I became a Sword Emperor in the Martial Arts World

Chapter 215 Do you want to be slaves or join me in rebellion?

For several days in a row, the situation outside Huajian City became increasingly critical.

From initially harassing trade routes to now blocking roads, it seems the Black Mountain bandits are stirring up a massive rebellion.

Large numbers of desperate Rakshasa people joined the Black Mountain bandits, raised the banner of resistance, and even openly shouted the slogan of overthrowing the rule of the Rakshasa Women's Kingdom.

The male martial arts experts, especially those from the Rakshasa clan, yearn to rise up and become masters of their own destiny.

When the Rakshasa tribe ruled the ancient kingdom of India, it was a male-dominated society. However, the branch that fled to Kunlun after their defeat was led by the last princess of the ancient Rakshasa kingdom of India.

Even the national treasure martial arts that were preserved are now only the part suitable for women to cultivate, which is why the Rakshasa Women's Kingdom reveres women.

The world is material; whoever has the biggest fist is the boss.

However, over thousands of years, the Rakshasa royal family's constant oppression and exploitation of ordinary Rakshasa people led to a growing sense of resentment and anger.

Meanwhile, the rising number of powerful male martial artists in the Rakshasa clan are eager to gain power, making the situation in the entire Rakshasa Kingdom increasingly unstable, like a barrel filled with gunpowder.

Right now, the flames of war that could completely tear the entire kingdom apart may be ignited in Huajian City.

If a civil war were to break out, Huajian City, bearing the brunt, would likely be reduced to ashes. The fact that City Lord Lian Hongying is currently avoiding battle is causing widespread anxiety.

The quickest to react were the businessmen.

The prices of daily necessities such as grain in Huajian City are rising three times a day. The price of staple food has tripled, and the Rakshasa nobles who hoarded grain in the city are making a fortune.

Even if the city is to be breached by the rebels tomorrow, they still want to make as much money as they can today!

While cursing the nobles of Huajian City for being despicable and shameless, Ye Qingzhou increased the price of Shenfeng Pavilion's weapons sixfold.

Hayek's greatness needs no further explanation.

Watching Ye Qingzhou happily counting his money, Huang Liwen was restless: "Old Ye, why don't we run away before the rebels besiege the city? A wise man doesn't stand under a crumbling wall."

In the past few days, the City Lord's Mansion has announced that Lian Hongying is fine, but needs to rest.

But nobody believed that!

The Black Mountain bandits had sent men to storm the city gates several times, but the city guards dared not fight back. Therefore, almost everyone believed that the city lord's injuries must be serious.

Within the Kunlun Cave Heaven, the outcome of wars is often determined by the strongest warriors.

Lian Hongying was still recovering from her serious injuries, and Huajian City was under siege. If the rebel army were to breach the city, the fire at the city gates would spread to innocent bystanders. Given the rebel army's discipline, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Ye Qingzhou remained calm in response.

"Warfare is based on deception. Therefore, when capable, feign incapacity; when active, feign inactivity; when near, feign distance; when far, feign nearness. If Lian Hongying is truly seriously injured, she should either secretly evacuate or summon all the city's best doctors for treatment. Choosing to remain inactive is most likely a trap."

"Fishing? Are you sure? What if you're wrong?"

Huang Liwen was still very scared.

He was just an ordinary high school student on Earth, and he had absolutely no desire to be drawn into this war of territorial conquest within the Kunlun Cave Heaven.

Seeing this, Ye Qingzhou comforted him, "Don't worry, martial arts are about personal gain. For a powerful person whose strength belongs to themselves, what is the survival of the city's people more important than their own life? If Lian Hongying were really injured, she would definitely run away without a word, and once she left, the nobles in the city would be thrown into chaos. Right now, all sorts of rumors are circulating, but the nobles are unmoved, and they are even busy making a fortune off the national crisis. It's definitely a scam."

How do you know so much?

"Because if I were in that situation, I would do the same."

Ye Qingzhou remained calm. After all, there was no point in dying with Huajian City; it would only be a pointless sacrifice. Only by surviving could he get revenge and avenge his family.

"Holy crap, are you really that spineless?"

Huang Liwen couldn't help but complain.

Ye Qingzhou sighed: "To save people but lose land, to save land but lose people. The destructive power that a martial arts expert can cause exceeds that of tens of thousands of ordinary soldiers. Therefore, for the vassal states of Kunlun Cave Heaven, the strong are the greatest asset and trump card. Land and people, even if lost temporarily, can be regained later. But if the strong die in battle meaninglessly, that is the real blow."

