Starting with the divine power of the Great Vajra, he traversed the heavens.

Chapter 373 After the Great War
All living beings in the world.

Most of them died in obscurity, their deaths unnoticed.

It is extremely rare for martial arts masters, high-ranking officials and dignitaries to win fame both before and after their death.

However, some people become legends even in their lifetime—

For example, the "Three Fiends of the Northern Frontier".

Having roamed the martial arts world for just over a year, he has already become an unprecedented miracle. Compared to the likes of the old and new Four Great Constables, the Seven Great Bandits, and the Seven Holy Masters from thirty years ago, he is even more legendary.

Xiao Qiushui, the leader of the Shenzhou Brotherhood, was a disciple of them and was known as the "Little Sword Immortal Who Shakes the Hebei Region"; Ouyang Du was their friend, and his "Blood River Divine Palm" was becoming increasingly famous; Liang Dou, the emperor's right-hand man and the newly appointed Grand Tutor, was also their friend, and his swordsmanship was considered the third best in the world. There were even rumors that his son had inherited the sword god's ultimate skills, attracting the attention of many.

Of course, for every friend they have, there are ten or a hundred times more enemies.

Whether it was the martial arts world of the Jin Kingdom, the power faction, the Yangtze River waterway, or even the imperial court, they all wanted to kill them.

However, the battle of Lin'an Prefecture.

Zhao Gou and Qin Hui were beheaded, becoming a laughingstock for all time; the Power Gang, from its leader Li Chenzhou down, was almost completely wiped out, effectively extinct; Zhu Datianwang of the Yangtze River waterway was skinned alive, and all his top subordinates died tragically, his power crumbling and his followers scattering.

Even righteous sects like Shaolin and Wudang suffered heavy losses, with a large number of their elite troops killed.

With so many masters dead, the martial arts world entered a period of decline, no longer able to contend for supremacy.

As mentioned earlier, with war raging across the land and the imperial court losing both face and substance, martial arts practitioners have had the opportunity to grow wildly.

The turmoil of the past few decades has caused various martial arts factions to expand to their limits. The Power Gang, the Yangtze River Waterway, Shaolin, Wudang, and the Blood River Sect have all shown signs of establishing their own territories and becoming independent kingdoms.

If the original plot is followed, even ten years later, a situation will emerge where Gongzi Xiang, Murong Bu Shi, and Ouyang Du are the three dominant forces, while ten overlords divide the world.

However, after last night's "Three villains wreaked havoc in Lin'an Prefecture", all the wild grass that had been growing wildly was cut down cleanly.

Instead, it allowed Emperor Xiaozong, who succeeded to the throne, to quickly reclaim power and rebuild his authority on the "white ground".

Meanwhile, news of the death of the Song emperor reached the capital of the Jin dynasty.

Upon receiving such joyous news, Emperor Wanyan Liang of the Jin Dynasty, despite being thoroughly defeated by Yue Fei, couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Before the laughter had subsided, a loud braying of a donkey suddenly rang out, and the main hall seemed to be struck by thunder.

Immediately afterwards, the brick wall exploded, and the shattered rocks flew in all directions like arrows.

A donkey cart came hurtling in.

Wanyan Liang cried out in horror: "The blood-stained donkey cart!"

That night, Wanyan Liang died, and almost all the civil and military officials in the court were killed or wounded.

The palace was engulfed in flames, turning half the sky crimson, a sight clearly visible from miles away.

This caused chaos among the Jin army.

Several more days passed.

The imperial court dispatched Liang Dou to deliver the imperial edict.

In the imperial edict, Emperor Xiaozong affirmed Yue Fei's achievements, praised Xiao Qiushui and others for their patriotism, and encouraged Yue Fei to lead his troops straight to the enemy's capital, vowing not to return until the enemy was defeated!

The morale of Yue Fei's army soared. Seeing that the time was right, Yue Fei immediately ordered the army to set off and advance deep into the heart of the Jin territory. Their momentum was unstoppable.

In just half a month, they had already reached Huining, the capital of the Jin Dynasty.

At the height of the Northern Expedition.

