Bitter Realm: My Feet Step Through the Flames of War

"What are you yelling for? We're not done yet, Imperial Universe Supreme!"

Lin Tianxing wiped away the bloodstains with the back of his hand, and then unleashed another powerful palm strike. This time, countless golden rays rose from beneath his feet, representing the righteous energy accumulated by the Confucian school over thousands of years.

This lofty aspiration extends to the depths of rivers and mountains, and reaches the sun and stars above.

Seeing him fight desperately, Luo Hou's true essence circulated, transforming into a move of the five chaotic elements: "Five Elements - Following and Reversing!"

In an instant, the five primordial energies, born from chaos and originating from the void, broke the rules of heaven and earth in the order that governed the operation of living beings, stole endless power, and formed a palm that was enough to destroy all things in the world.

boom!

As the Confucian spirit was completely extracted by Lin Tianxing and destroyed by Luo Hou's Chaos Palm, the formation sealing the dragon's head collapsed instantly.

After a tremendous dragon roar, the evil energy seized the opportunity to soar into the heavens and escape into the distance.

Ying Qingshuang was also affected by the remaining force and was pushed dozens of feet away.

When she turned around and looked back at the battlefield, she saw that the Emperor was being supported by Yin Xiaoshen, who had rushed over, and his red scholar's robe was covered with bloodstains of varying depths.

Chapter 408 Exclusively Possessing the Spring Breeze and Leaving the Peony

The Confucian school suffered a crushing defeat.

Huang Ru was injured, Feng Ru conceded defeat, Xia Ru gave up the fight, and the Jian Ru brothers were clearly no match for Huang Quan and his wife. Only Fa Ru and Yue Xunyuan were still locked in a stalemate.

Moreover, the dragon head had already fled, and once the heavy responsibility of suppressing it for a thousand years was lifted, Huang Ru actually felt exceptionally relieved.

The matter has come to this, and it is useless to say more.

Lin Tianxing pushed Yin Xiaoshen aside and said to Luo Hou, "The task of dealing with the Yamata no Orochi rests on your shoulders. From today onwards, the Defeng Ancient Path will be sealed off."

"It's a good choice. The younger generation of Confucianism has good potential. Rather than letting them be destroyed by war, it's better to let them cultivate in seclusion and ensure the continuation of the Confucian tradition."

The problem with Defeng Ancient Path is the lack of successors. Among the first generation of founders, Huang Ru and Ting Zhu are both old and alive. Among the second generation of disciples, only Feng Ru is left, plus Xia Ru who came from outside.

The real hope lies in the third generation: the brothers Yu Lijing, Jing Tianhuai, Yu Junheng, Yun Wanggui, and Sui Wuduan, as well as Bi Hexi Xueyi. When these people grow up, the virtuous and ancient way can still stand proudly among the three religions.

As for the cunning Xia, that's an internal conflict within the Confucian school.

The Defeng Ancient Road closed itself off, which was much better than the Daowu King Valley, where more than half of the people were killed or injured and the talents were depleted. This is also the value of the Imperial Confucian being able to live longer than the Dao Emperor.

Rahu led the people of Tiandu to retreat.

Le Xunyuan regretted that the battle had ended inconclusively and agreed to fight Yu Junheng another day.

Halfway there, Rahu went alone to the Western Buddhist Realm and released the seventh dragon head.

Ji Xiashang asked, "Martial Lord, why don't we do what we did before, hold off their people, and then break the seal?"

“Buddhism is different from Confucianism. Buddhism is the most stubborn and will fight to the death once it starts.”

"I heard that Yi Ye Shu was also blocked outside the Buddhist gate when he went to the Western Huang Buddhist Realm. I'm afraid that Wu Jun's journey will be quite difficult."

“I have invited someone to handle this matter. You all return to Tiandu first and prepare for battle.”

"Yes."

