[Wuxia] The Free and Easy Journey of the Tang Dynasty (Complete) - 13

page views:1 Publication date:2023-03-24

Chapter 40
Chengdu, the City of Supreme Venerables.
In the west wing, amidst a cluster of luxurious and elaborate houses, stood a single, inconspicuous little wooden cabin.
This cabin, precisely in the very center of the complex, seemed utterly out of place.
The interior was simple, not exactly dilapidated, but certainly not opulent. In the center of the room was an incense burner, and behind a screen, a bed, a few wooden chairs, a table, and some teacups and other utensils—nothing else.
On the small bed, Song Yuzhi leaned against the headboard, legs crossed. Su Su sat gracefully at the corner of the bed. Sitting upright at the head of the bed was a woman of about twenty-five or twenty-six. Three features about her were most striking: first, her figure was nine-tenths similar to Su Su's; second, her appearance was seven-tenths similar to Song Yuzhi's; and third, the deep resentment in her eyes was extremely intense, making one immediately wonder what had happened to give rise to such a strong sense of melancholy.
The room was silent. The woman's strange gaze would sometimes fall on Song Yuzhi, sometimes on Su Su, before she lowered her head and continued to ponder.
Nearly half an hour passed before the woman slowly spoke.
"So, you're saying that I've come to persuade Duzun Fortress to support the Song family?"
Beneath her delicate appearance, her voice revealed a stubbornness and strength that was astonishing.
"Thump!"
Song Yuzhi immediately collapsed onto the bed, exclaiming dramatically, "Elder sister, you've been holding back for so long and you actually thought of this?"
This woman was none other than Song Yuhua, the eldest daughter of the Lingnan Song Clan, who had been married into Duzun Fortress for several years, and the elder sister of both Song Shidao and Song Yuzhi.
Seeing Song Yuzhi's expression, Song Yuhua's resentment temporarily vanished, and she giggled. Suddenly realizing her rudeness, she reverted to her refined demeanor, speaking slowly and reproachfully, "Going out like this, how can you act like a young lady from a prominent family? If outsiders see you, won't they laugh at you to death? You'll utterly disgrace your father and the family!"
Song Yuzhi, seemingly showing great respect for Song Yuhua, quickly rose and sat cross-legged, her beautiful eyes revealing a 'I'm a rogue, who cares?' look, clearly not taking Song Yuhua's words to heart.
Song Yuhua gave a helpless, bitter smile, then broke into a cheerful grin, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. "My little sister's appearance reminds me of when we were four or five years old. Back then, she was a lively and adorable little rascal, always getting into mischief."
"But as we grow older, we have to become more disciplined. We can no longer do as we please, we can no longer be free. We no longer belong to ourselves."
Song Yuhua continued, her brow furrowing with increasing sorrow, as if she were lost in some painful memory.
Song Yuzhi quickly stepped forward and hugged Song Yuhua's arm, trying to comfort her, but found herself unable to think of anything to say.
"This is the price of growing up!"
Susu chimed in from the side.
Song Yuhua was taken aback, then smiled and nodded. "Perhaps it's just as you say, little sister!"
"Why did your first question after hearing my story come up with persuading Duzun Fortress?"
Song Yuzhi asked, puzzled. Thinking to herself: I just told my sister everything about my husband, the family secrets, and the events of the past few years, so why isn't she interested in my husband? It's so strange!
"Do you have any other purpose in coming here? Since you and your brother-in-law have such a grand ambition, how can you easily let go of the Bashu region? Although Bashu is far from the emperor's reach and has no hope of dominating, it has rich cultural and natural resources, and it's not an exaggeration to say that it can be considered a country in itself. Any force that gains the support of Bashu will definitely increase its strength. And Duzun Fortress is the strongest force in Bashu. With the old friends of the older generation and the marriage alliances of the younger generation, it would be better to peacefully take over Lingnan than to fight."
Song Yuhua explained.
"Sister, you truly deserve to be called a talented woman from a noble family! What you say makes sense, but we came to see you today for something else entirely."
Song Yuzhi said with a charming smile.
"My third uncle helped my second brother 'capture' a strategist, a veritable reincarnation of Zhuge Liang. After discussing with my second brother, he concluded that the struggle in the Central Plains is currently divided into northern and southern factions, and the final outcome will inevitably be that one major power dominates in each. If the north is either the Li Tang or Wang Shichong, then the south will certainly be the Song Clan. If, by then, Sichuan and Chongqing still remain neutral, we might adopt policies such as persuasion or war. However, currently, there are still many powerful factions within the Central Plains, and Lingnan is not truly ready to participate in the struggle for supremacy. If, at this time, Duzun Fortress, which dominates Sichuan and Chongqing, were to declare its support for the Song Clan, it would put the Song Clan, which has not yet joined the struggle for supremacy, in a difficult position. Because the balance of power..." "Once this is disrupted, in order to protect themselves and prevent the Song Clan's power from expanding excessively, the forces of Xiao Xian and Du Fuwei in Jiangnan will definitely unite and attack the Song Clan from all sides. Even the forces in the north will be wary of the Song Clan's strength and will secretly carry out some small actions from afar, such as supporting other forces in the south or plotting against the Song Clan. With such enemies on multiple fronts, the Song Clan will inevitably face the situation of dying before it even gets off the ground and collapsing completely. What the Song Clan needs to do now is just wait and see. Let the major forces in the south fight to the death, and when the Song Clan finally sends out its troops, it will crush them with overwhelming force!"
Seeing Song Yuhua's puzzled expression, Song Yuzhi explained in a gentle and persuasive manner.
Song Yuzhi's words were eloquent and full of reason, and Song Yuhua couldn't help but feel proud of her younger brother. She secretly thought that she hadn't been back to her parents' home for several years, and she hadn't even been able to attend her younger sister's wedding. Rumors had always circulated that Shi Dao was a man of detached nature, but unexpectedly, once he set his sights on conquering the world, he proved to be almost as capable as his father. Suddenly, Song Yuhua thought of her legendary brother-in-law. All of this must have changed because of his appearance. Recalling everything Song Yuzhi had just told her, it all seemed like a story, hard to believe.
"What am I thinking!"
Song Yuhua thought to herself. How did her thoughts drift to her brother-in-law? But everything he had done in the past few years was astonishing: his fame shook the world, he loved his wife dearly, he married both his mother and daughter, he dueled with the Heavenly Blade, he played the swordsman, and so on. Song Yuhua's curiosity grew stronger.
Suddenly hearing Song Yuzhi call her from the side, Song Yuhua quickly snapped out of her reverie: "I never imagined my brother-in-law would have such lofty ambitions! I'd only ever heard rumors about him; I thought he was just a recluse who disliked worldly affairs!"
Song Yuzhi and Susu were taken aback. Hearing Song Yuhua's seemingly random remark after a moment of reverie, the two women stared blankly for a moment before chuckling, leaving Song Yuhua utterly bewildered.
"Before our wedding, my husband told Susu: 'I can save one Susu, but I cannot save the countless Susus in the world who share the same fate. Therefore, dedicating myself to worldly affairs and assisting the Emperor is the most perfect choice.'"
Susu recalled Yuan Yueze's words, her eyes filled with deep affection as she spoke.
Song Yuhua was also greatly surprised, her curiosity about Yuan Yueze reaching a new peak.
“Sister Susu actually came to take me back to Luoyang, but she remembered my elder sister on the way, so she stopped by to check on things. She ended up meeting Brother Xie, who was drunk, on the streets of Chengdu. Brother Xie told Sister Susu and me everything, begging for our help. So, we sneaked in this time, hoping to take my elder sister away from here,”
Song Yuzhi continued.
“What!”
Song Yuhua exclaimed in surprise.
“Elder sister, don’t blame yourself. I’ve completely cured Sister Lian’er’s internal poison. Brother Xie was so happy he almost knelt down to thank me. You don’t need to feel indebted to him! He also agreed to let us take you away secretly!”
Song Yuzhi continued.
Song Yuhua’s face turned cold upon hearing this: “He’s your brother-in-law? What Brother Xie? And who is Lian’er?”
Song Yuzhi's pretty face showed impatience: "Eldest sister, there's no need to hide it from us. There are only the three of us here today! Brother Jie personally told her not to call him 'brother-in-law' anymore. He still prefers to be called 'Brother Jie' as he did when we were children. Brother Jie has been in love with one person since childhood, you should know who she is! You didn't have a choice before, but it's different now. Sister Susu and I have come up with a foolproof plan that won't harm either of you."
Song Yuhua's beautiful face remained cold, her expression somber as she ignored Song Yuzhi.
Song Yuzhi had no choice but to reveal the full details of the plan. Song Yuhua's cold face gradually showed surprise, followed by a complex expression, a mixture of joy and difficulty. She hesitated, wanting to speak but seemingly unsure what to say.
"Eldest sister still can't go with you! Don't ask why."
A full incense stick's time passed before Song Yuhua, after a long silence, finally uttered these words as if she had made up her mind.
"What!"
Song Yuzhi and Susu immediately deflated like punctured balloons.
※※※※※ Yuan Yueze, dressed in rather disheveled clothes, sat alone cross-legged on the edge of a cliff north of Luoyang. He had no time to appreciate the undulating mountains and beautiful rivers below. His brows were furrowed, as if he were deep in thought.
After a while, perhaps due to his chaotic thoughts, Yuan Yueze turned his head and looked at the several pools of blood and two severed fingers not far away, involuntarily falling into deep thought again.
Having personally received the jade pendant from Wang Shichong, Yuan Yueze immediately realized it was a fake! But the craftsmanship was almost indistinguishable from the real thing; if Yuan Yueze hadn't handled it himself, he wouldn't have been able to tell the difference between the genuine and the fake.
After hastily bidding farewell, Yuan Yueze rushed headlong towards the palace where the Dugu clan resided, his mind racing. Although he didn't have time to consider which craftsman's skill was so exceptional, Yuan Yueze could still surmise that Wang Shichong must have planted a spy within the Dugu clan, and this spy was likely near Dugu Feng. Otherwise, how would Wang Shichong know the connection between this jade pendant and Yuan Yueze? Yuan Yueze's primary task was to forcibly seize Dugu Feng, and then consider other matters.
Halfway there, Yuan Yueze suddenly stopped. Two powerful and malevolent auras emanating from the north of the city caught his attention.
"It must be those two forces in the shadows!"
Yuan Yueze quickly weighed his options and decided to confront them first. Even if Dugu Feng was in danger, she wouldn't die any second now, but Yuan Yueze had come to Luoyang and prepared for so long precisely to lure out these forces in the shadows!
As he ran, Yuan Yueze continued to ponder: What was it about these two forces that had stopped their retreat? Could it be the He Shi Bi jade?
After a short while, Yuan Yueze drew ever closer to the two powerful auras. Judging from the earth-shaking fluctuations they caused, he knew they were fighting. Unable to fathom why they were attacking, Yuan Yueze's only recourse was to rush over and see what was happening.
Running north, he noticed the cool breeze had turned warm, and the temperature was gradually rising.
Suppressing all his aura, Yuan Yueze slipped into a grove of trees.
In the distance, a man dressed in black and wearing a mask was locked in a fierce battle with a woman in red and veiled at the same time.
Both exuded an aura of malevolence, wielding fire-based techniques. Judging solely from their fierce, scorching aura, Yuan Yueze could guess just how high their cultivation levels were!
What shocked Yuan Yueze even more was that the closer he got to them, the more his mind seemed to be affected, making it impossible for him to concentrate on the fight! If someone were to launch a sneak attack now, wouldn't that significantly diminish his strength?
Forcibly suppressing his thoughts, Yuan Yueze, his mind calmed once more, used his mental eye to investigate. The evil energy that had just affected his will had finally vanished. His attention focused on the two fighters. He saw two almost invisible figures clashing with simple, direct fists and palms, their fiery energy radiating outwards. Fortunately, it was summer, and the trees were not yet dry; otherwise, it would surely have caused a forest fire! While Yuan Yueze was still marveling at their cultivation levels, their fight seemed to have reached its most crucial moment. The fiery energy formed a tornado-like aura, creating a great gust of wind with astonishing power!
"Bang!"
The clash of their peak abilities produced a muffled thunderous sound, sending sand and stones flying within a two-zhang radius.
After this exchange, as the lingering wind dissipated, the result of the contest could be vaguely seen. Two powerful bursts of fire left distinct marks on the core area, carving out a two-inch-deep crater in the flat grass. The man in black stood tall and imposing, his breathing even, as if he hadn't even made a move. The woman in red, however, was breathing rapidly six feet away, struggling to suppress her churning blood and maintain her graceful figure. Yuan Yueze, however, sensed that she was utterly defeated.
Both were powerful individuals, yet when they clashed, the stronger lost, and the stronger triumphed.
The man in black seemed completely unsuspecting of the woman in red, but holding the dull He Shi Bi jade in his hands, he shook his head and sighed, "I was too late, letting someone else benefit! You must be that 'Empress Fa' of the Turks, right?"
Upon hearing this, the woman in red was overjoyed, but her expression remained resentful as she said, "Hmph! I failed to absorb its power, otherwise, how could you, the Great Ming Holy Venerable, have so easily humiliated me!"
Upon hearing the words 'Great Ming Holy Venerable,' Yuan Yueze's face turned cold. The mortal enemy he had waited for over four years was none other than him!