Emperor Xiaozong also began to demonstrate his skill as a wise ruler.

In addition to rectifying the martial arts world in the Central Plains and cracking down on those who try to win over others, the government also granted a general amnesty, exempted people from taxes for three years, encouraged displaced people to settle down and cultivate wasteland with generous rewards, and rewarded those who exposed corrupt officials.

Under the pretext of eliminating the power clique and the remnants of the Yangtze River waterway, he instructed Yang Yizhong to begin taking down those corrupt officials one by one.

No one knows what kind of magical ability Yang Yizhong has, but these corrupt officials, treacherous ministers and greedy officials tremble with fear at his sight, and when questioned by him, they confess all the evil deeds they have done, daring not to hide anything.

When Yang Yizhong went to these officials' residences to search and confiscate their property, the amount of gold and silver he found was beyond measure.

In just seven days, more than a dozen high-ranking officials were brought down, and the gold and silver treasures confiscated were piled up like mountains, estimated to be worth more than several million taels.

In addition, the value of the various industries, including land, real estate, salt, iron, mines, and antiques and paintings, is even more immeasurable.

It was precisely because Yang Yizhong was so ruthless in his acquisition of wealth.

The court officials were furious and began to call him "Yang the Skinflint" and "Yang the Big-Eyed."

Meanwhile, memorials requesting the execution of Yang Yizhong flooded the palace like snowflakes.

royal palace.

Inside the Qinzheng Hall.

It was early morning.

"Haha, it's Yang Yizhong again, beheading him!" A charming laugh rang out.

The little beggar, dressed in a bright red round-necked robe and wearing a turban, sat behind his desk, holding a book of memorials and beaming with delight.

"There's nothing he can do, that's what he does."

A clear voice rang out as Ren Shaoyang lay back in a rocking chair, holding a wine jug, and chuckled lazily, “Black gloves, white gloves, accumulating wealth, killing, and creating terror—these are all Master Yang’s specialties.”

"That's true. Zhao Shen made a fortune quietly, gaining both face and substance, while Yang Yizhong took the blame."

"Believe it or not, if one day there were no more memorials requesting the execution of Yang Yizhong, Lord Yang would be filled with fear."

"Ha ha!"

The little beggar laughed and nodded repeatedly: "That's right!"

Ren Shaoyang took a sip of his drink and glanced at her: "Little beggar, how did you manage to persuade Zhao Shen?"

Hongxiu looked up, blinked rapidly twice, and smiled, "It's nothing. I really liked the story you told about Zhao Jiu. So I summarized his personality and life and gradually instilled it into Zhao Shen."

"No wonder! This kid's style of doing things gives off a tough, manly vibe."

"I've read the History of the Song Dynasty, okay? We finally managed to change the original tragedy, how can we let everything go back to the way it was?"

"Yes, the fruits of victory cannot be stolen."

Just as Ren Shaoyang and Hongxiu were chatting.

Ding'an, standing to the side, didn't know whether to sit or stand.

He doesn't understand antiques, he doesn't understand calligraphy and paintings, and he doesn't even want to copy the thick stack of yellowed ancient books on his bookshelf.

He finally found a thin jade fan, and his hand, unable to resist the urge to pick it up and play with it, discovered that it was indeed "brittle jade." After only a few touches, he lifted it and heard a soft "crack." A cold sweat broke out on Ding'an's forehead. He forced himself to remain calm and put it back in its original place, as if it had never been moved.

He shrank back into his seat.

After a while, he turned his head and stared blankly at his empty right arm, with only the midge tongue and the spider silk jingling beside him.

Suddenly, I felt like crying but had no tears left.

This steel arm was personally crafted by him over three years and has been with him for a long time; it is arguably the prosthetic arm he has the most affection for.

Now, not only is the prosthetic arm damaged, but even the dagger inside is broken.

Ding'an was truly heartbroken. He sighed and walked to the window, looking out.

The palace is located in a courtyard, which has been there for many years. There is a large locust tree in the courtyard, whose shade covers most of the courtyard.

Influenced by Shao Yang and the little beggar's "heartbeat", the surroundings were quiet and there was no one around. Only the lantern hanging under the corridor swayed occasionally, and the shadows in the whole courtyard moved with it.

