Wan Jian returns to his clan!

Chapter 143 Unfulfilled Ambition, A Thousand Layers of Azure Waves

Peeking through the crack in the corner of the military tent, one could see two people inside, exchanging toasts.

A man sat imposingly in the main seat, his long face cold and his eyes like an eagle's. Behind him stood a twelve-foot-long red spear. It was none other than Commander Li Feiying.

The other man, dressed in a light robe and loose belt, was a scholar. He had a thin face, narrow eyes, and spoke slowly while stroking his beard and holding a cup. He had a refined and scholarly air about him.

If he had a goose feather fan in his hand, he would be seven or eight parts like someone in the story.

This is the kind of approach that persuades and strategists to turn an enemy general against his cause.

Lu Wubing also recognized this person.

During the Three Sects Grand Competition, he sat with those masters and elders, witnessing the Tianxing Sect disciples compete in swordsmanship and finally determine the young sect leader.

When Senior Sister Xiaolan introduced the people on the stage, she mentioned that this person was a representative of the Ziyang Sect who came to witness the event. He was one of the ten elder-level experts of Ziyang, known as the "Ten Suns of Burning the Sky".

Also known as the "Green Wood Sword," his name is Li Changsheng. He is a man of great wisdom and resourcefulness, with exquisite swordsmanship, and his reputation surpasses that of Li Feiying and Shen Liancheng.

I "saw" this person again, this time in Mingyang City.

That day, Lu Wubing followed the carriage of the second steward of the Zhao family, the prefect, to a residence in the south of the city...

I only caught a quick glance and saw that the person was having a banquet with others inside the house, with only half of his face visible.

Before Lu Wubing could even get close, this man swung his wine glass, which hit a hidden tree.

The porcelain wine cup pierced through the tree with a powerful and intense force that was awe-inspiring.

Given Lu Wubing's cultivation and martial arts skills at the time, he naturally did not want to associate with such an unknown person of the upper third rank, so he quietly slipped away beforehand.

Lu Wubing could hear the commotion when he was about ten zhang away.

Now, standing quietly only two or three zhang away, the people inside the house seem oblivious to everything.

This also demonstrates the rapid progress he has made in his hidden skills.

As one's cultivation level increases, the effectiveness of the [Pine and Crane Guide] also rises accordingly.

Apart from these two.

On one side of the long table, there was a burly man over two meters tall, wearing a helmet and armor, pouring wine with a smile on his face.

This man had a square face, large eyes, and a dignified and respectful demeanor, with a slight smile on his lips; he was none other than Yu Qingshan.

The fierce and arrogant giant I saw on the dueling platform that day seemed to have lost all his arrogance, and his eyes and brows were full of submissiveness.

It's unclear whether it was because that battle dealt him such a heavy blow that he came to a realization about certain things.

Or is it because this person was born with two faces?

Inside the tent, Li Changsheng continued to speak eloquently, "Junior brother, I really don't want to engage in such underhanded acts of fratricide, but unfortunately, in recent years, the Tianxing Sect has become so incompetent."

Senior Brother Ouyang is upright and rigid, and also short-sighted. He has managed the great Three Divine Peaks in a mess.

Normally it would be fine; my senior brother Bi Ziyang is magnanimous and will help if he can, it's no big deal.

Unfortunately, this person was clearly incompetent, yet he clung to power and position... to the point that even powerful figures like Senior Brother Li and Senior Brother Shen were driven to alienation.

Don't laugh at me, Senior Brother Li, but in my opinion, if things continue like this, it won't be long before the entire Tianxing Sect sinks along with the broken ship that is Dali, allowing the Northern Zhou barbarians to advance unimpeded.

We were born and raised here. No matter how much we resent the Ji family dynasty, we refuse to be ruled by barbarians, to become pigs and sheep, to be wantonly bullied and slaughtered…

"Ji Jiufeng is truly hateful, utterly incompetent and foolish."

