《The Check-In System, Starting with the Sunflower Martial Art for Eunuchs》
Chapter 1: Starting with the Sunflower Manual
Chapter 1: Starting with the Sunflower Manual
Grand Xia Imperial Court.
The Cold Pce, Central Region Imperial City.
Lin Ping looked up at the dpidated and deste imperial pce in front of him. Then, he remembered what he had said to imperial maid Nan Xiang this morning and could not help but shiver.
"Even though I, Lin Ping, am a mere eunuch, I''m a eunuch with moral character!
"You, Nan Xiang, want to demand sexual services from me? Impossible!
"Even if you assign me to the cold pce to die, I will definitely not agree!"
Then, after rejecting her in the morning, he was assigned to the cold pce in the afternoon.
When Lin Ping thought about this, he was so furious that he was incensed.
He was truly irritated!
Lin Ping''s soul did not belong to this world: it had transmigrated here.
Transmigration was not rare and happened every day. However, Lin Ping simply could not stand bing a castrated eunuch in the imperial pce after transmigrating here.
His name was Lin Ping, in hopes that he could live a peaceful life, but he did not want to be like Lin Pingzhi!
However, what was even worse was that after he had just transmigrated and became a eunuch, an old imperial maid over the age of 30 wanted to demand sexual favors from him on the basis of his young and handsome looks!
Of course, Lin Ping would not ept this!
Wasn''t this bullying the honest?
I am not a simp!
I will not stick out my tongue so easily!
Thus, Lin Ping was assigned to the cold pce in the afternoon.
It turned out that the background of imperial maid Nan Xiang was not simple. While she bullied young and handsome eunuchs like Lin Ping, she served the Directorate of Ceremonial''s head eunuch, Zhang Yaoting. The two of them were even lovers!
Thus, it was not difficult for her to send Lin Ping to the Changmen Pce.
The Changmen Pce was the cold pce.
It was also the ce where Her Majesty Chun Fei was staying in.
As for exactly what crime Her Majesty Chun Fei hadmitted and why she was sent to the cold pce by the emperor, no one knew.
However, only two out of all the imperial maids that had been banished there three years ago were still alive. Furthermore, the emperor had never visited the Changmen Pce nor sent anyone there to deliver any messages.
One could imagine that Chun Fei no longer had the hope of being spoiled by the emperor in this lifetime and could only die of old age here.
This was fine. After all, being a eunuch was the same everywhere else, and life in the cold pce was only slightly tougher and harder to endure. However, what was more taxing to the eunuchs was the fact that the current Changmen Pce was a "damned pce"!
If ordinary eunuchs served there, they would not live long and would not be able to survive.
After all, ever since Chun Fei was sent to the cold pce, a eunuch would typically die after a period of time. Till present, no eunuch that had entered Changmen Pce had lived for more than half a year!
Over the past three years, over ten eunuchs had met their deaths there!
Every time Changmen Pce was recruiting new eunuchs, the lowest ss of eunuchs in the pce would tremble in fear of being assigned there.
"Don''t stand around. Enter!" A thin and old eunuch, who wore a blue round-cored shirt with a white egret embroidered at the chest, was holding a horsetail whisk. He spoke to Lin Ping with a sharp voice, "If you are chosen to be sent to the cold pce, you cannot me anyone else but yourself for having a poor life. When you reincarnate in your next life, your eyes have to be sharper. You have to clearly see which people you cannot offend!"
Then, the old eunuch left.
"Hu~~"
Lin Ping stood at the door. His expression changed several times before he took a deep breath and knocked on therge door.
Since he was already here, there was no way to escape. He would just go in and take a look.
At the very worst, he would die!
In any case, living was not much better than death.
Just as Brother Xun had once said, "Some live when they are already dead. Some have died but are still alive."
Hm? Did Brother Xun say this?
Bang bang bang!
After knocking on the door and waiting for a long time, there was a cracking noise from the dpidated door when it was opened from the inside. An imperial maid, who had her hair in a high bun and wore a pale blue skirt that swept across the ground, walked out. She saw Lin Ping standing outside the door and coldly asked, "Are you the new eunuch? What''s your name?"
"Sister Yun Su, I am Lin Ping," Lin Ping hurriedly replied.
"Then I''ll call you Little Lin from now on. Come in."
The imperial maid led the way and calmly said, "The eunuchs they sent over this time are not ugly. You look rather intelligent, so why were you assigned to Changmen Pce? Who did you offend? Forget it, these are not important. Work hard after youe here. If you perform well, perhaps you can live slightly longer"
Beforeing, Lin Ping had heard about the situation in Changmen Pce from his roommate, a fellow eunuch. Thus, he roughly knew some information.
The imperial maid was called Yun Su, and she was Chun Fei''s personal servant. She had apanied Chun Fei when she first entered the pce. Later on, when Chun Fei was sent to the cold pce, she only brought Yun Su.
Over the past three years, the eunuchs in Changmen Pce had continually died one after another, yet this imperial maid had always lived well.
From the looks of things, her identity was truly not ordinary. She waspletely different from those eunuchs.
She had also simply warned Lin Ping that if he performed well, perhaps he could live slightly longer!
Just as Lin Ping was thinking about how to be friendly and polite, he was suddenly dumbfounded.
[Congrattions to Host for sessfully activating the Registration System.]
[The System will refresh once every three days. As long as Host checks into the stipted location, you will receive rewards.]
[Current Check In Location: Changmen Pce.]
[You have reached the Check In Location. Would you like to check in?]
Check in?
Was this a cheat?
Lin Ping''s mind instantly operated swiftly, although his defenses were muddled by this pleasant surprise.
Transmigration happened every day, so the Golden Finger was also a natural urrence! There was no need to make a fuss out of nothing.
He had to remain steady and could not be carried away with joy.
"I will check in!" Lin Ping silently shouted in his heart.
[Ding! Congrattions to Host for sessfully checking in. You have received the "Sunflower Manual".]
When Lin Ping heard the notification sound from the System, he tightly clenched the fists he had hidden in his sleeves.
The Sunflower Manual?
Was his beginning so impressive?
If he was not a eunuch but had assumed another identity, Lin Ping would have definitely cursed if the System rewarded him with the Sunflower Manual.
But now, it had arrived at the right time!
What was the most opportune thing to a eunuch?
Of course it was the Sunflower Manual!
Crash!
A vast wave of information instantly surged through Lin Ping''s mind. These were the secret records and passages regarding the Sunflower Manual.
"To learn these mystic skills, you must castrate yourself!"
"To cultivate this skill, you must first nurture your heart. There cannot be any distracting thoughts in your heart, and you must be above worldly considerations. If there are distracting thoughts in your heart, not only will it be inefficient, your life will also be in danger."
As several passages from the Sunflower Manual appeared in Lin Ping''s head, he alsoprehended many abstruse and obscure meanings of cultivation at the same time.
"During this time, you should calm your heart and fill it with essential qi. Abandon the distracting thoughts in your heart, and imagine that a fairy from heaven has arrived with a sweet fragrance. Then, your qi will rise from your dantian"
This meant that after he checked in, not only did the System reward Lin Ping with the unique and mystical skill "Sunflower Manual", it had also helped him resolve various predicaments in his path of cultivation!
Aspared to others, the speed at which he cultivated this mystical skill would be
No. He would be 10 times, even 100 times, faster than other eunuchs!
He would be able to be an expert in a very short span of time. When the time came, he would have a certain level of ability to defend himself. He would not casually die like an extra on stage.
Lin Ping, who had been ready to die, was now truly alive.
Since the System was here, he had hope; with the System, even eunuchs could regain their masculinity!
After all, from the books that Lin Ping had read in his past life, this should be a martial arts world. Experts could move mountains and fill the seas and even sever rivers in one sh!
If his aplishments were good enough and he learned a particr skill, it was not impossible for that part of him to "revive"!
"Little Lin, why are you standing dumbfounded at the door? Hurry up ande in!"
Yun Su had realized that there was no sound of footsteps behind her and turned around to see Lin Ping standing dazedly at the door. She could not help but furrow her eyebrows.
This eunuch seemed rather intelligent, so he shouldn''t be an idiot, right?
If he was really stupid, he might not even survive a month.
"Ah I''ming."
Lin Ping, who had collected his reward, recovered from his shock. Then, he hurriedly jogged forward.
Chapter 2: Chicken-Flavored Perfect Nourishing Pill
Chapter 2: Chicken-vored Perfect Nourishing Pill
Lin Ping had just registered the Sunflower Manual. Thus, his excitement was hard to describe, but there were not many signs of it on his face.
He listened attentively to the arrangements that imperial maid Yun Su had made for him, including what work he had to do and what he had to take note of while living in Changmen Pce from now on.
He was now still a weak little chicken and could not be disobedient.
Furthermore, even if he became even more impressive, Lin Ping would not expose his strength that quickly. At the very least, he was prepared to remain ignorant and notpete for anything before he "revived".
Eunuchs were all not true men. What could theypete for? So what if they won the entire world?
He was better off staying low-key and cultivating!
Changmen Pce was not small. It had over ten rooms, but only three people were living in the pce.
These three people were Lin Ping, Yun Su, and the mysterious Majesty Chun Fei.
Lin Ping did not actually have much work to do.
Yun Su served Her Majesty Chun Fei for her daily affairs and did not require his help. Thus, Lin Ping''s main job was more or less just sweeping the floor.
After some careful calctions, his work was much more rxed than before!
This was just nice. After he finished sweeping the floor, Lin Ping had a lot of time to cultivate the Sunflower Manual.
After arranging Lin Ping''s living quarters and the work he had to do, Yun Su had told him with a cold expression, "Even though Changmen Pce is the cold pce, the rules that have to be adhered to should still be adhered to! Do more and ask less. Don''t be curious!
"When you sleep, close the windows properly. If you asionally hear any movement, don''t ask too much. Act as if you are deaf and blind!
"Did you understand that?"
"I understand." Lin Ping nodded his head.
However, he felt timid on the inside.
Close the windows properly at night, and don''t ask too much if there are any movements?
Could it be that this cold pce was haunted? If not, how could so many eunuchs die over the past few years?
Luckily, he had the Golden Finger. As long as he could endure for two or three months without dying, he would definitely have some capital.
In the blink of an eye, two days had passed.
As expected, the Sunflower Manual was a secret record of mystic skills that was rare in the world. Furthermore, it was one of the most suitable cultivation methods for eunuchs. Even though only a short span of two days had passed, Lin Ping had experienced massive changes after starting cultivation.
Not only had internal energy emerged within his body, he had also learned some basic qinggong and movement techniques. His pace was extremely fast!
After all, the Sunflower Manual was famous for its fast speed.
Regardless of whether it was in terms of movement techniques, needle techniques, or sword techniques, they were all particr about speed!
They were so fast that they did not have any ws. Or rather, even if there were any ws, the opponent simply could not react to them in time.
Two days aftering to Changmen Pce, Lin Ping had not even seen Her Majesty Chun Fei. She seemed to stay inside a room all the time and did not show herself. He did not know what she was doing, and it was extremely mysterious.
On the contrary, Lin Ping interacted a lot with imperial maid Yun Su.
Even though she was very strict and constantly had a cold expression on her face, she had never deliberately picked fault with nor made things difficult for Lin Ping. She simply treated him as a passer-by or as a tool who swept the floor.
To her, such a eunuch was not even worth directly looking at. How could he be worth creating trouble for? It would be no more than a waste of her time!
Lin Ping was also d to see this. He did not mind being an unremarkable eunuch who was ignored. It was enough as long as he was safe and his life was not in danger!
Indeed, he had not encountered any danger over the past two days. Even though the night wind was strong, to the point that his windows rumbled, and it was slightly gloomy and terrifying, the pce was not haunted.
However, on the third night since Lin Ping entered Changmen Pce, danger had finally arrived!
It was not because this ce was haunted.
Instead, a ck-clothed assassin had charged into the cold pce and wanted to assassinate Chun Fei. This person was highly skilled in qinggong. He had leaped onto roofs and vaulted over walls without making a sound.
However, when he infiltrated Chun Fei''s room and was prepared tond the killing blow, he had never thought that he would be discovered so quickly, so he wound up missing his target because Yun Su had appeared. Chun Fei''s personal maid was also a martial art expert and was skilled in sword techniques!
The long sword was natural and spontaneous in her hands. Shepletely suppressed the assassin, forcing him to retreat continuously.
By coincidence no one really knew whether this was by coincidence or by intention the assassin retreated to Lin Ping''s room. Then, he grabbed Lin Ping in one swoop and took him hostage!
"Damn!"
At this moment, Lin Ping finally realized why Changmen Pce was full of danger and why ordinary eunuchs could only survive for at most half a month before they died.
However, he had acted like a deaf and blind person tonight. He had never asked about the fight happening outside and had hidden in his room as if he did not know anything.
How did danger still knock on his door?
"Retreat! You''d better retreat! If not, I will kill him!"
The assassin simply grabbed Lin Ping''s throat with one hand while threatening Yun Su.
Yun Su was indifferent. She held her long sword in her hand and closed in on the assassin whileughing coldly. "Do you think that you can threaten me by kidnapping a eunuch? You probably don''t know the rules in Changmen Pce, right? Eunuchs can casually be killed in Changmen Pce."
When Lin Ping heard this, his face turned several shades paler.
How heartless!
Was the life of a eunuch not a life?
However, even though Lin Ping had an extremely frightened expression on his face, he forcibly stabilized himself and did not panic. Meanwhile, two embroidery needles had silently appeared in his hands.
If he had encountered this two days ago, he could have only sat and waited for his death.
As for now
To eunuchs, the Sunflower Manual was simply an unparalleled technique that could be mastered quickly. Furthermore, Lin Ping did not encounter any bottlenecks in his cultivation and made tremendous improvement. He cultivated in two days what others took two months to achieve.
Moreover, the assassin treated him as a eunuch who could not resist. He should have a chance of surviving with a surprise attack.
However, just as Lin Ping was prepared to attack
Suddenly, there was a whooshing sound. The assassin did not even have the time to react when a bloody wound suddenly appeared on his hand. The hand that was holding Lin Ping''s neck instantly turned limp and powerless. Then, his body copsed to the ground.
It was obvious that he waspletely dead.
Meanwhile, a beautiful figure dressed in a white dress slowly walked out from the darkness. Her figure was slim and slender, and her graceful and thin waist entuated her curves. Her appearance was like a freshwater lotus that was both beautiful and colorful.
"Your Majesty." Imperial maid Yun Su put away her sword and bowed in greeting.
Upon seeing this, Lin Ping hurriedly lowered his head and bowed. "Good day, Your Majesty Chun Fei!"
Changmen Pce only had three people and only one imperial concubine Chun Fei!
However, Lin Ping had never expected that not only did imperial maid Yun Su practice martial arts, Chun Fei had even greater martial art attainments!
She had killed the assassin with that attack in a sh. Even Lin Ping could not react at all.
"Let''s do away with the formalities."
Chun Fei waved her hand and said to Yun Su, "Throw the corpse over the wall. Someone will naturally dispose of it."
"Yes." Yun Su nodded her head. Then, she picked up the assassin''s corpse and threw it outside Changmen Pce without a care. She seemed extremely familiar with this.
It was obvious that it was not the first or second time this had happened.
"You are Little Lin, right?" Chun Fei looked at Lin Ping and said, "Pretend that what happened tonight never urred. Forget about it once you go to sleep. If you obediently listen to me, when you face such a situation in the future, I will do my best to preserve your life. But if you don''t listen"
She did not continue her sentence, but her meaning was very clear.
Lin Ping hurriedly nodded his head.
What else could he say during times like this?
One had to be humble when trapped in a disadvantageous situation. Furthermore, these two women had "saved" his life and did not allow the assassin to kill him.
Changmen Pce was truly filled with danger. It was no wonder that over ten eunuchs had died over the past three years!
Even though he had gotten through today''s daunting experience without any mishaps, he could not say for sure whether or not he would be as lucky in the future!
Could he rely on a pretty woman like Chun Fei? This was obviously not reliable!
If she could save him, then she would. However, if she could not save him and he died an unnatural death, there would be no impact on her.
He still had to depend on himself!
Thus, Lin Ping had to work hard to "check in" and cultivate in order to raise his strength as quickly as possible!
If not, he would be in a precarious state at Changmen Pce. He was not certain when he would lose his life!
Finally, the third day arrived.
[Check In Location Refreshed.]
[Check In Location: Imperial Dining Room.]
The check in had been refreshed.
However, when he heard the check in location from the System notification, Lin Ping furrowed his eyebrows.
The check in location had changed and was no longer in the cold pce.
Luckily, it was still within the imperialpound and not outside it.
If it was outside the pce, with Lin Ping''s current identity, he would get in trouble. He was a mere eunuch in the cold pce who did not have the opportunity nor rights to exit the imperialpound.
As long as it was within thepound, it was fine.
After he finished sweeping the ground in the morning, Yun Su happened to be in the courtyard washing her and Her Majesty Chun Fei''s clothes.
Lin Ping waited at the side for a long time. When he saw that Yun Su had finished washing the clothes, he hurriedly went forth and attempted to ask her, "Sister Yun Su, I''d like to make a trip outside in a while. May I do so?"
"For what purpose?" Yun Su asked coldly.
"This time, I was assigned to Changmen Pce very hurriedly. I did not have the opportunity to bring over some cheap but significant items. Thus, I''d like to go back and get them." Lin Ping had already thought of an excuse.
When Yun Su heard this, she did not hesitate and immediately nodded her head. Then, she calmly said, "Go. In the future, there''s no need to report such minor things to me. As long as you return in an hour, do as you see fit."
Perhaps it was because Lin Ping had not lost control when he was held hostage by the assassinst night. After the incident, he had "obediently" acted calm, as if he had forgotten about it.
These wise actions satisfied Yun Su. Thus, her attitude towards Lin Ping was slightly better.
Whenever a eunuch died, a new one would rece him very quickly.
However, a smart and obedient eunuch that was rather handsome was much better than a nuisance.
Thus, in her heart, Yun Su hoped that Lin Ping would be able to live for slightly longer.
When Lin Ping heard this, he was overjoyed and hurriedly thanked her. "Thank you, Sister Yun Su!"
With this, it would be much easier for his "check ins" that happened every three days!
The imperial dining hall was at the western part of the imperialpound and upied arge surface area. It consisted of a meal room, a tea room, a meat room, and a meat-drying room. This ce was responsible for the meals of the Emperor, the imperial wives and concubines, and the other members of the imperial family, as well as celebratory banquets.
Naturally, there would be people on guard in every corner of the imperial dining room. Ordinary people were not allowed into the kitchen to prevent people from stealing food.
However, they could walk past outside and smell the food.
[Ding! Congrattions to Host for sessfully checking in. You have received one "Perfect Nourishment Pill"!]
When he heard the sound of a sessful check in from the System, Lin Ping walked one round around the imperial dining hall before turning around and returning to Changmen Pce.
After closing the door and windows, he took out the dark golden perfect nourishment pill, which was half the size of his fist, from the System with sparkling eyes.
This pill was slightlyrge. It was not thumb-sized like the pills he had seen from TV and movies in his previous life.
However, this was not an obstacle to him. Lin Ping put it in his mouth and chewed it several times before it went into his stomach, as if it was an apple.
After he finished eating it, he smacked his lips due to the aftertaste.
It felt rather crispy and tasted like chicken.
It was rather tasty.
Crash!
The next moment, Lin Ping did not have the time to recall the taste of the perfect nourishing pill. When it entered his stomach, the efficacy of the pill manifested. In an instant, the pill turned into a turbulent flow that surged throughout his body, particrly his blood vessels.
Lin Ping hurriedly recollected himself and activated the teachings of the Sunflower Manual.
"Your energy will return to your dantian by traveling up your left leg. Throughout this process, if any part of your body trembles, use your left hand to press on it if it is on your right, and use your right hand to press on it if it is on your left. Furthermore, imagine that it is a fairy from heaven that is pressing on your body. You will feel your ears rumbling, and your mouth will be full of saliva, which you will swallow three times. This process will repeat itself thirty-six times"
Rumble.
In an instant, the internal energy within Lin Ping''s body that had only been cultivated for three days and was still very weak was growing at a visible speed.
In the short span of less than five minutes
He simply heard a cracking sound.
Within Lin Ping''s body, something that resembled a membrane broke!
Chapter 3: Three Years of Internal Energy and the Nine Yin Sutra!
Chapter 3: Three Years of Internal Energy and the Nine Yin Sutra!
No wonder it was worthy of being called the perfect nourishing pill. Such a pill was simply wonderful!
After the effect of the medicine had worn off, Lin Ping slowly opened his eyes. When he moved, an unprecedented sense of strength and power filled his whole body. If one carefully calcted based on the speed of his cultivation in the past three days, the effect of this perfect nourishing pill had allowed him to surpass three years of hard cultivation!
One pill actually allowed him to gain three years'' worth of internal energy!
Shua!
His figure flickered, and all that could be seen was an afterimage. Lin Ping had appeared in another corner of the room in the blink of an eye, as if he was a ghost.
Crash!
With a strike from his palm, a stool in the room fell apart without resistance.
"With my current level of internal energy, I should be considered a grade-1 master. However, if I take into ount my movement technique, speed, and so on, I amparable to that of a grade-2 martial artist"
Lin Ping was excited, and his eyes lit up.
He had already inquired clearly about somemon knowledge in this world. From what he could tell, this was like a fantasy world simr to Gao Wu, with countless powerhouses.
There was already an existing structure that ranked and judged the strength of a martial artist. The weakest of them were ranked as grade-1 martial artists, while the strongest were ranked as grade-9 martial artists!
The first grade was the lowest, where one was considered to have just joined the ranks of martial artists, while the ninth grade was the highest, with each one of them being a reputable powerhouse in their area.
For those ordinary people who practiced martial arts and had good talent and possessed a good cultivation technique, they were considered lucky if they could achieve a martial arts grade within five or six years. If their talent was not as good, or if they did not possess a good cultivation technique, they might not even be able to be a grade-1 martial artist even with 10 years of hard work.
Of course, the grading system only took into ount the general cultivation base of an individual. One''s true level of strength could not be clearly divided and recognized using the grades.
For example, Lin Ping''s Sunflower Manual, which he was currently cultivating, heavily focused on one''s movement technique and speed. The swordsmanship and needle skills in the manual were even more difficult to guard against when mastered. Even if he was only regarded as a grade-1 martial artist based on his internal energy, many grade-2 were definitely not as good as him in these aspects.
I can''t be arrogant. I must stay humble!
This is just the beginning! A grade-1 cultivation base is nothing in this world. They merely y the role of cannon fodder. In this pce, any eunuch or courtdy that is just slightly more powerful than me can p me to death easily.
My focus should be to work hard, to check in, and to cultivate in secret!
Lin Ping quietly warned himself not to be too arrogant and look down on others.
Not talking about the others, even courtdy Yun Su was far stronger than him!
Based on Yun Su''s strength that was shownst night, although Lin Ping was unable to urately gauge it, he felt that she definitely had at least the cultivation base of grade-3, or even grade-4.
Not to mention that concubine!
Chun Fei was an unfathomable woman and seemed very powerful. She was not someone that Lin Ping could currently mess with.
Therefore, Lin Ping did not show any abnormality. He regarded himself as a little eunuch or a passerby, working when it was time to work and sweeping the floor when it was time to sweep the floor.
He obediently did whatever Yun Su ordered.
Three dayster.
The System had once again refreshed. The next check-in destination was still within the imperialpound.
However, it was not as close and as easy to ess as the imperial dining room previously. This time, the ce he had to go to was heavily guarded, the security of the area many times higher than that of the Changmen Pce!!
The check-in destination this time was the Emperor''s study room and library, the Imperial Study Room!
Under normal circumstances, let alone Lin Ping, even Yun Su would not have the right to approach the Imperial Study Room.
As for sneaking in or secretly entering the Imperial Study Room at night, such action was no different frommitting suicide.
There were nearly a hundred thousand eunuchs and maids in thepound, as well as countless guards and soldiers. On top of that, no one knew how many martial arts masters were also here.
He was not sure whether there was a grade-9 martial arts master in the ce. However, the number of grade-7 and grade-8 masters was definitely not little!
If he met with a top-tier martial artist, he would not even know how he died when he was discovered!
However, Lin Ping quickly thought of a way.
He was close with someone who happened to be working as a little errand eunuch in the Imperial Study Room!
He was called Little Guizi.
"What?! Take you to the Imperial Study Room for a walk? No! Don''t even think about it!"
Little Guizi, who looked in but had very clever eyes, was very happy to see Lin Pinge out from the cold pce to reminisce with him about the past.
But when he heard of Lin Ping''s request, he immediately refused.
"I just want to go to the Imperial Study Room to take a look. Don''t worry. I will leave immediately after taking a look. I will definitely not stay, even for the slightest bit!" Lin Ping promised.
"No matter what, the answer is a no." Xiao Guizi shook his head resolutely. "Little Pingzi, are you intending to drag me down after being sent to the cold pce?"
"Do I look like that kind of person?"
Lin Ping sighed and said, "I shall not hide it any longer My biggest wish in this life is to have a look at the Imperial Study Room one day.
"Because I used to be a schr! Unfortunately, although I have been in the imperialpound for so many years, I have never been able to see the Imperial Study Room. Now that I have been sent to the cold pce, if I were to die one day unknowingly, I would definitely die with grievance."
Little Guizi frowned when he heard Lin Ping''s words and said suspiciously, "Little Pingzi, you used to be a schr, and your biggest wish was to take a look at the Imperial Study Room? Why haven''t I heard you say such a thing before? You are definitely lying to me!"
Lin Ping did not talk any more nonsense. He took out a pouch from his clothes and stuffed it into Little Guizi''s hand and directly said, "The savings that I have kept for the past few years are all here. Little Guizi, if you can help me realize my wish, these silvers are yours"
Little Guizi, who had firmly expressed his disagreement previously, became less determined after the money was pushed into his hands.
His eyes darted around, but after carefully weighing the risks involved, he quietly put the pouch away and said, "This is not a question of money. We are friends. Since Little Pingzi has this wish, then I shall help you fulfill it before your death.
"But let me make it clear to you first, we are merely going to take a look at the Imperial Study Room! After taking a nce at it, you have to leave immediately, and you can''t stay, not even briefly!"
Lin Ping smiled slightly as if he had expected it. He nodded and promised, "Don''t worry. I just want to take a look!"
Little Guizi had a good rtionship with him. However, Lin Ping was a very cautious person and wouldn''t take unnecessary risks for himself.
On the other hand, Little Guizi was a gambler, very greedy, and short of money. As long as he was given enough money, he would be willing to take risks.
As for Lin Ping, he had no interest in money currently.
Therefore, that afternoon, Little Guizi picked a time when no one was inside and took Lin Ping into the Imperial Study Room.
[Ding! Congrattions to Host for sessfully checking in. You have received the "Nine Yin Sutra".]
In the imperial study room.
After hearing the System''s notification, Lin Ping was so excited that he clenched his fists silently.
This risk was really worth it!
It turned out to be another piece of peerless martial arts, the Nine Yin Sutra!
ording to the legends, the Nine Yin Sutra originated from a civil official of the former dynasty who learned the principles of martial arts through proofreading the "Tao Zang". Later, in order to enact revenge, he lived in seclusion for 40 years before creating this peerless martial art.
In terms of raw power, the Nine Yin Sutra was not necessarily better than the Sunflower Manual.
But in terms ofprehensiveness, the Sunflower Manual was far inferior to the Nine Yin Sutra!
This was because the Nine Yin Sutra included techniques to refine one''s muscles and bones, healing techniques, acupuncture skills, palm skills, fist skills, w skills, and even skills that influenced one''s soul!
It could be said that the Nine Yin Sutra was a martial arts encyclopedia!
Moreover, although the martial arts recorded in it might not be considered the best, none were weak or useless!
Lin Ping took a deep breath and whispered while resisting the excitement in his heart, "Let''s go, Little Guizi."
"Ah? We are going already?"
Little Guizi was stunned. He was nning to exin to Lin Ping the structure of the Imperial Study Room. However, who knew that he was intending to leave the moment after he just walked into the room?
He really wanted to merely take a look?
Then this money had reallye too easily.
Ai. Little Ping is a good person after all!
It was a pity he was not too bright nor quick on his feet, making him offend the old woman Nan Xiang, causing him to be sentenced to serve in the cold pce.
Was the cold pce a ce where people could live and stay for long?
It was practically considered a haunted house. No one who went there could live for more than half a year!
Only the heavens knew how long Little Pingzi could stay in there.
Since Little Pingzi had given all his savings to him this time, if he died in the future, I would burn some paper money for him during the festive periods
Chapter 4: An Unexpected Guest in the Cold Palace
Chapter 4: An Unexpected Guest in the Cold Pce
Time flew by as a year went past quickly.
For the past year, Lin Ping had been cultivating in the Changmen Pce in a low-key manner. Every day, all he did was check in or cultivate.
Perhaps it was because the imperialplex was too big or because there were countless buildings or maybe because Lin Ping was very lucky, but the check-in destinations in the past year had always been within thepound!
After passing through the initial stage of having weak cultivation, Lin Ping could easily check in at most ces in the pce as his strength increased. Of course, there were still some areas that he could not ess.
Except for the Sunflower Manual and the Nine Yin Sutra that he had gained initially, he had gotten his hands on at least sixty different types of martial arts the past year through his check-ins.
For palm skills, he managed to learn the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms, Cloud Dispelling Palm, and the Six Sun Palms of Tianshan.
For sword skills, he had learned the Dugu Nine Sword attack, Six Pulse Sword attack, and the Formless Invincible Sword attack.
When it came to body-protection skills, he had the Vajra Body Defending Divine skill and the Indestructible Golden Body skill.
He also had other skills such as the Wuxiang Finger skill, the Great Shift of the Universe, and so on!
Although the Lin Ping of now could not be said to be the person with the most martial arts in the world today, he was definitely among the top few!
Even those martial artists in the top three grades might not possess as many martial arts as him!
However
Lin Ping''s true strength stillgged far behind the masters in the top three grades.
He had been cultivating for a whole year, and his current cultivation base had merely just entered the grade-6 realm!
Of course, in terms of realbat strength, he was stronger than most grade-6 masters.
But this was because the past year of check-ins had many pills as rewards.
The pills given included the perfect nourishment pill, the small return pill, and the big return pill; all of which directly improved his internal-strength cultivation base after consuming them, saving him decades of hard cultivation.
Otherwise, his cultivation base would definitely not have reached its current level.
In total, Lin Ping possessed more than sixty peerless martial arts. Except for a few martial arts that were extremely suitable for him such as the Sunflower Manual, of which he could barely be considered proficient, his expertise on most of the other martial arts was only at the minor mastery level.
There had been no choice with the limited time he had.
Although every time the martial arts system directly instilled the cultivation technique into his mind after a check-in, allowing him to practice like a fish in water, it still took time to master the techniques.
"Having too many martial arts is also troublesome.
"To master all the martial arts that I currently have, I would need at least five years!
"But even if I managed to practice all the martial arts I know now to the extreme five yearster, I might still not be able to reach the threshold of bing a legendary grade-9 grandmaster
"Thus, I can''t stop checking in! I must continue cultivating in a low-key manner and stay in this cold pce!"
Lin Ping warned himself in his heart that he must not get a swelled head just because he had be stronger.
Shua!
In the dark night, a ck shadow soared into the sky and jumped onto the roof of the Changmen Pce [E/N: the cold pce''s name.]. After staying for a while, it then rushed away silently like a bird.
Lin Ping was sitting in his room, and after hearing the movement, he softly muttered, "Is Chun Fei going out again?"
When he had firste to the Changmen Pce, Chun Fei had been an unfathomable master in the eyes of Lin Ping.
However, since three months ago, Lin Ping could roughly gauge the "strength" of Chun Fei.
In fact, Chun Fei was not as strong as he had imagined. She merely had a peak grade-5 cultivation base and was close to bing a grade-6 martial artist.
However, although Lin Ping had found out the strength of Chun Fei and knew that he was far stronger than her, he did not reveal anything. Every day, he would sweep the floor and do the work he was assigned to do.
As for the assassins sneaking into the Changmen Pce or Chun Fei sneaking out at night like today, Lin Ping would pretend he did not see any of it.
He would do his own thing, and everything else had nothing to do with him. As long as no one bothered his cultivation and check-ins, he was happy.
It was best to stay out of any affairs to prevent getting into any trouble.
Lin Ping was not curious about why Chun Fei had been thrown into the cold pce nor about what she often went out to do at night.
As for himself, he had learned a skill called Turtle Breath Technique, which he had gotten from a check-in a while ago. It allowed him to perfectly hide his own cultivation. By now, even if one was a grandmaster in the top three ranks, if he didn''t take the initiative to expose it, no one would be able to discover his abnormal strength and cultivation.
It was precisely because of this that he was able to survive a year in the Changmen Pce without getting into any trouble, breaking the past record of six months.
An hourter.
Lin Ping, who was still cultivating without a break, suddenly twitched his ears as he heard slight footsteps in the pce.
It was Chun Fei returning.
However, on the return trip, her steps were a bit heavier and not as light as when she left. Her breathing also became much faster, which showed that she should have been injured.
Sure enough, a dim light was lit in a room of the Changmen Pce after a while, and suppressed gasping voices could be heard from there.
"En Ah Si"
It wasn''t until a quarter of an hourter that the gasping sounds stopped, and the lights went out. After which, Changmen Pce seemed deserted and quiet once again.
Lin Ping shook his head and was about to lie down to sleep.
But not long after lying down, he suddenly opened his eyes again and became vignt in secret.
There was someone who had entered his courtyard!
However, Lin Ping did not act rashly and waited quietly.
This was not the first time he had encountered such a situation. Such a thing happened almost every month, much like the period of a woman''s menstrual affairs.
He had no need to worry anyway. The target of the person who sneaked into the cold pce in the middle of the night was definitely not him, a little eunuch. Such an affair had nothing to do with him.
He would let Chun Fei and her personal pce maid, Yun Su, deal with the matter.
Generally, as long as Lin Ping did not make any disturbances, nothing would happen. Sometimes though, he would be unlucky, such as the instance when he was taken hostage by an assassin after justing to the Changmen Pce.
But today, the situation seemed different, and Lin Ping appeared to be out of luck again.
Ji!
It was like the sound of the wind blowing against the window.
Before one knew, Lin Ping''s door had already been quietly pushed open, and a ck shadow came in.
This person''s cultivation was not weak and was even stronger than the uninvited guest that came one year ago!
He was at least a grade-5 martial artist!
Or perhaps even a grade-6 one!
Why is he entering my room? Ining to the cold pce, did he not know clearly which house Chun Fei lived in? Running around into other people''s houses? Definitely not professional at all!
Lin Ping stayed calm and was prepared to remain unassuming and innocent like thest time. As long as the other party found out that he was just an unthreatening passerby, a little eunuch, he would probably not act against him.
But who knew that things would go differently this time.
Even though Lin Ping did not show any abnormality and breathed smoothly as if he was asleep, the ck-clothed guest still had murderous intent, and a vicious palm was directed towards Lin Ping''s head.
What the ck-clothed intruder never expected was that his palm would be met with thin air andnd on the pillow.
Then, before he could react, he heard the dull and subtle sounds of ff ff ff before he felt a sharp pain. A few thick embroidery needles had pierced his vital acupuncture points!
Just as the ck-clothed intruder was frightened and was about to turn around and leave, a few invisible sword auras stabbed him from nowhere, leaving a few blood holes in his body, with the sword auras prating his body!
With such an injury, even a grade-6 master would be doomed to die.
However, the ck-clothed intruder had not fallen yet, and his strong will to survive supported his desire to escape.
When he turned around, he found that a ghost-like figure was already standing behind him!
The ck-clothed intruder wanted to scream in horror.
Ka cha!
A w shadow could be seen in the room, and a crisp voice sounded. Although the ck-clothed intruder''s head was not broken, there were already five holes in his skull.
At this point, the ck-clothed intruder''s body finally fell slowly to the ground with his eyes still wide open. Till his death, he still did not know how he was killed.
Just like that, a grade-6 master who was considered a powerhouse fell silently.
Before he died, he didn''t even know who the killer was nor what he looked like
Chapter 5: Taixu Sect
Chapter 5: Taixu Sect
The grade-6 master had fallen and died quietly.
In addition to being too careless, it also had something to do with the variety of Lin Ping''s martial arts.
He first used the Sunflower Manual, then the Six Pulse Sword attack, followed by the Nine Yin White Bone w attack!
Each one of them was considered a peerless martial art by itself, and their attack styles werepletely different. Faced with abination of attacks from all of them, how could the intruder resist?
Lin Ping looked at the corpse on the ground, but there was not much fluctuation in his heart. However, he was secretly worried about what to do with it. He didn''t want to expose this matter and wanted to continue to cultivate in a low-key manner in the cold pce and to do his check-ins unobtrusively.
It would be great if there was something like corpse water, a must-have item for killing people, Lin Ping thought in his heart.
Soon after, he managed to think of a solution that was not a solution.
He carried the body of the ck-clothed intruder and quietly went into the courtyard. He then threw the body directly outside and ignored it.
Chun Fei did the exact same thing in the past too.
Every time she killed someone, she would just throw it outside the courtyard. Anyways, the body would be carried away inexplicably the next day, and no one would knock on her door to assign any me.
After all, the people killed were trespassing in the cold pce and had bad intentions. The mastermind behind them did not dare to seek revenge for them.
"What the hell was Chun Fei doing? Over the past year, the assassins attracted here seem to be getting more and more powerful! Today, even a grade-6 martial artist appeared!
"Originally, I had no intentions to act. But since I can''t hide and was targeted, I could only kill him!
"I must do my best to raise my cultivation base to that of a grade-7 martial artist! I can feel that I am nearly there"
The cold pce was situated in a remote area and was thus windy at night.
Under the guise of darkness and wind, it was a good opportunity to kill.
From the murder to the process of settling the corpse, Lin Ping did everything silently. No major movement andmotion arose, and everything was covered by the sound of the wind.
No one felt any abnormalities, not even in Chun Fei''s room on the other side of the courtyard.
In fact, when Lin Ping murdered and "disposed" of the body, neither Chun Fei nor her maid Yun Su was sleeping. Both of them remained vignt and had even set up traps in the room, waiting for the assassin toe.
When Chun Fei went out tonight, she had encountered an ident and spied on something she should not have seen nor heard. After overhearing those secrets, Chun Fei suspected that the other party would not let her go this time and would definitely have her killed off!
In addition, she had already been injured earlier today, causing her strength to be greatly reduced. It was a prime opportunity for them to act.
Thinking of this, Chun Fei and courtdy Yun Su felt depressed and hopeless, thinking that they might not survive past tonight.
They had made all the due preparations. Even if they were to die, they would not go down without a fight.
The two anxiously waited the whole night until dawn, yet the assassin they had been waiting for still did not arrive.
After seeing the dawn, the two women breathed a sigh of relief.
It looked like the person did not send an assassin to take their lives for whatever reason.
The cold pce was safe during the day.
Although the man was extremely powerful in the pce, he still couldn''t cover the sky with one hand. After all, he was just a eunuch and still had to be careful about what he did.
However, what they didn''t know was that a killer actually didest night.
It was just that this killer was settled by the eunuch who was responsible for cleaning the grounds, someone they had thought was irrelevant.
In the Directorate for Credentials.
As one of the 12 Directorates of the Grand Xia Pce, although it was not asrge as the Directorate of Ceremonial, it was still a force that could not be underestimated in the pce.
Since it was established, the Directorate of Credentials was responsible for handling documents andmunication with court officials, as well as many other logistical duties such as managing the libraries, tax collection, and many more. With such heavy responsibilities and positions of power, it was without a doubt that there were many tricks yed by those in the directorate.
Especially now that the Grand Xia Dynasty was experiencing both internal and external problems and the eunuchs were in charge, the rights of these eunuchs were even greater.
The Grand Xia Dynasty was founded more than three hundred years ago, and the scale and development of the eunuchs who were in power in the pce had already reached an unprecedented level. The number of eunuchs had reached a staggering total of 100,000!
Although the civil and military officials oftenined about the power given to the eunuchs, no one could do anything. Even the Emperor had difficulty handling the huge number of eunuchs now and was constantly being restrained when making various decisions or changes.
A corpse was lying in arge hall in the Directorate for Credentials at this moment. It was the ck-clothed assassin who had intruded into the Changmen Pce the previous night.
An old eunuch with rouge on his face and slender sharp eyes, covered his nose and mouth with a handkerchief using his right hand and bent down to check the wounds on the corpse.
This person was the chief eunuch of the Directorate for Credentials, Zhang Yong!
He was a real big shot.
There were more than 100,000 eunuchs in the Grand Xia Pce, yet Zhang Yong''s identity and strength could both be ranked in the top 20!
"Embroidery needles, sword qi scars What a powerful w skill!"
Zhang Yong stood up slowly and asked the eunuch next to him coldly, "Who did this?"
The person next to him was wearing a blue-gray robe and also looked to be a eunuch with a high position. Every breath he took was filled with strength, signifying that his cultivation base was not low. He had definitely cultivated for several decades and had at least a grade-6 cultivation base!
But in front of Zhang Yong, the eunuch was trembling. He hurriedly said, "Reporting to the chief, Manager Li''s body was found outside the Changmen Pce."
"You mean, that bitch Chun Fei did it?" Zhang Yong asked.
"Probably not. I am still investigating as to who the real murderer is" The blue-clothed eunuch hurriedly lowered his head and spoke truthfully.
Zhang Yong snorted coldly. "At least you are meticulous and didn''t jump to conclusions. None of the martial arts used are what Chun Fei is proficient at. What''s more, although Li Shan had only just entered grade-6, it''s still not easy to kill him so easily. Only a grade-7 grandmaster would have the ability to do so. Chun Fei is not even at grade-6 and was also seriously injured by my finger attackst night. How could she be the one who killed Li Shan?!"
"Grade-7" The blue-clothed eunuch was startled.
Although there was only a one-level difference between a grade-6 and a grade-7, it was the threshold between a middle-grade and a top-grade martial artist!
There was no way topare the two. This difference was like the one between the clouds and mud.
There were countless masters in the imperial pce. Although there were not many grade-6 masters, they were definitely not a small number. A grade-6 master could at most rise to a position of manager. Only those who were in the top grades could be considered big shots.
Zhang Yong, the chief of the Directorate for Credentials, was naturally one of them! He was a grade-7 grandmaster!
Furthermore, his position could be ranked in the top 20 among the 100,000 eunuchs!
As for grade-8 martial artists, they were pitifully few. The total did not exceed the number of fingers on one hand!
The blue-clothed eunuch thought, Which grade-7 powerhouse would be willing to help Chun Fei?
Zhang Yong sneered and shook his head. "Chun Fei''s reputation in the pce has beenpletely destroyed. Even His Majesty has developed a dislike for her. She has even been in the cold pce for four years without anyone paying attention to her. What''s more, the Superintendent himself has passed the order that no one is to help her. In the imperial pce, no matter how eloquent this concubine might be, she would be unable to find allies under these circumstances."
