Quickly conquer the martial arts world, and let your fists dominate the heavens!

Chapter 333 Let's start raiding their homes!
There was no internal energy in his dantian, only surging blood and qi like a river.

With a thought, blood and energy surge forth.

Xingyiquan is also Xinyiquan. The core principle of Xinyiquan is that the mind moves with intention, and intention moves with the body.

Chen Zhan's martial arts gradually forged a path no one had ever taken before, but the essential principles of his mind remained applicable.

In the blink of an eye, the blood and qi in Chen Zhan's dantian surged out like a tide, pouring into the Embroidered Spring Blade in his hand.

The blade trembled, and after a soft hum, the blood-red light suddenly surged, like a reversed galaxy. A blood-red blade aura more than three zhang long instantly appeared in front of Zhu Changxun and his dozen personal guards, carrying a violent aura that almost solidified the surrounding air.

The change came so suddenly that most of Zhu Changxun's personal guards hadn't even reacted yet, their faces still showing a dazed expression.

But Zhu Changxun had practiced martial arts for many years, and his instincts were already ingrained in his bones. When he caught that cold glint in Chen Zhan's eyes, his sense of crisis was already at its peak.

Zhu Changxun suddenly slumped backward, his arms gripping like iron clamps, and pulled two bodyguards in front of him to block them.

He exerted force with his feet, took a sharp step back, and unleashed his inner strength at the peak of the Innate Realm without reservation. His movements were astonishingly fast, and in just an instant, he had retreated more than ten steps away.

He was even faster than Zhou Miaoyun, who had retreated earlier than him.

Almost at the same moment he retreated, a three-zhang-long blood aura swept out.

Those guards used as human shields, their armor and weapons shattered like bubbles in water before the crimson blade energy.

As the blade swept through, the guards didn't even have time to scream before they were torn to pieces and killed instantly.

Chen Zhan was also somewhat surprised; princes are precious, and learning martial arts is not easy.

Therefore, the founding emperors of dynasties throughout history were often exceptionally skilled in martial arts, while their descendants were far less capable.

Zhu Changxun's cultivation level of the Innate Realm is quite remarkable, even with royal supplies and no shortage of cultivation techniques and elixirs.

Throughout the entire Ming Dynasty, there were only a handful of people whose martial arts skills surpassed his.

"Taoist priest, are you really plotting a rebellion?"

If Chen Zhan had just killed a dozen or so retainers, there might still be room for leniency; retainers are nothing, but now...
He had trained his personal guards for many years, but Chen Zhan killed more than a dozen of them with a single stroke. This was a blood feud that could not be undone.

Such behavior has gone beyond the scope of provoking trouble.

To storm the Prince's mansion in the capital and demand the Prince's life in the street is blatant treason!

The remaining retainers around were terrified at the sight, their steps trembling as they fled.

Chen Zhan ignored this completely, neither pursuing the retreating Zhu Changxun nor looking at the terrified retainers. He simply stood there, continuously slashing his embroidered spring knife.

Strands of blood-red blade energy pierced through the air, precisely striking the few guards who had narrowly escaped death.

As the blade flashed, the guards had no chance to dodge and immediately followed in their comrades' footsteps, their bodies lying haphazardly in the courtyard.

Zhu Changxun retreated frantically, yelling at the top of his lungs:

"Guards! Guards! Seize this evil Taoist!"

As the roar subsided, more guards in standard armor poured out from the depths of the palace, weapons in hand, and rushed toward the courtyard.

But seeing the corpses scattered all over the courtyard and the figure in the green robe, the guards slowed their pace subconsciously, their eyes filled with fear.

Zhu Changxun still felt it wasn't enough.

He had only ever seen the power of Chen Zhan's three-zhang-long sword aura on a master like Xu Long, who was at the Tongxuan Realm. The strength of this demonic cultivator before him far exceeded his expectations.

His gaze swept towards the outside of the Prince's Mansion. The gate had long been completely destroyed, and the figures of the Imperial Guards were clearly visible outside.

"Imperial Guards! Imperial Guards, protect me!" Zhu Changxun raised his voice and roared towards the door.

He saw clearly that Jin Yichuan had not left, but had only sent his subordinate captain to report.

In the short time that followed, Shen Lian and Lu Jianxing arrived with a team of Imperial Guards and stood outside the Prince's Mansion.

Upon hearing Zhu Changxun's cries for help and seeing Chen Zhan slaughtering the Prince's guards in the courtyard, Shen Lian and Lu Jianxing's gazes simultaneously sharpened.

Shen Lian stared at the figure in the green robe and instantly recalled the Taoist priest he had met at the entrance of Yuanlai Inn half an hour ago. He thought to himself, "So it was him."

