[Wuxia] Wandering Freely in the Tang Dynasty (Complete) - 38

Chapter 147 The Evil King's Fate
Although the torrential rain suppressed the sandstorm, the bleak state of the world showed no improvement. The rain intensified, the wind raged, and the clear pool surged with rapid waves, like a tsunami. It almost seemed as if the vengeful ghosts of hell would actually emerge from the ground to celebrate their festival. The battle to determine the supreme ruler of the Demonic Sect unfolded amidst this darkness and rage. Any spectator was a formidable and unparalleled master, needing no rain gear; their attention was entirely focused on the two figures half a mile away. While An Long and the others were secretly thankful for the lightning and torrential rain that allowed them to clearly see the movements of the two combatants, Yuan Yueze and his companions remained expressionless. They knew that once either of them made a move, any force of nature would submit to them. Wanwan's movements were incredibly slow. Shi Zhixuan knew perfectly well that this palm strike was faster than a shooting star, swifter than lightning, seemingly ordinary, yet containing endless variations as vast as the universe itself. He remained unmoved. In that instant, countless thoughts flashed through his mind. Since he was old enough to understand, he had felt his loneliness. It wasn't about how many people were around him, but rather that once he saw through the world, he would become a detached observer. The obsession of others with gains and losses was, in his eyes, nothing more than insignificant folly. He had hoped that religion could offer him an escape from this cage-like life, only to find it was another form of self-anesthesia. He deeply tasted the loneliness and desolation of being the only one awake in a world of drunks. Imperial ambitions and grand schemes are but dust, life is but fleeting smoke, what do success or failure matter! How many times have I sat beneath the flowers playing the flute, gazing at the distant Milky Way and red walls? The only person in the world who could move him, who understood him, appeared: Bi Xiuxin. Before Bi Xiuxin passed away, he thought he could remain indifferent to the life and death, the glory and disgrace, the joys and sorrows of the world. Later, he realized how wrong he was! Alas, it was too late for regrets. The stars tonight are not those of last night, for whom do I stand in the wind and dew at midnight? Love, a thing most difficult to describe, is all the more poignant the more painful it is. Thus, despite the myriad torments and sufferings people endure for love, they never tire of it. The universe, though boundless, is but a drop in the ocean of love! Tormented by the dual anxieties of transcending life and death and the regret of losing his beloved, his personality began to fracture. He became a man of unpredictable power, bringing both prosperity and ruin to the Sui Dynasty. Chaos breeds heroes, and even before powerful figures like Liu Yu and Yuan Yueze, he remained unaffected, acting as he pleased. Since he couldn't escape the brief journey between life and death, and was caught in the middle of it all, he wouldn't stop even after seeing through the illusions of the world. Life was merely a cruel game of survival of the fittest; Shi Zhixuan not only wanted to prove his strength but also to make life easier. Until, a year later, he met someone who could change his life forever. After three and a half months of contemplating the Dao of Heaven and Man, he was reborn like a phoenix from the flames of worldly turmoil. This battle would not only help him escape worldly troubles, but also have a profound impact on his understanding of how to break through to the realm of the celestial being. His eyes pierced through Wanwan's infinitely beautiful figure, landing directly on the boundless sky shrouded in dark clouds, where an indescribable layer and beauty lay hidden. Bi Xiuxin's voice, appearance, and smile seemed to come alive, smiling gently at him in mid-air. Shi Zhixuan closed his eyes, letting the intense, uncontrollable, and boundless emotions wash over his soul, and then a strange joy welled up from the depths of his heart. It was not the joy of gain or loss, nor the pleasure born of any particular thing or object, but a nameless, selfless, carefree, and ecstatic joy arising from "freedom." Wanwan's jade palm, constantly changing in a short distance, had already struck an inch from his head. Shi Zhixuan suddenly opened his eyes, his divine light radiating, more dazzling than the lightning flashing in the thick dark clouds in the sky. Then he raised his right palm, conjuring countless palm shadows, indistinguishable from reality. Suddenly, the palm shadows transformed into a fist, appearing as if from an illusion, becoming a fist that filled the heavens and earth, its astonishing force simultaneously generating a sucking force, seemingly pulling Wanwan towards his earth-shattering fist. Both of their movements were slow yet fast, every perfectly natural detail of their actions clearly discernible to an outsider. The contradiction in their timing was so striking that even a spectator couldn't help but feel a tightness in their chest, as if they wanted to vomit blood. "Clang!"
The fist and palm collided, producing a deafening sound like physical divine weapons clashing. A vortex-shaped airflow, more powerful than a gale, surged outwards from the point of impact like a monstrous wave, sending mud flying within a ten-foot radius, which was then quickly pelted down by large raindrops. Wanwan remained standing gracefully ten feet in front of Shi Zhixuan, her jade-like face radiating a pure and flawless glow, her beautiful eyes sparkling as she gazed intently at the leisurely Shi Zhixuan. Within a radius of about ten feet around her, everything was dry; raindrops were forced aside by the true energy emanating from her body. Shi Zhixuan stood tall in the torrential rain, unlike her, he did not summon any protective aura. The raindrops pelted him, yet his clothes remained completely untouched. The two seemed as if they had never fought. Lightning flashed, thunder roared, wind howled, rain raged, and waves crashed against the shore, yet the onlookers felt a strange sense of being detached from this level of space, surrounded by an eerie tranquility. Yuan Yueze turned to look at Shi Qingxuan, tightening his grip on her soft, delicate hand, and sighed softly, "The former Evil King was cold and aloof, not because he was inherently bloodthirsty or took pleasure in destruction, but because of his extraordinary intelligence, which allowed him to see through the essence of life and thus develop his own unshakeable way of dealing with the world. Trying to move him with ordinary moral and ethical concepts is like trying to catch fish with a broken tree—it will have no effect whatsoever. But today's Evil King has been reborn from the ashes. Qingxuan's sword heart is crystal clear; she should be able to see the mystery behind that punch just now. He should have completely forgotten the 'Seven Illusions of Immortality' by now!"
Shi Qingxuan's delicate body trembled slightly, and she met his gaze blankly. Ning Daoqi and Daoxin glanced over at the same time, revealing expressions of surprise and deep thought, while the middle-aged nun remained as lifeless as ever. Shi Zhixuan looked up and let out a long, gratified laugh, which could not be drowned out by the deafening thunder and rain. His voice carried clearly to the ears of everyone half a mile away as he said, "Wan'er, if you don't make your move, when will you?"
Wanwan chuckled softly and began to continuously unleash her demonic power. In an instant, a vast aura, centered on her, filled every corner of the space nearly twenty zhang wide. This was a power no human could possess; only a demonic seed transformed into a Dao embryo, through absorbing the essence of the universe, could achieve this. As the spherical energy expanded, the expected vortex did not appear on the surface, just as each raindrop entering the aura left no water behind—a truly bizarre sight. Shi Zhixuan gazed solemnly at Wanwan. As her aura grew stronger, he began to appear and disappear within the aura and the raindrops: sometimes like a majestic mountain, sometimes like a small boat on turbulent waves. No matter how strong Wanwan's aura became, he remained completely unaffected. The rain poured down, growing increasingly violent. The world was a vast expanse of white, as if no boundaries existed anymore. Only the terrifying aura unleashed by Wanwan shone like a pearl on the ravaged, chaotic grass, battered by the torrential rain and lightning. Among the onlookers, Anlong, Hou Xibai, and others had no time to spare for using their inner energy to avoid the rain; their eyes were glued to the battlefield, oblivious to their soaked clothes. Another dazzling flash of lightning struck, followed by a deafening roar. The immense aura vanished instantly. Without a sound from Wanwan, she appeared a foot away from Shi Zhixuan, throwing a punch. The speed of her movement was breathtaking, awe-inspiring. Without witnessing it firsthand, no one could believe that her delicate pink fist contained such terrifying, world-destroying energy. No words could describe its power and speed; a single, unadorned punch revealed the subtle changes of heaven and earth, piercing the secrets of the Dao Realm Demon Realm. The Way of Martial Arts had reached its zenith. Shi Zhixuan shouted a cheer, and an indescribable, overwhelming aura immediately emanated from his body, making him appear like a demon god from the underworld descending to earth. He then placed his fists horizontally in front of his chest, his thumbs and forefingers touching, forming a triangular mudra similar to the Tibetan Buddhist "Sun Wheel Mudra." A vibrant, shimmering, galactic vortex of energy surged from the triangle between Shi Zhixuan's fingers, releasing a terrifying gravitational pull several times stronger than the Great Demonic Field as he pulled it open. Even knowing it was just an illusion, Yuan Yueze and Zhu Yuyan were still stunned by the scene before them. This illusion had reached almost the limitless realm of the Dao. The demonic energy, now concentrated at a single point, suddenly began to rotate in the opposite direction to the galactic vortex, and at the instant the two touched, the two forces neutralized and disappeared. The torrential rain intensified, completely engulfing the plain in a vast expanse of wind, rain, and lightning. The two figures merged and separated in an instant, and then countless pairs of combatants appeared across the plain: one pair was close at hand, while another was above the waterfall. Each attack was seemingly effortless, sometimes slow and deliberate, sometimes fast against fast. Each movement, though seemingly unchanging, contained a myriad of variations, mysterious and unpredictable. Their attacks and defenses were imbued with a blend of carefree elegance and eerie, uncanny power. The booming sound of their clashing energies was incessant, louder than the ceaseless flashes of lightning in the sky, causing the entire earth to tremble in response—a truly terrifying display of power. Large swaths of lightning began to surge rapidly southward, and a sliver of light appeared on the distant horizon. The two moved slower and slower, as if time itself had become lazy and weary. The figures in the air began to diminish, until only two figures remained, seemingly fixed a few feet above the waterfall. The waterfall's flow, affected by their combined energy, slowed to an almost solidified pace. Wanwan struck out with her palm, aiming a diagonal strike at Shi Zhixuan's waist; Shi Zhixuan pressed down with his right fist, meeting Wanwan's jade-like palm. Their attacks constantly changed angles in the air, drawing two beautiful arcs, forming a perfect "qi plate" in harmony with the principles of heaven and earth—their final, all-out attack. The last, massive dark cloud carrying lightning drifted overhead, flashing with electricity, and a huge pillar of lightning shattered the void, striking directly at the point where their fists and palms met, without the slightest delay. "Boom!"
The deafening roar of the clashing energies shook the earth, the lightning and thunder intensely dazzling, turning the world a blinding white. Although the onlookers had sharp eyes and their vision was unaffected, the deafening roar made their eardrums ache, and for a moment they couldn't concentrate on the battle. The deafening echoes gradually subsided, and the scene before them began to clear. The dark clouds had all drifted south, and the gentle sunlight, full of vitality, poured down, as if soothing the ravaged land. The waterfall and clear pool had returned to their usual tranquility; the waterfall cascaded down like a curtain, splashing water droplets that scattered in all directions, like thousands of pearls in the sunlight, full of life. Wanwan's jade-like face was slightly pale as she sat cross-legged on the dry grass with her eyes closed. Zhu Yuyan was behind her, seemingly helping her to heal her injuries; Shi Zhixuan stood proudly ten feet in front of her, leisurely gazing up at the clear blue sky after the rain. Anlong and the others were overjoyed. Shi Zhixuan sighed contentedly and said, "Wan'er has surpassed her mother; the Holy Sect will surely flourish under your leadership!"
Then, without looking back, he turned and left gracefully. Anlong and the others were overjoyed but then saddened, unable to react for a moment, staring blankly as Shi Zhixuan slowly walked away. Although Shi Qingxuan's face remained calm, her breathing suddenly quickened, her delicate shoulders trembled, and her beautiful eyes were fixed on Shi Zhixuan's back. From beginning to end, Shi Zhixuan hadn't glanced at her once. Yet she knew clearly that Shi Zhixuan had been "watching" her. Perhaps influenced by his clear and bright sword heart, or perhaps by the innate blood ties between father and daughter, she vaguely sensed that today would be the last time she saw Shi Zhixuan. Yuan Yueze's prediction was correct. "Father!"
Shi Qingxuan involuntarily cried out in sorrow. Shi Zhixuan suddenly stopped, glanced back indifferently, laughed loudly, and then walked away, shaking his head and sighing, "With little Qingxuan calling me 'Father,' Shi Zhixuan's life is complete!"
In that instant, everyone saw the tears of joy welling up in his eyes. Shi Qingxuan could no longer feel Shi Zhixuan's "gaze." Her delicate body stopped trembling, and she leaned weakly against Yuan Yueze, who was supporting her back, her expression sorrowful. Shi Zhixuan's figure gradually disappeared into the distance, but the desolate song echoed endlessly: "Life between heaven and earth is like a traveler on a long journey. Let us enjoy wine and entertainment, for it is better to be generous than stingy; let us drive our carriages and
ride our horses, playing in Wan and Luo." Dao Xin sincerely praised: "The establishment and destruction of the Dharma are called Nirvana, wisdom and foolishness are connected to Prajna, Bodhisattvas and heretics are the same as Bodhi, ignorance and true reality are no different. The Evil King has achieved great enlightenment, making us self-proclaimed Buddhists ashamed."
Hou Xibai smiled slightly, took out a strangely shaped small jade tablet, and shouted to the bewildered An Long and others: "Master Shi has appointed Xibai as the new sect leader of the Flower Sect and the Heaven-Mending Sect. He said that if Uncle Long and the others are not convinced by Miss Wanwan, please let Xibai kill you!"
An Long and the others subconsciously looked at him, only to find that Wanwan, who had recovered as before, was standing not far away, her bright and beautiful eyes looking at them. Zhu Yuyan had also returned to Yuan Yueze's side at some point. A glance from that sharp, piercing gaze sent a chill down Anlong and the others' spines, and they knelt in allegiance. A cold, disdainful glint flashed in Wanwan's eyes as she turned and walked towards Yuan Yueze. After Yuan Yueze nodded to Ning Daoqi and Daoxin, he was about to leave with Hou Xibai and the three women when the middle-aged nun, who hadn't moved an inch, suddenly spoke, saying in a calm voice, "Evil Emperor, please wait."
Yuan Yueze stopped and asked, "What brings you here, Master?"
The middle-aged nun showed no surprise at his disrespectful attitude and said, "This humble nun is acting on the orders of the Abbot to invite the Evil Emperor to our humble abode."
Yuan Yueze turned around like a whirlwind, first glancing at Ning Daoqi and Daoxin, who both looked helpless, then at the nun, and asked in surprise, "I don't know the Abbot of your esteemed abode, and I have no interest in speaking to her. Please, Master!"
The middle-aged nun was not in a hurry and said calmly, "This humble nun is only here to deliver a message. The Abbot said that the Evil Emperor would definitely keep his appointment!"
Yuan Yueze, who was about to turn around, paused and said in a deep voice, "Very well, I will go with you, Master!"