Ye Qingzhou's words silenced Huang Liwen completely.

Before martial arts were revived on Earth, wars still required a certain popular base. However, within the Kunlun Cave Heaven, the inheritance of martial arts had never been interrupted, and abundant vital energy filled every corner.

This means that a martial arts master with master-level cultivation is a killing machine that requires almost no logistical support.

A martial arts master possesses an aura that permeates heaven and earth, and his power is inexhaustible. As long as he doesn't die, one person is worth a thousand troops.

Not to mention that inside Kunlun Cave Heaven, above martial arts masters, there are martial arts grandmasters, martial saints, and even martial gods.

These martial arts masters, who stand proudly above the rest of the world, are the true core forces capable of changing the course of war; other factors such as land, population, and army can only play a supporting role.

"Sigh, I hope everything's alright."

Huang Liwen was still somewhat worried.

The Eastern Kingdom has enjoyed peace for a long time, and for a high school student like him, war is far removed from his life, so he is not used to the current situation in Huajian City.

Ye Qingzhou, on the other hand, when he first started practicing martial arts in his previous life, challenged various martial arts schools and risked his life.

He later traveled to many war-torn regions as part of diplomatic missions, and was therefore quite familiar with war.

Ye Qingzhou dared to stay in Huajian City to observe the situation simply because he was highly skilled and daring. He lacked the ability to confront the main force of the rebel army head-on, but he certainly had the ability to escape with Brother Wen, and more than enough.

…………

In the dead of night, the silver moon hangs high in the sky.

Inside the ironware market, the Yanfeng shop was brightly lit.

Duan Qianfeng gathered his disciples, closed the gate tightly, and solemnly asked, "Are you willing to serve like slaves for the rest of your lives, or will you join me in overthrowing the tyrannical rule of the royal family?"

Upon hearing this, the apprentices of the Yanfeng Ship immediately understood that their master was plotting a rebellion!

Many people were immediately frightened, their faces showing fear. They dared not even breathe, for fear that the next breath would attract the fierce and menacing Red Feather Guards, who would break down their doors and wipe out their families.

The two brothers, Duan Wen and Duan Wu, shouted sternly, "What are you still hesitating about? Haven't you had enough of the hard times yet?"

"For thousands of years, the royal family has been tyrannical and monopolized the path of martial arts. We, born of humble origins, are destined to be the dogs of a bunch of vicious witches. Why? Are we born to be slaves and servants?!"

These words immediately resonated with everyone.

The disciples of the Yanfeng School are mostly children from poor families, and many of them don't even have the opportunity to participate in the martial arts academy's assessment.

Because the martial arts academy is located in the outer city, and the truly poor simply cannot afford the one coin required to enter the city.

If it weren't for Duan Qianfeng taking them in, these lowly people born in the slums would have been forever stuck in the muddy, filthy corners, slowly rotting away into the mud.

"Overthrow the monarchy!"

"Rakshasas will never be slaves!"

"Fuck them!"

Soon, the fighting spirit of the group was roused by Duan Wen and Duan Wu.

Just then.

Do do do~

The door was knocked on, not loudly, but it startled many of the apprentices in the Yanfeng, and the whole place fell silent instantly.

Seeing this, Duan Qianfeng reassured them, "Don't panic. It's not royal henchmen coming, but our allies. As the saying goes, those who act justly gain much support, while those who act unjustly find little. We are not the only ones who want to overthrow the tyrannical rule of the royal family."

Duanwen seized the opportunity to chime in, "That's right. As long as we rise up in rebellion, those in the country who are dissatisfied with the rule of the royal family will surely rise up in response and join us in this great undertaking."

"Victory!"

The crowd cheered again, their fighting spirit immediately soaring after learning they weren't the only ones plotting a rebellion.

Eeya~

The gate was opened, and a group of people wearing straw raincoats entered the Yanfeng.

The leader was tall and imposing, with a burly and robust build. Underneath his enormous straw hat was a fierce and terrifying tiger's head, and a hideous scar on his left cheek added to his menacing aura.

Its wings are jet black, covered with sharp iron hooks and barbs; if anyone were to be slapped by one, they would be mangled beyond recognition.