Lu Jianxing did not recognize Chen Zhan. Upon seeing this, his face immediately darkened, and he waved his hand, about to lead his Jinyiwei (Imperial Guards) to rush in and protect the emperor.

But as soon as he took a step, Jin Yichuan, who was beside him, reached out and stopped him.

It's best not to.

"This person seems to be..."

Jin Yichuan and Chen Zhan had met twice, but Chen Zhan used ventriloquism at the time. After recovering from his injury, he never spoke to Jin Yichuan again.

But he was extremely perceptive.

Han Tiange and the other two are remnants of the Demonic Sect, and Ding Baiying and Chen Zhan are also subordinates. All of this is inseparable from that person. Now, Chen Zhan has not appeared. Although this Taoist priest uses a knife, he also has the ability to project his internal energy.

But the crimson blade aura... it just didn't look quite right.

"So we're just going to watch him slaughter us? We're all there; we'd probably lose our heads along with him," Lu Jianxing said.

"Wait a little longer, we've already gone to inform the garrison commander and the commander."

Jin Yichuan's intuition was accurate. Logically, he could have left the Embroidered Uniform Guard and gone to the frontier afterward, as Ding Baiying had already told him. However, after spending many days together, the two brothers by his side had developed a rather good relationship.

He didn't want them both to die.

If the Taoist priest is indeed Chen Zhan, let alone these several teams, even the entire Imperial Guard wouldn't be enough.
While they hesitated, Han Tiange and Yan Tieshi had already sneaked deep into the Prince's mansion to rescue Ding Baiying and the others.

Meanwhile, hundreds of guards surrounded Chen Zhan from a distance.

"Fire arrows!"

Inside the Prince's residence, Zhu Changxun saw that the Embroidered Uniform Guards were not moving for a long time. A fierce look flashed in his eyes, and he gave a stern order to the approaching guards.

As soon as the order was given, the fully equipped guards immediately raised their crossbows, and bolts shot out.

A uniform array of three-edged armor-piercing arrows, hundreds of them shot out in quick succession. At a distance of only a dozen feet, they instantly swarmed towards Chen Zhan like a dense black bee colony, the wind howling and their power terrifying.

But how could ordinary arrows possibly harm Chen Zhan?

He didn't need armor to protect him. With a thought, his blood and qi were released outwards. He didn't even need to condense into a physical demonic armor. Instead, it transformed into a thick blood-red mist that firmly enveloped him.

The arrow plunged into the crimson mist, instantly emitting a sizzling, corrosive sound.

The violent energy of blood and qi eroded the arrowheads rapidly, causing the iron to rust and the shafts to become limp and powerless. In an instant, they all lost their strength and scattered on the ground, not even touching the hem of Chen Zhan's clothes.

Chen Zhan did not want to delay. The rain of arrows was ineffective. His figure flashed and he disappeared from the blood mist.

The next moment, screams of agony rose and fell from within the encirclement formed by the guards.

His figure transformed into a streak of red light, swift and ferocious. His embroidered spring knife flashed up and down, and wherever the blade passed, guards fell to the ground. In the blink of an eye, he had cut through layers of people and was heading straight for Zhu Changxun.

Zhu Changxun reacted extremely quickly. Seeing Chen Zhan break through the encirclement and attack, he did not hesitate for a moment and released all his internal energy.

Golden internal energy condensed into a palm print in the void, so dense it almost transformed into attribute-infused true energy, unleashing a powerful and overwhelming force upon Chen Zhan.

It is still a Buddhist practice.

The palm strike was fierce, completely disregarding the presence of his personal guards within the area covered by the palm print.

But he knew in his heart that such an offensive was simply no match for a master comparable to the Profound Realm.

In a flash of inspiration, he took a sudden step forward and shouted loudly towards the distance:
"Miaoyun!"

Zhou Miaoyun came from a humble background, but she has seen a lot of the world over the years. She is proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. The anti-poetry case was planned by the Second Prince to frame the Crown Prince, but he was caught off guard by Chen Zhan's appearance and the relic's appearance.

All eyes were drawn to the anti-poem case, and no one paid attention to it anymore.

She had almost escaped to the backyard when she heard shouts behind her. She involuntarily paused and turned around.

Zhu Changxun had already rushed over, passing by her, his hand gripping Zhou Miaoyun's neck, his inner strength leaking out. One more step and he could take her life.

Zhou Miaoyun instantly understood that they were trying to take her hostage.

Chen Zhan paused, standing three zhang away from Zhu Changxun and Zhou Miaoyun. His embroidered spring knife was already chipped and dripping blood.

However, he doesn't need to use a blade.

“You evil Taoist, if you take another step, I will kill her,” Zhu Changxun said, holding Zhou Miaoyun hostage.