Above the great river, war clouds filled the air. Over a hundred warships of the Song dynasty were arranged in a fan shape, blocking the road downstream. Half a mile behind them lay the confluence of the Han and Yangtze rivers. Song Shidao, along with Ren Jun, Shan Wanjing, Hua Lingzi, Bu Tianzhi, and others, stood on the command platform of the lead warship, gazing into the distance. Ren Jun glanced curiously at the absent-minded Song Shidao and asked, "Second Brother Song, are you worried?"
Song Shidao laughed heartily, "Little Jun, tell me what I'm worried about?"
Ren Jun chuckled, "I'm wondering the same thing. We've planned everything meticulously, so what is there to worry about?"
Bu Tianzhi, who had come to lend his support, said, “Northerners have always been skilled in cavalry warfare, while Southerners excel in naval warfare. In battles on rivers, Northerners have won more often than they have lost. Although the enemy’s strength has greatly increased this time, in terms of naval strength, there is still no difference. This is because the South far surpasses the North in both ship handling skills and the quality and equipment of its warships, and Jiangnan is the most famous shipbuilding region in the world. Second Young Master, you are skilled in naval warfare. With you in charge, Li Tang will have a hard time winning unless they deploy their entire navy.”
Shan Wanjing chimed in, “The enemy has fulfilled what Kongming said: ‘The way of naval warfare is to have the advantage of boats and oars. Train your soldiers to defend against them, and display many flags to confuse them.’” "We will defend with bows and crossbows, use short weapons to ferociously attack them, set up strong fences to protect them, and attack them by following their current." But they will never expect our backup plan. The more they underestimate us, the better!
Song Shidao nodded slightly, then sighed and said, "You don't need to comfort me. I was just thinking about whether the duel at Phoenix Mountain was over and what the outcome was."
Ren Jun was about to speak when he saw a dark shadow shoot down in the afternoon sunlight. It suddenly spun in mid-air, its black and white wings flapping, and it slowly descended, almost frozen in mid-air, until it landed on Hua Lingzi's fragrant shoulder before drooping its wings. It was Hua Yu, the eagle that Hua Lingzi had been training for half a year. Hua Lingzi said, "The Li Tang fleet is only about two miles away from us."
Song Shidao nodded and said, "Let's split up and act according to the plan!"
Li Jiancheng looked at the Song Clan fleet two miles ahead and smiled smugly, "How dare a grain of rice compete with the bright moon? The north bank of the Yangtze River is far from Luoyang. Just looking at this desolate scene, one can tell that Yuan Yueze is powerless to govern. The Song Clan's information channels are quite impressive, managing to assemble such a fleet in an emergency."
Li Nantian, being shrewd and calculating, wanted to remind him that this might be a trap set by the enemy, and that the number of warships was not the only factor determining the outcome of a naval battle. The performance of the warships, the skill of the boatmen, and the naval strategy also mattered. However, he swallowed his words. Just as Li Jiancheng said, in addition to the absolute numerical advantage of the fleet, the decisive advantages of the current and wind direction in naval battles were also entirely in the hands of Li Tang. During the Warring States period, in the struggle between Wu and Chu, Wu never won a single naval battle. The reason was that the Chu people were located upstream on the river, so Wu was defeated in every battle. Secondly, wind direction also played a crucial role. Whether it was archery, ship speed, or fire attacks, those with the wind naturally had the advantage. This was the reason why Zhuge Liang borrowed the east wind. If Li Nantian were to speak at this moment, it would only be a spoilsport. Even if Li Jiancheng was arrogant, he knew he didn't understand naval warfare very well, so he only gave general instructions, leaving all other command to Li Xiong. Amidst the deafening drumbeats, nearly a hundred Song warships simultaneously extended their oars from the hull holes on both sides, dipping them into the water. Unaffected by the wind, they swiftly flanked from both flanks, forming a tight encirclement. Li Xiong scoffed disdainfully, "A fine tactic of defense within offense! Song Que's son is no simpleton! However, these two flanking enemy ships, seemingly heading towards the rear, are merely bluffing. If I'm not mistaken, they will launch an attack from both flanks, effectively binding our arms and putting us on the defensive."
Zong Luohou, who had been assigned to his side, said, "They might also be buying time for reinforcements from behind!"
Li Xiong glanced at him and began issuing orders. Nearly a hundred warships from the Li Tang fleet also sailed out, converging into a line and rapidly advancing to meet them. In an instant, the two fleets were only half a mile apart. As the bugles sounded from the Li Tang side, twenty ships advancing simultaneously launched an attack, hurling arrows and stones from their sterns in a relentless counterattack against the Song fleet. The Li Tang warships were clearly of far superior quality to the hastily assembled Song vessels. Before the enemy's range was sufficient, a barrage of rockets, projectiles, and stones rained down on the Song ships, instantly riddling more than half their hulls with holes, splintering wood, and igniting flames everywhere, completely paralyzing their ability to retaliate. The Song sailors, abandoning their armor and weapons, leaped into the water and disappeared. Those ships still capable of maneuvering immediately retreated. Li Jiancheng, overjoyed, shouted, "Our Great Tang fleet is invincible! Riding the wind and current, we will crush the mantis like a chariot, victory assured! Pursue!"
The mighty Li Tang navy, carrying its imposing presence and exhilarated soldiers, advanced at full speed. The most powerful tactic in naval warfare is fire attack. Upon direct confrontation, the Li Tang forces unleashed their full power, continuously launching fireballs and rockets. The hastily assembled Song fleet proved utterly ineffective, suffering heavy losses in an instant. Most Song sailors chose to jump overboard to survive, while Li Tang only lost a dozen or so warships. Li Jiancheng, exceptionally proud, suddenly spotted a medium-sized warship turning away a few dozen feet away and immediately shouted, "Brother Song, how have you been?"
Everyone knew Song Shidao was on that ship and immediately launched an attack. However, hundreds of iron plates suddenly appeared on the sides of the ship's upper and lower decks, greatly enhancing its protection against arrows and rockets. Oar holes also appeared on both sides of the hull, with eighteen long oars protruding from each side, rapidly rising and falling into the water with rhythm, power, and dynamism—a truly spectacular sight. With the help of the sails and oars, Song Shidao's warship sailed swiftly with the wind, escaping the encirclement through a gap before the enemy could close in, heading east along the river. Li Jiancheng pursued relentlessly, and in an instant, nearly half of the Li Tang fleet had passed Xiakou. Li Nantian spoke up, "Your Highness is wise; should we leave some men to head north along the Han River?"
Li Jiancheng coughed, concealing his embarrassment at being carried away, and ordered the hundred warships behind him to rescue the wounded soldiers and clean up the battlefield before heading north; he, on the other hand, personally led the remaining warships to pursue Song Shidao. Li Nantian and the others could see that he not only wanted to capture Song Shidao, but also wanted to go down the river and control the entire upper reaches of Yangzhou. After chasing for more than thirty li, Mei Xun suddenly frowned and said, "Something's wrong, Your Highness, look!"
Li Jiancheng, who was still admiring the South Bank Gorge, looked in the direction of the voice and saw a fleet of a hundred fully equipped warships about a li ahead, lined up in a row on the river. To reduce the impact of the wind, each ship had its sails half-lowered, and the bows were equipped with sharp steel spikes. The giant crossbows on the bows were loaded with more than ten specially made heavy crossbow bolts, with the tips of the bolts covered with burning oil cloth. The ship had steel plates on both sides for protection against arrows, extending diagonally upwards to meet in the middle, forming an A-frame roof with round holes for ventilation and arrow-shooting. The sailors and helmsmen hid inside. The ironclad warship in the very center, flying the Song dynasty flag fluttering in the wind, was extremely imposing, in no way inferior to the "Tianwei." Li Jiancheng's lips curled into a disdainful smile. He gestured, and a horn sounded, immediately slowing the fleet's pace. On the command platform of the Yulong, Li Xiong, his face grim, surveyed the surroundings, finally fixing his gaze on the gorge behind them. Although Zong Luohou was not skilled in naval warfare, he noticed Li Xiong's unusual behavior and asked, "Brother Li, have you noticed anything amiss?"
Li Xiong smiled bitterly, "They are indeed in the most unfavorable position in naval warfare, which has a fatal impact on their fire attacks, arrow attacks, and ship speed. Although we have the information obtained by His Highness the Crown Prince from the Turks using hawks, birds are not people and are easily deceived by appearances. I suspect..."
Suddenly, a messenger's shout came from the bow: "The enemy has moved! The Crown Prince requests General Li to attack immediately!"
A war drum sounded from the enemy ships, and nearly a hundred small boats were immediately launched from the center of the formation, each with one person dressed in waders' clothing, rowing swiftly towards the Song fleet on the horizontal waterway. The boats were piled with barrels of fuel oil, making it clear that they intended to use fire. Song Shidao stood at the bow of the flagship "Whale Swallower" and gave the order to advance.

Chapter 148 Inviting the Enemy into the Trap:
The Song Dynasty fleet advanced in full force. On the lead warships, soldiers drew their bows and nocked arrows, prepared slingshots and cannons, ready to fire and destroy the enemy boats before they entered firing range. When the two sides were only a mile apart, the Li Tang side's drums sounded again, and the soldiers on the boats jumped into the water and swam back. The unmanned boats surged forward with the wind, fuel oil beginning to leak from their sterns into the lake, leaving trails of black oil that quickly spread. The Song Dynasty's leading warships immediately unleashed a barrage of slingshots, hurling them like locusts at the boats that had entered firing range. The boats were shattered by the slingshots, the fragments flying everywhere, mixing with the fuel oil and rapidly spreading across the river between the two sides. Li Jiancheng laughed heartily and said, "We have the wind advantage completely. The enemy doesn't even need to drive into the fuel zone. As long as we throw two fireballs, it will immediately turn into a sea of fire with the wind at our backs. How can they survive? Give the order to fire the fireballs!"
In an instant, countless flames were hurled at the burning fuel and splinters ahead, turning the river surface into a sea of fire. Driven by the current and wind, the flames quickly engulfed the Song Dynasty fleet. A deafening roar of war drums erupted from the opposite side. More than fifty warships nimbly changed course, splitting into two groups and cutting diagonally across the sea of fire, flanking the Li Tang navy from both sides, displaying remarkable agility and maneuverability. Shouts of battle erupted from the ships, and rockets rained down like locusts, followed by a volley of black wooden balls. Li Jiancheng and his men leaped from the command platform, landing on the lower decks, protected by the arrow slats on both sides. These fireproof arrow slats, made of sturdy wood covered with raw cowhide and coated with fire retardant, and equipped with arrow holes for the soldiers to fire at the enemy, were an essential feature of large warships. However, the rockets and black wooden balls fired by the enemy were far from simple. The "Cross Rocket" and "Fire Flying Claw," originally created by Lu Miaozi, the foremost contemporary master of ingenious weapons, highlight the importance of fire as a core tactic in naval warfare since ancient times. While rockets are powerful, they often pierce through sails without igniting. However, by tying a cross on the arrow shaft with bamboo sticks and attaching it to the sail, with the center wrapped in flammable oilcloth, even if the enemy has fire-retardant powder, it will eventually ignite – hence the name "Cross Rocket." The "Fire Flying Claw," on the other hand, is a hand-thrown ignition weapon. A piece of wood is shaped like a club, hollowed out from the top and filled with gunpowder (the kind used for firecrackers). Seven or eight holes are carved around the perimeter for ignition, secured with nails, and covered with oiled paper for waterproofing. When facing the enemy, the fuse is lit, and the weapon is thrown by hand, either nailed high onto the sail or to the deck. Used in conjunction with the "Cross Rocket," its power is greatly amplified. Li Tang was not to be outdone. He unleashed a barrage of fire oil bombs, arrows, crossbows, and bolt-action devices simultaneously, raining down on the enemy ships that had come to him. Fire and debris flew everywhere. For a moment, boulders, rockets, and fireballs filled the sky, creating a scene of utter carnage. Flames and black smoke billowed from the river, forming the backdrop to this fierce naval battle. Li Jiancheng laughed loudly, "Look, only half of them have come up here, yet they still dare to come seeking death! Kill them all!"
At that moment, a rapid and intense sound of war drums suddenly came from the rear of Li Tang's fleet. Li Jiancheng and his men looked over, their expressions changing simultaneously. Two fleets of about sixty warships were attacking from upstream, one on the left and one on the right. The sails of the ships were half-lowered, and the two leading ironclad warships, comparable in size to the "Whale Devourer," flew enormous banners reading "Dongming" and "Giant Kun." It was the flagship of the Dongming Sect, the "Breaking Waves," and the flagship of the Giant Kun Gang, the "Zhenjiang." The combined fleet of the Dongming Sect and the Giant Kun Gang had originally concealed themselves within the gorge, using a large number of tree branches to deceive the enemy's hawks. When they moved, it was astonishing; they quickly formed a line. After Shan Wanjing issued the command and the war drums sounded, they scattered large clumps of lime powder, which, carried by the wind, rolled towards the enemy fleet like a wall. At the same time, dozens of oil bombs were launched from the combined fleet's catapults, raining down as if from the sky, followed by a hail of arrows, relentlessly attacking the Li Tang fleet. The more than a thousand warriors of the Dongming Sect and the Giant Kun Gang shouted in unison, adding to their imposing presence. The Li Tang fleet's catapults were positioned at angles aimed at the front fan-shaped area, leaving them defenseless against the attack from behind. With the tide turning against them, they were quickly forced into a defensive position. Screams and groans of agony filled the air. Caught off guard, large numbers of enemies had lime seep into their eyes. As the rest covered their eyes and turned away, arrows, stones, and incendiary bombs rained down on the ships and men. The once orderly fighting fleet was instantly shattered and routed. Li Tang was suddenly on the defensive, attacked from both sides. At this moment, the shouts of battle ahead intensified, and the vanguard fleets of the Song Clan and Li Tang were about to engage in close combat. The well-trained Song Clan sailors used grappling hooks to leap onto enemy ships, killing and burning with abandon. The Dongming Faction and the Giant Kun Gang warriors, coming downstream, had approached Li Tang's fleet in the blink of an eye, boarding the enemy ships. Although these two factions hadn't exactly grown up in the water, they were all skilled in naval warfare and feared no one on the surface. The situation became utterly chaotic. Li Jiancheng's face drained of color as he stared in disbelief at the chaotic scene before him. His ambition and underestimation of the enemy ultimately led to his downfall. A fierce naval battle raged, with multiple enemy and friendly ships ablaze, thick smoke billowing into the sky, obscuring the sun – a horrific sight too gruesome to witness. "Boom!"
A boulder weighing over a hundred pounds crashed onto the deck, tearing a large hole, sending splinters flying and the ship rocking violently. Li Nantian kicked an enemy soldier away, shouting, "The mast is broken! Prince, make a decision quickly!"
