquet for him in the gang.

Grandpa Lü Zhong, whose life was saved by Zhou Yi, was also present.

Despite their significant age difference, they were already considered equals.

Seeing that they were enjoying their banquet, Lü Wuxia and Ying Yu thought to themselves that the more they drank, the lower their seniority would become.

Fortunately, Zhou Yi was accustomed to following the rules of the Way of Peace, and everyone had their own opinion.

We've all gotten to know each other well, so how could I possibly take advantage of them verbally?
Eight days after Elder Chu of the Tiankui Sect burned out.

At the end of the Xu hour (7-9 PM), Zhou Yi stayed in the quiet courtyard of the Nanyang Gang. Facing the lamplight, he removed the sealing wax and examined the note inside.

This was sent by Mr. Chen in the evening.

A moment later, he parted the hood and burned the paper.

Master Ren is quite active.
Zhou Yi's expression was cold and stern, but he quickly regained his composure and moved to the bed to continue meditating.

I've had a lot of social engagements these days, but I haven't missed a single evening of practicing my martial arts.

Significant progress has been made on the painting "Old Man's Coffin".

The location illuminated by Elder Chu's remaining energy on that day was the central acupoint of the Governing Vessel.

Referring to the Tanzhong acupoint on the Ren meridian in the "Illustrated Tomb of the Great Emperor", it is not difficult to understand that the central acupoint should be cultivated into a Qi channel.

He has been supervising the cultivation of the Daoist mind and the seed of demons for a long time, and has been in the stage of cultivating and nourishing Qi.

Then came the next part: in just seven days, this central acupoint was opened up and became a qi channel.

The Ren and Du meridians are circulating smoothly and in unison, creating an indescribable feeling of silkiness and comfort.

It's just that they stayed under Yang Zhen's nose; otherwise, they would have been unable to hold back and would have already tried their skills.

but
After absorbing Lao Tan's research results, verifying them with those few burnt corpses, and gaining insights over a long period of time on Wolong Mountain.

Combining these three aspects, Zhou Yi's understanding of the two diagrams, "The Seed of Demons in the Dao Heart" and "The Seed of Demons," has firmly surpassed that of Old Master Zhou.

There is another acupoint above the central point, which is Zhiyang.

At first, he wanted to try to open the "pure yang" orifice.

However, it has not been successful.

Therefore, he began to doubt his own insights gained in the mountains.

But now that the "central acupoint" has been cultivated into the "central aperture", the true qi emitted by the central aperture has actually connected with the ultimate yang aperture!

The sparse airflow within his body, which he had been unable to sense for so long, was now clearly exposed before him.

This acupoint is extremely domineering.

As soon as I injected some true energy through the gap in the wind, my inner demons surged forth, as if I had fallen into a huge cauldron filled with demonic fire, and was constantly being roasted.

Even though he possessed the teachings of the three corresponding spiritual principles—the Undying Mind, the Great Yu's Plan, and the Sabulokan—Zhou Yi still acted with extreme caution.

After all, there is still a large amount of pure evil energy inside the Tanzhong acupoint. If something goes wrong during practice and it is exposed, it will be bad.

Zhou Yi practiced for another hour or so.

He tried switching between the Xuanzhen Temple and the Dao Heart Demon Seed, and apart from mental fatigue, there was no conflict between the different powers in the Twelve Meridians and the Ren and Du Meridians.

Then, using the secrets of Sabulokhan's Heavenly Peak, flush from the Baihui acupoint on the top of the head all the way to the Yongquan acupoint on the sole of the foot.

I felt refreshed from head to toe, and the fresh air of early spring was even stronger at the tip of my nose.

My spiritual method is also unique to this world. I wonder how it compares to the Great Heaven-Shattering and Earth-Striking Method of the Eight Masters?

After thinking for a while, Zhou Yi realized he was overthinking things.

I glanced again at the mysterious relief in my mind, which had remained silent since it was put into storage at Xuanzhen Temple.

but
This relief sculpture calms the mind and seems to have a wonderful effect on capturing inspiration.