Zhu Changxun could naturally tell that the two knew each other. Although he couldn't determine their relationship, he had no choice but to give it a try.

Chen Zhan smiled but remained silent, while Zhou Miaoyun shook her head: "Your Highness, he will not be threatened by anyone."

Zhou Miaoyun was right. In terms of personal relationships, Zhou Miaoyun had saved him once, but Chen Zhan had already saved Zhou Miaoyun several times.

In terms of their relationship, the two had barely exchanged a few words.

Most importantly, Chen Zhan never submits to coercion. A dazzling crimson light flashed as a ten-foot-long, blood-red blade of energy slashed out.

Zhu Changxun thought Chen Zhan might be unthreatened, but he didn't expect him to be so decisive, not even exchanging a single word?
"Damn, crazy!"

Zhu Changxun cursed under his breath, and his palm, carrying internal force, slammed into Zhou Miaoyun's back.

Zhou Miaoyun felt a tremendous force strike her, and her body staggered forward uncontrollably, crashing straight into the chilling blood-red blade aura.

Using the force of the recoil, Zhu Changxun lightly touched the ground with both feet and shot towards the courtyard wall like an arrow.

He knew the ferocity of Chen Zhan's blade, and that his only chance of survival was to escape.

Meanwhile, in a side hall on the other side of the front courtyard, Han Tiange and Yan Tieshi had already broken through the guards' obstruction.

Both were innate masters, with sharp swordsmanship and perfect teamwork. In just a few moves, they dealt with several guards and rescued Ding Baiying, Ding Xiu, and the others who were bound.

Although the men had been captured, they had not yet been subjected to torture. They had only suffered minor injuries from the fight, and their breathing was still steady.

Hearing the commotion in the front yard growing more intense, Ding Baiying immediately decided, "Let's go check it out in the front yard!"

As soon as the group rushed out of the side hall, they happened to witness Zhu Changxun striking Zhou Miaoyun with his palm and pushing her into the blade's energy field.

The crimson blade energy solidified as if it were a tangible substance, its sharpness fully revealed. The surrounding air was torn apart with a hissing sound. Anyone could see that with this strike, not only would a frail woman like Zhou Miaoyun be cleaved in two, but even a master of the innate realm would be cut in two.

"Miss Zhou!"

Ding Baiying's pupils contracted sharply, and she couldn't help but gasp. She instinctively closed her eyes, unable to bear the sight of the carnage.

However, the expected bloody scene did not occur.

The blood-red blade energy that was charging forward seemed to have a mind of its own, and suddenly "raised its head" in mid-air just as it was about to touch Zhou Miaoyun.

It brushed against her scalp, the wind from the blade lifting a few strands of her hair.

It immediately changed direction and headed straight for Zhu Changxun, who was flying through the air!

Zhu Changxun had already reached the top of the courtyard wall and was about to leap over when he suddenly sensed a deadly danger coming from behind him.

Startled, he didn't have time to think. He twisted his waist sharply and rolled sideways in mid-air, looking extremely disheveled.

"boom!"

A deafening explosion rang out, and the thick blue brick wall of the Prince's mansion was shattered by the blade's energy, sending bricks and stones flying and dust billowing everywhere.

Zhu Changxun staggered and fell from the smoke and dust, crashing heavily to the ground with a muffled groan.

Although he managed to dodge using his keen intuition, he was ultimately a step too slow.

The blade's speed was too fast, and its momentum hadn't dissipated before it grazed his arm.

Blood gushed out, and Zhu Changxun looked down to see that his left arm had been cleanly severed from an inch below his shoulder, the severed limb lying to the side, the blood instantly staining the bluestone slab beneath him.

Chen Zhan flashed and landed next to Zhu Changxun.

A master at the peak of the Innate Realm wouldn't die from losing an arm. Supporting himself, Zhu Changxun said:

"Just for these few remnants of the Qi Family Army? You want to kill me? You want to bear the wrath of the entire Ming Dynasty?"

He couldn't understand why Chen Zhan, with his skills and martial arts, would risk the world's condemnation for a few useless people at the Acquired Realm. Had he gone mad?

Chen Zhan nodded, then realized something was amiss; he was too lazy to lie.

"That's not true. They probably just want to make an example of you, after all..."

"You're too rich."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Xu Long and Shen Tong arrived hastily with a squad of Imperial Guards.

The two glanced at the horrific scene before them—blood everywhere, broken arms, and dust still clinging to the courtyard walls. Then, when they saw the Second Prince Zhu Changxun lying heavily injured and barely breathing at Chen Zhan's feet, their expressions changed drastically.

"Daoist Lord, hold your hand!"

Xu Long's heart tightened, and he hurriedly stepped forward, loudly dissuading him.