The Western Buddhist Realm is located in the northwest of the Bitter Realm. It was built by Venerable Buddha Lingjiu, one of the Four Founders of the Dao, in what year? Its high-level organization is divided into One Tower, Two Saints, and Four Dhyana Heavens.

The one currently in charge is the Holy Balancer, Shi Zhi Jialan, one of the two saints.

Long ago, the Eight-Headed Evil God wreaked havoc. The Venerable Buddha sent his successor to assist the Nine Heavens Mystic Venerable in slaying the dragon. Afterwards, the Venerable Buddha entrusted him with the task of suppressing the Eight-Headed Dragon's head. Beneath the giant Buddha of Jinwo Buddha Mountain lies one of the eight places where the dragon's head was sealed.

To protect the seal, the Venerable Buddha established the Azure Cloud Layer in the east, the Returning Dragon Tree in the west, the Water Moon Platform in the south, and the Ashes of Calamity Platform in the north, each guarded by one of the Four Dhyana Heavens.

Luo Hou slowly made his way to the western border.

On this desolate plateau, a bustling town has unexpectedly appeared, teeming with tourists and lined with restaurants.

As night fell, dozens of large red lanterns lit up the most conspicuous building in town, making the place look like a fairyland, and bursts of singing and dancing music could be heard.

Luo Hou walked over and saw three large characters written on the plaque: Youxiantai.

The best places for people in the martial arts world to gather information are restaurants and brothels, with brothels being even better.

A fragrant breeze wafted through the air, accompanied by the lingering sound of a flute. Before Luo Hou's eyes appeared the Boqing Pavilion of yesteryear, the place where he and Yu Cixin first met.

"Please come in, sir! Today we have a performance by the courtesan Liu Mudan. You are truly in for a treat!"

Soon, a middle-aged woman emerged from Youxiantai and greeted him warmly. Perhaps sensing that the man before her was extraordinary, the madam smiled so much that the white powder on her face fell off with a gusto.

"Very well, I'll stay here for the night."

Spending the night in a brothel doesn't necessarily require someone to accompany you. Besides, Youxiantai is very close to Yama's Ghost Prison, making it an important stronghold for attacking the Ghost Prison.

Luo Hou followed the madam into the building.

The building was packed, with hundreds of people eagerly awaiting the beauty's appearance. A quick glance revealed a swordsman and a scholar sitting on either side of Luo Hou.

The swordsman, carrying a long sword and a northern stringed instrument, drank wine heartily, displaying great heroism.

The scholar, draped in a feathered cloak and with a black ink stick tucked into his waistband, appeared elegant and refined. He sipped his drink slowly, occasionally lost in thought.

In addition, next to the scholar sat a poor and destitute student wearing a scholar's cap and carrying a small book basket.

The madam found Luo Hou a quiet spot with a great view: "This is our VIP seat, reserved especially for heroes like you, sir."

Without making a sound, Luo Hou took out a small silver coin weighing about five taels and reluctantly gave it to the noisy madam.

Five taels of silver could sustain an ordinary family for a year; it's truly a wasteful luxury.

"Please leave after serving the tea."

"Yes Yes Yes!"

Five taels of silver wasn't much, but this old man's eye for talent was truly frightening. The madam lowered the curtain and scurried away.

Before the tea and snacks were served, the palace lanterns were extinguished, music began, and a few wisps of candlelight shone onto the stage, where a group of ladies gracefully emerged and danced to the music.

"Luoyang flowers, flying, flying, flying into the mortal world, filling the world with jade-like blossoms."

Half stunningly beautiful, half captivating the world

Peonies alone bloom in the spring breeze, only Li Bai can understand their language.

"A discerning friend is priceless, let us converse by the west window..."

As the song played, the beaded curtain was lifted, and a slender woman with a large red peony on her head and wearing high clogs gracefully emerged. In the dim light, her face was indeed a beauty of unparalleled grace and charm.