Before he could think any further, Yuan Yueze's aura surged to its peak in an instant, unleashing a torrent of energy that surged towards the Great Ming Saint Venerable like cascading waves.
Simultaneously, he transformed into a wisp of smoke, his ten fingers outstretched, generating a powerful force that completely sealed off the Great Ming Saint Venerable's approach and path, launching a fierce attack from an unpredictable angle.
The Saint Venerable, about to speak again to inquire about the Dharma, suddenly felt a powerful aura and attack coming from his left. He raised his palm to block, this elusive move seemingly slow yet incredibly fast, its force astonishing.
"Pfft!"
The Saint Venerable coughed up blood beneath his ferocious mask, staggering back four steps, the He Shi Bi jade in his hand also being blasted away at the same time.
This scene, appearing before Yuan Yueze's eyes, suddenly filled him with an inexplicable, strange feeling.
The He Shi Bi jade landed right in front of Empress Fa. She was only momentarily stunned before swiftly grabbing it, muttering a few words. Suddenly, she stirred up a seemingly ethereal whirlwind, its violent rotation causing Yuan Yueze, who was still pursuing the Holy Venerable, and the Holy Venerable himself, not far away, to lose their footing. In the instant they had to divert their strength to support themselves, Empress Fa was sent flying backward.
By the time Yuan Yueze and the Holy Venerable regained their senses, Empress Fa had vanished without a trace.
Compared to Yuan Yueze, the Holy Venerable seemed more concerned about Empress Fa and was about to set off to pursue her. But how could Yuan Yueze let his mortal enemy go! His longsword was suddenly drawn, his clothes billowing, his hair standing on end, a simple yet powerful thrust aimed directly at the Holy Venerable.
The surrounding air seemed to be instantly sucked clean by this seemingly simple yet profoundly principled, earth-shattering sword strike, as if it had pierced through nine heavens or eighteen hells. The Holy Venerable felt completely empty, as if he had nowhere to lean, experiencing extreme discomfort.
A strange smile flickered in his eyes. The Holy Venerable's palms instantly turned a deep, translucent red, surging with boundless, overwhelming internal energy as he effortlessly met the sword tip.
Surprisingly, such a violent impact produced not a sound.
Retracting his sword, Yuan Yueze was horrified; the strange feeling he had just felt surged back.
"You truly disappoint me. Did the Empress really injure you like this?"
the Holy Venerable said, his tone devoid of emotion. Yuan Yueze was also surprised, thinking to himself: Could it be that the rumors spread by my Holy Sect back then have inadvertently come true?
Still pondering that inexplicable feeling, Yuan Yueze heard the Holy Venerable speak and immediately chuckled inwardly, thinking, "Do I look weak now?
" "The more you underestimate me, the better!"
Yuan Yueze chuckled inwardly, his expression remaining calm: "You should remember the grudge between us four years ago!"
"You value your small 'family' too much, while neglecting the greater 'family',"
the Holy Venerable said calmly.
"I have no interest in discussing these matters with you. Now that we've met, revenge is a must!"
Yuan Yueze was taken aback by the Holy Venerable's lecturing words, which sounded like those of an old sage, but then spoke again.
Further discussion was pointless. Even if Yuan Yueze harbored a testing intent, how could he guarantee the other party would tell the truth? A fist was the only way!
Yuan Yueze continuously released his aura and mental pressure, reaching its peak before letting out a loud shout. His longsword transformed into hundreds of white streaks, enveloping the Holy Venerable. Each strike was like a bird in flight or a fish swimming, swift and elusive, leaving no trace—exquisitely beautiful.
The Holy Venerable's expression hardened. He lunged forward, slowly raising his hand. All his movements were unimaginably slow, yet they formed an inseparable whole. Though it was only a single palm strike, it contained the power of his entire body and spirit, making it a force to be reckoned with.
Time passed indefinitely before Yuan Yueze's swift sword finally clashed with the Saint Venerable's slow palm, a scene of indescribable eeriness.
The world suddenly shifted dramatically.
Yuan Yueze felt his true energy malfunction, becoming uncontrollable; his powerful true energy began to roam wildly, acting as if his body were a vessel! Suddenly, he felt a sudden release, falling backward, but the ground began to change strangely.
The ground and the surrounding space began to cave in and distort, and Yuan Yueze began to sink involuntarily, as if falling into another mysterious and confusing space. After a dizzying sensation, Yuan Yueze gradually lost track of whether the surrounding environment was unreal or if his body had left its original space, feeling illusory and adrift. His consciousness seemed to contain nothing but emptiness, a vast, white, boundless void.
Yuan Yueze's mind was incredibly sharp! He knew he had been struck by a mental attack, or more precisely, by demonic magic!
He could gently pinch himself a few times, close his eyes, and calm his mind; everything around him remained unchanged.
Just as he was pondering this, a terrifying scream rang out. Yuan Yueze opened his eyes, and what he saw was no longer the scene from before, but a dark, deep hell filled with constant, agonizing screams! The surrounding ghosts scurried about, seemingly unable to see Yuan Yueze's presence. Yuan Yueze walked alone, witnessing those whose tongues were ripped out by fiery iron pincers, those crushed into a pulp by two fiery iron mountains, those subjected to slow slicing by flying knives, their heads and feet severed, their flesh mangled and bloodied, those pierced through the chest and back by swords, spears, and halberds, those burned to a crisp by a red-hot iron bed, those trampled by iron bull horns, their bones and flesh rotting and screaming in agony, those whose mouths were filled with molten copper and whose internal organs were charred and torn apart—all these were things he could see.
Just as Yuan Yueze was watching in bewilderment, he suddenly heard a deep voice faintly in his ear: "The Dao covers heaven and earth, encompasses the four directions, and reaches the eight extremes. It is immeasurably high and unfathomably deep, enveloping heaven and earth, endowed with formlessness; it flows like a spring, rushing and gradually filling; it is turbid and smooth, turbid and gradually clearing..."
Suddenly, space distorted again. When Yuan Yueze opened his eyes after closing them, everything around him had returned to normal, and the two were facing each other with their swords clashing.
Reflexively, Yuan Yueze withdrew his sword and took a step back, looking down at his body. There was nothing wrong with him. He then heard the Holy Venerable slowly say: "You are the first person to be able to withstand my 'Five Extremes Annihilation Hand'. Thanks to your miraculous body, you were able to absorb my hundreds of years of profound cultivation!"
"Then you summoned me back? What kind of sorcery is that?"
Yuan Yueze asked.
The Holy Venerable's eyes remained expressionless: "The Creator's ingenuity and profound skill are inexhaustible and endless. Those who create forms are skillful in their appearance but shallow in their application, thus they arise and vanish in an instant. Only when one understands that illusion is no different from life and death can one begin to learn illusion."
Yuan Yueze, having read countless books, pondered for a moment and then asked, "Is the 'Five Extremes Annihilation Hand' you use an illusion technique rather than a mental attack?"
A hint of pride flashed in the Holy Venerable's eyes as he nodded slightly, then said with a touch of melancholy, "To be precise, it is an illusion technique that I have combined with martial arts. Currently, in this Central Plains region, there are no more than three people who can use this technique, and after these three, no one else in the world will know it!"
Yuan Yueze's mind raced, vaguely guessing that this kind of extraterrestrial illusion technique had been lost.
"If you don't call me back, will I remain in that hell forever?"
Yuan Yueze asked.
The Holy Venerable shook his head and said, "I need to connect with you spiritually to use this technique. If I fail to kill you while controlling you, then we will stand here forever."
"You should know that we are enemies, so why are you being so honest with me?"
Yuan Yueze finally understood why the Holy Venerable didn't trap him in that illusory hell, and asked again.
"I know you care about the revenge for the ambush on your wives and concubines, but I want to explain to you in detail that my heart is for the world, and my ambition is for all people. Why are you so fixated on the hatred of your 'self'? Your body is very miraculous. Can you tell me its origin?"
the Holy Venerable said patiently.
Yuan Yueze thought to himself, "I'd be a fool to tell you!" He immediately replied, "Even if I told you, you might not believe me, because this body was refined for me by my master."
This was indeed the truth, but whether he could understand it was not Yuan Yueze's concern.
"As for your claim of having ambitions for the world, those things are none of my business! Or let me ask you, why should I believe you?"
Yuan Yueze asked again when the Holy Venerable remained silent.
The Holy Venerable looked up and said, "If you don't believe me, I won't explain. But I'm determined to have your body!"
Yuan Yueze thought to himself: After all that talk, it turns out you just wanted to persuade me to submit and study my body? He then said calmly, "Your skills are indeed extraordinary, but I've thought of something: you no longer dare to use that illusion technique casually."
Upon hearing this, a strange look flashed in the Holy Venerable's eyes: "That's absolutely right. I've also realized that I shouldn't have left you, this threat!"
"Has the fox's tail finally been revealed?"
Yuan Yueze chuckled, raising his hand to thrust out a sword, aiming straight for the Holy Venerable's chest.
The Holy Venerable's aura and mind finally showed a slight crack after Yuan Yueze's words, and how could Yuan Yueze not press his advantage upon realizing this?
Yuan Yueze's sword strike appeared unremarkable, but its intent shifted constantly with speed and angle. Thus, though seemingly simple and direct, to someone of Saint Venerable's high cultivation, it appeared to contain three sword strikes within one. Due to its unpredictable nature, passively waiting would at best result in being at a disadvantage, and at worst, unable to defend.
Saint Venerable's expression remained unchanged, but his inner energy surged, his body darting about erratically, seemingly like a headless fly, but in reality, he was preparing to meet the fatal sword strike at the most crucial moment.
After three crisp sounds, the two suddenly separated. Saint Venerable
easily broke Yuan Yueze's attack with a pair of bare hands, unexpectedly reminding Yuan Yueze of Kuang Lei. This Saint Venerable only had a slightly torn hem, clearly indicating that his cultivation was at least equal to, if not lower than, Kuang Lei's.
Without giving Yuan Yueze any time to consider, the instant his toes touched the ground, a sharp shout rang out, and his palms flew, following an extremely mysterious path with unparalleled speed, drawing six strange and eerie dark green energy rings of varying sizes and angles in succession before his chest, like serpents darting about.
These seemingly real yet illusory energy rings, as if possessed by life, drifted erratically towards Yuan Yueze.
Before he could even marvel at the wonder of this move, Yuan Yueze unleashed ten consecutive sword thrusts from different angles, instantly creating a misty aura within a ten-foot radius, with shimmering reflections of water and clouds, endlessly flowing and infinitely expressive.
Suddenly, Yuan Yueze realized that his vital energy had been constantly leaking away, and his fighting strength was now only slightly over eighty percent.
In such a duel, a single lapse in mental focus could be fatal.
After several crisp sounds, Yuan Yueze only managed to block four energy rings, being struck in the shoulder and abdomen by the other two, staggering back two steps.
The Holy Venerable remained still, yet his movements were astonishing. Without moving, his hands once again swept across the void, unleashing a devastating torrent of heavenly fire that materialized into over a dozen energy wheels, more than twice as powerful as before.
Yuan Yueze faced a desperate situation, with no way to escape.
His mind went completely blank. "
Gather your spirit at the top, let your energy flow through heaven and earth.
Let your energy be like a valley, your essence like floating force.
When essence is exhausted, let your essence return to oneness and conceal your energy.
" These three phrases, summarized by Shan Meixian for Yuan Yueze's strange self-created technique, inexplicably appeared in his mind.
All his past battles flashed through his mind.
The so-called 'body and mind' was the culmination of all his past arduous training and combat experience. The mind was still, but the spirit desired to move, transcending thought. However, if one could only do this occasionally, one was not yet a master. Only when every move and stance was a fusion of spirit and mind could the intent of the move be completely at one's command.
In that instant, Yuan Yueze completely understood the meaning of what Song Que had once said.
In the past, Yuan Yueze was much weaker in terms of 'skill,' yet he could still contend with masters like Song Que and Fu Cailin. This wasn't because, as Song Que claimed, Yuan Yueze had found a different path, but simply because of his temperament and comprehension. However, this level was still far from truly understanding and internalizing 'skill.'
Diligent practice and experience must be personally experienced step by step; no other method can achieve the same results.
This is also the difference between theory and practice.
Images of past duels flashed through his mind like lightning. Yuan Yueze's heart moved freely, his sword born from his heart.
His swordplay rose suddenly, seemingly chaotic yet unhurried, each strike appearing unrelated, yet continuous and unbroken, like a celestial horse galloping freely, perfectly natural and endless.
His strange sword techniques, combining yin and yang, seemed unstoppable and indestructible. His moves flowed like clouds and water, continuous and delicate, displaying exquisite skill and agility.
The bizarre swordplay perfectly blended the forces of strength and gentleness, causing the Holy Venerable to immediately tense up.
Even with his cultivation, the Holy Venerable could still see a fleeting, ethereal, noble, and dignified white-clad fairy dancing lightly with a sword beside Yuan Yueze, her skirt fluttering like a startled swan, her flowing robes swaying as if flying through the heavens.
This was entirely a mental illusion, something the Holy Venerable knew all too well.
Sure enough, before he could forcefully calm himself, the white-clad woman's illusion vanished in a flash.
Yuan Yueze's swordplay contained not a trace of killing intent, but rather seemed to contain tender affection, supple and enduring. In this life-or-death situation, such swordplay felt utterly incredible.