He naturally recognized the Second Prince Zhu Changxun, and he also recognized Chen Zhan, who was dressed as a Taoist priest in a green robe.

Chen Zhan had only been out of the palace for a little over an hour. His Majesty had only instructed him to fully cooperate with Chen Zhan in "making money" to replenish the national treasury, but he had never said that he would kill his own son.

"You two have come at the perfect time."

Chen Zhan looked up at the sound and glanced at Xu Long and Shen Tong who had arrived, his tone indifferent.

Upon hearing this, Xu Long felt a sense of relief, thinking that Chen Zhan had changed his mind and was going to hand Zhu Changxun over to them to be taken back to the Zhenfu Division for disposal.

But just as this thought arose in his mind, a cold, sharp blade flashed past.

The next moment, Zhu Changxun's head was severed from his body, flying straight towards Xu Long with splattered blood.

Xu Long was so shocked that he froze on the spot, unable to utter a single word for a moment.

It was Shen Tong behind him who reacted quickly. His expression hardened, and he suddenly pulled off the cloak of the Imperial Guard, took a step forward, and firmly wrapped Zhu Changxun's head in it.

"Now that you two are here, let's begin the ransacking of your homes immediately."

Chen Zhan slowly sheathed his Embroidered Spring Blade, blood dripping down the blade.

His tone remained calm: "I will take all the silver in the Prince's mansion with me. As for the Second Prince's fiefdom and properties in Luoyang, have this centurion lead a team to investigate them tomorrow and confiscate them all."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and pointed to Jin Yichuan, who had just come in to observe from outside the Prince's Mansion.

At the same time, Chen Zhan tossed his embroidered spring knife, which landed squarely in Jin Yichuan's scabbard.
Xu Long's Adam's apple bobbed; he wanted to make a move, but he didn't dare.

On the one hand, he was not confident in taking down Chen Zhan; on the other hand, no matter what means Chen Zhan used, he had indeed gained the emperor's trust.

Holding His Majesty's golden decree in his hand.

"Isn't Your Majesty afraid of blaming you for doing this, Daojun?" Xu Long asked.

"Commander, you're overthinking it. His Majesty is determined to restore the Ming Dynasty to its former glory. How could he possibly blame me? He would only approve of my approach."

"If you don't believe me, Commander, report this to His Majesty at court tomorrow and see what he says," Chen Zhan said with a smile.

Others would think Chen Zhan was talking nonsense.

Killing a prince, and then needing the emperor's approval?
But Xu Long was different from the others. Even though the emperor's most beloved prince was now dead, they did not doubt Chen Zhan's words.

He had witnessed it firsthand; the old emperor seemed to be bewitched, obeying Chen Zhan's every word.
The next instant, Chen Zhan threw out a token.

Xu Long quickly took the token, raised his hands, and made a gesture of receiving the imperial decree.

The decree is as if the Emperor himself were present!

"Yes, Xu Long obeys."

Shen Tong handed the wrapped head to the Imperial Guard guard beside him and said in a deep voice, "Your subordinate obeys."

His gaze swept over the horrific scene in the courtyard, then fixed on Chen Zhan's retreating figure, his eyes showing no hesitation.

He then personally led a team to search and confiscate the Prince's mansion.

"Shen Lian, you take your men to inventory the money and supplies in the Prince's mansion. Not a single penny can be missed."

"Jin Yichuan, immediately organize your men and set off for your fiefdom in Luoyang first thing tomorrow morning. Make sure to thoroughly investigate all the properties there."

"Yes!"

The Embroidered Uniform Guards were very skilled at confiscating property, a profession they were adept at.

However, this was the first time the Prince's mansion had been raided.

Shen Lian had long heard about the Prince of Fu's tyrannical behavior and his bullying of men and women, so he was naturally very happy to oblige.

Jin Yichuan was even more excited. After exchanging glances with Ding Baiying, he turned around and led his team away.

The loud noise attracted a crowd of onlookers.

However, the Prince's mansion was surrounded by the Embroidered Uniform Guards, and most people could not see what was happening inside. At this time, the Embroidered Uniform Guards sent even more people to appease the surrounding area.

Because this area is full of princes, nobles, and imperial relatives.

As Chen Zhan led his men away, he passed by Xu Long and took the token, saying, "I'm staying at the inn opposite the Northern Garrison Command. Pack up the silver and valuables and send them over."

Xu Long's lips twitched twice, but he still nodded and said, "I understand."

"By the way, after court tomorrow, I'll wait for you at the gate of the Zhenfu Division. My men will be present when you're confiscating your property."

After Chen Zhan finished speaking, he left with his men without waiting for Xu Long to reply.

(End of this chapter)