The impoverished student's eyes gleamed with a strange light as he recited famous lines from the past:

"She is like a light cloud veiling the moon, drifting like swirling snow in a flowing wind... Beauty, beauty!"

The beauty strolled through the banquet hall, then with a gentle turn, she arrived at Luo Hou's table, lifted the curtain, and entered, concealing all the spring scenery.

A chorus of boos erupted from inside the building.

"Why did the beauty leave?"

"That's what you call value. You think a beauty is something you can look at for free, and that you have to pay for even one more glance?"

"I've got plenty of money, beauties, come here quickly!"

The swordsman, even more disgruntled, slammed his wine cup heavily on the table: "Is this how you judge a beauty? Is your taste in women so vulgar?"

The student tilted his head and sized up the swordsman a few times before saying, "I think you're inferior to that guest in every way. The beauty's taste is truly impeccable."

"Shut your mouth, you stinking scholar!"

"You can't even stand hearing such a truth? It seems you have a bad personality."

"You! A pedantic scholar."

The swordsman's gaze shifted, and he said to the handsome scholar, "Brother, you are handsome and seem to have good literary talent. Why don't you compete with that person?"

"Absolutely breathtaking; best admired from afar."

"Hmph, this is boring. Let's drink!"

The swordsman lost interest and could only drink alone in his sorrow.

Seeing that the atmosphere in the building was already at its peak, the madam went up on stage with a grin: "Distinguished guests, put away your jaws and drool. This year's courtesan is no exaggeration. She is the most beautiful woman in the world, unparalleled in beauty. Not to mention the Western Regions, even in the whole world, she can be called the Empress of Flowers. Otherwise, how could she be called the one who monopolizes the spring breeze and leaves the peony behind?"

During the meal, an impatient man stood up and said, "Name your price! How much for a night with the courtesan?"

Some people slammed their money bags on the table, and a pile of yellow and white stuff rolled out.

"Is that enough? I have plenty of money, and tonight I must have the courtesan with me!"

"Tch, you country bumpkin! Can you compare to Chief Liu of Evil Dog Mountain? My entire cave is filled with gold and silver. Why don't you come back with me and become my wife!"

The madam's eyes lit up instantly, but she still maintained her anticipation: "Our Peony is not only beautiful inside and out, but also talented and beautiful. Whether it's the Four Books and Five Classics, or music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, she can pass every test."

"Is he really that talented?"

"That's strange. I've never heard of a prostitute becoming a top scholar."

Hearing the rude and vulgar words, the swordsman slammed his fist on the table and roared, "Watch your mouth!"

Seeing his murderous intent, the arrogance of the burly men in the building subsided.

The madam, unconvinced, continued to recommend her prized possession: "If a distinguished guest can stump Peony, tonight you will become her intimate guest."

The entire building erupted in an uproar. Everyone, whether talented or not, scratched their heads, racking their brains for a brilliant solution.

In the private room, Liu Mudan smiled at Luo Hou, her eyes sparkling with affection, her voice as sweet as a new nightingale emerging from a valley, or a swallow returning to its nest.

"Does the valiant have a riddle for me to guess?"

Luo Hou shook his head: "I am not very knowledgeable, so I will not embarrass myself by showing off."

Seeing Luo Hou's cold attitude, Liu Mudan was very disappointed and had no choice but to lift the beaded curtain and return to the stage.

Soon, the sounds of rushing to answer questions filled the building:

"I come, to light the tower, layer upon layer of Kongming."

Liu Mudan smiled sweetly: "Lotus pond with lotus roots, each joint is like Taibai."

"The sky is the chessboard, the stars are the pieces; who dares to play?"

"The earth is made into a pipa, the road into silk; what can play it?"

"While touring West Lake, I carried a tin teapot. The tin teapot spilled some ink, what a pity for the tin teapot."

"Passing through Nanping, selling blue bottles, blue bottles are obtained in Nanping, blue bottles are hard to come by."