People in the Qin Dynasty sought good fortune and avoided misfortune.

Chapter 401, Xu Qing flees in fear of battle? Strange celestial phenomena arise from the east.

After receiving Yan Lingji's orders, Wang Ben secretly sent out his guards to search for Xu Qing's whereabouts. Wang Ben was also found by Xiong Qi, who questioned him about Xu Qing's location.

Taiyi Mountain, at dusk.

"Right Chancellor, your subordinate is also unaware of the Grand Master of Ceremonies' whereabouts."

Wang Ben did not hide anything from Xiong Qi, the brother-in-law of the King of Qin, and told him everything he knew.

"You don't know either? Is he really in seclusion?" Xiong Qi asked, his brows furrowed in confusion.

"Sect Leader Chisongzi agrees," Wang Ben said.

"The area around Mount Taiyi is now a mixed bag of people. We must protect the wife of the Grand Chancellor and prevent anything from happening to her. If you have any news about the Grand Chancellor, tell me immediately," Xiong Qi said.

"promise."

Xiong Qi waved his hand and turned to head towards his residence.

Wang Ben's words did not dispel Xiong Qi's doubts; instead, they made him even more worried about Xu Qing's safety. The agreement between heaven and man was only two days away, and Xu Qing should have shown up by now.

Firstly, it would stabilize morale within the Heavenly Sect; secondly, the Heavenly Sect wouldn't let such a good opportunity to enhance its influence pass by.
"It's really unusual for Tianzong to be so blatant in concealing Xu Qing's whereabouts. Could it be that Xu Qing really encountered an accident? Is that why Tianzong is hiding the news like this?" Xiong Qi thought to himself.

Xiong Qi had a fondness for Xu Qing's talent, and he would naturally feel some regret if something really happened to Xu Qing. However, he felt mostly relieved.

After the incident of rebuking Lao Ai in the imperial court, Xiong Qi had already decided to give up on the idea of ​​winning over Xu Qing. How could a model of loyalty possibly turn to Chu again? Unless Qin and Han actively forced Xu Qing to leave.

However, given Xu Qing's standing in Ying Zheng's heart, how could such a thing possibly happen? Lü Buwei was no fool like Ji Wuye.

It's better to cripple Xu Qing and keep him in Qin than to force him away.

"If something really happens to him, it might not be a bad thing."

After a moment of reflection, Xiong Qi left. Tian Guang had arranged to meet with him to discuss matters, and he also needed to persuade Tian Guang to make some changes to his plan to win over Xu Qing.

The night passed in the blink of an eye. After it was discovered that Wang Ben had sent people to secretly investigate Xu Qing's whereabouts, the already speculative crowd began to think of the worst-case scenario.

As Xiaoyaozi emerged from seclusion the next day and, on behalf of the Human Sect, received guests from various schools and countries, rumors about Xu Qing began to circulate even more.

In Taiyi Palace, several disciples of the Human Sect gathered together to discuss matters concerning Xu Qing.

"Have you heard? Xu Qing, who was supposed to fight in the Heavenly Alliance, seems to have disappeared."

"I heard that even the guards Xu Qing brought don't know his whereabouts. They say he's missing, but who knows the specifics?"

"Oh? What do you mean? Is there something else behind this?"

"Xu Qing's strength is far inferior to that of Uncle Xiaoyaozi. It's possible that this so-called disappearance is a play orchestrated by the Tianzong sect. In order to seize the ownership of Xueji, they deliberately hid Xu Qing and took the opportunity to replace him with the sect leader."

A disciple of the Human Sect said in a low voice.

The others were immediately surprised, but after the initial surprise, they all shook their heads.

“How could this be? Although we are at odds with the Heavenly Sect, the Heavenly Sect would never do such a despicable thing,” a disciple of the Human Sect said, shaking his head.

"I heard it from others. This news is the most widespread on Mount Taiyi right now, and people from all the Hundred Schools and various countries believe it without a doubt. Tianzong would naturally not have done such a despicable thing before, but since it concerns the covenant between heaven and man and the ownership of Xueji, who can guarantee that Tianzong really wouldn't use despicable means?"

Upon hearing this, the other disciples of the Human Sect also showed hesitation.

The Snow Clearing symbolizes the orthodox Taoism. Over the years, the Heavenly Sect and the Human Sect have not only fiercely fought over the Snow Clearing through the Covenant between Heaven and Man, but have also frequently engaged in private contests. The Snow Clearing is of utmost importance to both sides.

If it's about abandoning one's principles for the sake of clearing up the snow, it doesn't seem like a difficult thing to do.

"Forget it, we don't know the truth of the matter. Let's focus on preparing for tomorrow's Heavenly Alliance. If the Heavenly Sect has really changed its leadership, even if they win, the orthodox lineage of Taoism will still belong to our Human Sect."