The fully unfurled sail and mast slowly tilted to port, causing the "Tianwei" to immediately lose balance and list to starboard, on the verge of capsizing. The broken sail and mast slid into the water, restoring the ship's balance. Li Jiancheng suddenly realized the gravity of the situation. Though unwilling to accept defeat, the tide had turned, and he could only helplessly gesture for retreat. He firmly believed that if he could retreat back to the Han River, he would surely exact revenge in the future. As the drums beat again, the "Tianwei" abruptly changed course, first moving towards the right bank, then sharply turning towards the center of the upper reaches of the river, ramming and capsizing two enemy warships that were hastily engaged in battle. The two flagships that had come with it, the "Yulong" and "Feihu," though badly attacked, were still able to maneuver freely, immediately turning around and ramming the two warships to keep up. Arrows rained down from both sides, and the screams of the Li Tang sailors who couldn't escape were heart-wrenching. The Song Clan, the Dongming Faction, and the Jukun Gang converged, chasing the enemy ships relentlessly. Fortunately, the "Tianwei" had lost its mainmast, greatly reducing the pressure of escaping against the wind. Other warships that escaped the battle were not so lucky. The Song Clan's three ships, whose sails were already half-lowered, quickly caught up. Amidst the deafening war drums, a fierce barrage of rockets, crossbow bolts, and catapults rained down, burning and sinking more Li Tang warships, and killing most of those that fell into the sea. Li Jiancheng was terrified. Passing the Han River estuary, he dared not head north, fleeing westward along the Yangtze River. He finally escaped with his life after the Song forces, exhausted, could no longer pursue him. In this battle, the Li Tang lost 193 warships and over 5,000 sailors. The Song forces, aside from over 100 obsolete warships used as bait, only lost 11 regular warships and suffered 74 casualties—a remarkable victory. Ten days later, Li Jiancheng, having fled back to Sichuan in disarray, was thankful he hadn't gone up the Han River that day. His scouts reported that not only had the Li Tang navy, sailing down the waterway from Zhu Can's territory, suffered heavy casualties in an ambush by Qian Duguan, but the fleet sailing up the Han River had also been ambushed by a secret fleet from the Dajiang Alliance and the Feima Ranch. Most of the escaping fleet was then fiercely attacked on the Yangtze by the Song fleet disguised as fishing boats. This inevitably reminded him of the fishermen who had fled ashore in fear of the Li Tang fleet: most warships and civilian cargo ships were not significantly different in hull structure; simply adding defensive facilities and weapons to civilian cargo ships could convert them into military vessels. Coupled with generals and soldiers disguised as fishermen and skilled in naval warfare, a formidable force could be formed. Before he could even curse the enemy, the next intelligence report left him speechless: on the very day of the decisive battle, another naval force of the Song clan, with overwhelming superiority, occupied Luchuan County without bloodshed, driving out all of Jie Hui's men. Luchuan was located south of Chengdu, at the confluence of the Yangtze and Mian Rivers; from there, an army could sail upstream to Chengdu in two days, tightly controlling the city's vital passage. With the fall of Luchuan, Jie Hui was immediately rendered immobile. What seemed like a simple operation actually involved years of planning and deployment, catching the enemy off guard and leaving Jie Hui's forces in Luchuan County with no chance to resist. On the same day, major battles broke out simultaneously in Luoyang and Hulao Pass. In Luoyang, Li Shimin and his several armies launched their largest campaign simultaneously, but failed to breach any of the surrounding cities. Furthermore, Wang Junkuo, the Duke of Shanggu, stationed on the north bank of the Luo River, was assassinated by the "Sword Fairy" Fu Junyu at the Heyang Bridge while crossing the river. This forced Li Shimin to hastily dispatch Li Shiji, who was with him, north to stabilize morale, while simultaneously urging Huang Junhan and Zhang Yecha to move south from Heyang to garrison the north bank of the Luo River. At Hulao Pass, Dou Jiande's 200,000-strong army attacked the pass guarded by Dugu Feng, but after several battles, he still failed. Although his concealment skills were superb, Fu Junzhuo finally found him. Had it not been for the massive army protecting him, he would surely have died by Fu Junzhuo's sword. Subsequently, Kou Zhong led his Young Marshal's Army in a night raid, routing the Xia army and inflicting more than half its losses. Kou Zhong himself was seriously wounded, and Dou Jiande, dejected and disheartened, had no choice but to retreat back to Hebei. All these outcomes foreshadowed the formidable combined strength of the Luoyang Army, the Young Marshal's Army, and the Song Family Army.
Yuan Yueze casually followed the nun, who seemed never to have smiled in her life, along the winding mountain path leading to Emperor's Peak, a path that seemed to lead straight to the heavens and white clouds, glancing left and right. After the battle on July 14th, Shi Zhixuan never appeared again. The Demonic Sect was officially unified, and Wanwan became the new Holy Empress. She and Zhu Yuyan were very puzzled by Yuan Yueze's agreement to visit Jingzhai. Yuan Yueze explained that religion and politics could no longer be allowed to be intertwined, so this trip was both to put an end to the struggle for orthodoxy and to see if Shi Feixuan was truly trapped as Shi Zhixuan claimed. Zhu Yuyan and her disciple, along with Shi Qingxuan, had no interest in the trip. Shi Qingxuan went to accompany Li Xiuning and Song Yuhua, Wanwan was busy with official duties, and Zhu Yuyan was going to carry out a "decapitation operation." Yuan Yueze no longer had high hopes for the "decapitation operation," simply because the other side would have already made preparations for it. Coming to his senses, he found himself before two stone pillars, each bearing a plaque inscribed with the words "My home is in this mountain, hidden deep in the clouds." A towering spire emerged from the forest at the mountain's edge. In the instant he passed through the two pillars, he clearly sensed Shi Feixuan's serene and powerful spiritual energy. The mountain path wound its way through tranquility and seclusion, the scenery constantly changing and breathtaking amidst the lush forest. After rounding a bend, the view suddenly opened up. In the distance, the majestic Juhan Mountain, towering above the verdant clouds, nestled amidst the swirling green clouds, nestled cleverly and subtly within the awe-inspiring beauty of Cihang Jingzhai, overlooking Yanjiao Mountain. After traversing a beautiful, secluded valley, he finally reached the mountainside of the main peak where Jingzhai was located. The mountain path grew increasingly treacherous, with sheer cliffs rising precariously. Eagles circled above, and below lay a hundred-foot abyss. The mountain winds howled like a thousand cries, as if departing from the mortal world and crossing to the other shore. The Jingzhai (Quiet Abode) appeared and disappeared with the winding mountain path, its mysterious beauty indescribable, like a fairyland. At the end of the treacherous path, the road became flat and easy to traverse, with lush forests filling the peaks, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. In the setting sun, the upturned eaves of the Jingzhai, perched atop the trees, shimmered with light, its layered halls possessing a captivating, unadorned charm and ethereal grace. The last rays of the setting sun vanished below the horizon. The two arrived at the gate of Cihang Jingzhai, where two lanterns hung, their golden candlelight flickering. A pretty nun stood guard outside, glancing indifferently at Yuan Yueze, bowing respectfully to the middle-aged nun, and expressionlessly stating, "The Abbot awaits the Evil Emperor," before pulling the lotus-patterned door knocker on the maroon main gate. Passing through the renowned "Seven Gates" of Cihang Jingzhai, a large square paved with granite appeared before him, surrounded by temples and pavilions of varying heights. Directly ahead stood the main hall of Cihang Jingzhai, the "Cihang Hall." The two nuns, one older and one younger, withdrew, and Yuan Yueze walked alone towards the solemn Cihang Hall. Just as he was about to knock, a gentle female voice rang in his ears: "Evil Emperor, please enter."
Yuan Yueze said, "Excuse me," and pushed open the door. A wide, rectangular hall stretched before him, at the far end of which stood a towering stone Buddha, two zhang tall, seated cross-legged, his hands forming the lotus mudra. After a slight pause, he stepped forward. Two nuns in grey robes stood in the incense-filled hall; one had her eyes lowered, while the other silently observed him with a calm expression. Both nuns appeared to be around thirty years old. The nun on his left, looking at him, had delicate features, her plain face conveying a sense of world-weariness, as if nothing could move her anymore. Her eyes seemed to hold a vast, boundless, sacred, and immeasurable universe. This wasn't enough to surprise Yuan Yueze. The other nun, who truly astonished him, though he couldn't see her fully, he was certain her beauty was no less than the one beside him. She possessed an indescribable, extraordinary aura, giving the impression that she had lived through countless ages, as if she had existed since the beginning of time. What chilled Yuan Yueze most was that, with his keen senses, he hadn't noticed her presence before entering. A profound sense of unease washed over him as he carefully searched for the information he had gleaned from Shi Feixuan's primordial spirit. Shi Feixuan's primordial spirit contained every secret she had kept since childhood. The nun looking at her was Fan Qinghui, and the unfathomable nun was someone Shi Feixuan had only learned about before descending the mountain. Apart from Fan Qinghui and Liaokong, no one else in the two sacred sites of the Xuanmen knew of her existence—her great-grandmother Xuanjing. According to Shi Feixuan's memories, Xuanjing was nearly 150 years old, had never left the mountain gate, and at the age of forty, had forgotten all the sword techniques and mental cultivation methods she had learned overnight, imprisoning herself at the foot of a cliff, devoting herself entirely to the Dao. Fan Qinghui murmured a Buddhist chant, introduced herself, but did not introduce Xuanjing, and invited Yuan Yueze to sit down. Perhaps Shi Feixuan had already told Fan Qinghui about the communication of primordial spirits, but such things were too mysterious; without personal experience, it was difficult to believe. Therefore, Fan Qinghui probably wouldn't believe Shi Feixuan's words, even if she had sworn a solemn oath. Yuan Yueze thought Xuan Jing was someone Fan Qinghui had used to intimidate him. She never expected that Yuan Yueze knew Xuan Jing only possessed superior spiritual power and had no martial arts ability whatsoever, so he wouldn't take her seriously at all. Since she had never been involved in worldly affairs and could forget everything she had learned overnight, she should have no attachment to the mortal world. How could she have been persuaded by Fan Qinghui? Judging from her appearance, she should soon be able to embark on her journey to the Heavenly Dao in her own way! With his mind racing, Yuan Yueze sat down with an air of authority, took a sip of hot tea, and cut to the chase: "What urgent matter has the Master summoned me for? And why are you so certain I will keep this appointment?"
Fan Qinghui didn't answer but instead asked a question, calmly replying, "May I ask what the outcome of the battle at Phoenix Mountain with the Evil Emperor was?"
Yuan Yueze frankly stated, "The Evil King has already, or will soon, ascend to the heavens, and the Holy Gate will be under Wan'er's command."
Although he was used to the Demonic Sect's terminology, in front of Fan Qinghui, who repeatedly referred to him as the "Evil Emperor" to clarify her stance, he naturally identified himself as a member of the Demonic Sect. Both Fan Qinghui and Fan Qinghui were startled, and Xuan Jing, who had never looked up before, also turned to look. Yuan Yueze was stunned. Her eyes were completely out of sync with her appearance and temperament; they were an empty, lifeless emptiness, as if nothing in the world had ever touched her since birth. However, upon hearing Yuan Yueze's words, an incomparably intense divine light flashed in her empty eyes, filled with profound and vast intelligence and spiritual energy. A flash of divine light disappeared in an instant, and Xuan Jing lowered her eyes again. Fan Qinghui's jade-like face quickly regained its calm and undisturbed expression, and she said, "I wonder what Young Master's opinion is on the matter of the Evil King attaining enlightenment?"
Yuan Yueze ignored why she had changed her form of address and sighed, "Everything, including life, will eventually dissipate like smoke. Looking back on the past, it is but a fleeting moment, like a bullet. Life is like a short journey. Even if one is as noble as Qin Shi Huang or Emperor Wu of Han, isn't one just a passerby like everyone else? After experiencing the joys and sorrows, the partings and reunions of the world, one quietly departs. All the struggles for fame and fortune, birth, aging, sickness and death, love and hate, and the passage of time are merely illusions created by the senses. Everything before our eyes is just a limitation." "It's just a fleeting dream within the realm of life and death."
A profound smile played on Fan Qinghui's lips as she said calmly, "Well said. The present we live in is nothing but an illusion."
Yuan Yueze sneered inwardly, then said seriously, "In my humble opinion, there is no clear boundary between reality and illusion. What is the difference between the present we live in and that space that exists after the shattered void? If people deny reality because of that space, wouldn't they become fools manipulated by fate? The so-called 'Immortal Realm' is just a legend. Who can be sure that it's not the Asura Underworld?"
Xuan Jing listened attentively. Fan Qinghui was slightly taken aback, but changed the subject without showing any emotion, saying, "I wonder what the Evil Emperor thinks of the laws governing chaos and order throughout history? And what practical political program does he have?"
Yuan Yueze wasn't offended by her reverting to her old title, and laughed, "I only know how to talk nonsense. What political program do I know? Please enlighten me, Master."
Even though they had different stances, Xuan Jing secretly praised the young man's sincerity and extraordinary demeanor. As for whether Fan Qinghui would secretly curse him for putting on an act, for being so cunning, outsiders could only speculate. Fan Qinghui's eyes gleamed with wisdom as she softly said, "Both Ying Zheng and Yang Jian were emperors who reunited fragmented territories. Coincidentally, both reigned for two generations, indicating that while they possessed the 'ambition' to unify the Central Plains, they either lacked the 'talent' or the 'effectiveness.' The 'ambition' refers to the will and ability to unify and govern the world; the 'talent' refers to the ability to govern; and the 'effectiveness' refers to the results of great governance. The Qin Emperor had the ambition, which could be borrowed..." After unifying the six kingdoms, instead of practicing benevolence and seeking tranquility, he used suppression to deal with the people, which backfired. After Yang Jian ascended the throne, he implemented reforms and ushered in the prosperous Kaihuang era. He also gradually pacified the south, displaying great talent and ambition. At that time, only Song Que could rival him, but due to Song Que's arrogance, he still chose to live in seclusion in Lingnan and accept a title from Yang Guang. The Yang Sui dynasty had great potential, but unfortunately, it was defeated by Yang Guang. What could be done?
Yuan Yueze nodded, his words a mix of praise and sarcasm: "Master, your foresight is truly admirable! Did Feixuan choose Brother Shimin precisely because he not only possesses the ambition and talent to rule the world, but also has the potential to achieve great things?"
Fan Qinghui, of course, understood the implication. A cryptic glint flashed in her eyes, and she said in a low voice, "Your understanding of Buddhism and Zen is remarkable. You should know about the Three Virtues of Buddhism."
The Three Virtues of Buddhism are Great Samadhi, Great Wisdom, and Great Compassion. A clear and bright mind is Great Samadhi; because of this clarity, it illuminates all realms of existence—this is Great Wisdom; because it illuminates all realms of existence, it gives rise to the desire to save all sentient beings—this is Great Compassion. Great Samadhi can sever all delusions, hence it is also called the Virtue of Severance; Great Wisdom is the Virtue of Wisdom; and Great Compassion is the Virtue of Compassion. The first two are virtues of self-benefit, and the latter is the virtue of benefiting others; therefore, these three encompass all virtues of self and others. Fan Qinghui's statement was actually a defense of her own side: Since its founding by the nun Di Ni, Cihang Jingzhai has established a rule that those who practice the "Cihang Sword Manual" must undergo three years of worldly cultivation. Those who enter the world will naturally be drawn into the turbulent affairs of the world and find it difficult to extricate themselves. Therefore, some people inevitably misunderstand that they intend to manipulate the rise and fall of the nation. The Buddhist doctrine of the Three Virtues further clarifies Jingzhai's position: they only hope to make some contribution to the suffering people and use their strength to support and encourage Li Shimin, who possesses the ambition, talent, and ability to govern the world. Yuan Yueze was bewildered by her constant changes in address. He sighed and said confidently, "If I am not mistaken, the Central Plains will be unified within two years at the latest. I hope the Master's judgment is correct!"
