[Jiangshan Yunluo] Episode 3

page views:1 Publication date:2023-03-23

Chapter Three: What is the Meaning of Sorrow? Martial Arts Under One Roof
The truce between Yan and Qin was a great relief not to the emperors and nobles, who still had much to do afterward.
Those who could finally settle down and resume some semblance of normal life were the commoners and nobles without official positions.
This was the case in the commoner district east of Chengdu. The endless stream of names of the dead published in the official gazettes, which had previously
brought waves of weeping, and the commotion and chaos during the distribution of compensation, were all gone. This area of the city had temporarily returned
to its normal rhythm.
The abandoned huts overgrown with weeds remained unchanged; already quite dilapidated, they showed no signs of having become even more
run-down over the months.
However, the unseen hall was completely different. Not only were the tables and chairs spotless, but even the floor seemed immaculate—
only servants of wealthy families could achieve such a state.
A young girl lay on her side on a large, low bed, one of her slender legs swinging casually over the edge, a
satisfied and smug smile on her beautiful face.
"I have completed the task ordered by Miss. The man can be interrogated at any time," a weasel-
faced man with three wisps of beard reported, crawling on the ground.
"Very good. There will be a hefty reward later! All of you, go and keep a close watch on the surroundings! Anyone who dares to approach to eavesdrop or peek,
cut out their tongue and deafen them! Including you!" The girl was young, her smile as sweet as
honey poured over one's heart, but her words were not only willful and capricious, but also ruthless and vicious.
All the attendants retreated. Only a man with a missing arm remained, sitting cross-legged on the ground.
The man's face was blank, his eyes unblinking and unfocused, his gaze scattered and unfocused. Even
the approach of the girl, as bright as the moon in the night sky, could not bring him back to his senses.
The girl walked up to the one-armed man with a smile and squatted down, then frowned in displeasure and pouted, "Look at
me! Am I not pretty?"
The one-armed man turned his head blankly to look at the girl, his gaze still unfocused, as if he wasn't looking at her but only at
the space around him.
"You're driving me crazy!" The girl suddenly stood up and kicked the one-armed man twice, not too hard, before
calming down and squatting down again, saying, "Fine, let's figure out your secret first."
The girl said sweetly in a soft, soothing, and seductive voice, "You, tell me honestly,
who is He Qun to you?"
"He's...my...master..." the man stammered. It was unclear what had happened to his body
, but it seemed as if his mind was completely sealed off. Of the four members of He Qun's master and disciples, only Liu Rong was still alive
.
"Huh? Is he really your master? You didn't have any martial arts skills back then... Continue, how did you meet him?"
"I... you cut off one of my arms... someone saved me... I didn't want to be pitied... before my injury healed,
I left Kunlun Village to find a way out... I collapsed from exhaustion halfway there, and when I woke up, I met my master..."
Speaking of the past when she lost an arm, the girl's brows furrowed slightly, and a blush rose on her face, naturally because it
was she, Die Qingdie, who had severed Liu Rong's arm.
"Why did He Qun take you as his disciple?" Die Qingdie stroked Liu Rong's severed arm, her voice softening considerably, even showing
a hint of tenderness.
"Master said... I'm suitable to inherit his mantle... I... I don't quite understand..." Liu Rong remained expressionless
and blank.
"Hmm. You clearly didn't have any martial arts skills before, so why did you cultivate so quickly? You should think it through carefully, don't hide
it from people..." Die Qingdie said coquettishly, with a hint of gentle persuasion.
"I practiced the internal and external martial arts of the Qingcheng Sect daily... originally just average... When I reached the second rank, my master taught
me the 'Mysterious Origin Two Elements Technique,' and from then on, my skill increased rapidly." Liu Rong spoke more and more fluently, though his gaze
was still unfocused, he was no longer stammering as before.
"The 'Mysterious Origin Two Elements Technique'? Not a Qingcheng Sect technique! Where did He Qun get this technique?" Die
Qingdie was filled with surprise and delight. She was surprised that in just a few years, a servant with no martial arts foundation could practice to the point of almost matching her own
skill; what kind of miraculous power must this technique possess? To her delight, Liu Rong revealed this great secret without any hesitation. If she
could obtain this extraordinary book…
“I don’t know. My master said it was given to me by a remarkable person. I don’t know anything else about it.”
“As far as I know, techniques that lead to rapid progress often have great hidden dangers. How is the ‘Mysterious Origin Two Elements Technique’ practiced?
What’s wrong with it?” Die Qingdie was no foolish or ignorant woman. After a little thought, she understood the key point.
"The cultivation of the *Xuan Yuan Liang Yi Gong* requires a man and a woman to engage in sexual intercourse from time to time. By seizing the other's true yang
or true yin, one can not only enhance their power but also nourish internal injuries and even expand their meridians. The downside is that
the one whose true essence is seized will suffer severe damage to their foundation, or even death."
"Hmm... Hmm? So you've been with many women?" Die Qingdie suddenly said angrily, then
kicked Liu Rong to the ground, followed by a merciless barrage of punches and kicks: "How many? Tell me honestly!"
"Ah... Hmph... Three... Cough cough cough... Thirty-four... women." Liu Rong was hit hard,
but although he was exhausted, he was not immune to pain. Even as he was beaten and unable to speak, he still managed to answer the question.
"Thirty-four? Very good, you're very good! You've done right by me!" Die Qingdie sneered and stopped
attacking. She composed herself and said, "Increasing power and expanding meridians is understandable, but what about repairing internal injuries?"
As expected of the talented daughter of the Qingcheng Sect Leader, she grasped the key points of martial arts with extreme accuracy.
Liu Rong, panting, replied, "There are eight types of exceptional female physiques, extremely rare, perhaps one in a million
. Possessing one can heal hidden injuries left from internal energy cultivation and greatly increase one's power."
Die Qingdie's eyes lit up, her competitive spirit rising, and she asked, "Which eight?"
"Thousand Charms, Hundred Beauties, Jade Bones, Ice Skin, Combing Clouds, Sweeping the Moon, Orchid Heart, and Radiant Quality."
"Hmm, that sounds quite plausible. What about me? What physique do I have?"
"You have the Radiant Quality physique."