Qiong Li grinned, his gaze cruel and savage: "I came as promised, but where are my weapons?"

Behind him stood hundreds of powerful Qiongqi warriors, nine of whom possessed master-level combat strength. The rest were mostly at least at the eighth level of their profession, and each of them was a veteran of countless battles, with resolute eyes that revealed a chilling killing intent.

"Everything is ready."

Duan Qianfeng then instructed Duan Wen and Duan Wu to bring out the weapons specially crafted for Qiong Li: "These are all top-quality swords, which will surely help you all achieve victory."

"Ha ha."

Qiong Li picked up a top-grade sword that gleamed with a chilling light. Seeing his fierce gaze reflected in the smooth blade like a mirror, he burst into triumphant laughter: "Tonight, we will surely breach Flower Stream City! After the city falls, this sword will not be sheathed for three days!"

The fact that the swords were not sheathed for three days meant that people could burn, kill, plunder, and do whatever they pleased within Huajian City.

The Qiongqi warriors who had followed Qiongli immediately turned bloodshot, their morale soaring: "Kill! After this heist, we'll never have to worry again!"

Duan Qianfeng took out several maps and began to assign tasks: "This is the array diagram of the Ten Directions Heavenly Net Array of Huajian City. I put a lot of effort into drawing it. Everyone, split into five groups to destroy these five array eyes. Once the array is no longer protecting us, Huajian City will be ours for the taking."

Then, everyone began to take action.

…………

Lanxiangfang, outside the city.

A beautiful woman with a flushed face walked out slowly, her expression one of great satisfaction.

She was dressed in a splendid gown and adorned with luxurious makeup; she was clearly not there to sell herself.

On the contrary, she was a regular at Lanxiangfang, because it not only provided male customers with services to soften their bodies, but also offered a variety of young male servants or strong male slaves for the pleasure of the female nobles of the Rakshasa Kingdom.

Don't think this is a good deal. You should know that although the nobles of the Rakshasa Kingdom are incredibly beautiful, many of them have cultivation, and quite a few have even practiced the secret art of absorbing and replenishing essence.

The ability to suck up soil while sitting down is not just a figure of speech; they genuinely have this ability!

Every month, no fewer than a hundred men are drained dry in Lanxiangfang alone. The mass graves outside the city, which were only opened a few years ago, are already almost full.

A horse-drawn carriage stood quietly by the roadside.

Dao Cuiying moved with graceful steps, exuding charm. Beneath her gossamer-thin dress, her beautiful silhouette was faintly visible, dazzling the eye under the moonlight.

Yin Ding'an, who was waiting beside the carriage, lowered his head deeply, not daring to look at her. His tone was respectful but also fearful: "Your Excellency."

"Little Ding'an."

Dao Cuiying licked her lips, reached out and pinched Yin Ding'an's ugly face, then touched his firm chest: "You were so small back then, it seems like you've grown up in the blink of an eye, and you're becoming more and more pleasing to the eye. How about it, want to be my guest?"

Such an invitation from a stunningly beautiful woman would be an irresistible temptation for any man.

However, Yin Ding'an showed a look of fear and unease, and knelt on the ground, saying in a panic, "I am of lowly blood and would never dare to harbor such thoughts."

The woman before me is a real tigress who will devour people without spitting out the bones!

When Yin Ding'an thought of his two children at home, how could he dare to indulge in this moment of pleasure?

Seeing this, Dao Cuiying chuckled: "Just kidding, look how scared you are. Get up quickly, I'm a little tired, take me back to my residence."

After all, she was a stableman who had served her family for three generations. Although Dao Cuiying was cruel to outsiders, she was quite good to her own people.

"Yes, Your Excellency."

Yin Anding's ancestral horsemanship skills were quite advanced, and the carriage moved very smoothly in the dark.

Until, a sharp blade pierced the night sky, shattering this tranquility and peace.

Clang~

The blade energy arrived in an instant, cleaving the luxurious carriage into pieces.

Then came a clear, angry shout: "You audacious madman!"

Dao Cuiying leaped from the carriage, her peaceful slumber disturbed, and she was now furious: "Who dares to defy their superiors? Aren't you afraid of having your family wiped out?"

"Hahaha~"

Amidst unrestrained laughter, Qiong Li, wielding a renowned sword, descended from the sky, revealing his mastery of the Grandmaster realm.