Fan Qinghui seemed to already know that his will was as firm as steel, and she did not get angry. She calmly said, "I heard from my little disciple Feixuan that the Evil Emperor's mental cultivation method is similar to our sect's 'Compassionate Sword Manual,' which can transcend life and death. I wonder who passed it on to?"
Yuan Yueze, who was in a terrible predicament, suddenly calmed down. He instantly realized that every word Fan Qinghui had said since their meeting seemed casual, but in fact, she was well-versed in the art of winning hearts and minds. She was implying that he did not have the ability to govern the world, while using the 'Compassionate Sword Manual' to attract him. Otherwise, she would never have forced the words "can transcend life and death" before the 'Compassionate Sword Manual.' It's important to know that the Four Great Classical Novels all share a common thread: they are directly related to transcending the void, representing people's yearning and pursuit of immortality and sainthood. Given Shi Zhixuan's precedent of transcending the void, it's hard for Yuan Yueze not to be attracted. This is precisely Fan Qinghui's most insidious move. Although Yuan Yueze was furious inside, he pretended to probe, saying, "Master, you are indeed brilliant. My skills do not come from 'Evil Emperor' Xiang Yutian. I merely admire his carefree spirit. My martial arts are all self-taught. Alas! To be honest, I have pondered many times the meaning of life and its purpose, but ultimately, I have come to no avail. I can only find solace in martial arts and indulge myself in the intoxicating world. This makes life much easier." Upon hearing
the name "Xiang Yutian," Xuan Jing's expression changed slightly, revealing a barely perceptible hint of sadness, which quickly vanished. Fan Qinghui glanced at her indifferently, then looked back at Yuan Yueze and said, "If you are interested, young master, this humble nun will gladly present the sword manual for your perusal."
Yuan Yueze, however, was wondering if Xuan Jing and Elder Xiang were old acquaintances? Otherwise, given her state of mind, what could possibly move her other than the Heavenly Dao? Moreover, judging from her age, this speculation was not without basis. Fan Qinghui seemed to realize that Xuan Jing had no effect on suppressing Yuan Yueze, and on the way to the "Scripture Tower," the tallest building in Cihang Jingzhai, Xuan Jing left alone. Yuan Yueze stared at Fan Qinghui's clear and distinct profile, as graceful as the undulating mountains and rivers, and coldly said, "I hope the Master isn't trying to harm anyone, otherwise don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Chapter 149 Furious
Fan Qinghui revealed a barely perceptible bitter expression, which vanished in an instant. She softly said, "Does the young master recall when Brother Ning visited my humble abode years ago, seeking to discuss martial arts with this humble nun, and how he was injured after vomiting blood before even finishing reading the 'Compassionate Sword Manual'?"
Yuan Yueze felt a chill run down his spine: This nun truly deserves to be called the epitome of a politician; she doesn't care about any means to achieve her goals. She's clearly trying to kill you, yet she smiles and comforts you, encouraging you. That barely perceptible expression just now showed that although she was suffering from the torment of "killing," she instantly decided to continue along her original path.
Would he directly confront her or even fly into a rage? Of course not! Since you won't shed tears until you see the coffin, I'll play along to the very end! He didn't reply, following Fan Qinghui past the more than ten-story pagoda, along a winding path to a simple and quiet two-story stone building. Fan Qinghui explained that it was a place for guests to rest. This place was at least half a mile away from the Cihang Hall. The pavilion was nestled among well-arranged flowers and strange rocks, appearing even more ethereal and tranquil under the dazzling, deep black starry sky. Yuan Yueze wasn't foolish enough to go in alone, so he stood in front of the building to admire it. Fan Qinghui went back to retrieve the "Cihang Sword Manual." Only after Fan Qinghui returned with a unique wide jade box in her hands did Yuan Yueze follow her into the pavilion.
The small room was simply and plainly furnished, divided into two spaces: the inner room was obviously for sleeping, while the outer room was lined with stone chairs and tables, spotless. Upon opening the box, a large book, made of a material that resembled neither paper nor silk, was revealed on a yellow silk lining. The cover bore a string of Sanskrit characters. The *Cihang Sword Manual*, created by Di Ni, the founder of the Cihang Jingzhai sect, was the source of all martial arts techniques and mental cultivation methods from the two great holy lands of the martial arts world. The *Zen Book* of the Jingnian Chan sect was merely a copy of the first twelve chapters of the *Cihang Sword Manual*, with further elaborations and variations. Yuan Yueze turned page after page of the *Cihang Sword Manual*, reading intently. He didn't understand Sanskrit, yet strangely, he could comprehend the sword techniques and mental cultivation methods recorded within, techniques that surpassed the limits of human intelligence. Even though he had read the most supreme "Dao Xin Zhong Mo Da Fa" (Great Method of Planting Demons in the Dao Heart) in the *Chang Sheng Jue* (Longevity Manual) and the *Tian Mo Ce* (Heavenly Demon Strategy), he still had to admire Di Ni's work; it truly deserved its place among the Four Great Classical Novels. When he reached a later chapter, he couldn't remember the contents of the earlier one.
This is because the *Cihang Sword Manual* records unparalleled sword techniques, its content incredibly profound. If one simply memorizes it without seeking its meaning, it's easy to remember. However, delving into its meaning only confuses the mind and causes one to forget other content. Fan Qinghui, her jade-like face serene and pure, calmly gazed at Yuan Yueze, who sat cross-legged opposite her. After Shi Feixuan recounted her spiritual communication with Yuan Yueze, she immediately realized her mistake. In terms of life experience, Shi Feixuan was still too shallow. Even Fan Qinghui had misjudged him back in Songjia Mountain City, so she absolutely could not allow herself to make any more mistakes. Yuan Yueze was a devil in human skin, his cunning unparalleled. This was, of course, observed from his past meticulous planning and skill in winning people's hearts. If
such a person truly gained the world, he would be a thousand times more terrifying than Qin Shi Huang or Yang Guang, and Jingzhai's transcendent position would be in jeopardy. The most terrifying aspect is undoubtedly her unparalleled martial arts skills, including the ability to conjure objects out of thin air and brainwash people. After the Four Great Monks' failed expedition, force would be ineffective against her. Therefore, with her ability to observe people, she could definitely lure him to the appointment with the "Compassionate Voyage Sword Manual," which can discern life and death, and then lead him to see the death trap detailing the "final move." She could then kill him, or at the very least, trap him while he was weakened. This would surely throw the Luoyang army into chaos, and the highly skilled women in his household would undoubtedly come out to find their husband. The generals of the Li Tang side would naturally be less threatened with assassination, which would have an immeasurable impact on the Li Tang's victory in the eastern expedition.
There are four reasons for her great confidence: First, given Yuan Yueze's arrogance, even if he knew Fan Qinghui's intentions, he wouldn't back down, much less think he couldn't overcome the death barrier. Therefore, Fan Qinghui wasn't worried about him not getting involved. Second, the "Cihang Sword Manual" records that sword techniques are only suitable for women with pure Yin constitutions to cultivate. For men, the effects are greatly diminished. Even if a peerless genius cultivates with all their might, they will not only fail to reach the pinnacle but will also suffer great harm. Third, at Yuan Yueze's level, ordinary martial arts are simply insignificant. The "Cihang Sword Manual," one of the four great books, can achieve this. Therefore, once Yuan Yueze becomes addicted to it, he will naturally be affected, causing his cultivation to decline. Finally, the death barrier is a kind of stagnant meditation on the verge of death. If one's cultivation is insufficient, one's essence and blood will explode, leading to death. Even the members of Jingzhai are not allowed to read this secret technique, which is recorded in the last chapter of the "Cihang Sword Manual," without the permission of the head of the Jingzhai.
Although Yuan Yueze's cultivation level was high, he did not follow the path of Jingzhai, so there was a high chance that he would "fall into the trap." Once he finished reading the Death Cultivation Technique, he would be crippled even if he didn't die, which would make it easier for Fan Qinghui to take action. The two sat in silence like stone statues, and three days passed in the blink of an eye. After reading Chapter 12, Yuan Yueze suddenly stopped flipping through the pages, let out a long sigh, and fixed his gaze on Fan Qinghui's beautiful face. In a voice colder than words, he said, "Master, you favor Li Shimin, but will he become emperor? He is merely the Prince of Qin, while the Crown Prince is Li Jiancheng. The brothers have long harbored resentment, and the Li clan is facing impending doom; chaos is inevitable. Master, with your compassionate heart, do you intend to personally instigate infighting among the Li brothers?"
Fan Qinghui replied calmly, "National calamities are common throughout history; only a wise and enlightened ruler can bring peace. Moreover, those who govern should not be bound by trivial matters. Everyone knows that the Li Tang territory was reclaimed by the Prince of Qin, and only he possesses the talent and virtue to benefit the people."
In Fan Qinghui's view, only Li Shimin was worthy of being emperor in the Central Plains. While Yuan Yueze and Kou Zhong were not bad, their temperaments and methods were unsuitable for politics. Yuan Yueze was excessively cunning, while Kou Zhong was too soft-hearted. The three-way alliance of Luoyang and the young marshal is repeating the mistakes of Wagangzhai: unclear allegiance. Therefore, chaos is inevitable. Xiao Xian has only managed to hold out this long because of the strategic advantage of Dongting Lake, the largest lake in the Central Plains, connecting the east, west, north, and south via waterways; as for Zhu Can, that unpopular cannibalistic demon, he will certainly not have a good end; and Du Fuwei, who is holding out in Liyang as a lookout, is even less likely to succeed. It's perfectly normal for her to have such thoughts. After all, many things within Yuan Yueze are too unbelievable to be told, and even if Shi Feixuan had been frank with Fan Qinghui, it would be difficult for her to believe. A strange light gradually intensified in Yuan Yueze's eyes, a sinister and eerie light bursting forth, before returning to calm. He clapped his hands and exclaimed, "What a carefree attitude!"
Then, preparing to turn the page, he asked, "How much time has passed?"
Fan Qinghui answered him expressionlessly. Yuan Yueze
let out an "Oh!", a strange look flashing in his eyes. He asked curiously, "Has the Master of the Abode never needed to use the restroom?"
Fan Qinghui's shoulders trembled slightly, a fleeting look of shame and anger in her eyes. She didn't answer him. She was the highest leader of the Xuanmen sect, and everyone, regardless of their status, treated her with utmost respect. Only a shameless rogue like Yuan Yueze would dare to disrespect her. Knowing he was using a psychological tactic, she immediately suppressed her anger and returned to her usual demeanor. When Yuan Yueze saw Chapter 13, the Death Cultivation Method, he immediately felt a strange sensation—a feeling that defied description, an experience beyond normal senses, only to be understood through personal experience. If one had to describe it, it was as if his primordial spirit began to abandon his physical body, slowly leaving it, existing in an immortal form different from life itself.
Fan Qinghui watched as Yuan Yueze closed his eyes, the rise and fall of his chest slowly disappeared, and finally, he entered a state of complete stillness, devoid of any sense of life. Even with her refined composure, she was stunned. What stunned her wasn't the dramatic transformation from life to "death," but rather how this demon could possibly be the first person since the first patriarch of Jingzhai, Di Ni, to successfully enter the death trap? Why hadn't he died from the explosion of his essence and blood? Or was he severely injured? Her goal had been achieved, but her spirit and beliefs had suffered an unprecedented blow. After a few deep breaths, Fan Qinghui gradually calmed down, focusing intently on Yuan Yueze for a moment, uttering a low Buddhist chant. A resolute look flashed in her eyes, and she swiftly moved forward. With a flick of her wrist, her palms unfurled like clouds, striking Yuan Yueze's "corpse" at the two vital acupoints: the crown of his head and the center of his heart. Great compassion is the act of relieving all sentient beings of suffering. She had never harmed anyone, much less done something like this—not even sparing a corpse.
But the scene before her left her no choice; the demon before her was too terrifying. Only by witnessing his complete annihilation could she find peace. To ensure the swift unification of the Central Plains and prevent further suffering for all living beings, she decided to abandon her cultivation, even if it meant eternally being trapped in the cycle of reincarnation. Yuan Yueze's deep, gentle voice suddenly rang out, sighing, "Since we are all trapped in this sea of suffering, even those outside the world are not outsiders. Who can escape it?"
As he spoke, his eyes snapped open, emitting a chillingly intense light, and he raised his palm to meet the attack. Witnessing him go from life to death and back again was astonishing, even for someone of Fan Qinghui's cultivation. Neither the Tranquil Abode's mental cultivation nor the Zen practices of the Chan sect emphasized killing, focusing on "stillness, guarding, emptiness, and nothingness." Fan Qinghui's barely suppressed killing intent instantly crumbled, and he withdrew his palm. In fact, the moment he realized his primordial spirit was about to leave his body, he immediately withdrew his attention, not glancing at the Death Gate Technique again, maintaining his previous demeanor. He only wanted to see if Fan Qinghui would truly not even spare his "corpse." This time, Fan Qinghui had truly enraged him. As he withdrew his palms, preparing to catch his breath before dealing with Fan Qinghui, he realized she had already lifted the stone table in front of her and spun it around, making a creaking sound. Yuan Yueze immediately sensed something was wrong, but the "aftereffects" of his feigned death hadn't completely worn off. As he tried to get up, Fan Qinghui turned around and struck out twice more. Enraged, Yuan Yueze didn't even have time to retaliate before suddenly feeling himself, Fan Qinghui, and the entire stone building swaying and plummeting as if weightless. Fan Qinghui finally struck Yuan Yueze in the chest, but he held her tightly, his arms wrapped around her soft body. The two rolled on the ground like tumbleweeds. A few breaths later, with a loud "thud!"
, they landed somewhere in complete darkness. Yuan Yueze had recovered considerably. He released the still restless Jingzhai Master, who was kicking and biting him, and took out a bright pearl, illuminating the surroundings. The stone house was exceptionally sturdy; though damaged, the damage was not severe. Yuan Yueze looked at Fan Qinghui, who sat beside him with her eyes closed and disheveled, and instead of being angry, he smiled and said, "Master, can you give me an explanation?" Fan Qinghui
did not open her eyes, and calmly said, "Demon, this is nearly twenty feet underground, surrounded by rocks. No matter how powerful you are, you won't escape before you die."