"Huh? Isn't that the worst one?"
"No... no. Of the eight physiques, Thousand Charms is first, Hundred Beauties is second, and the remaining six are roughly equal."
"Then... I guess Lu Feiyan is one of Thousand Charms or Hundred Beauties, right?"
"Master said it's the Hundred Beauties physique."
"I see!" Die Qingdie murmured to herself, suddenly realizing.
He Qun and Liu Rong captured Die Qingdie and took her to a remote manor. Although it was located in a mountainous area and protected by array formations, it was
only a matter of time before the Jiangzhou soldiers found her. Ignoring the urgency of the situation, He Qun and his men
raped Die Qingdie in the manor. Their intention was to take her body and then discard her; otherwise,
it would be too conspicuous to run away with a woman after causing such a disaster.
Although Die Qingdie was unconscious, she later heard that Wu Zheng and Lu Feiyan had appeared and fought a fierce battle with He Qun and his disciple,
resulting in He Qun's death.
Die Qingdie was completely baffled; neither side seemed to have any reason to fight to the death. Only after learning
the secret of the *Xuan Yuan Liang Yi Gong* did she realize that the only reason was that Lu Feiyan possessed one of the eight physical bodies, perhaps even the best one! This was what
made He Qun, whose cultivation had been stagnant due to internal injuries, willing to go to any lengths to obtain her.
"Where did you hide the *Xuan Yuan Liang Yi Gong*?" He Qun wasn't a fool; he
had his reasons for desperately trying to capture Lu Feiyan. Die Qingdie had also heard of her senior uncle's discerning eye and abilities—truly a top-tier choice.
A miraculous technique that he trusted implicitly and could dramatically increase Liu Rong's power—who wouldn't be envious?
"I... gave it to Wu Zheng..." Liu Rong stammered, though he remembered everything clearly.
"Wu Zheng?" Die Qingdie gritted her teeth at the mention of him; she hated Wu Zheng even more than He Qun. If it
weren't for Wu Zheng, why would she have rushed to Jiangzhou? Even Liu Rong's severed arm was because of Wu Zheng! This man was the culprit behind Die Qingdie's
current predicament!
"When I left, I gave him a package containing the 'Mysterious Origin Two Elements Technique,' which my master never parted with."
"Do you still remember the technique?"
"I only learned less than half of it; some of my master refused to teach me."
"You… idiot. You gave Wu Zheng everything you hadn't learned? What were you thinking? You moron!"
"I didn't dare carry it with me; I entrusted it to Wu Zheng for safekeeping, and I'll retrieve it from him later."
"You trust him?"
"Yes."
"Phew…" Die Qingdie let out a long breath, suppressing her anger, and said, "Then write down what you remember."
"I can't write."
"You…"
The girl got up in dissatisfaction, went to the window to look at the sky, pondered for a moment, stomped her foot, and returned to Liu Rong's side. She
first checked several acupoints around his body to confirm he couldn't circulate his internal energy, then pulled out
ten silver needles from the back of Liu Rong's head, spine, and shoulders. She was very careful when removing the needles, using a very special technique, adjusting the needle's position after each section
until the entire needle was removed.
Liu Rong cried out repeatedly, his voice extremely strange, as if he were experiencing sudden, intense pain, then a tingling, itchy sensation, and then complete
numbness. After all the silver needles were removed, he appeared to have recovered from a serious illness, sweating profusely and kneeling on the ground, panting heavily.
However, at this moment, Liu Rong's consciousness gradually returned, his scattered gaze focusing into a single line. Through his blurred vision, he saw
a young girl wearing a pale yellow lotus leaf skirt, a green short jacket wrapped around her ribs, just covering her small, delicate breasts, making her appear
bright and charming.
Liu Rong stared at Die Qingdie with complicated emotions, saying, "You... what did you do to me? Why are you treating me like this?"
"I told you to stay with me obediently, how am I being bad to you?" Die Qingdie smiled, revealing her teeth, and removed her short jacket
, then loosened the silk sash around her waist: "Don't you want to..." The deliberately drawn-out tone was accompanied by a cloying, heavy
breath. She turned and walked gracefully towards the back of the hall, her skirt slipping down to reveal her rounded shoulders and delicate arms
. A white silk dress draped from her breasts to her knees, but the half-concealed, half-revealed body, along with
the sweet, feminine fragrance in the air, only fueled the desire to explore further.
Liu Rong growled and struggled to his feet, staggering after that lithe figure...
Since the war between Yan and Qin, Yan had consistently held the upper hand. Qin's so-called victory was merely a halt to Yan's
extremely aggressive offensive; it was still far from gaining control of the battlefield and recovering vast swathes of lost territory.
During the winter truce, Yan unexpectedly sent envoys again, seizing the initiative once more.
The Yan emperor in Chang'an once again grasped the Qin emperor's mindset. After nearly a year of intense fighting, both countries
were severely depleted. Compared to the much stronger Yan, Qin needed a much better chance to regroup and had almost no
reason to refuse.
However, the Yan capital of Chang'an was shrouded in mystery. What was the Yan emperor, who aspired to unify the world, really planning?
Was Yan's all-out war truly going to end prematurely? No one was willing to relinquish the lands of Liangzhou; how would this be resolved
? And there were countless other details to consider.
This was why Qin appointed the Grand Secretary Huo Yongning to personally lead the mission to Yan. Although Huo Yongning volunteered,
the burden on his shoulders was extremely heavy. A weak nation has no diplomacy. Already at a disadvantage, they were further weakened by the enemy's control. Even
someone as resourceful as Huo Yongning dared not hope to gain sufficient benefits.
With no progress made and not even a whisper of news received, the atmosphere within the delegation grew increasingly somber.
Aside from Huo Yongning and Pang Songde, the two leaders, Wu Zheng faced the greatest pressure.
He should never have appeared in Chang'an—after using extremely despicable means to murder General Di Junyan
and his army, Wu Zheng had offended everyone in Yan. Not only foreign officials, but even
the Yan princess had been publicly humiliated by him. That exquisitely written erotic novel had already spread throughout the land, becoming a popular topic of conversation, and
countless private conversations had been used for flirtatious purposes. The princess was also a matter of royal dignity; even if Luan Caiqing's private
life was utterly depraved, it should never be made public and discussed in the marketplace. Wu Zheng's
meddling had left the Yan royal family in such a sorry state; what face could they possibly have?