The powerful, dark green aura was deflected with a mere touch to the sword tip, not only neutralizing and striking, but also using the force against the sword, redirecting the aura back at the Holy Venerable.
The Holy Venerable was greatly astonished.
With a swift double palm strike, he realized the absurdity of receiving his own full-force attack.
He blocked each ring of energy, but the force within was extraordinary; even the Holy Venerable couldn't deflect it like Yuan Yueze, only able to parry.
When he reached the final ring, a sudden, inexplicable fear surged within him.
A powerful aura rushed towards him, and subconsciously, he knew that if he didn't flee, he might perish.
Yuan Yueze's longsword, originally devoid of killing intent, was imbued with his full power, its trajectory subtly precise, using the power of the final ring to pierce the Holy Venerable.
But the Holy Venerable's fear didn't end there. Yuan Yueze seemed to have merged with the entire universe, full of flaws yet flawless. It felt utterly contradictory. His sword was even more so.
The Holy Venerable, always cautious, never fought a battle he wasn't confident of winning. He knew that even if he blocked Yuan Yueze's attack, it would be a mutually destructive outcome. Instantly, his mind moved, and the Holy Venerable transformed into a black haze, shooting straight into the distance.
But Yuan Yueze's sword strike, seemingly slow yet incredibly fast, was swifter than lightning. The tip of the sword had already pierced an inch into the chest. The Holy Venerable could only barely gather his 'Heavenly Frost' and meet the attack with a punch.
"Ah!"
With a scream, the Holy Venerable's figure continued unabated, disappearing in the blink of an eye due to the momentum of Yuan Yueze's attack.
"Thump!"
Yuan Yueze was at his limit, his true energy almost completely depleted. His nerves relaxed, and he slumped to the ground.
Not far away, on the ground lay Yuan Yueze's 'spoils' of this battle: the Holy Venerable's little finger and ring finger.
In today's battle, having encountered the Holy Venerable and another person called 'Empress of Law', Yuan Yueze began to ponder carefully: Empress of Law and the Holy Venerable both seemed to have come for the He Shi Bi jade. Their cultivation was definitely not simple, and their strength seemed to be half a level higher than Song Que and Fu Cailin. However, these two seemed to have no ambition for martial arts. Perhaps learning martial arts was a helpless choice due to the times they lived in. The Holy Venerable of the Great Ming Dynasty had even clearly stated that his ambition was to rule the world.
But this Great Ming Saint Venerable was truly terrifying. His strength was one aspect, but even more terrifying was his cunning and scheming! Thinking back to how he only realized his true energy was constantly leaking out just before his defeat, Yuan Yueze deduced that it must have been the Saint Venerable's doing. Perhaps, at the very moment the Saint Venerable forced Yuan Yueze into an illusion through their spiritual connection, the Saint Venerable used some method to cause Yuan Yueze's true energy to leak away imperceptibly. If Yuan Yueze hadn't suddenly realized a surprising move, this battle would have dragged on for who knows how long.
And what about the Empress? The Great Ming Saint Venerable had absolutely no reason to let her go, so why did he spare her? Yuan Yueze recalled the strange feeling he had when he first joined the battle. With the Saint Venerable's cultivation, it was impossible for Yuan Yueze to have knocked the He Shi Bi out of his hand with a single, half-hearted attack! Moreover, the location where the He Shi Bi fell was definitely not normal; how could it fly against the current and fall in front of the Empress?
What secrets did the He Shi Bi hold? Why would even experts like them come to seize it?
Yuan Yueze glanced at the 'spoils of war' not far away and sighed deeply.
"Husband!"
As he recalled the events, Fu Junzhuo's anxious voice reached his ears. Looking in the direction of the voice, Yuan Yueze saw a white figure rush towards him in the blink of an eye, throwing herself into his arms.
From the moment Yuan Yueze sensed the Holy Venerable's technique and the two engaged in battle, to the Holy Venerable's cunning escape, less than a quarter of an hour had passed. During this time, they had fought and talked, and the aura generated during their fight could naturally be detected by those with higher cultivation levels in the city. Fu Junzhuo's arrival now made Yuan Yueze feel she was rather late.
"Alright, I'm fine, sit down and talk."
Seeing Fu Junzhuo holding him tightly, Yuan Yueze patted her fragrant shoulder, comforting her.
Holding a blushing beauty in his arms, Yuan Yueze felt a sense of exhilaration.
"Why are you the only one here? Where are Meixian and the others?"
Yuan Yueze asked, looking down.
“The sisters all fell for the enemy’s ‘luring the tiger away from the mountain’ trick and were scattered to various places outside the city. We just reunited and came separately to find our husbands,”
Fu Junzhuo replied.
“Tell me more about it,”
Yuan Yueze asked.
“About an hour ago, a powerful and sinister aura appeared in all four directions outside Luoyang City. Sister Meixian and the rest of us split up, but each of us encountered four strange people. Although they looked the same as the people in the five-metal armor who attacked the Giant Kun Gang, their strength was exceptionally high. Their individual strength wasn't particularly strong, but they had a set of combined attack techniques. Just like what Yuzhen encountered, they created endless illusions to disturb our minds. Sister Meixian and I were alright, since we had some fighting experience. Sister Bei, Zhenzhen, and Xiuxun had almost no experience and almost suffered a great loss. Fortunately, we had a physical advantage and managed to wear them down. When we regrouped, we realized that only Sister Bei had encountered people who were actually there to steal the He Shi Bi.”
Fu Junzhuo explained.
Yuan Yueze nodded and recounted his own experience, leaving Fu Junzhuo's mouth agape in astonishment.
"It seems Bei'er encountered the Empress, but her strength is far inferior to that of the Great Ming Saint Venerable. I almost died at her hands,"
Yuan Yueze sighed.
Fu Junzhuo hugged Yuan Yueze tightly, her voice trembling with tears, "Husband, please don't frighten us. How can we sisters survive without you?"
Yuan Yueze laughed loudly, "How could I die so easily? It's just that the process was too dangerous."
Fu Junzhuo seemed to suddenly remember something, and said shyly in a low voice, "This time, we've caused you so much trouble, it's all Zhenzhen's and my fault."
"It all started because Xiao Zhong and Xiao Ling went to steal the He Shi Bi. Now that the He Shi Bi is lost, and they were recognized by the people from Jingnian Temple while they were stealing it, I'm afraid we're in trouble now. The various forces in Luoyang City and Shi Feixuan won't let such a big loss go to waste. Xiao Zhong and Xiao Ling are seriously injured, and to avoid any unforeseen complications, Sister Bei sent them back to the mountain city to recuperate. Husband, take out your anger on me. It's all Zhenzhen and I'm too indulgent with them."
Fu Junzhuo said softly, like a child who had done something wrong.
Yuan Yueze frowned upon hearing this. Those two brats were always causing trouble for him behind his back!
But he couldn't bear to blame Fu Junzhuo, so he chuckled, "Actually, it's not their fault. Our first purpose in coming to Luoyang was to expose the hidden forces, wasn't it? The He Shi Bi was merely a medium!"
"But! If those two hadn't stolen it, no one would have dared to provoke my husband afterwards. Now it's a completely different story. My husband will be criticized by all sides when he returns to Luoyang!"
Fu Junzhuo still looked apologetic.
Yuan Yueze knew that further persuasion was useless, so he teased, "Then I'll punish you! If the son makes a mistake, the mother will take the punishment, okay?"
Fu Junzhuo immediately nodded.
"Then how about you punish me with a 'match'?"
Yuan Yueze stared at Fu Junzhuo lecherously.
Fu Junzhuo immediately understood what was happening, her pretty face flushing red as she scolded, "You're so annoying!"
Yuan Yueze laughed and directly captured Fu Junzhuo's small mouth, engaging in a passionate kiss.
Driven by desire, the two began tearing at their clothes without a care, completely forgetting they were in the wilderness, ignoring the ravaged battlefield not far away, and were about to establish a 'second battlefield' right here.
Fu Junzhuo's small mouth could only utter beautiful, melodious moans, her delicate body twisting and rubbing against Yuan Yueze.
"Ah!"
Just as they were about to remove Fu Junzhuo's last barrier, a sudden exclamation rang out!
The two immediately regained their senses, turning to look. Four people were running towards them from dozens of feet away, with Dugu Feng leading the way, followed by Shan Meixian, Wei Zhenzhen, and Shang Xiuxun.
The gasp came from Dugu Feng. This young woman had never seen anything like it before; her face flushed crimson with embarrassment. She wanted to turn away, but her curiosity overwhelmed her. The other three women, however, were used to Yuan Yueze's absurdity and only wore teasing smiles.
Shan Meixian pulled the shy Dugu Feng over. Fu Junzhuo's face was so red it seemed to bleed. She was only wearing her undergarments; her outer garments had been torn to shreds by Yuan Yueze. She dared not raise her head, hiding behind Yuan Yueze like an ostrich.
Yuan Yueze, also only wearing shorts, pulled Fu Junzhuo back into his arms and waved for the other women to come over.
After they were all seated, Yuan Yueze asked why Dugu Feng had come as well.
"After I first repelled the people from the south of the city, I entered the city and thought for a moment. I realized that my husband's being taken away by Wang Shichong must be for ill intentions. And the only one in the city who could truly restrain my husband at this time was Feng'er. So I secretly sneaked into the palace. Feng'er left a note, and we sneaked out, met up, and headed here,"
Shan Meixian explained.
Yuan Yueze nodded: "Meixian is truly our family's 'fairy' wife."
Shan Meixian was overjoyed by her beloved's praise. Dugu Feng, seeing Yuan Yueze and Fu Junzhuo practically naked, embracing each other, blushed and dared not look up, beginning to hide her gaze. In her heart, she was thinking: When will my brother be able to hold me?
Seeing that Dugu Feng was unharmed, Yuan Yueze asked about the jade pendant. Dugu Feng said that only her personal maid knew it was a gift from Yuan Yueze. Yuan Yueze explained, and Dugu Feng felt a surge of resentment. It turned out that the maid who had served her for over a decade had been bribed by Wang Shichong, and she had treated her like a sister.
"Husband, about a quarter of an hour ago, I suddenly felt a strange sensation in my heart, as if you were right beside me. What could this be?"
Shan Meixian suddenly asked.
Yuan Yueze first recounted his experience to the women, then said, "Your emotional fluctuations must have been influenced by my move!"
"Husband created a sword technique for my sister?"
Shang Xiuxun asked curiously, then looked at Yuan Yueze with resentment, as if blaming him for not treating them equally.
Seeing Shang Xiuxun's jealous expression, Yuan Yueze immediately laughed and said, "It was all done involuntarily. You should reflect on that later." Shan Meixian
was overjoyed upon hearing this, but the other women's eyes clearly held envy and resentment. Shan Meixian, with her keen intuition, comforted the women, saying, "Today, your husband can only comprehend one move, but he will naturally create more for you another day."
The women were just joking around; they knew better than anyone how Yuan Yueze treated them. Dugu Feng, however, felt somewhat awkward. The other three women were, after all, his legal wives. Her relationship with Yuan Yueze was currently ambiguous, and hearing Shan Meixian's words naturally made her feel embarrassed.
Shan Meixian smiled again, "Your husband has begun to summarize his own 'skills.' Congratulations, husband, on finally stepping into the hall of grandmasters!"
Recalling the beauty and power of that move just now, Yuan Yueze himself was somewhat intoxicated.
After chatting and laughing for a while, Shan Meixian suddenly spoke up, "I suddenly have a thought. Could it be that the Great Ming Holy Venerable deliberately gave the He Shi Bi to that 'Empress of Law'?"
Yuan Yueze nodded in agreement, "I had the same thought, but I can't figure it out. Why would he do that?"
"Perhaps the reason is related to the secret of the He Shi Bi!"
Wei Zhenzhen replied with some guilt. She had originally gone to examine the He Shi Bi, but due to carelessness, she thought it wasn't anything special, never expecting it to cause such a big mess.
Shang Xiuxun pondered for a moment and nodded, "Xiuxun thinks that the Great Ming Holy Venerable should be even more terrifying than that Empress of Law! That 'Five Extremes Annihilation Hand' sounds quite frightening!"
Yuan Yueze recalled the moment the Great Ming Holy Venerable retreated, which was his weakest moment. The Holy Venerable could have captured Yuan Yueze in the next moment, so why did he escape? Yuan Yueze kept thinking about it, but he couldn't figure it out.
"Let's not think about that anymore. Get dressed and head back to the city. Let's rest a bit; the people settling accounts will be here soon!"
Yuan Yueze said solemnly, gazing at the beautiful scenery below the cliff.

Chapter 41: Public Enemy of Luoyang
The next day.
Dark clouds gathered, and a torrential downpour ensued.
Luoyang, Heluo Wine Shop.
On rainy days like this, there were few pedestrians on the streets, and business at the wine shop was even worse. In the spacious hall, only four people sat around a steaming hot pot in a corner by the southwest window, exchanging toasts.
"Have you heard? Yesterday at dusk, Young Master Yuan single-handedly stormed into the palace and forcibly took Miss Feng of the Dugu Clan home!"
"This incident caused a sensation throughout the city this morning! I heard that the Dugu Clan's top fighters were utterly defeated by Young Master Yuan, many killed or injured!"