Then her face flushed red, then turned white, then red again, the frequency increasing, her appearance eerie. To prevent Yuan Yueze from escaping the stone house, she had intervened to restrain him, and now that she had finally trapped him to death, she felt her merit was complete. Considering his audacity, to avoid humiliation, she chose to end her own life immediately. Better to be a broken jade than a whole tile. Yuan Yueze's eyes blazed with murderous intent. He lunged forward, gripping her shoulders tightly, sealing her acupoints, and channeling his inner energy to slow her death. He roared, "I never intended to destroy your Buddhist sect, yet you've been determined to kill me, and now you want to dissipate your power and commit suicide! How could I grant your wish?"
As he spoke, he grabbed the Xuanmen leader's ample breasts, ripped off her outer robe, and quickly stripped her naked, pressing her onto a newly taken-out long cushion. This Xuanmen leader was also a captivating beauty; in terms of appearance, figure, and fair skin, she was in no way inferior to the former Zhu Yuyan, only her bald head was a bit odd. Fan Qinghui's face began to age slowly. With difficulty, she opened her eyes, their divine light fading. The eerie color on her jade-like face suddenly vanished, replaced by a holy glow. She revealed an extremely human smile, weak and powerless yet indifferent, saying, "Demon, you can deceive the world, but you can't deceive your own heart!"
Then she closed her eyes again and softly recited to herself: "Heshan Puhua suddenly goes mad, beating drums and ringing bells in a playful spectacle. The raging fire is perfect for brewing tea, the strong wind is good for cooling off. Four snakes in a box watch him play, two rats invade the vines, overestimating their own abilities. Where has the bright moon over the vast sea gone? The golden palace of Guanghan, the silver bed… Ah!"
The poem she recited was the work of Pang Jushi of the mid-Tang Dynasty, which she had read in a book Yuan Yueze had given to Shi Feixuan: the *Nirvana Sutra*, which describes the impermanence of life, includes the famous parable of the snakes in a box. Pang Jushi, having grasped the principle of impermanence, composed this poem. The four drumbeats of Heshan and the ringing of bells by Puhua are perfect symbols of a life of playing with fire. For those who have grasped the meaning of life and death, when the flames of calamity rage, it is the perfect time to calmly brew tea; when the winds of chaos ravage mountains and destroy peaks, it is the ideal time to enjoy the cool breeze. Although the four venomous serpents afflict the fragile human body, they remain detached, as if watching a drama unrelated to themselves; even as the sun and moon rats erode the withered vine of life, they have shed their skin, seemingly appreciating a scroll painting of the great transformation of nature. When all is reduced to ashes, their crystalline self-nature merges with the universal law, allowing them to ascend to the moon palace and rest on a silver bed.
She realized Yuan Yueze had gone mad and wasn't going to let her go even in his dying moments, so she began to calm her mind and chant Buddhist prayers: everything before her was just an illusion, a mirage, and her body was nothing but a stinking carcass. Yuan Yueze didn't pause at all, completely unprepared, and Fan Qinghui, a virgin, couldn't bear it. Her whole body felt as if it were about to split apart in agony; she couldn't help but furrow her brows, letting out a piercing scream, tears streaming down her face. She instinctively tried to retreat, but her entire body was restrained by him. A strong, indistinguishable sensation of pain or pleasure surged through her brain. Although Fan Qinghui's face flushed and her breathing quickened, she still used her decades of cultivation to guard her mind. She opened her phoenix eyes, staring intently at Yuan Yueze, a smile on her face, and slowly chanted a sutra: "What ordinary fools consider 'me'—some say it's as big as a thumb, some as small as a mustard seed, some as small as a speck of dust—the Tathagata says that 'me' is not like that at all. Therefore, it is said that all dharmas are without self, yet not without self..."
Although Yuan Yueze could sustain her life through his qi transfer, her aging had not stopped. Fine wrinkles had begun to appear at the corners of her eyes, and her smooth skin was losing its elasticity. "Slap!"
Ignoring her defiant gaze, Yuan Yueze slapped her bald head, grabbed his clothes and covered her head, chuckling lewdly, "Hey! What a fucking boring girl! I'm saving you!"
Would anyone cover a woman's head while doing this kind of thing? This is utterly perverted. Fortunately, he could freely control the timing of his outburst, forcing himself to erupt after a sprint. Fan Qinghui's fragrant body trembled violently, and even though she tried to suppress it, she couldn't help but let out two soft moans, interrupting her chanting of Buddhist scriptures for a moment. Then she continued, "That which has no self is called birth and death, that which has self is called Tathagata; that which is impermanent is the Arhat and Pratyekabuddha, that which is permanent is the Tathagata's Dharmakaya..."
Yuan Yueze suddenly ripped off the clothes on her head, smiling as he stared at her. Fan Qinghui stopped, looking back arrogantly, a disdainful smile playing on her lips: as if laughing at his inability to conquer her, or perhaps proud that she had maintained her true self despite losing her virginity. Yuan Yueze shook his head, a wry smile on his face, and looked down at the small, shocking patch of blood on the cushion. Fan Qinghui, compassionate and merciful, wanted to preach one last time before her death, hoping to awaken Yuan Yueze's conscience with the story of the "Red-Powdered Skull" from the legend of the Fish-Basket Guanyin. Suddenly, she noticed something amiss. Lowering her head, her mouth gaped open in disbelief. Her entire body radiated a dazzling, multicolored light, more radiant than pearls on the ground. Her arms, breasts, and legs were visibly more perfect than before, translucent and crystalline.
Subconsciously, she pinched her cheek; her skin was smoother and more elastic, every inch seemingly brimming with vibrant life. What astonished her even more was that she couldn't feel a trace of true energy flowing within her! How could this be! I used the Jingzhai's unique self-destruction technique; my essence and blood should have exploded, turning into a blood mist to perish with the enemy. Even if this demon suppressed my essence and blood, I should have died long ago. How could I have lost my internal energy, yet not died, but instead become younger and more perfect? For a moment, she forgot to find some clothes to cover herself, only looking around and grabbing at things, completely unaware that someone was admiring her every elegant movement. As her radiance began to fade, a strange thing happened that almost shocked her to the point of fainting: her healthy, jet-black hair rapidly grew back, reaching over two feet in length before stopping. Having given up hope, Fan Qinghui could no longer maintain her usual composure. Her jade-like hands, clutching her cloud-like hair, trembled uncontrollably, and she angrily shouted, her chest heaving, "Demon, don't even think of using your sorcery to bewitch this poor nun!"
Yuan Yueze chuckled and sighed, "Fire rages, wind howls, water stains the roots, frost wrinkles, snow creases, ancient moss marks. The east wind refuses to follow the heat or cold, yet sprouts a pure fragrance and returns the soul. Now it's time to enjoy the compensation!"
Fan Qinghui was unconsciously drawn to poems imbued with Zen philosophy, but little did she know that Yuan Yueze would pounce on her again. The poem describes the process of enlightenment as akin to the ancient plum blossoming anew, requiring a near-death experience to eradicate all past emotions and desires before the true path can be revealed. This situation serves as a metaphor for Fan Qinghui. Her anger signifies that she hasn't severed her seven emotions and six desires, though she doesn't usually express it, merely suppressing them deep within, not truly achieving a state of emptiness. Yet, she still believes she's under a spell and will not easily yield. Enduring Yuan Yueze's domineering kiss on her lips, untouched by any man before, and the complex mix of virginity pain and primal pleasure from the intense action, she begins chanting again. Some people like to be unconventional, such as preferring uniforms. Subjectively speaking, he's very traditional in this regard, having no interest in nuns, but now that she's much more pleasing to the eye, he quickly compensates himself. The two act as if they aren't engaged in any intimate act: you chant yours, I enjoy mine. The underground air quickly ran out, and Yuan Yueze could sustain himself through internal breathing. Fan Qinghui was surprised to find that even with all her power gone, she didn't feel any difficulty breathing. Questions began to pop into her mind again, and she started to ponder all the secrets Shi Feixuan had revealed about Yuan Yueze, developing a slight doubt about her past views.
Of course, the main reason she doubted herself was because of her own experience, which was vastly different from what she had heard from others. During this time, she tried to bite Yuan Yueze's tongue once, but couldn't bite it off; she tried to commit suicide, but couldn't bite it off either. Overwhelmed by doubts, self-pity, and grief, she was on the verge of madness. As these negative emotions surged up, her body began to act uncontrollably, occasionally yielding to her desires, and her reason and psychological defenses began to crumble. Fortunately, Yuan Yueze realized that she was almost exhausted and no longer able to satisfy her, so he stopped; otherwise, the Master of Jingzhai might have truly become a slave to lust. Because she was a master of Taoism, the path of cultivation was a difficult journey against the current. The slightest lapse would result in being swept downstream by the raging torrent, forever sinking into the boundless sea of suffering caused by material desires.
Neither of them knew how to face the other. Yuan Yueze simply took out some clothes. Fan Qinghui's expression returned to its usual calm. Although she was naked, her back remained ramrod straight as she silently watched him hand her a silk robe. It wrapped her infinitely beautiful figure in snow-white palace gauze, and gathered her newly grown long hair behind her head. Her black hair and fair skin exuded feminine grace, a refined elegance with an indescribable delicate fragility, captivating her. Although Fan Qinghui's face remained expressionless, she was inwardly utterly shocked. Looking in the mirror, she confirmed that she had truly regained her youthful beauty. At that moment, she herself couldn't fathom the feelings within her. Yuan Yueze then brought some water and food, and the two sat around the pearl to enjoy it, unsure of what to say. In truth, Yuan Yueze felt nothing for Fan Qinghui. He had only taken her virginity as revenge. Now that she was alive, he was at a loss for how to proceed with his revenge. He wasn't foolish enough to think he could brainwash Fan Qinghui with his eloquence, because she had seen far more of life than he had. He still adhered to the principle that "facts speak for themselves." Fan Qinghui had originally intended to kill Yuan Yueze and then commit suicide, but now even suicide was impossible. How could someone like Yuan Yueze compare to the richness of her life experiences? She recalled her youthful encounter with Song Que, but their inability to be together due to their ideals and social status meant that her cultivation could only remain at the "telepathic" level. Just when the chaotic world was about to end, and her disciples were working diligently, Yuan Yueze suddenly appeared. For a moment, she felt only sorrow and helplessness. She couldn't feel hatred for the man who had taken her virginity; it was all because she had intended to harm him first.
Fan Qinghui, who never ate meat, ate half an apple with elegant and refined manners. Having regained much of her strength, she glanced at Yuan Yueze and was slightly stunned: under the bright light of the pearl, his skin shone, and his perfect physique exuded power and a kind of transcendent beauty in harmony with the natural order. Yuan Yueze, who was engrossed in his meal, seemed to notice her gaze, suddenly looked up at her, and grinned—a smile as radiant as the sun and captivatingly charming. Hearing her own voice, Fan Qinghui asked, "How can you eat so much?"
Yuan Yueze had downed half a bottle of wine and at least five pounds of beef by himself. Given his not-so-strong physique, it was no wonder people were curious. He looked around and said, "Just replenishing my energy. I need to dig a hole out as soon as possible."
Fan Qinghui was startled and said quietly, "This is a trap set by the patriarch. There are stone walls all around. Even if you can dig out, the world will be at peace."
Yuan Yueze laughed, "That's for the best. I'll go straight back to Luoyang and take my wives to a deserted place to enjoy life."
Fan Qinghui calmly said, "Didn't you want to be emperor, or an emperor emeritus?"
Yuan Yueze said unhappily, "Master Fan, ask your conscience before you speak like this."
Fan Qinghui remained silent, lowering her head slightly, her whole being resembling a jade Bodhisattva.

Chapter 150 The Fall of the Great Xia
Underground, there is no day or night. The two never exchanged a single word afterward. Fan Qinghui resumed practicing the "Compassionate Voyage Sword Manual," but her progress was slow. When Yuan Yueze got tired of chiseling stone, he would "chise flesh." Seeing him take out a large pile of steel tools, Fan Qinghui understood that the days of trapping this demon would probably be much shorter, so she became even less cooperative, chanting scriptures repeatedly, only occasionally letting out a few absent-minded murmurs when she reached a peak of inspiration. Yuan Yueze didn't care about any of that, each time giving it his all, ravaging the defenseless Master Jingzhai until she was barely breathing. This was a tug-of-war without gunpowder. It was a contest of strategy, willpower, and, most importantly, patience. Yuan Yueze wanted to imprint himself deep within her heart, and Fan Qinghui naturally resisted to the end. However, after a while, Fan Qinghui was horrified to find that she seemed to have become accustomed to falling asleep in this intimate way, being held in his soft, fragrant body and listening to his strong heartbeat. Fortunately, her mental cultivation was superb, and she immediately suppressed this trend that was likely to spread rapidly. When Fan Qinghui once again succumbed to the "Evil Emperor," softly lying on his chest panting, Yuan Yueze's voice entered her ears, saying, "We can return to the surface tomorrow."
Fan Qinghui's fragrant shoulders trembled almost imperceptibly, and she forced herself to say, "Why didn't you kill me?"
Over time, the way she addressed him changed naturally. Yuan Yueze said self-deprecatingly, "I did have the intention to kill you at first, but unfortunately, with this relationship, I couldn't bring myself to do it. I'm truly unworthy of the name 'Evil Emperor'! By the way, you suddenly disappeared. Didn't anyone in Jingzhai notice anything unusual? Where is Feixuan?"
Fan Qinghui simply lay on Yuan Yueze without answering. The carved stone cave was sloping, only wide enough for one person to squeeze through. Fan Qinghui led the way, Yuan Yueze followed, and after climbing for quite some time, they finally returned to the ground, looking disheveled. The exit was near a cliff, far from the Jingzhai Mountain gate. It was nearly noon, the sun shining warmly, a cold wind occasionally blowing, causing their hair to flutter and rustle. Standing on the edge of the cliff, surrounded by peaks, shrouded in mist, under the pale blue sky, they seemed oblivious to the world below. Yuan Yueze said as he walked away, "I didn't expect to be underground for months. Take care!" Even
after he was at least half a mile away, his voice was still almost a whisper. Fan Qinghui started walking at the same time, in the opposite direction. Only after his words disappeared did she stop, hesitate for a moment, then gracefully turned around and gazed in the direction he had disappeared. Her face was as serene as still water, but a bitter, heartbreaking smile played on her lips. Accustomed to hiking mountain paths, Yuan Yueze headed east, only to learn from a woodcutter that it was early winter. He had spent nearly three months at Cihang Jingzhai. Three days later, at dusk, Yuan Yueze entered the Qinling Mountains, where snow-capped peaks rose and fell, but no one else was in sight. Thick, dark clouds hung low in the sky, threatening to fall at any moment. The snow on the canyon path was knee-deep, and icicles clung to the tree branches, creating glistening pendants. When the wind blew, snowflakes drifted down, creating a unique scene. Yuan Yueze looked around and saw only a seemingly abandoned wooden hut a hundred paces ahead. Smoke from the broken windows indicated that someone was making a fire inside, so he walked over. "Bang!"
