Wan Jian returns to his clan!

Chapter 190 Three Paths, Righteousness and Justification

After the bandit leader was killed, the ordinary demonic disciples of the Ten Thousand Beasts Hall in the city were no match for him.

In less than half an hour, they were completely wiped out by the swords of the elite disciples of the Tianxing Sect and Mingyue Sect.

The murderous intent in Fifth Senior Brother Zheng Yuanbin's eyes had not yet subsided, but his spirits were excellent. He rushed over and said with lingering enthusiasm, "Young Master, should we head to Mirror Lake immediately? We just got some information from the interrogation, except for [Wenxiangjun] who is currently missing."

The remaining Old Demon She and Old Demon Gu gathered together. The Myriad Beasts Exterminating Heaven Formation was essentially broken.

【Wenxiangjun】 refers to the dog among the twelve fierce beasts. This demon is an outlier among the twelve demons, not because he is a kind person or gentleman. This guy is just as ferocious and ruthless, killing without restraint. This is a characteristic of the demonic sect.

The reason it is considered unusual is that although this dog demon's cultivation level is only third grade and its combat strength is not very strong, it has specially cultivated its five senses to be extremely sharp.

Especially the nose.

I don't know where he learned the "Scent Classic," but it is said that he can distinguish 4,800 different scents.

Even from dozens of miles away, one can detect something amiss just by sniffing the air.

The danger was still far away, and he had already fled without a trace.

Therefore, this demon has the lowest cultivation level and is also the most difficult to kill.

Its sense of danger is exceptionally strong.

Of course, its destructive power isn't that great either.

The so-called "Ten Thousand Beasts Exterminating Heaven Formation" actually mainly refers to the Green Snake King and the Rat King...

This king is not that kind of king; he is not a top-level master like the Eight Kings of the World, but rather someone who gathers a group of ferocious beasts and declares himself king.

Although this title of "King" is largely fabricated, it is recognized by the people within the Hall of Ten Thousand Beasts.

The Snake King can command ten thousand snakes, and the Rat King's summons will mobilize rats from all over the mountains. Furthermore, these two are skilled in using poison and can spread disease, making them truly terrifying.

This time, the Ten Thousand Beasts Hall came with great force, attempting to seize control of the Bright Moon Sect and the Heavenly Star Sect with just the strength of one hall, mainly relying on their unique methods.

Now that the Rat King has been killed, the remaining Snake King is left to fend for himself.

Even with the assistance of Dragon King Gu Chen, they were blocked on Mirror Lake and unable to break into the Bright Moon Sect.

That's the situation.

Only three of the twelve ferocious beasts remain. As long as the Green Serpent King is defeated, this danger will be completely over.

As for the Dog King, kill him if you can; take his dog's head if you encounter him. If you really can't find him, then so be it.

Fifth Senior Brother Zheng Yuanbin seemed to have had some kind of fighting spirit awakened in his blood. He was now eagerly volunteering for battle, fearing that Lu Wubing would not take him with him in the final battle.

He also realized that by following this junior brother [Young Sect Leader], not only were there no worries about the future, but he could also make progress at any time.

Whenever he encountered a bottleneck in his cultivation, his junior brother could pinpoint the key with just a glance. It was as if no problem in this world could stump him.

Zheng Yuanbin even had a rather disrespectful thought: he felt that even his master, Ouyang Zheng, seemed to be far inferior to his junior brother.

Even if someone were whipping him, he wouldn't want to stay behind alone on a mission at this time.

I only wish to follow the young sect leader.

"What about those ferocious beasts in the mountains and fields?"

“They were all killed. Junior Sister Shen personally inspected them; none of them were infected with the disease, so they are safe to eat. However…”

“You may find it unpalatable, but the remaining people in the city certainly don’t. In fact, they might even be eager to eat more of the wild beast’s flesh. Let’s share it.”

"Yes, the young sect leader truly cares for the people. Now that this calamity is over, everyone in the city will be grateful for the young sect leader's kindness..."

"Why should I ask them to be grateful? I just want peace of mind."

Lu Wubing waved his hand, "Fifth Senior Brother, you should first assist Senior Sister Shen in handling the affairs in the city. Burn what needs to be burned, and appease and clean up what needs to be cleaned up. Organize manpower as soon as possible. You only have one hour to arrange things."