Since entering Chang'an, Wu Zheng had been constantly uneasy. Although the Yan officials who greeted him upon entering the city hadn't shown
any hostility, he couldn't help but suspect that someone might pull out a knife and chop off his head at any moment. Therefore, despite his
low rank and limited influence, he was one of the people most concerned about whether his visit to the Yan dignitaries would go smoothly.
Huo Yongning, unperturbed by the closed door, simply ordered the officials to disperse, forbidding them from leaving
the post station without permission, and instructing them to return to the hall at dawn the next day to await further orders.
The repeated setbacks on his first day weighed heavily on Wu Zheng's mind. What he disliked most was the precariousness of his life, the passivity of having his
fate in the hands of others. Yet, the web of power in this world was all-encompassing, leaving nowhere to hide or escape.
Han Guiyan was also extremely tense after entering Chang'an. Apart from three hundred guards, the rest of the two thousand troops were stationed outside the city.
Following Huo Yongning's orders, he personally commanded the three hundred guards, while Han Guiyan resided in the camp outside the city.
Although Wu Zheng was filled with longing and concern, he dared not disobey the Grand Chancellor's orders. After leaving the hall, he strolled
towards his residence. The Kunlun Sect members, as Wu Zheng's followers, all resided here. However,
it would be a waste for a group of experts to have nothing to do, so the experts from Qingcheng and Kunlun were all assigned to the guards to protect the inn
's safety. —Except for Lu Feiyan!
There was only one person in the courtyard, and only she loved playing the zither. Wu Zheng heard the mournful and plaintive zither music, which
, amidst his helplessness, also contained a hidden anger, further intensifying his already irritable mood. However, this interruption allowed his
tense nerves to relax somewhat.
Composing himself, Wu Zheng knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" The music stopped abruptly, and Lu Feiyan's clear, melodious voice carried a distinct weariness.
"Aunt, it's me."
"Oh, the door's ajar. Come in." The inn couldn't cater to all the attendants; the room was
small, just a single room, divided in two by a crimson gauze curtain that could be opened and closed. Lu Feiyan was sitting
at the dining table used for meals and entertaining guests; the curtain separated her from her bed.
Wu Zheng dared not overstep his bounds, stepping over the threshold and opening the door wide to avoid gossip. Lu Feiyan smiled slightly
, rising to say, "Sit down. I'll make some tea." But as she rose, she trembled, furrowing her brow and pursing
her lips, stubbornly walking towards the door.
"I'll go," Wu Zheng said, his observation skills keen; the beads of sweat at Lu Feiyan's temples didn't escape his
notice.
"No. You are now an official of a certain rank, and you should have the demeanor and bearing of one. How can you act as
you please as before? You are no longer allowed to serve tea and water."
Although Lu Feiyan was a woman, she was always very principled and handled every matter, big or small, with great care. Wu Zheng
could only let her be.
The tea was top-quality Maojian brought from Sichuan, with a slightly bitter taste and an extremely refreshing aroma. However,
another fragrance wafting in the room was sweet and glutinous, delicate and elegant, far more intoxicating than the tea. Unlike the clear and elegant fragrance of narcissus on Han Guiyan
, this fragrance, though also a refreshing scent, was as vibrant as a rose, without any
concealment or disguise.
The strong fragrance was intoxicating. Lu Feiyan had been alone in the room for a long time and hadn't noticed it until she went out to make tea and returned.
If it were someone else, they might have been able to remain indifferent—isn't a young woman's natural body fragrance normal? Wu Zheng was arguably one of the three people in the world
who knew her body's secrets best. Even though they were in the same room with the door wide open, she couldn't help but blush.
Wu Zheng didn't say much. The two sat facing each other. Lu Feiyan filled her teacup silently, and after a long while, she lowered
her head and smiled helplessly, saying, "Don't you have official business to attend to? Did you come to see me specifically?"
After the battle of Tingcheng, the desire she had previously managed to control naturally erupted as Lu Feiyan collapsed from exhaustion
. Even in her sleep, her desire surged, triggering a series of erotic dreams. Fortunately, she was too exhausted to move at the time, and
the maidservant responsible for taking care of her, seeing her deep breathing and sweet sleep, dared not disturb her in the slightest; otherwise, the wet sheets would have been
a huge embarrassment.
From then on, her alluring body could no longer be suppressed, and the previously effective "Heart-Cleansing Technique" became increasingly difficult
to control. Since traveling from Ziwu Valley to Chang'an, Lu Feiyan had often hidden in the carriage, afraid to move, practicing
the "Heart-Clearing Mantra" from morning till night—a truly agonizing ordeal. Everyone understood the principle of channeling rather than suppressing, but how to channel it? There was no way to channel it
,
so what could she do? "Master, there's something you can tell me." The burden of lust had brought Lu Feiyan not only
immense physical strain, but also cruel torment to her mind. Her frequently helpless expression and
the chaotic music all indicated that Lu Feiyan had almost reached her physical and mental limits.
Lu Feiyan glanced gratefully at Wu Zheng; she knew her own situation, and Wu Zheng's actions were undoubtedly well-intentioned.
This young man had seen her naked and begging for pleasure in the desolate wilderness behind Kunlun Mountain; he had seen her
kneeling on the ground, her beautiful, petal-like lips taking a man's ugly penis into her mouth; he had seen her unable to
quell her desires, forced to masturbate while being whipped with a long rope to relieve them; he had seen her
unable to stop being aroused by words, climaxing uncontrollably at the slightest flick to the nipple.
Now that he knew her deepest secret, he could not and would not force her to forget it; her silence was already
something Lu Feiyan was grateful for. Moreover, Wu Zheng hadn't taken advantage of her in the desolate garden in Jiangzhou, demonstrating his uprightness and principles
. In a daze, Lu Feiyan suddenly felt a connection between them, making him a good confidant. However,
discussing this topic was extremely inappropriate, touching upon a young woman's deepest privacy, and she didn't know how to begin.