Li Feiying also slammed his hand on the table, causing cups and plates to jump. His face flushed red, clearly feeling extremely frustrated by his unfulfilled ambitions and years of being relegated to a lowly position.

With his abilities, he could easily become a brigade commander, guerrilla general, or even a regional commander-in-chief.

However, life is often unsatisfactory, and he remained in the position of garrison commander for nearly twenty years without any promotion.

No matter how much merit or how well you do things, you are always suppressed by others.

Meanwhile, Wen Fangping of Yinshan Guard, who was camped not far away, was only a fourth-rank expert, yet he was on the same level as himself, a second-rank expert.

They are completely impolite when we meet, always making sarcastic and sarcastic remarks...

Unfortunately, I can't even retaliate.

Not only because the other party came from the Ziyang Sect and was a disciple personally taught by an elder, but also because they were not to be trifled with.

Furthermore, since they are both soldiers of the imperial court, they must not attack each other privately.

What's most upsetting is that news came out recently that the guy is about to be transferred back to Shanyin City to serve as the deputy commander-in-chief, a promotion of three ranks. I wonder where he made his contribution.
"That's right. Ji Jiufeng is a mean and ungrateful person. In recent years, she has gone mad and her actions have become even more absurd."

Sending the princess, whom they considered a precious treasure, to the Northern Zhou for a marriage alliance was truly incompetent. Then, secretly bringing her back with the intention of passing the throne to her was utterly ridiculous.

Now, many officials in the court are remonstrating with their lives, and more than a dozen officials have already shed their blood on the imperial steps...

The soldiers and generals from all directions were increasingly alienated... Even the Mingfeng Pavilion spread the word that this woman must not be allowed to ascend to the throne.

What hope is there for such an emperor and such a court?

As Li Changsheng spoke, a look of compassion appeared on his face, and his voice was deep and somber: "Whether the Great Li Dynasty perishes or not is really none of our business in the martial world. It's just a pity that so many ordinary people have suffered such a great calamity, and we don't know how many of them will survive in the end."

I urge Senior Brother Li to join me, Ziyang, in choosing another wise ruler. We must resist the Northern Zhou's advance from the outside, and defend against the demonic sect's invasion from within, protecting this southeastern half of the land. This time, we act not for personal gain, but for the greater good.

“Junior Brother Li, you flatter me. I am not worthy of such a heavy responsibility. As long as Senior Brother Bi gives the order, I will spare no effort to give up my thousand-plus soldiers.”

"No, the troops are a minor matter; Tianxing Peak is the real issue."

As the ancients said, only when the name is correct can the words be spoken properly.

If the Tianxing Sect cannot be brought under its control, even Senior Brother Bi will not receive much attention from Prince Gong.

Furthermore, only by uniting the three peaks and fully absorbing the classics of the three lineages can one help Senior Brother Bi advance further.

"With one sword to pacify the southeast and recapture three cities, then march north, and the great undertaking will be accomplished."

"Of course, if this matter succeeds, the position of Commander-in-Chief of Mingyang will undoubtedly belong to Senior Brother Li."

There's no need to worry about money or provisions; simply recruit soldiers, and rewards will be given for meritorious service in the future.

"I wonder if Junior Brother Li's suggestion originated from the Prince Gong's Mansion or the Ziyang Sect?"

"Senior Brother Bi has already gathered the wandering martial artists on behalf of the Prince's Mansion and is lobbying various sects and factions. Where the order is issued, and what does it matter?"

Li Changsheng's voice was low and deep, like the devil's temptation.

"Actually, Senior Brother Li doesn't need to do too much. As long as we lure Lu Wubing out this time and kill him on the spot, and kill as many of his close disciples as possible, the Wangtianya lineage will naturally lose hope and have no choice but to surrender."

I know that Senior Brother Li's concern about the people in the ancestral cave on the peak taking action is completely unnecessary...

We three peaks are of one mind and share the same blood. We are not here to destroy their sect. The old man is almost in his grave, so why would he take action?