The blue-clothed eunuch asked suspiciously, "Then what do you think about the matter, chief?"
Zhang Yong sneered coldly. "Chun Feies from the Taixu Sect. Although the sect was wiped out back then, there are still many remnants who escaped that day. Who knows if there are grade-7 grandmasters among them?"
The blue-clothed eunuch asked in a low voice, "Chief, you believe the remnants of Taixu Sect have sneaked into the imperialpound and are currently staying in the Changmen Pce?"
Zhang Yong wiped his thin lips with the handkerchief and sneered. "The case is more than likely as such."
"In that case, can''t we just kill our way to the Changmen Pce and find out the troublemaker?" The blue-clothed eunuch''s eyes beamed ardently. "If we''re able to seize these remnants from the Taixu Sect, it will be a great achievement for us!"
"Stupid!" Zhang Yong reprimanded. "Is it so easy to catch a grade-7 grandmaster? And even if we find out where and who the person is, is it our job to catch him? We are crossing our boundaries by doing so!"
"Your words are wise, chief." The eunuch in blue clothes hurriedly lowered his head and asked tentatively, "Then, should we pass on such information to the Directorate of Ceremonial?"
"En" Zhang Yong coldly replied in a shrill voice. "There are many powerhouses in the Directorate of Ceremonial. Even if there are grade-7 grandmasters behind Chun Fei, they will still die!"
Chapter 6: Leave the Eunuch to Sweep the Floor
Chapter 6: Leave the Eunuch to Sweep the Floor
Directorate for Credentials Manager Zhang Yong''s guess waspletely off.
The death of his subordinate, Manager Li Shan, was not caused by some rebel. Li Shan had simply wanted to kill a eunuch in passing but wound up losing his own life instead.
However, Zhang Yong had made a correct guess about something.
Back then, when the Taixu Sect waspletely wiped out, many people besides Chun Fei had escaped and survived.
Furthermore, someone hade to the capital and secretly snuck into the imperialpound. Then, that person went to Changmen Pce to look for Chun Fei.
Chun Fei''s birth name was Li Xuelian.
Not only was she extremely beautiful, but she also had natural endowments in martial arts. A master at Taixu Sect had taken a liking to her at a very young age and took her in as his pupil, bringing her to the Sect to cultivate.
Even though she was only slightly over 30 years old, she had the strength of a peak grade-5 expert and was approaching the strength of a grade-6 expert.
Chun Fei also had an elder sister from the same mother called Li Qinghe.
Even though Li Qinghe did not enter a sect to practice martial arts like Li Xuelian, she was chosen to enter the pce when she was in her teenage years and received the favor of the emperor! In the short span of just over ten years, she had gone from being an imperial maid to the highest-ranking imperial concubine!
Furthermore, she even gave birth to a son and a daughter for the emperor, who became the ninth prince and the thirteenth princess respectively. As a result, the emperor''s favor towards her rose even further.
The ninth prince had extraordinary natural endowments from a young age, and was outstanding in the schstic and martial arts. Thus, the emperor also deeply favored him.
ording to this trend, it was not impossible for Senior Concubine Li to be the empress and the ninth prince to be the crown prince in the future.
However, a storm could arise from a clear sky.
Senior Concubine Li had been living a good life when she suddenly died!
Furthermore, a rumor was circting in the pce that Senior Concubine Li had not died innocent. Instead, she had had malicious intentions and wanted to poison the current crown prince in order to get rid of the obstacle that blocked the ninth prince from bing the crown prince!
If the imperial doctor had not saved him in time, the crown prince might actually have been killed.
Even though this information was not conclusive, no other clear information was circted from the imperialpound.
However, the emperor was not upset over Senior Concubine Li''s death and did not actually investigate Senior Concubine Li''s cause of death. He simply said that she had suddenly died and suppressed this incident, leaving it unsettled.
However, what happened with who is now the current empress could lead to some conclusions.
Eighty to ny percent of Senior Concubine Li''s death was her fault!
If not, the emperor''s doting love towards her would not have ended in such a hurry.
After Li Xuelian the current Chun Fei received this news, she was extremely furious. She firmly did not believe that her gentle and kind sister, who could not even bear to kill an ant, was the vicious woman in the rumors who wanted to poison the crown prince!
There was definitely some injustice in this!
Thus, Li Xuelian disrupted her cultivation at the Taixu Sect and used various connections to enter the imperialpound. Then, she was chosen as an imperial concubine.
Her objective was to investigate the true reason for her sister''s death and help her sister redress those injustices!
However, before she could investigate the truth behind the death of Senior Concubine Li, the Taixu Sect was involved in a rebellion against the emperor and was ordered by the emperor to be punished as a result.
Thus, even the Taixu Sect, which was considered a top-rate sect in the world, waspletely wiped out overnight. Over ny percent of their pupils were killed, and only a very small number of people escaped alive.
There could only have been one conclusion. After all, the current generation in the Taixu Sect only had one grade-8 master and three grade-7 masters. They did not have many powerhouses.
Most importantly, there were no grade-9 experts at all!
If they had a great grade-9 master, the Taixu Sect would not have been eliminated.
With the removal of the Taixu Sect, Chun Fei had no support in the pce at all and waspletely isted. A careless "mistake" had even angered and offended the emperor. Thus, she was sent to the cold pce, and no concern had been shown to her for several years.
Even though she had been sent there, Chun Fei had never abandoned her search for her sister''s true cause of death!
With her cultivation base andbat abilities, she frequently snuck out of Changmen Pce at night and probed for clues everywhere.
Everything woulde to those who waited.
When she snuck out a few nights ago, she secretly listened to the conversation between Directorate for Credentials Manager Zhang Yong and a mysterious person. The contents of their conversation involved Senior Concubine Li''s death back then. She had indeed been framed!
Back then, someone had wanted to kill the crown prince. However, it was not Senior Concubine Li, but Consort Xian!
Consort Xian was now Her Majesty the Empress!
Meanwhile, her son, the third prince, was now appointed as the crown prince!
When Chun Fei heard this explosive news, she was so shocked that she identally made some noise. When she was about to escape, Zhang Yong attacked her and left her severely injured.
Chun Fei felt that since she had heard such important information and was severely injured, there was no doubt that she would definitely die.
Regardless of whether it was the empress or Directorate of Credentials Manager Zhang Yong, they would not let her off the hook.
However, Chun Fei simply could not understand why, for some unknown reason, the assassin that she had expected never arrived!
Every night, she was prepared for the possibility that she would be killed, yet every night had passed by peacefully.
Could it be that Zhang Yong and the Empress were afraid of something and did not dare to attack her?
Just like that, a month filled with anxiety had passed.
At midnight.
Once again, someone secretly came to the Changmen Pce that had been silent for a long time.
Naturally, the first one to discover this was Lin Ping.
However, he still followed the old rules and pretended as if he did not know anything. He simply went to his bed andy down to sleep.
It was still fine.
This time, the person did not go into his room. Instead, he simply headed towards Chun Fei''s bedroom.
Just as Lin Ping was expecting to hear sounds ofbat, he never thought that he would hear Chun Fei''s surprised yet suppressed voice. "Senior Brother? Why are you here?"
"Ha ha ha, I made very great breakthroughs not too long ago. Even though I am still in the grade-6 realm, I''m equally matched to grade-7 masters!" The voice of a man could be heard. Even though he lowered his voice, he could not conceal the delight and savagery in it.
"Really? You can rival a grade-7 master?" Chun Fei was even more surprised.
Before the Taixu Sect was eliminated, apart from a grade-8 master, there were only three grade-7 masters. They were considered their topbat powers.
There were a hundred thousand eunuchs and imperial maids, as well as many soldiers and guards in this imperialpound, but there were only over a dozen grade-7 masters stationed here!
Thus, any master that was able to achieve the top three grades was definitely a great figure!
"Of course it''s true! I shed with a grade-7 master a few days ago, but we were equally matched! Rx, Junior Sister. I, He Liang, will ensure your safety from now on! First, let me help you investigate the cause of your sister''s death. One day, I will cultivate and break through to be a grade-9 master. I will avenge the Taixu Sect!"
"Senior Brother, I''ve more or less discovered the reason for my sister''s death back then"
Chun Fei roughly exined what had happened a month ago to her Senior Brother, a survivor from the Taixu Sect.
"That old bisexual Zhang Yong actually dared to harm Junior Sister! I will definitely find an opportunity to avenge you, Junior Sister! That old castrate is ranked in the lower levels among the managers of the twelve directorates, the four departments, and the eight bureaus. Furthermore, he only has the cultivation base of a grade-7. I will eventually kill him!" He Liang''s cold voice was dignified and proud.
Lin Ping simply shook his head when he heard this.
He truly did not like the term "bisexual" now.
Furthermore, most importantly, regardless of what his position and ranking were, Zhang Yong had the cultivation base of a true grade-7 expert.
Even if a grade-6 could rival a grade-7 master, did he have the confidence that he could kill him?
The two of them continued to chat.
"Junior Sister, since your current situation is so dangerous, then I''ll stay at Changmen Pce. That''s right, apart from Junior Sister and Yun Su, is there anyone else in Changmen Pce?" He Liang asked.
Chun Fei replied, "Apart from Yun Su and me, there is another eunuch."
"Another eunuch is here? Eunuchs are a hindrance, and he might be a spy that someone had sent here. I will ''resolve'' him immediately. It will also be convenient for me to live here in the future," said He Liang, as if he was very familiar with this.
It was as if he had lived in Changmen Pce in the past.
It turned out that over the past few years, several dozen eunuchs had died in Changmen Pce not simply because they had been killed by assassins. Some of them had also been killed by a survivor of the Taixu Sect, He Liang!
Just as Lin Pingughed coldly in his heart and thought about how to silently beg for mercy to He Liang
Imperial maid Yun Su softly cautioned him, "Senior Brother He, how about sparing this eunuch''s life? This eunuch is usually very frank and does not speak much. He is rather obedient."
When He Liang heard this, he looked at imperial maid Yun Su with displeasure.
At this moment, Chun Fei said, "Senior Brother, this eunuch is not bad. Just let him be. If he dies, there won''t be anyone to sweep the floor."
"Sure, I''ll listen to Junior Sister and spare his life. Leave him to sweep the floor." This time, He Liang nodded his head in agreement, satisfied.
After the three of them finished chatting, they prepared to go to sleep.
At this moment, the sound of footsteps could once again be heard in Changmen Pce.
Someone else hade!
Furthermore, even though this person had also jumped over the wall, he did not do so secretly nor intentionally conceal his movements. Instead, he simply strutted forward and then stopped in the courtyard.
Chun Fei was scared. "Senior Brother, someone''s here!"
He Liangughed out loud. "Junior Sister, rx. I''ll show you how impressive Senior Brother is tonight!"
Chapter 7: Senior Brother Has Died!
Chapter 7: Senior Brother Has Died!
"Who are you, scoundrel? You actually dared to charge into Changmen Pce! Show yourself!"
He Liang did not hide anything either and strutted out of the room as he asked his question with the airs of a host.
It was as if the cold pce was his home.
He hadpletely forgotten that he had also secretly snuck into the imperialpound. If he was discovered, his head would be chopped off!
"There are actually other people in the cold pce. Are you Chun Fei''s support? A survivor of the Taixu Sect?" The person wore ck clothes and covered his face. However, his voice was very low and sharp.
It was very obvious that this was a eunuch.
"How did you know that I''m from the Taixu Sect?" He Liang seemed rather surprised. He had not introduced himself, so how did this person know so much about him?
At this moment, Chun Fei walked out from the house and looked at the eyes of the ck-clothes visitor. After a brief moment, she seemed to have thought of something and was immediately shocked. She cried out in rm, "Zhu Dayong!"
He Liang asked, "Junior Sister, do you recognize this eunuch?"
Chun Fei nodded her head and said fearfully, "He is the Assistant Manager of the Directorate of Ceremonial, Zhu Dayong! He is the right-hand man of Eastern Depot Superintendent Feng Bao and a grade-7 master!"
"Majesty Chun Fei, you have good vision." The ck-clothes visitor did not panic when his identity was revealed. He simply pulled off the ck cloth covering his face, revealing a white and chubby face that was clean-shaven. He cheerily said, "Since Majesty Chun Fei recognized me, then I cannot leave any survivors in Changmen Pce tonight No Majesty Chun Fei, you brought an outsider into the imperialpound. Furthermore, he''s a survivor of the Taixu Sect. I already cannot allow any survivors in Changmen Pce tonight."
"You don''t even have your manhood, but your tone is still like that? So what if you''re a grade-7 master? Tonight, I will teach a castrate like you what a genius is. I will teach you what it means to battle across levels!"
"You''re going to be a stepping stone on my path to fame!"
He Liangughed coldly. Then, his figure shed as he charged towards Zhu Dayong.
At that moment, his palms transformed and resembled red-hot iron tes that dazzled in the night. Every attack contained massive might that simply traveled through space and kindled the dry branches in the courtyard.
However, Zhu Dayong was a grade-7, and his movement techniques were as nimble as a ghost''s. Even though He Liang''s palm techniques were violent, he was able to dodge most of them. They did not pose any substantial threat to him.
"The Divine Raging mes Palm! Senior Brother, you actually cultivated the Raging mes Palm to such a great extent!"
Upon seeing this, Chun Fei was very pleasantly surprised.
She was slightly worried about whether Senior Brother He Liang actually had the strength to rival grade-7 experts, but from the looks of things, He Liang''s palm techniques had reached perfection. Thus, she was instantly much more relieved.
The Raging mes Palm was one of the most powerful martial arts techniques in the Taixu Sect. Typically, only masters who had attained the grade-7 realm were able to sessfully cultivate this technique.
Crash!
A Raging mes Palmnded on the ground, and the floor instantly exploded into many pieces that were sent flying as sparks filled the surroundings.
Zhu Dayong''s figure shed, and he jumped onto a nearby pce wall.
"Ha ha, do you only know how to dodge? If you''re a man, fight me head-on! Oh, I forgot that you aren''t a man. You''re a castrate."
He Liang mored.
"How noisy!" Zhu Dayong''s gaze was ice-cold. He had thought that there would be talented individuals and true masters hiding in Changmen Pce. Thus, when he came in, he had been cautious and was vignt against any threats in the darkness.
However, he never thought that there would only be a savage and condescending fool.
This survivor from the Taixu Sect had some skills. He had the cultivation base of a peak grade-6, but he was able to barely rival beginner grade-7 masters.
However, there was arge difference among grade-7 masters.
However, the fool in front of him was condescending and did not care about any grade-7 master.
He was simply asking for death.
After determining that there were no other threats in Changmen Pce, Zhu Dayong no longer had to dodge. His figure shed past like a ghost. However, this time, he was no longer dodging but actively charged towards He Liang instead.
"Ha ha, good one!" He Liangughed. His internal energy had been activated to its peak. Then, it was as if his palm had been ignited as it crashed towards Zhu Dayong.
He was prepared for this attack. He was going to establish his victory!
Thump!
A dull sound was heard.
The two figures only briefly shed. The mes on He Liang''s palms instantly dimmed significantly and were almost extinguished, while his figure was sent flying back. Meanwhile, Directorate of Ceremonial Assistant Manager Zhu Dayong only retreated by a few steps before stabilizing his figure.
The next moment, his footsteps were slightly lighter, as if he was doing a tsubame gaeshi. He chased towards the flying He Liang, and his palm shed out like a thunderbolt.
At that moment, blood had surged up He Liang''s throat, but he did not even have the time to cough it up. Just as he was about to suppress it, he saw his opponent attack and could only hastily rely on his luck to withstand the attack.
However, his hurried technique did not even contain half of his typical power. As a result, this attack was easily dispersed with nary a concern.
Then, Zhu Dayong delivered a few consecutive ps that allnded on the chest of He Liang, who could no longer resist.
Bang bang bang!
He beat He Liang as if he was hanging up a picture. This simply described the current scene.
He Liang, who had been extremely arrogant and felt that he was no worse than a grade-7 master, simply copsed at the first blow when faced with Zhu Dayong at full power.
In a few short moments, when He Liang fell on the ground, he breathed in heavily but exhaled weakly while blood flowed from his seven apertures.
"You You" He Liang was unwilling to give in. He stood up, as if he wanted to say something.
Chun Fei was panic-stricken. Her confidence had multiplied by 100 times just now, but in a short instant, her confidence hadpletely copsed.
She had just seen He Liang, who had mastered the Divine Raging mes Palm. Her support had arrived!
But she never thought that her support would also quickly copse!
She hurried over and wanted to help He Liang up, but He Liang''s injuries were too severe. Chun Fei had just helped him up when his neck tilted. He was no longer breathing and died in Chun Fei''s arms.
Senior Brother had died!
"Senior Brother! Senior Brother! Senior Brother!"
Chun Fei shouted in grief and despair. She continuously shook He Liang in hopes that he would revive, but it was a pity that her efforts were useless.
Zhu Dayong sighed and said in a low tone, "Majesty Chun Fei, don''t be so sad. I''ll send you to hell to meet your Senior Brother."
After he finished speaking, he walked towards Chun Fei step by step.
"Old scoundrel, I''ll fight with you!"
Imperial maid Yun Su shouted angrily and waved her long sleeves. Then, she surged towards Zhu Dayong like a waterfall.
This attack was formidable and awe-inspiring. It seemed to be of extraordinary strength.
Furthermore, a killing technique was hidden in her long sleeve. There was a long sword concealed in it.
If Zhu Dayong had not paid attention, he could have possibly suffered greatly.
However, it was a pity that Yun Su was only a grade-3 expert. Regardless of how many hidden killing techniques she had, when she was faced with Zhu Dayong, she was simply showing off her skills in front of an expert. She did not pose any threat to him.
Zhu Dayong did not even look at her. He simply pped her, and Yun Su''s long sleeve was torn into pieces, while the long sword in her sleeve was sent flying. At the same time, Yun Su made a dull groan as her body was sent flying like a kite whose string had snapped. She simply traversed the courtyard and smashed through a door before falling into a room.
By coincidence, this room happened to be Lin Ping''s room.
Lin Ping definitely could not continue pretending to be asleep on his bed with themotion outside and had woken up.
Yun Su''s body happened to fall at Lin Ping''s feet.
Yun Su''s face was pale, and she was coughing up blood. However, she did not faint and looked up at the slightly dazed Lin Ping. Then, she sighed silently.
It looked like this charming and innocent eunuch could not escape death in the end.
Even though she had pleaded for mercy with Senior Brother He Liang, it had all turned out pointless.
With Zhu Dayong''s cruel and ruthless methods, he would not allow any survivors in Changmen Pce tonight.
Yun Su struggled to stand up once again but did not speak any nonsense with Lin Ping. She then prepared to rush out and continue fighting for her life with Zhu Dayong.
This was because Zhu Dayong had started to attack Chun Fei at this moment.
Even though Chun Fei had the cultivation base of a peak grade-5, in the face of a grade-7 master, she was no different from a young chick.
However, Zhu Dayong did not use very cruel methods to kill Chun Fei, perhaps on ount of the fact that she was still an imperial concubine. Instead, after curbing Chun Fei''s internal energy, he grabbed Chun Fei''s neck with his right hand and was prepared to choke Chun Fei to death.
But the next moment!
Zhu Dayong mysteriously felt a chill down his spine. The hairs on his body were all standing on end!
His life was in danger!
He did not hesitate to toss Chun Fei aside. Then, he turned around and made several signs, causing several dozen palms to appear in an instant. Not only did they seal off enemies from all directions, but they also formed a protective wall of aura at the same time.
Crack!
An invisible wave of sword aura manifested that seemed to specialize in breaking through such protective techniques. Severalyers of palm signs and the aura wall were instantly broken, and the sword aura pierced into Zhu Dayong''s back.
Luckily, the protective aura wall dyed the sword aura. Furthermore, Zhu Dayong''s reactions were fast enough. As a result, the sword aura did not pierce into his vital parts and simply left an ordinary wound.
"Flee!" However, Zhu Dayong had no intention of facing the next enemy attack. Instead, he turned and tried to escape without hesitation.
He knew who hadunched an ambush attack on him.
He had investigated and found that there were only four people in Changmen Pce.
Since one of them was dead and two of them were severely injured, it was evident who thest one was.
It was that average eunuch that resembled a passer-by!
Who in the world was this eunuch?
Since when had such a martial arts master emerged in the imperialpound?
When he went back, he definitely had to thoroughly investigate this!
Zhu Dayong had great confidence in his movement techniques and speed. Even though he only had a grade-7 cultivation base, when it came to movement techniques and speed, even some grade-8 masters were no match for him!
As long as he immediately decided to run away, no matter how well-concealed that eunuch''s skills were, he could not stop him!
Zhu Dayong''s figure shed past, and he jumped onto the pce wall.
Just as he was going to slip away, a figure was already waiting for him on the wall.
"What?"
Zhu Dayong, who was fully focused on escaping, suddenly saw a figure in front of him that blocked his path. He was panic-stricken and naturally slowed down slightly.
A finger technique surrounded in red light charged towards Zhu Dayong''s chest. It was violent and tyrannical, and it seemed rather simr to the attributes of He Liang''s palm technique. However, its killing power and piercing power were much more powerful.
Even though Zhu Dayong had used up most of his energy, he activated all the internal energy in his body to withstand this finger technique. However, this was instantly broken through, and he fell from the pce wall.
When Lin Ping''s embroidery needles shot down like rain and denselynded on Zhu Dayong''s body, Zhu Dayong was no longer breathing or moving.
If one took a closer look, they would realize that it was as if Zhu Dayong''s entire body had been set on fire. His entire body was charred and ck.
This was the Wuxiang Finger skill, and its power was not ordinary.
Chapter 8: Who in the World Are You?!
Chapter 8: Who in the World Are You?!
The Wuxiang Finger skill was one of the 72 Shaolin Secret Arts.
It was a peak finger technique that was as popr as Pinching the Flower and the Pattra Leaf Finger. Even though it was not as famous as Pinching the Flower, it was no weaker than this skill.
One could only disy the ferocious might of this technique when they had extremely exquisite internal energy as their foundation. The entire body of the target would definitely turn charred, as if they had been burned by fire, when they were attacked by this technique.
This was the current state of Zhu Dayong''s corpse.
Of course, the main reason was that after identally killing that oblivious assassin that had infiltrated Changmen Pce recently, Lin Ping happened to have a breakthrough in his cultivation over the past month. He had also identally made breakthroughs in his cultivation base and coincidentally advanced to the grade-7 realm.
He had officially be a master who had attained the top three grades.
However, even though his internal energy had reached the grade-7 realm, Lin Ping was proficient in dozens of ultimate martial arts. Thus, his strength definitely could not be measured in terms of ordinary grade-7 standards.
As a result, even Zhu Dayong, whose strength was top even among the grade-7 realm, could not resist when faced with Lin Ping and died after two quick attacks.
"How dangerous. I almost let him escape."
Lin Ping looked at Zhu Dayong''s corpse and silently sighed.
Today, he had been forced to attack.
Directorate of Ceremonial Assistant Manager Zhu Dayong was obviously a cruel and ruthless person. If Lin Ping had not attacked now, once Zhu Dayong killed Chun Fei and imperial maid Yun Su, he would definitely not let Lin Ping off because he was a eunuch that was passing by.
Regardless of whether he attacked sooner orter, he would have to do so. He would rather attack early on.
Either way, if he waited for Chun Fei and Yun Su to be killed before he attacked Zhu Dayong, his identity would still be exposed. Thus, he would not be able to continue sweeping the ground in the cold pce!
Perhaps Lin Ping would be able to endure other things.
But Lin Ping could not stand abandoning his sweeping job!
The imperialpound was a well-situated ce for checking in, and the best cultivation spot so far. Thus, he definitely could not leave this ce.
After some brief thinking, he decided to help Chun Fei.
With Chun Fei around, misceneous personnel could not easily enter the cold pce. At the very least, there would be many scruples in doing so. Thus, he would be able to remain low-key and sweep the floor at the cold pce while secretly checking in.
Of course, a small part was because Yun Su and Chun Fei were decent people.
It had been over a year since he arrived at the cold pce. Even though Yun Su and Chun Fei were very aloof and unapproachable on the surface, in reality, they were rather sincere. If they faced danger and could save Lin Ping, they would step in to save him and not watch Lin Ping die.
Today, when that wildly arrogant survivor from the Taixu Sect, He Liang, wanted to get rid of Lin Ping, Yun Su and Chun Fei had stepped in and asked for mercy on behalf of Lin Ping.
On ount of this favor, it was understandable for Lin Ping to help out once.
Perhaps someone had made arrangements and given instructions in advance that Changmen Pce would not be peaceful tonight and that no one was allowed toe near.
After all, the sessive sounds ofbat just now had not invited any spectators.
Lin Ping picked up Zhu Dayong''s corpse in a clean and efficient manner, as if he was familiar with this. He tossed the corpse over the wall before turning and asking, "Majesty Chun Fei, are you alright?"
At that moment, it was as if Chun Fei had just woken up from a dream. She barely managed to recover from her shock and looked at Lin Ping with disbelief, as if shepletely did not recognize the person in front of her!
It was as if Lin Ping was no longer the eunuch that had lived in the cold pce for over a year, but a stranger.
Besides shock, there was also indescribable panic and fear in Chun Fei''s eyes as she looked at Lin Ping.
Yes.
There was fear.
She was a concubine that had lost the emperor''s favor, and any eunuch leader or imperial maid in the imperialpound with some authority would not pay any attention to her. Thus, when Zhu Dayong was going to kill her, she did not feel any fear or apprehension.
Now that she was faced with an unfathomable expert who could easily get rid of Zhu Dayong, how could Chun Fei not be afraid?
"Who are you, Your Excellency?"
Chun Fei forcibly suppressed the panic in her heart and politely asked while her voice trembled slightly.
"I''m Lin Ping. Your Majesty Chun Fei can call me Little Ping or Little Lin since everyone else calls me that. Of course, if possible, I will be happier if Chun Fei calls me Lin Ping," said Lin Ping calmly.
"Your Excellency, what were you nning to do by staying at Changmen Pce for such a long time?" Chun Fei asked once again.
Lin Ping said in an honest tone, "Of course I came to Changmen Pce to sweep the floor. Haven''t I been sweeping the floor with dedication for the past year?"
Sweeping the floor
When Chun Fei and imperial maid Yun Su heard this, they were both dumbfounded. They felt as if Lin Ping was looking at them as if he was looking at two idiots.
You, a grade-7 master
No!
Perhaps he was not a grade-7 expert, but a grade-8 one who had juste to Changmen Pce to sweep the floor?!
Most importantly, he seemed young!
It was simply hard to estimate how much potential such a figure would have in the future!
Even if they were dumb and did not discover any clues after being tricked by Lin Ping for over a year, they were not dumb enough to believe such lies, right?
When they thought about how they had treated Lin Ping as a passer-by and as a tool that they were toozy to even look directly at for the past year, they simply felt as if they were the biggest jokes in the world.
Chun Fei and Yun Su had even thought that they had saved Lin Ping''s life several times over in the past year!
From the look of things now, Lin Ping was probably ying tricks on them since a long time ago?
When Lin Ping saw that the two women obviously did not believe him and that their gazes were full of doubt, he did not exin himself.
He could not exin much of his current situation to others.
"Your Majesty, there should be no problems if I want to continue sweeping the floor in Changmen Pce from now on, right?" Lin Ping asked.
When Chun Fei heard this, her pupils obviously erged at this moment, and her mind was probably operating quickly. She rapidly pondered what Lin Ping meant and what deep meaning was embedded behind his words.
After all, Chun Fei was not an ordinary person. After a moment of thinking, she made the wisest decision very quickly and said in a heavy tone, "Of course there''s no problem with that! If Your Excellency is willing to remain at Changmen Pce"
"Then that''s good." Lin Ping nodded his head and said, "Then I hope that Your Majesty Chun Fei will not disclose the cause of Zhu Dayong''s death. Pretend this incident never happened. Is that fine?"
"Yes!" Chun Fei earnestly agreed without hesitation.
Of course it was fine!
Zhu Dayong''s death tonight would definitely cause great waves in the imperialpound tomorrow.
Changmen Pce, which had been deste for a long time, might be the vortex of a storm for some time.
If Lin Ping left during this period and let everyone know that the cause of Zhu Dayong''s death had nothing to do with Chun Fei, other experts would definitely look for Chun Fei over the next few days. She would then die a violent death.
Now, Lin Ping continued to stay at Changmen Pce, and they did not tell the outside world who exactly had killed Zhu Dayong.
Even if countless people had their eyes on Changmen Pce and many people wanted to harm Chun Fei in the future, they would have many misgivings and not act against a transgressor to prevent involving the uninvolved.
After all, Changmen Pce seemed to have a grade-8 master, and who would dare to offend them?
"Okay. If there''s nothing else, I will go to sleep."
Once Lin Ping saw that everything had been arranged properly, he prepared to go back to his room.
His door had been destroyed by Yun Su. He would have to repair it tomorrow.
When Lin Ping said that he would go back to his room and sleep, he actually did so.
Meanwhile, after Chun Fei and imperial maid Yun Su cleaned up the corpse of Senior Brother He Liang, they could not sleep for the entire night.
They made guesses about exactly what identity Lin Ping had, what objectives he hading to Changmen Pce, and whether he had the cultivation base of a grade-8 for the entire night
Even after a whole night, they did not have any real clues.
However, when they thought about how an expert master was living beside them, while their emotions wereplex, they also mysteriously felt at ease.
Thus, no matter what, their main mission from now on was to persuade Lin Ping to say and not leave Changmen Pce!
They would not hesitate to use all methods!
As long as Lin Ping was around, they would not encounter any danger. He was their support!
With Lin Ping around, only then would Chun Fei have the confidence and qualifications to reveal the cause of her sister''s death.
This was a true master, not an unskilled person like He Liang!
In the entire imperialpound, there were 100,000 eunuchs and countless guards, but there were no more than five masters!
Tonight was full of twists and turns. Shocking incidents urred one after another in an endless stream.
As for Senior Brother He Liang''s death, Chun Fei and Yun Su did not feel anything. They did not feel sad for him either
Chapter 9: Barbarian Expert
Chapter 9: Barbarian Expert
The news of Zhu Dayong''s death caused great waves in the imperial pce very quickly.
At the very least, everyone in the 24 government offices the 12 directorates, the four departments, and the eight bureaus knew about this news.
As the Directorate of Ceremonial Assistant Manager, Zhu Dayong''s position was not lower than many managers in the 24 government offices. In fact, his status even exceeded that of the other managers.
After all, Directorate of Ceremonial Manager Feng Bao was also the Eastern Depot Superintendent and held the most power in the entire eunuch system.
Furthermore, as Feng Bao''s right-hand man, Zhu Dayong was a capable assistant. Thus, his identity was naturally different.
Of course, most importantly, Zhu Dayong was a grade-7 master. Furthermore, his strength was considered among the top in the grade-7 realm. With such strength, he was ranked among the top 20 out of the 100,000 eunuchs!
Such a master had silently died outside Changmen Pce.
What did this mean?
This meant that a terrifying almighty figure was hiding there!
A mere grade-7 master definitely could not ughter Zhu Dayong so easily, preventing him from even escaping! It was only possible if it was a grade-8 being.
They did not know exactly which expert was hiding in Changmen Pce either.
For a period of time, various suspicions rose in the imperial pce, and all eyes were on Changmen Pce that had been deste for four years.
However, no one dared to rashly charge in there.
The Changmen Pce was still the same old Changmen Pce.
However, due to Lin Ping''s presence, the meaning of "deste" had changed slightly. Changmen Pce became an enigmatic ce that strangers did not enter!
The Eastern Depot Government Office was established in the North Donghuamen Subdistrict in the capital.
Typically, Depot Superintendent Feng Bao lived here as well.
Feng Bao wore red official robes with a flying crane embroidered on his chest. He was over fifty years old, but he looked like a middle-aged man who was not even forty. His body was tall and straight, and he was not gloomy. He seemed rather schrly and refined.
If his face was not pale and clean, and his voice was not sharp, outsiders would not know that he was a eunuch and would assume that he was a minister.
"Zhu Dayong died at Changmen Pce?"
When Feng Bao heard the report from a subordinate, he was not as angry as everyone had expected. On the contrary, there was excitement in his eyes as he smiled. "The Taixu Sect was wiped out by the army led by General Who Stabilizes the East, and all masters who achieved the top three grades in the Sect were killed, without any survivors. How could a grade-8 master suddenly emerge?
"Could it be that a certain grade-6 genius broke through two consecutive times in less than ten years and reached the grade-8 realm?
"If that''s the case, then it''s slightly interesting."
Indeed, Zhu Dayong was Feng Bao''s right-hand man.
However, that was when Zhu Dayong was alive. When he was dead, he was no longer his right-hand man.
There was no need for Feng Bao to feel sad or angry over a dead person. As for the gap in manpower, he simply had to promote someone else from the lower ranks.
The entire Grand Xia Imperial Court had 100,000 eunuchs. Theycked everything except people.
If someone in the upper ranks died, countless people in the lower ranks would be waiting to emerge and fight for that position.
"Superintendent, how should we deal with the Changmen Pce next? If there is actually a grade-8 master guarding the ce, it will be more troublesome if we want to deal with her."
Beside Feng Bao was a eunuch who wore a brown officer robe. He furrowed his eyes as he spoke.
This person was called Luo Feng, the manager of the Directorate of Pce Seals. He managed the precious royal seals and imperial order talismans, and was one of the emperor''s most trusted eunuchs. Even though Luo Feng owed Feng Bao a favor as Feng Bao had promoted him, they no longer had an unequal rtionship. Instead, they were now partners who worked together.
"There are no grade-8 masters that are strong enough to deal with him. If a grade-9 master does not step in, who would dare to say that they had absolute certainty that they could kill a grade-8 master?" Feng Bao calmly said. "A grade-7 master from the Eastern Depot was already killed, and the losses are great enough. Even though there have constantly been cheap tricks from Chun Fei at the cold pce for the past few years, there have not been any big actions. Now that she has a grade-8 master protecting her, ask her to go."
Luo Feng lowered his head slightly and said, "Her Majesty the Empress wants Superintendent to personally step in. If Superintendent attacks, even if there is actually a grade-8 master in Changmen Pce, there is no doubt that they will definitely die."
"Her Majesty the Empress is praising me too much." Feng Bao waved his hand and rejected this offer. "Even I don''t have absolute certainty that I can ughter a grade-8 master. Furthermore, ording to our information, the hidden expert in Changmen Pce has mastered many kinds of martial arts. The strength of his techniques is not ordinary, making him even harder to deal with. Furthermore, envoys from the northern barbarians are about to arrive. I have many things to attend to, and I don''t have the time to deal with such fights."
Over the past few years, the northern barbarians had repeatedly invaded the borders of the country of Grand Xia. They burned, killed, looted, andmitted all crimes imaginable. Even though many people with noble ideals in the royal court had requested to fight at the frontlines, when faced with the strong military forces of the barbarians, the Grand Xia Imperial Court had nobat power strong enough.
This time, for some reason, the barbarians took the initiative to send a group of envoys to the capital. It seemed as if they wanted to actively make peace.
Even though he did not know what the barbarians were nning, in the end, this was a good thing.
The emperor and the entire royal pce ced great importance on this matter. Recently, the major departments had been putting all their effort into nning for this, and the Eastern Depot was no exception.
Luo Feng hesitated. "But Her Majesty the Empress is not easy to deal with"
Feng Bao snorted coldly and said, "It will be fine as long as you tell the truth. If Her Majesty the Empress is not satisfied with this answer, then report this to the Emperor! If the Emperor orders me to attack and deal with Changmen Pce, then I will go."
Luo Feng''s gaze was profound. He stopped talking and simply nodded his head in agreement.
It looked as if there were no eternal friends in this world, only eternal benefits.
Smash!
The sound of a cup breaking could be heard from Changchun Pce where the empress lived.
"Feng Bao is so brave to threaten me! He shouldn''t forget that I put in effort to help him obtain his position as the Eastern Depot Superintendent!" Her Majesty the Empress scolded angrily.
Meanwhile, Directorate of Pce Seals Manager Luo Feng stood at the side and did not speak.
This was not false. Back then, Superintendent Feng was able to be the Depot Superintendent of the Eastern Depot thanks to the help of Her Majesty the Empress. However, back then, Her Majesty the Empress was also able to advance to a top position because of Feng Bao''s effort!
Back when they had not achieved their high positions, they could be said to be the closest of friends.
Now, they had each reached their objectives and met at the top. However, it was not possible for them to go back to being close friends.
Luo Feng, who had finished passing on the message, left Changchun Pce very quickly. Meanwhile, Empress Xie Feiyan''s rage had not subsided. She shouted, "Messenger! Inform my brother that no matter what, he will assign a grade-8 master to the pce. I have uses for one!"
The Empress''s brother was Xie Yonglong, who was also the General Who Stabilizes the North, one of the Four Great Generals in the Grand Xia Imperial Court. He had countless experts under hismand and ensured the safety of the capital.
This was the reason why her status as empress was extremely stable, even though her favor had gradually declined over the past few years.
However, this time, even her elder brother, General Zhen Bei, did not step in to help her.
This was because the envoys from the barbarians in the north had arrived at the capital very quickly.
Furthermore, after they entered the capital, they immediately set up a grand open tournament. There was an expert called Bo Ri among the envoys who wanted to make friends throughbat and fight hand to hand with various masters in the capital.
When faced with this challenge, the Grand Xia Imperial Court definitely could not avoid it.
Luckily, this barbarian expert only had a grade-8 cultivation base and was not a great grade-9 master. Otherwise, they might not be able to find a suitable challenger in the capital now.
When it came to the grade-8 realm, there were many such experts in the capital.
Thus, the Grand Xia Imperial Court sent three grade-8 masters topete with the barbarian expert Bo Ri.
However, they had never expected that the three grade-8 masters would all lose. One of them was severely injured, while the other two had been killed!
At that moment, the news spread.
Even after some time, they could not find anyone in the city who was willing to battle!
Even though Bo Ri only had a grade-8 cultivation base, he was born with extraordinary power. Furthermore, his sturdy body couldpare with peak martial artists, and his strength had almost reached the threshold of a grade-9 master!
The Eastern Depot, the army, the various aristocratic families in the capital, and the various sects in the vicinity they all had ulterior motives and preferred to scheme against one another. Thus, no one faced this challenge!
Just as the Grand Xia Imperial Court was losing face, practically being trampled on the ground by the barbarians, an old man with a head full of silver hair emerged from the imperialpound. He was a guest elder in the imperialpound and a true grade-9 master. Thest time he attacked was 20 years ago, and many people thought that he had passed on. However, they never expected that he was still alive.
This elder stepped in and forcibly suppressed barbarian expert Bo Ri, achieving victory after much difficulty.
Only then did the barbarian envoys give in and be well-behaved.
However, when the barbarian envoys left the capital, expert Bo Ri pledged that he would definitely return to the capital six yearster and make friends with the various heroes in the Grand Xia Imperial Court throughbat.
When the time came, he hoped that he would be able to find an opponent that could defeat him!
After the barbarian envoys left, not only was the capital shocked, even the entire Grand Xia Imperial Court was shaken by this. Therefore, the imperial court tried to win over various masters in hopes that they could find help to resist the barbarian envoys in six years.
However, there were already few grade-9 masters in the world, and every one of them was aloof from the world. Thus, it was difficult even for the royal court to order them around. Furthermore, Bo Ri was now a grade-8 who was almost well-matched against a grade-9 master. If his cultivation base improved after six years and he advanced into the grade-9 realm, what would they do?
When that time came, even the grade-9 masters might be no match for him!
Of course, all these had nothing to do with Lin Ping.
He was a eunuch in the cold pce. Even if he heard about what happened outside, he did not care much about them.
The Grand Xia Imperial Court was enormous and had a prolific society. Thus, they could not possibly be forced into a dead end.
Didn''t the guest elder, a master with a grade-9 cultivation base, appear back then?
He only needed to sweep the floor and check in as usual while working hard to regain his status as an iron-willed man.
Then.
Six years.
Had passed by in the blink of an eye
Chapter 10: Return of the Ten Thousand Swords, Black and White Impermanence!
Chapter 10: Return of the Ten Thousand Swords, ck and White Impermanence!
For martial artists that have reached the top three grades, they were given the title of grandmaster!
Grandmaster.
As the name implied, in addition to opening up all the eight meridians in their body, their internal strength would have also reached a staggering amount and was extremely powerful. They would also already have their own unique insights into the martial arts!
Regardless of the type of martial arts they practiced, they no longer needed to strictly follow the methods recorded in the books when practicing. They were fully qualified and had the capability to improve the martial arts they were learning!
This allowed them to transform a mediocre martial art into one that was extremely powerful and unique.
Therefore, the threshold between a grade-6 and a grade-7 martial artist was extremelyrge.
However, the easier ascensions from previous levels did not revert back after one passed the threshold of bing a grade-7 martial artist.
On the contrary, the gap between each grade in the top-tier would be even greater!
After entering the top-tier grades, the martial artist''s eight meridians would have been opened up, and the internal strength would be continuously replenished. Their next step of cultivation was not only to cultivate their own internal strength but also to begin absorbing the "heaven and earth natural qi"!
It could be said that the grandmasters of the top-tier grades were a small world themselves. They would think of various ways to make their world stronger and to be able tomunicate with the outside world. It was also crucial for them to learn how to borrow the strength of the heavens and the earth in their surroundings.
Every step forward was a breakthrough in their martial arts cultivation!
If a martial artist was able to arouse the heaven and earth powers when they executed their martial arts one day, they would then reach the ultimate realm that countless practitioners dreamt of the grade-9 realm!
People addressed a grade-9 no longer as grandmaster, but as great grandmaster!
Every grade-9 great grandmaster possessed unimaginable powers and abilities. Every one of their moves would induce the heaven and earth powers, therefore causing their attacks to possess unpredictable power.
However.
Although it was the dream of every martial artist to be a grade-9 martial artist, 99 out of 100 martial artists could never achieve it in their lifetime even if they started cultivating early.
Even the vast majority of grandmasters who managed to reach the top-tier grades would never reach the grade-9 realm in their remaining lifetime.
To be able to be a grade-9 great grandmaster, being a martial arts genius was insufficient. One needed to be the genius among the geniuses to even have the hope of achieving such a feat!
Not only did it require a peerless talent in martial arts, but it also required decades of diligent practice before there was hope for one to reach that stage!
In today''s Grand Xia Dynasty, the exact number of grade-9 great grandmasters was unknown, but it was definitely not a small number.
After all, these great grandmasters usually lived in seclusion. If the emperor and the imperial court were still influential and strong, these great experts would have been more cautious when dealing with those from the imperial pce and given them the necessary respect and face. However, with the internal and external troubles that the imperial court was facing currently, the great grandmasters were hard to influence and could not be called upon to help the imperial court.