"Old Lady You is arguably the top fighter in Luoyang, could she really be no match for Young Master Yuan?"
"My brother works at the palace, and he witnessed the whole thing. Old Lady You was worn down by Young Master Yuan to the point of having an asthma attack; otherwise, who knows what would have happened!" "
Serves her right! The Dugu Clan in Luoyang isn't much better than Wang Shichong's people! They only know how to bully the weak!"
"Shh! Do you want to die? Why are you shouting like that!"
"But Young Master Yuan is truly a role model for us all! This morning, rumors circulated that the He Shi Bi jade was stolen by Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, who are closely associated with him, yet he still had the leisure to forcibly take a woman?"
"Bullshit! Don't you dare insult Young Master Yuan! I know he must have his reasons!"
"Why are you so biased towards him? Did he give you some benefit?"
"Stop talking nonsense! Young Master Yuan saved my mother that day and helped my family buy a house, bigger than his own! His kindness to me is immeasurable. And think about it, how good Young Master Yuan is to us commoners with no status or power! His reputation is known throughout the land, yet he remains humble. How many good people like him are there these days? So if you dare to speak ill of him behind his back, I will never forgive you!"
"Hehe, Third Brother, don't get agitated. When we brothers get drunk, we inevitably talk nonsense. You're right, the people of Luoyang know Young Master Yuan's character all too well. How many people in the city have received his kindness? Everyone says he's capricious, but he's only targeting those who bully others!"
"It's rumored that Old Madam You of the Dugu Clan is always arrogant and capricious. It seems Young Master Yuan is even more capricious than her. It's like using brine to curdle tofu—one thing subdues another!"
"But the rumors from a few days ago said he had close ties with the Demonic Sect. I wonder if it's true. If he falls into demonic ways, it would be a real pity!"
"Right, I remember he seemed quite interested in the Demonic Sect's Yin Hou. Could they be having an affair?"
"Nonsense! Anyone with eyes can see he's just flirting with Yin Hou. It's a common male weakness! Most people in Luoyang have seen what Young Master Yuan's wife looks like. Even though she wears a veil, her aura is definitely superior to Yin Hou's! Young Master Yuan is just playing around!"
"After we finish drinking today, the whole city will be under lockdown this afternoon. I'm afraid those powerful figures are going to make a move against Young Master Yuan!"
"These things are none of our business! After we finish drinking, let's go to 'Drunken Spring Courtyard' and have some fun!"
※※※※※ South of Luoyang City, in a residential area.
In the west wing of a small courtyard, Yuan Yueze was embracing Dugu Feng, listening to the wind and rain.
With a beautiful woman who was infatuated with him in his arms, what mood did he have to listen to the wind and rain?
"A light chill creeps up the small pavilion, the morning gloom is as lingering as late autumn. Faint smoke and flowing water paint a secluded scene. Free-flying blossoms are as light as a dream, endless drizzle is as fine as sorrow, and the jeweled curtain hangs idly on a small silver hook."
Yuan Yueze held the warm, soft jade in his arms, the faint, ethereal fragrance of a virgin's body permeating his nostrils, penetrating his heart and lungs, bringing unparalleled comfort. Looking up at the raindrops outside the window, he softly recited the poem.
Dugu Feng sat blissfully in Yuan Yueze's lap, her shyness faded, her face filled with happiness as she nestled against his chest. As she quietly savored the warmth, she suddenly heard a poem that revealed a faint melancholy. She immediately tilted her head back, her voice sweet and innocent, and asked, "Brother, is something troubling you? Why did you write this?"
Yuan Yueze chuckled, "What troubles me? Besides, I didn't write this. I just saw it was raining outside and suddenly remembered this poem."
Dugu Feng nodded, and after a long silence, she suddenly whispered, "Thank you, Brother, for thinking of me so much."
"We're family now, and you still say thank you? You deserve a beating."
Yuan Yueze understood her meaning and, to avoid burdening her, lightly slapped her soft, round buttocks.
Dugu Feng, inexperienced in such matters, immediately let out a soft moan as the action became too intimate. A tingling, numb, and itchy sensation spread from her buttocks throughout her body, and she collapsed weakly against Yuan Yueze's chest.
Yuan Yueze's 'little Ze' immediately reacted to her touch.
"You have to change how you address me from now on. You can't call me Brother anymore!"
Yuan Yueze tightened his arms around her.
"I don't want that! The title 'Big Brother' belongs to me alone!"
Dugu Feng's attention was diverted, and she said smugly. She immediately realized her lapse in composure and hurriedly reverted to her demure, refined demeanor.
Yuan Yueze smiled wryly, "Then so be it. But you've been pretending for so many days, you must be tired!"
Hearing this, Dugu Feng was somewhat at a loss, "Big Brother doesn't like me like this?"
"I can't say I don't like it, it just varies from person to person. Your personality is naturally free-spirited, like Wan Jing and Jun Qiang. Forcing it wouldn't make you Dugu Feng, it would make you a different person. You should know Big Brother's personality; as long as you're yourself, that's what I want to see most,"
Yuan Yueze advised.
Dugu Feng seemed exhausted from suppressing her personality for so many days, and immediately hugged Yuan Yueze tightly around the waist, her voice trembling slightly, "Thank you... oh no, Feng'er is truly blessed to have Big Brother's affection. From now on, Feng'er will only be herself, and will never be anyone else again!"
"From a young age, Feng'er loved swordsmanship and had no interest in needlework. Her family said she was a wild girl and no man would ever like her. But... the first time she saw her elder brother kill soldiers like a god, that image was deeply imprinted in her heart. However, at that time, she didn't know her brother's background, and seeing that all her sisters were stunningly beautiful, she could only keep her admiration for him to herself. Even after more than a year apart, her brother's image in her heart didn't become less blurred; instead, it grew clearer day by day. But in those days, the powerful and wealthy..." How many young ladies can truly choose true love? Our only purpose is to climb the social ladder, be forced into marriage, and become political sacrifices. If we're lucky, we'll meet a loving, understanding, and affectionate man. If we're unlucky, we'll meet a heartless man who only sees us as tools for sexual gratification. Right now, the unlucky far outnumber the lucky. Feng'er is very fortunate. Although my elder brother is called a god, he's still a human being. He's impeccable in every way. Feng'er is grateful to my elder brother and also thanks Heaven..."
Dugu Feng continued to murmur, her voice growing softer.
People who are in love, especially lovers, can sometimes be adorably and sincerely foolish. But that's the most real thing!
Yuan Yueze's starry eyes were full of tenderness as he looked at the adorable girl in his arms, who dared to love and hate, and felt an indescribable affection welling up in his heart. At this moment, Yuan Yueze was perfect in Dugu Feng's eyes. But the reality was not so.
After nestling together for a while, feeling the burning, tingling sensation spreading beneath her fragrant buttocks, Dugu Feng, though still a virgin, knew what it was, and her face flushed crimson.
Yuan Yueze also noticed the unusual sensation of the soft, alluring body in his arms, and immediately chuckled mischievously, lowering his head to gently nibble on Dugu Feng's delicate earlobe: "Feng'er, would you like to taste your elder brother's 'power'?"
His tone emphasized the word "powerful."
Hearing the hot breath on her ear, the already embarrassed Dugu Feng dared not lift her head. Overwhelmed by shame and fear, she clung tightly to Yuan Yueze's chest, nodding almost imperceptibly.
His large lips pressed against her luscious red lips, and Yuan Yueze, his arms around Dugu Feng's slender, supple waist—a waist that wasn't stiff at all due to years of martial arts training—gradually expanded his movements, roaming over her entire body…
As they parted, gazing at the beauty in his arms, already lost in passion, her eyes, beneath her delicate brows, were no longer clear, but burning with desire. Her cheeks were flushed, her nose slightly wrinkled, her cherry lips parted, her breath sweet and fragrant, her panting softly. Yuan Yueze's grotesque hand couldn't resist moving again. Dugu Feng's passion was repeatedly aroused, and she could only instinctively and recklessly respond to Yuan Yueze's teasing.
When his large hand moved to her most private place, Dugu Feng felt as if struck by lightning, her delicate body trembling violently. The emptiness within her rose to an unprecedented height, and she murmured in a daze,
"Big brother... no... not here..."
Dugu Feng's gaze was unfocused; it was unclear whether these words came from her subconscious or if she still retained a sliver of clarity.
Yuan Yueze suddenly stopped what he was doing, turned around and looked at the door, smiling, "Someone's here."
Upon hearing this, Dugu Feng immediately suppressed the tingling, itchy feeling all over her body, as if countless ants were biting her. A sense of inexplicable disappointment welled up in her heart, yet she dared not get up, afraid that the newcomer would see her in such a state of arousal.
Entering through the door was Yun Yuzhen, followed by a girl of about seventeen or eighteen, with delicate and refined features, dressed as a maid.
This family was increasingly influenced by Yuan Yueze; entering a room without knocking had almost become a habit.
Yun Yuzhen approached and took a closer look, noticing Dugu Feng's disheveled clothes and messy hair. She cursed inwardly, thinking her husband was up to his old tricks again, and gave Yuan Yueze a reproachful glare before pulling the maid behind her to sit opposite her.
Yuan Yueze wasn't about to let her sit down so easily; he pulled her over and began kissing her roughly, making Yun Yuzhen blush deeply.
"Yuzhen, you've worked hard, always running around like this,"
Yuan Yueze said after satisfying his urges.
Yun Yuzhen was in charge of the intelligence network, and every now and then she would go out for a few days to gather the latest news. She was arguably the hardest-working member of the family. This trip was to see Shi Qingxuan off and then stop at various outposts to gather the latest information.
Hearing Yuan Yueze's words, Yun Yuzhen gently shook her head, looking at Dugu Feng teasingly, "Sister, why aren't you looking at your older sister?"
Dugu Feng's heart pounded, and she was incredibly shy. Hearing Yun Yuzhen's teasing words, she became even more embarrassed and dared not raise her head to answer, wishing she could disappear into the ground.
Yuan Yueze, not wanting to see her embarrassed, quickly changed the subject, pointing to the maid who had been pulled to sit down by Yun Yuzhen and had been keeping her head down: "And this young lady is?"
"This is Yuzhen's personal maid, Yunzhi,"
Yun Yuzhen introduced.
Yunzhi was about to rise and kneel when her eyes met Yuan Yueze's, only to find his expression turning cold and his brows furrowed. She was immediately terrified and stood there helplessly.
In ancient times, the concept of social hierarchy was extremely strong. If Yuan Yueze and Song Shidao's goals were achieved, this system might be eliminated hundreds of years later. But for now, the only thing he could do was set an example for himself. Therefore, he never employed any servants in his household. Today, seeing Yun Yuzhen bring a maidservant back, Yuan Yueze felt displeased.
"Didn't I say? We can't control what other people do. But we don't use servants in our household!"
Yuan Yueze said reproachfully.
Yun Yuzhen giggled and pulled the flustered Yun Zhi to sit down, explaining, "Of course, I agree with my husband's idea, but I brought Yun Zhi back this time not to make her a servant. Because the intelligence outposts are scattered, I need someone to help. Yun Zhi and I have been like sisters for so many years, and it would be unsafe to leave her alone in the gang. From now on, I will only treat her as my own sister."
"Then I was wrong. Did you just get back? Is Qingxuan safe?"
Yuan Yueze nodded after hearing this.
Yun Yuzhen nodded, "They only escorted Qingxuan for a hundred li before she left alone, only saying that everything was alright, husband. I just met with Meixian and the others. Meixian asked me to tell you that two distinguished guests are waiting in the main hall, and she requests that you go and meet them."
Yuan Yueze thought that Shi Qingxuan might be worried about delaying important matters in Luoyang, and he praised his wife's thoughtfulness.
"Won't you know when you go and meet them, husband?"
Yun Yuzhen smiled, seeing Yuan Yueze's curious expression.
Yuan Yueze was also puzzled; in the entire city of Luoyang, there probably wasn't anyone who could be called a 'distinguished guest'! After putting down the slowly recovering Dugu Feng, he gave her a few instructions and got up to leave.
Pushing open the door to the main hall, the two people sitting inside looked at him.
Qiu Ran Ke and Hong Fu Nu.
Yuan Yueze greatly admired Qiu Ran Ke's (the bearded man's) forthrightness and strode forward, laughing loudly, "I was wondering who dared to call themselves 'distinguished guests' in Luoyang! It's Brother Zhang and Miss Zhang! Long time no see!"
"My sworn sister and I were too busy with affairs that day to attend Brother Yuan's wedding in person, which is truly a pity,"
Qiu Ran Ke and Hong Fu also rose to greet him.
After the three sat down, they exchanged greetings.
"Why is Miss Zhang looking at me like that? Is something wrong with me?"
Yuan Yueze asked with a smile, noticing Hong Fu's strange expression.
"On the way, I heard that Young Master Yuan had committed acts of theft and kidnapping, which is truly unimaginable for this humble woman. Is it just a rumor or the truth?"
Hong Fu asked, staring intently at Yuan Yueze.
Yuan Yueze smiled slightly, "If you consider it the truth, then it is the truth. If you consider it a rumor, then it is a rumor."
This ambiguous statement left Hong Fu completely bewildered.
Qiu Ran Ke, meanwhile, laughed inexplicably.