There's absolutely no need to worry about him getting in the way...

After it's done, as the peak master, my senior brother can offer fine wine and delicacies; that will be enough. We're all disciples and grand-disciples of the patriarch; what difference does it make who's in charge?

Li Feiying's heart pounded like a drum.

A decision could not be made immediately.

It's fine to secretly cooperate once or twice and get some benefits in secret.

To openly support the other side in destroying the sect would be to betray one's ancestors.

He didn't think that the other party would only ask him to lie in the shadows; they might even make him the vanguard in the attack on Tianxing Peak.

Filled with both longing and fear, Li Feiying took a deep breath, looked around, gritted his teeth, and was about to agree decisively.

Suddenly, I noticed a pair of clear, black and white eyes watching me quietly from around the corner of the tent, as if they were waiting for me to make a choice.

"who?"

Li Feiying was startled; this was no small matter.

He reached out and grabbed the twelve-foot-long red spear. Without even making a move to block it, the spear flashed and a point of cold light pierced the corner of the tent. He followed the spear.

The gun is like a dragon, the man is like a tiger.

Amidst the fluttering red shadows, dragons roared and tigers howled within the tent, and a strong wind arose.

No wonder he reacted so strongly.

Knowing that Li Changsheng of the Green Wood Sword was coming, he had already sent all his disciples and guards away, leaving only Yu Qingshan to serve him.

Things are accomplished in secrecy, and ruined by leaks.

Such confidential information, if even a single word is leaked, could ruin everything.

Around the main tent, a chicken and a dog were left, both showing disrespect to him as the commander.

But now, there's someone standing there, completely unconcerned.

In the narrow gap, illuminated by the lamplight, one could even make out the other person's cloud-walking boots and night clothes.

Of course, I also saw a veil covering her face and eyes that seemed to be smiling but not smiling.

A chill ran down Li Feiying's spine, like a snake crawling on his back, making him realize that the newcomer was no ordinary person.

Even though he could see the other person's figure, he still couldn't sense the slightest aura.

It seemed as if the figure standing three zhang away was a phantom, not a living person.

As Li Feiying thrust out his spear...

Yu Qingshan immediately focused his energy and concentration, golden ripples appeared on his body, and his size increased again... Blade light swirled around his body, he defended before attacking, and charged up for the next strike.

At the same time, Li Changsheng, along with his sword, transformed into a streak of cold light, retreating instead of advancing, tearing through the tent, and soaring diagonally into the high sky.

They actually wanted to leave without a fight.

"hehe."

A hoarse, soft laugh rang in the ears of all three at the same time.

Li Feiying's spear vibrated, and he felt the space in front of him extend infinitely. The figure he was about to thrust at had disappeared. He was no longer in front of the military tent, but rather on a vast expanse of blue waves.

Layer upon layer of endless, surging waves crashed down, and a premonition of being shattered to pieces rose in my heart.

"Sword Intent!"

Li Feiying was terrified. He swayed and used his spear to protect himself, turning into a blur of light and shadow as he crashed backward.

At that moment, he couldn't tell where the enemy was...

I felt a chilling glint in my eyes, the waves crashing against the shore like thunder, and a sharp gust of wind piercing my throat.

Startled, he quickly changed his move, using the momentum to fly back.

Snapped……

He managed to retreat in time, but he still felt a sharp pain in his chest. His steel armor cracked open like a spider web, and the sword pierced through his chest as if penetrating rotten soil.

A trail of blood splattered up.

His body spun and flew out.

"Father..."

Yu Qingshan let out a mournful roar.

At this moment, the broadsword had already gathered its power. Amidst the shimmering golden light, it spun and plunged into the shimmering blue waves, accompanied by a whirlwind.

Suddenly, the tent went dark.

The candlelight seemed to have been completely absorbed by the man and his sword.

The surroundings were completely empty; even the sound seemed to have vanished...

Yu Qingshan's spinning body paused involuntarily.