Just as Yuan Yueze reached about two paces from the wooden door, it suddenly shattered into pieces, sending a rain of wood chips hurtling towards him. The snow in front of the door swirled up with a terrifying force. A figure enveloped in white light shot out from the house, exuding a chilling killing intent, and slashed towards Yuan Yueze with extreme ruthlessness. "Clang!"
The blade struck Yuan Yueze squarely in the face, producing an explosive sound. The man immediately withdrew his sword and retreated into the house, moving like an arrow, returning to the center of the room and standing like a nail, sword held horizontally. Yuan Yueze patted his forehead, thinking that Keda Zhi must have suffered serious internal injuries, otherwise his attack wouldn't have been so weak. Stepping into the dimly lit room, he clasped his hands and smiled, "I smelled the aroma of meat from afar and couldn't resist coming. I didn't expect to meet Brother Ke. How have you been?"
The man was none other than Keda Zhi, a top-tier swordsman from the Turks. His clothes were somewhat shabby, and his face was pale, but this couldn't conceal his calm and collected demeanor and undiminished heroic spirit. Keda Zhi slumped his shoulders, his expression somber, and said, "Brother Yuan, your spirit remains undiminished; congratulations!"
Yuan Yueze returned to the broken door, found a plank to block the wind, and saw heavy snow falling from the sky, gradually thickening, engulfing the entire mountainous area in a vast expanse of white. With the door blocked, the blizzard was kept out, and the wooden hut became warm. Inside, besides a thick straw mat in the corner and a stove piled opposite, there was nothing else. Half a wild boar was roasting on the stove, its aroma filling the air. The two sat around the fire, snow dust constantly swirling in through the window, causing the fire to flicker. Such a snowy, cold night had a unique and unforgettable charm. Yuan Yueze asked, "Brother Ke, what brings you here?"
Keda Zhi replied, "I can't tell whether we are friends or enemies now."
For the Turks, the safety and survival of the nation always came first, personal matters second. Yuan Yueze, knowing he was recalling the killing of thousands of Jinlang soldiers in Longquan, chuckled and said, "Brother Ke, you should know that Jieli plotted to harm me and also killed Uncle Chaolu's family. There's not only ethnic hatred between us, but also personal grudges. Although our positions differ, I still admire your courage."
Keda Zhi stared at the flickering firelight, remaining silent for a long while before nodding and saying, "I have nothing now and am being hunted. I have no choice but to seek refuge temporarily."
Yuan Yueze asked curiously, "Brother Ke, you were a general under Jieli in the Turkic Khaganate, and you were quite close to Li Jiancheng in the Central Plains. How come you have nothing? Who is hunting you? I may not have any other skills, but I can easily protect you!"
Keda Zhi was stunned, looked over, a look of gratitude flashing in his eyes, and sighed deeply. He recounted in detail: "Back when Zhao Deyan was with the Turks, he had a close relationship with Tunyugu. Because I disliked them, I repeatedly opposed them, sowing the seeds of disaster. More than half a year ago, Liu Wuzhou and Song Jingang suffered a major defeat at Baibi and were relentlessly pursued by Li Shimin's troops. Unable to hold Taiyuan, they had no choice but to retreat to the border to seek refuge with the Great Khan. Tunyugu then advised Liu Wuzhou that the Great Khan hoped they would return to Shanggu and Mayi to gather their old troops and plan a counterattack against the Tang army. Liu Wuzhou then led his men back to the Central Plains. On the way, the Great Khan claimed that they intended to rebel and sent me with the Golden Wolf Army to pursue them. Liu Wuzhou and Song Jingang were killed on the spot, and nine out of ten of their soldiers died. The rest were all wounded and escaped."
Yuan Yueze thought to himself that this matter might have been orchestrated by Jieli behind the scenes, because Liu Wuzhou and Song Jingang had lost their value and were no longer suitable to remain in the world. Executing the two openly would alienate other Han Chinese who were allied with the Turks, hence this method was adopted. Liu Wu and Zhou were plotting against the Turks, acting as their lackeys; this is their just deserts. Kedazhi's voice continued into his ears, saying, "Since the defeat at Longquan, the Great Khan has rarely received guests. I don't know what he's doing, so Tunyugu has become his mouthpiece. The order to hunt down Liu Wuzhou was relayed by him. On my way back to the Khan's court, I happened to encounter Tunyugu leading his confidants south. So I reported to him alone, but he said that Song Jingang was just a dead soldier wearing his clothes and had his face covered up. The real person had already escaped, and I deliberately let him go because of my江湖 (jianghu) mentality, which was a betrayal of the Great Khan. Then he gave a signal to ambush me."
He paused, then continued, "I saw Song Jingang shot to death by one of my soldiers. How could he have escaped! After a fierce battle and falling into a trap, I knew that escape was almost hopeless. Fortunately, my men fought desperately to protect me, and I was able to break through the encirclement."
As he spoke, he grabbed his collar and ripped it off, revealing his shoulder. There were two black and red palm prints on his chest, which looked like burn marks, a shocking sight. A bitter smile appeared on his lips as he said, "I never imagined that dog had been hiding its strength all along. I felt I only had a year left to live, and with my strength unable to recover, revenge was hopeless. So I fled into the deep mountains, intending to die here."
Yuan Yueze showed a hint of realization, frowned, and pondered for a moment before asking, "Brother Ke, what do you think of your Khan's strength?"
Keda Zhi was taken aback, wondering why he suddenly asked this question. He answered frankly, "If we're only talking about martial arts skills, the Khan and I are on the same level."
Yuan Yueze shook his head. Keda Zhi seemed to understand his thoughts and immediately said, "That day on the Meituo Plain, Brother Yuan was nearly exhausted, while the Khan was in perfect condition. So it's not surprising that you were forced back by his single strike."
Yuan Yueze shook his head again, his expression solemn. "Brother Ke is right, but through personal experience, I've discovered that Jieli's abilities are far from simple. His strength is definitely far superior to yours!"
Kedazhi trembled violently, exclaiming, "No way! Could it be that the Great Khan secretly ordered Tunyugu to kill me?"
His mind was quick, and he instantly grasped Yuan Yueze's meaning: if Jieli was truly as Yuan Yueze described, he must have seen Kedazhi's clever method of letting Ren Jun go that day, and naturally wouldn't be happy. This emotion would intensify after the defeat. Therefore, it could be inferred that dealing with Liu Wuzhou was probably only part of the plan to kill Kedazhi. Yuan Yueze briefly told him about Liu Yu before saying, "I suspect that Yuanrong, who protects Jieli, is either Xifeng himself or another of Liu Yu's henchmen who have been lurking in the Turkic Khaganate for many years."
A large bead of cold sweat trickled down Kedazhi's forehead, his face turned pale, his shoulders trembled slightly, and he closed his eyes. Yuan Yueze continued, "Brother Ke, you must have realized I wasn't making this up. Could you tell me what you know?"
Keda Zhi cut a large slice of roasted wild boar meat and handed it to Yuan Yueze, sighing, "About three years ago, Jieli told the Turkic officials at a banquet that when he was young, he had met a peerless master who was proficient in metaphysics and whose cultivation had reached a state of perfection. This master predicted the year he would ascend to the throne and that he would rule the Central Plains within six years thereafter. Most of the Turkic nobles and princes present didn't take it seriously, but after hearing Brother Yuan's words today, I immediately thought of this."
He addressed Jieli by his full name, indicating that he had begun to believe Yuan Yueze's words. Yuan Yueze nodded and said, "Brother Ke, are you suspecting that the so-called peerless master is Liu Yu? Didn't Jieli say where he went?"
Keda Zhi recalled, "Jieli said he wanted to invite that person to be the national advisor, but that person is just a recluse, with no interest in fame or fortune. He claims to be going to the Western Continent to spread his teachings and save the world, and will come to congratulate Jieli after he ascends the throne in the Central Plains."
Yuan Yueze took a bite of the fragrant wild boar meat and said, "How could he predict that Jieli would invade the Central Plains six years after his ascension?"
Keda Zhi readily replied, "According to Jieli, it's because that person predicted that the grasslands would suffer a once-in-a-century 'Great White Calamity' that year. If the plan to invade the Central Plains couldn't be completed before then, the Turks would only face extermination. Brother Yuan should know that more than seven hundred years ago, the once powerful..." The Xiongnu Empire had once been struck by the Great White Calamity, with snow piled up over ten feet high across the entire grasslands. Most of their sheep and horses froze to death, their people starved, and their national strength weakened instantly.
Yuan Yueze knew this was merely Liu Yu's scheme. First, he calculated Jieli's fate of conquering the Central Plains, and then he mentioned the Great White Calamity, all to force him to quickly invade the south. Twenty years ago, Liu Yu certainly couldn't have predicted Yuan Yueze's appearance. His purpose might have been to leave himself a backup plan, since Xiang Yutian had always been the biggest obstacle to his dominance of the Central Plains. Or it might have been to keep Jieli busy preparing for war, preventing him from invading the south in the short term. This would make Liu Yu's plan to control the Central Plains much easier. As long as he unified the Central Plains, he could then head north to deal with Jieli, or appear as that "master" and fabricate some stories to eliminate Jieli. Keda Zhi's eyes flashed with murderous intent, and he said in a deep voice, "I did not take advantage of Ren Xiong's misfortune to kill him, because I admired his courage. He disobeyed the king's order, and Jieli could have killed me. I would have died without regret. Ketun Yugu wanted to seize power, so he framed and ostracized me. Therefore, Jieli must have been misled by him."
Then he said dejectedly, "My people are probably already dead. Alas! I have implicated them!"
Yuan Yueze then understood why he had been so frank just now. It was because Jieli's methods were too cruel. Then, with a sigh, he said, "This is how so-called 'strife' comes about. Differences between people lead to disagreements on ideas and interests. Different religious beliefs, regional, racial, and national conflicts create endless conflicts in various forms. These factors that cause struggle will never disappear; each side can only try to coordinate and balance them as much as possible. Therefore, I most hope to escape all this troublesome thing as soon as possible and live in seclusion in a pure land away from the world, enjoying a peaceful life with clear breezes and bright moonlight."
Keda Zhi asked in surprise, "Brother Yuan, don't you want to taste the wonderful feeling of ruling the world?"
Yuan Yueze shook his head and smiled, saying, "Brother Ke, are you aware of the recent events in Chang'an? For example, after Li Jiancheng's great defeat on the Yangtze River, was he reprimanded by Li Yuan?"
Keda Zhi shook his head, indicating no. "Understood," Yuan Yueze asked again, "Brother Ke, did you not seek help from Li Jiancheng because of his collusion with Tunyu Valley?"
Keda Zhi nodded, then smiled bitterly, "My three hundred warriors are all from my own clan. They came to the Central Plains on Jieli's orders to help Li Yuan attack Chang'an. After many battles, their numbers dwindled from five hundred to just over three hundred. Most of them married and had children in Chang'an. Li Jiancheng still needs them to fight, so naturally he won't kill them. But if I go to Chang'an, the situation will be unpredictable. How can I do such an unjust thing?"
Yuan Yueze patted his shoulder forcefully and exclaimed, "Brother Ke, you are truly a hero! I can not only help you restore your strength later, but also help you make further progress. The matter of revenge is no longer just empty talk!"
Keda Zhi knew Yuan Yueze's abilities well and thanked him excitedly. Yuan Yueze, thinking that Jieli had suffered a humiliating defeat at Longquan, must be filled with even more hatred and was probably hiding away to plot other schemes, then asked Kedazhi if he knew about the situation in the Central Plains over the past few months. Kedazhi looked strange and said, "Brother Yuan, aren't you in Luoyang? Why would you ask such a question?"
Yuan Yueze gave him a brief explanation, and Kedazhi finally understood, explaining that he had shaken off the pursuers sent by Tunyu Valley half a month ago and was living in this deep mountain. He then explained the battle situation in various places on the day of the Supreme Battle. He then recounted what had happened since he entered the Jingzhai. On the central front, Luoyang had achieved a great victory, and the Li Tang's strategy of encirclement and attrition had made no substantial progress. Before autumn, the Li Tang army had taken the lead in seizing the high ground outside the major cities surrounding Luoyang and set up strong defensive wooden fortresses, surrounded by horse traps, leaving only passageways, and digging deep trenches all around, ranging from several tens of feet in width, greatly limiting the Luoyang army's chances of counterattacking or breaking out. Unexpectedly, Zhu Yuyan and the three Fu sisters harassed the troops, causing widespread panic. Even if the four women couldn't kill a general amidst a vast army, escaping wouldn't be difficult. This bizarre tactic directly impacted the morale of the Li Tang forces, causing the Luoyang army to arrive at the front lines and challenge them, yet no one dared to go out and fight. Ultimately, due to the winter's snow-covered roads and severe cold, several Li Tang armies chose to close their gates and defend the city, resulting in a temporary delicate balance of power between the two sides. However, everyone knew that when spring arrived next year, the thunderous war drums would sound again, so to achieve victory, they could not afford to relax their preparations for the next few months. On the northern front, the news was quite shocking. Dou Jiande suffered a major defeat and returned to Hebei. Furthermore, influenced by Zhuge Dewei, a sworn brother of Liu Heita who had already been bribed by the Li Tang, who continuously leaked military intelligence to the Li Tang, Dou Jiande was lured north to attack Luo Yi. After a month or so of rest following his crushing defeat, Dou Jiande was largely recovered. Seeing that neither the Young Marshal's army nor Dugu Feng's forces were capable of a northern expedition, Dou Jiande personally led a large army north to boost morale. However, he was easily ambushed by the allied forces of Li Yuanji and Luo Yi, who had conspired with Zhuge Dewei and were lying in wait, at Xidian, north of Gaoyang. Dou Jiande and most of his men were wounded and captured. Liu Heita led his troops in a breakout, but his fate remains unknown. To demonstrate his power, Li Yuanji beheaded Dou Jiande and sent his head back to Chang'an. Taking advantage of the situation, the Li Tang army and Luo Yi's army, which had secretly surrendered earlier, marched south. Seeing their troops demoralized, Meng Haigong and Xu Yuanlang, who were defending other important cities of the Great Xia, abandoned their cities and fled, their whereabouts unknown. The Great Xia dynasty thus fell. On the southern front, after the Song Dynasty's navy took control of Luchuan County, subsequent troops entered Sichuan by waterway and then split into three routes. One route, with 5,000 soldiers, was stationed in Luchuan; another route, with 50,000 Li soldiers, marched north. Although the Li Tang army sent over 10,000 troops to assist them, the governor of Ziyang County was still terrified upon hearing the news and almost fainted. After more than 20 days of siege and bloody fighting, with over 10,000 casualties on both sides, Ziyang finally fell. Song Faliang, the commander of the Song family army, then led his troops to attack Suining and Longshan counties. The last route, with about 30,000 Li soldiers and a mixed force of Bai Pu soldiers led by Zhang Zhongjian, the former bearded man, marched west, intending to control Jianwei and Meishan counties. However, when Dazhi heard the news, the battle for Suining, Longshan, Jianwei, and Meishan counties was still raging. The Song dynasty's strategy was to first nibble away at the cities surrounding Chengdu, and then besiege Chengdu itself. This was the best way to capture the city, as although it was located on a plain, its high walls and thick fortifications made it difficult to breach. Keda Zhi was referring to news from more than half a month ago. The situation on the northern and central fronts hadn't changed much due to weather, but the situation in Chengdu was uncertain. Thinking of Liu Heita, Yuan Yueze sighed helplessly. Keda Zhi smiled and said, "It's rumored that Liu Heita, a subordinate of Dou Jiande, has a close relationship with Brother Yuan. I suppose Brother Yuan is worried about him!"