"Young Master, have you been staying in Luoyang for so long just to enjoy life?"
Hong Fu's questions were increasingly provocative.
Yuan Yueze was taken aback, not expecting her to be so direct.
Yuan Yueze chuckled, then frowned and said, "Are you asking me to deliberately lie to deceive you?"
The implication was clear to everyone upon reflection, and the two men, Qiu Ran Ke and his companion, seemed completely unsurprised.
Hong Fu smiled with satisfaction: "Young Master, aren't you afraid of things being leaked because you're so frank?"
Yuan Yueze didn't even look at her, lowering his head to sip his tea.
"Brother Yuan, please don't stand on ceremony. We know all about your plans with Young Master Song,"
Qiu Ran Ke said.
"I, Zhang, have established a foothold in the Baiyue region for decades, intending to make a difference for the people amidst the chaos. Then I met Brother Yuan, and your knowledge and insights have humbled me. I originally planned to return and settle all affairs before handing over my business to you. Given the strength of the Song clan, you are more suitable than I to unify the Central Plains. However, I missed your wedding. After arriving in Lingnan, I only met with Young Master Song once, and when I discussed these matters with him, he generously shared your plans with me without reservation. This magnanimity has deeply moved me and strengthened my resolve to entrust my business to you. After talking with Young Master Song for over a month, my second sister and I traveled here. Today, we have come to bid you farewell. My second sister was merely testing Brother Yuan; she meant nothing more than that."
The bearded man explained, his magnanimity evident, as he noticed Yuan Yueze's slight change in expression.
To casually entrust one's decades-long legacy to another—this magnanimity and trust are far beyond what those who constantly proclaim "serving the country and the people" could do.
Yuan Yueze was also astonished, surprised by Qiu Ran Ke's soaring spirit and even more so by his love for the people.
"Then Qiu Ran Ke must be the one Master spoke of who possessed the aura of a king among the Bai Pu people!"
Yuan Yueze thought to himself. He then cupped his hands in greeting: "Brother Zhang is the true savior of the world. I thank you for your noble sentiments. May I ask where you two are headed?"
The bearded man laughed loudly, "It's only I, Zhang, who's leaving; Second Sister intends to stay."
"The matter is like this, and like this..."
Seeing Yuan Yueze's curious expression, the bearded man began to explain.
He spoke for an hour.
Yuan Yueze, upon hearing this, showed appreciation, "Then I, Yuan, will give you two two pills to thank you for your kindness!"
Under Song Shidao's explanation, the bearded man and his companion understood about three or four parts of Yuan Yueze's background. Seeing him so generously give them such valuable pills, even the bearded man, a man who had seen countless storms, felt somewhat uneasy.
Hong Fu, with a strange expression, accepted the pills and put them in her pocket.
Half an hour later,
the three of them walked out of the hall, chatting and laughing.
The bearded man cupped his hands and said, "Brother Yuan, there's no need to see me off! We'll meet again someday, and I, Zhang, will certainly not fail in my duty! My second sister has a fiery temper, so please take good care of her."
"Brother Zhang, you're too kind. Please be careful in everything. As for Miss Zhang, please rest assured, as long as I have a bite to eat, she won't go hungry."
Yuan Yueze spoke plainly, but the sincerity within was admirable.
The bearded man, free to come and go as he pleased, nodded and strode away.
"Let's go back. We'll meet again someday, Brother Zhang,"
Yuan Yueze turned to Hong Fu, who looked reluctant to part, and said softly.
※※※※※ After dinner.
The heavy rain had stopped.
Yuan Yueze went out for a stroll alone.
Just as he stepped out, a beggar ran up from a short distance away and handed Yuan Yueze a bundle of cloth: "This is something a young lady asked me to give you."
Before Yuan Yueze could ask any questions, the beggar turned and ran away.
Unfolding the cloth bundle, Yuan Yueze frowned slightly, then put it back in his pocket and continued humming a little tune as he walked towards the bustling city center.
As the sun set, the usually bustling Imperial Street was deserted, resembling a ghost town, a scene of impending doom.
Yuan Yueze, a faint smile on his face, wandered the empty Imperial Street like a lost soul. The scene was somewhat eerie.
Sensing several auras gradually converging around him, Yuan Yueze stopped.
Figures appeared on the rooftops to his left, casting shadows onto the ground.
Looking up, he saw Qu Ao, the 'Flying Eagle,' whom he had met at Wang Shichong's banquet, along with his disciples Chang Shumou, Hua Lingzi, Geng Ge Hu'er, and Tuoba Yu and Chunyu Wei from the Martial Venerable's sect, along with a dozen burly men, standing on the rooftops staring at him with ill intent.
From the other side, more sounds arose, and dozens of people burst out of the shops along the street. It was Shen Luoyan and Xu Shiji, whom they had met once before. Behind them stood a rather short, obese old man, leaning on a sandalwood cane. Beside them were two other ugly old men. The three old men's eyes gleamed with a sharp light, clearly indicating they were masters of internal martial arts. The soldiers behind them were undoubtedly Wagang Army soldiers.
Fu Qian also led over a hundred men to surround them.
In an instant, Yuan Yueze was surrounded!
"Young Master Yuan, what a fine mood you're in!"
A deep voice rang out.
Yuan Yueze turned his head and saw the surrounding soldiers part to make way for Wang Bo's burly figure approaching.
"So, Elder Wang didn't get enough of a lesson last night?"
Recalling the battle in the palace last night, Wang Bo had also gone to join the fun, only to be beaten and forced to flee with his tail between his legs. Yuan Yueze found it amusing and spoke sarcastically.
Wang Bo, publicly ridiculed, was utterly humiliated. News of last night's events had spread throughout Luoyang, and he had lost all face. Enraged, he roared, his face flushed, "You lecherous scoundrel! You forcibly abducted a woman! If Sister Hong hadn't suffered a relapse of her old illness, how could you have escaped! Almost all the experts in Luoyang are here today; let's see how you escape!"
"So, you're all here to stand up for the Dugu clan?"
Yuan Yueze glanced around, his voice turning cold.
"An honest man doesn't do things in secret. Brother Yuan, we have no intention of interfering. Now the whole city knows that the He Shi Bi is in your hands. Please return it to Fairy Shi, and we will not pursue the
matter further! Otherwise…" Fu Qian began, subtly mocking Yuan Yueze's abduction of Dugu Feng.
Yuan Yueze sneered, "Otherwise what?"
"Kill them without mercy!"
Wang Bo said hatefully.
"Hahaha!"
Yuan Yueze laughed instead of getting angry, turning to Fu Qian: "How can you be so sure that the He Shi Bi is in my hands?"
"Stop pretending! The two people who stole the He Shi Bi are Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling! They have been recognized on the spot by the four masters of Jingnian Temple!"
Wang Bo shouted.
Yuan Yueze asked curiously: "Then why do you say that the He Shi Bi is on me?"
"Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling are the closest to your family, everyone knows this! Their adoptive mother is your wife! Now that they are missing, why can't we suspect you? You, Yuan Yueze, have lived in Luoyang for so long, with ulterior motives, do you think you can deceive the world? Today I'm issuing invitations to heroes, just to let you know that the world is not someone you can underestimate!"
Wang Bo said angrily.
"This is truly a trumped-up charge! That's right, the He Shi Bi is on me, come and take it if you dare!"
Yuan Yueze also said coldly.
Originally, the people in Luoyang only suspected Yuan Yueze, and no one could be sure that Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were acting on Yuan Yueze's orders. Now, Yuan Yueze's words made him appear even more confident, without a trace of guilt.
"Military Advisor Shen probably doesn't want the He Shi Bi to reappear! Because Li Mi couldn't possibly be the wise ruler chosen by Cihang Jingzhai! It's better for it to disappear than fall into someone else's hands!"
Yuan Yueze said, staring intently at Shen Luoyan.
Shen Luoyan's already complicated expression began to show panic. Yuan Yueze's words had indeed struck a chord with her. Because of their bet, even though Shen Luoyan wanted the He Shi Bi to disappear completely, even though she suspected it was in Yuan Yueze's possession, she dared not make a deal with him, because she had no leverage! What was even more infuriating was that the mere sight of Yuan Yueze made her unsettled and completely lost!
As for the others, while they all seemed to want to retrieve the He Shi Bi for Jingnian Temple or for Shi Feixuan, they all harbored their own ulterior motives. Most wanted to take advantage of the chaos and personally touch this legendary treasure that even Ning Daoqi coveted, hoping their luck would be slightly better than others and that they could use the He Shi Bi to enhance their own power. Those powerful figures like Wang Bo wanted to use this incident to attract Shi Feixuan's attention, increase her favor, and strengthen their own influence, thus aiding their ambition to conquer the world. That's why Wang Bo, relying on his seniority, widely distributed invitations to heroes, calling on everyone to besiege Yuan Yueze. He could both settle personal scores and bolster his own power—a double benefit.
"Ignorant brat! Lord Mi, stop spouting nonsense!"
The short, elderly man behind Shen Luoyan stepped forward and said coldly.
"You lecherous devil! You harmed Sister Hong's family without cause, and yet you dare to live in Luoyang as if nothing happened? Do you think no one in Luoyang dares to mess with you, this tyrant? With a master like Lord Chao here today, how dare you be so arrogant! Lord Chao, this man is the culprit who was severely injured a few days ago for harassing Empress Yin in the street!"
Wang Bo roared again.
This man was indeed cunning and shrewd; with just a few words, he stirred up the emotions of the crowd. Human life was a small matter compared to face! Those who were originally somewhat afraid of Yuan Yueze's reputation could no longer back down; otherwise, how could they ever hold their heads high again?
Yuan Yueze guessed that the person Wang Bo referred to as "Chao Gong" must be Chao Gongcuo, the "Immortal of the South Sea" from the South Sea Sect. He had dominated the martial arts world for decades with his signature "Seven Kill Fist," his reputation rivaling that of the "Three Grandmasters." However, he was treacherous, cunning, and ruthless. Countless martial artists had lost their lives at his hands, suggesting he was now in league with Li Mi and fully supported him.
Wang Bo then maliciously mentioned Yuan Yueze's harassment of Zhu Yuyan, a fact witnessed by hundreds. The older generation in the martial arts world knew that Chao Gongcuo had been in love with Zhu Yuyan for decades, and she held a place in his heart unimaginable to outsiders. Wang Bo's recounting of this was a subtle attempt to provoke Chao Gongcuo, inciting him to kill. Then, when Wang Bo brought up the matter of Yuan Yueze being injured by Zhu Yuyan, his meaning became even clearer. Although Yuan Yueze had been a lingering and terrifying shadow in everyone's minds for the past few years, he was actually not invincible, and was currently injured!
This 'using a borrowed knife to kill' tactic indeed earned Yuan Yueze's secret approval.
Sure enough, Chao Gongcuo, who had initially appeared calm, turned ashen-faced upon hearing Wang Bo's words: "Oh? When did this happen? Why didn't Luoyan mention it when I arrived in Luoyang yesterday?"
Shen Luoyan thought to herself: Why would I bring up such a shameful matter? She quickly put on a respectful expression: "Luoyan thought this matter… really… Luoyan told Chao Gongcuo the general outline of what happened…"
She had no idea about Chao Gongcuo's unrequited love for Zhu Yuyan, so she was also puzzled by Chao Gongcuo's drastic change in expression.
Chao Gongcuo suddenly stepped forward, and the moment he did, a powerful aura surged towards Yuan Yueze like a chilling, icy torrent.
"Tsk tsk! Empress Yin has such a beautiful figure, I've touched her so many times!"
Yuan Yueze seemed unaffected by his aura, smacking his lips and chuckling lewdly.
His goddess had been so desecrated, Chao Gongcuo was instantly enraged, his eyes flashing with a fierce light! He took another step forward, his gaze fixed on Yuan Yueze, his expression seasoned and profound, befitting a top master with over sixty years of experience.
"I advise you to surrender! Once Chao Gongcuo makes a move, you're doomed!" Qu
Ao also flattered him, adding fuel to the fire.
Shen Luoyan's mind raced; she sensed something was off about Yuan Yueze today. Realizing Chao Gongcuo's anger was becoming uncontrollable, a terrifying thought suddenly arose in Shen Luoyan's mind.
"You're courting death!"
Shen Luoyan was about to stop Chao Gongcuo when she heard him snort coldly and take another step forward, intensifying the atmosphere. His own clothes fluttered even without wind, making Yuan Yueze's clothes rustle loudly.
This tactic of attacking the opponent's psychology had always worked, and Yuan Yueze secretly chuckled to himself.
Chao Gongcuo's second step was incredibly swift, his stride exaggeratedly large, stopping a full zhang (approximately 3.3 meters) in front of Yuan Yueze. He unleashed a powerful punch, the fierce wind of which seemed capable of shattering mountains and rocks, making it impossible to meet his attack head-on.
Yuan Yueze's lips curled slightly. He raised his right hand and threw a similarly flat punch. This punch didn't stir up any air fluctuations, as if it were weightless and immeasurable. Within half a zhang of his fist, an absolute void instantly formed, where even the air was completely sucked away, everything distorted and compressed.
"Bang!"
Both of them retreated three steps.
"Seventy years of internal energy is indeed extraordinary. This Seven Kill Fist is also very strong,"
Yuan Yueze said calmly.