"It makes sense."

Taiyi Palace, by a pond.

Many people from various families gathered around the pool, enjoying the scenery while making friends and building relationships.

Tian Mi sat on a rock by the pond, one hand supporting her forehead, her charming eyes gazing blankly at her reflection in the lake.

"Sister Tianmi, have you heard? Rumors are circulating that the Heavenly Sect is worried that Xu Qing is no match for Xiaoyaozi, so they are deliberately concealing Xu Qing's whereabouts and want to replace him at the last minute," Wu Kuang said softly, standing next to Tianmi, glancing at her reaction from time to time.

Since leaving the Hidden Dragon Hall, Wu Kuang has noticed that Tian Mi has been inquiring about Xu Qing's whereabouts from time to time. Although Tian Mi is very discreet, secrets always come out, and someone who is close to him told him about it in private.

At the time, he naturally didn't believe it, but after seeing it with his own eyes, Wu Kuang felt a sense of crisis.

When Wu Kuang talked about Xu Qing with Tian Mi at Qianlong Hall, Tian Mi's interested expression made him uneasy. However, he couldn't stop Tian Mi from finding out Xu Qing's whereabouts, so in order to maintain his position in Tian Mi's heart, he would seize any opportunity to say all sorts of bad things about Xu Qing.

However, Tian Mi continued to inquire about Xu Qing's whereabouts as always. Now that she had finally caught Xu Qing in a compromising situation, Wu Kuang naturally wanted to have a good talk with Tian Mi about it.

Upon hearing Wu Kuang's words, Tian Mi turned her head slightly to glance at him, feeling utterly speechless.

She was already having a headache because she couldn't get in touch with Xu Qing, and Wu Kuang, that idiot, kept coming to her to smear Xu Qing, which made her a little impatient.

Her interest in Xu Qing wasn't based on his reputation, but rather on his power and status. Why couldn't Wu Kuang understand that?

"Really? Brother Wu learned this news from..."

Tian Mi was thinking of putting on an act a little longer to maintain her persona, but before she could finish speaking, she was interrupted by a voice.

"Are all farmers like this? To slander others behind their backs—such despicable behavior truly disgraces the farmers!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Kuang's face flushed red, revealing an angry expression. He quickly turned around to see who was talking about him.

You can say that about him, but you can't say it to Tian Mi's face!

Upon seeing the person who had arrived, Wu Kuang showed a look of surprise. He recognized the speaker as Han Shen, one of the leaders of the Mohist school.

Han Shen looked at Wu Kuang coldly, his face showing disdain. "So you are Han Shen, the commander of the Mohist school. What did you mean by what you just said?" Wu Kuang said, suppressing his anger.

Han Shen is the leader of the Mohist school and a confidant of the Six-Fingered Black Knight. Such a position is beyond his reach, so he can only suppress his anger and have a good talk with him.

However, Han Shen did not give Wu Kuang face because of his forbearance. Xu Qing had done a great favor for their Mo family, and Han Shen personally admired Xu Qing's character and virtue. How could he allow someone to slander Xu Qing with unfounded rumors?
"It means exactly what it says: slandering the owner behind their back in someone else's home—what else could such behavior be but that of a petty person?"

"The Heavenly Sect is one of the most prestigious sects among the hundred schools of thought, boasting countless sages, profound heritage, and strict discipline, and has always been renowned throughout the land. Furthermore, the Imperial Physician is a renowned figure of virtue and integrity; how could he possibly commit such a despicable act as you claim? What is this if not slander?"

Han Shen looked at Wu Kuang and spoke vehemently.

Han Shen's voice quickly attracted a crowd. As they watched Wu Kuang being scolded by Han Shen, they began to whisper and point at each other.

Tian Mi looked at Wu Kuang, who was being scolded, and silently moved to the side, putting some distance between them.

As Wu Kuang listened to Han Shen's words and the comments from those around him, his face turned red and then pale, and his fists clenched tightly. If he continued to give in, his image in Tian Mi's eyes would completely collapse.

"Commander Han Shen, what a huge accusation! I never said that Tianzong would resort to such despicable means, but whether someone would be afraid and worried about losing face in front of the Hundred Schools and envoys from various countries is another matter."

Wu Kuang looked at Han Shen with icy eyes and said in a sarcastic tone.

"What did you say?! What do you mean?!" Han Shen glared at Wu Kuang, his hand already on the hilt of his sword.

“What do I mean? Xu Qing is a fraud. Were all the things he did in South Korea fake? He…” Wu Kuang looked coldly at Han Shen and recounted everything he had heard in Xinzheng.

The onlookers around Wu Kuang were all surprised to hear his words. They hadn't expected to hear such a sensational story. But after their surprise, they looked at Wu Kuang with a hint of pity.