Just like this time, in order to deal with the barbarian envoys entering the capital for the second time in six years, the imperial court had vigorously called upon the great grandmasters from all the various parties to enter the capital to represent the Great Xia Dynasty to deal with the menacing barbarian envoys. They had even promised many benefits.
However, the number of those who responded was pitifully small.
This caused the imperial court to start worrying whether or not they would be able to deal with the barbarian envoys in the near future.
Even the Emperor was having a headache facing such a problem.
It was said that he had even red up many times and punished those responsible for rallying the support of the powerhouses.
Lin Ping.
It took six and a half years from the beginning of his martial arts training before he finally entered grade-9!
Looking back on his martial arts "career", Lin Ping sincerely sighed. "It was a difficult journey!"
From when he first started out learning martial arts, he took merely one and a half years to rise from a grade-1 to a grade-7 martial artist!
This speed was fast, and Lin Ping was satisfied with the result.
But after reaching grade-7, his cultivation speed suddenly dropped.
It took a whole year to go from a grade-7 to a grade-8 martial artist!
And the process of bing a grade-9 martial artist from grade-8 took an even longer time.
It took him a total of two and a half years to raise that one grade!
Lin Ping had been practicing martial arts for nearly eight years now, and it had now been more than a year since he entered grade-9. However, he still had a long way to go to be a peak grade-9 expert.
Needless to say, breaking through grade-9 to reach the realm of the Mythical Pugilist was still far away for now.
It was said that as long as one stepped into the realm of the Mythical Pugilist, one could even find a way to regenerate one''s severed limb!
I haven''t worked hard enough. I need to work harder!
System, let me check in!
In the darkness, Lin Ping, standing outside Wenyuan Pavilion, had shouted silently in his heart.
[Ding! Congrattions to Host for sessfully checking in. You have received the "Return of the Ten Thousand Swords".]
Lin Ping''s spirit was lifted upon hearing the System''s prompt.
Although he had now mastered hundreds of top martial arts, it was really rare for a martial art of this level to pop up.
This martial art would be of great help to his attainments in the sword dao.
This was because as a grade-9 martial artist, what he focused on cultivating was his ability to mobilize and control the heaven and earth powers. The Return of the Ten Thousand Swords was a martial art that integrated the heaven and earth powers into his sword dao.
Just after Lin Ping checked in and was about to go back, he suddenly raised his eyebrows as he had sensed something.
Immediately after, his body shed, and he hid in the darkness of the tree shadow.
Soon after, two figures appeared outside of Wenyuan Pavilion silently like ghosts, with one being tall and the other being short. They were not wearing clothes that camouged them in the night but were instead wearing white and ck robes respectively.
Both of them looked ugly. It was not an ordinary ugliness, but the kind of ugly that would make one feel ufortable after seeing it. Coupled with their gloomy temperaments, they emerged from the night like ghosts.
Those who were in the Jianghu and were knowledgeable about the affairs would easily know their identities.
They were the ck and White Impermanence!
They were famous in the Jianghu and were brothers from the same sect. They both had a grade-8 cultivation base.
In addition, as the two practiced techniques thatplemented each other, they had been inseparable for decades and were like blood brothers. They practiced a set ofbined attack techniques whose effect was far greater than themonbination attack of two grade-8 grandmasters.
ording to the rumors, as long as the ck and White Impermanence joined forces, they were invincible among the grade-8s!
Even when faced with a grade-9 whom they couldn''t defeat, they would still be able to retreat safely.
"This is the Wenyuan Pavilion, where the martial arts masterpieces collected by the imperial family for hundreds of years are hidden. They are definitely better than those of the first-ss sects! The Emperor invited us to the capital to help support him and resist the northern barbarians. It''s not too much for us toe to his library to have a look." ck Impermanence said hoarsely.
White Impermanence was not very interested in this and said, "Brother, our Heavenly Canal Divine Art is already the top martial art in this world, so why bother looking at other martial arts?"
ck Impermanence shook his head and said, "Although the Heavenly Canal Divine Art is a top-notch martial art, the subtleties of other martial arts can also be used as references, especially if we want our cultivation base to go to the next level. To break through to be grade-9s, we must be proficient in more martial arts."
White Impermanence didn''t object, he just smiled and said. "Then, Brother, take your time in this Wenyuan Pavilion while I will walk around in the imperialpound first. Three thousand beauties in the pces Hehe, with so many beauties, can the emperor take care of them alone? I''m going to help him share hisbor!"
ck Impermanence tly refused. "No way. Although the Grand Xia Dynasty is not as good as before, a starving camel is still bigger than a horse. The imperial family''s hidden strength cannot be underestimated. Six years ago, the imperial family had a grade-9 guest elder. We two must be together to make sure nothing goes wrong."
As long as the ck and White Impermanence were together, they were invincible among the grade-8s and could safely retreat in the face of a grade-9 great grandmaster.
At least this was what they thought.
But if the ck and White Impermanence were separated, they would be two ordinary grade-8 grandmasters, and their threat would be greatly reduced.
"Are you referring to that old fogey Yan Bugui? Humph, this old man has grown rusty, and his strength has long been inferior to when he was in his heyday. Six years ago, he was barely able to deal with that barbarian powerhouse. Why are you afraid of him? Also, I heard that although he managed to defeat the barbarian powerhouse at that time, he suffered even more injuries. He might have even died long ago! Otherwise, why would the Emperor bother to try so hard to rally the great grandmasters in the underworld to enter the capital? In the imperialpound, no one is able to beat thebined forces of us two!" White Impermanence said nonchntly.
"If I said no, it means no!"
Seeing that White Impermanence was still unwilling, ck Impermanence was helpless. Knowing his lustful temperament, he said. "If you apany me to browse through this Wenyuan Pavilion, I will promise to kidnap two girls from the imperialpound for you."
"No way!"
White Impermanence shook his head and licked his lips. He then smirked and said, "I want to take four! And there must be one who is a concubine of the Emperor! I have tried all the beautiful wives in this world, but I have never tried the wife of the Emperor."
ck Impermanence made a frown but still agreed. "Up to you."
Anyway, when the time came, as long as they took the people away quietly, the pce guards would not be rmed.
Even if they were discovered, with both of them joining forces, there was no one who could stop them in this imperialpound. There was nothing much to be scared of.
Chapter 11: Chun Fei Seeks an Audience
Chapter 11: Chun Fei Seeks an Audience
Wenyuan Pavilion had been the ce where the imperial family kept various ssics for the past hundreds of years. The martial arts manuals hidden in it were indeed iparably better than those of most first-ss sects in the world.
Perhaps only a few top schools such as the Shaolin Temple, Wudang Mountain, Chunyang Gate, and Sword Imperial City, all of which had stood for more than a thousand years and had a longer history than the Great Xia Dynasty might have more martial arts secrets and manuals hidden in their own sect.
And thus, to most martial arts practitioners, Wenyuan Pavilion had a great appeal.
Lin Ping had known about the existence of Wenyuan Pavilion since a few years ago, and after his cultivation reached grade-8, he would also slip in to secretly read and browse through the many martial arts secrets and manuals.
However, after flipping through them, Lin Ping had no interest anymore.
There were indeed many martial arts manuals recorded in the Wenyuan Pavilion, and many of them allowed one to reach the top-tier grandmaster realm.
However, Lin Ping, who had a check-in system, was not short of peerless martial arts, merely time.
Moreover, there would be extra gifts that came along when he checked in using the System, allowing the process to be simple and easy. Thus, there was really no need for him to learn other martial arts.
Unless it was a martial art that could allow people to regrow their severed limbs.
If there was such a martial art, then without a need to even consider, Lin Ping would definitely do everything possible to get it and then practice it day and night.
It was a pity that after searching the Wenyuan Pavilion, he didn''t manage to find any such martial art.
And thus after a few times, Lin Ping lost interest in the Pavilion.
If it hadn''t been for the current check-in location being in the Wenyuan Pavilion, Lin Ping would not havee.
"It turns out they are the ck and White Impermanence?"
Lin Ping hid in the dark. After hearing the whispers of the two men, he managed to guess their identities.
One donned a ck robe, while the other donned a white robe. They were supposedly inseparable, and although they each had a cultivation base of grade-8, they were able to contend against a grade-9 if they were to join forces.
The elder brother liked to collect various martial arts manuals, while the other younger one was lecherous
Combining all the clues, it was not hard for him to guess the identities of the two.
Although Lin Ping had only focused on cultivating silently and in a low-key manner while checking in whenever he could, he was still up to date and knew about the current situation in the Jianghu and the few top martial arts masters.
After seeing the two whisper for a while before slipping into the Pavilion, Lin Ping quickly left quietly and returned to the Changmen Pce.
Being nosy was not his personality.
Although he had stayed in the imperialpound for almost eight years, he did not really have anything to do with it. Why would it matter to him if a culprit snuck into the Wenyuan Pavilion? Even if the Emperor''s concubine was taken away, it had nothing to do with him.
It was not his wife anyway!
Furthermore.
Listening to the conversation between the ck and White Impermanence and their tone, it seemed that when they joined forces, they were not even afraid of going against a grade-9 great grandmaster.
As a result, Lin Ping couldn''t even bother to stop them!
Although he felt that with his current strength, it should not be a problem for him to deal with both of them, but what if he couldn''t?
And even if the ck and White Impermanence were really not his opponent, his identity would be exposed once they fought.
When that happened, he would no longer be able to check in in peace anymore.
When Lin Ping returned to Changmen Pce, he found out that Chun Fei was gone once again, and the maid Yun Su was alone in the pce.
Lin Ping didn''t really care about such a situation as he had already been used to it over the years.
Since the incident six years ago where he killed Zhu Dayong, the deputy chief of the Directorate of Ceremonial, Chun Fei and Yun Su''s attitude towards him had changed drastically. They no longer regarded him as a sweeping eunuch, but rather as a backer.
However, under Lin Ping''s request, the two sides did not interfere too much with each other''s lives.
Chun Fei was still Chun Fei, while Lin Ping continued to be the eunuch that was in charge of sweeping the floor. What happened that night was assumed to have never happened.
However, because of Chun Fei''s role in helping Lin Ping keep things secret, when there was a problem or danger that Chun Fei could not deal with, Lin Ping would help her depending on the situation. However, that was provided that it was within his capabilities.
However, Lin Ping had also told her upfront that his strength was not as strong as the spections that were spreading!
Ever since Zhu Dayong died in the Changmen Pce, there had been rumors that there was a grade-8 grandmaster hiding there. However, Lin Ping told the two that he only had a grade-7 cultivation base.
The only reason why he could kill off the assassin so easily that night was because of his good luck and his opponent letting down his guard.
And thus, if an assassin of grade-6 or below came to the Changmen Pce, Lin Ping would take action.
But if it was a grade-7 grandmaster, then Lin Ping would make the decision after looking at the situation.
As for the arrival of a grade-8 grandmaster, Lin Ping might not even be able to take care of himself, let alone make a move against him!
After Chun Fei heard this, she merely thought about it for a moment before quickly agreeing.
There were not so many grade-7 grandmasters in the imperialpound. Even the dead Zhu Dayong was ranked top 20 among the 100,000 eunuchs. As long as Lin Ping could help deal with those of grade-7, it was already of sufficient help.
As for those in grade-8, not to mention the imperial pce, even the entire capital didn''t have many of such grandmasters.
She and Yun Su knew of Lin Ping''s true strength, but the others didn''t.
Lin Ping''s record of easily killing Zhu Dayong was there, and the outside world spected that he was most likely to be in the grade-8 realm. Those people would not easily take action until they had clearly investigated everything about Lin Ping.
Of course, Lin Ping''s warning was also regarded as a restriction on Chun Fei, making sure that she did not dare to act too recklessly.
In the past six years, even though she had figured out the secrets about the incident regarding her sister Li Guifei, she did not dare to act rashly until she had conclusive evidence.
After all, if she couldn''t gather sufficient evidence to have the Empress punished as the mastermind behind the framing of her sister back then, it would result in an act of crazy revenge from the Empress.
At that time, even if there was a suspected grade-8 grandmaster hidden in the Changmen Pce, it would probably be useless.
There would definitely be a real grade-8 grandmaster at their doorstep.
And her current backer, Lin Ping, was actually only of grade-7.
Therefore, although Chun Fei would go out every few nights, she did not make a lot ofmotion and was carefully carrying out her own n and collecting evidence.
As a result, Lin Ping had never needed to make a move in the Changmen Pce in the past six years!
Lin Ping was happy with such a situation.
Wasn''t it good for him to cultivate peacefully and easily? What was the point of all the fighting and killing?
However, tonight seemed a little different
When Lin Ping returned to the Changmen Pce, Yun Su was not resting in her room but was walking around in the courtyard, her eyes obviously a little anxious.
"Lin Ping, you''re back."
Seeing Lin Ping, Yun Su quickly stopped to greet him nervously.
"Miss Yun Su, what''s the matter?" Lin Ping asked.
"Nonothing. I''m just waiting for Her Majesty toe back." Yun Su shook her head.
Lin Ping merely nodded in response.
He could see that Yun Su was different tonight. There should be a situation, but since she didn''t say anything, Lin Ping didn''t bother with it and turned back to go into his house.
At night, the Changchun Pce where the Empress lived was brightly lit.
The Emperor who had not stayed over in this pce for a long time came here tonight.
No one knew what had happened, but the sound of a cup smashing onto the ground could be heard.
Empress Xie Feiyan hurriedly asked the maid toe and clean the ground.
"Trash! The huge Eastern Depot is a bunch of trash! They were given so much power and financial resources at ordinary times, and yet, at such a critical moment, they couldn''t even invite a grade-9 great grandmaster!" the Emperor scolded angrily.
The Empress persuaded softly at his side. "Your Majesty, please calm down. I heard that Dugu Xiong of the Bashan Sword Masters had already agreed, no?"
The Emperor said in a deep voice, "He did agree verbally. But only half a month is left before the barbarian envoys enter the capital. Yet, Dugu Xiong is nowhere to be seen. Who knows if he will reallye by then? Even if he really arrives, just one grade-9 great grandmaster is not enough to support us."
Although this was what he said, the Emperor was clear in his heart. The rights and financial resources he usually gave the East Depot were great indeed. However, the responsibility of the East Depot was not to win over the big sects but to try to weaken and suppress the sects.
Now that the imperial court was in trouble, how would it be easy for the East Depot to win over the great experts from any of the various sects?
Therefore, although the Emperor was angry, he couldn''t remove Feng Bao from his position as the superintendent of the Eastern Depot. Instead, he had to win him over.
After all, the eunuch Feng Bao was now rumored to be only one step away from grade-9, which would be of great use to him.
After that, the Emperor turned to look at the Empress and asked unhappily, "What did your brother say? I have asked him to invite his master, ''Invincible Iron Fist'' Shi Chengtian, toe out of the mountains. Why didn''t he give me an answer?"
The Empress''s brother Xie Feihong was the General Who Stabilizes the North, one of the Four Great Generals of the Great Xia Dynasty, and his master Shi Chengtian was also a great grandmaster who had long been a grade-9.
The Empress knew that this was the most important reason for the Emperor staying in her Changchun Pce tonight.
And thus, she was also very witty and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, my brother is making every effort to persuade his master this time. I believe he will give Your Majesty a satisfactory answer."
The Emperor snorted coldly. "I hope that''s the case! The others are fine, but your brother is part of the imperial family. If he can''t even do this, how can he be the General Who Stabilizes the North?"
At the same moment.
Noises could be heard outside the Changchun Pce, and a guard shouted, "Be careful! There are assassins!"
"Protect the Emperor and the Empress!"
"Eh, isn''t this Your Majesty Chun Fei? Why are you not staying at the Changmen Pce but havee to the Changchun Pce instead?"
The Emperor and Empress quickly heard what was happening outside.
The Empress''s face changed slightly, and she immediately stood up and scolded, "Someone,e here and quickly escort Chun Fei back to the Changmen Pce!"
No one knew what the Emperor was thinking. He suddenly shouted loudly, "Let Chun Feie in. I want to hear the reason why she hase to the Changchun Pce tonight."
The Empress looked very anxious when she heard this and quickly tried to persuade him. "Your Majesty"
The Emperor waved his hand and interrupted, "There is no need for you to say anything. If Chun Fei has no suitable reason, please be rest assured that I will help you punish her!"
After which, Chun Fei was escorted into the pce quickly.
Chapter 12: Empress, What Do You Think?
Chapter 12: Empress, What Do You Think?
Chun Fei did not enter alone.
When she entered, she had also seized an imperial maid as a hostage.
This imperial maid was called Zhi Chun and was one of the personal imperial maids of the Empress. She had apanied the Empress for over ten years and was deeply trusted by her. Thus, the Empress must have also instructed her to do many things.
When the Empress saw Chun Fei kidnapping her imperial maid, she flew into a rage. Then, she stood up and berated her, "Chun Fei, what are you doing? Since I let you into the room, hurry up and let go of Zhi Chun!"
The Emperor also furrowed his eyebrows and said, "Chun Fei, if you have anything to say today, then say it. I will listen. There''s no need to do this."
Chun Fei was not affected by this, as if she had already made a decision in her heart.
"Your Majesty, I have kidnapped imperial maid Zhi Chun today, not to take her hostage, but to make her tell the truth about what happened behind the scenes of my sister''s unjust death thirteen years ago!" Chun Fei''s gaze was firm and persistent as she said in a cold voice, "Over the past few years, I have been investigating what happened to my sister back then. Now, I have investigated all the essentials of this incident!"
When the Empress heard this, her expression turned even darker. While the mes of rage in her eyes were about to burst forth, she could not help but feel some panic too.
She was unable to deal with this and immediately shouted, "Chun Fei has gone crazy and is talking nonsense here! Quicklye and capture her!"
"Yes!"
Several imperial maids and eunuchs immediately entered from outside. All of them disyed extraordinary skills and looked like martial arts experts.
Individually, perhaps their cultivation bases were not as impressive as Chun Fei who had achieved grade-6, but when they worked together, they could definitely bring her under control.
"Who dares to do so?!" Chun Fei''s fingers resembled an eagle''s w and grabbed the imperial maid''s neck. She could take Zhi Chun''s life at any time.
The Empress''s expression was dark. She did not care about this at all and ordered, "Attack!"
Chun Fei had made her move too early.
She thought that since Zhi Chun was the Empress''s personal imperial maid who had apanied the Empress for over ten years, their rtionship would be like that of Yun Su and Chun Fei''s, who were like sisters.
However, she never thought that the Empress simply would not care about Zhi Chun''s life.
Luckily, at this moment, the Emperor shouted in a low tone, "All of you, stop!"
His expression was ugly as he stood up and observed the several eunuchs and imperial maids present. Then, he shouted, "Get out! Without mymand, no one is allowed to enter again!"
The several imperial maids and eunuchs immediately stopped their actions. However, they hesitated greatly on whether they should retreat. They all turned their gaze towards the Empress, as if they were waiting for hermand.
When the Emperor saw this, he was even angrier. He also turned to look at the Empress and said coldly, "What? So are my words of no use in Changchun Pce?"
Upon seeing this, the Empress trembled lightly, and the rage in her eyes subsided slightly as her mind regained its rationality. In the end, she gritted her teeth and instructed the several imperial maids and eunuchs, "The Emperor has spoken. Why are you still dumbfounded there? Hurry up and go away! Do you no longer want your lives?"
"Yes! Please spare us, Your Majesty. Please spare us, Empress"
Then, the imperial maids and eunuchs retreated from the room.
The Emperor snorted coldly and sat down once again. Then, he looked at Chun Fei with aplex gaze and calmly said, "Chun Fei, you said that you investigated the injustices of your sister''s death back then? What exactly happened? You can exin it now."
Chun Fei nodded and started to speak tirelessly. "Even though my sister''s death back then was dubious and was said to be a sudden death, I know that she died because someone framed her. They said that she poisoned the crown prince because she wanted to make the ninth prince the crown prince"
The Empress''s gaze was sharp as she said, "That''s not framing. That''s the truth! Back then, Your Majesty investigated the matter very thoroughly. However, Your Majesty was softhearted and made her hang herself on ount of your past rtionship. He did not expose her sinister intentions to the public!"
"My sister has a gentle heart and will typically not even kill an ant. How could she poison the crown prince?" Chun Fei rebutted.
The Empressughed coldly and said, "For some people, you might know them for a long time without understanding their true nature. They are one person in front of everyone else and another behind their backs."
Chun Fei did not bicker with the Empress. Instead, she looked at the Emperor and continued to speak. "Your Majesty, I have investigated the matter thoroughly. Back then, there was indeed someone who wanted to poison the crown prince. However, it was not my sister, but someone else! There is a massive conspiracy hidden behind this! Back then, the one who personally poisoned the crown prince was the imperial maid that I have in my hands, Zhi Chun!"
With that, Chun Fei tightened her grip around Zhi Chun''s neck.
"I have been wronged! Your Majesty, Empress, how could I have poisoned the crown prince? Chun Fei is framing me!" Zhi Chun''s face was flushed as she cried out her grievances in panic.
"Framing you?" Chun Feiughed coldly and took out two other things from her chest pocket. Then, she said, "This is a letter that Granny Huang personally wrote to me. It is a detailed record of how you poisoned the crown prince back then. You should be very familiar with Granny Huang, right? The Granny Huang who you adopted a carrot-and-stick approach with and made her cooperate with you back then Also, this is the receipt from the pharmacy you visited when you traveled out from the pce back then! These medicines were the drugs that were used to poison the crown prince! Do you need me to ask the imperial doctor who diagnosed and treated the crown prince to look at the receipt and check whether they match?"
Hua!
Zhi Chun was shouting that she had been wronged and was innocent, but the moment she heard this, her face instantly turned ghastly pale.
These two items could be said to be solid evidence. When they were ced in front of her, she would not be able to exin herself even if she had 1,000 mouths. The truth had been determined.
She never thought that Chun Fei had actually found such conclusive evidence!
Zhi Chun, whose heart was in chaos, subconsciously shot a look at the Empress to plead for her help.
However, the Empress responded with a cold expression that was extremely sinister and threatening.
Chun Fei did not care about the panic from the two women and continued to speak. "Your Majesty, I do not know why you believed that my sister wanted to poison the crown prince back then. However, you can now be certain that the offender behind this was definitely not my sister! My sister could not possibly order Zhi Chun around! As for who the offender behind this was"
Chun Feiughed coldly for a moment and stared at the Empress. Meanwhile, her grip around Zhi Chun''s neck tightened as she berated, "Speak! Who exactly instructed you to poison the crown prince back then?"
"III was treated unjustly"
Zhi Chun was inplete chaos and could only powerlessly shout that she had been wronged.
After listening to this, the Empress''s expression was shockingly dark.
Even a fool would now know that there were secrets behind that incident back then. Mistakes had been made.
The one who had poisoned the crown prince was not Senior Concubine Li, but someone else.
When the Emperor thought about this, he could not help but feel a pain in his heart. He felt very sad.
Senior Concubine Li was the imperial concubine that he had doted on the most. Even though over ten years had passed, he would often recall her voice and appearance. Back then, he had wondered whether Senior Concubine Li had been framed by someone else and wanted to reverse the verdict. However, back then, with the various pieces of evidenceid in front of him and the pressure from various parties, he had no choice but to endure the pain and sentence her to death.
The Emperor looked at Chun Fei with aplex gaze.
Chun Fei and her elder sister were 70% alike. Their appearances and figures were all very simr, and they were rare beauties.
However, Chun Fei''s personality was fiery and direct. She was decisive and constant in everything she did. When she set her mind on something, she would do it no matter how difficult it was and was like a thorny rose. Meanwhile, Senior Concubine Li was cultured and refined, and was also well-educated and reasonable. She was calm in everything she did and neverpeted for anything. She was as calm as a chrysanthemum. She was simply unconventional in thispetitive imperial pce. Thus, he doted on her greatly.
How great would it be if Senior Concubine Li was still around?
Perhaps he would not be as troubled as he was now? He could not find anyone to have a heart-to-heart talk with in the enormous imperialpound now.
s
The Emperor sighed miserably several times in his heart and only withdrew his emotions after a moment. Then, he once again became the lofty monarch who did not reveal his emotions.
He red at the Empress with a cold gaze and asked her as if he was on to something, "Empress, what do you think about this matter?"
Chapter 13: Hurry and Leave Changmen Palace, Its Dangerous!
Chapter 13: Hurry and Leave Changmen Pce, It''s Dangerous!
When the Empress heard the Emperor''s question, her heart trembled, and her mind was already in chaos.
After being husband and wife for so many years, she knew that the Emperor had more or less guessed the truth behind this matter and started to doubt her.
But she could not admit it. She definitely could not admit it!
The Empress was furious. She violently pped the table and stood up with a bang.
Very quickly
She stared at imperial maid Zhi Chun, who had apanied her for many years, with the eyes of a venomous snake and said, "Hmph, I never thought that I would have such a cruel and ruthless ve girl beside me! Speak, who exactly gave you the order? If you honestly reveal the offender behind this, perhaps I can give you a satisfying death on ount of your long service to me! If not, I will definitely not allow you to live nor die. You will regret your journey in this world!"
When Zhi Chun heard the Empress''s words, her heart was filled withplete despair.
She knew that the Empress was nning to abandon her and make her take the me.
Furthermore, her words were a threat to Zhi Chun.
If she took the me alone, she might be able to die a satisfying death. However, if she said the truth, not only would she die a painful death, her family would also be involved.
The Empress had such a ruthless heart
Zhi Chun waspletely disheartened and gave a sad smile. "There was no offender behind this matter, and no one gave me instructions. I had a grudge against Senior Concubine Li back then, so I framed her."
After she finished speaking, and before Chun Fei could react, Zhi Chun suddenly activated her internal strength. Then, she raised her right hand and used all her power to suddenly p her own forehead.
Thump!
This p could be said to be the most brutal p that Zhi Chun could deliver. She did not hold back at all.
After this p, Zhi Chun weakly copsed on the floor and stopped breathing.
Chun Fei panicked, but it was toote to save Zhi Chun. She hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, this matter is definitely not as simple as she mentioned. There must definitely be someone instructing her to do so from behind the scenes!"
However, the Emperor shook his head. Then, he waved his hand with a fatigued expression on his face. "Since the true offender has taken her own life, then this matter will end here. Chun Fei, you should go back."
How could Chun Fei be willing to do so? She was very clear that Zhi Chun was simply a puppet who received orders and acted on them. She continued speaking, "She is an imperial maid who does not have such great abilities and methods! Your Majesty, you have to check this matter thoroughly!"
However, the Emperor did not want to say any more nonsense. He repeated himself, "Chun Fei, you should go back."
Chun Fei gritted her teeth and was furious.
Since she had reached this stage today, she did not care about anything else and simply pointed at the Empress. "Your Majesty, I suspect that Her Majesty the Empress instructed her servant to poison the crown prince back then! If not, how would Zhi Chun, a mere imperial maid, have the courage to poison the crown prince and frame the Senior Concubine?"
The Empress''s expression was icy-cold, and she was so angry that her entire body trembled. She pointed at Chun Fei and shouted, "You''re speaking nonsense! You''ve made malicious attacks on me!"
"I didn''t!" Chun Fei widened her eyes and put aside all considerations of face. "I heard Directorate for Credentials Manager Zhang Yong mention that back then, Her Majesty the Empress framed both the crown prince and my sister, killing two birds with one stone! Even though the crown prince was saved, his body is no longer like it was before. Meanwhile, my sister was wronged and died The greatest benefactor of this matter would be Consort Xian, who is the current Empress! After my sister died, Consort Xian became the concubine who was most doted on and sessfully became the Empress. Her son, the third prince, also became the crown prince!"
"You You"
The Empress''s trembling was even more intense, but no one knew whether it was because of her rage or some other reason. She could not speak for a while.
"That''s enough!"
The Emperor''s expression was dark. He stood up and looked at the Empress for a while with eyes full of rage.
But in the end, he did not say anything to the Empress. Instead, he turned and looked at Chun Fei and said word by word, "Chun Fei, this is the end of this matter. You should go back!"
Chun Fei was not willing to. She was so annoyed that she was about to cry.
How could the Emperor still not believe her after talking this far?
Were these people all fools?
Or had the Empress deceived him?
Just as Chun Fei was not willing to give up and wanted to say something, the Emperor suddenly shouted, "Guards! Bring Chun Fei back to Changmen Pce. From now on, guard Changmen Pce stringently, and don''t allow her to take a step outside it!"
Very quickly, a group of guards, eunuchs, and imperial maids entered in a single file and surrounded Chun Fei.
A smart-looking eunuch with nimble eyes gestured. "Your Majesty Chun Fei, please."
If Lin Ping was here, he would definitely recognize that this eunuch was none other than
His good friend from before, Little Guizi!
Eight years ago, Little Guizi was a eunuch in the Imperial Study Room who was addicted to gambling.
One would never have imagined that he would be a favorite of the Emperor.
There were tears in Chun Fei''s eyes andplete despair in her heart.
She stared at the Emperor and said in a tone full of hate, "Xia Jianshen, you fatuous and self-indulgent ruler! You heartless and ungrateful man, my sister loved the wrong person!"
After she finished speaking, she was forcibly taken away by Little Guizi and the others.
After everyone had left, Changchun Pce regained its silence.
Even though Empress Xie Feiyan''s body was no longer shaking, her expression was still filled with anxiety and fear.
She could not determine what exactly the Emperor was thinking.
"Your Majesty"
She tried to call out to him.
The Emperor''s expression was icy-cold, and he did not reply to her. Instead, he repeated the issue he had originallye to Changchun Pce for. "The barbarian envoys will enter the capital in half a month''s time. Shi Chengtian, General Who Stabilizes the North''s master, must appear!"
With that, the Emperor simply turned and left.
He did not say anything else.
The Empress''s body turned weak, and she sat on her chair.
She knew that the Emperor had believed Chun Fei and guessed that she was the instigator behind the scenes who had framed Senior Concubine Li back then.
However, out of the consideration that her brother was the General Who Stabilizes the North, he did not look into this matter nor take interest in it today.
But ordingly, her brother had to ask his master, grade-9 Master Shi Chengtian, to appear in half a month.
It was now different from the past.
In the past, her brother still had the leeway to reject, but now, he had to do it!
If not, her position as Empress would no longer be stable.
Empress Xie Feiyan was dazed as she sat on her chair. She only recovered from her shock after the burning of an incense stick''s time.
After that, her face, which was still considered beautiful for a middle-ageddy, turnedpletely ferocious and terrifying. She shouted in a low voice, "Messenger, bring Directorate of Pce Seals Manager Luo Feng here! Tonight, no matter what, he will go to Changmen Pce and kill that lowly Chun Fei! If not, he will die!"
Crack!
The door of Changmen Pce was opened. Chun Fei had been sent back under the custody of several eunuch guards.
Upon seeing this, Yun Su, who had been anxiously waiting in the courtyard, immediately greeted her and asked in a worried tone, "Her Majesty, are you alright?"
Little Guizi said in a sorry tone, "Your Majesty Chun Fei, in the future, stay obediently in Changmen Pce. You heard His Majesty''s orders today. From today, you can no longer step out of Changmen Pce without authorization. If not, do not me His Majesty for having no consideration."
At this moment, Lin Ping also walked out from his room.
When Little Guizi saw Lin Ping, he was dumbfounded and seemed rather surprised.
To be honest, apart from the first one or two years after Lin Ping had just arrived in Changmen Pce, they had asionally only met a few times. Later on, after so many years, they seemed to havepletely severed rtions.
It had been a very long time since they hadst seen each other.
If it was not for today, Little Guizi would have almost forgotten about Lin Ping.
Back when they were both unknown eunuchs, they were once best friends.
But now, Lin Ping was a eunuch who swept the floor at the cold pce. Meanwhile, Little Guizi was a favorite of the Emperor, and his status was no lower than that of the managers in the 24 government offices!
When Little Guizi thought about their past rtionship, he hesitated for a moment. Then, he silently sighed and walked up to Lin Ping. He pulled Lin Ping aside and said in a low and fast tone, "Little Lin, I never thought that you would still be alive! Since you were able to live in the cold pce for such a long time, I believe that you must be a smart person. And since you are a smart person, listen to me. Later on, hurry up and find an opportunity to secretly sneak out of Changmen Pce and randomly find a ce to stay the night. Don''t return for tonight!"
After Little Guizi finished speaking, he did not wait for Little Guizi to ask why. Instead, he brought his people and hurriedly left.
Lin Ping furrowed his eyebrows as he watched the backs of the people leaving. Then, he looked at Chun Fei, who looked different from usual and seemed lost in thought.
Typically, even though Chun Fei was in the cold pce, she had remained rather firm and unyielding, as if there was something supporting her. Thus, she bravely faced any difficulties she encountered.
However, when she returned today, she seemed to have instantly lost all vigor and had be dispirited.
It looked like
Tonight, not only did the two demons, the ck and White Impermanence, slip into the imperialpound, another major incident must have also urred.
"Senior Sister, what exactly happened? Didn''t you say that you would definitely seed tonight? Could it be that the Emperor didn''t believe you?" Yun Su asked anxiously.
Chun Fei shook her head and did not want to say much.
However, she seemed to have thought of something very quickly, and some vigor returned to her dispirited eyes. Then, she looked at Yun Su, before looking at Lin Ping beside her, and impatiently said, "Yun Su, Lin Ping, hurry up and leave! If you don''t leave, you won''t make it in time! Tonight, a grade-8 master will very likelye to Changmen Pce to kill me!
"I was the one who provoked this matter, so I will face this alone. Once I die, this matter will be brought to an end.
"Yun Su. From now on, leave the imperial court and live your own life."
"As for Lin Ping, with your grade-7 cultivation, regardless of whether you want to live outside the imperialpound or continue staying here, it will definitely be very easy"
Chapter 14: I Can Still Help in Order to Sweep the Floor!
Chapter 14: I Can Still Help in Order to Sweep the Floor!
Chun Fei was very smart.
When she decided to charge into Changchun Pce tonight, she was prepared to win or to die trying.
There were no routes of retreat or second choices for this matter.
However, before this, she had felt that the possibility of sess would be high.
After all, over the past few years, she had thoroughly investigated the secrets behind the death of her sister, Senior Concubine Li. Her evidence was authentic and enough to prove that the Empress was the hidden hand behind this.
Furthermore, from the information she had obtained, the Emperor had genuine feelings towards Senior Concubine Li. After all, even after so many years had passed, he did not forget about her sister.
Every year, during the anniversary of her sister''s death, he would not go to the rooms of any concubines. Instead, he would choose to remain in the Imperial Study Room by himself.
With these two reasonsbined, she felt that she could persuade the Emperor and defeat the Empress
However, it was a pity that Chun Fei had chosen the wrong time.
If this had happened at other times, her n might have had a probability of sess.
But not now.
Right now, the Grand Xia Imperial Court was facing both internal and external troubles. Furthermore, the northern barbarians were bearing down menacingly on them and repeatedly invading their borders.
After half a month, a group of barbarian envoys would enter the capital. They would arrive with worse intentions than six years ago!
The Emperor was overwrought over this matter. He cedrge hopes on the Empress''s elder brother, the General Who Stabilizes the North!
During times like these, even if the Empressmitted a severe offense, let alone an old crime from over ten years ago, the Emperor would still retain her for now and not do anything to her!
Chun Fei had been sent to the cold pce, hiding there for over ten years, and had painstakingly nned this for many years. However, all these had been for nothing. Thus, Chun Fei was totally disillusioned.
However, after she recovered slightly from her shock, she quickly predicted what would happen next.
Since she could not defeat the Empress
Then, the Empress would definitely not let her off!
Indeed, the Empress would not let Chun Fei off again.
She wanted Chun Fei dead. Chun Fei had to die tonight!
Even though the Emperor did not do anything to her tonight, from the expression the Emperor had when he left and the words he spoke, it was clear that he had made a judgment in his heart.
He did not deal with her simply because her brother was the General Who Stabilizes the North, as well as the pressure from the barbarian delegation who were about to arrive.
From now on, perhaps she would be able to protect her position as Empress, but she hadpletely lost the favor of the Emperor. Thus, Changchun Pce would be no different from the cold pce in the future.
How could the Empress not take revenge for this great grudge?
Even if there seemed to be a grade-8 master in Changmen Pce, this did not stop her murderous intentions.
If there was indeed a grade-8 master, then she simply had to send another grade-8 master there!
Six years ago, she was unable to find a suitable grade-8 master to send to Changmen Pce for various reasons.
But now, there was a suitable candidate right in front of her!
Luo Feng was the Manager of the Directorate of Pce Seals, one of the 24 government offices in the imperialpound.
Not only did the Directorate of Pce Seals have a lot of authority, they also had many people under theirmand. Furthermore, most importantly, they could frequently interact with the Emperor. Thus, Luo Feng was one of the Emperor''s most trusted and favored eunuchs.
However, ever since five years ago, when the Emperor got to know eunuch Little Guizi who was on duty in the Imperial Study Room, the most well-liked eunuch in the imperialpound had be none other than this Little Guizi.
Of course.
Even if Luo Feng was not the most trusted eunuch of the Emperor, as the Directorate of Pce Seals Manager, his status would not change. He was still ranked among the top 10 out of the 100,000 eunuchs in the imperial court.
No
He was no longer ranked among the top 10.
Three years ago, Luo Feng''s martial arts cultivation base advanced, and he broke through from the grade-7 realm to the grade-8 realm. As a result, his status also advanced, and he was practically able to rank among the top five!
Since Luo Feng was once Eastern Depot Superintendent Feng Bao''s subordinate and had been promoted by Feng Bao, many people knew that Luo Feng was both the Directorate of Pce Seals Manager and one of Feng Bao''s people.
Very few people knew that in reality, Luo Feng was one of Empress Xie Feiyan''s people!
Back then, Feng Bao was willing to promote Luo Feng to his current position, not because of his own intentions, but because the Empress had incited him to do so!
Thus, when the Empress wanted to kill Chun Fei tonight, Luo Feng had no choice but to obey her orders.
Since the Empress was not particr about the price of promoting him back then, she naturally had absolute methods to control him.
If there was a day he did not obediently do what he was told, the Empress would have a way to put him in a fatal position at all times.
"Your Majesty, do I have to do so? If Chun Fei dies just after what happened tonight, I''m afraid that His Majesty will be even angrier."
After Luo Feng arrived at Changchun Pce and heard the Empress''smand, he tried to reject it.
"If I tell you to go, then go! Since His Majesty has left for tonight and sent that lowly Chun Fei back to the cold pce under escort, this means that he will no longer look into what happened back then nor care about the life and death of that slut!" the Empress roared with a ferocious expression on her face.
The mes of anger in her heart were still raging and could not be subsided for a long time.
"But there might be a grade-8 expert in Changmen Pce, and I might not be able to kill Chun Fei."
Luo Feng bent over and wanted to defend himself.
"That expert only seems to be a grade-8. Furthermore, you advanced to the grade-8 realm three years ago, so what are you afraid of?"
The Empress slowly stood up and walked in front of Luo Feng. Then she angrily said, "What? I can''tmand Feng Bao, and now, I can''t evenmand you either? I don''t care what expert is living in Changmen Pce. Tonight, either that slut dies or you die! Do you understand?"
Luo Feng sighed. In the end, he could only cup his hands in obeisance and say, "I will follow your orders."
In the Wenyuan Pavilion.
There were just too many collections of books here. If one wanted to flip through them, they would not be able to look through everything even if they took a few years.
The two brothers, ck Impermanence and White Impermanence, took a rough look at the books. After more than an hour, they found a dozen first-rate martial arts books they were interested in. Then, they were prepared to leave.
Of course, before they left, the lewd rapist Junior Brother White Impermanence did not forget about the matter of capturing four pretty beauties from the imperialpound.
Furthermore, one of them had to be one of the Emperor''s imperial concubines.
Even though they were not skilled in movement techniques, they were both grade-8 masters that could leap onto roofs and vault over walls in the imperialpound. As long as they did not encounter any experts of the top three grades, no one would be able to discover them.
"Wasn''t it said that the imperialpound is full of beauties who are all like goddesses? Why have I only found a few beauties who I''m interested in after walking one whole round?" White Impermanence said rather angrily.
Perhaps it was because his hopes were too high.
They had strolled through many pces and scanned through several hundred imperial maids. However, they only had two unconscious imperial maids in their arms.
ck Impermanence said with a dark expression, "Randomly choose another two. Then we should leave! Just now at Wenyuan Pavilion, you constantly hastened me to work faster. Now, when you''re choosing women, you''re the one that is dilly-dallying!"
White Impermanence replied defiantly, "Can you choose women the same way you choose martial arts? When can''t you learn martial arts? Just randomly choose one and that''s it. But you definitely have to select women very carefully."
ck Impermanence chided, "Hurry up! Randomly choose another two and let''s go!"
White Impermanence advised him, "Senior Brother, don''t be impatient. I haven''t found a concubine I like! But the Emperor''s judgment is not particrly good. After all, his concubines either have uneptable looks or are old."
Just like that, ck and White Impermanence chatted as they looked over the ce. Then, they unconsciously arrived at the vicinity of Changmen Pce.
Meanwhile, at that moment in Changmen Pce
Imperial maid Yun Su was not willing to leave alone and had soughtfort. She wanted to stay behind and apany Chun Fei. If they died, then they would die together.
As for Lin Ping, after listening to what happened in Changchun Pce, he hesitated for a moment and did not immediately leave. Instead, he said that he would wait and see.
Of course, he could not possibly be like Yun Su and apany Chun Fei to die.
He stayed behind as he wanted to see what exactly the realm of the expert that the Empress had sent over was.
If it was simply an ordinary grade-8 master, he could try and help.
After all, he had to continue staying in the imperialpound to check in.
If Chun Fei died, he would not be able to remain at the cold pce to sweep the floor.
If he went somewhere else, needless to say, it would definitely be troublesome for his usual cultivation routine. Furthermore, the environment could not possibly be as leisurely and quiet as the cold pce without anyone disturbing him.
After some careful thought, his life in the cold pce over the past few years was rather decent and satisfying.
In order to hold onto his sweeping job, Lin Ping felt that he could help Chun Fei again.
However, this was only restricted to ordinary grade-8 masters.
If the Empress sent over a grade-9 master, or special grade-8 masters that could rival grade-9 masters like the ck and White Impermanence he had faced in Wenyuan Pavilion, he would have no choice but to secretly slip away.
Even though he was rather happy with his sweeping job, he would not risk his life to do it
Chapter 15: How Powerful!
Chapter 15: How Powerful!
Lin Ping was willing to stay behind, even though he had stated very clearly that he would only stay for now and leave immediately if the opponent was too powerful.
After hearing this, Chun Fei was still very touched.
She felt that Lin Ping had feelings towards her, but never expected that she would be so highly-ranked in Lin Ping''s heart that he was willing to take such a great risk for her!
Thus, Chun Fei was extremely touched. She shook her head and advised him, "Lin Ping, there''s no need to wait. You should hurry up and leave. I will repay your favor in my next life. Tonight, the Empress will not possibly let me off. She will definitely send a grade-8 assassin here, so there''s no need to leave things to luck.