Zhou Yi tried to communicate again, but the relief sculpture completely ignored him.

After meditating for another half hour, Zhou Yi pushed open the door and gazed at the moon for a while.

He smiled at the moon, then went back inside and fell into a deep sleep.
The following morning, Zhou Yi walked out of the courtyard and wandered around the Nanyang Gang.

When the leaders, captains, and elders saw him, they would either smile or greet him.

There were only those who led the way, and no one who stood in their way.

This largest gang in Nanyang is now at his disposal.

Thinking of Yang Dalong's cautious nature, and his own identity as the leader of the Taiping Cult.

Zhou Yixin found it interesting.

As he approached the inner hall, he composed himself slightly, preparing to discuss the same serious matter as Yang Zhen.

It just so happens that Fan Naitang, Meng Degong, and Su Yun were all there.

As soon as he appeared, Su Yun warmly stepped forward to welcome him inside.

"Big Boss, I have something important to tell you today."

Zhou Yi got straight to the point, and the top four figures of the Nanyang Gang all became serious.

Yang Zhen patted his chest lightly: "Master Yi, please speak. As long as it is within my power, I will do it without hesitation."

Zhou Yi sat down and accepted the tea that Fan Naitang handed him.

Leaving aside Chen Laomou, let's talk about Ren Zhi's affairs from the perspective of the Dangyang caravan.

After a short while, Yang Zhen frowned. He really wanted to ask if the news was accurate.

But after glancing at Zhou Yi, based on his understanding of this abbot, he knew there was no need to ask such a question.

Su Yun was rather straightforward: "Now that we have Zhu Can as a formidable enemy, why is Sect Leader Ren still clinging to the Dangyang caravan? Isn't that disregarding the bigger picture?"

"Sect Leader Ren is a smart man."

Zhou Yi offered some guidance: "With Zhu Can's influence, even if he wipes out the Dangyang caravan, the big boss will hold a grudge. However, to maintain the overall situation, he won't do anything to a major force in the city."

"Sect Leader Ren can even shift the blame to Zhu Can afterward. Even if the Flying Horse Ranch wants to cause trouble, it can't infiltrate Nanyang. He's currently cooperating with Huo Qiu, a big merchant from the northern desert, so he's not afraid that the ranch will use its connections in the northern frontier to put pressure on his caravans."

Therefore, they are fearless because they have nothing to fear.

Su Yun nodded and glanced at Zhou Yi.

The benefactor's words clearly implied that he wanted to save the Dangyang caravan.

Despite his deep reluctance to pressure the big boss, Su Yun still turned his gaze to Yang Zhen's face.

The same applies to Fan Naitang and Meng Degong.

The three men had known Yang Dalong for many years and had run the Nanyang Gang together, so how could they not know Dalong's character?

In the past
They'll probably call both of them into the gang for a talk.

Yang Zhen paused for a moment, then looked directly at Zhou Yi: "What does the Abbot want me to do?"

"The leading companies need to make their stance clear."

Zhou Yi had already saved Nanyang once, so he had the confidence to speak frankly:
"If Ren Zhi's forces make a move, then let's catch them red-handed."

"Kill these people with swift and decisive action."

The four rarely did this in the city, and each looked at the murderous Master Yi.

"This move has three advantages."

"First, make an example of one to warn a hundred, so that all the major forces will behave themselves."

"Second, to restore the reputation lost at Pegasus Ranch."

"Third, this move is in line with the alliance established by the eight major powers, acting in accordance with the rules and ensuring that everyone follows the rules."

“Once the Big Boss gets rid of this troublesome one, there will be far fewer troubles. In the end, the Big Boss still calls the shots in Nanyang. We can’t let those petty people mistake the Big Boss’s benevolence for weakness.”

"Especially in the face of the crisis posed by Zhu Can, the city must not descend into chaos."

