All Heavens: Dual Cultivation of Magic and Martial Arts Starting from the Republic of China

Chapter 80 Arrival in Jinling: A Final Farewell

As dawn approached, the gunfire in Wenlong City finally began to subside.

Many people didn't sleep that night.

City gates, docks, guild halls, city defense headquarters, and the main armory —

In almost every key location, people shed blood, were arrested, and died without ever knowing what conspiracy or rebellion they had been involved in.

With the help of Fu Ze and others, Chen Ji'an regained control of the city's defenses.

The city defense command headquarters was recaptured, and the main armory was also saved.

The orders to rotate guards at the East Gate and South Gate are hereby nullified.

The police station, telegraph office, and quartermaster department were taken over by trusted officers personally dispatched by Chen Ji'an.

From this moment forward, all military orders issued by Wenlong will be subject to triple confirmation.

The document was signed by Chen Ji'an himself, verified by the copper token he carried, and then personally examined by Lu Shouzhen or through a Maoshan talisman he left behind to determine whether it had been tampered with by evil magic.

Such a process may seem cumbersome, but it is understandable at such a turbulent juncture.

Until dawn —

Almost all those who truly betrayed the cause were captured or killed on the spot.

Those soldiers whose eyes turned bluish due to being lured by the blue talisman were detained separately. Lu Shouzhen and Feng Xuan examined them together and confirmed that they had only been bewitched by magic, thus temporarily sparing their lives.

Tang Ziming personally oversaw this matter.

He naturally couldn't plead for the traitor, but he also didn't want to unjustly kill the soldiers who were being led astray by magic.

Fu Ze stood outside the guild hall, watching the sky gradually lighten in the distance, and let out a long breath.

This long night is finally over.

First came the explosion of the Yongji, then the breaching of the guild hall, followed by a gunfight in front of the headquarters, a major battle at the main armory, and finally the pursuit of Wei Zhenting. Even though his meridians and body had been nourished by the spiritual energy of this world, far surpassing their former state, he was beginning to feel the strain—

Especially the palm strike that faced Yan Heting directly.

The heavy feeling of that elixir, as if it were a furnace, still lingers in his memory.

Fu Ze looked down at his right hand.

The pain in the back of his hand had subsided, but recalling the sensation of the golden light shattering and him being sent flying, he thought to himself, "Whether it's magic or martial arts, I'm still far from good enough."

Inside the guild hall, Chen Ji'an was publicly announcing the outcome of last night's events.

His voice was a little hoarse, but still steady.

"Last night, Wenlong was attacked by treacherous individuals who colluded with both insiders and outsiders to issue false military orders, disrupt the city's defenses, assassinate Mr. Liao, and seize the armory. Now, the city defense command, the main armory, and all the city gates have been regained control."

"All those who participated in the rebellion shall be subject to military law."

"Those who are bewitched by evil magic shall be temporarily detained and convicted after the investigation is completed."

"Wenlong has rectified the situation, so everyone can rest assured."

When the last sentence was uttered, the expressions of the military and political officials, business tycoons, and reporters in the banquet hall all underwent subtle changes.

When the assassination attempt occurred last night, many people thought Chen Ji'an was going to be in trouble.

But after one night, he managed to suppress the chaos.

Not only did Liao Xibai survive, but the main armory was also intact, and even the traitor Wei Zhenting was captured alive.

-

What does this tell us?

This shows that Chen Ji'an, the garrison commander of Wenlong, still had enough power to control the city.

This also shows that although Liao Xibai's first stop back was dangerous, he was not defeated.

Feng Xuan stood beside Liao Xibai, looking at Chen Ji'an, lost in thought.

Last night, amidst the evil smoke array, he sensed that Chen Ji'an was somewhat different.

As dawn approached, the sensation became even more pronounced when looking back.

Chen Ji'an clearly did not practice magic, nor did he have any Taoist spiritual energy flowing around him, yet when he stood there, he exuded a heavy military aura.