"Furthermore, I believe you know better than me how powerful grade-8 experts are. If you wanted to leave after the assassin arrives, I''m afraid you won''t be able to escape."
One would see who their true friends were in times of trouble.
Lin Ping had the cultivation base of a grade-7 master but was willing to silently remain at the cold pce for almost eight years. In the past, Chun Fei even suspected that Lin Ping had other motives.
However, when faced with the attack of a powerful enemy and the high possibility that he might not survive if he remained, Lin Ping still wanted to try and protect her.
They were neither rtives nor friends. What was the objective behind him doing so?
It could not possibly be just for the sweeping job, right?
No normal person would think this way!
Thus, Chun Fei silently remembered this favor in her heart.
She could not repay the favor in this life, so she could only repay his kind acts in the next one.
What she could do now was to warn Lin Ping to leave quickly and to not struggle unnecessarily, losing his life in the cold pce for nothing.
This was not worth it.
"It''s fine. I''m well aware of the situation."
Lin Ping was rather puzzled when he saw the touched expression on Chun Fei''s face.
He had clearly said that he would only attack within his means. If the opponent was too powerful and had even the slightest possibility of threatening him, he would not hesitate to retreat and leave.
Was there a need to be so touched?
Furthermore, he only did so in order to continue sweeping at the cold pce.
Just as Chun Fei wanted to say something else, Lin Ping suddenly furrowed his eyebrows and said in a low voice, "Someone''s here."
After a moment, a middle-aged man dressed in red round-cored eunuch clothes nimbly arrived. He vaulted over the wall andnded in the courtyard of Changmen Pce.
"Directorate of Pce Seals Manager Luo Feng!" When Chun Fei saw him, her gaze was stern and her pupils dted. She shouted angrily, "The Empress actually sent you over. It looks like you were also involved in my sister''s death back then!"
"Your Majesty Chun Fei, it looks like you have indeed investigated many things over the past few years," Luo Feng responded calmly and expressionlessly, but his gaze carefully and cautiously scanned the entire Changmen Pce. He wanted to find the expert that was hiding in Changmen Pce.
There was definitely an expert in Changmen Pce.
Otherwise, Assistant Manager Zhu Dayong, who had a grade-7 cultivation base, would not have died a miserable death here six years ago.
The only thing he was uncertain about was whether this hidden expert in Changmen Pce had a grade-7 cultivation base or they had reached grade-8!
If the expert had a grade-7 cultivation base, they would be very easy to deal with. Tonight, everyone in the Changmen Pce had to die, and there would be no survivors.
But if this hidden expert had a grade-8 cultivation base, it would be somewhat troublesome.
"Your Majesty, why did you bother? You can''t change the past. That incident happened so many years ago, so why did you constantly try to get to the heart of the problem? Even if you investigated the details, so what?"
Luo Feng seemed to be casually chatting, but he did not rx even for a moment. Instead, he was silently making calctions in his heart.
How were there only three people in Changmen Pce?
The three people were Chun Fei, her personal imperial maid Yun Su, and a eunuch who swept the floor.
Their cultivation bases were grade-6, grade-4, and a passer-by who could not fight, respectively.
These three were the people living in Changmen Pce on the surface. He was very clear of the situation, and these people did not pose any threat to him.
But
What about the mysterious expert who hid in Changmen Pce?
Apart from these three people, Luo Feng did not sense the presence of a fourth person in here.
Let''s see where you can hide!
"Your Majesty, people like you have to look ahead. If you were more well-behaved, the situation would not have reached this stage. Your Majesty, your looks canpare to your sister''s back then. In fact, your looks even exceed your sister''s! How could the Emperor send you to the cold pce and not visit you for over ten years? In my view, Your Majesty, you are not as smart as your sister, Senior Concubine Li. When your sister was around, the Emperor was infatuated and only doted on her"
Luo Feng seemed as if he had the gift of the gab.
However, even as he spoke, his figure had gone to check the row of rooms in Changmen Pce.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
At every room, he stretched out his arm, and his internal energy trembled slightly, causing the door to open. Then, he could see everything in each room at a nce.
When he finished speaking, the dozen rooms in Changmen Pce had been checked by him.
The results were beyond his expectations.
There was no one in the rooms at all!
Luo Feng could not help butugh. Was his luck so good that the mysterious expert hiding in Changmen Pce was not around and had gone out for something?
If this was the case, then he was truly lucky.
Without the mysterious expert, he would be able to eliminate Chun Fei, the imperial maid, and the eunuch in the courtyard with a wave of his finger.
After understanding the situation, Luo Feng''s long-winded habit disappeared, and he did not say anything else.
Instead, his figure shed, and he arrived in front of Chun Fei. Then, as he was about to attack her, he said, "Your Majesty, if you have the opportunity to reincarnate as a human in your next life, you need to learn how to be smart."
Upon seeing this, Chun Fei was very shocked as shepletely did not expect Luo Feng to attack so suddenly.
She had wanted to try to drag out some time for Lin Ping to escape, but it was toote now.
Chun Fei, who had a grade-6 cultivation base, was also considered a rare expert. However, when she was faced with Luo Feng''s casual p, she had the feeling that she would undoubtedly die. She could only continue moving and do her best to fend off the attack. At the same time, her body rapidly retreated as she shouted, "Luo Feng, if you kill me, aren''t you afraid that the Emperor will punish you?"
"Your Majesty, you don''t have to be concerned about that. If you go to hell and see Senior Concubine Li, remember to send her my regards"
Luo Fengughed softly. Then, his palm energy suddenly grew stronger, suppressing Chun Fei with an earth-shattering momentum. There was no doubt that Chun Fei would die with her grade-6 cultivation base.
Lin Ping had already nned to attack.
After all, even though Directorate of Pce Seals Manager Luo Feng had the cultivation base of a grade-8, he was much weaker than Lin Ping had expected.
He was weak to the point that Lin Ping felt that he would not need a second attack to kill him.
However, Lin Ping stopped at thest juncture.
This was because two figures, one ck and one white, had secretly arrived on the roof of Changmen Pce without his knowledge.
They were ck and White Impermanence, who had secretly snuck into Wenyuan Pavilion to examine various martial arts records tonight!
For some reason, these two demons hade here.
Furthermore, just as Luo Feng was about to perform a killing technique on Chun Fei, White Impermanence gave off a strangeugh. "Pretty girl, let me save you!"
The moment he finished talking, his body shed as his speed reached its peak, leaving behind a series of shadows in the air. White Impermanence arrived next to Chun Fei.
Then, his fist shot out. Not only was Luo Feng''s fist attackpletely dispersed, Luo Feng was even forced to retreat a few steps before he could stabilize his body.
"As expected, there was an expert!"
Luo Feng was scared. Just as he was about to ask something, White Impermanence''s attack had struck him.
This person''s fist techniques were extremely powerful. Every time his fist shot out, the air would produce exploding sounds from the pressure even before the fist energy reached his opponent. As a result, Luo Feng was out of breath.
It was a grade-8 master!
How troublesome! It looked like this was the mysterious expert who had been protecting Chun Fei all along for the past few years in Changmen Pce. However, Luo Feng did not withdraw because of this. Instead, he narrowed his eyes and delivered a set of punches. Instead of retreating, he advanced!
The Empress had given him an absolute order he had to kill Chun Fei tonight, or he would die.
As Luo Feng unceasingly delivered attacks with his two fists, he also secretly produced a sucking power at the same time that continuously dissolved White Impermanence''s fist energy.
Both of them attacked very quickly as their fists shed. In the blink of an eye, they had attacked each other over ten times.
The more Luo Feng fought, the more fearful he became. This mysterious expert in front of him was stronger than him. He had probably studied the grade-8 realm meticulously for over ten years and was a veteran grade-8 master.
Just as Luo Feng was nning how to create a diversion to escape White Impermanence and kill Chun Fei before withdrawing
He never expected that White Impermanence would suddenly shout, "This eunuch is a bit hard to handle. Senior Brother, lend me a helping hand!"
There was another expert?
When Luo Feng heard this, he was shocked. The mysterious expert in front of him was already terrifying enough. It would be awful if another expert arrived.
He was making an empty show of strength, right?
If Chun Fei had two grade-8 experts of this level supporting her, how could she have fallen to her current position?
However, the next moment, Luo Feng was full of regret.
Crash!
There was a whooshing sound, and a terrifying attack charged towards Luo Feng from behind. As a result, Luo Feng could not help but grit his teeth and face White Impermanence''s fist energy with one hand, while freeing his other hand to resist the attack from behind.
ck Impermanence, who attacked from behind, did not perform fist techniques, but leg techniques. Furthermore, in terms of power, these leg techniques were even stronger than White Impermanence''s fist techniques.
Puff!
He was being attacked from both sides. No matter how exquisite Luo Feng''s fist techniques were, they were knocked apart by force. Then, two waves of brutal and ridiculous power attacked his body. He immediately vomited a mouthful of blood.
How powerful!
Luo Feng widened his eyes, and his gaze was filled with fear and panic. He wanted to withdraw and retreat.
If he did not leave now, he would die here!
Chapter 16: The Forgotten Eunuch
Chapter 16: The Forgotten Eunuch
At that moment, Luo Feng felt great regret.
If he had known this earlier
He should have put aside all considerations of face. Even if he had to defy the orders of the Empress, he would not step into this muddy water ande to Changmen Pce.
Who would have thought that not one, but two mysterious experts were hiding in Changmen Pce?
Both of them were grade-8 masters. Furthermore, they were great experts who had immersed themselves in the grade-8 realm for a long time and were consideredte-stage grade-8 experts!
Who exactly were these two people?
Wasn''t it said that they were likely to be survivors from the Taixu Sect?
However, before the Taixu Sect was exterminated back then, they only had one grade-8 expert!
No matter who it was, with two such bosses, even Eastern Depot Superintendent Feng Bao himself might also return without any achievements!
Thus, Luo Feng no longer cared about the Empress''s order to take Chun Fei''s life.
He had to leave immediately!
If he wanted to leave now, it would not be too difficult with his grade-8 cultivation base.
After all, everyone had grade-8 cultivation bases. Even if his strength was slightly inferior, he still had the certainty that he could escape.
However, he was now injured. If he fled anyter, he might not be able to escape.
"Trying to escape? You can''t run!"
White Impermanence gave a strangeugh once again. This time, he no longer attacked separately from his Senior Brother ck Impermanence. Instead, the two of thembined, and instantly, there was some sort of wonderful connection. Then, both fist techniques and leg techniques were disyed at the same time.
Crash!
In an instant, their techniques made great qualitative improvements. As a result, their fist techniques and leg techniques were no longer ordinary. Instead, they had materialized!
The surrounding heaven-and-earth natural qi was stirred up. Then, a massive fist form that dazzled with a pale blue light, as well as a massive leg shadow that shone with a brilliant golden light, appeared across the sky and charged towards Luo Feng.
"What?"
Luo Feng, who had believed that he would not face any problems retreating, was instantly scared out of his wits when he saw this.
For masters who had reached the top three grades, they would definitely be highly proficient in the martial arts they cultivated and could innovate new techniques. Thus, it was not difficult for them to materialize the unique characteristics of their techniques.
For example, Senior Brother He Liang back then was only a peak grade-6 who had not advanced to grade-7. However, he was highly proficient in his disy of the Divine Raging mes Palm, with even his hands bing bright red.
However.
Unlike ck and White Impermanence, ordinary masters who had reached the top three grades would not be able to cause sudden changes in the heaven-and-earth natural qi like a deity.
This was the strength that only grade-9 masters possessed!
"The Heavenly Canal Divine Art! You are"
At this moment, Luo Feng understood who exactly his opponents were.
They were ck and White Impermanence!
The Junior Brother was skilled in fist techniques, while the Senior Brother was skilled in leg techniques.
The two of them were grade-8 masters, but after they synchronized, they would be able to disy might that could rival that of a grade-9 master.
Even though the Grand Xia Dynasty was veryrge and there were countless experts, experts who had such distinctive characteristics and fulfilled these conditions could only be the legendary ck and White Impermanence!
However, it was a pity that Luo Feng had understood this toote.
He could not even shout out the names of ck and White Impermanence.
Thebination of attacks by ck and White Impermanence was not something that he, who had just advanced to the grade-8 realm, could challenge.
Puff! Puff!
Even though he had already disyed his strongest technique, when faced with the attacks of the blue-light fist shadow and the golden leg shadow, Luo Feng''s body trembled twice in session. As a result, almost all the meridians in his body, as well as his internal organs, had broken into pieces from this attack.
He continually vomited blood, and blood vessels appeared in his widened eyes. He pointed at ck and White Impermanence and wanted to say something but could not. Very quickly, he copsed on the ground and stopped breathing.
"He copsed from just one hit."
White Impermanence pped his hands and nced at Luo Feng''s corpse on the ground with disdain.
However, a lewd smile quickly appeared on his face once again. He cheerily looked at Chun Fei and imperial maid Yun Su while continuously nodding his head. The more he looked at them, the more satisfied he was.
Tonight, he had seen almost all of the imperial concubines, but Chun Fei was the prettiest and the most attractive!
Regardless of whether it was in terms of her appearance, figure, or the color of her skin, she was remarkably beautiful. She was beautiful enough to be ranked among the top five women he had seen over the dozens of years he had been raping women!
Furthermore, what was even rarer and more valuable about her was that Chun Fei had practiced martial arts. Furthermore, he could see that her internal energy was not weak and that she had a grade-6 cultivation base!
This made her even rarer.
He had raped countless women and was highly experienced. Thus, he knew that women who were trained in martial arts were more fun than ordinary women!
As for Yun Su, her appearance was slightly inferior to that of Chun Fei''s, but she was still a rare beauty.
At that moment, Chun Fei and Yun Su were in aplete state of loss and could not recover from their shock at all.
Directorate of Pce Seals Manager Luo Feng, who was ranked among the top few out of the 100,000 eunuchs, was a dignified grade-8 master, but he had died just like that?
Even though Luo Feng had died and the two women should be extremely excited, what had happened before them simply felt unreal!
Chun Fei had been ready to die and never thought that she would be able to survive this night, yet in the blink of an eye, life and death had been reversed!
Where did these two people, one ck and one white, appear from?
Did theye specially to save her?
ck and White Impermanence had appeared at thest moment and killed Luo Feng. As a result, Chun Fei could not help but imagine positive things.
"Beautifuldy, don''t be afraid. I won''t harm you." White Impermanence rubbed his hands together and gradually approached Chun Fei. Then, he said with a face full of smiles, "I''d like to ask you a question. From the clothes you''re wearing, you should be a concubine of the Emperor, right?"
Chun Fei did not quite understand what he meant. Since he had saved her life, she nodded and spoke the truth, "Yes. I am the Emperor''s concubine, Chun Fei."
"Chun Fei? Very good!"
A glint of excitement appeared in White Impermanence''s eyes. The more impatient he was, the closer he went to Chun Fei and started tough strangely.
Chun Fei was not a fool either. When she saw White Impermanence''s appearance, his boorish andscivious smile, and especially his strangeughter, she felt very unsafe.
Then, the unrealistic beliefs rapidly dispersed.
The situation was not as good as she had imagined. These two people definitely had note here just to save her. Instead, they had other intentions.
"You Who are you?!" Chun Fei retreated step by step and asked with great vignce.
"There''s no need to say our names, as even we can''t remember. But, o'' famous beauty, you should''ve heard of us before. We''re ck and White Impermanence!" White Impermanence proimed with great excitement!
"ck and White Impermanence?!"
When Chun Fei heard this, her pupils instantly dted, and panic appeared in her gaze.
This was a reaction that she did not experience even when she faced Luo Feng.
When faced with Luo Feng, even though she was no match for him, at the very most, she would simply die.
However, if she fell into the hands of ck and White Impermanence, she would rather die!
As a disciple of the Taixu Sect, she had mixed in with the Jianghu before entering the imperial pce. Thus, she had naturally heard of the celebrated heroes and the notorious demons in the Jianghu.
Furthermore, ck and White Impermanence were outstanding figures among those demons!
Just as Chun Fei''s gaze became firm and she was prepared to do something, White Impermanence''s figure shed and pressed all her acupoints like a ghost.
Chun Fei could not resist at all and simply lost consciousness.
"Senior Sist!"
When Yun Su saw this, she was rmed. However, before she could do anything, ck Impermanence, who was beside her, pressed her acupoints from high up in the air, causing her to faint as well.
ck and White Impermanence each captured one of the women. Including the two other people they had captured from other pces, they had a total of four people, satisfying White Impermanence''s condition that he had raised in the beginning. Then, they prepared to withdraw.
"Wait"
White Impermanence suddenly stopped.
ck Impermanence furrowed his eyebrows and said with annoyance, "What is it now? Why do you have so many problems?"
White Impermanence turned his head and looked at the corner of the courtyard. Then, he said, "I almost forgot, Senior Brother, that there was also a eunuch here."
When ck Impermanence heard this, he turned his head, only now realizing this!
This eunuch had no presence. Even though such a major incident had happened, he did not move from the beginning till the end. As a result, ck and White Impermanence almost forgot about him.
"Silence him!"
Naturally, ck and White Impermanence were not merciful people and made their decision even without thinking. ck Impermanence casually raised his leg and kicked towards Lin Ping with might.
Tonight, they had charged into the imperial pce at night, stole secret martial arts records from Wenyuan Pavilion, killed a grade-8 eunuch, and captured an imperial concubine, a princess, and two imperial maids.
The disaster they caused was not a small one.
Of course, they would kill any witnesses who had seen them.
Crack!
Even though ck Impermanence had only casually delivered a kick and did not use the Heavenly Canal Divine Art, from a grade-8 master, a casual kick from high above should have quite an effect. It would even be able to kill a grade-4 or grade-5 soldier
let alone a eunuch who seemed to be terrified.
ck and White Impermanence were subconsciously already prepared to leave.
However, the next moment, ck Impermanence stopped in his tracks and sensed that something was wrong. He looked at the corner of the courtyard, and his gaze instantly paused.
The might from his kick had disappearedpletely, and there was no response.
However, what was even more bizarre was that Lin Ping, who had been standing at the corner of the courtyard, did not make any movement but had suddenly disappeared.
Even the two of them did not notice this!
"There''s another expert!"
ck and White Impermanence had wandered around the Jianghu for many years, and their vision was naturally very refined. Thus, they immediately sensed that something was wrong and simply put down the women in their arms. Then, they were on their guard.
After taking two breaths, the two brothers seemed to havemunicated with each other telepathically. They both turned around and worked together to perform the Heavenly Canal Divine Art that crashed towards the area in front of them.
"Die!"
Cold smiles appeared on the faces of ck and White Impermanence.
When the two brothers joined hands, no matter what kind of hidden expert they faced, they would all die!
Chapter 17: The Death of Black and White Impermanence
Chapter 17: The Death of ck and White Impermanence
ck and White Impermanence did have what it took to be arrogant.
When the two joined forces, they were able to unleash the full strength and power of the Heavenly Canal Divine Art, whose destructive power had already surpassed the limit of what a grade-8 could unleash. The attack was on the same level as that of a grade-9 great grandmaster.
It didn''t matter how strong the small eunuch who was hiding his strength previously was. Under the joint attack of the two, he would undoubtedly die!
After all, in this imperialpound, the strongest person was merely Yan Bugui, the guest elder of the imperial family, who was already past the age of a hundred.
If Yan Bugui was still in his prime, when his power was at its peak, perhaps ck and White Impermanence would be cautious and slightly fearful of him. However, with him sumbing to old age, he was no longer a threat to them.
Six years ago, Yan Bugui only managed to barely finish off a grade-8 barbarian powerhouse. Rumors also said that he had suffered a lot of injuries because of this fight. Whether he could even live till now was a question itself.
Even if he was not dead, what threat could he bring to the two brothers?
They were confident they could finish him off in one move!
Otherwise, they would not have dared to break into the pce so boldly tonight, even visiting Wenyuan Pavilion as well as kidnapping the princess and a concubine.
ck and White Impermanence were very confident in their abilities. In their eyes, they had already envisioned the tragic death of the eunuch.
Just like how they had killed off eunuch Luo Feng previously.
However
In the next moment, ck and White Impermanence''splexion changed drastically. They looked speechlessly at the scene in front of them in disbelief, with their mouths agape.
If their senses were not wrong, the eunuch had vanished soundlessly and appeared behind them.
Faced with thebined attack of the two, the little eunuch did not dodge, or rather, it should have been toote for him to dodge.
Theplete Heavenly Canal Divine Art that they had used was infused with the power of heaven and earth. The fist shadows that formed a phantom image had reached the little eunuch in only the blink of an eye.
Under such an attack with high destructive power and the power of heaven and earth, the eunuch should have been bombarded to death, without leaving an intact corpse.
However, the little eunuch was not in a hurry. He bent his left leg and right arm, and with his right palm drawing a circle, he let out a small shout and pushed his palm outwards.
A in palm, without any fancy or hidden moves, struck out from him. Let alone a grandmaster, even the weakest martial artist would be able to learn such an easy palm strike.
But this palm of his had actually caused the environment of the Changmen Pce to change. A sudden breeze had appeared, and the leaves that were piled on the ground were sucked into a mini-tornado. Behind the little eunuch, 18 golden dragon phantoms were being formed!
Hou!
With the palm of the little eunuch striking out, the 18 golden dragon phantoms "bit" through the fist and kick shadows of the Heavenly Canal Divine Art and went straight for the duo.
Bang bang bang!
As if igniting explosives, dull booms sounded in the air.
In a short while, the blue fist shadows and the golden foot shadows were "bitten" clean by the 18 phantom dragons.
After which, the little eunuch sped towards ck and White Impermanence as if he was a Kunpeng, together with the 18 golden dragon phantoms.
"What?"
"How was that possible?"
ck and White Impermanence were in disbelief at what they had just seen.
Their Heavenly Canal Divine Art was not a weak martial art at all. Its destructive power had killed many over the past few years.
Yet, their Heavenly Canal Divine Art waspletely crushed today, being pierced through as if it was just a sheet of paper.
That meant that there was only one possibility remaining: the eunuch was a grade-9 great grandmaster!
Furthermore.
He should be one of the strongest even among the grade-9 great grandmasters!
Otherwise, it would be impossible to break theirbined attack of the Heavenly Canal Divine Art so easily!
"Since when did the Grand Xia imperialpound have a grade-9 great grandmaster?"
"How''s this possible?
"It''s impossible for anyone, even the talents in the Jianghu, to break through to be a grade-9 at such a young age, right?"
Both ck and White Impermanence were horrified. Although they were speechless with their mouth wide open, they were shouting and cursing in their hearts.
Then, without anymunication, the two had the same thought at the same time flee!
At this moment, even the lecherous White Impermanence could no longer care about beauties, imperial concubines, or princesses. The most important thing was to escape safely!
But it was a pity that it was toote for them to attempt to escape.
Both ck and White Impermanence''s umon movement techniques were good. However, Lin Ping''s movement techniques were many times better than theirs, helping him to easily block off their path of retreat.
Hong!
When the two palms were shot out, it was as if 18 real dragons had descended onto the earth. They ignored all means of resistance from ck and White Impermanence and pierced through their bodies.
Puchi!
The figures of the two trying to escape suddenly stopped, and a mouthful of blood mist spouted from each mouth at the same time.
They didn''t seem to have any injuries on the outside, but their bodies were already broken on the inside. No medicine could help them anymore. Even the gods could not save them at this point.
However, they were both grade-8 grandmasters after all. Supported by their powerful vitality, the two of them didn''t die immediately. The senior brother, ck Impermanence, stared straight at Lin Ping and askedboriously while vomiting blood, "Who? Are? You?"
Lin Ping thought for a while and replied seriously, "Changmen Pce''s sweeping eunuch."
"You"
When ck and White Impermanence heard Lin Ping''s answer, the pupils in their eyes constricted, and due to their anger, they could no longer suppress the injuries on their body. They spat out blood once again and then copsed onto the ground.
ck and White Impermanence had fallen!
Lin Ping frowned and looked at the bodies of ck and White Impermanence.
He was currently thinking of a problem.
Was he too strong, or were these two too weak?
Where did the confidence of ck and White Impermanencee from? Didn''t they just say they were confident against any powerhouse when they joined hands?
Didn''t they also say that even if it was a grade-9 great grandmaster that they were facing against, they could retreat safely with confidence?
Were they just bullshitting?!
He had already noticed this point from the time when they had killed Luo Feng.
These two were weaker than he had thought!
Just now, even if ck and White Impermanence had forgotten about him and were not going to kill him, Lin Ping had already been about to try to save both Chun Fei and Yun Su.
The reason was that he felt that they were of no threat.
However, in his heart, he did his best to overestimate their abilities.
After all, they were both famous in the Jianghu as the Two Devils. What if they did not use their full strength when they acted against Luo Feng earlier and instead concealed a portion of it?
Thus, Lin Ping used the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms to ensure that there were no mishaps.
This martial art could be considered the world''s best palm skill if it was used in the hands of the right person.
The moves were simple and easy, but the destructive ability it had was infinitely powerful!
For Lin Ping, who had a cultivation base of a grade-9, it was already considered near perfection for him to execute the move to a level where there were 18 phantom dragons in one palm.
Yet, he realized in the end that ck and White Impermanence were in reality really weak and were not concealing their strength.
When they had attacked and killed Luo Feng earlier, they had used their power unreservedly.
Then.
There was no room for resistance from them. They were pped to death by a mere teenager, Lin Ping.
"Where did your confidencee from? How could you im that you are not afraid of facing even a grade-9 great grandmaster?"
Lin Ping shook his head.
They had even made him a little nervous before the fight.
Turning around, he looked at the four women lying unconscious on the ground: Chun Fei, Yun Su, and the two girls that were unfamiliar to Lin Ping. However, one thing for sure was that they were very, very beautiful.
How could he exin what had happened?
Out of prudent intentions, Lin Ping had initially told Chun Fei that he would only help her deal with those of grade-7 and below. If he were to meet with a grade-8, he would only act ording to the situation and try his best.
Chun Fei was even moved to tears after hearing this, saying that she would repay this kindness in the next life. Yet, Lin Ping had casually killed both peak grade-8 grandmasters.
This had made the situation rather embarrassing and hard to exin.
ck and White Impermanence had died without having to worry about anything and had left all the aftermath to be dealt with to Lin Ping.
The two had lost their lives, but Lin Ping had lost his face!
Chapter 18: Thirteenth Princess
Chapter 18: Thirteenth Princess
Chun Fei''s alertness was very high. When Lin Ping released her acupoint, the first thing she did was to retreat backward and acted as if she was ready tomit suicide.
She had a strong personality and was not afraid of death. However, she did not want to be ravaged by ck and White Impermanence and die without dignity!
Thus, she would rathermit suicide than suffer the humiliation of being raped.
However, she soon discovered that the situation seemed to be different from what she had expected.
She was not kidnapped by ck and White Impermanence, and she was still in the courtyard of Changmen Pce.
On top of that, ck and White Impermanence seemed to have gone away, and the one who stood opposite her was Lin Ping instead.
"Lin Ping? Why are you here? Are you alright?!
"Where are ck and White Impermanence? Where did those two devils go?" Chun Fei asked anxiously.
Lin Ping pointed to the ground not far away. Under the dim light of the Changmen Pce, she could barely see the figures of ck and White Impermanence lying there.
Seeing this, Chun Fei hurriedly walked over. After checking and confirming repeatedly, she raised her head in disbelief and asked, "ck and White Impermanence are dead?"
Lin Ping merely nodded in response.
"How did they die? These two were famous grade-8 devils in the Jianghu! When they cooperated, even a grade-9 great grandmaster would be unable to kill them! "Chun Fei eximed incredulously.
She was usually a calm and sturdy person, and was not inexperienced and ignorant.
However, the sight of the dead ck and White Impermanence had left too great of an impact on her, making it difficult for her to calm down.
After that, Chun Fei seemed to have thought of something and quickly looked towards Lin Ping and asked, "Who killed ck and White Impermanence? It couldn''t have been you Lin Ping, right?"
"Er"
Lin Ping was a little embarrassed. He frowned and wondered how he was going to exin it.
Beforehand, he had underestimated his own strength and overestimated ck and White Impermanence''s capabilities.
After all, he had been cultivating unobtrusively for the past six years and had never fought against anyone the entire time.
And thus, he had unleashed a bit more strength just to be safe.
Secondly, he actually didn''t want to fully expose his strength.
He wanted to be as low-key as he possibly could be and enjoy a peaceful life.
After all, he didn''t want to fight to be a king or for hegemony. He just wanted to check in silently, and hopefully, be able to recover his lost limb and be reborn as a real man one day.
If he could avoid revealing his true strength, he would dly do so.
The stronger one was, the more troubles one had to deal with!
And Lin Ping wanted less trouble toe to him.
Chun Fei of course didn''t know of Lin Ping''s inner thoughts. Seeing Lin Ping''s embarrassed face, she quickly seemed to understand something. She became sorry and apologized, "I''m sorry, Lin Ping. It''s me who was abrupt and whimsical. Individually, ck and White Impermanence are already grade-8 grandmasters. Together, they can evenpete in strength with a grade-9! I shouldn''t have asked such a question.
"Of course, if you were to face only one of them, you should be able to deal with them. However, if they joined forces, you are naturally not their opponent.
"I was in aa just now and therefore didn''t know what had happened. Could it be that when ck and White Impermanence fought Luo Feng, themotion they made was so big that it attracted a mysterious grade-9 great grandmaster in the pce who personally killed them?"
Chun Fei spoke very tactfully, taking into ount Lin Ping''s pride and dignity.
She had stated very clearly that Lin Ping could not deal with thebined forces of ck and White Impermanence as they had outnumbered him.
However, in her heart, she had thought that no matter which of the duo Lin Ping faced, their strength would be far superior to his!
Lin Ping merely had a cultivation base of a grade-7.
Even Luo Feng, the chief of the Directorate of Pce Seals, who had broken through to be a grade-8 was powerless in front of them.
Luo Feng had merely faced off against the younger brother, the White Impermanence. Yet, he was fully suppressed and could hardly fight back.
Not to mention Lin Ping.
And thus, Chun Fei started to think of the various possibilities that could have happened and started forming a sequence of events in her own head.
"Could it be that it was the imperial family''s guest elder, the grade-9 great grandmaster Yan Bugui, that had acted? I heard that Yan Bugui is a gray-haired old man who is easy to identify. Was it him?" Chun Fei asked in shock and curiosity.
"Um" Lin Ping continued to frown and said, "It shouldn''t have been Yan Bugui."
"It was not Yan Bugui?" Chun Fei''s eyes becamerger as she was surprised. "In the imperial pce, besides Yan Bugui, there are actually other grade-9 great grandmasters? This"
Chun Fei was a little speechless, and her expression becameplicated.
She was currently very disgusted with the Grand Xia Imperial Pce and Emperor Xia Jianshen. She had even thought that it would be best for the Grand Xia Dynasty to rot to death.
Unexpectedly, the hidden power of the Grand Xia Dynasty was greater than she had imagined. There was even another grade-9 great grandmaster hidden within the pce.
Moreover, this grade-9 great grandmaster had saved her life and prevented her from being subjected to a life worse than death itself.
This resulted in her having suchplicated thoughts.
After a while, she sighed and decided not to think about it anymore for the time being.
After the death of ck and White Impermanence as well as the death of the Directorate of Pce Seals'' Chief Eunuch in her Changmen Pce, perhaps the Empress would be cautious and not send anyone else to trouble her for the time being.
What was originally a disaster had turned into a blessing.
Lin Pingughed nkly at this. He didn''t expect Chun Fei to have misinterpreted what he had said ande up with her own version of the story.
It was better this way. He would not need to exin anymore, which saved him a lot of trouble.
Anyways, he had spoken nothing but the truth.
ck and White Impermanence were not killed by Yan Bugui, and there was indeed another grade-9 great grandmaster hidden in the imperial pce.
However, what Chun Fei didn''t know was that this mysterious grade-9 great grandmaster lived with her in her Changmen Pce.
The corpses of the three grade-8 grandmasters didn''t need to be handled by Lin Ping and Chun Fei. They were thrown outside the Changmen Pce as usual. Someone woulde to deal with them tomorrow.
Chun Fei quickly woke Yun Su up without any trouble.
But when she woke up the two other girls who were kidnapped by ck and White Impermanence, Chun Fei became a little dazed.
This was especially so when she was waking up the girl who wore a gorgeous blue long dress with long-sleeves. A trace of reminiscence could be seen in Chun Fei''s eyes when she was waking her up.
"Where am I? Ying''er, Ying''er!" The girl yelled in panic when she woke up.
"Princess, don''t panic. Princess, your maid is here!" After the maid Ying''er woke up, she crawled to the princess''s side. Although she was also very scared at this time and didn''t know what had happened, she still bravely guarded her and looked around nervously.
The princess and the pce maid did not seem to have practiced martial arts before and were just ordinary people.
Thus, they didn''t even manage to react when they were taken away by ck and White Impermanence. When they woke up, they found that they were in a strange and deserted yard.
"Are you the thirteenth princess?" Chun Fei looked at the girl princess''s face and asked uncertainly.
"I''m the thirteenth princess of the Grand Xia Dynasty. Who are you? Why did you bring me here?" The princess shrank and hid behind the maid, only poking her head out, and asked in a low voice.
"Jing''er, it''s really you! I''m your aunt!" After confirming the identity of the girl, tears suddenly filled Chun Fei''s eyes. She walked over and hugged the girl.
It turned out that the thirteenth princess was the daughter of Li Guifei, who was Chun Fei''s sister.
Concubine Li Guifei gave birth to a son and a daughter in the past, namely the seventh prince and the thirteenth princess.
Thest time Chun Fei had seen the two was more than ten years ago, when the thirteenth princess was merely two years old.
After she was sent to the cold pce, she never managed to see them again.
Although with Chun Fei''s cultivation, she could sneak out of the Changmen Pce to find her niece and nephew, she didn''t do so.
This was because she was in the midst of investigating the truth behind her sister''s death all these years. This was a very dangerous affair, and if she came into contact with this niece and nephew of hers, it would likelynd them in trouble too.
"Aunt?" The thirteenth princess, Xia Jingjing, was at a loss at first, but after seeing Chun Fei let out her true feelings, crying and then soonughing, she bit her lip and said, "Are you Chun Fei, my aunt?"
Although she was only two years old thest time she saw her aunt and this aunt of hers had never looked for them these years, the thirteenth princess had listened to the many stories told to her by her brother, the seventh prince.
"Jing''er"
"Aunt"
Lin Ping didn''t expect things to be so coincidental. Among the other two women abducted by ck and White Impermanence, one of them turned out to be Chun Fei''s niece, the thirteenth princess!
However, he was not interested in the scene of reunion and soon turned around and went back to his room to silently cultivate the "Return of the Ten Thousand Swords", which he had received when he checked in today.
In the Changchun Pce.
After arranging for Luo Feng to head to the cold pce to take the life of Chun Fei, the Empress did not immediately sleep.
She was so angry that she wouldn''t be able to fall asleep until she heard the news of Chun Fei''s death.
But even after a long wait, which had far exceeded the duration Luo Feng would need, Luo Feng still didn''t report back to the Changchun Pce.
It wasn''t until the sky was lit that a eunuch from the Directorate of Pce Seals came to report the news while trembling
"Where''s Luo Feng? Let hime to see me in person! Could it be that he failed to take the life of the slut, Chun Fei?" the Empress yelled angrily.
She had thought that Luo Feng didn''t dare to see her after he had failed his mission.
The little eunuch lowered his head and replied with a trembling voice, "Reporting to the Empress, Manager Luo Manager Luo has died!"
"What?"
The Empress stood up in disbelief, her eyes bloodshot. With panic and anger hidden in her, she said hoarsely, "How could Luo Feng die? Even if the mysterious master hidden in the cold pce is a grade-8 grandmaster, Luo Feng would have no problem safely retreating! Could it be that there is a grade-9 great grandmaster in the Changmen Pce?
"How was this possible?!"
Chapter 19: Lingyun Pavilion
Chapter 19: Lingyun Pavilion
There might be a grade-9 great grandmaster hidden in the cold pce!
This news did not spread in the pce likest time. This was because this matter had involved too many matters. To make things worse, three grade-8 grandmasters had died!
With the current internal and external troubles in the capital and the barbarian envoys almost here, the Emperor had personally passed down the order for such news to be contained and not spread.
In fact, it was not only the Empress who couldn''t believe it, even the Emperor himself, Xia Jianshen, was silent for a long time after listening to the report by Eastern Depot Superintendent Feng Bao in the Imperial Study Room.
After a while, the Emperor put down what he was reading, raised his head, and asked, "Manager Feng, what do you think of this matter? Do you also think that there is a grade-9 great grandmaster in the Changmen Pce?"
Feng Bao bent his body slightly and said, "The two devils, ck and White Impermanence, could be regarded as one of the strongest existence among those in grade-8. Thebined power of the two could even reach the threshold strength of a grade-9 great grandmaster. Therefore, the one who could kill both of them must be a grade-9 great grandmaster! There is no doubt about this, but"
The Emperor asked, "But what?"
Feng Bao smiled and said, "But I really can''t figure out which grade-9 great grandmaster in this world would be willing to be hidden in the Changmen Pce and even protect Chun Fei so closely? Among the remnants of Taixu Sect, it is impossible for there to be a grade-9 great grandmaster. If Taixu Sect had a grade-9 great grandmaster, they would not have beenpletely destroyed.
"Therefore, I think that there should be a grade-9 great grandmaster hidden in the imperialpound. When he had realized that ck and White Impermanence were wrecking chaos, he hade out to silence them."
When he said this, Feng Bao''s eyes had been secretly watching the Emperor, as if he wanted to see some clues from his expression.
Although he held great power and had the position of both the Directorate of Ceremonial head and the superintendent of the Eastern Depot, there were still certain secrets and matters that he was unaware of in the imperialpound.
This was especially so for the secrets of the imperial family. It was not something a eunuch like him could know of.
For example, Feng Bao was shocked by the depth of the imperial family the first time the barbarian envoys came to the capital, six years ago.
At that time, Feng Bao, like many people, felt that the imperial family had used up all their cards when the barbarian envoys were here. However, a guest elder of the imperial family, grade-9 great grandmaster Yan Bugui, suddenly appeared out of nowhere!
Simrly, this time around when the barbarian envoys were about to enter the capital, the public had thought that the Grand Xia Imperial Court was in deep trouble and could only rely on the powerhouses in the Jianghu.
But no one knew whether the imperial family still had any hidden cards.
Therefore, Feng Bao believed that the one who had killed ck and White Impermanence this time was very likely another guest elder of the imperial family!
It was fine if ck and White Impermanence stole a few martial arts from the imperialpound. However, they had even tried to kill and kidnapped an imperial concubine and a princess. If such a matter were to spread out, how could the imperial family maintain its dignity?
After the secret elder of the imperial family had realized this, it was not unexpected for him to act and save Chun Fei and the thirteenth princess.
Such a possibility was much more believable than a grade-9 hidden in the Changmen Pce.
If the Changmen Pce really had a grade-9, how could Chun Fei remain stuck in the cold pce for so many years?
Even Chun Fei herself did not believe that there was a grade-9 great grandmaster in her pce.
It was a pity that the Emperor did not reveal any look of surprise when he had finished listening.
He just waved his hand and said, "Alright, I have known of the matter already. Manager Feng, you can withdraw for now. This matter is strictly confidential, and no one is allowed to spread it out, nor is anyone allowed to discuss it in private. If someone talks about it, catch them and discipline them. Do you understand?"
Feng Bao sped his hands together and said, "I understand, Your Majesty."
After Feng Bao left, the calmness on the Emperor''s face disappeared in an instant.
His eyes were full of surprise, spection, and excitement. He immediately shouted, "Little Guizi!"
The most favored and trusted person of the Emperor, Little Guizi rushed in from outside and asked, "I am here, Your Majesty. What are your orders?"
The Emperor strode forward and said, "Apany me for a trip to the Lingyun Pavilion!"
Lingyun Pavilion was the outermost pce of the imperialpound.
This ce was very special.
Rumor had it that at the beginning of the Grand Xia Dynasty, there were a lot of masters who followed the founding Emperor. At one point in time, there were even 16 grade-9 great grandmasters!
These 16 great grandmasters made great contributions to the Grand Xia Dynasty.
The founding Emperor established the Lingyun Pavilion to express his nostalgia for the powerhouses. It was also a form of recognition for them.
But now, a few hundred yearster, the original 16 heroes had long passed away. After all, even a grade-9 great grandmaster couldn''t live for hundreds of years.
Just over a hundred years ago, the number of grade-9 great grandmasters in Lingyun Pavilion was never lower than five.
Only, in thest hundred years
With the decline of Grand Xia''s national power and the presence of internal and external troubles for the imperial court, there were fewer and fewer guest elders who were willing to stay in Lingyun Pavilion.
Many grade-9 great grandmasters would rather be in the Jianghu than ept the imperial court''s invitation to be a guest elder.
Until now, the strongest grandmaster that was part of the imperial family had been Yan Bugui, who had defeated that barbarian envoy six years ago.
Soon, the Emperor brought Xiao Guizi to the Lingyun Pavilion.
Little Guizi stood guard outside while the emperor strode into the pavilion alone. In the courtyard inside, he found Yan Bugui who was lying on a chair and basking in the sun.
"Your Majesty"
Seeing the Emperoring, Yan Bugui quickly got up and prepared to greet him.
The Emperor hurriedly stepped forward to support him and said, "You don''t need to mind such greetings."
At this time, Yan Bugui was already much older than when he went up against the barbarian powerhouse six years ago.
Not only did he have gray hair, but the number of wrinkles on his face had also obviously increased. The most important thing was that his spirit and vigor appeared to have decayed!
Although he was old six years ago when he had defeated the barbarian powerhouse, he had still been full of vigor and spirit back then as he was a grade-9 great grandmaster.
However, it looked like the rumors were true.
Six years ago, although Yan Bugui narrowly defeated the barbarian master, he had been heavily injured and had still not fully healed.
And judging from his appearance, it looked like there was no way for him to fully heal up this lifetime, and he could only wait for death.
No one knew whether the current him could still put up a fight.
"May I know why Your Majesty hase to the Lingyun Pavilion to find this old man today? I remember that although it''s time for the barbarian envoys to enter the capital once again, there should be some more time, right?" Yan Bugui asked.
The Emperor shook his head and said upfront, "I havee today, not because of the barbarian envoys. But I would like to ask Guest Elder Yan, did you go to the Changmen Pcest night?"
Soon, the Emperor exined the entire incident involving the deaths of Luo Feng and ck and White Impermanence.
Yan Bugui was shocked after hearing this and said in a tone full of disbelief, "The two devils, ck and White Impermanence, have died in the Changmen Pce? Although these two devils are both grade-8, they have cultivated the Heavenly Canal Divine Art, and when they joined forces, their strength could break past the grade-9 threshold! It would not have been difficult to kill them during my peak period. However, since I was injured for the first time twenty years ago, it would have been difficult to bring these two people down then. Not to mention the present me"
"If you say so This means it was not you who had acted."