Yuan Yueze nodded, then, realizing that Shen Luoyan and Kou Zhong would definitely send people out to search, he felt relieved. He first asked Song Yuhua to act as a "free He Shi Bi" (a legendary jade disc), and then the two of them left the mountains, braving the heavy snow and heading south overnight, disappearing into the pure, endless depths of the snow. The situation in both the north and south had changed drastically. If his predictions were correct, after hearing the news of Dou Jiande's death, Kou Zhong and Dugu Feng would at least occupy most of Shandong and gain control of the Yellow River. In terms of military strategy, ten Li Yuanjis couldn't match one Kou Zhong, so he wasn't worried about the situation in the central region. On the contrary, while Hebei fell into the hands of the Li Tang, he planned to first obtain Chengdu; that way, the Li Tang would only suffer losses. Li Yuanji was incredibly foolish; killing Dou Jiande was his biggest mistake: because both Dou Jiande and most of his followers were peasant rebels. Li Yuanji, however, represented the old Sui dynasty nobles who had always oppressed them; powerful clans that had acted with impunity since the Wei and Jin dynasties. This event would enrage the people of Shandong and Hebei, as well as Dou Jiande's former subordinates, effectively urging them to support the Young Marshal's army and the Luoyang army that would subsequently march north. The heavy snow continued intermittently for three days without ceasing. The two traveled day and night, finally arriving outside Hanzhong City before nightfall. Amidst the swirling snow, they stood on a small hill. Yuan Yueze gazed at Hanzhong City, about a mile away. After the heavy snowfall, everything was white, possessing a unique and poignant beauty. Exhausted and panting, Keda Zhi said, "This city is the gateway to Guanzhong, and it is said to be garrisoned by Xie Sheng, the younger brother of Xie Hui. Due to its superior geographical location, it is a vital route for merchants and travelers from both regions, and its prosperity is no less than that of Chengdu."
Yuan Yueze's eyes flashed with an unprecedented, piercing light, which then faded, and he said calmly, "This city is strategically important, controlling the dangers of six routes to the front, possessing the grain of Xichuan to the rear, connecting to the wealth of Jingzhou and Xiangyang to the left, and the horses of Qin and Long to the right. Anyone who wants to guard the northern gate of Bashu must first secure Hanzhong. After conquering Chengdu, the Yangtze River will be in our hands. Then we can sever the only connection between Bashu and the Tang Dynasty, and Li Yuan and Li Shimin will only have tears to shed."
Keda Zhi stared at him in astonishment for a long time, speechless. Clumps of pure white snowflakes slowly descended, turning the boundless snow-covered forest into a vast expanse of white, creating a scene that seemed both real and unreal. After a long pause, Keda Zhi asked, "Brother Yuan, do you plan to exterminate the steppe peoples someday?"
Yuan Yueze gave him a reassuring smile and said, "Have you heard about the Turks' conspiracy to conquer the Central Plains?"
Keda Zhi shook his head, a sudden thought flashing through his mind, and asked, "Is the mastermind that old monster Liu Yu?"
Yuan Yueze laughed heartily, nodded, and sighed, "My trip to the steppes at the beginning of the year made me understand the mentality of the various tribes beyond the Great Wall even more deeply: each tribe fears the reappearance of a unified and powerful Central Plains empire, because the calamities inflicted upon you by Yang Guang are still fresh in your minds. The Turks have always taken wolves as their teachers, and their tactics..." It's the wolf's tactic: first, they circle their prey, howling and testing its strength, breaking its fighting spirit and putting it under pressure. The moment it shows the slightest fear, the pack pounces, tearing the prey to shreds with the most ferocious attack, without regard for their own lives. Whether it's the Jieli or the Tongyehu, they share the wolf's tradition: seeing a fat sheep, they devour it in packs to satisfy their hunger. Right now, the Central Plains are divided internally and externally. If you don't seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to devour us, this fat sheep, once the Central Plains are unified, you will have no more chances. Brother Ke, do you agree with what I'm saying?"
Keda Zhi asked in a deep voice, "Brother Yuan, are you saying that conflicts between ethnic groups must be resolved through violent war?" "Can it be resolved?"
Yuan Yueze nodded, extending his left hand. A large snowflake, seemingly drawn by some mysterious force, drifted naturally into his palm, turning into a wisp of white smoke. He said, "While there's the factor that the various nomadic tribes of the grasslands were influenced by Yang Guang, making it impossible to predict whether the next emperor to unify the Central Plains would repeat his mistakes, the more important factor, as Brother Ke said, is that the existence of states will forever limit the arrival of lasting peace. Therefore, it is necessary to dismantle the existence of states through ruthless means, so that all ethnic groups can enjoy a peaceful and prosperous era under a unified nation."
Ke Dazhi sighed, "I can't tell... " "So, are you friends or enemies with Qing? For my people, I would gladly die; but Brother Yuan is my savior."
Yuan Yueze put his arm around his shoulder and laughed, "I want to exterminate all the tribes of the grasslands, but I won't allow ambitious people like Jieli to exist. He may truly be your national hero, but for his own ambition, he has become the culprit who killed countless of your warriors. Am I wrong?"
Keda Zhi slumped his shoulders and smiled bitterly, "I give up! I can never win an argument with you."
Yuan Yueze laughed heartily, and the two headed south again, quickly disappearing into the white snow. The heavy snow gradually stopped. Two days later, at dusk, the two arrived outside Fangyi City.

Chapter 151 Devouring and Indigenizing
Southern and Central Sichuan was not affected by the heavy snow, only the weather was slightly cold. During the Eastern Jin and Sixteen Kingdoms period, the rulers of various states fought each other for years. The rulers of Cheng Han, to which Suining belonged, also fought endlessly for power, and the people suffered greatly. After the Eastern Jin general Huan Wen decisively defeated Li Shi and destroyed the Cheng Han state, he returned in triumph. Passing through Fangyi County, he found the weather sunny and the atmosphere peaceful and tranquil. He then established Suining Prefecture on this red soil in the hills of Sichuan, meaning "to quell the war and achieve peace." Fangyi is located in the heart of the Sichuan Basin, on the middle reaches of the Fu River. It borders Chengdu to the west, Neijiang to the south, and Deyang to the north. Not only was it the central city of Suining Prefecture, but it has historically been a crucial military stronghold and political and economic center in Sichuan, earning the nickname "Little Chengdu." Unfortunately, the area around Fangyi is now filled with a murderous aura and a sense of death, offering no sense of peace. About five miles outside the city, military tents bearing the banners of the Song dynasty are scattered across the hills, their solemn and imposing presence reaching the heavens, utterly intimidating. Yuan Yueze nodded approvingly at the densely packed tents a short distance away. Just as he and Kedazhi were about to rush over, a familiar whistling sound suddenly rang out, and a black meteor shot out from the woods to the side, forcefully grabbing Yuan Yueze's shirt at the chest. Kedazhi was startled; even with his cultivation, he hadn't been able to stop the monster's sneak attack. Regaining his composure, he chuckled: it was the Black Eagle King, currently rubbing its head against Yuan Yueze's face affectionately. The two exchanged a glance and burst into laughter. Yuan Yueze lifted the eagle onto his shoulder, and the two walked towards the Song family army's camp. Even if the Song family army guards hadn't seen him in person, they had all seen his portrait and immediately reported to the command tent. The Song family soldiers on duty, upon seeing Yuan Yueze, all looked at him with reverence and erupted in thunderous shouts and cheers, demonstrating his high standing in the Song family army's eyes. Yuan Yueze nodded and waved to each of them in greeting. Song Faliang personally led his men to greet them. This young general, a key figure cultivated by the Song family, was strikingly handsome. Clad in a light blue helmet, his demeanor and speech exuded the air of a top-tier master and the invincible prowess of a seasoned warrior. He was surrounded by dozens of generals and soldiers, including a dozen or so in general's armor, all in their prime, each with a fierce and imposing presence. Among the soldiers were some Li soldiers in brightly colored Li-style uniforms, each burly and imposing, carrying sabers at their waists, giving the impression that the Song clan was powerful and well-equipped, teeming with skilled warriors. Most striking was the female general behind Song Faliang. She wore brightly colored armor, had a slender and graceful figure, flowing hair, and a tiger-skin cloak, which added a touch of fierce strength to her delicate appearance. The two had met several years ago at the Song family headquarters, and were naturally delighted to see each other again. After a brief introduction to Keda Zhi, Song Faliang immediately invited them into his tent for a discussion. After entering the tent, Song Faliang introduced the two men to the generals around him. Yuan Yueze had hardly ever seen any of these Song family generals before, so he quickly memorized their names. The young female general was "Tiger-Clad Beauty" Ouyang Qian. In Lingnan, besides the Song family, there were three other influential people: Wang Zhongxuan of Panyu County, Chen Zhifo of Longshui County, and Ouyang Qian of Shian County. They were either leaders of gangs or heads of powerful families. Among them, Ouyang Qian was more noticeable because of her female identity and beauty. She followed in her father's footsteps and was quite famous in the Lingnan martial arts world for her beauty and skill. After taking a sip of tea, Yuan Yueze nodded and greeted the generals one by one, then asked Song Faliang, "How is my second uncle?"
Song Faliang hurriedly replied, "My lord is in excellent health and has personally led 30,000 elite troops north to contain Xiao Xian."
Yuan Yueze nodded and then inquired about the situation in Bashu. Song Faliang replied, "Jie Hui seems to have not expected that we would open the southern window of Bashu so quickly. He and Li Tang's forces only had time to defend five prefectures: Xincheng, Suining, Ziyang, Longshan, and Linqiong. Li Tang sent more than 100,000 men, with more than 20,000 soldiers stationed in each of these five prefectures. After the battle of Ziyang, our army's morale was greatly boosted. I personally led a large army to attack Suining. Thanks to the ingenious tools made by Master Lu, in just over twenty days, we have terrified Fang Yi's garrison commander Jie Ang and Li Tang's reinforcements. They are simply holding their ground and waiting for reinforcements. Another army is led by General Wang Zhongxuan..." "The commander has already taken control of Jianwei and Meishan prefectures, and is currently joining forces with Chen Zhifo and the troops we left behind in Ziyang to attack Longshan."
Yuan Yueze stroked the Black King's head and pondered, "Is Fangyi City too difficult to attack?"
Song Faliang nodded and said, "Although this city has been weathered many storms, it has been fortified by the garrison, making it exceptionally difficult to attack. And the tools we brought still need to be replenished."
Keda Zhi interjected, "Fortunately, we didn't let them build an outer wall on the river valley plain, otherwise, taking this city would be as difficult as climbing to heaven."
Everyone was slightly taken aback, but understood after a moment. Suining City is located in the center of the Hejian Basin, surrounded by mountains on all sides. If trenches and walls could be dug and built on the river valley plain along the Fu River to form an outer city, the geographical advantage would make attacking this city even more difficult than ancient capitals like Luoyang. Yuan Yueze gave a thumbs up and praised, "Brother Keda is indeed a seasoned soldier. I didn't even notice that."
Keda Zhi laughed heartily and lowered his head to sip his tea. Yuan Yueze's eyes flashed with lightning, a cold and cruel smile playing on his lips. He said calmly, "What's the use of building a hundred layers of walls? Tonight I'll retrieve General Fang Yi's head. Without a leader, let's see how they defend themselves!"
Everyone present showed respect; no one doubted his boasting. Song Faliang was stunned for a moment before sighing, "My son-in-law's achievements in Longquan are unparalleled. This trip is excellent! No wonder Lord Shen sent Black King here, saying my son-in-law would definitely come to help me..."
He stopped abruptly, glancing at Ke Dazhi, his face showing embarrassment. Yuan Yueze immediately smiled bitterly, thinking that being too capable wasn't always a good thing. He'd been buried underground for months; surely no one at home was worried, thinking he'd gone to Jingzhai for a leisurely trip! Kedazhi noticed Song Faliang's unusual demeanor, laughed heartily, and sighed, "Brother Yuan, I personally witnessed your heroic bearing in Longquan that day. Thirty thousand Golden Wolf soldiers couldn't surround him, and ten thousand arrows couldn't even scratch him."
Ouyang Qian, whose beautiful eyes had been observing him, couldn't help but exclaim with delight, "That's good! Ever since Li Jiancheng was utterly defeated by the Second Young Master and fled in a sorry state, I don't know how he managed to gain Li Yuan's approval again, allowing him to lead a large army into Sichuan to support Chengdu. Young Master, your abilities
are extraordinary. If you can quickly nibble away at the area surrounding Chengdu, our several armies can join forces and quickly surround Chengdu, increasing our chances of victory." Her voice was sweet and clear, her Mandarin pronunciation perfect and without a trace of affectation. Yuan Yueze thought to himself that it was nothing more than the concubines whispering in his ear; only someone as easily swayed as Li Yuan would choose to continue believing in Li Jiancheng. He said, "Miss Ouyang, you're too kind. Lu Shi is right: in war, one must attack cities, because cities are not only strategic points related to the overall situation or a certain area, but also play a role in controlling the transportation and economy of a large area. They are the support and lifeline of the entire war. Whether it's Fangyi or Chengdu, their strategic significance is not small. The sooner we capture them, the less our losses will be!"
Sun Tzu once said: "The best strategy is to attack the enemy's plans; the next best is to disrupt their alliances; the next best is to attack their army; and the worst is to attack their cities." This means that all strategically important cities are thick-walled, high-walled, and protected by moats and rivers, making them easy to defend and difficult to attack, allowing for victories against overwhelming odds. Therefore, even with Sun Tzu's brilliant military strategy, attacking cities is still considered a last resort. If time allowed, the Song army would certainly not be in such a hurry to attack. However, Dou Jiande has already left, and the fate of most of Hebei can be guessed. Therefore, the faster Bashu is captured, the better. Yuan Yueze's arrival directly affects the speed of Chengdu's fall. One day, Yuan Yueze easily carried out his "decapitation operation," holding up the heads of Jie Ang and Li Tang generals atop the dilapidated city walls and shouting orders. Sure enough, without a leader, Fangyi was captured in a single day. Yuan Yueze then marched west, using the same method against the garrison commanders of Longshan and Linqiong. The Li Tang troops stationed in these two prefectures were formidable; even without their commanders, they fought back fiercely, battling until the last man fell. Within a month and a half, all the major towns south of Chengdu had fallen. During this time, Yuan Yueze, through the Black King, established contact with Luoyang. He was most pleased that Liu Heita was still alive and had gone to Luoyang to join Shen Luoyan. The Shandong region south of the Yellow River had been occupied by the Young Marshal's army, and Dugu Feng had also launched an attack along the river, joining forces with the Young Marshal's army to besiege Liyang, which had been occupied by the Li Tang, and engage in a protracted war. The Spring Festival was approaching again. Lian Rou, Fu Junqiang, Xiao He'er, and Yun Zhi, who had come to find him, also arrived at the newly occupied Yang'an City at dusk that day. Yuan Yueze then pulled out Song Yuhua and the other two women, and the eight of them enjoyed Yuan Yueze's cooking. Xiao He'er chewed and said, "By the way, Sister Xiufang sent a message last month saying she was going to Puchanghai."