These words sounded like an insult to Chao Gongcuo.
With a loud shout, Chao Gongcuo took another step forward, the earth seeming to tremble as if pricked by a needle, and threw another punch.
Leaning to the right, Yuan Yueze dodged the punch, and his fist techniques shifted repeatedly, attacking Chao Gongcuo like a mighty river.
Chao Gongcuo had lost his composure and could only parry his attacks, finding himself in a passive position. However, his defense was impeccable; his dense fist techniques were watertight, not at a disadvantage. The energy of both sides surged like turbulent waves, a dangerous and perilous situation. If either side showed the slightest weakness, the outcome would be decided instantly.
"Bang!"
Yuan Yueze's sharp and concentrated single punch struck the strongest point of Chao Gongcuo's fists, and both were forced back.
Before the momentum of their retreat had fully dissipated, Yuan Yueze, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth, miraculously changed direction, flashing like lightning as he lunged at Chao Gongcuo again.
Even with Chao Gongcuo's over seventy years of martial arts training, he was greatly surprised. Yuan Yueze's recent vomiting of blood was a sign of his injury recurring, presenting Chao Gongcuo with the perfect opportunity to attack. However, Yuan Yueze had turned the tables, causing Chao Gongcuo to lose confidence. He could only stand still, throwing punches with both fists, tightly blocking the attack, seeking only to avoid trouble, thus squandering a golden opportunity. Nevertheless,
Chao Gongcuo's over sixty years of martial arts experience was indeed extraordinary; his energy channels were long and his resilience was immense, allowing him to fight Yuan Yueze to a standstill.
Those around, thinking Yuan Yueze's injury had been aggravated, immediately began cheering for Chao Gongcuo. Only Shen Luoyan had a strange expression, staring intently at Yuan Yueze. Xu Shiji, burning with jealousy, loudly cheered for Chao Gongcuo.
After exchanging dozens of blows, Yuan Yueze flicked the tip of his sword with his thumb, and the longsword was suddenly drawn, emitting a dragon's roar and a phoenix's cry. The hilt of the sword went straight for Chao Gongcuo's two fists that were coming at him.
Fist and sword clashed, but there was no sound of any force colliding. Chao Gongcuo staggered slightly, taking a sideways step. Even the ordinary soldiers around could see that he was not in control of his own body, and was losing his balance because of Yuan Yueze's longsword.
The moment the longsword was drawn, Yuan Yueze's figure flashed, closing in on the longsword like a ghost. His right hand grabbed the hilt like an electric claw, and used the momentum to
slash diagonally at Chao Gongcuo's shoulder. With such a fast move, Chao Gongcuo didn't even have a chance to catch his breath!
"No!"
Shen Luoyan subconsciously cried out. Chao Gongcuo was a great help to Li Mi, and today he was inexplicably driven to rage by Wang Bo. Everyone in the arena could underestimate Yuan Yueze, except for Shen Luoyan. She herself didn't know why, but she stubbornly believed that Yuan Yueze was no weakling!
Hearing Shen Luoyan's scream, the longsword that had already reached three feet above Chao Gongcuo's shoulder was abruptly stopped by Yuan Yueze.
Yuan Yueze believed that Shen Luoyan's loyalty to Li Mi was beyond imagination, and he also knew that Chao Gongcuo was definitely a powerful ally of Li Mi. In the blink of an eye, Yuan Yueze even deduced that Shen Luoyan might personally block this sword to save Chao Gongcuo.
This was truly an exaggeration. No matter how loyal Shen Luoyan was to Li Mi, she wouldn't risk her life to save a partner!
As soon as the sword stopped, Chao Gongcuo showed no intention of admitting defeat. Instead, taking advantage of the moment when Yuan Yueze looked at Shen Luoyan, he unleashed all his strength, his fists striking Yuan Yueze like thunderbolts.
Shen Luoyan's mind went blank. Her shout had indeed saved Chao Gongcuo's life, but now, it might cause Yuan Yueze to lose his virginity. She didn't know what to feel.
Yuan Yueze was furious.
He had never intended to let Chao Gongcuo go, and seeing him resorting to despicable tactics even on the verge of death, he pulled his wrist to the right, his longsword blocking Chao Gongcuo's fists. The
'Seven Kill Fist' emphasizes a dense, concentrated attack, using all the energy to defeat the enemy; to counter it, one must counter with even more concentrated energy.
Yuan Yueze's horizontal thrust wasn't concentrated.
"Bang!"
Blood streamed from Yuan Yueze's nose as he staggered back two steps. With a flick of his wrist, he thrust his sword again towards Chao Gongcuo's throat.
This strike appeared slow but was actually fast, a masterful feat, like a swallow soaring and a fish swooping, possessing the power to seize the very essence of heaven and earth, concentrating all the life and death energy along the sword's trajectory onto the tip.
Many around were already secretly laughing. Could such a sword really kill?
Chao Gongcuo, being one of those involved, understood the extreme danger of the sword strike before him. His eyes widened, and he inwardly cried out in alarm.
"Pfft!"
Those who had just been chuckling froze instantly.
The longsword pierced Chao Gongcuo's throat.
Chao Gongcuo's lips twitched slightly; no one knew what he wanted to say.
As his obese body fell backward, Yuan Yueze withdrew his sword.
A beautiful yet terrifying spurt of blood arced across the face, chilling everyone to the bone. Wang Bo, though unwilling, was powerless to do anything.
Looking around, Yuan Yueze seemed unfazed, wiping the blood from his lips and the corner of his mouth, and smiled, "Why did you all attack me on the street? Wouldn't it have been more convenient to come to my house?"
He had this question in his mind from the beginning: why did these people choose to attack on the street?
"It's rumored... that the area near your house is haunted, and anyone... who gets close will inexplicably lose an arm... or a leg."
Behind Tuoba Yu, a burly man, feeling uncomfortable under Yuan Yueze's gaze, explained.
Yuan Yueze suddenly understood. It turned out that Fu Junzhuo had noticed some people secretly watching her neighborhood that day, so she used her mind to control a sword and wounded them. Outsiders only saw the sword, not the person, and the rumor of a ghost spread.
"Do you still want to continue?"
Yuan Yueze glanced at the narrow alley on the right and said calmly.
No one retreated, but they all wanted to leave quickly, but they couldn't save face and could only hold on.
"Please stop, everyone!"
Li Shimin's authoritative voice rang out from the alley on the right.
Yuan Yueze sneered inwardly, thinking, "After hiding for so long, they've finally decided to come out? I've killed Chao Gongcuo, giving Li Mi a great boost. Now I can show up and play the good guy. Damn it!"
Everyone looked over and saw Li Shimin leading the way, followed by Pang Yu, Changsun Wuji, and other elites from the Tian Ce Mansion, filing out of the alley.
"Miss Shi asked Shimin to convey a message: she appreciates everyone's kindness, but she will handle this matter herself. For your safety, please return!"
Li Shimin said, cupping his hands.
The crowd breathed a sigh of relief, secretly relieved. However, they still wore expressions of defiance. Yuan Yueze found their antics comical and couldn't help but laugh.
"Miss Shi will visit Brother Yuan later,"
Li Shimin whispered as he passed Yuan Yueze.
Yuan Yueze also whispered, "Then you'd better make it clear to her that anyone who approaches my house will be haunted by ghosts, losing limbs, especially someone as righteous as her, who clashes with ghosts."
With that, he left a bewildered Li Shimin behind and turned to leave.

Chapter 42: The Fairy's Visit
The last rays of sunlight disappeared into the earth. The once bustling Tianjin Bridge was deserted, and the Luo River was also calm, without a single boat in sight—a far cry from the vibrant cityscape of the metropolis.
Yuan Yueze stood alone on the bridge, gazing at the sunset as if nothing had happened.
Light footsteps sounded behind him, and a slender figure appeared beside him.
A gentle breeze stirred, causing her clothes to flutter. The man was elegant and refined, like a celestial being; the woman was beautiful and graceful, like a fairy on water.
"What brings Military Advisor Shen here?"
After a long silence, Yuan Yueze asked first.
The newcomer was Shen Luoyan. She answered slowly, her expression slightly complicated, "Luoyan almost cost you your life, and I've come to apologize."
A strange feeling immediately welled up in Yuan Yueze's heart.
"I, Yuan, cannot accept this. I killed your general first, and today I've taken down one of your greatest allies. And Military Advisor Shen still comes to apologize? It's truly unbelievable,"
Yuan Yueze said, staring at her.
Shen Luoyan sighed softly, "Luoyan never expected that my casual 'No' would actually stop you, Young Master. When Chao Gong attacked, I thought I would kill you."
"So, do you feel remorse or hostility?"
Yuan Yueze asked curiously.
"Both, I suppose. Getting back to the point, Young Master, are you aware of the recent rumors circulating in the city that you are a member of the Demonic Sect?" Shen
Luoyan asked after a moment of composure, her expression complex.
Yuan Yueze nodded.
"Then Luoyan has thought of a way to satisfy both sides, allowing you to escape the troubles brought by the He Shi Bi jade,"
Shen Luoyan added.
Yuan Yueze frowned: "Please teach me, Military Advisor Shen."
Seeing Yuan Yueze's reaction, Shen Luoyan became even more certain that the He Shi Bi was in his hands, and hurriedly smiled, "It was Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling who stole the He Shi Bi, everyone knows that. Our scouts also reported that the two of them had some conflict with Shangguan Long, a sorcerer from the Yin Gui Sect, a few days ago. Young Master, you can tell everyone that Shangguan Long deliberately revealed the location of the He Shi Bi to Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, because at that time, almost no one in Luoyang knew where the He Shi Bi was hidden. In this way, everyone will know that the real beneficiary is not you, but the Yin
Gui Sect. Luoyan knows that your reputation in Luoyang is still very good." Yuan Yueze could indeed sense the apology in Shen Luoyan's eyes. She thought that someone like Yuan Yueze would disdain being falsely accused of being a member of the Demonic Sect. If she framed the Demonic Sect for the He Shi Bi, she could both avenge the false accusation and gain Yuan Yueze's favor. Most importantly, the He Shi Bi jade would disappear from the world's sight forever. Just as Yuan Yueze said, if Li Mi couldn't have it, then no one else should.
Yuan Yueze suddenly laughed, turning to stare intently at Shen Luoyan: "Military Advisor Shen, what a brilliant plan! I really thought you came to apologize!"
Shen Luoyan stared at Yuan Yueze for a long time, finally unable to withstand his burning gaze, she lowered her head and sighed, saying with a bitter smile: "Luoyan truly feels apologetic, but I didn't expect that none of Luoyan's plans could hide from you."
Yuan Yueze remained silent. Shen Luoyan's plan did seem quite good, but some of her ideas were too subjective. First, Yuan Yueze didn't believe that the Demonic Sect was framing him; even if they were, he would admit it. Because compared to those hypocritical righteous people, Yuan Yueze preferred to be a member of the underworld. Second, Shen Luoyan stubbornly believed that the He Shi Bi jade was definitely in Yuan Yueze's hands, so she wasn't afraid that Yuan Yueze wouldn't accept such a good plan.
If outsiders knew that Shangguan Long's true identity as a member of the Great Ming Sect, then framing him wouldn't be a bad thing. But it's clearly not suitable now. Because in the eyes of outsiders, Shangguan Long is still a member of the Demonic Sect.
"As you say, I, Yuan, am a beneficiary, but the real beneficiaries are the Wagang Army and Li Mi!"
Yuan Yueze sighed after thinking it through.
"Young Master, you must be careful of Shi Feixuan. She may be the most outstanding martial arts grandmaster in the Central Plains martial arts world after Ning Daoqi. Just look at how she hasn't shown herself yet, and how she entrusted Li Shimin to deliver a message. Such swift and decisive methods in handling the lost treasure show that her way of doing things is deeply in line with the principles of swordsmanship, and she has immediately cornered you."
Shen Luoyan changed the subject with complicated thoughts.
Yuan Yueze frowned and said, "Is Military Advisor Shen concerned about me?"
Shen Luoyan looked embarrassed and whispered, "Who would care about you? Luoyan and you are enemies, and we even have a bet!"
"Just now, judging from the way your fiancé looked at me, it was as if he could kill me. Tell me, if I win and forcibly take you home as my wife, what will your fiancé become?"
Yuan Yueze laughed.
"What virtue or ability does Luoyan have to be your wife, Young Master Yuan? Don't you have enough wives at home? Besides, who wins and who loses is still uncertain!" Shen
Luoyan was both ashamed and angry, then her expression dimmed, but she said confidently again.
Yuan Yueze interrupted, "Then, Strategist Shen, just wait and see. To win this round, I might resort to any means necessary."
Shen Luoyan was an expert in this area and didn't mind at all, saying, "Luoyan will also resort to any means necessary."
Then, as if she had thought of something, she subconsciously crossed her arms over her chest, took a few steps back, and looked at Yuan Yueze with a slightly frightened expression: "You...you're not allowed to do anything reckless!"
Yuan Yueze was taken aback, knowing that she must have misunderstood again. A wicked smile appeared on his handsome face: "Heh, Strategist Shen, how about you give me something beforehand?"
Shen Luoyan was even more certain of Yuan Yueze's wicked thoughts. She panicked and continued to retreat several feet. Seeing that Yuan Yueze did not step forward, but his eyes were fixed on her high chest, her pretty face immediately turned red. She calmed her rapid breathing, and after a moment, seeing that Yuan Yueze was still staring at her, she stomped her foot and turned away.