The four knew that Zhou Yi had connections with the Dangyang horse caravan, but he spoke of it openly and honestly.

He even bluntly stated that he would wipe out Ren Zhi's men.

While there may be personal motives, considering the bigger picture, this seems to be the right path.

Yang Zhen asked, "Does the abbot have anything to add?"

"That's all." Zhou Yi shook his head with a smile.

Su Yun glanced at Zhou Yi, then at Yang Zhen, feeling somewhat anxious.

He felt that Zhou Yi should have phrased it more tactfully.

Such practices are not typical of a major industry leader.

"Big Dragon"

Yang Zhen interrupted Su Yun's next words, patting him on the shoulder with a pair of thick hands.

Amidst the puzzled looks of the others, Yang Zhen stood up.

He glanced outside, a series of recent events flashing through his mind.

He then moved to the weapon rack on the side and said, "It's definitely better to be younger. When I first established the Nanyang Gang with a few brothers in my early years, I was just trying to make a living."

"I never imagined that after all that hard work, I would become one of the eight major gangs and ten major organizations in the world, and the largest power in a prefecture. In my early years, I killed many enemies. Back then, as long as Yang Zhen raised his knife, his enemies were terrifying."

"But now, Yang Zhen is indeed old."

A melancholy tone echoed in the inner hall.

Meng Degong, Su Yun, and even Fan Naitang all showed complicated expressions.

The big dragon head.
Yang Zhen turned to look at Zhou Yi and slowly said:
"I'm not afraid of being laughed at by the real people. I don't come from a noble family. I'm just an ordinary farmer. I rely on my physical strength to do everything. Later, I met a good master, which led me to where I am today."

"I know what farmers fear most: war. When war breaks out, many people will go hungry and many people will die."

"Therefore, my only contribution to Nanyang over the years has been to protect this place from the ravages of war."

"Even though many people around here have their eyes on this place, they don't have the guts to make a move."

"When I meet a wise ruler in the future and the world is at peace, my great leader will have accomplished his mission and will return Nanyang to the government. Then the people who support me will be able to continue to live in peace."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yi clasped his hands in a fist salute to him.

"but."

"Given the current situation, if we don't do something, I'm afraid I'll never get the kind of stability I want."

The elderly man, whose back was slightly bent, suddenly straightened up.

Above his high, straight nose, his calm eyes gleamed with an astonishing sharpness.

Zhou Yi felt a powerful, surging aura!

If anyone wants to challenge this big boss, they should never choose this time.

Yang Zhen reached out and gently lifted the sixty-plus-pound crescent-shaped longsword. The hilt touched the ground, and the shockwave stirred up dust, yet suppressed it, like a surging tide rolling into the distance.

Yang Zhen touched his long sword: "Brothers, it turns out I can still lift a sword."

Fan Naitang coldly retorted, "When has the Crescent Blade ever aged?"

Yang Zhen's gaze was fixed entirely on the knife:
“The people of Nanyang support me, so I, Yang, will remain loyal to them. Master Yi saved my life, and I, Yang, cannot betray his principles.”

"This time, I want both things."

"The big dragon head—!"

With swords in their left and right hands, they shouted excitedly, and in that instant, they rediscovered the feeling of those days.
……

Eleven days after Elder Chu of the Tiankui Sect burned out.

That night, the tranquility of Nanyang City was shattered.

A fierce battle broke out at the location of Baiyang Temple in the city, which was also the camp of the Dangyang caravan.

More than two hundred men in black, each armed with weapons, stormed into the temple, attempting to turn the Dangyang caravan into a caravan of monkeys carrying horses.

The fighting didn't last long, and something happened that neither side expected.
A tall, elderly man in a long robe rode his horse down the main street. The horse galloped faster and faster, and the sound of its hooves shattered the darkness with a peculiar rhythm.

Whether it was the men in black or the martial artists from the Dangyang caravan, they all felt a surge of power on the long street.

After some men in black came out to investigate, heads immediately flew everywhere.