When the Emperor heard Yan Bugui''s reply, a look of loss suddenly appeared in his eyes.
Beforeing here, although he felt that it was unlikely that Yan Bugui was the one, he still held some hope in his heart.
He hoped that it was like what Chun Fei and Feng Bao had thought, that the imperial family still had a hidden powerhouse! Or perhaps that Yan Bugui''s injuries had fully healed and he had recovered to his peak!
If that was the case, he would have had fewer things to worry about when the barbarian envoys entered the capital this time.
Therefore, on the way here, the Emperor was quite excited, hoping that a miracle had happened.
Unfortunately, he had thought too much.
But the Emperor was not reconciled and soon asked expectantly, "Then in the Lingyun Pavilion, are there other grade-9 great grandmasters? Could they be the ones that had acted?"
Yan Bugui shook his head with a wry smile.
He knew what the Emperor was thinking, but he still said truthfully, "In Lingyun Pavilion, besides this old man here, there are still four grade-8 grandmasters, but there are no other grade-9 great grandmasters."
"Ai"
The Emperor looked up at the sky and sighed, the feeling of disappointment he felt at that point was beyond what words could describe.
Yan Bugui thought for a while and suggested, "Your Majesty, in the Lingyun Pavilion, there is only myself left that is a grade-9. However, since ck and White Impermanence died in the imperialpound, it means that there must be a grade-9 great grandmaster hidden in the pce!
"If Your Majesty is in need of talents, why not try roping this powerhouse in? Although Changmen Pce is the cold pce, it is still part of the imperialpound. Then, perhaps this hidden expert views Your Majesty with some favor. If Your Majesty is willing to personally invite him, maybe you can win him over"
"Rope him in?"
The Emperor frowned upon hearing this, but he did not reject the proposal.
Only one''s family knew the real situation that they were in.
Chun Fei said that she had no idea who the killer was, whereas Feng Bao had guessed that it was the imperial family''s guest elder who had acted.
But with him personally receiving rification this time, the Emperor was now sure that it was not the imperial family''s guest elder who had killed ck and White Impermanence. There was really a mysterious grade-9 powerhouse hidden in the Changmen Pce!
In other words, there was a grade-9 great grandmaster behind Chun Fei!
Going to Changmen Pce now would be very damaging to his prestige, especially after he chose to abandon Chun Fei for the Empressst night.
However, the barbarian envoys would soon enter the capital. As the Emperor, he couldn''t care too much about anything else anymore.
It didn''t matter if he lost a bit of prestige. However, the prestige of the Grand Xia Imperial Court had to be preserved!
The barbarian envoys must havee fully prepared this time.
The imperial court had only prepared one or two grade-9 great grandmasters, which were probably not enough.
One more powerhouse meant more assurance.
Of course.
He could notpletely offend the Empress and her brother, the General Who Stabilizes the North, for the mysterious master of the Changmen Pce. At least it was not the right time yet.
After all, the strength of the hidden and mysterious grade-9 powerhouse of the Changmen Pce was certainly not as good as the master of the General Who Stabilizes the North, "Invincible Iron Fist" Shi Chengtian!
Shi Chengtian was the Emperor''s biggest trump card in dealing with the barbarian envoys this time! He had to invite him out of the mountain at all costs.
Otherwise, he would no longer tolerate the Empress anymore.
However, the hidden master of the Changmen Pce was a grade-9 after all.
As long as one was a grade-9, one definitely couldn''t be considered weak and would stille in handy when the time came.
Chapter 20: Essence, Qi, and Spirit
Chapter 20: Essence, Qi, and Spirit
Lin Ping admitted that his strength was still not enough. He was neithercent nor too happy just because he killed the two devils, ck and White Impermanence.
It could only be said that ck and White Impermanence were just too weak. They had imed that they couldpete against a grade-9 great grandmaster when they joined forces. However, the fact was that they were merely frogs in a well, who were not aware of the true strength of a grade-9 great grandmaster.
Even among those in grade-9, there could be big differences between their strengths.
Between the strong and the weak, the difference in strength would be several times, even reaching up to ten times the difference!
It had been a full year-and-a-half since Lin Ping had broken through to grade-9.
Although it had been a long time, Lin Ping felt that he was only halfway through his journey before bing a peak grade-9.
Inside a room.
Lin Ping sat cross-legged with his figure surrounded by wisps of smoke, making him seem illusory. However, his body was filled with vigor. This was the physical manifestation of Lin Ping''s vigorous internal strength.
As Lin Ping''s thoughts turned, these vigorous internal energies quickly changed and began to gradually turn into sword energy.
In his mind, the sutra of the "Return of the Ten Thousand Swords" was being repeated.
All Qi regenerates itself,
When the sword is out, it will kill,
Return to the origin of the martial arts,
Expansion of one''s internal energy.
If an ordinary person cultivated the Return of the Ten Thousand Swords, the first step would be to pierce through one''s acupuncture points and regenerate one''s Qi. If one used a simpler term to describe it, it would be to waste one''s own cultivation!
This was because only by doing this could a martial arts practitioner have no more internal energy in their body and be fresh like a white sheet of paper. Only then could the body generate sword energy by itself.
But for Lin Ping, who had mastered countless peerless martial arts, it was not difficult to solve this problem.
One example would be the "Little Wuxiang Skill" that allowed him to achieve demanding cultivation conditions such as "reversing the universe and turning the softness to rigidness", which was required in the cultivation of the Return of the Ten Thousand Swords.
Weng Weng Weng!
As Lin Ping practiced his sword art, the surrounding sword energy began to evolve and increase again. Finally, after an hour, countless sharp swords stormed across the wide room.
With the swords flying all over the sky, thebined sword aura was fierce and unparalleled. It could be considered a spectacle.
Lin Ping opened his eyes and looked at the sword energy surrounding him. He then nodded and said to himself, "The first step in mastering the Return of the Ten Thousand Swords is considered to have been aplished.
"However, it is still far from enough before I fully master it.
"At least, I would have to continuously practice hard for half a month''s time!"
The real Return of the Ten Thousand Swords was not simply a matter of releasing an immense amount of sword aura. This was merely a fancy way to make the move look cooler.
The real Return of the Ten Thousand Swords would cause all swords to bow down and worship it like a ve when they were in front of it.
If a swordsman hadn''t even reached grade-9, he wouldn''t even have the qualifications to use his sword in front of Lin Ping!
If I were to cultivate the Return of the Ten Thousand Swords to perfection, my strength would gain a huge boost, and I would definitely have a greater understanding of the powers of the heaven and the earth. However, it would still be far from breaking past to reach a realm higher than that of grade-9, Lin Ping thought.
In the eyes of most martial arts practitioners, a grade-9 great grandmaster was already the strongest in the world and was naturally their goal. They felt that even though those so-called Mythical Pugilists possessed certain great supernatural powers, they were no different from a grade-9.
But after one had cultivated to the level that Lin Ping was at, one could clearly feel that there was another level above that of grade-9!
There were several rumors that had spread in the Jianghu, such as a martial artist splitting a river with a sword or a martial artist ttening a mountain with his bare palms. However, all of these were not something a grade-9 martial artist could do.
Lin Ping still had quite a journey to go before he reached such a stage.
However, Lin Ping already had some idea of how to break through the shackles of a grade-9 martial artist to be a Mythical Pugilist.
To break through to be a Mythical Pugilist, he had to achieve perfection in three aspects: Essence, Qi, and Spirit!
Only when the three had reached their peak and were united could he break the shackles of a grade-9 martial artist.
Among them, Essence referred to the body refinement of the martial artist through tempering of one''s body; Qi referred to the cultivation of one''s internal strength; Spirit referred to the study and understanding of martial arts!
The aspect that Lin Ping had walked the furthest was his "Essence"!
It also referred to the tempering of his body.
This was because he had learned a lot of body tempering peerless martial arts at the ce where he had first checked in eight years ago, such as the Vajra Body Defending Divine skill and the Indestructible Golden Body skill.
However, the martial art that surprised Lin Ping the most was the "Tiangang Pure Boy Sutra"!
In the eyes of many people, this was not considered as one of the top-notch martial arts. It was estimated to be at the same level as the Golden Bell Iron Cloth skill and was much worse than martial arts like the Vajra Body Defending Divine skill and the Indestructible Golden Body skill.
But in fact, this martial art had a lot of knowledge in it!
This martial art not only required the practitioner to have a pure Yang Qi that couldn''t be broken, but the deeper the internal strength one also had, the more powerful this martial art would be.
This was a bit simr to the Nine Yang Sutra. The more one cultivated it, the more powerful it became!
If a martial artist had a strong internal strength and had not broken his virginity, the power the skill had wasparable to the great power of the Vajra Body Defending Divine skill and the Indestructible Golden Body skill.
As a grade-9 great grandmaster, Lin Ping''s internal energy was overwhelming because in the check-in rewards these years, there had been too many supplements that improved his internal energy. Now, Lin Ping''s internal energy cultivation base had already broken through to a hundred years'' worth!
Lin Ping''s body had also been tempered and refined to the point that he himself was unsure of how strong he was.
This was because he had not tried fighting all out before.
Lin Ping didn''t know if the other grade-9 great grandmasters could even hurt him.
But after experiencing thebined force and attack of ck and White Impermanence, he was sure that the other grade-9s'' moves would definitely not break their defenses.
Because of his hundred years'' worth of internal energy cultivation base, Lin Ping had also progressed far in terms of his Qi.
Essence. Qi. Spirit.
Out of the three, Lin Ping''s shoring was in the Spirit aspect.
This referred to his proficiency and specialization in the study of martial arts.
There was no choice.
Compared with the other grade-9 great grandmasters who only broke through after decades of umtion of experience, Lin Ping had merely cultivated for a few years. Even though Lin Ping had the check-in system, allowing there to be no bottlenecks in his practice of various martial arts, it still did not fullypensate for the experience he needed to have with martial arts.
After all, he had only cultivated for a rtively short period.
The current Lin Ping had too much of a difference between his defense techniques and his offense techniques, with his defensive power being way higher than his offensive power.
It was at a pretty extreme level too.
Therefore, Lin Ping felt that even though he had killed ck and White Impermanence within two moves, it was not much of a big deal at all. He was still a weak chicken in terms of offensive power.
When one day, his offensive techniques could catch up with his achievements in body refining, he could then barely be said to be a rtively powerful master among the grade-9s.
Only at that time would it be possible for him to try to break through to a higher realm above that of grade-9.
Of course, the "Return of the Ten Thousand Swords" that he had received after this check-in had helped Lin Ping fill up his shoring and improve his attack power.
If one day, I could check in and receive either the "Holy Spirit Sword ssic" or the "Cihang Sword ssic", it would be much better, Lin Ping thought to himself.
Whether it was the "Death Gate" after one achieved rity in one''s sword heart in the Cihang Sword ssic or thest sword in the Holy Spirit Sword ssic, their power was not weaker than the Return of the Ten Thousand Swords, or perhaps even better.
Three days passed by quickly.
The atmosphere of the Changmen Pce over the past three days had obviously be a lot weirder. Although the Emperor did not go to visit personally, he had sent people to bring a lot of good things to eat and use.
This was the first time Chun Fei had experienced this ever since she hade to the cold pce 10 years ago!
Such behavior had also made Chun Fei feel very confused. The Emperor had obviously abandoned her and chosen the Empress. Yet, why did he act like this again? Was it because of his conscience?
Or perhaps it was because of the deaths of ck and White Impermanence that night?
Chun Fei couldn''t confirm her thoughts, so there were many doubts in her heart. She could only wait for the Emperor''s next move.
Lin Ping didn''t care about these things.
What he cared about was that the System had refreshed, and he had the opportunity to check in once more.
Unfortunately, this time, he didn''t receive either of the two sword ssics he had wanted from his check-in. However, what he received still piqued his interest.
[Ding! Congrattions to Host for sessfully checking in. You have received the "Dragon Elephant Prajna Sutra".]
"Dragon Elephant Prajna Sutra? I have actually gotten such a martial art?"
Looking at the System''s prompt, Lin Ping showed a smile on his face.
This martial art was not only famous in his past life, but he had even heard of it in this new fantasy world before!
It appeared to also be one of the most prestigious martial arts the northern barbarians practiced.
Unexpectedly, he had gotten it in the Grand Xia imperialpound instead.
Chapter 21: The Emperors Decisiveness
Chapter 21: The Emperor''s Decisiveness
The reputation of the Dragon Elephant Prajna Sutra was not as great as the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms, the Nine Yin Sutra, or the Nine Yang Sutra. Therefore, in the eyes of many people, this martial art, which originally came from the Western Regions Esoteric Buddhism, was not considered a top-notch one.
But the fact was, the power of the Dragon Elephant Prajna Sutra had been seriously underestimated!
This martial art was extremely difficult to practice. It did not require one to preserve one''s natural yang energy by forcing one to maintain his virginity like the Tiangang Pure Boy Sutra. However, the training duration one had to go through was extremely long. Following the promotion of each level, the duration one would need to cultivate would further increase. Furthermore, when one reached the ninth stage, one would even have to face a natural tribtion, which had a high possibility of causing one to experience Qi deviation.
Once one passed one''s heart demon and reached the 10th level, one would then beparable to the strength of a grade-9 great grandmaster!
And the Dragon Elephant Prajna Sutra had a total of 13 stages!
It was said that with each stage, one would gain the power of one dragon and one elephant. After reaching the 10th stage, one would have the strength of 10 dragons and 10 elephants!
Of course, it was actually impossible to have the power of a dragon elephant. However, at that stage, every move one made had at least the power of a thousand jin, which was immensely powerful.
If one managed to train themselves to the 13th stage, what terrifying strength could they have?
Lin Ping was not sure whether those who had managed to do so could break through grade-9 and reach the realm of the Mythical Pugilist stage, but at least one could be certain that if the Dragon Elephant Prajna Sutra could be cultivated to the 13th stage, one would be able to dominate everyone among the grade-9 great grandmasters!
It was a pity that throughout the ages, no one had ever been able toplete such a feat!
Few could even cultivate it to the 10th stage throughout history.
However, Lin Ping had heard that the northern barbarians had an elder who was extremely talented. He had broken through the ninth stage, where he overcame his heart demon, and entered the 10th stage many years ago.
After sessfully checking in, many mysteries and difficulties in the cultivation of the "Dragon Elephant Prajna Sutra" entered Lin Ping''s mind.
Within a day.
Lin Ping had already cultivated this technique to the sixth stage, and he had still yet to experience a bottleneck.
But after all, this martial art was known for taking a long time. Even if Lin Ping was not afraid of bottlenecks or the heart demon in the cultivation process, he would still have to take about a year to cultivate to the 13th stage!
The time he had to take was too long.
One must know that Lin Ping took merely half a month to be fully proficient in using the "Return of the Ten Thousand Swords".
In the blink of an eye, a few days passed by.
Lin Ping''s attainments in the "Return of the Ten Thousand Swords" were getting deeper and deeper, and he was close to reaching the realm of major perfection in it. Lin Ping was very happy to feel that his strength had once again improved.
However, inside the imperial pce, things were getting bleaker and bleaker.
This had something to do with the two "masters" in the pce, namely the Emperor and the Empress, who were both in a bad mood recently.
The Emperor was very angry because the imperial court was not making much progress in recruiting grade-9 great grandmasters as the time before the barbarian envoys entered the capital got closer and closer.
The Empress was in a bad mood as she had lost the favor of the Emperor because of Chun Fei''s exposure of her misdeeds in the past. As she was unable to execute Chun Fei, she had nowhere to vent the anger in her heart, causing her to be more agitated as the days passed.
All of a sudden, the pce was full of various rumors. Everyone became extremely cautious when doing things in fear of being punished severely if they made a mistake.
However, Lin Ping neither knew of such things nor took notice of it. He continued silently cultivating and checking in.
One day, when Lin Ping returned from doing a check-in and walked to the entrance of the cold pce, he suddenly frowned. This was because today''s cold pce was different from usual. There were actually two teams of eunuchs and pce maids standing at the door.
After a while, Lin Ping realized what was going on.
The Emperor, who was wearing a golden dragon robe, was walking out with a cold face. Anger was evident in his eyes, but it was otherwise being suppressed.
There was no need to think of what had happened.
These days, the Emperor was constantly probing Changmen Pce, sending all kinds of food and supplies here, and even sending new pce maids and eunuchs to wait on Chun Fei. He wanted to show that he was starting to favor Chun Fei and hoped that she could forget the old hatred, so as to win over the mysterious grade-9 great grandmaster behind her.
However, it was a pity that Chun Fei did not know of the Emperor''s true intentions and was even confused as to why the Emperor had suddenly changed his attitude towards her.
However, she had a strong personality.
If the Emperor refused to re-investigate the grievances of her sister Li Guifei''s death and make sure that the Empress who was the mastermind behind the scenes got the punishment she deserved, she would not change her attitude towards him.
All the food and supplies were returned to where they came from, and those that couldn''t be returned were thrown away.
The pce maids and eunuchs sent here were not even allowed to enter the doors and step into the cold pce.
Her attitude was firm!
Finally, as the time for the envoys to enter the capital was getting closer and closer, the Emperor couldn''t hold back anymore and no longer cared about his own face and dignity. He personally came to the cold pce to find Chun Fei, hoping that she could forget the past and reconcile with him.
It was a pity that the Emperor was also sent off by Chun Fei after he did not ept her suggestion to punish the Empress.
He had already taken the initiative to personally visit her and lower his status. Yet, he was still rejected! One could imagine how angry the Emperor was now. If it were not for the mysterious grade-9 great grandmaster, the Emperor would definitely vent his anger out on her!
"Back to the Emperor''s pce!"
A shrill voice sounded. It was none other than Little Guizi, who was following the Emperor.
The two rows of pce maids and eunuchs immediately moved.
Facing the departing team, Lin Ping did not show any change in expressions. He slightly bowed and stood at the side of the road.
When Little Guizi saw him, his eyes changed slightly, and he winked towards him, to which Lin Ping responded with a smile.
It was hard to think that the greedy Little Guizi who had lived in the same room as him and liked gambling could climb to this point and be the Emperor''s most-favored eunuch. His status was not lower than any of the chiefs of the 24 government offices.
Of course, Lin Ping did not envy what he had.
Not to mention being the eunuch most-favored by the Emperor, even if he was given the position of the Eastern Depot Superintendent, Lin Ping would not feel anything.
No matter how high one climbed and no matter how one had control over the life and death of others, was there any meaning in being a eunuch?
What was more, Lin Ping had no interest in the struggle for power at all.
It was good to be a sweeping eunuch, checking in and cultivating routinely.
After the team of eunuchs and pce maids disappeared together with the Emperor, Lin Ping turned around and went back.
"We shall not head back to the Imperial Study Room. Let''s go to the Empress''s pce!"
Halfway through his journey, the Emperor suddenly changed his mind and walked towards the Changchun Pce.
It was still eptable for his trip to the cold pce to have been fruitless. However, he had to confirm the arrival of Shi Chengtian, the Invincible Iron Fist.
There were only five days left before the barbarian envoys reached the capital.
While walking, the Emperor looked sideways towards Little Guizi and asked, "Who was the little eunuch just now?"
"Responding to Your Majesty, that person''s name is Little Linzi. He is the sweeping eunuch of the Changmen Pce," Little Guizi replied.
"The sweeping eunuch of the Changmen Pce?" The Emperor nodded thoughtfully and continued to ask, "Do you know him?"
"Yes. About eight years ago, Little Linzi lived in the same room as me before going to the Changmen Pce. We were very good friends. However, after he was sent to the cold pce, we had lost contact and no longer talked to each other anymore," Xiao Guizi answered truthfully.
He was not surprised that the Emperor noticed the eye contact between him and Lin Ping.
His Majesty was always meticulous. In this huge pce, there were few things that could be hidden from him.
"Swept the floor in Changmen Pce for eight years?" The emperor narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Little Guizi, I shall give you a task. Since this Xiao Linzi has been in the Changmen Pce for eight years, he should at least know of some secrets there. Try to get something out of him. If he is smart, he should know what to do."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Guizi felt a little ufortable and asked probingly, "What if Little Linzi is not a smart person?"
The Emperor''s voice became colder and said, "Don''t touch him for now then. After the barbarian envoys leave, we will settle everything together."
Little Guizi''s heart trembled.
He had been with the Emperor for many years and naturally knew what "settle" meant.
It seemed that the grade-9 great grandmaster in the Changmen Pce could no longer remain "hidden".
After the external worries regarding the barbarian envoys were resolved, it would be time to calm the internal worries.
Soon.
When they arrived at the Changchun Pce, the Empress hurriedly came out to greet the Emperor with some anxiety. She didn''t know if it was a good thing or a bad thing for the Emperor to havee over.
Unexpectedly, after she met with the Emperor, he didn''t beat around the bush and said straightforwardly, "In two days, let Shi Chengtian appear in the capital and promise to fight against the barbarian envoys. If you can''t do it, you will no longer remain as the Empress.
"If you can do it, I promise to never take away your position as the Empress. And, after the barbarian envoys leave, I will allow you to do anything you want to the Changmen Pce.
"Of course, the prerequisite is that you can deal with the grade-9 great grandmaster hidden there."
When the Empress heard his words, she immediately raised her head with eyes filled with surprise. She then quickly said, "I shall obey your orders, Your Majesty! Within two days, my brother will definitely invite Senior Shi Chengtian to the capital!"
Chapter 22: Chun Feis Exploration
Chapter 22: Chun Fei''s Exploration
When Lin Ping returned to the cold pce, he saw Chun Fei and imperial maid Yun Su throwing various gift boxes outside.
These were gift boxes that included food, clothes, and other objects.
They had been brought by the Emperor when he came to visit.
The two of them did not talk. The Emperor was not willing to investigate the truth behind the matter and did not agree to punish the Empress. Thus, Chun Fei could not possibly forgive him and was not even willing to use the items he had brought over.
When Chun Fei saw Lin Ping return, she immediately stopped. Then, she walked up and greeted him, "Lin Ping"
She looked as if she wanted to speak but had stopped herself.
It had been eight years since Lin Ping had arrived at the cold pce. Apart from the first one-and-a-half years, Lin Ping had been quiet and did not disy any special characteristics. Chun Fei had not paid any attention to him and had stayed in her room during the day. Thus, they had only seen each other a few times.
Only when Lin Ping stepped in and killed grade-7 Directorate of Ceremonial Assistant Manager Zhu Dayong to save Chun Fei did they grow closer to each other.
In the beginning, Chun Fei was filled with reverence towards Lin Ping, who had a grade-7 cultivation base.
With more than six years of interaction, Chun Fei had realized that Lin Ping was actually easy to get along with. He did not have any strange hobbies nor the arrogance of a master and was typically very low-key. As a result, Chun Fei''s feelings towards Lin Ping unconsciously changed.
Chun Fei did not see herself as an imperial concubine, but a disciple of the Taixu Sect. Meanwhile, she treated Lin Ping as a Jianghu expert.
There were even times when she would consult Lin Ping regarding some difficulty in her martial arts.
Over the past few years, Chun Fei''s strength improved rapidly. She was able to advance from grade-5 to grade-6 partly because of Lin Ping''s guidance.
Thus, their rtionship inclined more towards being "friends".
However, today, Chun Fei saw that there were obviously some changes in Lin Ping''s gaze. There were more suspicion and disbelief. Thus, after greeting him, she did not know what to say, and tried to speak but stopped.
"Your Majesty, is anything the matter?" Lin Ping asked.
In the end, Chun Fei was not someone who could hide things. After hesitating for a moment, she eventually nodded her head and said, "Just now, the Emperor came to Changmen Pce. You must''ve seen him when you came back, right? This is the first time he has visited Changmen Pce in the past decade."
Lin Ping merely nodded in response.
Chun Fei looked at the pile of gift boxes on the ground with a strange gaze and said, "In reality, ever since a few days ago, he has been continually sending people over to deliver things. I knew that something was wrong then. After all, on that night at Changchun Pce, he had left me no room for maneuver and clearly stated that he would take the Empress''s side. But now, he actually wants to rope me over! He even put away his arrogant attitude and actively came to Changmen Pce. This is just too strange!"
"I know Xia Jianshen very clearly. He will definitely not do so for no reason, nor was he trying to make up for his remorse towards my sister back then only now. He definitely must have felt that there is some value in using me for him to do so!
"I suspect that all this is rted to ck and White Impermanence''s deaths in Changmen Pce that night!
"It seems like the mysterious grade-9 master who killed ck and White Impermanence was not the imperial family''s guest elder! Xia Jianshen himself doesn''t even know who this mysterious expert is. Thus, he is now guessing that this expert has some rtion to Changmen Pce! After all, ck and White Impermanence died here.
"Since Xia Jianshen sent gifts and even personally came to Changmen Pce, his final objective must be to rope in the mysterious grade-9 master who he thinks is supporting me!"
While Chun Fei was exining her guess, her gaze constantly focused on Lin Ping''s expression to see if it would provide any clues.
However, it was a pity that there was no change in Lin Ping''s expression throughout. He looked as if he was simply listening to Chun Fei.
Upon seeing this, Chun Fei could not help but feel disheartened.
This Lin Ping was truly calm and would not be shocked even if the sky copsed.
For the past few years, he always seemed to have this indifferent expression. Those who did not know him might even think that he was a monk who had renounced his family.
However, Chun Fei was still not willing to give up. She widened her eyes and asked, "Lin Ping, since the mysterious expert who killed ck and White Impermanence was not the imperial family''s guest elder, who exactly do you think is the killer?"
In reality, before this, Chun Fei had firmly believed that the mysterious expert who had killed ck and White Impermanence had nothing to do with Lin Ping.
It was possible that Lin Ping''s cultivation base had improved over the past six years and he had broken through to the grade-8 realm. However, if one were to say that Lin Ping had be a grade-9 master, that would definitely be idiotic nonsense!
An ordinary person did not even need to think to know that this was impossible.
However, from Emperor Xia Jianshen''s strange behavior recently, she could not help but have her doubts!
If the imperial family''s guest elder had not killed ck and White Impermanence, who else could have possibly killed them?
She had now given it some careful thought. That night, there was no one else at Changmen Pce. After all, she only saw Lin Ping after she woke up.
Putting aside all other objective and subjective factors, Lin Ping did seem very suspicious!
Lin Ping furrowed his eyebrows. After some seemingly serious thought, he responded, "If it wasn''t the imperial family''s guest elder, then it could possibly be an unknown expert hiding in the imperialpound who has a sense of justice and happened to pass by! He is low-key and aloof from the world. He simply deceives others and does not easily attack, instead, spending his time sweeping the ground like me. This time, what ck and White Impermanence did was simply too much, and he could not take it. Thus, he stepped in to kill these two demons."
When Chun Fei heard this, she was dumbfounded and nodded. "Indeed, that guess seems more reasonable."
Since Lin Ping, a grade-7 master, was hiding in Changmen Pce, who could say for sure that there were no other hidden experts in the enormous imperialpound?
There were 100,000 eunuchs in the entire Grand Xia Dynasty!
Such experts would not care about position and wealth. Perhaps they were like Lin Ping and swept the floor all day. To Lin Ping, this person would not be interested in the solicitation and rewards from the Emperor.
"Ai"
Chun Fei sighed.
Immediately after, she looked at Lin Ping and could not help butugh. Then, she said with some embarrassment, "In reality, I was just thinking whether the mysterious expert who killed ck and White Impermanence could be you, Lin Ping! Even though this seems very absurd, this is just like how you stepped in to kill Zhu Dayong back then. I never thought that you were behind that. If I hadn''t seen it right in front of my eyes, I would not have believed it if anyone said that you had the strength of a grade-7 master.
"That''s right. Lin Ping, after so many years have passed, has your cultivation base advanced? Have you broken through to the grade-8 realm? You give me the feeling that you are no longer limited to the grade-7 realm."
Lin Ping did not confirm or deny. He simply said, "More or less."
Chun Fei did not get to the root of the matter and ask him until she understood.
Regardless of whether he was a grade-7 or a grade-8, it was almost the same for the Changmen Pce currently.
"In reality, I was just imagining how great it would be if you were that mysterious grade-9 master. The barbarian envoys are bearing down menacingly and are about to enter the capital. This is the time when Xia Jianshen needs a grade-9 master most urgently. If that were the case, I could ask you to help me exert pressure on Xia Jianshen and make him redress the neglected injustice my sister suffered from back then," said Chun Fei with some regret.
Lin Ping was indifferent. Instead, he felt that he had made a wise decision.
Luckily, he had not exposed his identity. Otherwise, it would have been really troublesome.
Exerting pressure on the Emperor and participating in the battle with the barbarian envoys? These were not necessary at all!
He had not reached a stage where this was hisst resort. Before Lin Ping could "revive" himself, he had no interest in participating in these fights at all.
Three days before the barbarian envoys were about to enter the capital.
The grade-9 master of the General Who Stabilizes the North, and who was also famous in the Jianghu, Shi Chengtian arrived at the capital. Emperor Xia Jianshen and the Empress personally received him to express their respect.
As the Invincible Iron Fist, Shi Chengtian could not possibly be a simple grade-9 master!
He had made a name for himself in a battle over twenty years ago, where he was not at a disadvantage even when he faced three grade-9 masters by himself!
As matters stood, Shi Chengtian''s cultivation was unfathomable and unpredictable.
Perhaps he was no match for those famous Jianghu veterans or Shaolin masters, but he could definitely win against a majority of grade-9 masters!
On the day Shi Chengtian arrived at the capital, the gates of Changmen Pce were knocked on once again
Chapter 23: The Patriotic Ninth Prince
Chapter 23: The Patriotic Ninth Prince
At this moment, the person who knocked on the gates of Changmen Pce was definitely not Invincible Iron Fist Shi Chengtian.
The Emperor had promised the Empress that if Shi Chengtian was able to help defeat the barbarian envoys, he would not look into that incident. Furthermore, he would allow her to deal with Changmen Pce.
However, this would only happen after the barbarian envoys left.
Right now, the most important thing was still to resist the barbarian envoys. Before that happened, there could not be any new problems.
The one who hade to Changmen Pce was the thirteenth princess, Xia Jingjing, who had unexpectedly gotten acquainted with Chun Fei on the night that ck and White Impermanence were killed.
However, beside the thirteenth princess was a young man.
The young man seemed very simr to the thirteenth princess in appearance. He was extremely handsome but did not seem frivolous in nature. Moreover, he was extremely steady and walked with a majestic gait.
He was young and seemed to be about twenty years old. However, he had a murderous and determined aura, as if he was a general who had been on the battlefield before!
"Little Jing, why are you here?"
When Chun Fei saw the thirteenth princess, she was both happy and shocked.
After all, Changmen Pce was the cold pce. Furthermore, she had not reconciled with the Emperor, and their rtionship had even be more strained. Thus, the thirteenth princess''s arrival at this time would have repercussions.
After they bade farewellst time, Chun Fei had warned the thirteenth princess to not think abouting to Changmen Pce.
Chun Fei did not care much about this, but she was afraid that visiting her would be disadvantageous to the thirteenth princess.
"Aunt"
On the contrary, the thirteenth princess only showed joy as she bounced about. She wanted to go up and pull on Chun Fei''s hand.
However, she was pulled back by the young man beside her, who chided her, "You should call her Her Majesty Chun Fei!"
"Brother, Her Majesty Chun Fei is our aunt!" The thirteenth princess raised her head and refuted her brother with dissatisfaction.
"We are from the imperial family. How could we use the titles of ordinary people?" the young man asked in a serious tone.
Chun Fei did not care about the quarrel between the young man and the young woman. Instead, upon hearing this, she walked to them and looked at the young man. Then, she said with surprise, "Are you Little Yu?"
Back then, Senior Concubine Li had given birth to a son and a daughter with the Emperor.
They were Ninth Prince Xia Qiyu and Thirteenth Princess Xia Jingjing, respectively.
"Xia Qiyu is here to visit Chun Fei."
Even though the ninth prince looked at Chun Fei with a gaze full of excitement, he still followed etiquette and bowed properly.
Chun Fei was crying tears of joy. When she looked at the young man and woman in front of her, she was extremely sentimental. How great would it be if her sister was still alive? Chun Fei did not know how happy her sister would have been if she saw that her children had grown to be such handsome and beautiful adults.
After a brief moment, Chun Fei restrained her emotions. Then, she pulled the two of them into the pce before rebuking them, "Don''t call me Chun Fei! Call me Auntie! You are from the imperial family, and there is nothing wrong with paying attention to etiquette in front of others. However, there are no outsiders here, so there''s no need to do so."
When Xia Qiyu looked at Yun Su and Lin Ping at the side, there was some hesitation in his eyes.
Chun Fei shook her head.
This child was extremely vignt. He had probably experienced many hardships over the past few years.
However, this was good as well. The imperialpound was unpredictable; everyone was fighting and scheming against one another. It was often right to be more careful and cautious.
Furthermore, she had heard that even though Xia Qiyu was young and was only in his early 20s, he had gone to the battlefield and shed with the barbarians at the northern frontlines. Furthermore, he had even attained military achievements.
From the look of things now, this was not a lie.
Not only was this child cautious, his cultivation base was not weak either. He already had a grade-4 cultivation base at such a young age.
"Rx. Changmen Pce is unlike the other pces, and everyone here is our own people. There are no outsiders, and there''s no need to be vignt," said Chun Fei with a smile.
Only then did Xia Qiyu nod and solemnly say, "Yes, Auntie."
"Little Jing, why did you bring your brother to Changmen Pce today? Didn''t I tell you that my circumstances are far from good? You should draw a clear line between yourselves and me as much as possible and not have any contact with me. Otherwise, you will face unnecessary trouble," said Chun Fei in an usatory tone.
Xia Jingjing lowered her head and did not say anything.
"Auntie, I was the one who wanted to bring my sister here," said Xia Qiyu out of his own initiative. However, he immediately changed the subject. "In reality, I didn''t intend toe to Changmen Pce tonight. However, my father looked for me and asked me to bring my sister to visit Auntie."
When the happy but concerned Chun Fei heard this
her expression instantly changed.
However, the people in front of her were the children of her sister. She would definitely not treat them like how the Emperor treated them.
Chun Fei furrowed her eyebrows and asked, "Little Yu, so are you nning to plead on behalf of your father and advise me to forgive him?"
Xia Qiyu seemed to have thought about his strategies in advance. After thinking about what he should say, he shook his head and said, "I have no intentions of doing so."
Chun Fei''s expression was slightly better. Then, she asked, "Then what are your intentions?"
Xia Qiyu did not speak. Instead, he looked at Yun Su and Lin Ping who were standing at the side.
Upon seeing this, Yun Su was immediately prepared to withdraw. She said, "I will go and boil tea."
It was very obvious that Xia Qiyu had some secrets to tell Chun Fei privately.
However, Xia Qiyu smiled and said, "You should be Auntie Yun Su, right? I remember seeing you when I was young. Auntie Yun Su, you need not see yourself as an outsider."
When Yun Su heard this, a smile appeared on her face. Then, she said in a gratified tone, "The ninth prince''s memory is very good."
Immediately after, Xia Qiyu looked at Lin Ping, who was acting as a passer-by, and ordered him, "Eunuch, go and boil some tea for me."
Other than the legendary "hidden expert", the people present in Changmen Pce on the surface were not a secret in the imperialpound.
There were Chun Fei, her personal imperial maid Yun Su, and an unknown eunuch who swept the floor.
Yun Su and Chun Fei had a strong rtionship with each other. They were disciples of the Taixu Sect, and theirbat cultivation bases were not weak.
However, the eunuch was really only a eunuch.
Thus, Xia Qiyu did not pay any attention to him. He was prepared to dismiss Lin Ping and send him away.
However, he never thought that after he finished speaking, Chun Fei and Yun Su''s expressions suddenly changed and became very ugly.
On the contrary, Lin Ping did not think much of this as he was not interested in listening to the contents of the following conversation. He immediately nodded his head and retreated from the room.
When Chun Fei saw that Lin Ping had left with a normal expression and did not look angry, only then did she sigh in relief.
However, she still warned Xia Qiyu, "Little Yu, you cannot be so impoliteter on!"
Xia Qiyu was extremely smart and could definitely sense that something was not right.
He silently gasped in shock. Could it be that this unknown eunuch who swept the floor was actually that hidden expert?
It couldn''t be, it couldn''t be, right?
"Auntie, this person is?" Xia Qiyu hurriedly asked.
However, Chun Fei did not want to say much. She waved her hand and changed the subject. "You still didn''t say what your objective of visiting here today is?"
Xia Qiyu temporarily suppressed the guess in his heart and said in a low voice, "I heard that there is a hidden grade-9 master in Changmen Pce. Today, I came to invite this mysterious senior toe out of obscurity!"
Bang!
Chun Fei banged the table and said in a cold voice, "Then why did you still say that you weren''t sent by your father to persuade us!"
Xia Qiyu shook his head and said in a clear, loud voice. "My invitation for this grade-9 master toe out of seclusion has nothing to do with my father. It is for the Grand Xia Dynasty! To resist the barbarians!
"Auntie, I know that over the past few years, you have experienced many injustices in the cold pce, and you have a lot of resentment in your heart.
"However, Auntie, if you have the opportunity to go to the frontlines one day and see how the northern barbarians are killing the soldiers and civilians of the Grand Xia Dynasty, you will understand that personal resentment is nothingpared to a national cause!
"Furthermore, the barbarian envoys areing to the capital not simply for a visit, but to survey us! If the Grand Xia Dynasty is unable to disy strength to scare them this time, they will be unbridled next time andunch a massive attack on us!
"When that timees, we will be plunged into an abyss of misery! Today, I came not to ask Auntie to forgive my father. I simply want to ask the mysterious grade-9 master to consider the Grand Xia Dynasty and the people. I hope that he can generously offer help to resist the barbarian envoys!"
Xia Qiyu was excellent in his voice and expression throughout. Furthermore, he was very loud.
As a result, even Lin Ping who was outside could hear him clearly.
Chun Fei was already prepared to properly reprimand her nephew.
It was not that Chun Fei could not forgive the Emperor. However, if it were their mother, Senior Concubine Li, who had died from an injustice, the senior concubine would never forgive him! Now that Xia Qiyu came to persuade them on behalf of Xia Jianshen without any conscience, how much distress would their mother be in if she knew about this?
However, after listening to Xia Qiyu, Chun Fei could not help but fall silent.
Even though her heart was filled with anger and resentment, she could not vocalize these feelings
even though she did not agree with Xia Qiyu''s point of view.
However, she felt that this child was a good child.
How patriotic!
Perhaps it was because of this patriotism that he continued to be loved by the Emperor and managed to grow to his current status after her sister''s death.
Chapter 24: Father
Chapter 24: Father
Chun Fei was a very stubborn person. Once she set her mind on something, she could investigate a matter for countless decades and not let go or give up halfway.
However, she was not a narrow-minded person.
She was very gratified that Xia Qiyu, the ninth prince, had such a big heart that was able to amodate the world.
A big-hearted and honest person was usually better than a sinister person who shamelessly sought personal gain.
And thus.
Chun Fei explicitly rejected Xia Qiyu''s request without any room for negotiation!
She had no choice.
If the Changmen Pce truly had a hidden grade-9 master, just like what the rumors outside said, perhaps she would have thought about it.
However, she knew the affairs of Changmen Pce well.
She didn''t even know who exactly had killed ck and White Impermanence that night, so how could she agree to invite the master toe out of seclusion?
How could she be so shameless to do so?
When Xia Qiyu saw Chun Fei''s determined attitude, he was smart and knew that no matter how he advised her, it could not possibly change the oue. Thus, he was tactful and fell silent.
It was obvious that he had other thoughts in the depth of his gaze. However, he had hidden them.
After a brief moment.
The ninth prince asked seemingly nonchntly, "Auntie, there are now a total of three people in Changmen Pce. Apart from you and Auntie Yun Su, there is only that eunuch, right? What is that eunuch called?"
Chun Fei looked at him and seemed to have guessed that there was some meaning behind his words. She responded, "His name is Lin Ping. Why?"
As expected, Xia Qiyu very quickly tried to ask, "Could it be that this Lin Ping is the hidden grade-9 master in Changmen Pce?"
Chun Feiughed.
It seemed that not only was her nephew big-hearted, his thoughts were not simple either. How meticulous.
"Of course not."
Chun Fei shook her head.
Since Xia Qiyu was her sister''s son, she felt a close rtionship between them. Thus, she did notpletely hide the truth and spoke a bit more. "I know what you are guessing. However, Lin Ping is not the grade-9 master that you speak of. In reality, there''s no need for me to say this, but look at how young Lin Ping is. Are there any grade-9 masters in this world who are so young?"
When Xia Qiyu heard this, he furrowed his eyebrows slightly.
This was the truth.
Indeed, this eunuch seemed too young and was at most 30 years old. He did not seem like a grade-9 master at all.
Bing a grade-9 master before the age of 30 was simply too terrifying!
However, if this was not the case, then what happened just now?
Why would his aunt be so respectful and cautious towards a eunuch?
Very quickly, Chun Fei said, "However, even though Lin Ping is not a grade-9 master, he is indeed a very impressive expert and a friend. Thus, you cannot be impolite towards him."
Xia Qiyu was aware of the situation.
It looked as if Lin Ping was not the mysterious grade-9 master hiding in Changmen Pce. However, at the very least, he was probably a grade-7 master. Otherwise, his aunt would not think so highly of him.
A sweeping eunuch at Changmen Pce was actually a grade-7 master?
If this news was spread, it would be hard to believe.
However, it was nothing muchpared to the rumor that there was still a grade-9 master hiding in Changmen Pce.
After chatting for a while, the ninth prince took his sister and left.
After they left Changmen Pce, Xia Qiyu asked the thirteenth princess to return to her pce. Meanwhile, he changed directions and walked towards the Imperial Study Room.
The Emperor had been waiting for him for a long time there.
"How was it? Could you get the grade-9 master at Changmen Pce toe out of hiding?"
The Emperor was sitting at a high position in the Imperial Study Room. He did not even raise his head when he asked this question.
With an expression of regret on his face, Xia Qiyu said, "I was useless. I used up all my methods, but I was unable to invite the mysterious grade-9 master in Changmen Pce to help in resisting the barbarian envoys. In fact, I was not even able to inquire who exactly the mysterious master was. I only found out that the seemingly ordinary eunuch who sweeps the floor in Changmen Pce is also abat expert. ording to my predictions, he should have the cultivation base of a grade-7 master."
"That eunuch called Lin Ping?" the Emperor asked with some surprise.
The ninth prince nodded his head and said, "Yes, the eunuch called Lin Ping."
The Emperor was slightly shocked.
He remembered that Lin Ping was once Little Guizi''s good friend. It was said that he was an ordinary eunuch.
He never thought that Lin Ping was actually abat expert!
Very quickly, he set aside this matter and no longer talked about it. With their current circumstances, a grade-7 master was of no use.
After asking the ninth prince about some matters, the Emperor finally sighed. "It seems like Chun Fei is determined to oppose me!"