Yuan Yueze shook his head and chuckled. Yuan Yueze was a sworn enemy of the Wagang Army, and his relationship with Shen Luoyan was ambiguous, seemingly hostile yet also ambiguous.
As he crossed the Tianjin Bridge, pedestrians finally appeared on the streets.
The curfew imposed by Wang Shichong had finally expired. Currently, the only thing Yuan Yueze worried about in Luoyang was Wang Shichong's faction. Other forces were certainly not without ulterior motives, but compared to the threat posed by Wang Shichong, they were all insignificant.
It wasn't that Shen Luoyan or Li Shimin lacked intelligence, but rather that Yuan Yueze knew their greatest weakness. Wang Shichong, however, was different. He seemed to be backed by a much larger force, especially one that was highly secretive, forcing Yuan Yueze to focus more attention on him. Especially now that the He Shi Bi jade had been stolen, Wang Shichong, as the de facto ruler of Luoyang, had shown no intention of taking any action.
Lost in thought, he arrived at his doorstep.
After going inside and discussing things further with the women, Yuan Yueze meditated while preparing for his meeting with Shi Feixuan that evening.
His current physical recovery ability is indeed formidable, but his internal organs and meridians are still easily disturbed by external true energy, so he must spend time nourishing his meridians and flesh with vital energy.
Yuan Yueze lay crookedly on the bench, closing his eyes and concentrating on regulating his breathing. A ghostly figure floated in through the window like a willow catkin.
A cool, jade-like hand slowly caressed Yuan Yueze's face.
"Can't bring yourself to do it?"
After a while, Yuan Yueze suddenly opened his eyes, saying with a half-smile.
The newcomer was none other than Wanwan, whom he hadn't seen for several days.
"Hmph! I miss you so much that I can't eat or sleep, and you miss me like this, boohoo..."
Wanwan lightly stamped her crystal-clear, jade-like bare feet, stood up, and covered her face, weeping.
Although he knew she was acting, Yuan Yueze still couldn't help but sit up and pull her to sit beside him: "Aren't you tired of acting like this every time? Isn't it better to be a real person?"
A strange light flashed in Wanwan's eyes. She shook off Yuan Yueze's hand, smiled brightly, and glared at him, saying reproachfully, "You rascal, you always touch me! Was I born to be taken advantage of by you?"
Yuan Yueze chuckled, "This was just a little hand-holding, a few days ago... " "I've already gotten the better deal!"
Wanwan blushed, remembering how he had tricked her last time. "You're such a lecher! Only someone like you would go to the palace to snatch someone away."
Yuan Yueze chuckled dryly. "So what brings you here today? Why do you always come through the window instead of the door?"
Wanwan didn't answer, but instead pushed Yuan Yueze away without ceremony, taking over the recliner. She let out a long breath, closed her beautiful eyes, and her breathing became long and deep.
Yuan Yueze was both amused and exasperated. This girl came here just to take a nap?
Wanwan lay lazily on the recliner, her thin clothes revealing her curvaceous figure, her perfect proportions, high in the right places and small in the right places, exuding a youthful and alluring charm.
A moment later, as if sensing two burning gazes fixed upon her, as if stripping her naked, Wanwan felt an unnatural chill run down her spine. Opening her hazy eyes, she saw Yuan Yueze staring blankly at her beautiful figure.
Wanwan suddenly stiffened, then pleaded pitifully, "My darling, my skills have regressed again. Could you give me the Sacred Relic?"
Yuan Yueze, his nostrils filled with Wanwan's fresh fragrance, was completely absorbed in the beauty before him, his mind filled with desire, when he suddenly heard her words. He immediately composed himself and laughed, "Giving it to you would only harm you."
"Then why?"
Wanwan asked in surprise.
"Whether it's martial arts or further advancement in the Heavenly Dao, the best way is to cultivate without external help. Using external help only leads to inferior results,"
Yuan Yueze explained.
"Before I explain further, can you tell me why your skills have declined?"
Yuan Yueze narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Wanwan.
Wanwan was caught off guard and immediately fell silent.
Yuan Yueze smiled mysteriously: "If it's inconvenient to answer, then forget it. Master Ling Donglai, when he comprehended the Dao and soared into the sky, had a famous saying: 'The Dao of Heaven is truly difficult to achieve through others.' This applies to martial arts as well. Forcibly relying on external forces might bring some immediate benefits, but you will inevitably suffer retribution afterward."
"Who is Ling Donglai? Did he also soar into the sky like the 'Heavenly Blade'? Why have I never heard of him?"
Wanwan looked completely bewildered.
Yuan Yueze then realized he had let something slip; even if Ling Donglai truly existed, he wasn't even born yet! Awkwardly, he said, "He is an extraordinary figure who has transcended life and death, nicknamed 'Supreme Grandmaster'."
Wanwan nodded as if she understood, then added, "Everyone's purpose in learning martial arts and cultivating the Dao is different. I don't cultivate the Heavenly Dao, but improve my skills for the sake of my sect's lineage."
Looking at her resolute eyes, Yuan Yueze sighed helplessly. Wanwan had completely become a tool of the sect. Yuan Yueze could have given her the 'Evil Emperor's Relic' to greatly enhance her power. But given Wanwan's current temperament, doing so would definitely harm her. She was different from Zhu Yuyan. Although Zhu Yuyan suffered severe emotional trauma, her personal experiences of hardship had made her more calm in her perspective. Wanwan, on the other hand, was in the prime of her life, like a newborn calf, full of dreams and aspirations for the future. Once one's cultivation advances significantly, they will undoubtedly spare no effort to revive the Demonic Sect, even if it means getting their hands stained with blood—something Yuan Yueze desperately wanted to avoid.
Having thought it through, Yuan Yueze opened his palm: "Give me your hand, and continue absorbing my power!"
Wanwan hadn't intended to force Yuan Yueze to hand over the Evil Emperor's Relic; she had witnessed his abilities firsthand. Her goal was simply for Yuan Yueze to use his power to further solidify her cultivation. Seeing Yuan Yueze's indifferent attitude, Wanwan felt a sudden pang of guilt, quickly replaced by joy. She took Yuan Yueze's large hand and closed her eyes to absorb the power.
In less than a quarter of an hour, they finished. Wanwan wasn't as greedy as before. After a moment,
Wanwan opened her eyes, and the bright light in her pupils revealed that her cultivation had indeed returned to its former state. Yuan Yueze nodded in agreement.
"My dear, do you think it's possible for one person to appear in another's dreams every night?"
Wanwan suddenly asked. Seeing Yuan Yueze looking at her strangely, a hint of confusion flashed in Wanwan's eyes, but she quickly raised her voice to hide her unease, saying, "I was just saying." A
sly glint appeared in Yuan Yueze's eyes as he feigned a sigh, "I've never heard of such a strange thing before. But if it were true, these two must have been destined for each other in a past life! Why do you ask such a question, girl?"
Wanwan lowered her head and remained silent, lost in thought.
"You're not allowed to call me 'maid,' it sounds awful,"
Wanwan said after a long pause, tilting her head back and pouting.
Yuan Yueze asked curiously, "I think it's very intimate! What should I call you then?"
Wanwan, unusually shy, whispered, "Just call me by my name, or Wan'er would be fine too..."
"Heh, I'll call you Wan'er in front of others, but when it's just the two of us, I'll call you 'maid.' Come here, maid, give me a shoulder massage,"
Yuan Yueze said lazily, turning away.
Wanwan was annoyed, but she actually stretched out her delicate hands and vigorously massaged Yuan Yueze's shoulders. Yuan Yueze cried out in pain.
"This ring seems a bit strange, what's its origin?"
Yuan Yueze asked, attracted by the oddly shaped ring on Wanwan's thumb.
A strange smile crept onto Wanwan's lips: "This is my treasure! I'll give it to my husband later."
Yuan Yueze nodded, then swiftly grabbed Wanwan's small hand, snatched the ring off, and slipped it onto his own ring finger, saying smugly, "Haha, then I'm your husband, little girl!"
Wanwan was startled, then angrily reached out to snatch it back. Yuan Yueze hid inside the room, and the two chased each other, leaping and darting around the not-so-spacious little house, a rather entertaining sight. After
chasing for a while without catching up, Wanwan angrily lay back on the bench, closed her eyes, and ignored Yuan Yueze.
Just as Yuan Yueze was about to tease her again, he heard Shan Meixian's voice from outside the door: "Husband, Shi Feixuan is already outside. Get ready."
Wanwan remained motionless on the bench, showing no reaction whatsoever to Shi Feixuan's arrival.
Yuan Yueze sat cross-legged at the small table and called out to the door, "Let her in."
Shan Meixian, already aware of Wanwan's arrival, said nothing, simply responded, and walked away.
After a while, two figures appeared before Yuan Yueze as the door opened.
On the left was Shi Feixuan, her slender figure standing tall, carrying a long sword. She remained expressionless, seemingly devoid of emotion or desire. Yet, deep within her eyes, a passion bloomed like a flower in the shadows, expressing a passionate love for life and a pursuit beyond worldly concerns. Her ethereal, otherworldly charm, though slightly different from the other women in the household, was enough to make any man in the world fall for her, yet feel inferior. However, what attracted Yuan Yueze's attention most was the unwavering determination and steadfast resolve emanating from her brows and eyes. "Of all
the beauties in the world, none surpasses those of Chu. Of all the beauties of Chu, none surpass those of Chenli. Of all the beauties of Chenli, none surpass the daughter of my eastern neighbor." The daughter of the Eastern family, if added an inch, would be too tall; if subtracted an inch, too short; if powdered, too pale; if rouge applied, too red. Her eyebrows are like kingfisher feathers, her skin like white snow, her waist like a bound silk ribbon, her teeth like pearls. A single smile could bewitch Yangcheng and captivate Xiachai.
This is how Song Yu described the beauty of ancient times. Even though Yuan Yueze harbored resentment towards Jingzhai, he had to admit that Shi Feixuan's beauty was indeed no less than Wanwan's or Shi Qingxuan's. Such a woman was rare indeed.
To the right was a monk in a yellow inner robe and brown outer robe, tall and handsome, carrying a bronze bell. His figure was slender and elegant, his nose straight, giving him a distinctive air. The curved shape of his upper lip and the slightly upturned lower lip further enhanced his indescribable charm, perfectly complementing his thin face, making him both strikingly handsome and exuding a carefree air. His broad chin and handsome face possessed a transcendent, serene radiance. His demeanor was neither weak nor arrogant, but rather comfortable and natural to behold. Most unforgettable were his deep, unfathomable eyes, capable of inspiring both awe and awe in anyone who dared not underestimate him.
"Please sit!"
Yuan Yueze rose and bowed.
The two smiled faintly, glanced at Wanwan's reclining figure, and sat down. Their smiles embodied the Buddhist concept of the 'flower-offering smile.' Yuan Yueze instantly felt a sense of peace, tranquility, serenity, and beauty. His mind became pure and untainted, serene and open-minded, free from desire and greed, unrestrained, serene, detached, and unshakable, as if he had existed forever!
Yuan Yueze was greatly astonished: Such profound Buddhist cultivation!
“If I’m not mistaken, this must be Master Liaokong!”
Although Yuan Yueze had lived in Luoyang for a long time, he had never been to Jingnian Temple. Today, he could guess his identity based solely on his cultivation level. He quickly calmed his mind and smiled.
Liaokong remained silent, nodding with a smile.
Yuan Yueze knew he practiced ‘silent meditation’ and didn’t mind. He turned to Shi Feixuan and asked, “What brings you here today, young lady?”
Among the younger generation, which talented young man didn’t treat the worldly successor of Jingzhai with utmost respect and humility? Only Yuan Yueze addressed her as the most ordinary ‘young lady.’ Not only her, but he treated all other women the same. He did the same with Shi Qingxuan and Wanwan. To Shi Qingxuan, this might have felt intimate, but to Shi Feixuan, it was not so certain.
Shi Feixuan's expression remained unchanged, but her eyes occasionally glanced at Wanwan's sleeping figure a few feet away. A look of surprise flashed across her fair face, indicating that she already knew the true identity of that figure. Upon hearing Yuan Yueze's question, Shi Feixuan, her lips still parted, revealed her pearly white teeth, and her voice was melodious and pleasant as she softly uttered, "Feixuan truly doesn't know how to begin."
Yuan Yueze was taken aback. What was there to not know how to begin? Wasn't she here for the He Shi Bi?
Seeing Yuan Yueze's puzzled expression, Shi Feixuan sighed softly, revealing a hint of weakness. Her unadorned, pristine face radiated a compassionate and merciful aura: "Feixuan has studied under my master for nearly twenty years. This is my first time descending the mountain. Entering this chaotic world, Feixuan has realized how fortunate I was before. The gap between this chaotic world and the peaceful life I yearn for is so vast. Feixuan is determined to end this chaos as soon as possible and restore peace and prosperity to all people."
Yuan Yueze was utterly bewildered.
"So, does the young lady want to become emperor?"
Yuan Yueze seized upon a loophole in her words, feigning ignorance.
Shi Feixuan shook her head: "Feixuan seeks only one thing in her life: the Way of Heaven. As for ending this chaos as soon as possible, it aligns perfectly with the mission of my master; Feixuan feels a deep connection."