"Yes……"

Jung Won-bin turned and left with a smug look on his face.

This means that he agreed to lead them in attacking the Green Serpent King's army of ten thousand serpents.

"Uncle-Master Guanghan."

In the blink of an eye, Lu Wubing saw that the Moon Fairy Ji Changge was standing on a square rock, her brows slightly furrowed as she looked at the busy crowd in the city, her expression sometimes angry and sometimes sad.

"Is it because they are angry at the incompetent and slow-reacting military administration of the southeastern garrison?"

Lu Wubing asked softly.

Ji Changge curled his lips slightly, revealing a hint of self-mockery, and shook his head: "I am just a wandering martial artist who has taken refuge in the Bright Moon Sect."

What do matters of governing the people, managing water conservancy and agriculture, and defending against bandits have to do with me?
It's just that seeing these people suffering so much makes me sigh at the injustice of heaven and earth..."

"Uncle, you are mistaken. It is not that Heaven and Earth are unkind. In my opinion, Heaven is the most compassionate and fair, nurturing all living beings."

Humanity, however, prioritizes self-interest; what is called a natural disaster is actually a man-made one.

The Taoists of this world also emphasize "following the will of Heaven and responding to human needs," taking all circumstances as a matter of course.

They believed that all the troubles and suffering in the world were predetermined by Heaven and Earth.

Lu Wubing, however, did not think so.

He felt that everything was man-made.

Just like the current minor drought and not-so-major flood, they have caused widespread famine. Ultimately, it's not the fault of natural disasters, but rather something we create ourselves.

The government is inaction.

The powerful and wealthy are interfering in other people's affairs...

Even worse, many ambitious individuals secretly fueled the flames, not only failing to provide aid during this natural disaster but also instigating war and causing widespread suffering among the people.

Compared to the later dynasties where help came from all sides when one side was in trouble, it can only be said that the destruction of this dynasty was not unjust.

But even if the Great Li Dynasty is destined to perish, it shouldn't be destroyed by the Northern Zhou.

The news that Lu Wubing heard indicated that...

The situation was even worse for the Great Zhou Dynasty to the north.

Most ordinary people were treated like sheep, with no status whatsoever, and were reduced to mere food. Can you believe it?

In this situation, there's no point in talking about the way of Heaven.

Of those who possess valuable and high-ranking property, eight out of ten deserve to die.

Of course, if it were people from this world, they wouldn't think there was anything wrong with it; they would just think that it has always been this way since ancient times.

Only by standing at the very beginning of history can we see that the world can actually be quite different.

"Do you have a solution if I'm not sick?"

"It's not that I have a way, it's that you, Uncle-Master, have a way."

After considering it for a moment, Lu Wubing decided to speak frankly.

Regardless of whether this Martial Aunt Guanghan is wary of her origins, using her princess status is actually the best solution at this time.

"Now our Tianxing Sect has received news that Prince Gong has quietly subdued many county officials in the southeast region, and has a large number of experts under his command. Moreover, he has been secretly building up his army over the past two years."

At this time, the Northern Zhou demonic sect is invading, and the Fierce Blood Cavalry is stationed at the border. Logically, this Southeast King should be the one to fight against the foreign enemy, but instead, he's sitting on the sidelines watching. I wonder what my martial uncle thinks?"

"It's not surprising at all. My fourth brother has always been extremely shrewd and never shows his emotions. His brothers and sisters are all wary of him. For a time, there was a lot of talk about my fourth brother, and he was considered a strong contender to ascend the throne."

However, after the Battle of Tianxing Demon Subduing, the situation changed drastically. His Ninth Brother forced him to go to the southeast to take up his fiefdom, no longer remaining in the capital. Over the years, although there has been no movement, he hasn't truly submitted wholeheartedly. Not only do I know this, but the one in Weijing knows it too.

Ji Changge remained calm, seemingly having seen through some of Lu Wubing's thoughts.

“His intentions are easy to understand; he just wants to take advantage of the chaos. He’s been waiting for this opportunity for thirty years… We can’t beat him.”