"I mean no harm, I'm just speaking my mind," Wu Zheng said, rubbing his nose. Since Lu Feiyan was caught in
a dilemma, he decided to start the conversation: "It's better to guide than to suppress. I've warned you, Aunt, but you haven't listened, or rather, you have no
way to guide me. I'm very worried about your current state."
"Worried about...what?" "
Among all the members of the Kunlun Sect, Aunt's talent is easily in the top three..."
"Can she even compare to the prodigies of Kunlun?" Sensing that Wu Zheng was about to say something terrible, Lu Feiyan
forced a smile and changed the subject.
"If I hadn't cultivated the 'Principles of Truth,' I would be no match for my master. What's impressive is the 'Principles of Truth,' not
any particular talent I possess." Wu Zheng paused, then resolutely said, "There are some things that, though it's disrespectful for a disciple to say them,
must be said. Master, you are ill; you shouldn't hide your illness from medical treatment."
Lu Feiyan, who had grown increasingly frightened, wishing she could cover her ears to avoid the unbearable shameful
words to come, suddenly felt a sense of relief upon hearing the words, "You are ill": Yes, I am ill. I am not a wanton, shameless harlot
; I am simply ill…
Wu Zheng, observing her expression, knew he had struck at Lu Feiyan's weak spot, and he too breathed a sigh of relief. He then
blurted out the words he had been pondering for so long: "I vaguely remember that when I was five years old, Master's cultivation had already reached the upper eighth rank, and now,
more than ten years later, it has only reached the middle ninth rank. Even Junior Master's cultivation has reached the middle tenth rank. You have cultivated for five years longer than her…"
"Your talent is stronger, yet you've fallen behind. This isn't just a physical ailment; this part of you is also sick."
Lu Feiyan, who had been keeping her eyes down, involuntarily looked up to see where she was. She saw Wu Zheng pointing
to her chest, indicating a heart ailment. Lu Feiyan nodded slightly in agreement, but felt embarrassed: Wu
Zheng's hand poked her chest, and the shameful scene of being flicked in the chest by He Qun in the desolate garden of Jiangzhou, causing her to lose control, flashed
before her eyes again, even her proud breasts felt hot... Although she was over thirty and had breastfed, they were still delicate
and full, almost without a flaw. But for thirteen years, no pair of rough, strong, and warm hands had
held them in their palms and caressed them...
Wu Zheng was right. Since that night in the wilderness, when they had an affair and conceived, Lu Feiyan's cultivation
had almost stagnated, taking more than ten years to advance from the upper eighth rank to the lower ninth rank. It wasn't until Wu Zheng left behind the "Heart-Cleansing Mantra" upon descending the mountain that
she was able to advance to the middle of the ninth rank, relying on its suppression of lust. She knew the reason perfectly well: lustful desires constantly
plagued her. First, it affected her internal energy; unexpected lust during cultivation nearly caused her to suffer a qi deviation
. Then, her body became increasingly sensitive. Her rounded nipples, full, erect breasts, even her high, arched
buttocks—when her fluid movements flowed like clouds and water, the friction of her clothing and
the swaying of her sensitive flesh could trigger a tingling electric current throughout her body.
For a long time, Lu Feiyan was unable to cultivate, and even dared not cultivate.
"Master, human beings are born with desires, and no one can avoid them. Even monks in Buddhist temples are taught to restrain their desires at the beginning of their practice
. However, there are many greedy monks, lewd monks, and wicked monks in the world. How many are truly enlightened monks? Desire is also an instinct
. Without desire, how can we procreate and how can our race continue? What I worry about is that Master, deliberately suppressing your desires
is tantamount to burying your head in the sand, causing severe damage to both your body and mind."
"But I... but what should I do?" Lu Feiyan said dejectedly. Perhaps Wu Zheng's previous words had an effect,
as patients can always talk about topics they would normally be ashamed to discuss with their doctors.
"I haven't finished yet," Wu Zheng said, his spirits lifting as he demonstrated his professionalism. Her past life as a doctor
, seemingly useless in this life, unexpectedly proved invaluable at this crucial moment: "My aunt is now walking on thin ice, relying solely on willpower
to suppress her emotions. That string is stretched to its limit. Once it snaps... I wonder if my aunt has heard of
precedents of great virtue turning into great evil."
Lu Feiyan trembled with fear. Once one's beliefs crumble, there are countless examples of great philanthropists transforming into demons.
She herself is currently chaste, yet her desires are growing stronger. Just as Wu Zheng said, if the string snaps one day and reverses course,
will she become a wanton woman who only knows how to seek pleasure day and night, and is promiscuous with everyone?
"No...don't say anymore, I'm so scared." Lu Feiyan covered her ears and shook her head repeatedly, large tears
falling like beads from a broken string...
Wu Zheng got up, closed the door, and sat back down quietly, thinking to himself: Crying will make you feel better,
but it's a pity I can't hold you, you've suffered so much...
Lu Feiyan cried for a while and gradually stopped, taking out a handkerchief to wipe away her tears and snot, saying, "I'm sorry." Seeing Wu Zheng smile and
nod, Lu Feiyan suddenly realized that all her numerous outbursts of composure today were from the heart, without any deliberate pretense or
defensiveness. This disciple, a generation younger than her in the sect, had learned all her secrets through various coincidences
and had become the person she trusted most, even relied on.
"Disciple said that you can say anything to your master. Emotions need an outlet; keeping them bottled up
will make you sick sooner or later." Wu Zheng patiently persuaded her. Although he didn't have much experience, living in this information-saturated age, his perspective
was much broader. Compared to Lu Feiyan, whose life was simple and naive, this was far superior.
"These past years, I haven't had many happy moments; I've suffered a lot, you… you should know. I'm not a saint; I have
my own joys and sorrows, and I need care and consideration. That night… after that night, I had nothing left. If it
weren't for Pan'er, I'm afraid I would have gone mad long ago." Lu Feiyan's gaze was distant and ethereal, lost in thought: "
Playing the zither all day in my room, sitting idly, heh, speaking of which, going to Qingyun Cliff to find Junior Uncle and you was much happier. That day you
shone brightly in the inter-sect competition, those were some of the few happy days."