The crescent-shaped longsword gleamed brightly in the darkness!
The Nanyang Gang's experts arrived, forcing the large group of men in black out of the White Sheep Temple. Meanwhile, outside the temple...
The man with the knife reined in his horse, turned around, and charged.
He enjoyed the thrill of charging into battle and the exhilarating feeling of cutting through weapons one by one.

Every time he draws his sword, he exudes an irresistible aura.

Even those who are not heroes of the time, just by feeling the aura of the moment he wields his sword, almost lose their will to fight.

With just a gentle swipe, that heavy crescent-shaped longsword...
Then heads rolled!

This was an extremely violent massacre. When the long street finally quieted down, the old man's yellow horse was covered in a blood-soaked blanket.
Chen Ruiyang and Lou Ruodan left Baiyang Temple and stared in astonishment at the blood-red warhorse.

The old man's figure gradually disappeared into the night on the long street.

"Big Dragon"

Lou Ruodan was stunned for a few seconds, then looked at the burly man beside her: "Brother Shan, how did the Abbot do that?"

Shan Xiongxin asked with a smile, "What have you accomplished?"

Lou Ruodan said in a low voice, "How did the abbot persuade Yang Dalongtou? I haven't heard of him killing people like this in many years."

Chen Ruiyang nodded, "I feel flattered that Yang Dalong is helping us like this."

Shan Xiongxin shook his head: "If you want to ask about the abbot, I can't answer you. If you really want to know, then go ask him yourself."

Chen Ruiyang nodded, then suddenly said, "Then let me ask Brother Shan something he knows."

"what's up?"

"During the chaotic battle just now, Brother Shan didn't help me, but instead kept protecting the gang leader. Gang leader Lou's martial arts are superior to mine, why is that?"

Shan Xiongxin looked at Lou Ruodan: "When I first visited, I overturned Chief Lou's precious horse. Afterwards, I felt guilty for being too rude and naturally wanted to help."

Lou Ruodan ignored Chen Ruiyang.

This person has been quite obsessed lately, and he kept muttering about the "one-time encounter" between the owner of the venue and the master of Yi Guan.

"I am very grateful for your help this time, Brother Shan. When I return from the ranch next time, I will definitely give you a fine horse."

Shan Xiongxin was overjoyed and readily agreed, saying, "Thank you so much!"

This is a ranch run by a nouveau riche; they give away horses all the time.

"correct."

Lou Ruodan took out a letter: "This is a letter written by my farm owner. Please give it to Master Yi."

"it is good"

……

The following day, news of Yang Zhen, the leader of Nanyang, taking action spread throughout all the major factions.

The Nanyang Gang did not investigate the origins of the corpses, but simply displayed them in the center of the county town.

This is what happens when you break the rules.

Having concealed the knife for many years, it is time to test its edge.

Everything proves that Yang Dalongtou is not old yet.

Instead of being terrified, people in the city were excited.

Many people went to see the corpses and cheered for the big dragon head.

All the major forces sensed the change in Yangzhen. Ren, who had suffered a great loss, didn't dare to utter a single word when he saw the Nanyang Gang's attitude.

Even when facing the Nanyang gang members, he didn't dare to show any displeasure.

If Yang Zhen really wanted to kill someone, no one in the city could stop him.

There are many forces in the county town, but the most powerful one is undoubtedly the Nanyang Gang.

The strongest one will only be the Crescent Blade!

The Demonic Sect's old monster, the internal strife in the county town, Zhu Can—a series of stimuli finally forced Yang Zhen to make changes.

Sensing this signal, many factions began to restrain themselves and went to review the alliance rules, unwilling to be the first to act at this time.

Filled with anger, Ren Zhi wanted to collaborate with Ji Yinong of the Yangxing Society.

But
Since the assassination attempt at the Grand Hall Council, this leader of the Yangxing Society has remained secluded.

When Ren Zhi came to see him this time, he simply refused to meet him.