The lamplight flickered across the three faces, revealing expressions ranging from cool and clear to delicate and charming to dejected, like a vivid painting.

Ding'an has been unhappy these days, not only because of the damage to the prosthetic arm, but also because of the countless deaths caused by the "raging fire that burned the city".

All of this left Ding'an feeling not only frustrated but also deeply shaken.

"Oh dear, you've lost your hand and instead of hanging yourself, you're indulging in sentimental lamentations?"

The little beggar came running over with his hands behind his back, peeking out and laughing.

"Although the imperial court's rescue and compensation satisfied the people of Xicheng, I was still the one who caused the deaths of so many people."

"But if you don't draw your sword, you will die."

"I know, that's it."

Ren Shaoyang walked over with his hands behind his back, saying as he went, "It's not your fault!"

"what?"

"You were poisoned by the Power Gang, and then lured into a madness by the 'Five-Star Poison Gas,' which is why you unleashed 'Burning City in Flames.' If you have to blame someone, blame those cowards in the Power Gang!"

Ding An was so shocked that her eyebrows twitched: "Is this even possible?"

Ren Shaoyang said seriously, "Instead of wasting your own time, you might as well torment others."

"But I just feel like I've let down those people who died."

"The compensation has been paid in full, and Hongxiu, through Zhao Shen, issued a sincere edict of self-reproach. So, everyone is satisfied except you?"

"This"

"If you still feel guilty, why don't you go to the ruins of the western city and commit seppuku?"

"no, do not want."

Upon hearing this, Ding'an was so frightened that a chill ran down his spine and he waved his hands repeatedly.

Ren Shaoyang shook his head and said, "Once the knife is drawn, there's no going back. If you're not ruthless enough, how will you survive?"

Ding'an remained silent for a long time.

Just as the scene fell silent, a knock sounded on the door.

Then a fair-skinned eunuch walked in carrying a food box.

Hongxiu sat behind the desk and asked with a smile, "Little Guizi, what are you having for breakfast this morning?"

Xiao Guizi's eyes were blank, but he spoke with a strong Jiangzhe accent: "Eat salty soy milk."

Salty soy milk is a type of salty soy milk seasoned with soy sauce. It is often served with staple foods and is very popular in the Jiangnan region.

Hongxiu blinked her big eyes: "This thing can taste good?"

"You've got the savory tartare you're looking for! It's so easy to slice!"

Ren Shaoyang covered his mouth and chuckled to himself.

Hongxiu curiously came down to look, and saw Xiaoguizi open the food box.

Inside were several large bowls, one of which contained chopped pickled vegetables, seaweed, scallions, soy sauce, salt, and vinegar.

Then, taking another large bowl, he poured soy milk into it.

Wow!
The steaming hot soy milk poured into the bowl, filling the air with its aroma.

Although Xiao Guizi's eyes were blank, he picked up another bowl, which contained broken white steamed buns, and poured them in as well.

And just like that, a bowl of savory soy milk is ready!

"Wuhu!"

Seeing this, Hongxiu cheered and jumped over; she had been drooling over the aroma for a long time.

Xiao Guizi smiled, bowed, backed out the door, and turned to leave.

When he reached a passageway, he suddenly shivered, slapped the back of his head, and muttered, "Ugh, why do I always end up here?"

Hongxiu, holding the salted milk, smiled broadly and glanced at Ren Shaoyang: "Would you like to try some?"

"No! Salty rice cakes and meat dumplings are both heretical!"

"Bullshit!"

Hongxiu ignored it and took a big gulp from the bowl.

He walked up behind Ding An with a blank expression and nudged him.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Ding'an asked.

Hongxiu handed him the salty sauce, saying, "The salty tartare is so easy to cut!"

"It is true?"

Ding'an had no suspicions and downed the bowl in one gulp.

After a long while, he slowly put down his bowl and looked at the two people who were secretly laughing with a worried expression.

Feeling nauseous but unwilling to waste the food, he swallowed it with difficulty, then burst into a tirade:
"You damn coward!"

(End of this chapter)