The world of martial arts, the immortal swordsman in the mortal realm.

Chapter 171, Page 186: The Empress Dowager: Tell Lu Chen, I support his ambition to conquer the world.

Midnight, all is quiet.

While Wanwan was fast asleep in her guest room, she suddenly felt a tremor in her heart as she sensed a trace of the same energy.

She opened her eyes, listened intently for a while, and, confirming that Lu Chen on the main floor of the house was in deep meditation, got up, stepped out of the window, and silently drifted towards the backyard—Dugu Feng was not there tonight, the Dugu clan was moving, and she had gone back to help.

When she reached the riverbank in the backyard, she broke off a withered branch from a willow tree and threw it into the river, which was seven or eight feet away. Then she leaped over it, lightly touching the withered branch with her snow-white toes, and her figure floated up again, sweeping across five or six feet before landing on a small boat.

Wearing an elaborate white dress and a heavy veil covering her face, revealing only her eyebrows and eyes, Zhu Yuyan stood quietly at the bow of the small boat.

"Master."

Wanwan smiled sweetly and bowed.

Zhu Yuyan silently gazed at Wanwan for a moment, then slowly said:

"Your skills don't seem to have improved much lately."

Wanwan giggled:
"But Wan'er's swordsmanship has improved very quickly."

"The Heavenly Demon Art is the fundamental one."

Zhu Yuyan gazed at Wanwan and said softly:
“Wan’er, your Heavenly Demon Art has been progressing rapidly. You were the most promising successor of our Yin Gui Sect to reach the eighteenth level of perfection. But recently, your cultivation seems to have stagnated.”

Wanwan did not avoid Zhu Yuyan's gaze, and her tone was very self-righteous:

"After the battle at Jingling Duba Manor, Wan'er's Heavenly Demon Art has reached the seventeenth level, but as Master knows, breaking through to the eighteenth level is extremely difficult!"

Zhu Yuyan's eyes were deep and thoughtful.
"Whether it's because progress becomes difficult after the seventeenth floor, or there's another reason, Wan'er, you know perfectly well."

Seeing that Wanwan was still smiling and nonchalant, Zhu Yuyan couldn't help but frown:

"You know my lesson better than anyone. As a practitioner of the Heavenly Demon Art, if you truly fall in love with someone, the best solution is to kill them with your own hands."

Wanwan blinked, feigning shock:

"Master, you're clearly making things difficult for Wan'er! That guy, even the three Grandmasters might not be able to kill him. Why don't you try to take action yourself, Master?"

"..."

Zhu Yuyan glared at Wanwan with annoyance and said indifferently:
"Then leave him decisively and forget him."

Wanwan shook her head and said softly:

"Impossible. If you truly fall in love with someone, the so-called forgetting is nothing but self-deception. In fact, the more you try to forget, the more you miss them, and eventually, they become unforgettable."

Zhu Yuyan frowned:
"Don't you want to cultivate the Heavenly Demon Art to the eighteenth level? Do you want to be trampled underfoot by Cihang Jingzhai for the rest of your life?"

Wanwan, however, said seriously:

"Master, I've been thinking a lot about the Heavenly Demon Art lately, and the more I think about it, the stranger it seems. Do you think it's possible that we've been practicing the Heavenly Demon Art incorrectly?"

"Practicing it wrong?" Zhu Yuyan laughed angrily: "Wan'er, have you been brainwashed by Lu Chen? Otherwise, how could you say such nonsense!"

Wanwan, however, looked very serious:
"Since the first ancestor, none of the successive generations of the Yin Gui Sect have ever mastered the Heavenly Demon Art to the eighteenth level. Wan'er feels that this may not be because the successive generations lacked talent or because their minds were broken, but because we have all practiced it wrong."

"Is it possible that the Heavenly Demon Art was never a skill practiced by one person alone? Or that one person alone simply could not cultivate the Heavenly Demon Art to its highest level and had to seek external assistance?"

As she said this, she recalled the two times Lu Chen healed her, when their true energies merged, giving rise to a mysterious vitality.

Although Lu Chen only activated the Healing Heart Technique, and the mysterious life force only had the effect of healing, Wanwan vaguely sensed that the potential of that mysterious life force was far more than that, and that it should have even stronger effects.

For example, it can assist in the cultivation of the Heavenly Demon Great Art.

Zhu Yuyan, unaware of Wanwan's past experiences, did not approve of her "outlandish idea":
"Do you think our predecessors didn't have similar ideas? Among the previous generations of Yin Gui Sect successors, there were those who, just as you think, attempted to break through the shackles through dual cultivation, but without exception, they all failed. Wan'er, what makes you think you've found the right path?"

Wanwan smiled sweetly:
"Because the person I've chosen is different! He's a 'divine sword from beyond the heavens,' not some ordinary mortal."

Zhu Yuyan's eyes were deep as she spoke softly:

"Your eyes lit up when you talked about him, and you didn't hide it at all. It seems you're really obsessed."

Wanwan smiled and said:
“In front of Master, Wan’er never hides her true feelings. Of course, only in front of Master.”