The ambitious chairman of the Ji family is inexplicably so afraid.

Ren Zhi inwardly scorned him, then embraced the grassland once more and went to Keerpo.
The atmosphere in the city naturally spread to the Nanyang Gang.

Even the Dangyang horse caravan came to express their gratitude.

The tense atmosphere at Pegasus Ranch eased again.

Encouraged by the unusual peace and tranquility that had prevailed in the city for several days, Yang Zhen became convinced of Zhou Yi's words.

Four days after Yang Dalong's rampage, the four top experts of the Nanyang Gang stood together at the entrance, watching a green figure disappear into the crowd.

Fan Naitang said coldly, "Master Yi is a very special person."

Su Yun asked, "How is it special?"

Meng Degong chimed in, "He must be exceptionally clever. He clearly changed our way of doing things, yet he didn't make people dislike him."

“Because he is right.” Yang Zhen stroked his long beard, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

……

"Congratulations, Celestial Master."

In Meiwu Lane, Old Chen clapped his hands lightly: "Now, the Celestial Master has firmly established himself in Nanyang. In the future, he will be able to influence the decision-making of any major events in Nanyang."

"With the Celestial Master's eloquent and persuasive abilities, Nanyang will surely develop in the ideal direction."

Zhou Yi said, "The Big Boss is a man of strong convictions; do not underestimate him."

Old Chen shook his head:

“You should find an opportunity to be honest with Yang Zhen. He is guarding Nanyang because he is waiting for a wise man. Like you, he rose from humble beginnings and deeply understands the suffering of the people. He will definitely support you.”

"Once Nanyang falls into your hands, I believe Zhu Can will soon be finished. Next, you will sweep south to Xiangyang and Hannan. With this momentum, given your relationship with the Pegasus Ranch, Jingling will fall without a fight."

"At that time, with Jingzhou and Xiangyang as one, and with pastures at their disposal, the Great Teacher could raise his banner and thirty-six regional leaders would be readily available."

"None of the rebel kings in the world can compare to him."

Zhou Yi smiled slightly but did not reply.

Old Chen rubbed his hands together, somewhat excited: "So, does the title of 'Sovereign of the World, Emperor Zhou' appeal to you, Celestial Master?"

Zhou Yi sat down:

"I have a feeling that next time I come here for tea, Old Chen will probably find someone to dress me in a dragon robe and make my life miserable."

Old Chen said nonchalantly, "Dragon robes aren't that rare. Even Han Gaitian, the Dragon King of the Sea Sand Gang, has a specially made dragon throne. Compared to the Celestial Master, what is he?"

Zhou Yi stared straight at him: "Old Chen, you never used to say these things. How come you've suddenly become so straightforward?"

"Besides, with Chief Yun not here, is it appropriate for you to discuss these important matters of the gang?"

Old Chen nodded: "It's suitable, because..."

"Because Chief Yun will inevitably obey the decision of the Dugu Clan."

"Because of the Nanyang matter, the Dugu clan has put pressure on the Zhenyang Gang in Guanzhong. Chief Hou is suffering greatly. If he knew that you were in charge, he would definitely obey your every word, otherwise his purse would be emptied."

Zhou Yi smiled and said, "This has nothing to do with the Dugu Clan. It's just that I have a personal relationship with Little Phoenix. Don't overthink it."

Chen Laomou spoke frankly: "All the men in the Dugu family are useless; none of them could catch the eye of that old lady."

"If the Celestial Master goes to the Eastern Capital and lets that old lady see you, the scene will be completely different."

"Don't go, don't go."

Zhou Yi picked up his teacup and took a sip, seemingly ignoring what Chen Laomou had said: "I still need to practice my skills, I don't have time to go to Dongdu right now."

"Mr. Chen, stop with the nonsense. I need to trouble you with something next."

Old Chen immediately became serious: "Keep an eye on Ren Zhi?"

"Yes."