Immediately afterward, his vision blurred, and he lost sight of the masked man in black, let alone being able to attack his vitals.

He was about to turn his sword around and defend himself.

A sword light suddenly appeared three feet in front of him.

The sword light came into view and immediately transformed into towering waves.

boom……

The immense force struck Yu Qingshan squarely in the chest and abdomen.

A series of loud cracking sounds rang out.

His imposing body, standing at a height of 2.12 meters, was cleaved like a ball by a single sword strike, its tendons and bones broken, and he flew backward more than ten feet.

They were heavily fortified in the military camp.

A commotion arose from all sides.

The entire military camp began to stir, torches were lit, and figures leaped about.

"A thousand waves surge, a single strike cleaves through them..."

Li Changsheng, who flew backward and skimmed through the air, only sighed and did not fly backward any further.

Instead, it landed on the top of a military tent, its longsword slashing diagonally left and right, leaving behind streaks of golden light, like countless branches sprouting from a tree.

In a flash, he also figured out the type of swordsmanship the newcomer used.

The Donghai Azure Wave Sword Technique was renowned far and wide, having established a formidable reputation in Donghai County. Its Seven-Turn Wild Waves technique had rendered heroes from all directions helpless.

It can be described as an extremely profound sword technique.

In particular, the black-clad, masked man before them was surrounded by shimmering light and shadow.

When the sword was drawn, the air distorted, making it difficult to see clearly. In the dim light, one could even sense the rising water vapor around them, making one almost wonder if they were not on land, but standing in the middle of a vast ocean.

In this situation, it is clear that the opponent is already a master of sword intent.

Moreover, the sword intent affected the surrounding environment, causing slight changes.

This is not even the initial understanding of the true meaning of innate martial arts; in fact, he has already come quite a distance in the realm of sword intent.

"What merit or ability do I possess to warrant an assassination attempt by a master of innate sword intent? Senior, there is no need for you to hide your true identity."

Many may be able to learn the Azure Wave Sword Technique, but only one has reached this level. Doesn't the senior brother, Ziyang Bi, worry that he'll come knocking and wipe out your entire East Sea sect?

Li Changsheng had only escaped twenty zhang away when he felt a sword intent locking onto his heart, his blood and qi becoming slightly stiff and cold, and his internal energy circulation becoming sluggish.

Knowing there was no escaping it any longer.

Under the lock of sword intent, the energy rises and falls, and if one cannot break free, one will not only be unable to escape quickly.

Even the direction of escape might be wrong.

You might run outwards but end up in front of the other person instead.

At this point, the only option is to fight to the death and give it your all; perhaps then you can make the opponent think twice.

"Wasn't the entire Donghai clan already wiped out?"

The masked man in black chuckled, his voice indifferent and aged. Even though he was still far away, his figure suddenly blurred.

Like a monster that is both fish and bird leaping into the air amidst the waves, its thunderous roar obscures the starry sky.

The fish tail swung down with a whoosh, tearing open spiderweb-like paths in the surrounding space.

"not good."

Li Changsheng knew that he was being invaded by illusions, his mind was confused, and he could no longer distinguish between reality and illusion.

Although the opponent's sword intent was not materialized, it still possessed a tenacious and vast quality.

He bit his tongue, and a mouthful of blood spurted out.

Suddenly everything became clear.

The sword slices through the setting sun, as the golden crow sinks in the west.

hum...

The countless threads of sword light, expanding and contracting, quickly coalesced into a circle, locking the descending sword light firmly in place.

Dragging diagonally downwards...

Once he unleashed that sword strike, he no longer harbored any illusions.

Knowing that the other party's swordsmanship was superb and not just for show, he realized that the other party was not just a show-off.

That sword strike was like a giant Kun emerging from the water, with immense power.

His own ultimate move, the entanglement technique with the mulberry wood sword, was completely unmoved... When he tried to strike, it was as if he were trapped in an underwater whirlpool, making it difficult to exert his strength.