The ninth prince was silent and did not speak.
The emperor raised his head and cheerily asked, "Little Yu, Chun Fei is your mother''s sister. I want to deal with her. Do you have nothing else to say?"
The ninth prince said without any hesitation, "Chun Fei brought it upon herself. No one else can be med for this."
The Emperor did not express his opinion and continued asking, "Then, do you not have any resentment towards me for your mother''s death back then?"
This time, the ninth prince paused. Then, he raised his head and looked at his father before saying in a serious tone, "Even though I am my mother''s son, I am also your son, Father. More importantly, I am also the ninth prince of the Grand Xia Dynasty!"
A smile finally appeared on the Emperor''s face. Then, he said with satisfaction, "Not bad! No matter when and no matter what happens, you must remember that your surname is Xia, not Li! You are part of the Grand Xia imperial family. You must think about the dynasty, not your personal grievances!
"Even though you were unable to invite the mysterious grade-9 master in Changmen Pce, you were able to offer yourself for this assignment to investigate the situation there. I am very satisfied with this awareness. I am very happy, just like how you were able to earn military achievements on the northern battlefield!
"As a prince, you are destined to be different from ordinary people. The emotions and love that ordinary people experience are of no importance to us! After all, what we need to focus on is the entire world and all themon people!
"Little Yu, you must remember this. Compared to our vast territory, how significant are your personal grievances? You can only achieve great things if you are big-hearted enough to amodate this world!"
The ninth prince''s expression was solemn and respectful. He nodded and said, "I will abide by your teachings!"
The Emperor nodded his head and said, "Good, you may leave. Even though we were unable to invite the mysterious grade-9 master in Changmen Pce, you don''t have to concern yourself much with the barbarian envoys. Dugu Xiong of the Bashan Sword Masters has already arrived in the capital and is willing to help with fending off the barbarian envoys. Furthermore, Invincible Iron Fist Shi Chengtian has also finally arrived.
"With two grade-9 masters on duty, especially Shi Chengtian, even if the barbarian envoys are bearing down menacingly on us, it is not much of a problem. In the near future, you should rest well and not worry too much. After some time, I will have something important for you to do."
"Yes!" The ninth prince nodded in agreement.
After a brief moment.
Father and son ended their conversation, and the ninth prince withdrew from the Imperial Study Room.
The Emperor looked at his son as he left and silently sighed in his heart. The ninth prince was most simr to him in terms of personality out of his many sons, and he had once intended to make the ninth prince the crown prince.
But it was a pity
Ah, what a pity!
The ninth prince left the Imperial Study Room and looked up at the blue skies and white clouds above the imperialpound. Then, he narrowed his eyes as he thought, Auntie, please don''t me me. I have no choice now. If I have the opportunity to do so in the future, I will avenge you and my mother.
He was Xia Qiyu. Indeed, his surname was Xia, not Li. He was part of the Grand Xia imperial family.
However, the woman with the surname Li was the person who had treated him the best in the world.
Furthermore, as a member of the Grand Xia imperial family, would he ever find anyone who would treat him as well in this enormous imperialpound?
However, he first had to survive
Chapter 25: Lin Pings Master?
Chapter 25: Lin Ping''s Master?
At midnight.
Crack~
A dart shot into Lin Ping''s room from outside Changmen Pce.
The dart was very swift and fierce, and the method used to throw it was also very special. If it had been used for a surprise attack, its killing power would have been outstanding, and it would have been very difficult for one to defend themselves.
It was even from an expert in darts.
However, the dart shot into Lin Ping''s room, not tounch an attack nor harm him. Instead, there was a letter attached to it. The dart had been used to send a message.
What happened?
Lin Ping, who had been in the process of meditation and cultivation, furrowed his eyebrows slightly upon seeing this.
Over the past few years, many uninvited guests had visited Changmen Pce at night, and some people had identally charged into Lin Ping''s room. However, no matter who the invited guest was, their objective was always Chun Fei, not a eunuch like Lin Ping who swept the floor.
However, tonight was an exception.
It was very obvious that someone was looking for him.
He stretched out his hand, and his internal energy swirled. Then, the dart and the letter flew into his hand.
There were no words on the letter, only a strangely-shaped turtle.
At first, Lin Ping did not intend on caring about the letter. No matter who wanted to look for him, they could juste in.
However, when he saw this turtle, he could not help butugh.
Then, he quickly got up and silently opened his door. His body leaped slightly, and he flew out of Changmen Pce like a sparrow.
In a flower garden not too far away from Changmen Pce, a eunuch wearing clothes with blue and yellow stripes was waiting for Lin Ping''s arrival.
This person was none other than Little Guizi, the current favorite of the Emperor who had more influence than many managers in the 24 government offices.
It was obvious that Little Guizi hade to look for Lin Ping under the Emperor''s orders.
After the ninth prince failed to probe for information, the Emperor had given up on roping in the mysterious grade-9 master in Changmen Pce. However, when the ninth prince brought back information that the ordinary eunuch who swept the floor in Changmen Pce was possibly a grade-7 master, he thought about it and sent Little Guizi to make a final attempt.
"Little Guizi, long time no see."
In the night.
When Little Guizi saw Lin Ping arriving so gracefully, Little Guizi widened his eyes and said with great shock, "What wonderful qinggong! Little Lin, I never thought that you would actually be a martial arts expert!"
Little Guiziughed and said, "Little Guizi, aren''t you the same? Your dart techniques were very impressive. If I wasn''t prepared, it would be difficult even for a grade-6 master to defend themselves."
Since Lin Ping had decided to meet his old friend of many years, he did not n topletely conceal himself and act like an ordinary person who could not fight.
After all, from how Little Guizi had shot the dart, he had definitely obtained some evidence and knew that Lin Ping was cultivating martial arts.
Thus, there was no meaning in acting any further.
Little Guizi shook his head and said, "The Emperor only personally passed on this secret art to me after I paid a heavy price. After a full six years of diligent practice round the clock, I was barely able to reach my current strength. Little Lin, how about you?"
Lin Ping thought about it and said with great confidence, "Me? I was more hardworking than you, and I''ve cultivated for a longer period of time! I put in countless sweat and effort to attain my current achievements."
Little Guizi said with indignance, "At the very most, you have only been in Changmen Pce for no more than eight and a half years! However, an ordinary person like you became a grade-7 master in eight and a half years! This pace is just too fast and too exaggerated!"
When Lin Ping heard this, his heart could not help but skip a beat. "Little Guizi, how did you know that my cultivation base has reached grade-7?"
He had hidden his strength very well over the past few years of sweeping the floor in Changmen Pce. Thus, outsiders did not know his strength, and all thought he was an ordinary eunuch.
Only Chun Fei and Yun Su knew something about this.
How did Little Guizi know about it?
Even his grade-7 cultivation base was not his true strength.
"Little Lin, is your master the mysterious grade-9 master in Changmen Pce?"
Little Guizi did not wait for an answer. Instead, he asked in a serious tone, "There''s no need to hide the truth from me. The fact that there is a grade-9 master in Changmen Pce is no longer a secret. You should know about the incident that happened on the night after I sent Chun Fei back to Changmen Pce better than me. Directorate of Pce Seals Manager Luo Feng died in Changmen Pce, and the famous devils of Jianghu, ck and White Impermanence, also died in Changmen Pce!
"As for you, Little Lin, you were able to thoroughly remold yourself and be a grade-7 master in the short span of eight and a half years. With such shocking speed, it is only possible for you to achieve such results if you were personally taught by a grade-9 master."
Lin Ping did not express his opinion.
However, a name suddenly appeared in his mind at this moment Xia Qiyu.
The ninth prince had just visited Changmen Pce today and spoke about some principles with great vehemence.
He seemed magnanimous and righteous, but was extremely scheming and calctive.
Could it be him?
It seemed like the ninth prince was much moreplex than he had imagined!
Little Guizi continued to speak. "Lin Ping, if that mysterious grade-9 expert is really your master, could you ask him toe out of seclusion and ept His Majesty''s invitation to resist the barbarian envoys that are about to arrive in the capital?"
Lin Ping had a guess in his heart, but he did not say it. He simply rejected him. "Little Guizi, if you came to find me for this matter, I''m afraid that you will have to go back in disappointment."
"Don''t reject me yet. Hear me out." Little Guizi waved his hand and said in a serious tone, "Even though your master is a grade-9 expert and a very impressive person, since he is hiding in the imperialpound, he must have other ns. As long as he can go into battle and resist the barbarian envoys, His Majesty can promise him that he can raise any requests to His Majesty! Furthermore, after this incident is over, Little Lin, your future prospects will be boundless. His Majesty has promised that you can seed Luo Feng''s position and be the new Directorate of Pce Seals Manager!"
"Little Guizi, thank you for your kind intentions. However, I don''t need it."
Lin Ping did not even think about it and rejected him.
The Directorate of Pce Seals Manager?
To 99% of the eunuchs in the imperialpound, this position was the greatest temptation.
But it was a pity.
Putting aside the position of Directorate of Pce Seals Manager, even if he was given the position of Eastern Depot Superintendent or Emperor, to the current Lin Ping, he did not have any interest in these at all.
"Is there really no room for negotiation on this matter?" At this moment, Little Guizi''s usually weird expression was now extremely heavy.
Lin Ping still nodded his head.
"Okay then."
Little Guizi was silent for a moment before he finally sighed.
However, he did not leave after this. He looked at Lin Ping with some pity and unwillingness in his gaze.
After thinking about it, he started to chat as if nothing had happened. "In reality, the Emperor doesn''t have much hope in this matter and simply asked me to give it a try. After all, the Empress''s brother, the General Who Stabilizes the North, has invited his master, Invincible Iron Fist Shi Chengtian, to the capital. You must''ve heard of Senior Shi Chengtian, right?"
Lin Ping nodded his head and said, "I heard that he is a long-established grade-9 master."
"Yes! He is long-established, and he once fought three grade-9 masters on his own many years ago without being at a disadvantage!" Little Guiziughed, as if he was joking around. "How is it? He must be much more impressive than your master, right?"
Lin Ping did not argue with him and said, "Perhaps."
"It''s not ''perhaps''. He''s definitely more impressive than your master! He far surpasses your master!"
When Little Guizi saw Lin Ping''s indifferent expression, his tone was suddenly much more serious.
Chapter 26: The Barbarians Enter the Capital!
Chapter 26: The Barbarians Enter the Capital!
Little Guizi intentionally wanted to warn Lin Ping.
However, today''s visit was unlike when he had escorted Chun Fei back to Changmen Pce.
Back then, the situation had not worsened to its current extent. Thus, he could simply warn Lin Ping to seek refuge.
However, this time, he knew how determined the Emperor was and how important the matter involved was. Thus, even if he was the Emperor''s favorite, he had to be cautious.
Otherwise, if his words were found to be involved in this matter, it would be difficult even for him to escape punishment.
Now, he could only use such an obscure method to remind Lin Ping and hope that Lin Ping would understand.
Even among the grade-9 masters, Shi Chengtian was considered among the top!
Even if there was a mysterious grade-9 master in Changmen Pce, that great grandmaster would not be considered anything when facing against Shi Chengtian. Shi Chengtian would instantly be able to set that master on fire!
Little Guizi''s objective of doing this was to warn Lin Ping to make ns early and not rest easy thinking that Changmen Pce had the support of a grade-9 master.
But it was a pity.
He saw that Lin Ping did not seem to have understood and was rather anxious. "Little Lin, since you have no interest in bing a government official, then even the position of Directorate of Pce Seals Manager will not move you at all. You''ve been silent for the past few years, but you''ve already achieved a grade-7 cultivation base. Yet, you are still willing to remain at such a deste ce like Changmen Pce. Wouldn''t it be better to leave the imperialpound and travel the world?"
After Little Guizi finished speaking, he did not say anything else.
Very quickly, he turned and left,den with anxiety.
He had said everything he was supposed to say.
Considering their friendship from being dorm mates back then, he now had a clear conscience.
Of course, Lin Ping understood what Little Guizi had said.
From Chun Fei''s attitude, she had thoroughly angered the Emperor, and he was not nning to leave the matter at that, even though he knew that there was a grade-9 expert in Changmen Pce.
Once the incident involving the barbarian envoys was resolved, it was very possible that he would step in to deal with Changmen Pce.
Lin Ping furrowed his eyebrows and thought, This is somewhat troublesome.
If the Emperor actually sent a grade-9 master to Changmen Pce when the time came, what would they do?
For example, from what he had heard in rumors, the Invincible Iron Fist Shi Chengtian was indeed extremely impressive and was not at a disadvantage even when he fought three grade-9 masters many years ago. Now, Lin Ping did not know what realm his cultivation base had reached.
The likes of ck and White Impermanence definitely could notpare to him. He was much more impressive than them!
Of course
Lin Ping, who had recently mastered the Return of the Ten Thousand Swords, had now improved greatly in his attack techniques. He had also gotten much stronger than when he had killed ck and White Impermanence one month ago.
"It probably isn''t as bad as Little Guizi says, right? That I''m much weakerpared to Shi Chengtian?"
"However, for safety''s sake, it will be much better if I have the opportunity to observe Shi Chengtian sh with the barbarian experts."
Lin Ping thought about it.
The barbarian envoys would reach the capital in two days.
Even though Lin Ping paid no attention to outside matters, he would definitely have heard of this.
After all, almost everyone knew about it, not just in the imperialpound, but in the entire capital.
Lin Ping did not have any interest in this, but after some careful thought, he felt that there was a need to observe this.
Of course, his objective was not just to guard against Shi Chengtian, who might attack Changmen Pce in the future. Another more important reason was that Lin Ping wanted to see how strong the other grade-9 masters were.
Till present, the strongest experts that Lin Ping had shed with were ck and White Impermanence, the two demons who were much weaker than grade-9 masters. He had not shed with any actual grade-9 masters yet.
Thus, Lin Ping had no way to make a clear judgment of his own strength.
Furthermore, Lin Ping was now focused on finding a way to break through to the grade-9 realm and advance towards the legendary Mythical Pugilist.
When his cultivation base reached this realm, simply cultivating and advancing blindly would not lead to his ideal results.
Perhaps looking at other grade-9 masters sh might give him some inspiration and assistance in his cultivation.
Two days had passed by in the blink of an eye.
The day when the barbarian envoys would arrive in the capital had finallye.
Everyone inside and outside the Central Region Imperial City paid close attention to this incident.
From the civil and military officials to themon people, everyone was talking about matters rted to the barbarian envoys.
Even the storytellers in the teahouses no longer spoke about other stories. Instead, they started to narrate stories rted to the barbarian envoys.
"It''s said that the team of barbarian envoys entering the capital this time only has twenty people. However, there are only two actual main characters."
"One of them is the barbarian expert who previously visited the capital, Bo Ri!
"Bo Ri was born with extraordinary strength. Furthermore, his sturdy body canpare even with peak martial artists and is untouchable!
"Six years ago, Bo Ri came to the capital with a grade-8 cultivation base and shed with three grade-8 masters from the Grand Xia Dynasty. And what were the results? Ah, three wins for the barbarians and three losses for us. Furthermore, two grade-8 masters from the Grand Xia Dynasty were killed there and then!
"For a period of time, the entire capital was extremely jittery, and no one dared to ept this challenge.
"Luckily, at this moment, a grade-9 master called Master Yan Bugui stopped Bo Ri, allowing Bo Ri to embrace his first loss!
"Back then, when Bo Ri left, he pledged that he would visit the capital again in six years.
"Now, he has actually returned. Furthermore, what is more terrifying is that his cultivation base is no longer grade-8 like in the past. Now, he is a grade-9 master!
"Thus, this time, one of the main characters from the barbarian envoys is no other than Bo Ri!
"As for the other main character, his name is Moragu! As for exactly what kind of person Moragu is or what impressive techniques he has, I do not know. What I do know is that Moragu is Bo Ri''s Senior Brother! He is even stronger than Bo Ri!"
This was Xiangmanlou.
This was an extremely famous teahouse in the capital. At that moment, a blind storyteller, whose eyes were white, was currently telling a story about the barbarian envoys in an expressive tone.
After speaking for a while, he used a wooden block to strike the table. He intended to drink tea and moisten his throat.
Thus, he had stopped his story.
However, the audience was seething with excitement.
"Bo Ri? Moragu?"
"Six years ago, the grade-8 Bo Ri already killed his way through the capital and was a very difficult opponent to deal with. Now that he has returned, his cultivation base has advanced, and he has broken through to the legendary grade-9 realm. Who can match his strength?"
"That''s right? Just Bo Ri alone is enough, but there is also the even more impressive Senior Brother, Moragu? Doesn''t that mean the Grand Xia Dynasty will definitely lose this time?"
"Impossible! Old Li, are you intentionally exaggerating about the barbarians and their strength that can possibly eliminate the Grand Xia Dynasty?"
"That''s right! Old Li, I just knew that something was wrong with your story. I think that you''re a barbarian spy!"
Old Li, who was drinking water, was leisurely and unhurried. He had wanted to keep the audience on tenterhooks and in suspense. However, when he heard the somewhat uncontroble excitement of the crowd, he hurriedly put down his teacup and started to speak again.
"Everyone, please keep calm! Who said that the Grand Xia Dynasty will definitely lose this time?
"Bo Ri is very impressive, and Moragu''s strength is unfathomable. However, the Grand Xia Dynasty has a vast territory with abundant resources. Furthermore, we have people of talenting forth inrge numbers. How could we possibly be afraid of mere barbarians?
"Next, I am going to talk about the experts of the Grand Xia Dynasty!
"Six years ago, Bo Ri came to the capital to make a show of his strength. The Grand Xia Dynasty was not prepared and was caughtpletely unaware. What is this called? This is called a sneak attack! This is a vition ofbat morals!
"But this time, it is different. The Grand Xia Dynasty started preparations early in order to resist the menacing barbarian envoys. Countless experts have gathered in the capital.
"Among these experts, there are also two people with shocking talents!"
When he reached an important part, Old Li could not help but go back to his old habit and paused. He was prepared to see the audience in suspense as they waited to hear the next part with great anxiety.
As expected, the audience was once again seething with excitement.
There was a surge of public sentiment at that moment.
"Old Li, hurry up and say it! Why are you stopping!"
"Exactly which two experts are you talking about? They should both be grade-9 masters, right?"
"One of them is definitely the imperial family''s guest elder, Master Yan Bugui. Six years ago, Master Yan won against Bo Ri, forcing the barbarians to return to the north in dejection. Thus, it is definitely possible for him to win again this time!"
"It can''t be Master Yan, right? After all, I heard that Master Yan was injured six years ago. Furthermore, he is of old age and has one foot in the grave. It''s not even certain whether he is still alive now."
"Nonsense! How could Master Yan possibly be injured? He is definitely still alive! After all, Master Yan is the imperial family''s guest elder!"
"Old Li, hurry up and continue! Who exactly are the two top experts providing support for the Grand Xia Dynasty this time? If you keep us hanging, be careful if your son is born without an *sshole!"
Old Li was experienced.
Furthermore, he had perfected the skill of keeping the audience in suspense.
Not only did the abuse from the audience not anger him, on the contrary, he even felt a strange sense of satisfaction.
He only slowly opened his mouth once again after some moments had passed
Chapter 27: Sword Sage Successor!
Chapter 27: Sword Sage Sessor!
In the teahouse.
The audience had debated for a long time, and some guests even silently tipped Old Li with a handsome sum. Only then did Old Li sip some tea and strike the table with the wooden block in his hand.
Then, he continued, "Everyone, please keep calm. Everyone, please keep calm!
"It''s said that countless experts have gathered in the Grand Xia Dynasty in the capital. There are several dozen masters that have achieved the top three ranks!
"Of course, the most dazzling among them are definitely the grade-9 masters! Furthermore, these two grade-9 masters are definitely not mediocre people. They are both extremely famous!
"The first person is Dugu Xiong of the Bashan Sword Masters! When one mentions Dugu Xiong, one must also mention the Six Blue Wave Demons!
"Many years ago, there were six great demons in Sichuan, and the people gave them the nickname of the Six Blue Wave Demons! These six demons all had the cultivation bases of the top three grades. They would burn, kill, loot, andmit all crimes imaginable to cause disaster to the region. Thus, many civilians and ordinary Shaolin experts died in the hands of these six demons. The imperial court and the Jianghu had both sent many experts to kill these six demons, but it was a pity that none of them were sessful. On the contrary, many lives were lost for naught!
"In particr, many grade-7 and grade-8 masters have died at the hands of the Six Blue Wave Demons!
"For a period of time, the people of Sichuan were in a state of anxiety. Hearing the name of the Six Blue Wave Demons would cause people''s expressions to change and babies to stop crying!
"Then, eleven years ago, the then-unknown Dugu Xiong challenged the Six Blue Wave Demons at theirir along the Blue Wave River!
"Back then, the Six Blue Wave Demons were at the peak of their fame. It was said that even grade-9 masters had no way to deal with them. Thus, they naturally paid no attention to the unknown Dugu Xiong and even thought that he was a newbie who had an exaggerated opinion of his own abilities. They thought that he was attempting to use a sensational method to make a name for himself, but it would be in vain.
"Thus, the Six Blue Wave Demons looked down upon Dugu Xiong. They only sent the third and sixth demons to challenge him and conveniently kill him.
"However, they never imagined that on the day of the battle, Dugu Xiong only used two attacks and beheaded the two top-grade demons who were guilty of monstrous crimes!
"Furthermore, Dugu Xiong did not stop after killing the two demons. In a spurt of energy, he simply found the other four demons. Then, after an hour of violentbat along the Blue Wave River, all Six Blue Wave Demons were killed and none of them escaped!
"After experiencing this battle, even though Dugu Xiong had sustained injuries, after his injuries healed, his cultivation base broke through and advanced to the grade-9 realm!
"It turned out that when Dugu Xiong was killing the Six Blue Wave Demons, he did not have a grade-9 cultivation base. Instead, he was only a grade-8!
"Who can imagine how terrifying Dugu Xiong''s current strength is?!
"Later on, there was a rumor from the Jianghu. Apparently, before Dugu Xiong became famous, he was not truly unknown there either. His sword techniques were inherited sixty years ago from a master who was extremely famous in the Jianghu and lived up to his reputation, the first Sword Saint Ye Qingcheng!
"Everyone here knows Sword Saint Ye Qingcheng, right? I have mentioned this many times in the past, but he is a Mythical Pugilist whose sword technique can topple cities and cannot be stopped even by a mighty army!
"Thus, as a junior of the Sword Saint, his sword techniques are equally unfathomable, and he is chivalrous. Thus, he is also called the ''Sword Sovereign'' by the Jianghu!"
Then, Old Li stopped again.
However, this time, no one scolded him.
The audience was seething with excitement from his words.
Sword Sovereign Dugu Xiong had killed the Six Blue Wave Demons, who even grade-9 masters were worried about, without leaving any survivors when he was in the grade-8 realm.
This achievement had far surpassed that of barbarian expert Bo Ri, who had swept across the capital six years ago.
Now, Dugu Xiong had also be a grade-9 master. Thus, people naturally felt that Dugu Xiong was even more impressive and stronger than Bo Ri.
Of course, what shocked people the most was that Dugu Xiong was the sessor of the Sword Saint Ye Qingcheng!
It was the Sword Saint Ye Qingcheng! Who did not know about him?
It could be said that
Even though the grade-9 masters in this world were aloof from the world and were extraordinary people who were not restrained by thew
and top grade-9 masters were extremely famous and became public figures that even many ordinary people knew
most of the grade-9 masters were not well-known.
Perhaps those who were in the higher sses of society or practiced martial arts would know about them, but arge majority of ordinary people did not know them.
However, the Mythical Pugilists were different.
Every Mythical Pugilist was well-known throughout the world, and even ordinary people could describe them in great detail from frequent exposure.
The Sword Saint Ye Qingcheng was one of these people.
Stories regarding Ye Qingcheng could not bepleted even after three days and three nights of storytelling.
For example, legends said that Ye Qingcheng once had the opportunity to rece the Emperor. However, Ye Qingcheng decisively gave up on this opportunity. He did not intend on being the Emperor!
Thus, even though the current "Sword Sovereign" did not have any achievements, just the title of "Sword Saint sessor" alone was enough for everyone to have confidence in him!
Since the first grade-9 master was already so impressive, everyone was even more excited for the second grade-9 master.
"What about the other grade-9 master?"
"Is he the imperial family''s guest elder that attacked six years ago, Senior Yan Bugui?"
"Old Li, hurry up and say it! Don''t leave us hanging!"
Old Li was blind and could not see the anxious expressions of the audience. However, he could sense their anxiety from their tone.
This time, he did not leave them in suspense.
After all, the audience had just offered him money. Thus, he could not ask them for money again so quickly.
"The second grade-9 master is not the imperial family''s guest elder, Yan Bugui.
"Even though Senior Yan Bugui is unfathomable and extremely strong, in the end, he is of old age. It''s said that he is almost a hundred years old. Thus, he is not suitable forbat this time.
"I''m guessing that many guests here have heard the name of the second person
"He is the Invincible Iron Fist, Senior Shi Chengtian!"
Hua!
When the audience heard this name, many people simply widened their eyes. It was obvious that they knew who Shi Chengtian was.
"Senior Shi Chengtian has attained many achievements and has caused waves in the Jianghu time and again.
"However, his most impressive achievement was when he was requested to take care of the Qin family in Yuzhou. Back then, the Qin family had angered the Demon Gate for some reason. As a result, the Demon Gate ced a death order on them and wanted the family dead.
"Even when faced with the threat of the Demon Gate, Senior Shi Chengtian was happy and did not fear. Instead, he went to save the Qin family and stayed with them for a full month. During that period, he resisted the repeated attacks from the Demon Gate.
"In the end, the Demon Gate was enraged and gathered three grade-9 masters from various ces to Yuzhou. Not only did they want to kill the Qin family, but they also wanted to kill Senior Shi Chengtian.
"What were the results? Senior Shi Chengtian was one up against three and faced three grade-9 masters. However, he was not at a disadvantage!
"From this battle, the Demon Gate finally realized how impressive Senior Shi Chengtian was. In reality, ordinary grade-9 masters could notpare with his strength. Thus, the Demon Gate willingly dropped their pretentious airs and revoked the death order against the Qin family. Instead, they discussed their conditions with the Qin family. Such incidents are rare in the history of the Demon Gate, and only Mythical Pugilists can make the Demon Gate step back.
"As a result of this battle, Shi Chengtian rose to fame in the Jianghu and was called the ''Invincible Iron Fist''!"
Chapter 28: I Am Bo Ri!
Chapter 28: I Am Bo Ri!
After talking about the deeds of the two great masters and listening to the voices of admiration from below, the old fogey was content.
This was the joy of being a storyteller.
Listening to the exmations of the audience, it was as if he himself had be a master of martial arts, one that could look down on all living beings.
However, in the next moment
Crack!
A chopstick fiercely pierced through the air, heading to between the eyes of Old Li who was about to drink his tea!
Old Li knew of a lot of secrets in the Jianghu and could also tell the stories of the various masters not from the Jianghu as well.
However, he was not some expert hermit and had never practiced martial arts. Furthermore, he was also blind. Of course, he couldn''t dodge such fierce sneak attacks.
Fortunately, there were many martial arts practitioners in the teahouse, and there happened to be a true master.
Wearing a brocade robe and holding a folding fan, this person looked like a descendant from a rich family.
He was sitting in a private seat, very close to the position of the storyteller. When someone had attacked, he felt it firsthand. His ear moved, and he flipped over immediately. The folding fan in his hand opened, and the chopstick was stopped at a distance of fewer than thirty centimeters away from Old Li''s forehead.
If it weren''t for him, Old Li would definitely have died, with this chopstick inserted into his head!
The sudden change caused the boiling teahouse to immediately fall silent, and everyone was wide-eyed.
What happened?
Why would someone want to suddenly kill Old Li?
Although Old Li liked to whet people''s appetites and often stopped halfway through his story to continue the next day
But such an action did not warrant death!
Furthermore, the person had even dared to kill under broad daylight in such an open ce. Did the person not care about thews in ce or the imperial court?
Soon everyone came back to their senses, and together with the rich-looking young master, they looked towards a hidden corner of the teahouse.
Immediately someone who was filled with righteous indignation shouted, "It''s the barbarians!"
"It''s a northern barbarian. No wonder you want to kill Old Li! It seems that what Old Li had said just now had pricked them and made them feel scared again!"
"How dare you attack and kill people so openly and without reason?! Let''s quickly send these two barbarians to the court!"
The northern barbarians were not only tall, but they were also very different in their appearance and garb. Thus, it was easy to recognize them at a nce.
Old Li was a blind man and couldn''t see anything. He was still trying to guess what had caused the teahouse that was boiling previously to suddenly fall silent. After hearing the conversations from the audience, he finally understood what had happened.
There was a barbarian in Xiangmanlou, and after hearing his story, the savage wanted to kill him!
Old Li was so frightened that he moved back a few steps.
The man who was holding the folding fan walked towards the barbarian and said coldly, "Mister, shouldn''t you give an exnation for that sudden attack just now? If you don''t have a legitimate reason, then I will just take you down and send you to the court!"
The male barbarian with braids on his head then stood up. He was half a head taller than the man in the brocade robe. He asked with a smile, "Who are you?"
"Youzhou, Qin Fang!" the man dressed in the brocade robe replied proudly.
Hearing the answer from the man in the brocade robe, most of the people in the teahouse did not have much of a reaction as they didn''t know who he was.
Only Old Li, who had been scared till he took a few steps back, suddenly thought of something and then shouted in surprise, "Youzhou''s Qin Fang?
"You are this generation''s number one master of the Youzhou Qin family who had achieved the cultivation base of grade-7 in his thirties! You are also the disciple of Senior Shi Chengtian, the Invincible Iron Fist, and known as the head of the three young masters of Youzhou!"
After the man in brocade robes heard Old Li''s words, he opened the folding fan in his hand with a pop and said indifferently, "Yes, that''s me."
Exmations filled the teahouse.
This man in brocade robes who looked just like an ordinary young master was actually a grade-7 grandmaster?
Furthermore, he also happened to be the disciple of Shi Chengtian, one of the two grade-9s who were representing the Grand Xia Dynasty to face off against the barbarian envoys!
It was no wonder that his movements when blocking the chopstick previously were so elegant and filled with ease.
Shi Chengtian had once single-handedly fended off three grade-9s from the Demon Gate to save Youzhou''s Qin family, causing his fame to skyrocket that year.
"Young Master Qin is awesome!"
"It''s no wonder that he became the head of the three young masters of Youzhou. He''s a peerless genius who has broken through to be a grade-7 grandmaster at the age of thirty!"
"Young Master Qin, send this barbarian to the court. How dare hemit a crime so openly?! We can all be the witnesses!"
Qin Fang was very indifferent to thepliments around him and merely looked up at the barbarian to ask, "Are you obediently going to the court to atone for your crime, or do I need to drag you there after I beat you up?"
The barbarian smiled. Neither did he get angry, nor did he answer Qin Fang''s question. He merely said, "I was going to take your life. But after I heard that you are Shi Chengtian''s disciple, I have changed my mind. I''m not going to kill you, but rather, I''m going to break both your hands and feet and destroy your martial arts cultivation. After that, you can help me ry a message to your master"
After speaking, the barbarian man threw a seemingly ordinary punch.
"Arrogant!"
Qin Fang became furious when he heard those words. He closed the folding fan in his hand and pointed it at the barbarian''s fist.
Although this barbarian was sturdy and was more than half a head taller than him, however, when one''s cultivation had reached the realm of the upper three grades, body shape and size would not matter much in a fight anymore.
Even if this male barbarian was twice as strong, he was still tofu in front of him.
Crash!
The fist collided with the folding fan. Qin Fang poured part of his own internal force into the folding fan, thinking that he could directly knock the opponent flying backward.
This folding fan was not an ordinary folding fan. It was his weapon. The structure inside was made of fine iron, which was extremely hard and durable.
However, what Qin Fang never expected was that the opponent''s seemingly ordinary punch contained an unimaginable terrifying force!
At the moment of the collision, he felt as if he was in a small boat, sailing into a stormy, turbulent sea. Even though he had reacted quickly and instantly poured his internal strength into the fan to the extreme, the efforts were futile.
The moment he came into contact with the opponent''s fist, he immediately used a body movement technique hoping to get away from the immense power and forceing from the fist.
As a grade-7 grandmaster, Qin Fang''s martial arts were naturally not weak and useless but were unique in their own way.
However, all of this did not help him to retreat safely.
Hong! Long long!
The folding fan made of fine iron was directly sted to pieces, and at the same time, Qin Fang''s skills and techniques were rendered useless, or rather, he couldn''t use them at all.
Such a punch had exceeded his realm. It felt as if the barbarian was on another level, giving Qin Fang the sense of fear he had only felt when he was facing his master, Shi Chengtian!
He was directly blown away, flying seven or eight meters away before smashing down on a table severely.
"You"
Qin Fang was terrified. He struggled to stand up and even sprayed out a mouthful of blood. He stared at the barbarian in disbelief and asked, "Who are you?"
The barbarian man walked over slowly.
"I am the Bo Ri you all were previously talking about."
The tall male barbarian with braids on his head began to cruelly break Qin Fang''s limbs. As he was breaking them, he calmly said, "You can go back and tell your master that if he loses to me tomorrow in the pce, I will also break his limbs one by one in this way! Therefore, he had better go all out, like when he fought against the three grade-9 great grandmasters previously. Otherwise, he will also have a miserable ending"
"Ah!"
Qin Fang was about to faint from the immense pain.
And the crowd of listeners who mored so loudly just now were already shocked speechless. No one dared to utter a single word, let alone dared to approach and help.
All of them curled up shivering, looking at the barbarian as if they were seeing a devil.
They were angry but dared not speak.
Bo Ri? Bo Ri!
That barbarian master who had almost wiped out the powerhouses in the capital six years ago!
So strong, cruel, and terrifying!
Originally, after hearing Old Li''s storytelling, everyone had confidence in the Grand Xia''s great grandmasters and felt that there would be no problem in defeating the barbarian envoys this time.
But now that they had seen the horrifying strength of Bo Ri with their own eyes, their confidence was shaken.
"Hold your hands!"
At this time, a loud shout came from afar.
When the voice fell, a middle-aged man with a beard and wearing a gray robe and a thin man dressed in white holding a long sword behind his back, appeared in the teahouse.
After the gray-robed middle-aged man saw Qin Fang who was lying on the ground being tortured by Bo Ri, his face was filled with anger, and he immediately sted out a punch.
This palm approached at lightning speed!
No one in the teahouse could see anything clearly. It was as if they had just seen a meteor flying past!
Even the arrogant Bo Ri stopped tormenting Qin Fang immediately when he saw this punch. He shouted in a low voice and raised his arms to block.
Chapter 29: An Early Fight
Chapter 29: An Early Fight
This fist was like a meteorite crashing down on Bo Ri. The terrifying power not only made a sound of breaking through the air, but when it fell on him, a shockwave had also spread out in all directions.
Crash!
After the dazzling light, the shockwave sent all the surrounding tables, chairs, and benches flying.
Fortunately, as Bo Ri had been too cruel when he was torturing Qin Fang just now, all the customers in the restaurant had fled a distance away, allowing no one to be hurt.
But even a few meters away, many people stood unsteadily and fell to the ground after receiving the impact of the shockwave.
"Good fist techniques!"
Bo Ri''s figure was sted back several meters with the punch. A number of tables were crushed, and all the flooring under his feet was turned into debris.
However, he didn''t seem to be in any serious condition. He twisted his arms, and his eyes showed a satisfying expression. He stared at the rough man and said, "Very well! You deserve to be the invincible Shi Chengtian. Your fist techniques have not disappointed me."
The rough man who had rescued Qin Fang was his master, Shi Chengtian, one of the two great masters who were up against the barbarian envoys this time!
Shi Chengtian was not young anymore, being already over sixty years old. However, he still looked as vigorous as a middle-aged man.
From there, it was not hard to guess the identity of the thin man dressed in white with a long sword behind his back who had arrived with Shi Chengtian.
He was the sword sovereign, Dugu Xiong!
Shi Chengtian tapped Qin Fang''s acupuncture points, and after temporarily relieving his injuries and pain, he stood up and looked at Bo Ri. His eyes were like an ancient well. With anger, he said coldly, "How dare you wound my disciple to such a stage? Even if you are part of the barbarian delegation, you must give an exnation today!"
"An exnation?" Bo Ri grinned and said naturally, "Your disciple was ignorant and actually prevented me from killing someone I wanted to kill. I already didn''t kill him to save your face. Also, let alone hurt people, even if I killed someone, so what? There were dozens of Grand Xia masters who had died in my hands."
Shi Chengtian''s eyes dazzled as he said, "Never mind. I originally nned to deal with you in the pce tomorrow. I had wanted to teach you, the barbarians, a lesson tomorrow and show you that you are merely frogs in a well who do not know how high the sky is. But if you are looking for death today, then I will take care of you now!"
"We, the barbarians, do not know how high the sky is. However, we are not frogs in a well." Bo Ri was not angry. His eyes were instead filled with excitement. He eagerly said, "In any case, I also have this intention. I want to wait until tomorrow, but I can still exchange a few moves with you two today. "
The moment his voice fell.
Bo Ri let out a scream towards the sky, making a loud but strange shout that was like a lion''s roar. He had also infused his internal energy into the shout, allowing it to be heard even from miles away.
The ordinary people around covered their ears under the scream. Otherwise, it felt like their heads would explode.
A momentter, another barbarian with the same sweater and braid over his head came to the teahouse. This man did not look as strong as Bo Ri and was shorter than him.
However, the faint aura that he exuded was even more terrifying than Bo Ri''s.
"Senior Brother."
Seeing the maning, Bo Ri walked over with respect and said, "These are the two great grandmasters of Grand Xia, namely Invincible Iron Fist Shi Chengtian and Sword Sovereign Dugu Xiong.
"I heard that they are representing the Grand Xia''s imperial court this time and are the strongest trump cards the court has prepared in order to deal with us ''barbarians''.
"Since we happened to run into them today, I was hoping to exchange a few moves with them first. Senior Brother, I hope that you can help to oversee this match at the side."
It turned out that this person was another grade-9 great grandmaster from the barbarian delegation. He was the Senior Brother of Bo Ri, Moragu!
Moragu did not refuse and nodded. "Well, it just so happens that I also want to see the strength of the Grand Xia''s great grandmasters."
With the consent of his senior, the smile on Bo Ri''s face had be more "sincere".
However.
If anyone had seen how he had brutally killed two grade-8 great masters in the arena six years ago, they would not think that he was simple and honest.
This could be seen through the methods he had used to deal with Qin Fang just now.
He was a fierce beast and was definitely not a good person!
Also, this person was very cautious and was not a foolish man.
In the face of Shi Chengtian and the Sword Sovereign, the two grade-9 great grandmasters, although his fighting spirit was raging, he did not act recklessly. He chose to call for reinforcements as soon as possible and had his senior brother, Moragu,e over.
Of course.
The reason Bo Ri called his senior was not that he felt that he was not Shi Chengtian or Dugu Xiong''s opponent.
He was just worried that Shi Chengtian and Dugu Xiong would use numbers against him. When one was not an opponent against him, they might then fight him together!
If it were ordinary grade-9 great grandmasters, it would be fine if he was up against two. Even then, Bo Ri felt that it would not be difficult.
But Shi Chengtian was different. He was also a well-known and powerful existence among the grade-9s, which he acknowledged.
"May I know who is willing to exchange moves with me first?"
Bo Ri nced back and forth between Shi Chengtian and Dugu Xiong, his eyes were full of excitement. He arched his hands slightly and said, "Please go all out. Otherwise, I might beat you to death!"
Both Shi Chengtian and Dugu Xiong sneered.
Bo Ri was confident of his own strength.
However, the two of them were confident in themselves too.
Shi Chengtian was a well-known powerhouse. He had even once defeated three grade-9s from the Demon Gate. He was even at his peak currently, unlike Yan Bugui. If he couldn''t even deal with a barbarian who had just broken through to be a grade-9 only a few years ago, wouldn''t he be too useless?
Dugu Xiong was also a peerless genius in the sword dao. He also had the inheritance from Sword Sage Ye Qingcheng, how could he be ordinary?
Thus, when Bo Ri had let out a roar previously to call for reinforcements, they did not make any attempt to stop him.
Their purpose ining to the capital this time was to suppress both grade-9 barbarians.
Now that Bo Ri had called his senior brother over, it was even better for them! They could deal with the two of them at once!
"Who''s up first?"
Bo Ri stared at Shi Chengtian with bright eyes. Among the two, he was more interested in Shi Chengtian and wanted to fight him first.
The punch from Shi Chengtian previously had made him feel pressure and made him even more eager to fight against him.
However, it was a pity that Dugu Xiong stepped forward first and said indifferently, "Let me exchange some moves with you first."
"Alright then. Although I am not interested in you, I am still interested in the inheritance of the sword sage, Ye Qingcheng." Bo Ri nodded, his tone sincere but arrogant.
It was as if he did not put Dugu Xiong in his eyes.
The dignified swordmaster, Dugu Xiong, in his opinion, would only be used to practice his sword moves.
"Weng!"
Dugu Xiong didn''t say much nonsense; the long sword in his hand had already made its move.
In the next instant, the entire Xiangmanlou seemed to be filled with a murderous air, as if flowers were withering in the autumn. It was caused by the powerful and sharp sword aura!
The current Xiangmanlou was already empty.
All the guests had perceived the danger in the fight and had left the ce as quickly as they could. Even the brave people who wanted to stay and enjoy watching the excitement had been driven away by the Eastern Depot personnel.
It was no joke when two grade-9s fought.
Not to mention ordinary people, as long as one''s cultivation level was less than that of a grade-7, one then didn''t even have the qualifications to watch the battle. Otherwise, one might even be fatally injured just from spectating at the side.
Of course.
Outside of Xiangmanlou, several neighborhoods nearby had been surrounded by crowds after the news spread, waiting for the result of the fight in Xiangmanlou.
Were the two great masters of the Grand Xia Dynasty or the two barbarian brothers stronger?
In addition to ordinary people, many masters from the imperial court and the Jianghu, and even the Emperor in the pce, were watching.
Chapter 30: One Move
Chapter 30: One Move
In the Imperial Study Room.
The Emperor was reviewing the documents, and Little Guizi was standing beside him.
Suddenly, a little eunuch hurried in. Little Guizi looked at him and walked towards him quietly. After listening to his report, his expression suddenly changed. After the little eunuch left, he quickly walked to the Emperor''s side and said, "Your Majesty, Bo Ri and Moragu, the two great grandmasters of the barbarians, are now fighting against Shi Chengtian and Dugu Xiong in a teahouse called Xiangmanlou!"
Bang!
The Emperor, who was reviewing documents, put down the brush in his hand and said while frowning, "Didn''t I tell both parties that they should only exchange moves tomorrow after the wee ceremony? How could they engage in a fight in advance?"
Little Guizi shook his head to express his confusion at the matter as well.