What Zhu Yuyan wanted most at that moment was to kill Lu Chen with her own hands, even if it meant incurring Wan'er's resentment. She wanted to kill Lu Chen to remove the obstacle in Wan'er's heart. Unfortunately, she couldn't do it…

But if she can't kill Lu Chen, she can still kidnap Wan'er and help her escape the fire pit.

As if sensing Zhu Yuyan's thoughts, Wanwan suddenly took a step back, her heel already off the side of the ship, with only the balls of her feet still on the side.

"Master, Wan'er's current martial arts skills are enough to hold out for a while even under your command, which is enough to attract Lu Chen! Don't even think about taking Wan'er away today."

In the world of Twin Dragons, realms and strength are not absolutely equivalent.

If Shi Feixuan were to reach the level of "Sword Heart Clarity" and the level of Wanwan Heavenly Demon Art to the eighteenth level, her martial arts realm would be comparable to that of a Grandmaster.

However, their strength is still no match for that of a Grandmaster.

Even after Wanwan's Heavenly Demon Technique reached the eighteenth level, her strength was still inferior to that of the Yin Empress at the seventeenth level.

Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling mastered innate true qi right from the start, making them renowned "innate martial artists." However, due to their shallow skill and low martial arts level, they were still chased all over the world by ordinary gang masters at the beginning.

Therefore, even though Wanwan's current cultivation level is comparable to Zhu Yuyan's, she can only be said to last a little longer under Zhu Yuyan's command.

But she only needs to hold on for a little while.

This place is not far from the Lu residence, so if the master and disciple start fighting, Lu Chen will immediately notice.

Zhu Yuyan gave a soft snort:
“Wan’er has grown too big for her britches and even dares to disobey her master.”

"Don't dare."

Wanwan stuck out her tongue, gave a playful smile, then became serious and solemn:
"But Wan'er truly believes she has found the right path. She can be with the person she loves without hindering her cultivation. Doesn't Master wish to grant Wan'er's wish?"

Zhu Yuyan shook her head and sighed:
How can you be sure that this path is definitely the right one?

"Wan'er is certain."

Wanwan's expression was resolute:

"The path Wan'er has chosen must be the right one."

Looking at Wanwan's resolute expression and the light in her eyes, Zhu Yuyan felt a pang of sorrow that Wanwan had fallen into the same emotional turmoil as she had experienced years ago, but at the same time, she couldn't help but waver.

Wan'er is the most outstanding successor of the Yin Gui School in history, so her idea may be correct.

Furthermore, Lu Chen is indeed somewhat beyond common sense. Even Zhu Yuyan, upon careful consideration, felt that Lu Chen's existence somewhat overturned all the common sense of martial arts she knew.

For example, Lu Chen actually learned the "Nine Transformations of Condensed Truth".

He had only fought Qu Ao once, but after a day and a night, he had mastered the "Nine Transformations of Condensed Truth" and his power far exceeded that of Qu Ao himself.

This is simply unbelievable.

Looking at Wanwan, whose wings had hardened and who, though still respectful and adoring, would no longer obey her unconditionally, Zhu Yuyan sighed inwardly. After a long silence, she spoke again:
"Lu Chen has the ability to dominate the battlefield and has also obtained the He Shi Bi jade. If he were to vie for the world, even if Cihang Jingzhai fully supports the Li Tang dynasty, they would not be a match for Lu Chen."

“Wan’er, if you don’t want to leave him, then persuade him to join the Holy Gate. As long as he is willing to join the Holy Gate, Lin Shihong’s territory will be his, Xiangyang will also be his, and our Holy Gate will do its best to assist him in ruling the world.”

Wanwan smiled and said, "Grandmaster Bi won't agree, will he?" Bi Shouxuan, an elder of the Yin Gui Sect who practiced dual cultivation of love and sex, was Zhu Yuyan's grandmaster, and Wanwan had to call him grandmaster.

Lin Shihong, a prized disciple of Bi Shouxuan, had already established the State of Chu in the south and declared himself emperor.

If Lin Shihong were to conquer the world, then Bi Shouxuan, as the Imperial Tutor, would hold an incomparably prestigious position. Therefore, no matter how he thought about it, Bi Shouxuan could not possibly agree to Empress Yin's proposal.

The Empress's tone was cold:

“As long as Lu Chen is willing to take over Lin Shihong’s territory and army, then Uncle Pi has no choice but to object.”

Wanwan shook her head:
"Alas, Wan'er was very tempted by Master's suggestion, but unfortunately, after the battle of Mangshan, Wan'er had already tested his thoughts, and he only replied with one sentence."

What did he reply?

He said, "I don't have a son, so what's the point of conquering the world?"

Zhu Yuyan chuckled:
"That's just an excuse. He's so young, it wouldn't be difficult for him to have a son. My Yin Gui Sect has plenty of beautiful virgins who can give him sons."

"Yes. But the fact that he can come up with such a ridiculous excuse shows that he really has no interest in the world."

Wanwan looked at Zhu Yuyan with a serious expression:
“Master, Wan’er said that Lu Chen is no ordinary man. What he pursues is not worldly wealth and power. Given his personality and pursuits, even if someone offered him the throne and asked him to be emperor, he would find it too troublesome and refuse.”