"This disciple was ignorant; if I had known this, I should have invited Junior Aunt to Qingyun Cliff more often."
"How can you blame yourself?" Lu Feiyan paused, as if making a decision, and exhaled deeply, saying:
"Ever since that night in the wasteland, Bufan has kept his distance from me. This room was originally meant for my husband and me,
but he refuses to step inside, fearing me like a venomous snake. Actually... I can't blame him; men have their pride. It's just
my bad luck..."
Perhaps these bitter feelings had been bottled up for too long, once the floodgates opened, he couldn't stop, and without caring about
embarrassment, he blurted it all out: "As you once said, a perfect couple is just for show;
the joys and sorrows inside are known only to themselves, and only they can taste and bear them. But I... I'm so miserable,
I don't even have anyone to confide in..."
"Why don't you tell your junior aunt?"
"She doesn't know anything about it. Don't you think there are enough people who know about this shameful affair?" Lu Feiyan blushed
and glared at Wu Zheng reproachfully.
"So, please tell me, junior aunt, and I won't let anyone else know." Wu Zheng scratched his head, pretending to have said something wrong and
said shyly.
"I only said these things because I trust you." Lu Feiyan composed herself and said, "After having
this outburst, I feel much better. That's just how my aunt is, taking things as they come. Right now, I'm most worried about Pan'er. If she can't
meet a good husband who will treat her well for life, how will she cope like me? Child, promise your aunt that
you will take good care of Pan'er no matter what, okay?"
"Aunt is talking nonsense again." Wu Zheng laughed, "Whether Pan'er likes me or just sees me as an older brother
is still unknown. It's a bit too early to talk about this now."
"I know my daughter well." Lu Feiyan said decisively, then paused and softened her tone, "Alright,
it's not appropriate to force you to promise something that hasn't happened yet. Then promise your aunt that if Pan'er marries you, you
will treat her well for life no matter what, is that alright?"
Her words were humble and weak, almost pleading, and Lu Feiyan was taken aback. This woman, whose beauty was renowned throughout the land and whose background was...
For a noble lady from a prestigious family, impeccable in both sect and lineage, to utter such words reveals
the utter misery tormented by years of physical
and mental ailments. Wu Zheng silently gazed at Lu Feiyan, his mind racing. After much deliberation, he solemnly said, "This disciple is willing
to do so, but this disciple still cannot agree to Master Aunt's request."
"What do you mean?" Lu Feiyan frowned, puzzled.
"If I were to marry a woman, I would naturally treat her well, hence my willingness to do so; if it is not a woman I truly love
, I will neither touch nor marry her, hence my inability to agree to Master Aunt's request; I like Pan'er very much, and I will
treat her well without being told, hence my willingness to do so; but… Pan'er is Master Aunt's daughter, and I don't know if she has inherited Master Aunt
's constitution, nor do I know if I can satisfy her, hence my inability to agree!" Wu Zheng's words became increasingly vulgar,
yet they were righteous and reasonable, each sentence hitting Lu Feiyan's actual situation, leaving her no room for argument.
Lu Feiyan was momentarily stunned, and it took her a long time to say, "You...I...I want to be alone..."
Seeds were being planted in the heart of the beautiful senior nun, destined to sprout one day.
What a magnificent harvest it would be! Would the ripe fruit ultimately be as she had long planned,
or would someone steal it away? All these possibilities filled her with anticipation.
Wu Zheng wasn't satisfied enough. Before leaving, he added, "I have one more thing to say: a tree dies when transplanted, but a person thrives.
Since one path has led to a dead end, why not try another?"
The setting sun cast its last rays into the simple room. The beautiful woman, lost in thought with her chin in her hand, was oblivious to the
shadow cast on the crimson curtain, and even more unaware that the young man standing beside her at the doorway was almost beside her…
The night at the inn was uneventful. Wu Zheng ate dinner and returned to his room early. After practicing his internal energy for a while and completing his daily
tasks, he thought of Han Guiyan, who was toiling and lonely in the military camp, before finally resting. Perhaps
Huo Yongning and Pang Songde were still in secret talks, which was beyond Wu Zheng's authority as a ceremonial officer.
The sky turned a pale white, gradually painting the distant mountains with gold. Wu Zheng, rising to wash, gazed at the horizon, involuntarily
recalling scenes from movies of his past life: the rising sun, its rays slowly spreading across the city shrouded in darkness, ultimately
reviving the land.
Chang'an was undoubtedly one of the most prosperous cities of the time; he wondered if the tense and strange atmosphere that had gripped the city since the Qin envoys entered
would ease.
People get used to things eventually.
No more than two incense sticks' time had passed since breakfast ended, and the inn was already bustling with activity. Wu Zheng shook his
head with a wry smile in the council hall; the Yan Kingdom was certainly not playing by the rules.
"Order Han Fujun to enter the city."
"All guards and attendants with cultivation levels of rank nine or above, come immediately to receive orders."
Orders were issued one after another by Huo Yongning, while a visiting card with large gold characters on a red lacquered wooden surface
circulated among the envoys: "The path of martial arts is vast and boundless, yet all paths lead to the same goal. Those who practice martial arts must guard against arrogance and impetuosity, and above all, avoid working in isolation.
I, Qiu Yuanhuan, the leader of the Yu Changzhi Sect, Rou Xixue, the leader of the Tianyin Sect, and fellow martial artists from the Qingcheng and Kunlun Sects, are gathered here with great
joy. I have taken the liberty of visiting you all at noon to seek an audience with fellow practitioners, hoping to exchange martial arts insights. I would be most honored.
If you're met with closed doors when you try to see the people of Yan, why don't I see you even if you come?" Wu Zheng's inner grumbling was merely a
spiteful remark. The experts from the Changzhi and Tianyin sects, under the guise of a friendly gathering, had in reality come to challenge them.
If the experts from Qingcheng and Kunlun simply avoided them, it would not only dampen their spirits but also imply that Qin was afraid of Yan, showing cowardice before the battle even began—
something no one in Qin could accept.
Apart from Xiang Wuji and Die Yunhe from Qingcheng, and Xi Banlou and Lin Ruichen from Kunlun, all the other experts were present.