'In the end, he was still invaded by the sword intent, planting the seed of defeat in his heart.'

Li Changsheng was well-informed and understood the situation perfectly.

At this moment, he had no intention of fighting anymore. He forcefully pulled the sword away from his shoulder, ignoring the blood flowing down his shoulder.

With a swift movement, he landed on the ground, darted into the tent below, and blended in among the ordinary soldiers.

At the same time, he shouted loudly, "A powerful enemy is attacking! Quickly gather and surround them to kill them!"

It's impossible to kill them by surrounding them.

Against a master of innate talent, one can only resist by forming a battle formation beforehand.

As things stand, everyone is fast asleep in their tents. Even if they pick up weapons, they can't tell which way to go. By the time they rush out with their weapons, it will be too late.

He only hoped that the patrolling soldiers would respond in time.

Of course, there are some outstanding disciples of Menghu'ao who might be able to catch up.

If I just stop them, I can escape...

In fact, Li Changsheng's expectations were too optimistic.

Lu Wubing slashed down with his sword, dragging the sword behind him, his body half-spinning, and he also landed and charged forward.

The sword light rippled through the waves, swaying left and right like a winding dragon.

A sword thrust out.

The tent in front of them split in two and flew up to the left and right. At the same time, more than ten soldiers coughed up blood and were thrown to the sides.

A flash of cold light, and suddenly accelerated.

puff……

It had already covered a distance of five zhang and pierced Li Changsheng's heart.

"Your ambitions remain unfulfilled, your ambitions remain unfulfilled..."

Li Changsheng's face was deathly pale as he stared intently at Lu Wubing.

Only when they got very close did they realize that the other person had long, sword-like eyebrows and clear, watery eyes. The corners and eyelids of their eyes were as smooth as jade, and there were even fine downy hairs, making them look extremely young and innocent.

"It's easy to leave without seeing him off."

Lu Wubing chuckled softly.

He knew the other person had recognized him.

Whether you recognize it or not is actually irrelevant.

However, when doing bad things, you can't just openly flaunt your true self; you have to have some sense of ritual and pretend to be someone else.

In this way, even if there are still eyewitnesses, it is quite difficult for them to testify.

As long as you vehemently deny it, no one can morally condemn you.

Whether or not one is fully aware of it is not important at all.

"laugh……"

A fiery red firework signal arrow rose into the sky.

It appeared as a narrow, sharp sword in the night sky, and the Yuanxi Thousand-Household Garrison camp had now fully awakened.

Hundreds or even thousands of soldiers frantically gathered towards the central command tent.

Despite the pain from the sword piercing his chest, Li Feiying stood up unsteadily.

Yu Qingshan, standing beside him, was even more resilient.

Despite having seven or eight broken bones in his ribcage, he was still able to stand up straight.

Holding a steel-tipped spear in his hand, he stood in a corner with Li Feiying, both spears raised side by side.

One figure is tilted towards the sky, while another touches the ground slightly.

Although their fighting spirit had not waned, the desperate determination in their eyes to fight to the death was still deeply moving.

Blood gushed from Yu Qingshan's mouth, but he forced himself to say, "The one who came was Senior Gu Qingyun from the East Sea. As the saying goes, every wrong has its perpetrator and every debt its debtor. When Sect Leader Gu died outside Mingyang City, it was not our doing."

My Tianxing Sect is now surrounded by enemies on all sides. How could we be so unwise as to create more formidable enemies?
On the contrary, since Master Gu Dongting came to Mingyang City, my godfather had shared drinks and talked with him all night long. How could he possibly have harmed him?
If Senior Gu doesn't want his loved ones to suffer while his enemies rejoice, he might as well hold off on taking action...

With over a thousand men in the Yuanxi Thousand-Household Garrison and the influence of the Tianxing Sect in Mingyang City, finding the real culprit shouldn't be difficult..."

"Crack!"

Lu Wubing sneered, not listening to what he was saying.