That wasn't just murderous intent, because murderous intent dissipates.

But "Military Demon" is like armor worn on the body.

It stemmed from years of military power, battles, and bloodshed, as well as from the fear and recognition of him by the soldiers and civilians of the city.

Ordinary ghosts and spirits dare not approach this kind of person!

Even the evil lantern array from last night could only disturb the minds of the surrounding guests and soldiers, but it did not truly suppress Chen Ji'an.

Although his destiny was not as mysterious as Liao Xibai's, nor did he possess the special spiritual ability of "innate divine sense" like Liao Xibai.

But he is by no means an ordinary person!

If Fu Ze knew what Feng Xuan was thinking, he would definitely retort: ​​"Nonsense! A warlord who holds real power in a region is certainly no ordinary person. Why bother with all that?"

Feng Xuan seemed to be talking to himself, but it also sounded like he was speaking to Liao Xibai.

"In chaotic times, the power and intimidating aura of the military can also be a form of protection."

Liao Xibai smiled slightly.

"Is the Taoist priest praising him?"

Liao Xibai looked at Chen Ji'an on the stage in front of him with a complicated expression.

"Therefore, he needs someone to pull him back and prevent him from going astray."

Fu Ze did not continue watching the political performances in the guild hall.

He walked to a side room and saw Li Junfeng sitting in a chair, adjusting his breathing.

Li Junfeng's face was even paler than last night.

He had no new injuries, but his overall health and vitality were weaker than when he left Shuangjing Village.

During the chaos of last night's banquet, although he didn't fight the powerful figures again, he forcibly mobilized his qi and blood to disperse the green smoke and protect Liao Xibai. This was another blow to his already depleted body.

Fu Ze frowned.

"Brother Li."

Li Junfeng opened his eyes.

"I'm fine."

Fu Ze sighed.

"I don't believe a single word you're saying now."

Li Junfeng remained silent for a moment, unusually refraining from rebuttal.

Fu Ze had already made up his mind.

The Pill for Mending Heaven and Extending Life.

This elixir must be refined as soon as possible!

A hundred-year-old wild ginseng, over eighty-year-old Polygonum multiflorum, Ganoderma lucidum from the earth's veins, Red Sun Grass, Snow Jade Lotus Seeds, and several other rare herbs he had never seen before.

If we let him search on his own, who knows how long it will take him to find it?

But now Wenlong has Chen Ji'an.

They had military reserves, chambers of commerce, pharmacies, trading companies, and personal connections.

Why not take advantage of it!

Fu Ze acted immediately, turning around to find Chen Ji'an.

Chen Ji'an had just finished his speech and was walking off the stage with Liao Xibai when he met Fu Ze. After hearing Fu Ze explain the situation, Chen Ji'an did not hesitate for a moment.

"Give me a detailed list of medicinal herbs. If I can't gather them all within three days, then I, Chen Ji'an, am incompetent."

Fu Ze asked.

"Commander Chen didn't ask me what I needed these medicines for?"

Chen Ji'an glanced at Li Junfeng, who was not far away.

"Junfeng has almost ruined the foundation of Wenlong for the sake of Mr. Junfeng. If there is any way to save him, we will search every pharmacy in Wenlong City, not just for medicinal herbs."

He turned and gave instructions to Tang Ziming.

"Get the military medical department, chambers of commerce, pharmacies, and foreign pharmaceutical companies all mobilized. Report immediately whoever has any century-old medicines, rare herbs, or mountain products, regardless of their ownership."

"Yes, Commander!"

Tang Ziming immediately responded.

Upon hearing this, Lu Shaotang, the president of the chamber of commerce who was standing nearby, immediately stepped forward.

"Commander Chen, Mr. Fu, the Chamber of Commerce is also willing to help with this matter. Several medicinal herb shops in Wenlong have dealings with mountain product merchants in Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Hunan. Old medicines are hard to find, but it's not entirely impossible."