Unfortunately, neither sect's top-tier 12th-rank experts were there. Fortunately, although the Changzhi sect was using Qiu Yuanhuan's name,
the Yan general was still stationed in Liangzhou and hadn't returned to Chang'an. Qin also had Huo Yongning, a 12th-rank expert,
so they weren't afraid of Rou Xixue from the Tianyin sect.
Negotiations between warring states are the most difficult. Yan envoys in Qin inevitably faced numerous obstacles, and Yan
would certainly have given Qin envoys a taste of their own medicine. As the saying goes, those who come with ill intentions do not come with good intentions. The two top sects of Yan
have all dispatched their experts, likely anticipating a considerable chance of victory.
Huo Yongning seemed surprised by Yan's decisive and direct methods. A defeat in this round
would significantly diminish his confidence at the negotiating table, causing him to furrow his brow in deep thought. He greatly admired the Yan Emperor's methods
; this emperor possessed the demeanor of a powerful ruler. Previously, the two nations' armies had fought with overwhelming force,
and had it not been for the incomprehensible accident at Tingcheng, Qin would have lost Liangzhou entirely. Now, even in peace talks, their strength
was evident, aggressive yet dignified.
The experts quickly assembled, and Han Guiyan arrived shortly after. As her long legs crossed the threshold, her gaze swept across,
lingering almost imperceptibly on Wu Zheng. The young man and woman's first taste of love was like honey and oil, and even a day apart
felt like an eternity.
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Huo Yongning began to assign tasks without delay, carefully instructing each person before adding, "Yan
is located in the Central Plains, and has more experts than Qin. Today, facing a stronger opponent, we need not only brute force but also strategy. Remember,
we must not act rashly. We must also be wary of any unfavorable rules set by Yan.
Those not on my list must also be prepared to fight; do not be careless." He glanced at Wu Zheng as he spoke. Wu
Zheng understood. This "martial arts contest" wouldn't involve any underhanded tactics, as it concerned
the post-war negotiations between the two countries. A victory without honor would be a defeat. However, Yan had more experts than Qin. After the current masters finished their matches,
the competition might extend to the second generation of disciples. As Qin's top young expert, Wu Zheng
would most likely have to participate. Huo Yongning glanced at Wu Zheng, intending to remind him to observe the martial arts styles of the Yan Kingdom's masters. He
also brought Han Guiyan here so she could participate in duels when necessary.
Noon arrived in the blink of an eye, and the Changzhi Tianyin Sect's group of masters waited at the inn's entrance. Huo Yongning personally went out
to welcome these esteemed figures. Since the Yan Kingdom's masters were visiting as martial arts experts, the Qin officials were not present;
everything was done according to martial arts rules.
Wu Zheng, as a junior, lagged behind the group. While the senior masters exchanged pleasantries and respects, he secretly memorized
the Yan Kingdom's masters. Qiu Yuanhuan was absent, so the group was led by Rou Xixue, the head of the Tianyin Sect.
The Tianyin Sect is small in number, consisting entirely of women. Before becoming a martial arts sect, it was originally a Buddhist temple, and even now,
many of its members are nuns. Rou Xixue always kept her hands clasped together, her head slightly bowed behind a cloak. Wu Zheng had
met her in Ziwu Valley and knew that her martial arts were comparable to Xi Banlou's.
He hadn't seen her clearly that day due to the chaos of war, but now he saw her with an oval face, snow-white skin, delicate eyebrows, a
long and straight nose, and cherry-like lips that shone like pearls. Her gaze, fixed on the ground, made her eyes lowered, but one
could vaguely see a pair of large, almond-shaped eyes that were soft, bright, and spirited. She was of medium height, half a head shorter than Han Guiyan and Lu Feiyan. Her
wide gray monk's robe concealed her curves, making them difficult to discern. One could guess that a martial artist like her would be quite skilled;
it was a pity that such a stunningly beautiful woman, without makeup and with a bare face, was actually a nun who had shaved her head to practice martial arts. But whether
she introduced herself or was addressed by others, she used the name Rou Xixue. Could this be considered a Buddhist name? "This humble nun, Rou
Xixue, greets Lord Huo." This sentence sounded awkward no matter how you looked at it.
After a round of polite greetings, there was no trace of the bloodshed and devastation from the recent war between the two countries; they were all very courteous to each other
. Rou Xixue spoke first: "Those who have left the world are not concerned with worldly affairs, but
even those in the martial arts world cannot escape worldly desires. I am delighted to hear that you fellow practitioners have come here, and to be able to discuss and compete with such martial arts masters is a once-in-a-century opportunity.
This event will surely become a great event of our time, a blessing for the martial arts world."
Huo Yongning gazed gently at Rou Xixue's lowered eyes and said calmly: "What Headmaster Rou says is exactly what I
think! There are many sects in the world, each with its own strengths, but the path of martial arts is the same, and we need more exchanges and verifications
to seek common ground while reserving differences, which will also greatly promote the progress of martial arts. I am also very fortunate to have this opportunity to meet today."
The Grand Secretary, having long been a pillar of the Qin Dynasty, naturally guarded the boundary between the court and the martial arts world at this sensitive moment,
repeatedly emphasizing that this was only a gathering of martial arts practitioners. As for his
repeated use of "this official," he allowed him to remain calm and wait for the situation before deciding whether to participate in the competition, turning a passive situation into an active one. Wu Zheng had also been listening to political discussions in the Qin court for a long time and
knew that Huo Yongning was a steady and reliable person who often considered defeat before victory. Therefore, he was the most suitable person to be the leader of the Qin heroes
. As for being a little shameless, well, what official isn't a little shameless?
Rou Xixue smiled slightly, clasped her hands in a gesture of respect, and said nothing more. Beside her, a burly, purplish-
brown man with a spiky beard and imposing presence stood up, clasped his hands, and said, "Our sect's martial arts are based on the principle of being invincible with remaining strength.
I've heard that the Qingcheng Sect's martial arts are unique and varied. I'm fortunate to have this opportunity, and I'd like to ask my fellow Qingcheng practitioners for guidance."