If it weren't for the fact that this guy hadn't betrayed him and pinned the blame on the Tianxing Sect, he would have killed him with a single sword strike.

However, this argument is still despicable.

Everyone knows that Gu Dongting was plotting to seize the Lu family's sword manual. In the battle at the city gate, he even had his wrist severed by his master's wife's Seven Kill Sword and fled with serious injuries.

You can find out about this by asking around.

Therefore, Yu Qingshan's words were still an attempt to build relationships and clear himself of suspicion.

He didn't directly reveal the killer's name, firstly because it wouldn't be believable; and secondly because he wanted to keep the information confidential.

If I really am Gu Qingyun, in this unfamiliar place, I really need a local bigwig to handle things.

Therefore, it can be said that Yu Qingshan didn't have any good intentions either.

It’s time to hit.

Lu Wubing moved swiftly and appeared in front of Yu Qingshan.

The sword light rose again, and the misty night fog transformed into azure waves, crashing into the hearts of the master, disciple, father, and son.

Sword intent is just that unreasonable.

Since obtaining the "True Intent of Azure Waves," Lu Wubing has pondered it every day and gained considerable insights.

At the beginning, I didn't understand much.

Until he mastered the [Flowing Light Sword Intent], he naturally gained a basic understanding of the Azure Wave Sword Intent as well...

At this moment, when wielding the Azure Wave Sword, he was versed in all sorts of wondrous and mysterious techniques, possessing a profound understanding of their essence.

As soon as the sword light appeared, it transformed into a thousand layers of blue waves, with boundless hidden power.

Li Feiying and Yu Qingshan raised their guns to parry, thrust, and stab, unleashing hundreds and thousands of sharp points.

Stirred by the sword light before him, all his strength vanished, his energy leaked out wildly, and he lost his balance.

Bang bang...

Two sword lights slashed down like a torrent.

The steel spears and red-tasseled lances suddenly shot into the sky before they could react.

I felt a sharp pain in my chest at the same time.

One person was cut open from left to right, and another from right to left, with a deep, long gash in their chest and abdomen.

This sword contains the power of azure waves; it appears soft and silent, yet it is heavy and ruthless.

The two men were slashed and sent flying back, their blood splattering. Even in mid-air, their vital energy was severed and their internal strength dissipated.

He fell heavily to the ground, his whole body convulsing, unable to get up...

If the two hadn't cultivated the Glazed Body technique, making them extremely resilient, they would have been cleaved into four pieces long ago.

Even if he didn't die, Li Feiying was already filled with despair... A feeling of being utterly humiliated was stuck in his chest, making him extremely uncomfortable.

What is this thing called?

They even talked about royal power and wealth, and about precepts and rules.

Screw your ambitions...

This world is too treacherous.

Does being weak mean you deserve to die?

Suddenly, a veteran innate expert appeared out of nowhere and attacked them.

They were clearly wronged beyond belief, but even if they cried out for justice, who would listen?

He turned his head to look at Yu Qingshan.

The adopted son, on whom they had placed so much hope, was now beaten until his eyes were glazed over, and he was on the verge of a mental breakdown.

One sword breaks bones, two swords pierce the chest.

After only a few moves, he was already powerless to fight back, like a dead fish on a chopping board, at the mercy of others.

Looking back, our vision for the future and our disdain and betrayal of the sect seem like a joke now...

"Without the Heavenly Star Sect, you are nothing!"

Lu Wubing sneered.

Then I heard the chirping of night birds.

That was the secret code that Senior Sister Xiaolan had agreed upon.

Even from a great distance, its clear sound still reached my ears.

A master has arrived.

Just right.

If I don't get there soon, I won't be able to continue this charade.

Lu Wubing sensed the vast and powerful energy from the south, rumbling and surging towards him like a bulldozer...

The corners of his mouth, hidden by the black cloth, involuntarily curled up slightly.

"Sect Leader, I want to see if your sword intent has truly taken shape yet?"

……

(End of this chapter)