His tone was very sincere.

Fu Ze glanced at him.

Is Lu Shaotang trying to make amends?

After the upheaval in Wenlong last night, everyone in the Chamber of Commerce knew that since Liao Xibai was not dead and Chen Ji'an had not fallen, the winds of change were about to blow.

Now, by putting in the effort to find medicine, I am both repaying Fu Ze's favor and offering my allegiance to Liao Xibai.

Fu Ze did not refuse and nodded.

"Then I'll leave it to Chairman Lu."

Lu Shaotang quickly replied.

"Mr. Fu, you're too kind."

Later that evening, Lu Shouzhen found Fu Ze.

The two stood in the backyard of the clubhouse.

It was already daylight.

There were several old trees in the courtyard, their leaves rustling in the morning breeze. The smell of blood and gunpowder from last night had finally been diluted by the morning dampness.

Lu Shouzhen got straight to the point.

"Young friend Fu, besides martial arts, you also practice the Southern Altar Maoshan Technique and the Shangqing Orthodox Dharma?"

Fu Ze knew he couldn't avoid it.

Lu Shouzhen watched him perform the spell so many times last night; it would be strange if he still couldn't figure it out.

He nodded.

"There are indeed some authentic Shangqing teachings."

Lu Shouzhen looked at him.

"Not just some."

"Your foundation is clearly the Shangqing Lingbao Dongshen Zhengfa of my Maoshan sect. It is purer and more solid than that of many inner disciples of Maoshan. As far as I know, this method has never flowed out of Maoshan. And I have never seen you in the sect."

Fu Ze couldn't figure out the other party's attitude, so he remained silent.

Lu Shouzhen paused for a moment, then continued.

"You don't seem to have been ordained yet?"

Fu Ze nodded.

"no."

Lu Shouzhen didn't seem surprised.

"I can see that your magical power has reached the threshold, and even has a rather solid foundation. It's just that it's scattered throughout your Niwan Palace, meridians, and acupoints, and hasn't truly condensed into a unified whole with the power of the Heavenly Talisman."

Fu Ze's heart skipped a beat.

This is pretty much what Feng Xuan said before!

Lu Shouzhen continued.

"Young friend Fu, if you are willing, you can come with me to Maoshan after this matter is settled."

Huh? Fu Ze looked at him with a surprised expression.

Lu Shouzhen also regarded Fu Ze as an example.

"Maoshan is the orthodox lineage of Shangqing. Since you practice the Shangqing method, you should have a proper title. I will not ask where your method comes from, nor will I force you to join any lineage, but the matter of ordination should be properly conducted in the orthodox altar of the Xuanmen."

This can almost be described as an act of great kindness!

Fu Ze remained silent for a moment.

Not far away, Feng Xuan walked over and happened to hear these words, and immediately burst into laughter.

"Great news! Of course it's great news!"

Lu Shouzhen looked at him.

Feng Xuan laughed.

"Young friend Fu is already practicing the Shangqing Dharma. If he were to receive ordination at Maoshan, it would naturally be more suitable than coming to my Gezao Mountain or going to Luofu Mountain."

He looked at Fu Ze.

"I was thinking that if you didn't want to go to Fellow Daoist Yumingzi's Luofu Mountain in the future, and couldn't find a suitable way, I could vouch for you and lead you to Gezao Mountain to seek a talisman. Now that Fellow Daoist Lu has taken the initiative to speak, that's perfect."

Fu Ze was also somewhat tempted.

The decrees from the heavens indicate that he is "worthy of receiving ordination" for some time now.

But he never really found the way.

Now that Lu Shouzhen has given us the opportunity to establish a legitimate altar for Maoshan, we should not miss it.

Fu Ze thought for a moment and then said.

"After escorting Mr. Liao safely to Jinling, I will go to Maoshan with Master Lu."

Lu Shouzhen nodded.

"it is good."

Feng Xuan smiled and patted Fu Ze on the shoulder.