Whether it was Shi Chengtian or Dugu Xiong, they were both grade-9 great grandmasters. Although they came to the capital for different reasons and agreed to stand up against the barbarians, they were not under the control of the imperial court.
Even the Emperor could only treat them with courtesy and not force them to do anything they did not want to.
Not to mention the duo of Bo Ri and Moragu.
Thus, even though they had fought ahead of schedule andpletely disrupted his n, the Emperor couldn''t do much about it.
"Your Majesty, shall we go to Xiangmanlou now to see how the battle is going?" Little Guizi asked.
After thinking for a while, the Emperor shook his head and said calmly, "There is no need to go. We must have confidence in Dugu Xiong, and even more confidence in Shi Chengtian."
Little Guizi nodded and said, "Yes, that''s true. Your Majesty has spent so much energy to invite Shi Chengtian to the capital to take action. It is indeed time for him to do his job. The Sword Sovereign is also considered a famed powerhouse."
"This time, we must deal a blow to the arrogance of the barbarians and let them know that there are also strong powerhouses in our Grand Xia Dynasty. They are not allowed to act recklessly here!"
The Emperor let out a smile.
He too had the same thought.
Why did he make painstaking efforts this time just to invite the two grade-9 great grandmasters toe to the capital to help out? Wasn''t it so that he could suppress the barbarian envoys?
Because this was not just a simple diplomatic visit but was also a test and judgment of the strength of the Grand Xia Dynasty by the barbarians!
If this time the Great Xia imperial court was unable to contend against the envoys and was suppressed by them, with no one that could stand up to them, then the barbarians would think that Grand Xia''s fate had been used up and there were no more powerhouses in Grand Xia anymore. Then, after the envoys returned, the northern border would soon be attacked by the barbarians with greater ferocity!
However, if this time the imperial court''s grade-9 representatives could suppress the barbarian envoys and let them know that Grand Xia was not to be messed with, then the northern border would be peaceful for a period of time.
There was a restaurant facing the Xiangmanlou teahouse.
At this moment, the restaurant waspletely empty, with only two people left in it.
One looked tall and sturdy with a clean face, wearing a red official robe with flying cranes embroidered on his chest. He was Feng Bao, the superintendent of the Eastern Depot. The other one was wearing a suit of armor and had a stern look on his face. He was the General Who Stabilizes the North, the Empress''s brother!
The two of them were sitting close to the window so that they could clearly see the situation inside Xiangmanlou on the opposite side.
"Superintendent Feng is very capable to have asked the grade-9 great grandmaster Sword Sovereign Dugu Xiong toe. It seems that the Eastern Depot is not as useless as what His Majesty had said it to be. You still have some ability," the General Who Stabilizes the North said with a smile.
Faced with the ridicule of the General Who Stabilizes the North, Feng Bao was not angry.
His Eastern Depot was neither friendly with those from the Jianghu, nor those in the military or the court officials. He had long been used to such remarks.
"I don''t have that great of an ability, to be able tomand the Sword Sovereign. It is the Sword Sovereign himself who has a chivalrous heart. He has long hated the barbarians who have repeatedly vited the borders and killed the citizens of Grand Xia. Therefore, this time, he decided toe to the capital to fight against the barbarian envoys."
Feng Bao shook his head and continued with a smile, "It was unexpected that Senior Shi Chengtian woulde. Originally, I was worried that the Sword Sovereign alone might not be able to deal with all the barbarians. Now that Senior Shi Chengtian is also here, there should not be any trouble. This time, the barbarian envoys can''t cause anymotion."
The General Who Stabilises the North coldly snorted.
He could tell that Feng Bao was trying topete with him, so he chose to wait it out.
If Dugu Xiong lost too badly during the match and his master had toe forward to turn the tide, Feng Bao would no longer be able tough.
In the eyes of the General Who Stabilizes the North, Sword Sovereign Dugu Xiong might indeed be very strong, taking into ount his ability to kill the Six Blue Wave Demons when he was merely still in the grade-8 realm. After entering grade-9, and coupled with the inheritance of Sword Saint Ye Qingcheng, his strength should have be unimaginable.
However, no matter how strong he was, he was still miles away from his master, Shi Chengtian!
Thus, he was actually hoping for the two barbarian masters to not be too weak so that they could beat Dugu Xiong.
In this way, his master would be in a greater spotlight in the end!
"Look, it''s starting" the General Who Stabilizes the North coldly said.
In the teahouse on the opposite side, Dugu Xiong had already made his move.
Feng Bao also stopped the conversation and stared at the opposite side unblinkingly.
Weng!
The sound of the sword could be heard, and the sword aura could be felt thereafter. Bo Ri, who was standing opposite Dugu Xiong, could clearly feel that there were seemingly thousands of sword qi cutting towards him.
If it was an average grade-7 grandmaster that was up against Dugu Xiong, they would have already found it unbearable from the start.
As Dugu Xiong''s sword was unleashed, Xiangmanlou was not only instantly filled with his sword aura, but even the temperature seemed to have dropped several degrees in an instant, making people feel like they were in an ice cave. Even the internal energy of a martial artist seemed to be frozen under this sword attack.
Immediately after.
Dugu Xiong moved.
It was difficult to describe the feeling of Dugu Xiong''s sword.
It was neither tooplicated a move, nor did it contain too many mysteries. However, anyone who saw this sword ray would feel that it let out an unspeakable brilliance.
If it was a master who was not strong enough, they would not even be able to react in the face of such a sword move and might have even been killed in merely one move.
"Good sword!"
But Bo Ri merelyughed and let out a roar when facing such a sword. With his legs spread out and his internal energy sinking into his dantian, an invisible air wall was formed around his body.
Weng!
With a long whistle from Bo Ri, the "cold ice sword domain" brought by Dugu Xiong shattered like a mirror hit by a stone.
However, Dugu Xiong''s dazzling sword was not stopped just like that. With a cold glow, it pierced the wall of energy formed by Bo Ri''s vigorous internal energy. Although a lot of strength in the sword was lost, the tip of the sword went straight to Bo Ri''s chest.
Crack!
The tip of the sword pierced into Bo Ri''s flesh and came to an abrupt stop a centimeter into his body.
"What?!"
Dugu Xiong was shocked when he saw this. He didn''t expect that there would be someone in this world who would not evade and simply blocked the sword using his bare body.
In a split second, Dugu Xiong had decided to withdraw and retreat.
However, although his sword attack was fast, the recovery of his sword was a tad bit slower.
Of course, Bo Ri would not let go of this opportunity. Grinning, he stuck his hands out like a dragon.
Thump!
Dugu Xiong was blown away and flew back more than ten meters alongside his sword, crashing into the ground fiercely.
"Hehe, it seems that you have yet to fully cultivate and digest the inheritance of the Sword Sage. If so, you deserve to be beaten to death by me today!"
Bo Ri strode forward towards Dugu Xiong.
Dugu Xiong had obviously been defeated, and he had almost no more power remaining to fight again. However, Bo Ri didn''t want to stop. He wanted to kill him.
Facing such a scene, the Eastern Depot Supervisor Feng Bao and General Who Stabilizes the North Xie Feihong both stood up and looked at them in disbelief.
Even Xie Feihong was deeply shocked.
Although he had hoped that Dugu Xiong would lose, he had never thought that Dugu Xiong would lose within merely one move!
He was a grade-9 great grandmaster!
What kind of monster was this barbarian master Bo Ri?
What about his senior brother, Moragu, who is rumored to be stronger?
Could his master, Shi Chengtian, stop him?
Chapter 31: Begging for a Loss
Chapter 31: Begging for a Loss
"Stay your hand!"
Shi Chengtian''s figure shed and stopped in front of Dugu Xiong. He once again mmed a punch that resembled a meteor. A terrifying thunder rumble could be heard, and the punch sted Bo Ri back several steps.
Although he had managed to knock his opponent back several steps, Shi Chengtian''s eyes were not as rxed as before but had be even more cautious.
One had to admit that Dugu Xiong''s strength was not as great as what most people thought it was.
Although the sword move just now seemed superb and exuded brilliance like a rainbow, its threat level was actually not as high as it seemed. It was just that Sword Sage Ye Qingcheng''s sword dao inheritance was too intricate and would project a very strong sword intent.
Dugu Xiong had only managed to grasp the rough idea, but had yet to fully digest and execute the intricacies and essence of the inheritance.
Therefore, Dugu Xiong''s current level could only be regarded as that of an ordinary grade-9 great grandmaster.
However, Shi Chengtian still didn''t understand.
When Dugu Xiong was grade-8, he had already managed to kill the Six Blue Wave Demons, which showed that his strength back then could already bepared to that of a grade-9 great grandmaster and that he was a peerless talent in the path of the sword dao.
But why was his strength still roughly the same after he had broken through to be a grade-9 great grandmaster?
In actual fact.
What the people in the Jianghu didn''t know was that when Dugu Xiong (barely) managed to kill all the Six Blue Wave Demons, there was an element of luck involved.
When Dugu Xiong had challenged the Six Blue Wave Demons, they had looked down upon the unknown Dugu Xiong and thus sent their youngest brother and the third brother to fight first.
This resulted in them getting killed by Dugu Xiong.
The remaining four people could now no longer form theirbined attack formation. Without the two, the Six Blue Wave Demons were not really considered the true Six Blue Wave Demons. They had be much weaker and had many weaknesses exposed, resulting in them being defeated by Dugu Xiong one by one.
Of course.
Dugu Xiong was defeated in one move by Bo Ri because he was not as powerful as everyone thought.
However, this did not mean that Bo Ri was weak!
At least, in Shi Chengtian''s view, the three grade-9 great grandmasters of the Demon Gate he faced back then were not even as strong as the current Bo Ri!
No matter what, Dugu Xiong was a full-fledged grade-9 great grandmaster.
How could Bo Ri not even have the slightest bit of injury after receiving an all-out sword attack by Dugu Xiong?!
It was only now that he had realized that Bo Ri did not have any natural divine power nor innate tough skin. It was clear that he had cultivated a superb body protection technique that was already at the level of grade-9 great grandmaster!
Kacha
Bo Ri moved his muscles and bones, looked at Shi Chengtian who blocked him, and said excitedly. "Alright, I will beat you up first before I beat you two to death!"
After he finished his words, Bo Ri took a deep breath. His already sturdy body swelled a little bit. His muscles swelled up like rocks, looking like a giant walking mountain moving towards Shi Chengtian.
Shi Chengtian snorted coldly. He neither dodged nor avoided him. How could he, who was known as the "Invincible Iron Fist", be afraid of confronting others?
With a sudden low shout and an exhtion from his lungs, both his fists were thrown out, and dozens of fist shadows appeared in the air immediately, constantly colliding with Bo Ri.
Every time there was a collision between his fist and Bo Ri, there would be a booming sound as if an explosive had been ignited.
The duo''s confrontation was as if metal was shing against each other! Not only were the tables, chairs, and benches blown away by the aftermath, but the entire Xiangmanlou was also almost torn down!
Even the roof had almost been broken through!
"Good, good!" Bo Riughed. Shi Chengtian''s every punch made his internal organs shake, and his meridians felt like they were being pricked by needles.
However, this kind of pain not only did not make Bo Ri feel afraid, but it had rather made him feel more excited.
He needed such an opponent!
He was a natural fighting machine.
If an average person was severely knocked back, his motivation might have been greatly reduced, and he might even grow a heart demon, making it difficult for him to improve his cultivation in the future. However, Bo Ri was different. He needed real failure to trigger his potential!
Just like six years ago, when he was defeated by the guest elder of the imperial family, Yan Bugui, in the capital.
After returning to the north, not only did he not get discouraged, but after recovering from his injury, he even soon broke through the shackles of grade-8 and entered grade-9!
His purpose foring to the capital this time was not to take revenge nor to show off his might.
Instead, he wanted to meet someone who could beat him again! He was begging for a loss!
In the past six years, he had raised his realm and strength to a bottleneck and hadn''t improved for a long time.
He could feel that if he wanted to continue to grow his strength quickly, he needed to lose again.
Hong! Hong! Hong!
In the huge Xiangmanlou, under the constant collision, all the obstructions around them were finally removed, and the battle between the two was exposed to the sight of the nearby onlookers.
"This is Senior Shi Chengtian and Bo Ri are fighting?"
"Oh! Senior Shi Chengtian has the upper hand! The barbarian is just getting beaten continuously and is at aplete disadvantage!"
"Good fight! It''s time to destroy these barbarians and let them know how powerful we are!"
There were fervent discussions in the crowd.
Shi Chengtian did have the upper hand, but he didn''t feel much joy in his heart.
Although Bo Ri was currently at a disadvantage, his moves were bing fiercer and fiercer. It could be said that relying just on his physical strength, Bo Ri hadpletely given up on defense and was using all possible means to attack him.
He was using his palms, elbows, shoulders, legs, feet, and even his head to attack.
Although his iron fists could be said to be invincible, the rest of his body was not as invulnerable as Bo Ri. If he was hit, he would suffer an injury.
If it was other times, he would directly give up his concerns and exchange injuries to take down Bo Ri in a short time.
But now his opponent was not only Bo Ri. There was also his even more unfathomable senior brother, Moragu.
Therefore, he had to try his best to ensure that he was not injured and that hisbat power was not impaired. Otherwise, it would be dangerouster.
After the time it took for an incense to burn, Bo Ri''s injuries had be extremely serious even with his body protection technique. Even his nose, mouth, and eyes began to overflow with blood.
Bo Ri suddenly drew back, retreated to his senior brother, Moragu, bowed to Shi Chengtian, and said, "As expected, Shi Chengtian the Invincible Iron Fist, you are really powerful! I have been defeated today, and I am convinced that I can''t match up to you today. Neither can I kill you today! However, the next time I have a chance, I will definitely kill you."
Shi Chengtian snorted coldly and put his fists away.
He was not like these barbarians. Since the other party had voluntarily surrendered, he had no n to kill him at all.
Moreover, he couldn''t kill these two people either.
Both of these two had a high status among the northern barbarians. They hade to Grand Xia''s capital as envoys. If they died here, the barbarian army would avenge them.
At that time, the Grand Xia Dynasty would be in great danger.
But Bo Ri was indeed a weird person.
When fighting against someone else, he would be desperate to the point that he would use the most ferocious of moves, even if it meant that he would die. However, when he knew that he had no hope of victory and that his injuries would not allow him to continue the battle, he would resolutely give in without hesitation, without any psychological burden.
And after losing, there was no discouragement, only a little regret.
This was not the same for Dugu Xiong.
At this time, Dugu Xiong had already stood up from the ground, his face ugly to the extreme, not only because of his injury but also because of anger.
Chapter 32: Shi Chengtian Has Fled!
Chapter 32: Shi Chengtian Has Fled!
"Good!"
At the neighboring teahouse, Xie Feihong and Feng Bao had forgotten the factional strife between them during that moment. Instead, they nervously observed the fight in front of them and were concerned about Shi Chengtian.
After a five-minute-long fight, most of Xiangmanlou had copsed. Meanwhile, barbarian expert Bo Ri took the initiative and finally admitted defeat. Meanwhile, Xie Feihong and Feng Bao also put down the weight in their hearts.
They were very certain!
Shi Chengtian had won!
Furthermore, he had won with an absolute advantage from the very beginning. Even though he took some time, most importantly, he was not injured.
If that was the case, he should not face many problems when fighting Moragu.
"As expected of the Invincible Iron Fist! Senior Shi Chengtian''s strength is truly fantastic! If Senior Shi Chengtian was not around, the Grand Xia Dynasty would be in trouble!"
Feng Bao cheerilyplimented the General Who Stabilizes the North''s side.
Even though he wasplimenting Xie Feihong, he was even sincere about it.
As the Eastern Depot Superintendent, he had a hatred for almost all civil and military officials in the imperialpound, and was not on friendly terms with the General Who Stabilizes the North either. However, when faced with the barbarians, they shared the same position.
The General Who Stabilizes the North also knew this. Thus, he did not disparage Feng Bao, which was a rare sight. Instead, he only said in acent tone, "In order to preserve his strength, my master did not disy many techniques. Thus, he took a rtively longer time. After this, even though Moragu might be stronger than Bo Ri, Master might spend less time fighting him. He will make Moragu embrace defeat!"
Feng Bao nodded and said, "Indeed. If Senior Shi had been willing to get injured just now, then Bo Ri would not have been able tost for even two minutes before admitting defeat."
The General Who Stabilizes the North smiled and nodded.
Bo Ri''s strength had surpassed their expectations, and Sword Sovereign Dugu Xiong''s frailty had caught everyone unprepared.
Luckily, his master Shi Chengtian''s iron fists did not disappoint them.
It looked like the Emperor had great foresight when he wanted his master to step forth even if he had to put forth great effort to do so.
Now, the General Who Stabilizes the North was already thinking about what would happen when the barbarian envoys lost and left the capital.
He had always remembered what his sister, Empress Xie Feiyan, had told him time and again.
After these two grade-9 barbarian masters were dealt with, he had to request his master to help deal with the mysterious grade-9 master who was hiding in the cold pce.
The mysterious grade-9 master in the imperialpound no longer seemed a threat.
No matter how impressive he was, would he be more impressive than Bo Ri or Moragu?
If his master stepped in, he would probably be able to kill the mysterious grade-9 master in three to five attacks!
However, asking his master to step in was not an easy task.
Shi Chengtian had always had his own principles in doing things. This time, he had a reason toe out from seclusion and resist the barbarian envoys.
Therefore, asking him to kill a mysterious grade-9 master because of some infighting in the imperial pce would not be very easy.
But no matter how difficult it was, the General Who Stabilizes the North would still have to persuade his master.
There was no choice.
In order to maintain his sister''s position as the Empress and to allow his nephew to be the future Emperor of the Grand Xia Dynasty, he had to persuade his master, Shi Chengtian, to step in once again.
In the Imperial Study Room.
A eunuch hurriedly walked into the room and loudly said, "Reporting! I have brought information about the battle at Xiangmanlou. Sword Sovereign Dugu Xiong shed with barbarian expert Bo Ri first, and Sword Sovereign Dugu Xiong was defeated by the first attack!"
"Then, Invincible Iron Fist Master Shi Chengtian stepped in andpletely suppressed Bo Ri without suffering any injuries. They shed for five minutes before blood started flowing from the seven apertures of Bo Ri''s head, and the barbarian willingly admitted defeat!"
The Emperor was sitting on his throne.
When he heard that Sword Sovereign Dugu Xiong had been defeated by Bo Ri in one hit, his gaze changed greatly, and he was almost unable to sit still.
However, the news of Shi Chengtian''s victory followed closely after, and the Emperor was instantly overjoyed. He pped his throne, and his eyes dazzled as he said, "Good! Good, good, good!"
His joy overflowed in his words.
Beside him, Little Guizi spoke at the right time. "Your Majesty truly has foresight to know that the Bashan Sword Sovereign alone was not reliable. Thus, you insisted on requesting for the Invincible Iron Fist, Master Shi Chengtian, toe. Now, Master Shi Chengtian has defeated Bo Ri with almost no injuries. After this, even if Bo Ri''s senior brother, Moragu, is even more impressive, Master Shi Chengtian will not face many problems. Victory has been decided!"
Typically, Emperor Xia Jianshen did not like to hear people fawning on him, but today, he was in a good mood.
In fact, Empress Xie Feiyan''s face even spontaneously appeared in his mind.
In his heart, he had felt that the more he looked at the Empress, the more her appearance became sharp and cloying. However, at this moment, he suddenly realized that she had be much more pleasing to the eye. Thus, he thought about visiting Changchun Pce at night once again.
After all, the Empress imed credit for requesting for Shi Chengtian toe out of seclusion for this battle.
Furthermore, if Shi Chengtian did not step in, they would not have been able to stop the barbarian envoys in the capital this time. After all, the arrogance they had disyed in the north made them even more rampant this time.
As for the face of Chun Fei that appeared in his mind, even though Chun Fei''s appearance was excellent, no matter how the Emperor looked at her, he only felt hate.
No matter how pretty a woman was, if she was of no use to him, then why would he keep her around?
Thus, he decided in his heart that he would visit Changchun Pce tonight and indirectly remind the Empress. Once the barbarian envoys left, she would not need to wait even for a moment. She would be able to act on the Changmen Pce immediately!
He would simply turn a blind eye to this matter and not attend to it.
In the Changchun Pce.
The Empress had also heard the news from an imperial maid.
When she heard that Shi Chengtian had beaten up barbarian expert Bo Ri to the point where blood flowed from his seven apertures and he willingly admitted defeat, the smile on her face was extremely splendid.
Then, she looked in the direction of Changmen Pce with a malicious and hateful gaze. Her murderous intent was obvious, and she said in a cold voice, "Slut, I will decide whether you die this time! I don''t believe that anyone else will be able to save you!"
In Changmen Pce.
There were only three people in the entire pce Lin Ping, Chun Fei, and Yun Su. Thus, the information they could get was very limited, unlike the Emperor and the Empress who swiftly received information in real-time from their messengers whenever something happened.
However, this time, Yun Su had asked around for some information.
For some reason, the martial arts exchange that was supposed to happen tomorrow had started today.
The two grade-9 masters from the barbarians, as well as Shi Chengtian and Dugu Xiong from the Grand Xia Dynasty, had started to sh in a teahouse within the capital.
When Lin Ping heard this, he furrowed his eyebrows.
Why had they shed ahead of time?
He had originally nned to secretly observe the fight when the two parties exchanged blows in the imperialpound tomorrow. He would see exactly how strong the grade-9 masters were and what level he was at.
In the end, the bestid ns of mice and men often went awry. The two parties had started to sh outside the imperialpound today.
"It looks like I''m really just like a passer-by. I wanted to go and observe the fight, but they simply changed the location." Lin Ping silentlyughed at himself.
However, he did not mind this as this did not have arge impact on him.
After notifying Chun Fei, Lin Ping left Changmen Pce and came to the Imperial Pharmacy. Then, he said in a low voice, "System, let me check in!"
[Congrattions to Host for sessfully checking in. You have received one "Big Reward Pill"!]
When Lin Ping heard the notification from the System, he was overjoyed.
He had obtained the big reward pill once again!
This was a top-quality Spirit Pill that had much better effects than the perfect nourishing pill. He had only received this pill once over the past few years.
One pill could add almost ten years'' worth of cultivation to his internal-energy cultivation base.
It was fine if he could not witness the experts sh.
Wasn''t 10 years'' worth of internal energy more attractive?
At Xiangmanlou.
After Bo Ri admitted defeat, it was naturally Senior Brother Moragu''s turn to fight.
Moragu''s gaze was calm. Even when he saw that Shi Chengtian simply wasted some time to make his junior brother, Bo Ri, willingly admit defeat without any cost to himself, there was no change in his expression.
There was no shock or fear.
He simply looked at Shi Chengtian calmly and asked, "Would you like to rest and recuperate for a while before fighting again?"
"There''s no need! Let''s fight!" Shi Chengtian shouted in a cold voice.
"Your breathing is still somewhat unstable. How about waiting for two minutes? I have more or less seen your strength, and you are definitely no match for me. If your condition isn''t at its peak, I''m afraid that you will die discontent," said Moragu with a sincere expression on his face.
How presumptuous!
Shi Chengtian''s gaze was stern.
He had thought that Bo Ri was arrogant enough but never thought that this Senior Brother would be even more savage!
"100-Step Divine Fist!"
Shi Chengtian did not speak any more nonsense and shouted in a low tone.
This time, his body did not move. Instead, all the internal energy in his body gathered in his fist. Then, the area surrounding Shi Chengtian seemed to have turned into a vortex, and all kinds of power were absorbed by his dazzling fist.
Crash!
Fist-light dazzled and crashed towards Moragu.
Shi Chengtian did not care about the cost and risked injuring himself to perform this punch. This was also his true killing technique!
Even a small mountain would probably shatter into pieces from this punch!
If he had disyed this technique when he was fighting Bo Ri, Bo Ri might not even be able to stand five attacks!
However, Moragu only shouted two words in response, "Body Extermination!"
Then, the situation suddenly changed. A wave of sword aura that was even swifter and several times stronger than the sword technique that Dugu Xiong had disyed gathered at Moragu''s fingertips. Then, heunched it towards the fist-light.
Thump!
The 100-Step Divine Fist that Shi Chengtian had disyed at the cost of expending and injuring his meridians simply shattered upon impact.
Then, Shi Chengtian was sent flying backwards.
Closely after, Moragu muttered, "Heart Extermination!"
The moment he finished speaking, his sword aura rose once again as Shi Chengtian watched this with a gaze of disbelief.
Furthermore, this sword aura was even stronger than just now!
The sword aura had locked onto him, and he could not escape. Shi Chengtian roared in anger, and the internal energy in his body rapidly circted. Then, he waved both fists at the same time.
Puff!
The fist-light was extinguished. This time, Shi Chengtian simply vomited blood, and his body fiercely crashed onto the floor, forming a hole in the ground.
After two sessive attacks, Moragu''s face was somewhat pale at that moment, and his breathing started to grow unstable. However, he continued with his sword art and slowly chanted once again, "Divine Extermination."
When Shi Chengtian heard this, he did not hesitate at all. He leaped from the ground and rapidly fled in the opposite direction.
The dignified grade-9 master, Invincible Iron Fist Shi Chengtian had fled!
He had sensed Moragu''s killing intent.
Just like Bo Ri, Moragu did not pull any punches.
If he did not escape, he would die!
When the pale Sword Sovereign Dugu Xiong saw Shi Chengtian rapidly flee, he hesitated for a moment before his body shed past rapidly as he left in the opposite direction without uttering a word.
Chapter 33: Inviting the Mysterious Expert in Changmen Palace?
Chapter 33: Inviting the Mysterious Expert in Changmen Pce?
Shi Chengtian had lost.
He hadpletely lost and could only stand two attacks from barbarian expert Moragu.
When Moragu showed signs of unleashing a third attack, Shi Chengtian had chosen to flee.
He did not want to flee either. After all, this would mean that his fame that hadsted for several decades and his honor as the "Invincible Iron Fist" wouldpletely disappear.
However, he had no choice.
Moragu was far more terrifying than he had expected!
He was already unable to endure Moragu''s first attack, but Moragu''s second attack was even more powerful. As a result, he was almost unable to resist at all. He was simply pressed and rubbed against the ground, resulting in severe injuries that made it difficult for him to continue.
However, he never thought that Moragu would still be able to unleash a third attack!
Furthermore, this third attack gave Shi Chengtian an extremely terrifying feeling!
He had not sensed this feeling ever since he became a grade-9 master.
There was no doubt that if he waited for Moragu to unleash his third attack, he would definitely die!
Thus, between moral courage and his life, Shi Chengtian chose his life.
These two barbarian experts would not be particr aboutbat morals and hold back during crucial moments.
If he could not block Moragu''s sword aura, he would die. There was no choice.
Now, the Grand Xia Dynasty was facing problems both domestically and abroad, and their national power was very weak. Thus, they were utterly helpless when the northern barbarians repeatedly invaded their borders and could only continually withdraw.
As a result, when the barbarian envoys entered the capital, even though the Grand Xia Dynasty had the strength to suppress them, they did not dare to actually kill them.
For example, six years ago, Bo Ri came to the capital in the name of a martial-arts exchange. Even though he forcibly killed two grade-8 masters in the arena, he eventually left alive.
Meanwhile, if the experts in the Grand Xia Dynasty were no match for the barbarians and were beaten to death, then so would it be. They deserved it.
However, Shi Chengtian never expected this. He had thought that agreeing toe out of seclusion and resisting the barbarian envoys on behalf of the imperials would be a very easy task. After all, even if the barbarians had grade-9 masters, they were not enough to scare him and could not possibly be a match for him.
Who would''ve thought?
"In the end, I underestimated the heroes in this world!"
Shi Chengtian thought about this with extreme grief, indignation, and shame.
Not only had he humiliated himself in front of everyone else, he had also embarrassed himself in front of his pupil.
It seemed like his pupil also wanted him to deal with some grade-9 master in the imperialpound. He had said that he would think about it, but he did not want to take up the task.
Now, even if he wanted to take up the task, he could not do so.
He could deal with the mysterious expert in the imperialpound. However, if these two grade-9 masters did not leave, he would have no face to appear once again.
"How is this possible?!"
Opposite Xiangmanlou, General Who Stabilizes the North Xie Feihong watched as his master fled and rapidly disappeared, with disbelief. His face turned ghastly pale at the sight of this.
Just now, he had even boasted to Eastern Depot Superintendent Feng Bao that his master would definitely be able to win against Moragu. In fact, if his master used all his strength, he would not even need five minutes.
In the end
Indeed, the fight took less than five minutes andsted only two attacks.
However, his master had not won. On the contrary, he hadpletely lost!
"General, what should we do next?" Feng Bao asked.
He did not gloat over Xie Feihong''s misfortune. Instead, his expression was serious.
Invincible Iron Fist Shi Chengtian had lost in the hands of the barbarians, while Sword Sovereign Dugu Xiong, who Feng Bao had racked his brains trying to invite, had also fled in defeat! Furthermore, at the very least, Shi Chengtian had still won against one person. Meanwhile, Dugu Xiong was almost killed in a matter of seconds.
Now, he had to think about what to do.
The two grade-9 masters of the Grand Xia Dynasty had both lost in battle and fled in haste. How were they supposed to justify themselves in front of the Emperor?
If the barbarian envoys entered the imperialpound tomorrow andunched an attack, what should they do then?
When Feng Bao and Xie Feihong thought about this, it was as if there was a massive one-tonne boulder on their hearts. This burden was extremely heavy.
Who else could assume this important position in the enormous capital?
Who else could resist these barbarian experts?
In the Imperial Study Room.
Very quickly, the Emperor heard the news from the battlefield.
When the joyous Emperor heard the news that Shi Chengtian could not even stand three attacks and fled with severe injuries, he simply pushed all the memorials on his table to the floor and flew into a rage.
"Pass on the message! The General Who Stabilizes the North and Manager Feng are to present themselves before me immediately!"
The Emperor''s hands and sleeves were covered in ink, but he did not care about them at all. He simply roared angrily as his entire face flushed in anger.
Aspared to the weight in the hearts of Feng Bao and Xie Feihong, the Emperor''s worries far surpassed theirs!
After all, he was not just worried about the possibility that when the barbarians entered the imperialpound tomorrow, they mightunch an attack that no one could stop.
What the Emperor was even more worried about was that
The two grade-9 barbarian masters were this strong, to the point that the Grand Xia Dynasty could not find anyone who could suppress them. This would allow the barbarians to know that his imperial court was extremely weak and that they could not find anyone to fight!
When the envoys returned and reported what had happened in the capital, the barbarians might be even more unbridled in their actions and infiltrate the territory of the Grand Xia Dynasty even more.
When that time came
It would not be as simple as losing face. The Grand Xia Dynasty would face the danger of destruction!
This was the reason why he had obsequiously visited the Changmen Pce and put himself down to seek Chun Fei''s forgiveness out of his own initiative. This was also the reason why he tolerated a malicious woman like Xie Feiyan and continued to allow her to maintain her position as the Empress even after knowing the secrets behind Senior Concubine Li''s death back then!
"Trash! Trash! All of them are trash!
"None of them can fight! None!"
The Emperor''s furious roar echoed throughout the empty Imperial Study Room.
Meanwhile, the other eunuchs were so afraid that they were crawling and kneeling on the ground while trembling in fear.
They were afraid that once the Emperor was unhappy, he would kill them if he was not pleased with them.
Only the Emperor''s favorite, Little Guizi, plucked up the courage to approach the Emperor after seeing the Emperor vent his anger for a while and forcibly suppress some anger. "Your Majesty, I''m afraid that we have to make new ns for tomorrow. Even if you call the General Who Stabilizes the North and Manager Feng here, they might not have any good solutions."
Veins could be seen on the Emperor''s forehead as he said in a low voice, "If they have no solutions, then they will go to the arena tomorrow and exchange blows with the barbarian envoys!"
Little Guizi shook his head and said, "Even though Manager Feng is about to break through to the grade-9 realm, in the end, he still has not broken through. Thus, his strength is still a far cry from that of a grade-9 master. Meanwhile, the strength of the General Who Stabilizes the North is no match for even Manager Feng. If the two of them go to battle, I''m afraid that they might not even be able to endure one attack."
"If they can''t endure the attacks and die in the arena, then they deserve it!" the Emperor shouted in a cold voice.
Little Guizi did not reply. Instead, he suggested, "Even if the General Who Stabilizes the North and Manager Feng die, it will not be of any help. Why not find another two grade-9 masters to fight? Even if they lose, if they can just exchange two blows with the barbarians, it will reflect slightly better of us"
"I want to find another two grade-9 masters as well! However, during times like this, where would I find grade-9 masters?" the Emperor asked in an angry tone.
Little Guizi hurriedly lowered his head. However, he still plucked up his courage and said, "The grade-9 master from Changmen Pce still hasn''t appeared. Even though this mysterious master cannot possibly match up to the barbarians, we should try everything in this desperate situation. After all, having an expert is better than not having any."
Chapter 34: Kill or Be Killed
Chapter 34: Kill or Be Killed
Asking the mysterious grade-9 master in Changmen Pce to take up the task?
When the Emperor heard this, he fell silent.
Indeed.
If the Grand Xia Dynasty was still able to send out grade-9 masters at thebat arena tomorrow, even if they lost, it would still reflect slightly better on them.
However, if they did not even have a grade-9 master in the arena, then the imperial court would truly lose all face.
However, when he thought of Chun Fei''s haughty expression, as well as his recent thoughts on how to wipe out Changmen Pce, the mes of rage in the Emperor''s heart surged forth as if oil had been poured on them.
"I''m not going!"
The Emperor waved his hand. In the end, he chose to reject this suggestion. Instead, he said with eyes full of murderous intent, "I will pass this matter on to Xie Feihong and Feng Bao. If they make a mess out of this matter, don''t me me for my cruelty. I will not care about what they have done in the past!"
As the Emperor, he also had his own dignity.
Going to the Changmen Pce and actively lowering himself was already his limit.
However, Chun Fei did not appreciate his kindness.
Even then, was Little Guizi asking him to go a second time?
Did Little Guizi see him as the Emperor or a beggar?
Of course, most importantly, even if they invited the mysterious grade-9 master from Changmen Pce toe out from seclusion, that master could not possibly be a match for Moragu.
Even if the master went to battle, he would be killed by Moragu in two attacks. What was the point of inviting him then?
Furthermore, he would have to go to Changmen Pce and obsequiously invite the master.
He would rather tone down the airs of an emperor and appear more modest when he met the barbarian envoys the next day. He could even actively show his weakness.
This way
Perhaps he could trigger thepassion of the barbarian envoys and prompt them to cancel the martial arts exchange. They might not even make things difficult for the imperial court!
If they stepped back, at the very most, they would only have to cede their territory and pay indemnities!
At Xiangmanlou.
After Shi Chengtian and Dugu Xiong escaped, Bo Ri and Moragu did not chase after them.
Firstly, if grade-9 masters were fully focused on escaping, it was not easy to catch up to them. Secondly, they had achieved their objectives. Thus, there would be no significance in chasing and killing them.
Moreover.
To Moragu, it was not easy for him to disy his third attack, Divine Extermination. He would also be injured to a certain extent.
However, since Shi Chengtian had escaped, he did not need to disy his third attack.
"It''s a pity Killing Shi Chengtian would definitely have been very satisfying," Bo Ri scratched his head and said this with some remorse.
Even though he had been defeated by Shi Chengtian, he still wanted to beat Shi Chengtian to death.
Furthermore.
He had many new realizations from this defeat. When he returned, he would cultivate in seclusion for a period of time. Perhaps his cultivation base and strength that had stagnated for a very long time might improve.
"That''s right!" Bo Ri had suddenly changed the topic and asked, "ording to the information I obtained, the Grand Xia Dynasty only has two grade-9 masters this time, Shi Chengtian and Dugu Xiong. Since both of them have fled in defeat today, do we still have to fight tomorrow?"
"Of course!"
Bo Ri thoughtfully said, "Senior Brother, do you mean that the Grand Xia Dynasty has a plentiful society and might not just have these two grade-9 masters? Will new experts appear tomorrow?"
Moraguughed and shook his head. "That might not be the case. The cultural umtions of the Grand Xia Dynasty have been depleted over the past century of difficulties and hardships. Perhaps new grade-9 masters might not show up tomorrow. Even if they manage to barely send any, they are probably old and wounded troops that are no match for us today."
Bo Ri asked, "Then, Senior Brother, what do you mean?"
Joy shed in Moragu''s gaze as he slowly said, "We should test what the bottom line and the trump card of the Grand Xia Dynasty are! Thus, tomorrow, Junior Brother, not only do we have battles to fight, you have to kill a few more people. It is best if you can drive the Emperor to the end of his patience and force him to expose all his trump cards!
"This way, when we return to the north, we can report this to the Khan. Then, the barbarian army can infiltrate this fertile territory to our heart''s content!"
Bo Ri continued to scratch his head and racked his brains for a while.
In the end, he still could not understand the meaning behind this. Instead, he shed a natural smile and said, "Senior Brother, I will just do whatever you tell me to do! I can''t do anything else, but I can kill people! Rx, I will definitely kill more Grand Xia Dynasty experts tomorrow!
"Even if they don''t have any more grade-9 masters, I won''t mind killing more grade-7 masters! For every master we kill, the barbarian army will have one fewer enemy to face in the future."
Moraguughed heartily.
Then, the two brothers confidently left the destroyed Xiangmanlou.
Meanwhile, the surrounding crowd looked at them with panic and fear in their eyes.
When they left, Moragu nced at the restaurant that was across. His gaze fell directly on Feng Bao and Xie Feihong.
It was very obvious that
He had realized that the identities of these two people were not ordinary. In the eyes of a martial arts practitioner, they could barely be considered as experts.
However, to him, they were two small and unimportant shrimps.
No matter how impressive their grade-8 cultivation bases were, they did not have the qualifications to stand even one attack from him!
In the blink of an eye, the next day had arrived.
It was the day when the barbarians would enter the imperialpound and visit the Grand Xia Emperor.
On this day.
The entire imperialpound had started preparations early as countless imperial maids and eunuchs shuttled back and forth. They could not make any mistakes and had to show the highest standards of etiquette.
The Imperial Dining Room had also prepared many ingredients and strived to cook the best delicacies of every kind for the barbarian envoys and serve them well.
Yesterday, the Emperor had even invited people to the Imperial Dining Room specially to change the menu and add some valuable dishes.
It was said that this was to make the dignified manner and extraordinary nature of the Grand Xia Dynasty more conspicuous.
However, only a small portion of people knew that he had done so to curry favor with the barbarian envoys. They absolutely could not allow these envoys to be dissatisfied or find fault with them.
Originally, the barbarian envoys were supposed to fight in the morning.
However, it was almost ten in the morning when the barbarian envoys slowly entered the imperialpound, led by the two grade-9 masters, Bo Ri and Moragu.
It was as if they had taken a nap!
However, thisziness had caused the Emperor, as well as the civil and military officials of the Grand Xia Dynasty, to wait anxiously for almost two hours!
Thus, shortly after they met, it was time for lunch.
The Emperorughed and said, "It''s already sote. I believe that you two must be hungry, right? The Imperial Dining Room has prepared exquisite dishes. Let''s go eat first and talk slowly after our meal."
When the lethargic Bo Ri heard this, he immediately answered, "Okay! I''ve been so hungry! Even though the Grand Xia Dynasty experts are not particrly good, the dishes that you make are rather delicious."
Moragu also nodded and said, "Then let''s go and eat."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor was not angry either. On the contrary, he silently heaved a sigh of relief.
These two barbarian experts seemed much better-natured than he had expected. It did not seem as if they intended to find fault with him orunch an attack.
After eating, he would treat them slightly better and have them watch a performance or the like. Then, perhaps they would actually cancel today''s martial arts exchange!
That would be the best situation!
However, Emperor Xia Jianshen never thought that
When they were eating lunch, regardless of whether it was Bo Ri or Moragu, they both seemed very good-natured. They simply cared about tucking into their meal and left the table in a mess.
However, once they finished eating and wiped their mouths
Before Xia Jianshen had the opportunity to speak, the burly Bo Ri stood up and simply walked to the middle of the room. Then, he went straight to the point. "Now that we''ve eaten, we can start the martial arts exchange. Where are the experts from the Grand Xia Dynasty? Call them out to exchange blows with me! Please don''t misunderstand. I don''t have any other intentions."
Bo Ri paused, and his gaze swept across the room. Then, he shed a foolish smile and said, "I simply want to kill everyone here, or be killed by everyone here"
Chapter 35: Grand Xias Trump Card
Chapter 35: Grand Xia''s Trump Card
How arrogant!
Bo Ri was too arrogant!
When Bo Ri stood up and said, "I simply want to kill everyone here, or be killed by everyone here," everyone''s expressions changed.
The lively and joyous atmosphere instantly fell to an all-time low.
In particr, the smile on the cheery Emperor Xia Jianshen''s face instantly froze. Meanwhile, the civil officials present, as well as General Who Stabilizes the North Xie Feihong, Eastern Depot Feng Bao, and the others, also had unsmiling expressions.
The barbarians had been eating just a moment ago, but the next moment, they wiped their mouths and talked about killing people?
Simply speaking, this was even worse than picking up a bowl to eat, then putting down a bowl to scold others!
An elder wearing red robes with a crane embroidered at the chest stood up and spoke, "Envoy Bo Ri must be joking. As emissaries who havee to the Grand Xia capital, you should be polite and amiable. Fighting and killing is not good. I have arranged the best imperial performance, so let''s sit together and watch."
This person was Chancellor Xu Changshan, the head of the civil officials and also the backbone of the government that the Emperor relied heavily upon. Thus, he understood the thoughts of the Emperor very well.
He definitely could not allow the Emperor to speak during such an awkward situation.
"I have no interest in performances. I want to have a martial arts exchange with your Grand Xia Dynasty experts!" Bo Ri said pompously.
Meanwhile, a general who was dressed in armor and had an irritable temper could not hold his anger. Thus, he stood up and furiously said, "Envoy Bo Ri, you are too much!"
Bo Ri scratched his head and asked, "How am I too much? Didn''t we discuss and decide on the martial arts exchange a long time ago? Furthermore, this is my most important objective foring to the Grand Xia Dynasty! Could it be that you were afraid after fighting me six years ago to the point that no one dares to sh with me now?"
When the general heard this, his face turned red, and he did not know how to answer.
The two grade-9 masters that the Grand Xia Dynasty had prepared were severely injured and had escaped yesterday because of the barbarians. Now, could they find other opponents for the barbarians to sh with?
One did not even need to ask to know the answer!
However, from this scene, the hope that remained in the hearts of the officials and Emperor Xia Jianshen had beenpletely extinguished.
They had hoped that the barbarians would be kind-hearted and stop at the right time, but this had just been their wishful thinking.
The barbarians would not give the Grand Xia Dynasty a way out. They would go as far as they could!
This was just like their activity at the northern border. They were insatiable and greedy for gain!