Wu Zheng slightly raised his chin, surprised that although the Yan Kingdom expert had arrived abruptly, he followed all the rules of the martial arts world. This was none other than Tao Jingwu,
the second-in-command of the Changzhi Sect, known as "Iron Claw Soul Searcher." The fact that he only challenged Qingcheng without naming anyone else
showed his confidence in his martial arts skills, and also meant he wouldn't gain any advantage. However, this meant the Yan Kingdom experts had likely
already decided on Changzhi versus Qingcheng, and Tianyin versus Kunlun. But surely Lord Huo wouldn't be foolish enough to let this happen?
Wu Zheng glanced around and saw that the Qin experts were quite eager to try, as such a contest was indeed a
rare opportunity and would greatly benefit their future martial arts path. Only Lu Feiyan had her brows furrowed, her mind elsewhere, her pretty face
clouded with worry. Wu Zheng knew why she was troubled and felt anxious himself.
The Qingcheng Sect's representative was Hua Xinzhi. With Xiang Wuji and Die Yunhe absent, this third-ranking figure of the Qingcheng Sect
was the obvious choice.
Hua Xinzhi wielded a long sword, and Wu Zheng was already intimately familiar with the Qingcheng Sect's martial arts characteristics; his attention was mostly focused
on Tao Jingwu. The Long Branch School of martial arts is renowned for its immense power and strength, with "Long Branch" signifying "long-lasting power, with branches and leaves connected
."
Tao Jingwu wielded a long black iron staff, its swings creating a fierce whistling sound, quite different from the sharp whistle of a longsword. His
moves were wide and sweeping, a perfect match for Hua Xinzhi's agile and unpredictable Qingcheng style. Both were
masters of the eleventh rank, and for a time, they were evenly matched, locked in a fierce and undecided battle.
Tao Jingwu twirled his staff, creating a blur of light and shadow, the whooshing sound of the staff's dance like a fierce whirlwind
. Amidst the omnipresent staff shadows, Hua Xinzhi was not to be outdone, his figure flashing and maneuvering, still possessing the strength to unleash a sword strike.
Several flashes of silver sword light streaked through the black staff shadows, yet the two weapons made not a sound of clashing, indicating that their speed had
been pushed to the limit; once their weapons clashed, the moment of victory would be decided.
Wu Zheng watched the battle intently. At the beginning of the clash between the two masters, he was dizzy and couldn't grasp the patterns of their moves. However,
with the support of the *Principles of Martial Arts*, the more he watched, the clearer
it became, until he could see the moves of both eleventh-rank masters clearly.
Superior martial arts were no less exquisite than works of art, and in the clash between masters, every move contained
profound principles of martial arts. Courage, reaction, and even the brilliance of wisdom shone brightly at this moment.
Wu Zheng even involuntarily imagined how to parry the attack and how to launch a counterattack
. His skill was insufficient; he soon discovered that most moves could only be used to retreat and dodge. Surviving was already a feat
, and counterattacking was utterly impossible. He simply stopped daydreaming and focused on simulating how to dodge and parry,
so that he could escape if he encountered an unmatched master in the future.
Tao Jingwu and Hua Xinzhi had reached a point where even ordinary people could hardly see them. But under Wu Zheng
's keen gaze, Tao Jingwu's long staff suddenly shot upwards from below, aiming straight for Hua Xinzhi's chest. This move came extremely
suddenly, and Tao Jingwu lunged forward, seemingly poised to decide the outcome in one strike.
In a flash, Hua Xinzhi dropped his longsword, clasped his hands together to catch the iron staff, and time seemed to
stand still in that small space. Both Tao Jingwu and Hua Xinzhi froze, their movements unwavering. Their techniques were evenly matched, and
they eventually resorted to a contest of internal strength.
In the blink of an eye, steam rose from their heads. A battle of internal strength allows no tricks
and is therefore extremely dangerous. Huo Yongning and Rou Xixue both stood up, ready for the worst. Of the many experts present,
only these two twelfth-rank masters were qualified to separate the two.
The outcome was decided in an instant. With a roar, Tao Jingwu and Hua Xinzhi stumbled backward, with Hua Xinzhi ultimately losing by
a fraction of a step and retreating two more steps. He was quite magnanimous, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth and bowing, saying, "I admire you! I admire you!"
"You flatter me," Tao Jingwu said, his face ashen, barely suppressing his surging anger. Although Hua Xinzhi had lost this round...
However, he was inherently inferior to his opponent, and with Die Yunhe absent, it cannot be said that Qingcheng was defeated by Changzhi.
The reputation of these two sects as the pinnacle of Yan and Qin was well-deserved.
The first battle was spectacular, immediately igniting the fighting spirit of the assembled heroes. One-on-one
duels between masters yielded victories and defeats, demonstrating that the martial arts masters of the two countries were not far apart, mostly evenly matched.
Wu Zheng watched from the back, nodding his head in delight. His broad knowledge brought many benefits, and for Wu Zheng, witnessing
so many masters fighting with all their might was particularly rewarding. While watching the battle and verifying the *Daoli Jue*
, he was overjoyed. He discovered that compared to these masters who were only one step away from reaching the peak, he was not weaker than
them in some aspects. If he could gradually cultivate the *Daoli Jue*, when he reached the eleventh rank, he could
challenge opponents of higher levels without being at a disadvantage, just as he was now. As for martial artists of the same level, they would find it impossible to withstand the wonders of the *Daoli Jue*.
At Huo Yongning's suggestion, the challenges weren't all initiated by Yan Kingdom experts. Gu Bufan was the first to represent the Kunlun Sect
. His cultivation at the lower eleventh rank was second only to the sect leader Xi Banlou among this generation of disciples. He
narrowly defeated Hou Chengye, the fourth disciple of the Changzhi Sect. Wu Zheng knew that this senior uncle valued the sect's honor highly, and seeing his flushed face
, he was excited that he had set a good example for the Kunlun Sect.
Just as someone from the Changzhi Sect was about to challenge, a clear, melodious laugh, bright as silver bells , suddenly rang out from outside the courtyard gate
: "Hehehe, why didn't you inform this princess of the commotion?"