"Young friend Fu, if you successfully receive the ordination this time, you will truly enter the inner sanctum and obtain the Dharma position of [True One Initial Truth]. Tsk tsk, such a young Dharma master is a genius among geniuses, even among the major Xuanmen sects."

Fu Ze smiled.

"I hope the founder of Maoshan will not find fault with the fact that the path taken by his junior disciples is too complicated."

Lu Shouzhen thought of his fighting style—a combination of golden light covering his body and fist, footwork, and lightning techniques—it was practically a natural Longhu Mountain style.

His expression was somewhat subtle.

"It's alright, our ancestor has a magnanimous heart."

Feng Xuan noticed his pause and laughed even louder.

The matter in Wenlong City was settled over a few more days.

Wei Zhenting was under close guard, his body bound by a restriction placed by Fu Ze, and imbued with the soul-suppressing talismans of Feng Xuan and Lu Shouzhen—three spells in total.

If the Taoist priest casts a spell at the same time, then it's truly impossible for someone to die even if they want to.

The name "Black Tide Society" was also recorded by Chen Ji'an and Liao Xibai in their most important secret files.

During this period, all the spiritual herbs needed to refine the [Heaven-Mending and Life-Extending Pill] were also gathered.

Actually, with the power of the [Heavenly Decree], it could be forged immediately. But that's too insane!

So Fu Ze accepted the medicine, saying he needed some time to refine it, and perhaps he could succeed once he arrived in Jinling—Li Junfeng and the others naturally had no objections.

Liao Xibai did not stay in Wenlong any longer; he was to continue his journey to Jinling.

After all, that was the true core of power in the Republic of China, and also his destination on this trip back to China!

Because of the Japanese sorcerer's madness, Chen Ji'an's suspicions were basically cleared, and Liao Xibai, Fu Ze, and others considered him one of their own "trustworthy" people.

Chen Ji'an knew that Liao Xibai was going to Jinling, and he was unwilling and dared not let him set off alone or travel by land again.

Therefore, Chen Ji'an directly deployed a small warship!

He dispatched trusted officers with elite soldiers, fully armed, to escort him along the river to Jinling. Lu Shouzhen and Qin Baichuan also accompanied him for a portion of the journey to ensure he would not be easily assassinated again.

It's clear that Chen Ji'an is also afraid!

The river breeze is strong and turbulent.

As the warship left Wenlong, Fu Ze stood on the deck and saw Chen Ji'an standing on the dock, saluting Liao Xibai from afar.

Liao Xibai also stood at the bow of the boat and nodded to him.

After ten years apart, the two met again and formed a "political alliance" once more.

This time, the journey from Wenlong to Jinling went very smoothly.

There were a few hidden sentries spying along the way.

But when they saw that what was coming was a warship, and elite soldiers with guns on the deck, their gazes quickly faded.

Fu Ze knew that this was the normal situation.

When a powerful commander like Chen Ji'an really gets moving and demonstrates this level of strength, he is not someone that a few assassins can easily take down.

Several days later, they arrived in Jinling.

The warship docked, and Liao Xibai and his entourage disembarked. Many people were already waiting on the shore, excitedly crowding to greet them.

This place was the core and central hub of power in the Republic of China, even more prosperous than Fu Ze had imagined.

Inside and outside the city gates, carriages and horses flowed in droves.

Soldiers, police, merchants, students, newsboys, foreign firm employees, and gentry in long gowns—all mingled together.

In the distance, government offices stand in rows, and shop signs line the streets.

Wenlong is a strategically important military location, and beneath its prosperity lies a rugged and tense atmosphere typical of the Jianghan region.

Nanjing, however, is more like a city formed by countless historical events.

The city walls are high and thick, the streets are wide, and the atmosphere left by the old dynasty and the signs of the new policies of the Republic of China are squeezed under the same roof.