Zhu Yuyan stared at Wanwan with a strange look in her eyes.

After a long silence, he sighed:
"Wan'er, every word you say is in Lu Chen's favor... but does he know your true feelings?"

Wanwan paused, her smile faltered, and her eyes became unfocused.

Zhu Yuyan, having experienced a deeply unforgettable love before, immediately saw through the situation and sighed:

"He and Dugu Feng are already together, aren't they? You and him probably haven't even held hands..."

"Master, you underestimate Wan'er too much!" Wanwan pouted. "We even held hands!"

Although we never interlocked our fingers, the palm-to-palm healing, the fingertips touching, could almost be considered holding hands!

Seeing Wanwan's defiant expression, a smile appeared in Zhu Yuyan's eyes:
"Wan'er is beautiful, stunningly beautiful, and no one can resist your charm. However, sometimes, if you truly want to possess her, you have to take the initiative to fight for her..."

As he spoke, he raised his hand to stroke Wanwan's beautiful hair.

Unexpectedly, Wanwan dodged her hand and moved several feet away.

Zhu Yuyan raised an eyebrow:
"What, you don't even believe your own teacher anymore?"

Wanwan stuck out her tongue and said with a charming smile:

"Master, please don't be angry. You just overacted a bit. Given your personality, you probably wish you could kill Lu Chen with your own hands right now. How could you encourage Wan'er to take the initiative? You clearly wanted me to lower my guard, control my acupoints, and take me away."

Zhu Yuyan was silent for a moment, then slowly said:

"Although you guessed what I was thinking, my encouragement to you is also sincere."

Wanwan blinked:
"Why? Isn't Master afraid that Wan'er's Heavenly Demon Technique will stop at the seventeenth level?"

Zhu Yuyan looked up at the night sky, her eyes unfocused.

"What you said makes sense. Forcing yourself to forget is just self-deception. The longer it goes on, the more unforgettable it will become."

“You have been stubborn since childhood, unlike others in the Holy Gate, and quite unconventional. Now that you have grown up, you have your own ideas, and I cannot force you to change them... Rather than that, I might as well gamble on your choice.”

At this point, her voice lowered, as if she were muttering in her sleep:
"Even if he made the wrong bet, at least... Lu Chen is a man of loyalty and honor..."

Her eyes turned deep and dark, and after a long while, she sighed sadly and looked at Wanwan:

"Wan'er can even defend against me now, and with Lu Chen by her side, I don't need to worry about you suffering any losses in the future..."

Although her tone sounded gratified, Wanwan still felt something was off and asked:

"What is Master going to do?"

"nothing."

Zhu Yuyan shook her head:

"It was just a fleeting feeling... huh?"

She looked towards the backyard of the Lu residence:
"Lu Chen is here. This boy is ruthless and holds grudges. Although I am not afraid of him, to avoid putting you in a difficult position, it is best not to encounter him. Wan'er, take care."

After saying that, he flashed across the river, his clothes fluttering, and in an instant, he flew to the other side of the river, disappeared into the night, and vanished without a trace.

Seeing her master's hurried departure, Wanwan kept a straight face and barely managed to suppress her lips—her master's appearance just now looked exactly like he was fleeing in panic.

However, after the Battle of Mangshan, even Empress Yin was trying to avoid Lu Chen like the plague?
Just as I was thinking.

A whooshing sound of clothes rustling in the air could be heard.

Wanwan looked up and saw Lu Chen with his back to the bright moon, his sleeves fluttering, gliding through the air like a roc, directly crossing the river surface of fourteen or fifteen zhang and landing on the small boat.

Then, while looking around, he said:
"Has the Queen of the Underworld visited recently?"

Wanwan nodded and said:
"I've been here. Don't bother looking anymore, my master has already left. With my master's lightness skill, it won't be easy for you to catch her."

Lu Chen looked at Wanwan:

"What does the Queen of the Underworld want to do?"

Wanwan smiled sweetly:
"Master said that as long as you join the Yin Gui Sect, Lin Shihong's territory and army will all be yours. Our Holy Sect will also do its best to assist you in conquering the world. She even asked me to persuade you."

Lu Chen shook his head:
"That suggestion is tempting, but unfortunately, it's not my thing."

“Wan’er knows, so… she has already refused Master on your behalf.”

"She's quite sensible."

"Oh, you praised me? Is there a reward?"

Lu Chen looked surprised:
"I've already praised you, isn't this a reward?"

Wanwan put her little hands behind her back and pouted:
"Tch, stingy, all talk and no action."

"How about we go back and have a match? I'll give you an extra half hour of swordsmanship instruction?"

"Half an hour isn't enough. At least an hour is needed."

"Let's see if you can hold out for half an hour..."

"Are you looking down on me? I'm not as weak as Dugu Feng. Two quarters of an hour? That's laughable..."

"What are you talking about? Feng'er can always last for half an hour."

"whee……"

"What are you laughing at? You'll get what's coming to you later."

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(End of this chapter)