"The big boss's move this time has dealt him a heavy blow. Judging from his methods in dealing with the Dangyang caravan, it's clear he's not a patient person. I'll wait for him to show a weakness."

Zhou Yi's eyes were cold: "He dared to hire someone to kill me, this is a huge debt."

"Don't worry, Celestial Master," Old Chen said with a smile, "We have people within the Jing Mountain Sect."

After exchanging a few more words with Chen Laomou, Zhou Yi returned to the city, bought a few ducks, and then took the road to Wolonggang.

It has been a long time since I have returned to the mountain.

After leaving the west side of the city, we walked about four miles.

suddenly
Zhou Yi slowed his pace, feeling himself being locked onto by a powerful aura, and his gaze involuntarily turned towards the riverbank.

A thin old man wearing a straw raincoat was fishing.

“Master Yi, please do me the honor of coming forward for a chat.”

Without turning his head, his aged voice cut through the trees and clearly reached Zhou Yi's ears.

From this voice, one can roughly understand the strength or weakness of this person.

Zhou Yi turned and walked towards the riverbank.

Then he saw that there was another fishing rod about ten feet away from the old man. He reached out and invited him to go over.

The bait is already on the hook, how thoughtful!

"Where does your father-in-law work?"

When Zhou Yi casually asked the question while casting the bait, he didn't expect the other party to actually respond: "I work under Korpo. You may not know Korpo. He is a Turk and has a Han Chinese name named Huoqiu. We both belong to the Khan of Tuli."

"Is it okay for you to tell me these secrets?"

"It doesn't matter."

A smile appeared on the old man's thin face: "If Master Yi also pledges allegiance to Tuli Khan, then we are family. Family doesn't speak like outsiders."

"If Master Yi doesn't listen to me, he'll become a dead man, and even a dead man can keep secrets."

"I've heard that the abbot is an extraordinary person, but he can't possibly still be speaking after he's dead. If that's the case, I have nothing to say but to admire him."

He glanced at Zhou Yi with his eyes only half open:
"Actually, your loyalty to the Khan is more promising than mine."

"how do I say this?"

The old man said, "The Khan has set up the Korok, which symbolizes the ability to communicate with spirits and gods and is in charge of divination and sacrifices. The abbot is just right for the job."

"The Khan has quite the nerve. It's a pity I've never done a sacrifice, but I'm good at black magic."

Zhou Yi chuckled: "My chanting skills aren't bad in this line of work; sometimes I can even bring the dead back to life."

"Hahaha," the old man laughed, clutching his stomach, "That's utter nonsense."

Zhou Yi didn't care at all about his mockery:
"I don't seem to have offended Tuli Khan, so why did he send you to kill me?"

“It was Korpo who wanted to kill you, but you ruined his plans. There’s also a sect leader named Ren Zhi. They both hate you very much.”

Zhou Yi nodded: "That's about what I guessed."

"Besides being the Khan's subordinate, does the old man have any other identity?"

"Yes, I come from the Plum Blossom Sect."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yi suddenly remembered something. He glanced at the old man's lapel and, sure enough, saw a plum blossom symbol.

"I've heard there's a gang of thieves near Xiangyang who specialize in robbery and plunder, committing all sorts of evil deeds. They're called the Five Evils of Plum Blossom. Are you their leader, Gu Le?"

"That is my disciple. My surname is Ding, and I am also a sect leader."

After he finished speaking, he looked at Zhou Yi with a complicated expression: "Master Yi must have a very strong heart. From the moment I summoned you here until now, you have not shown any emotional fluctuation."

"With this mindset alone, the future is limitless."

Zhou Yi smiled slightly: "You're testing me. It seems even Sect Leader Ding isn't entirely confident of victory."

"No, I like to make things clear before I kill someone. As long as I have time, I won't let the person I kill become a confused ghost."

The old man pulled down his straw hat: "I have killed countless people in my life, but I have never had a fool in my hands."

"Master Yi, give me an answer: will I become a dead man, or will I pledge allegiance to the Khan?"