Seeing Wu Kuang's disgusted expression, Tian Mi covered her face and quietly left the scene. She and Wu Kuang, that idiot, couldn't bear the embarrassment.

Who is Xu Qing? He is a model minister recognized by scholars throughout the land, a benchmark for officials. Moreover, Xu Qing's actions in Han have been clearly identified as a frame-up by Ji Wuye. For Wu Kuang to say such things at this time is nothing but slander.

If Wu Kuang wasn't slandering, then are all the scholars in the world blind, idolizing a petty person like Xu Qing?
"Do you want to die? How dare you slander the Imperial Physician like this?!" Han Shen said angrily.

"Did I slander him? Let's put aside the matter of Korea for now. Tomorrow is the Covenant between Heaven and Man. Xiaoyaozi of the Human Sect has already come out of seclusion to receive guests. Why hasn't Xu Qing come out? Isn't it because he's afraid of Xiaoyaozi?" Wu Kuang said, his arms crossed.

"you"

Han Shen was speechless for a moment. Xu Qing had not shown up yet, and Tianzong had been keeping Xu Qing's whereabouts a secret, which was indeed causing people to have many thoughts.

Seeing that Han Shen remained silent, Wu Kuang continued speaking.
"Think about it, everyone. If Xu Qing really isn't hiding out of fear of battle, why hasn't he dared to show himself yet?!"

Upon hearing this, the surrounding onlookers started discussing again. They had naturally heard various rumors about Xu Qing's continued absence, and the fact that Xu Qing had not shown up and that the Heavenly Sect had not made any statement was already suspicious.

After Wu Kuang said that, the crowd couldn't help but believe it a little, wondering if Xu Qing was really hiding out of fear of battle.

Seeing that the situation was turning in his favor, Wu Kuang revealed a smug look.

In Tian Mi's heart, there can only be him. Someone like Xu Qing, who is a fraud and a charlatan, is not worthy of Tian Mi's affection.

"you"

Han Shen's face was somewhat grim, but he couldn't refute Wu Kuang's words, so he didn't intend to say anything more. Instead, he drew his sword and decided to perish together with Wu Kuang.

Even if it costs him his life, he cannot allow people to slander the benefactor of the Mohist school like this.

However, just as Han Shen drew his sword halfway out, the once clear sky suddenly changed dramatically. Countless clouds seemed to be pulled by an invisible force, surging from the east towards the top of Mount Taiyi.

The blazing sun was gradually obscured by the clouds, and the clear sky gradually darkened. The remaining afterglow enveloped the mountaintop. Suddenly, thunder and lightning struck, followed by a muffled rumble of thunder. A fierce wind blew, causing everyone to duck down.

The sudden change caused everyone's expressions to change drastically, and they all looked towards the summit of Mount Taiyi.

The clouds in the sky were pulled by an invisible force, gradually gathering towards the center. The originally white clouds were gradually dyed black, as if ink had been dripped into them.

Two kinds of clouds, one black and one white, gathered together and gradually formed a huge Tai Chi diagram.

"What is that?!" someone asked, pointing to the Tai Chi symbol in the sky.

Everyone stared intently, and within the black and white clouds, it seemed as if some living thing was surging. After they saw it clearly, their expressions changed drastically.

Two enormous Kun, one black and one white, were swimming in the clouds. The legendary creatures suddenly appeared before everyone's eyes, shocking and astonishing them.

"Those are Kun! Two of them!"

"My God, how could a legendary mythical beast appear on the summit of Mount Taiyi!?"

At the same time, the leaders of the various sects and the Grandmasters of the Celestial Realm on Mount Taiyi were also alarmed by this sudden celestial phenomenon.

At the guest residence, several figures rushed out of the room and landed on the roof beam. Six-Fingered Black Knight, Tian Guang, Gongsun Long, Wuming, Fu Nian and others looked solemnly at the top of Mount Taiyi.

They could feel the terrifying pressure emanating from the mountaintop, and a sense of dread crept into their hearts.

"Is someone breaking through to the Celestial Realm?" Tian Guang said in a deep voice.

The others remained silent, watching in shock.

Renzong, Baopulu.

Both Xiaoyaozi and Qi Lunzi had an unprecedentedly solemn expression, and Xiaoyaozi's hand holding his sword trembled slightly.

Tianzong, the residence of Chisongzi.

Chisongzi placed his white piece, smiled at Gongyangdi opposite him, and said...

"It seems I've won this round."

Gongyang Di looked at the strange phenomena on the mountaintop, his eyes gleaming. He knew that Chisongzi was not talking about a chess game, but about this covenant between heaven and man.

"Congratulations! Rumors will eventually be just rumors and will fall apart on their own!" Gongyang Difuxu said.

(End of this chapter)