The voice was truly pleasant, causing all the experts in the courtyard to turn their heads. Pang Songde stood at the courtyard
gate, leading the way, bowing slightly and extending a hand in a gesture of invitation. Although the visitor was a woman, the fact that Pang Songde personally greeted
and led the way, even daring not to linger for a moment lest he be unable to announce her arrival, speaks volumes about her noble status—
a privilege not afforded to ordinary princesses.
Wu Zheng also turned his head to observe, and saw a woman adorned with jewels and exuding unparalleled wealth swagger into the courtyard.
If other women were dressed like this, even beauties like Lu Feiyan, Han Guiyan, Yu Longyan, and Lin Jin'er would inevitably appear extremely
vulgar, almost like someone from a brothel. Yet, she possessed none of this low-class air. Her demeanor
was not superior to Lu Feiyan and Han Guiyan, at most only on par, her advantage lying in her exceptional attire. Even
considering the many trendy clothes Wu Zheng had seen in his previous life, her taste in clothing was in no way inferior.
According to Wu Zheng, the woman was not young; there were already faint lines around her eyes, perhaps
even a little older than Lu Feiyan. However, her playful updo
perfectly blended mature charm with youthful sweetness, making her appear much younger. Her exquisitely beautiful face, though round with a
pointed chin, was adorned with a constant smile that narrowed her bright eyes to mere slits, adding to her allure.
Her long, glossy black hair, styled in an updo, made her appear both mature and adorable, with a touch of endearing vulnerability
. Her dress revealed her neck and clearly visible collarbones; the purple fabric was embroidered with scattered flowers, mist, and emerald green
smoke, over which a thin, golden gauze veil slightly concealed her bare shoulders, only increasing the desire to explore further,
and enhancing her ethereal, cloud-shrouded beauty.
To outsiders, this outfit might seem merely strange and beautiful, but
to a woman like Lu Feiyan, born into a powerful and influential family, its rarity was immediately apparent. No matter how many rare weaving workshops or
master tailors in the world, such a distinctive dress would be found. Every line of the dress clung tightly to her exquisitely shaped figure; the meticulous weaving skill was likely unparalleled in the world, at least 　　none of the tailors
Lu Feiyan knew could achieve such a feat. No wonder Lu Feiyan, already adept at dressing herself, was outshone in this regard 　　. 　　The beautiful woman's appearance caused a stir. Everyone present rose simultaneously. The experts from Yan Kingdom knelt, 　　while the representatives from Great Qin Kingdom bowed respectfully: "Greetings, Princess Fu Hui!" Although the title sounded somewhat rustic, the meaning behind the name Fu Hui 　　was self-evident. Wu Zheng, sweating profusely, almost buried his head in the ground. —The newcomer was none other than 　　Princess Luan Caiqing, the mother of the late General Di Junyan of Yan, and the younger sister of the King of Yan! 　　"Gentlemen, please rise and be seated." Luan Caiqing raised her jade-like hand and gracefully gestured to the right before withdrawing it, her posture 　　elegant and dignified, displaying the grandeur of royalty. The guests returned to their seats in turn. Luan Caiqing remained standing in the center of the courtyard. From the moment she appeared, she 　　had usurped the position of leader from Huo Yongning and Rou Xixue: "Sect Leader Rou, I wonder if today's grand gathering has yielded any results?" 　　Rou Xixue, still with her hands clasped and eyes lowered, replied, "We've reached the halfway point. The masters of Qingcheng and Kunlun are indeed worthy of their reputation." 　　"Oh? Although I am not a member of the martial arts world, I have practiced martial arts since childhood and am still pursuing the pinnacle of martial arts. Since 　　this gathering has come about, how about I participate?" 　　No one present held a higher status than her. The words of a royal princess could not be disobeyed by the masters of Yan, 　　nor could the people of Qin openly refute her. From the moment she appeared, Huo Yongning had been pondering whether she had ulterior motives. 　　Hearing this, he smiled slightly, thinking it best to observe first. 　　"This humble woman dares to ask Your Highness for guidance," Lin Jin'er said slowly, sword in hand, her eyes revealing three 　　parts expectation, three parts inquiry, and three parts decisiveness. Since Luan Caiqing's appearance, the most tense were the Kunlun Sect and 　　the Han family. Wu Zheng and Han Guiyan had joined forces to kill Di Junyan in Tingcheng, making them irreconcilable 　　enemies with this princess. If Luan Caiqing were to challenge Wu Zheng to a "martial arts contest," with her eleventh-rank martial arts skills, if she wanted to take the opportunity 　　to seek revenge, the Kunlun Sect's eldest disciple would be doomed. 　　The Qingcheng Sect would not get involved and cause trouble, and among the women on the Kunlun side, only Lu Feiyan and Lin 　　Jin'er remained. Lu Feiyan's skills had stagnated for years, falling short of Lin Jin'er's, who was only at the tenth rank. Furthermore, Wu Zheng's 　　junior aunt also had her own plans. Given the vast difference in their status, a private conversation was unlikely; 　　perhaps a martial arts contest would be a good opportunity to discuss any doubts she might have. 　　Luan Caiqing glanced sideways, a mocking smile playing on her lips, and said, "You... well, it's not impossible." She 　　spun around on one foot, but couldn't find the legendary handsome young man, Wu Zheng. In that instant, she made her decision: 　　"This princess has just arrived and wants to see everyone's skills to feast my eyes. Miss Lin, how about we wait a moment?" 　　Lin Jin'er pursed her lips helplessly and said, "Since the princess has given her order, how dare I disobey?" With that, she raised her sword, clasped her hands, and slowly 　　retreated.

Luan Caiqing gracefully twirled and sat down, glancing at one person before doing so. Receiving a knowing reply,
she unabashedly revealed a sinister smile as she sat down.
"Martial arts know no gender! Today is a grand event, and even as women, we cannot fall behind. Fairy Lu, I humbly
request your guidance!"
Wu Zheng, hiding in the crowd, was shocked upon hearing this!
He knew Lu Feiyan's physical condition all too well; if he were to attack, the consequences would be no less severe than what happened in the desolate
garden of Jiangzhou years ago. Even more terrifying was the prospect of being publicly humiliated in front of everyone. Lu Feiyan, already disheartened, would undoubtedly commit suicide
. In his panic, he didn't even think about his height and shouted, "Wait!"

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