Yuan Yueze put a piece of meat on Lian Rou's plate and frowned, "Didn't Xiufang go to the Western Regions? Doesn't she like Korean art?"
Yun Zhi replied, "She said in her letter that she received a message from Master Ning, mentioning that Sister Xiufang's mother was not really dead, but was saved by him and sent to live near Puchanghai."
Yuan Yueze felt a chill in his heart and immediately frowned. The other women were all used to being carefree and did not notice his strange expression at all, but Shi Qingxuan, a woman who was both beautiful and intelligent, had been paying close attention to his every expression and movement. Yuan Yueze changed the subject, making the women laugh. After the meal, the four women, exhausted from their journey, and the two women, Song and Li, who were overwhelmed by the teasing, fell into a deep sleep after their wild affair with Yuan Yueze. Yuan Yueze went alone to the courtyard of the inn where he was temporarily staying to admire the waning moon, its beauty both poignant and desolate. "Are you troubled?"
Shi Qingxuan's gentle, captivating voice sounded behind him, pulling him back to reality. Yuan Yueze turned around, a bitter smile on his face, but did not answer her. Under the starlight and moonlight, Shi Qingxuan, dressed in a simple white gown, her long, black hair casually draped over her shoulders, walked gracefully and lightly towards him. She was like a fairy descended from the deepest, darkest starry sky; wherever she was, the world seemed to transform into a dreamlike realm enveloped in a rich, pure fragrance. Leisurely and composed, Shi Qingxuan approached Yuan Yueze, her beautiful eyes gazing at him intently for a moment before finally revealing a smile as bright as moonlight breaking through the clouds. She gently chided, "Why aren't you saying anything? I forgot to ask you about your trip to Jingzhai at dinner. Did you spend months reading scriptures on the mountain?"
Yuan Yueze was both amused and exasperated. He pulled her close, kissing her lips passionately before stopping amidst her protests and soft gasps. He then had her sit on his lap and recounted his experience at Jingzhai. The other women assumed he was busy with official duties or simply traveling, and hadn't even asked about the outcome of his trip to Jingzhai. They assumed it was a minor matter for him, something he would easily resolve. After listening, Shi Qingxuan's face showed an extremely complicated expression. She let out a long sigh before coldly asking, "Then how do you plan to treat Fan Qinghui?"
Yuan Yueze said somewhat displeasedly, "She schemed to harm me, and you still blame me?"
A shadow of sadness flashed in Shi Qingxuan's beautiful eyes, then she shook her head and lowered her head. Yuan Yueze sighed as if talking to himself, "Wherever I, Yuan Yueze, go, I can walk with my head held high and a clear conscience. I have never forced myself on a woman. Only a fool would treat Fan Qinghui as a woman. She is the most outstanding politician. Why can she take my life, but I can't have some fun with her?"
Shi Qingxuan sensed his dissatisfaction and softly said, "Qingxuan was just thinking of Mother, I don't blame you."
Yuan Yueze remained gazing at the moon, waving his hand, "I don't need comforting." "What's done is done, and I won't deny it. Damn it, if I didn't have some skills, I probably wouldn't even know how I died!"
Seeing him go on and on, Shi Qingxuan puffed up her cheeks, her delicate eyebrows furrowed, and glared at him, angrily saying, "I already said I didn't blame you!"
Yuan Yueze lowered his head, scrutinizing her pure and beautiful face, and sighed, "The news about Xiufang that my little sister mentioned at dinner wasn't simple. Qingxuan is so intelligent, didn't you notice something amiss?"
Shi Qingxuan's bright eyes darted around, and she asked in surprise, "Could this be used against you? Ning Daoqi is a Grandmaster, after all
. Even if he were weak, he wouldn't use such despicable methods, would he?" Yuan Yueze stroked her soft, long hair and nodded, "Given Ning Daoqi's character, he certainly wouldn't. But what about the others who know Xiufang's mother's whereabouts?"
Shi Qingxuan's body trembled slightly, and she asked doubtfully, "Is it Fan Qinghui?"
Yuan Yueze nodded and said angrily, "That old nun is not simple at all. She has prepared a series of methods. Even if she can't kill me or trap me, she will lure me away from the Central Plains battlefield. The area around Puchanghai is all endless desert and salt flats. Do you think I would feel at ease letting Xiufang risk her life alone? Let alone whether I can survive in the desert, just the round trip will take at least half a year. Even if I return, the war in the Central Plains should be almost over. What a pity!"
As he spoke, he laughed, appearing quite manic. Shi Qingxuan's lips curled slightly, revealing an extremely charming and adorable expression. She said, "It's a pity she overestimates you, because even without you, the war in the Central Plains wouldn't have made much difference."
Yuan Yueze wrapped his large hand around her slender waist, praising, "If one seeks me through beauty or sound, that person walks a crooked path and cannot see the Tathagata. Prejudice harms people; she, Fan Qinghui, has taken falsehood for truth, unworthy of being a Buddhist!"
Shi Qingxuan giggled, "If Qingxuan were your enemy, she would never dare to underestimate you, no matter how selfless you appear."
Yuan Yueze pondered: “I suspect Xiufang’s mother was rescued by Ning Daoqi. As for why she didn’t return to the Central Plains to see her daughter, I can’t guess,”
Shi Qingxuan interjected. “Could she be living in that Wushuang Kingdom you mentioned?”
Yuan Yueze paused, then nodded and said, “I hope Chengdu can be captured soon. Then I can go back to Luoyang for a look, and then I’ll set off westward. Xiufang will take at least four or five months to reach Puchanghai from Goryeo. Heh! It would be great if I could see Liu Yu hiding in the Western Regions!”
With that, he picked up Shi Qingxuan and carried her towards her boudoir. Shi Qingxuan exclaimed in horror, “What are you doing? Put me down!”
Yuan Yueze said sarcastically, “Let me serve Qingxuan so she can go to bed!”
Shi Qingxuan’s cheeks flushed crimson, turning red to her ears, but she couldn’t struggle to get down. She could only whisper a few words in his ear with pleading eyes. Yuan Yueze chuckled, "Then I'll just hold Qingxuan and have a comfortable nap!"
Shi Qingxuan's body was burning hot, her face flushed and her heart pounding, yet she was helpless. She could only roll her eyes at him, seemingly sensing something, and said, "Fan Qinghui isn't actually a bad person."
Yuan Yueze scoffed, "Nothing in this world is absolute. What makes her so sure that her thoughts and opinions are correct? My master has lived for millions of years, as long as heaven and earth, and has never been so arrogant. Perhaps she truly cares for the people, but she has been misled by the illusions of a heart without substance and has become a demon. She used Xiufang to lure me westward into the desert, exchanging her life's cultivation and two lives for the lives of the world. This demonic possession is thorough enough!"
Shi Qingxuan thought to herself, "Your background is so strange, how can anyone easily believe you?" However, she understood in her heart that Yuan Yueze's warm heart and concern for ordinary people were far beyond those who spouted morality and talked about serving the country and the people. His concern came from the bottom of his heart. With a soft sigh, Shi Qingxuan pressed her head against his chest.
Huiling Mausoleum, located in the southern suburbs of Chengdu, comprises a screen wall, fences, a spirit path, a sleeping hall, gate towers, and the tomb itself, arranged along a north-south central axis. The grounds are lush with vegetation and ancient cypress trees, devoid of human presence. At sunset, a languid tranquility pervades the area, blending with the intangible, chilling atmosphere of war hanging over Chengdu, creating a unique and indescribable feeling. Behind the hall housing the statues is a tall earthen mound surrounded by red walls. Beneath the overgrown mound lies a spacious, small hall-like secret chamber. Four large lanterns hang in various corners, illuminating the basement brighter than the surface. A carpet embroidered with yellow and green patterns covers the floor. The chamber contains only an exquisitely crafted rosewood tea table and several comfortable, thick leather cushions. Li Jiancheng, Xie Hui, and Xie Wenlong, all dressed casually, sit solemnly on the cushions, silently sipping fragrant tea. Jie Hui's gaze was drawn into the gentle ripples in the teacup, his thoughts seemingly drifting back to over forty years ago. On a sweltering summer day, Song Que and Jie Hui met on business. Having witnessed firsthand the heroic and arrogant Song Que, Jie Hui was instantly captivated, and the two became friends. Together, they swept away the fierce bandits ravaging the Shu region, facing numerous life-and-death situations side-by-side, deepening their friendship. Later, Fan Qinghui, because of Bi Xiuxin and Shi Zhixuan's affair, ventured into the martial world, encountering Song and Jie, who were also seeking revenge on Shi Zhixuan, at a roadside intersection. The young Fan Qinghui was unbelievably beautiful; even seeing her in person, one couldn't believe such a person existed in the mortal realm. Song and Jie couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for her. She then engaged in a lively discussion with Song Que about the state of the world, the rise and fall of dynasties throughout history. Although Jie Hui was merely an observer, he remembered every word they spoke and was deeply moved by her compassionate spirit and noble sentiments, which he dared not forget for a moment. Therefore, when Fan Qinghui secretly sent a letter explaining the reasons behind the Xuanmen's choice to support Li Shimin, Jie Hui resolutely chose to support the Li Tang dynasty. He was not one to crave power and wealth; had the world not been in chaos, he would likely have long since retired to the mountains, entrusted his family to his son, and ceased to concern himself with worldly affairs. He did this because he firmly believed that his actions were not for the honor or disgrace of the Jie family, but for the well-being of all people. Song Que's letter to him clearly stated his position and views, and no one could shake his conviction, including Fan Qinghui. Similarly, no one could change Jie Hui's position and views. As for Li Yuanji's second statement that the news of Song Yuhua's presence in Luoyang was absolutely true, it did not have much impact on Jie Hui. Yuan Yueze's previous predictions were wrong; Jie Hui truly deserves to be called the most devoted person in this space. The sudden breach of the southern barrier of Sichuan by the Song clique threw Jie Hui's forces into disarray. The "Gun King" Fan Zhuo of the Sichuan clique, the "Monkey King" Feng Zhen of the Qiang, the "Beauty" Sina of the Yao, the "Eagle King" Jiao Luofeng of the Miao, and the "Wolf King" Chuan Mouxun of the Yi all united to resist Jie Hui's arbitrary actions, leading to a breakdown in relations between the various factions. Jie Hui ignored his opponents and called on the people of Chengdu to support him, but the response was lukewarm, as most Chengdu residents shared Fan Zhuo's opinion that Sichuan should at least maintain neutrality until the Central Plains were unified. However, Jie Hui secretly evacuated the women, children, and incapacitated members of his clan from Duzun Fort to this sizable underground chamber, leaving only his own soldiers to guard Duzun Fort. This action alone revealed his determination to fight to the death. No one in Chengdu understood why Jie Hui would make such a desperate decision, gamble everything on Li Yuan. Two days ago, the vanguard and follow-up troops of the Song clan had converged and headed north, with a total force exceeding 120,000. Various powerful siege weapons, newly developed, were successively transported from the waterways and began a relentless bombardment of Shuangliu City. Fortunately, the allied forces of Li Tang and Duzun Fort had begun to guard against Yuan Yueze's "decapitation operation," and the main generals rarely showed themselves, only planning and directing from behind the scenes. This did not pose a significant disadvantage for the defense of the city. To prevent Yuan Yueze from infiltrating Chengdu to carry out the "decapitation operation," Xie Hui and the main generals moved into this secret refuge, which was originally only known to the Xie family. Chengdu originally had only about 10,000 troops belonging to the Duzun Fort system, which was a mere rabble compared to the Song family army. Fortunately, the Tang army of 100,000 arrived. Li Jiancheng initially wanted to launch a pincer attack, but when he heard that Song Fa had swept through the south and central parts of Sichuan and Yuan Yueze with overwhelming force, he realized that although he was always arrogant and willful, he was no ordinary person. Otherwise, how could he have secured his position as crown prince? He immediately transported all his troops and supplies into the city. After a period of gathering supplies, the accumulated food and provisions were enough to sustain Chengdu for a year and a half. The Li Tang army on the northern route was winning victory after victory, and had completely controlled the area north of the Yellow River. Although Li Yuanji had angered the people of Hebei and Shandong, it had little practical impact, because the principle of "the victor is king, the loser is villain" was an unchangeable truth. In the struggle for power, there was no room for morality or sentimentality; benevolence and righteousness were merely one means of winning people's hearts. Li Shimin on the central route, though not making significant progress, was still a force to be reckoned with. This was mainly due to the immense pressure he bore and his defensive prowess. Everyone knew that once Li Shimin gained the initiative, the enemy would inevitably be defeated. Therefore, the defense of Chengdu could not be lost again, otherwise Li Jiancheng would be completely overwhelmed by his two brothers. Jie Wenlong recalled last night's nightmare: a dark mass of Song Dynasty soldiers swarmed up the breached city wall, while the waiting defenders threw boiling oil from cauldrons down, and arrows rained down from the walls, watchtowers, and high points, spraying up blood and flesh. Both sides' elite troops continuously reinforced each other, making the battle extremely fierce. He thought of Song Shidao, who hadn't participated in the attack, and then of the Song sisters, Yu Hua and Song Yuhua. In truth, he was extremely satisfied with his current emotional life; whether Song Yuhua had truly followed Yuan Yueze was of no concern to him. He was merely lamenting how his close sibling relationship with the three Song siblings had deteriorated to this point. Although he disagreed with his father's decision, he was forced to stand with Jie Hui out of filial piety and to protect the family, just as Song Shidao had his own stance. Everyone changes according to their different positions, personal interests, and the ups and downs of fate. Life is sometimes so helpless. "Knock, knock, knock!"
A strange, soft knocking sound came from the corridor, pulling the three lost in thought back to reality. Jie Hui gave the signal, and a man dressed as a scout entered, kneeling awkwardly to report: "Your Highness, Lord of the Fortress, Young Lord of the Fortress, Shuangliu City fell half an hour ago. The Song Clan's 'Thunderclap Thunder' launched four times and has entered the city to rest and reorganize. There is no further movement for now. Most of our troops have retreated to outside the city through the secret passage."
The three exchanged glances and nodded. "Thunderclap Thunder" was the name of the most advanced long-range siege crossbow developed by Lu Miaozi. It took countless efforts over the years to successfully produce five units, and the Song Clan brought two this time.

[Last edited by jaychou2011 on 12-23 10:27]

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