Lu Wubing shook his head: "There's no need to fight Prince Gong, there's absolutely no need to fight him. Uncle-Master, have you ever considered that the Northern Zhou's southward march wasn't limited to just going through Liyang and Mingyang, down the Luo River?"

"You mean the other two routes? Bazhen Port and Tianzhu Pass?" "That's right. Whether it's the 800-mile sea route of Bazhen Port or the 1,000-mile plain of Tianzhu Pass, both are suitable for large armies to advance and can directly attack Weijing City. But why doesn't the Northern Zhou Demonic Sect attack and plunder these two strategic passes instead of going head-to-head with our two sects?"

“The Eight Pearl Port is guarded by 100,000 Zhenhai soldiers, and Fourth Brother has been operating there for many years. Even if the Demonic Sect were to send all its forces there, they would inevitably suffer heavy casualties. Therefore, they will not take it.”

Furthermore, Mount Lantuo below Tianzhu Pass is the ancestral home of Zen Buddhism, not only boasting the Dafan Temple but also hundreds of other monasteries, numerous skilled warriors, and a large number of monk soldiers, making an attack extremely difficult. By all accounts, taking our route is far easier.”

"Yes, it's simply that we've been underestimated. The Three Divine Peaks of yesteryear have fallen to their current state; such is the unpredictability of life. However..." Lu Wubing paused, his eyebrows slightly raised, a hint of disdain appearing in his eyes, and said in a deep voice:

"After this battle, all twelve ferocious beasts of the Ten Thousand Beasts Hall were killed, the Old Demon Lianhua of the Hehuan Hall was killed, the Southeast Garrison Commander of the Golden Scale Guard, the leader of the Pai Gang, and a large number of experts from the Ziyang Sect died. Even the most stubborn demon would have to think twice before trying to take advantage of our two sects."

If they encounter a sufficiently tough obstacle, they'll have no choice but to take a detour; it's simply a matter of whether it's worth it.

"With my junior brother in charge, we don't need to worry about being attacked by experts. However, our two sects are small in number, and it's not easy to interfere with the defenses of the cities and passes."

Ji Changge tilted her head and thought about it, but still felt that something was not right.

They couldn't guard the pass for others all the time. After all, the two sects were Taoist sects practicing seclusion and had no right to interfere in local affairs, let alone those armies.

When needed, they might come knocking on our door, but once the other party has ulterior motives or has other options, will they listen to our commands or not?

Certainly not.

Those are the imperial army; how could they possibly obey the commands of江湖人 (jianghu people)? It seems absurd.

How can a defense be adequate with only a few martial artists and no large number of low-level troops?
"In that case, we'll need our martial uncle to take action personally."

After much discussion, Lu Wubing finally uttered the most important sentence.

"As a martial uncle, and in the name of the eldest princess, is it perfectly legitimate for him to lead the troops of Liyang and Mingyang, and to govern and manage the military?"

"I...hehe, my nephew, you're joking."

"I was serious."

Lu Wubing said solemnly, "Even if you don't care about the Great Li Dynasty, you have to consider Princess Wenxiu. You have to buy her some time to accumulate some capital. Otherwise, she will be isolated and helpless. I'm afraid she will be harmed by villains before she can even settle down in Princess Chang Le's residence."

Is the situation really that bad?

Ji Changge's expression changed drastically.

When the other members of the Ji family were mentioned, Princess Taiping remained indifferent, as if nothing was bothering her.

But he immediately became nervous at the mere mention of Princess Wenxiu.

"Actually, Uncle-Master had already foreseen this, didn't he? With your Ninth Brother's cold-hearted nature, how could he possibly push a daughter used for a political marriage to the throne? Isn't he afraid of severing the Ji family bloodline? Would he have no face to face our ancestors?"

"You mean..."

"Nine times out of ten, Princess Wenxiu is just a figurehead used to attract hatred, and the real heir is someone else."

Anyone with eyes to see could see it... but they dared not gamble with their lives and fortunes. If Princess Wenxiu gained power, all her opponents would be doomed.

This is no joke.

Although Lu Wubing did not learn the history of his previous life very well.

But I also have some knowledge of dynasties where women were in charge.

Before he came to power, there was a lot of talk about fighting and killing, about how a hen crows at dawn, how an old witch, how the country was doomed, and how the world was in chaos. It was quite a spectacle.