A sharp glint of light, reflecting the moonlight, cleaved through the breeze and pierced the bright moon like a thunderbolt, striking towards Dao Cuiying's head: "Old woman, die!"

Dao Cuiying, who is over two hundred years old this year, maintains her youth by absorbing men's vital energy, and what she hates most is being told that she is old.

"You're asking for it!"

Clang~

Dao Cuiying drew two exquisite curved swords from her waist. They were inlaid with gorgeous gems and gleamed coldly under the moonlight, clearly indicating that they were not ordinary items.

As a duke of the Rakshasa Kingdom, her cultivation had already reached the Grandmaster level of the fourth level of Ascension, making her roughly equal to Qiong Li. The two quickly engaged in a fierce battle, exchanging blows and unleashing a sky full of sword energy.

Yin Anding got up to leave, but was blocked by Duanwu and others.

Someone recognized Yin Anding and angrily shouted, "This man is a lackey of that old hag from the Dao family!"

Yin Anding hurriedly protested, "I'm just a stable boy. I've never harmed anyone in my life. Please, please let me go. My wife and children are waiting for me to come home."

"Hmph, all the lackeys of the nobility must die!"

Duanwu wouldn't listen to Yin Anding's explanation; he stepped forward and beheaded him with a single stroke.

Yin Anding felt a sudden dizziness, and his eyes saw his own ankles. In his dying moments, his last thoughts were still about his family: "Yulan, Guangwu, this time, I'm afraid I won't be able to go back..."

After casually killing Yin Anding with a single strike, Duanwu immediately activated his Xuanjin Qilin Arm, wielding his reforged Crimson Fang Blade, and joined Qiongli in attacking Dao Cuiying: "Old hag, I'll kill you!"

In just a few days, Duanwu successfully broke free from his broken arm and rose to the top, entering the realm of martial arts master.

"Let's all attack together and crush this old hag!"

Duanwen then joined the battle, assisting Qiongli in killing Dao Cuiying on the spot.

Meanwhile, the others launched attacks from all sides, killing and burning in the city, creating chaos in order to distract the city guards.

Fear and chaos soon followed, accompanied by shouts of killing and screams, spreading from the ironware market, and the entire Flower Valley City was engulfed in flames.

In the east of the city, one of the most important array eyes of the Ten Directions Heavenly Net Array is located inside the city guard's garrison.

A tall and imposing figure arrived suddenly, bathed in moonlight.

The general in charge of guarding the area was a master-level expert. Sensing something was wrong, she immediately roared, "Who goes there, daring to trespass into a military camp at night!"

"I am Forging a Thousand Blades."

The famous sword Blood Blade was drawn in response, its crimson blade energy piercing the heavens and earth.

Then came boundless rage and endless flashes of sword light, which completely annihilated the entire camp.

The power of mental imagery!

A martial arts master among men!

With just one strike, Duan Qianfeng annihilated thousands of soldiers and more than ten master-level experts in the military camp. Even the underground spiritual veins, along with the array's core, were severed by a single strike.

"Master has succeeded!"

"My master is actually a martial saint!"

The disciples of the Yanfeng team were overjoyed, feeling that victory was assured.

After successfully destroying another key point of the array, Duanwu turned his gaze to the ironware market: "That bastard surnamed Ye caused me to lose an arm. Today, I will settle my score and avenge my grudge!"

After saying that, he gave a shout and led a group of junior brothers, intending to take advantage of the chaos to loot Shenfeng Pavilion.

Click~

Ironware Market, Shenfeng Pavilion Weapons Shop.

The flimsy door was kicked down by Duanwu...

Rumble~

A violent explosion rang out, flames shot into the sky, and an orange-red mushroom cloud bloomed above the ironware market.

"Holy crap? What happened?"

The violent tremors woke Huang Liwen, who was sleeping like a log. He quickly put on his clothes, opened the window, and saw shouts and screams coming from all over the city. The burning buildings illuminated Huajian City in a crimson glow under the night sky.

Huang Liwen's face instantly turned ashen: "Damn it, the rebels have breached the city gates?"

Ye Qingzhou stretched and said, "Pretty much. The city's protective array has been destroyed, and my shop is gone too. I don't even know if the shop owner had insurance."

Inside Shenfeng Pavilion, Ye Qingzhou deliberately left behind a Bing Fire illusion that would explode upon contact.

As for whether the explosion hit a thief or a robber, Ye Qingzhou didn't care.

(End of this chapter)