Some people in long gowns discussed national affairs, some in suits and briefcases, some students debated new ideas loudly, and some rickshaw pullers walked through the crowd with their heads down.

A large crowd had gathered outside the newspaper office to read the extra edition. Inside the teahouse, a storyteller was performing, while soldiers and police patrolled the street corner. Occasionally, a car would honk its horn as it drove by, eliciting curses from the coachman.

As Fu Ze watched all this, a strange feeling arose in his heart.

This world is so similar to the world he originally came from.

But the details are different everywhere.

Like a familiar river flowing into another unfamiliar waterway.

Fu Ze activated his spiritual vision and could vaguely sense a powerful energy vein lurking beneath the city.

It is neither as gentle as mountains and rivers, nor as pervasive as the spirit of forests.

It is heavier and more robust.

Like a dormant dragon, it lies coiled beneath this capital city of the Republic of China.

Fu Ze said softly.

"This is Jinling."

He has not yet been officially ordained and ascended to the position of "Zhengyi Chuzhen," therefore he still cannot see the deficiency of "dynastic fortune" that Yumingzi mentioned before.

But you can already vaguely feel that oppressive and heavy feeling!

Zhao Rui stood to the side and laughed.

"Isn't it impressive? After all, it was the capital of the Republic of China."

Fu Ze nodded.

"It is indeed bustling."

Zhao Rui, however, said...

"But in terms of true prosperity, Shanghai is even better. Foreign firms, concessions, docks, dance halls, electric lights, cars—that's a real world of dazzling lights. If you ever have the chance to go there, you'll probably be overwhelmed by the sights."

Fu Ze smiled.

"You sound familiar with this place?"

Zhao Rui raised an eyebrow.

"I've traveled all over the country. I, Zhao Rui, have seen just as much of the world as you magicians."

Li Junfeng said coldly from the side.

Stop bragging.

Zhao Rui turned to look at him.

"Brother Li, you're feeling weak right now, why are you still being so stubborn?"

Li Junfeng glanced at him.

Zhao Rui immediately shut up.

Fu Ze felt a rare sense of relief watching the two bicker.

After arriving in Nanjing, Liao Xibai quickly gathered many former subordinates, students, and colleagues around him.

Some were moved to tears, some talked all night, and some brought one confidential letter after another.

Fu Ze could see that what Liao Xibai was about to face was no longer assassination attempts, but rather power struggles within the imperial court!

That's not something Fu Ze is good at, nor is it something he should continue to get involved in.

Originally, he had only encountered a person seeking shelter from the rain in the Fengyu Mountain God Temple.

Feng Xuan disliked the bustling scenes in Jinling, so he simply stayed by Liao Xibai's side to cultivate and protect the Dharma.

Zhao Rui then took Fu Ze and Li Junfeng and strolled around Jinling City for half a day.

We ate duck blood soup, drank tea, and watched the lanterns along the Qinhuai River.

Zhao Rui originally wanted to take them to a more lively place, saying that there were karaoke bars, foreign liquor stores, and dance halls there.

Li Junfeng gave him a cold look.

"Are you familiar with this place?"

Zhao Rui immediately coughed.

"I've only heard about it, nothing more."

Fu Ze couldn't stop laughing.

In the end, the three of them just walked along the riverbank.

The lights reflected on the water, the painted boats passed by slowly, and someone was singing in the distance, the sound carried away by the night wind.

Li Junfeng stood by the bridge, gazing at it in silence for a long time.

Fu Ze knew that even he rarely had such moments of true relaxation.

Along the way, from the assassination attempt in the dilapidated temple to the local evil god, and then to the Wenlong Night Incident, everyone was like a taut string—only when they arrived in Jinling did they finally relax a little.

Although Li Junfeng was physically weak, he surprisingly didn't have a cold expression.

Fu Ze knew that the journey from the southwestern mountains to Jinling, escorting Liao Xibai, was about to officially end here.

That evening, Liao Xibai invited Fu Ze to dinner alone.