Once they actually put power in someone else's hands, they immediately started calling themselves the wise and virtuous empress dowager of all time, the empress empress of all time, and the old Buddha, all of them groveling and fawning over them.

There are only more servile people, there is no most servile.

Morality, etiquette, gender roles—it's all bullshit. Only one's own interests are eternal.

Therefore, they are merely shouting slogans. Their first priority is to deny the legitimacy of Ji Wenxiu's ascension to the throne from the perspective of righteousness and rules. If they cannot deny it, they will physically destroy him. This is simply inevitable.

However, if Ji Wenxiu has external support and internal assistance, firmly grasps his righteous reputation, cultivates his strength, and gains the power to overthrow the world, then it will be Ji Jiufeng, the manipulator of power, who will be anxious.

Since Ji Jiufeng has taken the lead, she wants to push Princess Chang Le to the forefront.

So, Lu Wubing can also do fifteen...

They decided to persuade Princess Taiping to bring this Uncle Guanghan to the forefront.

Officials and ordinary people are both very strange creatures.

If you were to suggest that the Tianxing Sect and Mingyue Sect manage the city, even if your martial arts skills were as high as a god's, they wouldn't accept it; they would find it too ridiculous.

Even if you kill countless people, they will still outwardly submit but inwardly remain unconvinced. Without more than ten years of subtle influence and careful management, it's truly impossible to reverse their servile nature.

However, if a member of the royal family appears and says they will lead them to a better life, they will immediately kneel down on the spot.

There's another one percent, who are preparing to kneel down.

It's that simple.

In this way, governing the country and managing the army will be a piece of cake. Two prefectures, nine counties, and thirty-eight cities can be pacified with a mere proclamation.

In terms of reputation, he is enough to rival Prince Gong for legitimate status.

Is this feasible?

The Moon Goddess was deeply shaken. Her beautiful eyes flickered, and her gaze lingered for a long time on the pure white jade pendant of the yang fish around Lu Wubing's neck before she slowly nodded and sighed, "Nephew Wubing, from now on, don't call me Uncle-Master, call me Aunt."

"what……"

Lu Wubing was somewhat baffled.

Why did you change how you address me as you were talking?

"You've even given Wenxiu her love charm, so we're practically family. I'll help you this time, but how far you go depends on yourself."

Ji Changge's lips curled slightly, and her brows furrowed slightly in a smile, as if spring had melted the ice.

She shook her head, seemingly realizing her lapse in composure, and quickly put on a cold expression again, saying softly, "Wenxiu is a pitiful child. Actually, as her aunt, I only hope that she can live a peaceful life without needing any wealth or power..."

But the arrow is already on the bowstring; since you've decided to fight, then fight!

It's not that I want to argue.

I cannot bear to see the people of this world suffer, nor can I bear to see the court act recklessly.

Fine, think what you want.

Lu Wubing bowed respectfully, "Then I thank you in advance, Aunt, for saving the people of the world from suffering."

"Sure, sure. You silly child, this is still far from settled, and Old Demon She is still attacking my Bright Moon Sect. Is it appropriate for us to be thinking about such trivial matters?"

"A mere snake, killing it is a piece of cake. Let's go."

Lu Wubing laughed.

Once the city returned to calm, another group of soldiers was summoned by disciples of the Bright Moon Sect. Lu Wubing took the lead and headed straight for Mirror Moon Lake.

This time, he was prepared to make things quick.

The longer the night, the more dreams you have.

Prince Gong, the Ziyang Sect, and even the Demonic Sect should have already received the news.

If this is delayed any longer, it could lead to unnecessary complications.

Once the situation is settled and the die is cast, all parties will stop sending reinforcements, not wanting to waste their resources.

In other words, only by winning this battle decisively and striking fear into the enemy can we secure these two prefectures. The power will radiate to surrounding cities, forcing the Demonic Sect to change course.

In this way, not only can the advance of the Northern Zhou army be blocked, but the plans of Prince Gong and Ziyang Sect will also be thwarted.

The Heavenly Star Sect and Bright Moon Sect will have an easier time and can develop quietly.

To jump from inside the chessboard to outside the chessboard in one move.

……

(End of this chapter)