Zhou Yi's fishing rod moved.

"Don't rush, let me pull this fish up first."

Master Ding's face darkened. He looked at his fishing rod, but there was no movement; no fish had taken the bait.

At this moment, Zhou Yi had already caught a red koi carp.

The fish's scales shimmered in the sunlight, a truly delightful sight.

"Sect Leader Ding, I'll win the first round. This lucky koi has taken the bait, I'm very fortunate, but you'll probably end up dead."

Zhou Yi threw the koi into the river: "I'll give you a chance. Go kill Ke'erpo, then commit suicide, and I'll leave a good tile for your Plum Blossom Gate."

"How ruthless Master Yi is."

As the old man spoke, he flicked his raincoat, his wrist trembling seven times, causing seven plum blossoms to bloom.

The sound of wind breaking suddenly rang out!
Zhou Yi used his fishing rod like a sword, employing both his eyes and ears, and used the rod to strike seven points with sword-like movements.

"Ding Ding Ding!"

With each snap, the fishing rod broke an inch; one snap after another, the fishing rod broke six times in a row, and the six iron plumes were thrown into the Baihe River.

Zhou Yi's palm was filled with true energy. He held the fishing line and caught the seventh iron plum blossom in mid-air. The fishing line quickly spun around three times and then struck the old man with his backhand.

He held the silk in one hand and flicked it with the other.

With the activation of true energy, the iron plum blossoms bound by the fishing line seemed to come alive, drifting with the wind, leaving no trace, and striking straight at the old man's Tanzhong acupoint!

"Damn it!"

The raincoat on the Plum Blossom Sect Master's body burst open, and a sword light burst forth from it, blocking Iron Plum Blossom. He stepped on a reed, the reed stalk bent and snapped, and his thin body shot out at lightning speed.

With a clang, the two men's swords clashed.

Both were fast in movement and with their swords, employing almost identical techniques.

Sect Leader Ding unleashed seven sword strikes in quick succession, a look of surprise flashing in his half-open eyes, but this surprise was instantly swallowed up by his icy resolve.

All he had in his hand was a sword, and Zhou Yi's vital points.

The two fought their way to a clump of reeds by the Baihe River. Sect Leader Ding activated the Plum Blossom Nine Styles, the Shadow Step Sevenfold, instantly slicing off seven reed leaves. The sword light pierced straight through the dazzling reed leaves and into the heart.

Zhou Yi's sword swept through the air, causing reeds to flutter, and collided with the tip of Sect Leader Ding's sword in a fleeting moment!
He swept his left hand along the longsword, sending out a chilling aura from the point where the two swords met.

Master Ding gathered power in his left palm to receive the cold air, while his right hand bent the long sword, giving Zhou Yi the initiative.

At this moment, his sword seemed to float in the air, and large reeds swayed left and right with the sword's movement, as if a natural wind was blowing.

This natural rhythm made Master Ding feel slightly dazed.

next moment.
A silent, chilling glint pierced his throat!

With a whoosh!

Sect Leader Ding simultaneously shrank his neck and body, shedding his outer black robe like a cicada shedding its shell.

The sound of tearing silk echoed along the riverbank as Zhou Yi's sword flashed, instantly piercing the black robe and creating large holes in it.

Zhou Yi pursued the sword, while Sect Leader Ding withdrew his sword.

The two fought on the water, their toes creating a series of ripples on the surface. The intense energy on their swords shattered even the smallest beads within three feet into water vapor!

A series of sword strikes echoed along the river, splashing water and sending flying fish flying in all directions as their scales were torn apart by the two men's swift swords.

As Ding Sect Leader retreated, he suddenly pressed his body forward, blocking Zhou Yi's longsword with his own. The two men's true energy surged, and for a moment, neither could gain the upper hand.

However, Zhou Yi's sword was offensive, and his next strike was even faster than that of Sect Leader Ding.

The moment Zhou Yi raised his sword, Sect Leader Ding sneered and immediately discarded his sword.