Yuan Yueze nodded, thinking to himself: So she presented herself as weak from the start; this was a thousand times more effective than a forceful attitude.
"Subhuti, all Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas, should cultivate a pure mind in this way. They should not let their minds dwell on form, sound, smell, taste, touch, or mental objects; they should cultivate a mind that dwells nowhere."
Yuan Yueze inexplicably uttered a Buddhist verse.
Liao Kong and Shi Feixuan were taken aback. Both were deeply connected to Buddhism, and after a moment's thought, they understood. Yuan Yueze was warning Shi Feixuan: you have been influenced by the mission of your sect, falling into attachment and being trapped by demonic obstacles. Your mind has strayed from the path of 'Tao,' how can you possibly comprehend the Way of Heaven! Shi
Feixuan looked at him with surprise and said, "I never imagined that you, young master, would be so well-versed in Zen principles. What a profound statement, 'One should abide nowhere and yet give rise to the mind.' I have learned a great deal."
Yuan Yueze said calmly, "Master Huineng gleaned great wisdom from these eight characters alone; they must be quite extraordinary."
"Master Huineng was a highly accomplished monk from Zhuozhou in the north."
Seeing the slightly strange expressions on Shi Feixuan and Liaokong's faces, Yuan Yueze realized he had let something slip again—the Sixth Patriarch Huineng hadn't even been born yet! He quickly told a lie.
"Liaokong also never expected that you, benefactor, would be so well-versed in Buddhist principles."
Liaokong looked down at his nose, his nose up, his mouth down, his mind focused, and he murmured a Buddhist chant while bowing his head.
Yuan Yueze exclaimed in surprise, "Master, you have actually broken the 'silent Zen' you've practiced for so many years?"
Before Liaokong could answer, Shi Feixuan looked guilty and said softly, "Master, you destroyed many years of your spiritual practice because of the loss of the He Shi Bi jade, which makes me feel deeply guilty."
Yuan Yueze laughed and said, "Not at all! Buddha left behind a poem: 'I cultivate my mind, he cultivates his speech. Others cultivate their speech but not their minds, but I cultivate my mind but not my speech.'"
"What you say is very much in line with Zen principles. I, Liaokong, have benefited greatly. As a Buddhist, I have been attached to appearances for many years, unable to let go of this small attachment. How can I be free? Feixuan, you need not blame yourself." Liaokong
pondered for a while, then thanked him and turned to Shi Feixuan.
Yuan Yueze nodded in approval.
Shi Feixuan seemed unwilling to continue arguing about Buddhist principles, and sighed, "What you say, young master, is profound and full of wisdom. However, for the sake of all living beings, I, Feixuan, must temporarily remain in this mortal world."
"The Dao is omnipresent. All people are pursuing their own Dao, and each person's Dao is different. May I ask, young lady, why can you alone represent all living beings? What qualifications does your sect have to represent the will of all people?"
Yuan Yueze stared intently at Shi Feixuan and slowly spoke.
Shi Feixuan's heart trembled involuntarily at that cold gaze, but she quickly regained her composure: "The way of the people under heaven has always been imposed upon them by those destined by Heaven! All Feixuan can do is obey Heaven's will! Feixuan believes that the opportunity for the unification of the world and the appearance of a wise ruler have arrived, and the suffering of the people will soon be over. Therefore, I am filled with trepidation and dare not be careless, for fear of failing my sect's trust."
Yuan Yueze shook his head and said solemnly: "Throughout history, the fortunes and misfortunes of a nation, though determined by Heaven, are mostly due to human actions; where there is a fixed destiny, there must be omens. If one can be fearful and reflect on one's actions, one can turn disaster into good fortune. As the saying goes, evil arises from people and is also destroyed by people. If one harbors suspicion, seeks to suppress the seeds of chaos, and is fond of killing, then treacherous officials will take the opportunity to plot against people. This will not only fail to avert disaster but will also only breed calamity."
"Since you take pride in your sect's mission, let me ask you: have you experienced the hunger and suffering of the common people? Can you truly understand their aspirations? If you cannot answer these questions, then what right do you and your sect have to represent the people? Can you really shirk your responsibility by saying, 'The path of the people has always been imposed upon them by those destined by Heaven'? And continue with those seemingly sacred but actually hypocritical acts of 'choosing a wise ruler'? Know that the world does not belong to one sect or one person, but to all the people!"
Yuan Yueze's voice grew increasingly cold. Shi
Feixuan was slightly indignant, wanting to argue but unsure how to begin, yet unwilling to bear the insult from Yuan Yueze.
"Your words are indeed sharp. Every word is reasonable. Although I am unwilling, I have no way to refute you. But are you not attached to appearances? Thoughts and actions are not the same thing,"
Liaokong said calmly.
Shi Feixuan's resolve was repeatedly shaken by Yuan Yueze. After a moment of calm, she spoke again, "I was deeply moved by your insightful remarks at Tianjin Bridge the other day. However, upon reflection, I realized that while your words were reasonable, implementing them would take hundreds of years, which is not suitable for the current situation. Do you agree?"
Shi Feixuan's question continued the conversation from a few days prior at Tianjin Bridge. The drawbacks of a "one-family rule" were likely recognized by many ambitious individuals in this era, but easier said than done! How could such a deeply ingrained system and ideology be easily broken? Without transcending the realm of "humanity," birth, aging, sickness, and death were the greatest limitations!
Implementing advanced systems from later generations in this era was indeed as difficult as ascending to heaven.
Yuan Yueze understood this better than anyone.
At the very least, reform would have to begin with childhood education, taking several generations and hundreds of years to gradually complete. Even ordinary people who practiced martial arts would only live past a hundred years at most; someone like Yutian was one in a million! Moreover, how many rulers have the time to practice martial arts, strengthen their bodies, and prolong their lives? It's already a miracle they aren't prematurely drained by the concubines in the harem.
Therefore, in Shi Feixuan's eyes, Yuan Yueze's ideas were no different from impractical, unrealistic fantasies.
But if Song Shidao, a 'half-transmigrator' who transcends the mortal realm and whose lifespan is ten times that of ordinary people, were to oversee the implementation of reforms, it would be perfect. Of
course, he couldn't tell these words to the two people in front of him. Yuan Yueze nodded and said, "Those were just things I thought of casually, please don't take them seriously, young lady."
Then he reached for the teacup and began to sip the fragrant tea. The ring on his ring finger caught the attention of Kong and Shi Feixuan, and both of them trembled.
"Young master is indeed a member of the Demonic Sect. It seems the rumors are true!"
Shi Feixuan glanced at Wanwan not far away, her brows furrowed.
Yuan Yueze was stunned: "Didn't you spread that rumor?"
Shi Feixuan said in surprise: "Young Master seems to have many prejudices against our sect. Even if Feixuan is not good enough, she wouldn't gossip behind people's backs."
Yuan Yueze gave her a deep look and said indifferently: "It doesn't matter who spread it, I don't care. May I ask why you are so sure that I am a member of the Demonic Sect?"
Shi Feixuan and Liao Kong were taken aback. In their understanding, members of the Demonic Sect always referred to themselves as the 'Holy Sect,' so Yuan Yueze's claim to be from the 'Demon Sect' was quite surprising to them.
"According to our sect's records, the ring on your hand is called the 'Holy Light Ring,' which is the symbol of the successive Evil Emperors of the Evil Extreme Sect of the Demonic Sect."
Shi Feixuan explained with a complicated expression. She was wondering why Yuan Yueze seemed to know nothing about the origin of the ring. Was he pretending or did he have something else to hide?
Yuan Yueze's mind raced. He thought to himself that he had been tricked! He had been fooled by Wanwan! But where did she get this ring?
"Haha!"
Yuan Yueze laughed loudly, "That's right, but I, Yuan, am not some Evil Emperor, but the Evil Sovereign!"
"Tsk tsk! This title is much cooler than Evil Emperor or Shadowless Hidden Dragon!"
Yuan Yueze thought smugly, like an idiot. Shi
Feixuan and Liao Kong remained silent, seemingly pondering something.
"No wonder, your actions have always been unpredictable, truly characteristic of the Demonic Sect,"
Liao Kong sighed, a strange look in his expression.
Shi Feixuan looked at Yuan Yueze, her pretty face unable to hide her disappointment, and sighed softly, "Your words about cultivating the mind and speech were indeed captivating, but perhaps they were just words that didn't reflect your true feelings!"
Yuan Yueze laughed loudly, "Does the young lady mean that I say one thing and do another?"
Shi Feixuan remained silent, as if telling Yuan Yueze, "That's exactly right." "Right and wrong, good and evil, are all just a thought away. There are many hypocrites in the righteous path who seek fame and fortune, doing things that harm others for their own selfish desires, yet they insist on finding a legitimate reason. Are they truly on the righteous path or the evil path? Throughout history, emperors have constantly proclaimed their concern for the people, but how many were truly wise? In the end, the majority were corrupted by power! What's wrong with the demonic sect? What we're fighting for is simply a space to live on equal footing with the righteous path, to no longer be looked down upon."
Yuan Yueze said sharply, already considering himself a member of the demonic sect.
Liao Kong and Shi Feixuan looked embarrassed, not expecting Yuan Yueze to speak so bluntly.
Liao Kong chanted another Buddhist prayer and said softly, "But the demonic sect is selfish and self-serving, its hands stained with the blood of countless innocents. Is that not wrong?" "
Hmph!"
Wanwan suddenly snorted, sat up, leaped to Yuan Yueze's side, and sat down, taking his arm. She glared at Kong with hostility.
"I'm so sorry to have woken Sister Wanwan. Why is Sister Wanwan resting at Young Master Yuan's house?"
Shi Feixuan asked calmly.
Having just overheard Yuan Yueze mentioning the Evil Emperor, and recalling his past intimate interactions with Wanwan and his capricious, whimsical behavior, the terrifying thought in Shi Feixuan's mind grew increasingly clear: Yuan Yueze was probably indeed a member of the Demonic Sect!
"What's wrong with me sleeping in my husband's room?"
Wanwan replied with a straight face.
Shi Feixuan and Liaokong's hearts skipped a beat at the same time.
"What Master Liaokong said is indeed reasonable. The things the Demonic Sect did in the past were indeed despicable, but the fault does not lie entirely with them. When the Demonic Sect is suppressed to the point of being unable to survive normally, their behavior is bound to be excessive. I, Yuan, want to make it clear to you two today that you will see how the Demonic Sect acts from now on. But there is one condition: please restrain your usual behavior, otherwise, if the Demonic Sect really revolts, both sides will suffer heavy losses!"
Yuan Yueze ignored Wanwan pinching herself hard below and spoke seriously to Liaokong and Shi Feixuan, his tone heavily emphasizing "usual behavior."
This imposter Evil Emperor, oh no, Evil Sovereign, speaks with such righteous indignation that it gives one an inexplicable sense of absurdity!
Before the other three could respond, Yuan Yueze sighed again, “Some Buddhists chant sutras and eat vegetarian food, but their hearts are not inclined towards goodness. Behind their backs, they commit extremely immoral acts. I believe that judging whether a person is true, good, and beautiful cannot be done merely by observing their appearance. The most important thing is to see through appearances to their essence. Moreover, it requires long-term, continuous observation and refinement to truly understand their substance and eternity.”
“What you say is not without reason, benefactor. This humble monk has nothing to say.”
Liao Kong felt a sense of helplessness and sighed softly.
Shi Feixuan was also speechless. For the first time, the sense of justice instilled in her since childhood wavered. Although she recovered quickly, she couldn’t find any reason to refute it.
“Please don’t talk about the Demonic Sect anymore. After talking for so long, why haven’t you two mentioned the He Shi Bi?”
Yuan Yueze no longer wanted to fight with them and asked directly.
After entering, Shi Feixuan and Liaokong remained silent about their purpose, arguing with Yuan Yueze on several issues. Ultimately, they were overwhelmed by Yuan Yueze's
arguments. Shi Feixuan took a deep breath and said, "The He Shi Bi was not stolen by you, young master, but everyone knows the relationship between you and Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling. Therefore, I have taken the liberty of coming to demand its return." Yuan Yueze solemnly declared, "The He Shi Bi is indeed not in my possession, nor was it I who ordered those two to steal it. I swear to heaven, if I have uttered even half a lie, may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death."
Shi Feixuan and Liaokong stared at Yuan Yueze in astonishment. In this era, oaths were paramount, and Yuan Yueze's solemn vow was more convincing than a thousand explanations.
"Feixuan believes what you say, young master. With your abilities, you certainly wouldn't hesitate to admit your actions. Feixuan takes her leave ,"
Shi Feixuan said after a long moment of contemplation. Yuan Yueze then personally escorted them to the gate.
"Today, my words may have been somewhat extreme, but they were directed at the matter, not the person. In truth, I greatly admire your compassionate heart and your dedication to saving the people from their suffering,"
Yuan Yueze said, bowing slightly after escorting them a hundred paces from the gate.
He then turned and left, leaving Shi Feixuan with a look of astonishment.
Shi Feixuan stared blankly at Yuan Yueze's handsome figure receding into the distance. A strange, indescribable feeling, a mixture of anticipation and fear, took root in the depths of her heart, sprouting and growing…
Next chapter preview: Reality and Illusion

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