With five fingers forming a claw, it reached for Zhou Yi's throat!
This was a ruthless method of exchanging lives for lives, forcing Zhou Yi to withdraw his sword and turn the tide.

In that instant, the old man reached into his waist with his left hand and a soft sword appeared.

He channeled all his inner strength, swinging his soft sword to create a rather strange sword aura!
Sect Leader Ding chased after him with his sword, and his entire demeanor changed.

The ultimate killing move of the Plum Blossom Nine Styles: Shattered Shadow and Hidden Fragrance.

He felt as if he were in a large plum blossom forest, and a strong wind blew, causing the plum blossoms to fall in a flurry.

His sword moved through the plum blossom rain, the sword swirling in the gale, shattering the plum blossoms, leaving a solitary shadow and fragrance standing in the snowy corner. The soft sword in his hand seemed to disappear in the flashes.

It will only reappear when a single blood-red plum blossom blooms.

With such swordsmanship, he has killed so many skilled opponents that it takes more than three hands to count them!

Zhou Yi remained expressionless, completely unaffected by the opponent's sword strike.

He channeled all his inner strength, and a strange aura emanated from him. Suddenly, the Wind God Shadowless Sword was filled with sword wind, and the ghostly sword shadows were silent and invisible.

The plum blossom rain of Sect Leader Ding was suddenly blown away, and his expression changed drastically. He could only see his own sword, while Zhou Yi's sword had disappeared!
This is the scene that opponents used to see as they died; now...
He shared the same perspective as the dead.

Quickly, his sword is faster than mine!

Sect Leader Ding sensed a strange feeling; despite the opponent's sword thrusting towards him, he felt as if there was nothing there.

This strange artistic conception prevented his swordplay from causing any interference.

The spirit that extended along with the true energy seemed to have become something the other party despised.

"Uh~!"

A sharp pain shot through his chest, and Sect Leader Ding's sword missed its mark. He had been seen through, but he hadn't seen through his opponent.

This sword strike hit his vital point!

Life slips away quickly.
Sect Leader Ding clutched his chest tightly, remaining motionless.

"What kind of swordsmanship is this?"

"The Wind God is Without a Shadow."

"Why are you unaffected by my swordplay? Didn't you see a shower of plum blossoms?"

"I saw it, it was wonderful, but it was like children playing around."

Sect Leader Ding spat out a mouthful of blood: "Are you looking down on my swordsmanship?"

"Your swordsmanship is not bad, but I despise you as a person."

Sect Leader Ding was fairly satisfied: "Not bad. It's not unfair for me to die at the hands of a genius like you."

He hurriedly said, "Korpo said you have superb internal strength. I thought I was sure to kill you in our sword duel today, but I didn't expect to lose."

"But I've been in Nanyang for so many years and I've never heard of you before. How come you're so powerful and appeared out of nowhere? Are you hiding your identity?"

"Please, please let this old man die knowing the truth."

Considering he had revealed so many secrets, Zhou Yi said succinctly:

"Yongqiu, Taiping Road".

Upon hearing this, Sect Leader Ding was taken aback. He stared intently at Zhou Yi, and forced out the last words: "Peace and prosperity!"

"It was actually the Celestial Master in person!"

After saying this, he fell backward into the river, closed his eyes, and died.

He died knowing the truth, so his death was relatively quick.

Zhou Yi thoroughly enjoyed the battle. This guy surnamed Ding was actually quite strong, with excellent swordsmanship, internal strength, sword aura, and extremely fast movement. He must be a top-tier figure in this era.

If it weren't for the breakthroughs I've made recently, I probably wouldn't be able to fight him head-on.

Zhou Yi was filled with anticipation and prepared to return to the mountains to enter seclusion.

"Once I open up the Yang Acupoint, I'll settle accounts with those two scoundrels."

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PS: ('-'*ゞGreat job writing 10,000 words! 20th place in monthly votes, awesome readers!)

(End of this chapter)