Emperor Xia Jianshen had also abandoned the unrealistic thoughts in his heart.
Then, he immediately waved his hand and made a special sign. Countless ck shadows immediately shed from all directions in the imperial court as the neat sound of footsteps could be heard from the soldiers.
After a few short moments, several hundred people surrounded them.
These guards consisted of the eunuchs in the Eastern Depot, shadow guards, and elites from the army!
They all had a simrity all of them were martial arts experts who had a cultivation base of at least grade-4. Furthermore, they were skilled in killing formations and group cooperation!
Among them were many masters of the top three grades!
What was even more shocking was that over thirty ck-clothed soldiers had suddenly appeared beside the Emperor. They were all grade-7 and grade-8 masters!
These ck-clothed people were the imperial family''s guest elders!
With so many experts present, as well as the various special secret weapons and techniques they possessed, even a few grade-9 masters would easily die from exhaustion if they were attacked by them.
Even Moragu''s sword technique would be of no use.
If these experts were just ordinary soldiers, then grade-9 masters would naturally have the ability to easily behead entire armies of them. However, this obviously did not include troops that wereposed of experts.
Just like the Six Blue Wave Demons who had been killed by Dugu Xiong, if they were not conceited and driven to destruction,bined, they could have might that rivaled that of a grade-9 master.
ck and White Impermanence, who had died a miserable death at the hands of Lin Ping, had also cultivatedbined attack techniques that had the might of a grade-9 master.
When it came to individual strength, perhaps the elite troops were no match for the Six Blue Wave Demons or ck and White Impermanence. However, they could make up for it with numbers. If 10, 20, or 30 people worked together, they would be able to make up for the difference in strength.
Even though the Grand Xia Dynasty was declining rapidly and nearing its end, and it was difficult for them to even send forth a grade-9 master
they did notck ordinary experts.
If not, the northern barbarians would not have simply made incursions into their territory time and again over the past few years. They would have simply killed their way to the capital!
Xia Jianshen suppressed his temper and said with a serious expression, "Envoy Bo Ri, I know that your martial arts achievements are extremely impressive. However, no matter how great your achievements are, there will always be a limit. Do you think that you can contend with the Grand Xia army? If you have the confidence, then you can try."
Moragu looked at the various experts that had gathered around him. Then, he stood up and calmly said, "Your Majesty, the Grand Xia Army is indeed impressive. However, my barbarian army is equally good!"
"Today, we havee for a friendly visit as envoys and just want to have a martial arts exchange. If Your Majesty wants to mobilize his army, then we will return now and ask the Khan to send our barbarian army as well. We can then decide who is superior at the battlefront."
Hua!
Once Moragu spoke, the expressions of all the government officials changed greatly.
This was an undisguised threat!
If the Emperor ordered the elite troops to deal with the barbarian envoys, it would be equivalent to dering war on the barbarians.
Next, the barbarians would use this as a reason tounch a massive attack on the Grand Xia Dynasty!
This was equivalent to both parties going to war!
This was what they least wanted to see.
"Withdraw, everyone."
In the end, Emperor Xia Jianshen''s face turned pale. He waved his hand and ordered the ck-clothed people and experts behind him to withdraw.
Aspared to going to war, he was more willing to lose some face today.
"Yesterday, didn''t you have a martial arts exchange with two grade-9 masters from the Grand Xia Dynasty, Dugu Xiong and Shi Chengtian, outside the imperialpound?" Xia Jianshen spoke slowly.
This time, Senior Brother Moragu did not need to speak. Bo Ri simply said arrogantly, "What happened yesterday is yesterday''s matter. We were promised that there would be an exchange today, so we will have it. Otherwise, don''t me me for acting violently!"
After Bo Ri finished speaking, he observed his surroundings with a provocative nce. He wanted to find an opponent who he could sh with.
Today, he greatly desired a true battle.
He wanted an extremely satisfying battle!
Even if he was defeated, it did not matter.
Just like how he had been defeated by Shi Chengtian yesterday!
If he could be defeated once again, he would be able to grow by discovering his ws and inadequacies, and thereafter turning them into his strengths.
So what if he was defeated? It was of no significance!
But it was a pity.
There were no grade-9 masters present. Even when Bo Ri observed his surroundings with a provocative nce, no one dared to step up and ept his challenge.
After all, everyone present knew how terrifying the strength of these two barbarian experts was, as well as how ruthless their attacks were.
If they went to fight them, it would be no different from asking for death.
"Does no one dare to step up?" Bo Ri''s gaze was filled with disdain. Then, he turned and simply looked at Emperor Xia Jianshen before asking, "Your Majesty, where is Yan Bugui, the imperial family''s guest elder who defeated me six years ago? Ask him toe. I want to fight another battle with him! Back then, I said that I would return six yearster and fight him again!"
The Emperor was afraid.
Six years ago, Guest Elder Yan had defeated this barbarian, but times had changed.
Aspared to six years ago, Bo Ri''s strength had changedpletely and improved by multiple times! Meanwhile, Guest Elder Yan''s vigor had declined over the years, and it was difficult for his injuries to heal. Not only had his strength not improved, on the contrary, it had even decreased significantly!
How could he be a match for Bo Ri?
Chapter 36: Changmen Palace Has a Grade-9 Expert, Go Kill Everyone There!
Chapter 36: Changmen Pce Has a Grade-9 Expert, Go Kill Everyone There!
Emperor Xia Jianshen''s expression was extremely ugly.
Not only had Yan Bugui protected the imperialpound for several decades, he had also ensured the safety of the imperial family. Thus, their friendship was extremely important.
Furthermore, he was the only remaining grade-9 guest elder of the imperial family.
This meant that he was the imperial family''sst trump card!
With Yan Bugui around, even if his strength was no longer of much use, he was still a threat that many rascals did not dare to meddle with, causing them to abandon their evil intentions.
If Yan Bugui stepped in today and was killed by Bo Ri, this would mean that the imperial family would lose their trump card!
Then, from now on, there might be many troubles in the imperial pce.
Thus, Xia Jianshen did not want Yan Bugui to take up this challenge.
"Your Majesty, let me satisfy this envoy!"
A middle-aged man who had a goatee and wore ck clothes stepped out from behind the Emperor and actively asked to battle.
This person was one of the ck-clothed people who had stood beside Xia Jianshen to protect him.
This group of people were also the guest elders of the imperial family, and their cultivation bases were at least of the grade-7 realm.
Meanwhile, the middle-aged man with a goatee that had asked for a battle was one of the outstanding figures of this group. He had a grade-8 cultivation base and was one of their leaders.
He was very clear of Yan Bugui''s current state and strength, and knew that Yan Bugui definitely could not fight with the barbarian experts here. Thus, he had offered himself out of his own initiative.
Upon seeing this, even the emotionless Emperor could not help but feel a tinge of pain in his heart.
These guest elders of the imperial family were the final trump cards of the Grand Xia imperial family! They were also the most loyal people who willingly devoted their lives to him.
Inparison, the 100,000 eunuchs from the 24 government offices, the Four Great Generals, and the civil officers all had their own selfish motives! They would not devote themselves to the Grand Xia Imperial Dynasty until the very end!
But it was a pity.
Ever since that cult leader appeared out of the blue 100 years ago, not only did he dominate the Jianghu, he also wanted to govern the country and rule the nation. He wanted to rece the Grand Xia Emperor!
Thus, the cult leader led the cult army to the capital, and they seemed invincible.
Back then, there were many experts among the imperial family''s guest elders, with even 11 grade-9 masters. They had thus nned to work together and kill the cult leader.
In the end
All 11 grade-9 masters died at the hands of the cult master!
None of them were spared!
Eventually, the cult leader was neutralized by the joint effort of the Buddhist Eminent Monk and the Taoist Heavenly Venerable, but it was unknown whether he was still alive and where he was. In the end, the Grand Xia imperial family was preserved.
However, from that battle, the imperial family''s guest elders had suffered great injuries in their powers of heaven and earth. Furthermore, the imperial family was unable to find any recements.
Even after 100 years, the imperial family''s guest elders had not been able to recover.
Yan Bugui was now the only grade-9 among them.
When Emperor Xia Jianshen thought about this, he was in even greater distress.
Even though there were many reasons why the Grand Xia Dynasty had declined to their current state and faced many domestic and external problems, the most important reason was not the rise of the northern barbarians in the past few decades. Instead, it was because of that cult master 100 years ago!
If the cult leader had not wanted to rule the country andpletely ughtered all the experts of the imperial family back then, they would not have allowed the mere barbarians to send experts to the imperialpound and make a show of their strength!
A tragedy had urred, but they could not stop it!
Xia Jianshen endured the pain in his heart and nodded his head, signaling this grade-8 guest elder to step up and ept the challenge.
The middle-aged man with a goatee leaped andnded in the arena. Then, he said, "Leader Yan Bugui is currently cultivating in seclusion, and it is not convenient for him to ept this challenge. Today, allow me to exchange some moves with you."
Upon seeing this, Bo Ri shook his head and said, "You? One attack from me and you might die! Just ask Yan Bugui toe out."
"How arrogant!"
The goateed guest elder snorted coldly. Then, he shouted loudly, "Give me a sword!"
A ck-clothed guest elder immediately tossed the long sword in his hands into the arena, which was caught by the goateed guest elder.
He unsheathed the long sword, and a cold glow suddenly shed past.
Then, a majestic and swift wave of sword aura charged towards Bo Ri. A deep cut even appeared in the solid arena as a result of the sword aura.
The might of this attack was not ordinary and had reached the limits of the grade-8 realm.
Even ck and White Impermanence, who had died in the hands of Lin Ping, would probably not be as impressive as this goateed guest elder if they did not work together and were alone!
"This sword seems rather decent. However, are you worthy of saying ''give me a sword'' in front of my Senior Brother?"
Bo Ri did not dodge. Instead, his internal energy sunk into his dantian, and he suddenly shouted. Then, he leaped like a roc and stretched out his palm into the sky, annihting all the sharp sword aura.
At the same time, a second palm rapidly descended on the goateed guest elder. Even though he went all out to desperately dodge and defend himself
it was of no use.
The terrifying palm energy caused blood to flow from his seven apertures, and he widened his eyes. Then, he died with his eyes open!
"Next!"
Bo Ri shouted to everyone else as if he was ordering them to number off.
"Old Wang!"
"Leader Wang!"
When the ck-clothed guest elders behind saw the goateed guest elder die with his eyes open, their own eyes were about to burst out from anger. They were boiling with rage, and some people immediately tried to step forth and take revenge.
However, upon seeing this, the Emperor waved his hand and stopped the group of guest elders.
These guest elders all had grade-7 or grade-8 cultivation bases and might be considered peak experts elsewhere. However, when faced with grade-9 masters, they were simply appetizers!
The imperial family''s guest elders were already a far cry from their past strength. Now, for every person they lost, they would lose a portion of their power.
They were the trump cards of the imperial family, and he could not allow their sacrifices to be in vain.
Emperor Xia Jianshen pondered for a moment. Then, he suddenly looked at Empress Xie Feiyan, who was sitting beside him, with an extremely disgusted gaze. After that, he shifted his eyes towards General Who Stabilizes the North Xie Feihong, who was sitting at his left.
Then, he immediately gave orders. "General Xie, your master, Shi Chengtian, did not dare to appear today. As his pupil, go and fight on behalf of your master! Go and exchange blows with Envoy Bo Ri in the arena!"
Hua!
Upon hearing this, many people had different expressions. Among the civil officials, some were shocked, some were dissatisfied, while some were gloating over Xie Feihong''s misfortune.
Even though Xie Feihong, the General Who Stabilizes the North, was a rare expert in the army who had a grade-8 cultivation base, when it came to strength, he was not even as impressive as the goateed guest elder who had just been killed.
If the goateed guest elder had been killed after two attacks from Bo Ri, then what use would it be if Xie Feihong went up against him? The results would definitely be the same!
Yesterday, they had heard that the two brothers, Bo Ri and Moragu, had defeated the two Grand Xia grade-9 masters. The people had simply been in shock and disbelief, and they did not have a concrete understanding of these two brothers'' strength.
They only truly understood how terrifying they were after seeing Bo Ri attack today.
"General?"
Upon hearing this, Bo Ri looked in the direction of the Emperor, and his gaze fell on the General Who Stabilizes the North. Then, a smile immediately appeared on his face as he nodded and said, "Okay, you! Come and challenge me!"
Even though Bo Ri was a martial arts fanatic and had a rather simplistic mind, he was not actually foolish.
Today, his task was to kill many people, but he had a rationale behind killing people.
Even though killing ordinary Grand Xia experts was useful, it would not be as useful as killing experts from the army!
Killing an expert from the army would be of most help to the barbarian army!
"No way!"
Very quickly, someone opposed this in a loud voice.
However, the one who opposed this was not General Who Stabilizes the North Xie Feihong himself, but Empress Xie Feiyan who was sitting beside the Emperor.
At that moment, Xie Feiyan''s face was ghastly pale, and the elegant and poised bearing that she typically possessed waspletely gone. Instead, she was panic-stricken.
It was even worse than when she had been exposed a month ago by Chun Fei as the culprit behind Senior Concubine Li''s death.
Xie Feiyan shook her head and spoke while trembling, "Your Majesty, you can''t send my brother to his death!"
She was extremely panicky, not because of sibling affection, but because she knew that her brother, the General Who Stabilizes the North, was her greatest support and backing in the imperialpound!
After all, her brother had the authority to control the army. Thus, even if the Emperor hated her, he would not dare to do anything to her!
However, if her brother died today, then her happy life would alsoe to an end. Her fate might be even more tragic than Chun Fei''s!
The Emperor was truly heartless!
Three days ago, he had still been speaking sweet words to her. He promised that he would never touch her position as the Empress and would forgive her if she took revenge.
She did what she said she would and invited her brother''s master toe out of seclusion.
However, since Shi Chengtian had lost yesterday, the Emperor had turned against her and even added insult to injury!
"Empress, are you defying my order?" the Emperor asked in a low voice.
This pair of damned, unsessful siblings!
He had been extremely confident in Shi Chengtian and pinned all his hopes on him, hoping that he would be able to resist the barbarian envoys.
But what were the results?
He screwed up at the crucial moment. As a result, his dignified country had descended to this awkward situation!
Thus, even death would not expiate the crimes of these siblings!
Both of them deserved to die!
What about the high position and the great authority that the General Who Stabilizes the North had in the army? That was even better!
He would seize this opportunity. After the General died, he could send someone to take back his military power, allowing him to control the army once again!
"You can''t do that! You definitely can''t!"
The Empress was unable to deal with this and stood up as if she had gone insane. Then, she said to Bo Ri and Moragu in the arena, "Do you want to challenge an expert? Do you want to sh with a grade-9 master?
"I know one! There is still a mysterious and powerful grade-9 master in the imperialpound! This expert''s cultivation base is unfathomable and even more impressive than my brother''s!
"That person is hiding in Changmen Pce. He is the top expert in the imperial pce!
"Then go and find him! Go and kill everyone there!"
When Bo Ri heard this, as expected, he seemed very interested and asked, "Your Majesty, is this true? Is there such an impressive grade-9 master in the imperialpound?"
When the Emperor heard this, he furrowed his eyebrows slightly and looked at the Empress thoughtfully.
This woman truly had a vicious heart!
During times like this, she did not forget Chun Fei, her sworn enemy who had made charges against her.
Indeed, there was a mysterious grade-9 master in Changmen Pce. However, no matter how mysterious that master was, what use would it be when they encountered these two barbarian experts?
Even Shi Chengtian was unable to stand three attacks from Moragu and had fled!
The master at Changmen Pce might not even be a match for Dugu Xiong. Bo Ri might be able to kill him easily!
However, the Emperor could not help but admit that the Empress''s move was very ingenious.
They would use the barbarians to get rid of that expert!
It could be said that they had found a way out of this impasse!
"Yes, there is a grade-9 master in Changmen Pce. This person is very mysterious and very strong. If you really want to find an expert to sh with, you can try going there."
In the end, the Emperor nodded and did not deny the Empress''s words.
If they could use the barbarians to get rid of that expert, then so be it!
Either way, the one being killed was not his own people!
The Emperor could not tolerate Changmen Pce and Chun Fei either, and was earnestly wishing for their deaths.
Furthermore, when the two barbarian experts killed a grade-9 master, Xia Jianshen could use this as an excuse to end the martial arts exchange!
This was a win-win decision!
This was very good!
Let Chun Fei and the grade-9 master supporting her die!
Chapter 37: Lin Ping, Hurry Up and Escape!
Chapter 37: Lin Ping, Hurry Up and Escape!
Lin Ping did not go out today.
The check-in system would only refresh every three days. As for the other two days, Lin Ping would typically cultivate at Changmen Pce.
Lin Ping was not interested in observing the barbarian envoys entering the imperialpound today either.
There were no shes between grade-9 masters today. No matter how exciting the fights between experts of other grades were, to him, they were just like children ying house, and there was nothing worth watching.
In actual fact.
Even if it was a fight between grade-9 masters, it was also child''s y to Lin Ping and would not be able to bring him any inspiration.
He would rather silently cultivate at Changmen Pce.
He had obtained a big reward pill yesterday. After using it, the internal energy in his body increased sharply and rapidly. It was as if energy had been channeled into his body, and he needed to digest it properly.
After one month of painstaking cultivation
He had finally mastered the Return of the Ten Thousand Swords. Meanwhile, the Dragon Elephant Prajna Sutra was also improving steadily. He had barely managed to reach the ninth level and surpassed the heart demon.
It was not easy!
This was especially true for the Dragon Elephant Prajna Sutra, as expected of a technique that was famous for its difficulty to cultivate. Even though Lin Ping did not encounter any bottlenecks while cultivating and passed every level, he would not have been able to do so if he did not invest time in cultivating.
In particr, after reaching the ninth level, the time needed for cultivation advancement would continuously double.
He would have to take at least one year to cultivate all 13 levels.
The Return of the Ten Thousand Swords was faster in increasing his strength.
As of present, Lin Ping had many new ideas and perceptions of the Mythical Pugilist realm thaty beyond the grade-9 realm.
It would be great if there was someone he could practice with
Just as Lin Ping was thinking about this.
Suddenly
"I heard that there''s a hidden expert here. Hurry up ande out and sh with me!"
Before the source of these words even arrived, an arrogant voice reverberated throughout Changmen Pce.
This was immediately followed by a crash. Then, the broken door of Changmen Pce that had fallen into disrepair for many years was broken from the outside by someone. A burly male barbarian with his hair in a it then walked in withrge strides.
He was one of the grade-9 masters from the barbarian envoys, Bo Ri.
In order to save her brother, the General Who Stabilizes the North, and to take revenge on Changmen Pce, the Empress had exposed all the information about the mysterious grade-9 master in Changmen Pce.
The Emperor also helped to encourage her and acknowledged the reality of the situation.
Bo Ri was desperately looking for an opponent. Thus, he would definitely not hesitate toe to Changmen Pce with the guidance of a eunuch.
"Whoes to Changmen Pce to act so impudently?!" Yun Su shouted coldly and walked out of her room.
Chun Fei also followed closely after her.
If someone came looking for a fight, she definitely could not remain indifferent.
However, who is it that dared toe to Changmen Pce and challenge them?
Ever since ck and White Impermanence, the two devils who were extremely famous in the Jianghu, had died at Changmen Pce one month ago, the outside world had mistakenly assumed that there was a mysterious grade-9 expert guarding it. Thus, no one had dared to provoke them.
Even the Emperor hade and tried to win her over!
Of course, she knew the affairs of Changmen Pce well.
Others feared Changmen Pce and did not dare to provoke them, but it was all a misunderstanding.
In reality, there was no so-called mysterious grade-9 master in Changmen Pce. The most impressive expert was Lin Ping, but he only seemed to be a grade-8 expert.
Even if a slightly impressive grade-8 master came, the Changmen Pce might be done for, let alone if a grade-9 master came.
"The barbarians?"
Looking at Bo Ri''s appearance and style of dress, Yun Su and Chun Fei immediately understood his identity.
The barbarian envoys were supposed to enter the imperial pce and meet the Emperor today. Thus, it was not strange for the barbarians to appear in the imperialpound.
However, why would a member of the barbarian envoyse to the cold pce?
"I heard that there is a hidden grade-9 master here?"
Bo Ri scanned Chun Fei and Yun Su, and could guess that these two women were both trained in martial arts. However, to him, they were too weak and were definitely not the grade-9 master he was looking for. Thus, he said, "Ask that grade-9 expert toe out!"
Chun Fei was very smart. She had already sensed that this matter was not simple and was far from good.
After all, the barbarian envoy in front of her had a terrifying aura, and his cultivation base was unfathomable. His aura was as powerful as a beast''s, and he was full of danger.
Furthermore, all he talked about was the grade-9 master.
Thus, his cultivation base was probably grade-9 as well!
"There are no grade-9 masters here. Please leave!" Chun Fei immediately responded.
Bo Ri shook his head and said, "Please do not misunderstand. I have no other intentions. I simply want to find someone for a martial arts exchange. I want to kill him or be killed by him. I have no other schemes or ns."
Looking at this seemingly straightforward barbarian expert, Chun Fei felt fear as the dreadful feeling in her heart grew stronger.
Bo Ri did not have any schemes or ns, but hade with the objective to kill someone!
"This is the cold pce, the most deste ce in the entire imperialpound. How can there be a grade-9 master here? You must be mistaken. Please go back!" Chun Fei exined once again.
Bo Ri did not speak any more nonsense. Instead, he simply grinned and said, "Since the mysterious grade-9 master is not willing toe out, then I will kill the two of you first and see whether he appears."
Then, Bo Ri threw a forceful punch towards Chun Fei and Yun Su.
When he said that he would kill someone, he actually intended to kill and was not joking around.
Thus, he would not show any mercy just because Chun Fei and Yun Su were women.
Chun Fei''s expression changed greatly.
Even though her strength had increased over the past few years and she now had a grade-6 cultivation base, she felt great despair when faced with such an attack and did not even have the intention to resist.
After all, no matter how she dodged or what technique she tried to resist this, it would all be useless.
Puff puff!
Two waves of sword aura shot out from behind the two women andnded on Bo Ri''s palms respectively.
When the sword aura shot past, Bo Ri''s powerful palm energy was instantly broken, and his attack was neutralized.
At the same time, another wave of sword aura shot past and aimed at the area between his eyebrows.
Bo Ri was shocked, but his reactions were still extremely fast. He immediately withdrew his palms and retreated. At the same time, he let out a low shout, and the internal energy in his body rapidly circted. Then, his internal energy gushed out and formed a protective wall of aura to defend himself.
Crash!
However, the protective wall of aura was pierced through, and the sword auranded on his body.
However, Bo Ri had an extremely sturdy body, and his entire body was impervious to most attacks. He had also mastered his body protection techniques.
Thus, when the sword aura that had been weakened considerably by the protective wallnded on his forehead, it only made a small cut and left behind a small sword-shaped wound. Then, blood slowly flowed out from the wound.
Bo Ri stretched out his hand and touched his forehead. When he saw the blood on his hands, he was not angry or furious. Instead, he only felt excitement and a will to fight as he said, "As expected, there''s a grade-9 master!"
Even though the might of this sword aura was a far cry from his Senior Brother Moragu''s sword aura, it could at least rival the attack from Sword Sovereign Dugu Xiong, the so-called Sword Sage sessor.
This was an opponent who was worthy of being killed by him!
Meanwhile, Chun Fei and Yun Su, who had barely escaped, were still badly shaken.
Chun Fei did not even think. Instead, she impatiently said, "Lin Ping, hurry up and run! This person is one of the grade-9 barbarian masters. You are no match for him! Don''t care about us! Hurry up and run!"
Chapter 38: A Large Head Is Flying!
Chapter 38: A Large Head Is Flying!
"Lin Ping, hurry up and run!"
Chun Fei turned back, her heart burning with impatience.
As expected, Lin Ping had unknowingly arrived behind them and saved them.
However, she did not know how powerful Lin Ping''s attack had been. She thought that Lin Ping hadunched a sneak attack on the barbarian, managing to identally injure the barbarian slightly.
However, this did not mean that Lin Ping had the strength to challenge this grade-9 master.
In reality
Lin Ping''s sword aura was not an impressive technique.
It was the Six Pulse Sword Attack.
This was a technique where internal energy would gather at his fingertips and shoot out in a simr way to sword aura. It could kill people across space and was very effective even when he had still been in the grade-7 or grade-8 realm.
When one achieved mastery of this technique, they would be able to achieve victory against most experts in the same realm.
However, once one reached the grade-9 realm, it was not as effective.
He was not even able to do much harm to this barbarian.
Of course, this barbarian was rather strong, much stronger than ck and White Impermanence.
Furthermore, more importantly, he seemed to have cultivated a body protection technique! It looked like his level of attainment could rival Lin Ping''s when Lin Ping was still a grade-8!
If not, he should not have been able to block Lin Ping''s attack.
"Are you trying to run? Since you''ve shown up, don''t even think of escaping!"
Bo Ri wiped off the bloodstains on his forehead and was not angry at all. Instead, he shed a bright grin andughed. "Today, either I will kill you, or you will kill me! You can go all out! Otherwise, when you are killed by meter, you might regret it."
"Is that so?"
Lin Ping was toozy to even look at Bo Ri.
He had determined Bo Ri''s strength from their fight just now.
Even though Bo Ri''s body protection techniques were not bad and could barely rival Lin Ping''s when he was in the grade-8 realm
There was a massive difference between the grade-8 realm and the grade-9 realm. Furthermore, Lin Ping was now at the grade-9 realm and was considered to be an extremely powerful grade-9.
His current defenses were more than 20 to 30 times stronger than when he was at grade-8!
"Have a taste of my palm!"
Bo Ri was not afraid of Lin Ping''s sword aura. Instead, he actively threw himself at Lin Ping like a roc, and his palms surrounded him as quickly as lightning.
He wanted to fall back on his extremely powerful defenses and exchange a few blows with Lin Ping. He would not mind even if they injured each other. He liked the excitement from meeting force with force.
In fact, he liked the feeling of being injured!
This was because his physical body was too strong, and very few people were able to injure him.
To him, every injury was a reward!
Not only did Lin Ping not dodge, he did not even look at Bo Ri directly. Instead, sword aura umted at his fingertips once again.
However.
This time, he did not perform the Six Pulse Sword Attack, but one of the techniques from the Return of the Ten Thousand Swords.
Weng!
Then, a wave of sword aura appeared. However, at this moment, Bo Ri realized that there was something wrong with the situation. It seemed as if this sword aura from Lin Ping was slightly different from the previous three waves of sword aura he had unleashed just before.
No!
It was a veryrge difference!
Even before the sword auranded on him, he felt his entire body aching. It was as if his sturdy body that was invulnerable to attack was about to be split open. In fact, he even felt a terror that he had not felt in a very long time.
"Impossible!"
Bo Ri''s gaze was stern. However, he was still full of confidence in his defenses.
With Bo Ri''s defenses, even if his Senior Brother personally attacked him, his Senior Brother would not be able to threaten his life in a short period of time unless he used his strongest technique.
How could this young man who seemed like a eunuch possibly kill him?
This must definitely be an illusion!
"You die!"
Bo Ri''s internal energy was circting at full force, umting to formyers of defense.
However, it was a pity that when the sword aura shed past him, it was as if his defenses had turned into paper and were easily sliced through.
After that, the sword auranded at his neck.
Ka cha!
The sword aura smoothly sliced through his skin, muscles, and bones without any hindrance.
Bo Ri suddenly felt like he was flying.
However, when he looked down, he realized that his body was still on the ground, but there was no head on his neck. Instead, blood was spurting forth from his neck.
Arge head was sent flying in the air!
He had constantly called for people to beat him to death.
Today, it had actually happened
There was silence!
There was dead silence!
Changmen Pce waspletely silent for a period of time.
Chun Fei and Yun Su, who were about to advise Lin Ping to hurry up and escape, widened their eyes when they saw this. Their mouths were so wide that they could fit a duck egg inside!
They werepletely stunned.
"This"
"Lin Ping, you"
Outside Changmen Pce.
The Emperor and the Empress, as well as Xie Feihong, Feng Bao, the imperial family''s guest elders, and the others, did not follow Bo Ri to Changmen Pce to observe the battle.
On the one hand, they felt that the oue of the battle had been determined. Thus, there was nothing worth watching.
Regardless of how impressive the mysterious expert at Changmen Pce was, there was no doubt that he would die today.
Furthermore, the mysterious grade-9 expert in Changmen Pce had no intention of shing with the barbarian experts. However, the expert had been betrayed without his knowledge and was forcibly put into this dangerous situation.
If they went to observe the battle at this moment, it would be very troublesome if the mysterious expert ignored the barbarian expert and first sought revenge on them out of rage and humiliation.
After all, even though the two barbarian experts, Moragu and Bo Ri, wanted to find a grade-9 master to exchange blows with, this did not mean that they would help to protect the Emperor.
To protect themselves, the Emperor did not lead his people to observe the people at Changmen Pce. Instead, he waited for news from a distance.
However, the Empress wanted to personally witness the fight and see how Chun Fei, who she wanted to kill most, would die a miserable death at the hands of the barbarians.
However, she understood her situation as well.
She was now helpless. Furthermore, she did not know what her fate would be after this incident was over.
During this time, she definitely could not make any other requests.
As for Bo Ri''s senior brother, Moragu, he did not follow Bo Ri to Changmen Pce either. On the contrary, he was chatting with the Emperor in a leisurely and carefree manner. He was not worried that his junior brother, Bo Ri, would encounter any idents.
To him, there could not possibly be any other experts in the Grand Xia imperialpound.
Even if there was barely a grade-9 master, they were probably the weakest grade-9 with a declining aura and decreased strength. Thus, his junior brother would be able to deal with them in one attack.
If not, the Emperor would not have been so helpless against their humiliation.
Even if there was an expert hiding in the imperialpound, with his junior brother''s body protection techniques, he could not possibly face any danger.
Even if he was no match for the expert, he would be able to endure for a moment for Moragu to immediately rush there.
"Your Majesty, it looks like Changmen Pce is the cold pce, right?"
Moragu looked at the deste pce that had been in disrepair for many years. Itpletelycked the splendor of the other pces, and he could not even see any experts. It did not seem like it was part of the imperialpound and looked more like a haunted house.
"Yes." The Emperor had no desire to interact and simply replied to him calmly.
At that moment, he was just thinking about what excuse he would use to end today''s martial arts exchange once barbarian expert Bo Ri killed the mysterious grade-9 master in Changmen Pce.
"A grade-9 master in the cold pce? Interesting. It''s no wonder that Your Majesty would allow Junior Brother to go there and find the expert to sh with."
Moragu shook his head.
He more or less understood why the Emperor and Empress would push a grade-9 master to his death.
It turned out that even though this grade-9 master was in the imperialpound, he was not controlled by the Emperor or the Empress.
However, this did not matter.
As long as it was a Grand Xia expert, no matter what their identity was, it would not be a loss to kill them.
Suddenly, the smile on Moragu''s face disappeared, and he stared at Changmen Pce with a stern expression.
He leaped and disappeared from where he had been standing. Then, he ran towards Changmen Pce, leaving the Emperor and the others behind, who did not know why he had done so.
They could sense that the battle at Changmen Pce seemed to have begun.
However, what was with Moragu''s grave expression?
Could it be that he felt that his Junior Brother was in danger?
It couldn''t be, right?
Was it possible that the mysterious grade-9 master in Changmen Pce was stronger than Sword Sovereign Dugu Xiong? Would that master be able to threaten Bo Ri and require Moragu to personally step in to resolve this?
That meant that this grade-9 master could be ced on par with Shi Chengtian!
This was simply too bizarre!
Chapter 39: Sword Intent!
Chapter 39: Sword Intent!
Moragu''s sword was very fast, and his movement speed was also very fast.
The Emperor and the others were unclear of what Moragu was thinking. They felt that Moragu was merely fussing over a small matter. He was actually worried that his junior brother, Bo Ri, would be in danger at the Changmen Pce.
Even if there was a grade-9 great grandmaster hidden in there, how could he be as strong as Dugu Xiong or even Shi Chengtian?
If Changmen Pce really had such a grade-9 great grandmaster hidden in it, it wouldn''t have been reduced to the current status.
Therefore, the Emperor and the others felt that Moragu''s worries were unnecessary and that Bo Ri could not possibly be in any danger!
Only Moragu himself had felt that threatening sword intent just now!
Sword intent was not some mere sword aura!
Sword auras could cause amotion among the wind and clouds and fill the surrounding space with the feeling of a sword''s sharpness, even making the temperature seem to drop a bit, like what Dugu Xiong had executed during his exchange with Bo Ri. This was a showcase of the brilliance of the sword.
But if one had managed to go one step further, one would be able to grasp sword intent!
Sword intent could only be understood by oneself and was unable to be taught through words. It did not showcase the brilliance of its powerful destructive power like sword aura did. Neither would it cause a hugemotion.
However, sword intent could make a sword move have its own "spirit"!
And once one understood sword intent and one''s sword move possessed a "spirit", one would be able to dominate all the grade-9 great grandmasters!
One of the necessary factors for breaking through to the realm of Mythical Pugilist from grade-9 was that one had to have a sufficient and deepprehension of "spirit"!
With his luck, Dugu Xiong had managed to get his hands on a part of the Sword Sage''s inheritance in the past. However, he, who had already cultivated to be a grade-9 great grandmaster, was still at the level where he could only execute simple delicate sword moves with a majestic sword aura. Although it seemed threatening and powerful on the outside, it was not as powerful as one would think.
This was because, within his sword move, there was no "spirit"!
He had yet to fully grasp the essence of the Sword Sage''s inheritance!
As a master in the path of the sword who had beaten Shi Chengtian with merely two sword moves, Moragu was also someone that had understood sword intent!
This was why his expression changed drastically. At the moment when Lin Ping killed Bo Ri, he had noticed something was wrong and rushed towards the Changmen Pce.
However.
Although his speed was very fast, he was still toote after all.
By the time he arrived at Changmen Pce''s courtyard, Bo Ri''s head had already been separated from his body, and it could be seen flying in the air.
As Moragu stood still, the head rolled to his feet.
Bo Ri''s eyes were wide open, and there seemed to be surprise and disbelief in them.
It was difficult for Moragu to ept the fact that Bo Ri was dead, beheaded by a single sword move.
Moragu also felt ufortable.
He and his junior brother had a good rtionship, and most importantly, this junior brother was his master''s only son!
Coming to the capital this time, his master had also speciallye to him and asked him to take care of his junior brother and not let him do whatever he liked.
But who would have thought?
Moragu bent down, picked up Bo Ri''s head, helped him close his eyes, and then walked over and put it together with his body.
After doing all this, he stared at Lin Ping sharply, saying, "No matter who you are or what status you have, you have to pay for killing my junior brother today!"
Lin Ping also stared at the barbarian master cautiously, feeling a trace of pressure.
He had heard Yun Su talk about what happened yesterday.
Shi Chengtian, the Invincible Iron Fist, was defeated by this man with merely two sword moves and had fled for his life in a hurry.
"Receive my sword!"
Moragu''s eyes were cold, and sword intent was rising within them.
Shortly after.
In the deserted Changmen Pce, there was no wind, and the branches and fallen leaves in the courtyard were all still.
But the few people in the courtyard including Lin Ping, Chun Fei, and Yun Su, and even the Emperor and the others who were far away from the Changmen Pce, could clearly feel a sudden "wind" in their hearts!
In front of this wind, they seemed as insignificant as ants, and they felt that they could be easily blown away to the horizon.
This was just from the sword intent!
This could only be seen in people who had cultivated a peerless martial art to the extreme andprehended "spirit".
Moragu''s barbarian robes fluttered in the air, even making pping noises against the air!
He held his sword with both hands, and when the sword intent and the aura of his body climbed to a peak, the sword qi finally took shape!
This sword qi was no longer just a move from a martial arts manual. Instead, it contained the will of Moragu, a swordmaster!
"God-Killing Sword Technique, Third Move Divine Extermination!"
These two words were shouted out.
This time, he didn''t use the previous two moves "Body Extermination" and "Heart Extermination" that he had used to deal with Shi Chengtian that day!
He had directly used his third move, "Divine Extermination"!
On the day when Moragu faced Shi Chengtian, he had merely prepared the attack and had yet to fully execute it. From this alone, Shi Chengtian had already sensed a threat to his life. He knew that if he were to face the attack head-on, he would undoubtedly die, and there would be no possibility of surviving.
Therefore, without any consideration, he immediately chose to escape in order to save his life.
This was because this move of Moragu was no longer meant for ordinary grade-9 great grandmasters but was specifically used to kill top grade-9s who hadprehended "spirit"!
The power gap between grade-9s could be huge, even greater than the gap between grade-8 and the initial stage of grade-9.
However, to determine the level of strength among grade-9s, people did not use the depth of one''s internal energy nor the length of one''s cultivation time.
The most important measure was whether one hadprehended "spirit"!
Any martial art cultivated to the extreme would allow one toprehend "spirit".
For example, in sword intent, saber intent, fist intent, and so on.
But even as a great grandmaster at grade-9, it was very difficult for one to achieve this step.
If one couldprehend "spirit", one would belong to the peak among the grade-9s.
If one couldn''tprehend it, no matter how strong one was, their strength would be limited.
One example would be Shi Chengtian, who was a long-standing veteran grade-9. He had not managed to take this step.
Although he was able to contend against the three weakest grade-9 great grandmasters alone and his strength was far better than Dugu Xiong, but when facing Moragu who had already understood sword intent, he waspletely defeated after just two moves.
Moragu''s killing intent was at its peak, and the third move of the God-Killing Sword Technique only took an instant to form.
As expected of an attack which made Shi Chengtian frightened and escape without hesitation.
Under this attack, ordinary grade-9s were like ants and would be unable to resist such an attack.
Chun Fei and Yun Su, who were standing behind Lin Ping, had pale faces.
In their eyes, this sword move was not what a human could perform, and they couldn''t think of anyone that could block such a sword.
What would happen to Lin Ping?
General Who Stabilizes the North Xie Feihong, Feng Bao, and the others, who were not far from the Changmen Pce, all had a solemn face.
It seemed that the mysterious grade-9 great grandmaster of the Changmen Pce was indeed very strong to have made Moragu disy such a terrifying sword move.
But no matter how strong he might have been, it was over.
The observers were familiar with this move. Even Shi Chengtian, the master of Xie Feihong, had been frightened by such a move and ran away.
This sword was unstoppable!
Chapter 40: Ten Thousand Swords above the Imperial Compound
Chapter 40: Ten Thousand Swords above the Imperial Compound
Moragu''s strongest sword move was indeed very powerful.
Even Lin Ping couldn''t help but sigh.
If it was a month ago when he had yet to master the Return of the Ten Thousand Swords, he would probably not have been able to unleash a powerful attack of such level.
For the observers such as Chun Fei, Xie Feihong, and Feng Bao, they could merely feel that the attack was strong. However, they were unable to feel the true power hidden in the sword that was emitting from the sword intent. Only Lin Ping could feel it.
"However, this is not enough to threaten my life"
Lin Ping could gauge the strength of the move in his heart.
Thus, when the attack made its way towards him, he made a move that Yun Su and Chun Fei did not expect at all.
He did not attempt to resist or dodge the attack; rather, he stretched out both his hands and gathered two round spheres of internal energy between his palms. It became like a whirlpool there; when the sword qi reached him, it was engulfed and dragged into this whirlpool!
With his hands constantly turning and the majestic internal energy constantly working, Lin Ping closed his eyes and attempted to control and dissolve this sword energy!
Or rather.
Lin Ping wanted to study Moragu''s sword intent and see if he could understand how it was different from his.
When cultivating the Return of the Ten Thousand Swords, Lin Ping had wished for there to be another swordmaster to train against, which would be helpful for him to break through grade-9 and move towards that realm in the myths.
Now, the opportunity was here!
He definitely could not miss it.
"Murderous intent?"
Lin Ping had discovered something.
Moragu''s sword intent, if described in a single word, was "murderous"!
It seemed to murder and kill all his enemies in the world.
This was the easiest "spirit" that all those who cultivated the way of the sword and even martial arts could master andprehend!
The sword mainly focused on killing!
Thus, it was indeed the easiest one couldprehend.
Just when Lin Ping still wanted to take a closer look and evenprehend the "spirit"
"You are looking for death!"
Moragu could feel that his sword move was blocked. Yet, the other party even wanted to split and dissolve his sword intent. This made him furious, causing him to grit his teeth and strengthen his sword intent.
Crash!
After all, this was the strongest killer move performed by a top grade-9. After the sword intent was strengthened, the sphere brewing between Lin Ping''s hands suddenly shattered.
Then sword qi sted Lin Ping''s chest like a missile.
Upon seeing this, Chun Fei and Yun Su closed their eyes in pain and despair.
With such a terrifying sword qi piercing one''s chest, who could resist it?
Lin Ping would more than likely be torn to pieces by the sword qi in the blink of an eye.
However, a miraculous scene appeared in front of them.
When the sword qi was about to stab into Lin Ping''s chest, Lin Ping''s body immediately burst out with a bright golden light. The sword qi that contained "murderous meaning" had no way of breaking into Lin Ping''s body!
This was credited to his Vajra Body Defending Divine skill, Indestructible Golden Body skill, and the Tiangang Pure Boy Sutra, all of which had reached the realm of full mastery.
Lin Ping''s current defensive power was far better than his offensive power, and he had already reached the limit of what one could achieve as a grade-9!
Even if Lin Ping attacked himself with all his strength, he might not even be able to break through his own defenses, let alone Moragu.
This was also why he dared to y with Moragu''s sword intent.
Ka cha!
After the sword qi hit Lin Ping''s chest, it exploded like fireworks, and everything then returned to its original calmness.
"What?"
Moragu, who was full of confidence initially, who felt that he had managed to avenge his brother after this sword move, watched this scene in disbelief.
His third move, the Divine Extermination of his God-Killing Sword Technique, failed to break this eunuch''s defense?
How was this possible?!
How could one''s physical body be so tough?
Not to mention his brother Bo Ri, even his master, who was known as the strongest powerhouse in the region, did not have such a strong physical body!
Moragu''s eyes were full of shock, and his face became more solemn than ever, no longer having the initial annoyed and murderous look.
"Unexpectedly, in the Grand Xia imperialpound, there is still such a strong powerhouse like you!
"I have to admit, you are stronger than what I had initially thought!
"Even though Grand Xia has been on the decline for such a long period, it seems that the foundation has still yet to be fully exhausted."
Lin Ping looked down at his clothes that had been torn into strips.
Although his physical body could resist an attack of this level, his clothes weren''t as durable.
However, why did this barbarian master not continue to attack? Why was he uttering such useless words?
"It''s difficult to kill you.
"Even now, I have no absolute certainty that I can kill you.
"Therefore, you deserve to witness my strongest move!
"If you die under this attack, you can die with pride. Because the execution of this move will cost me ten years of life!
"Please appreciate this move of mine Sky Extermination!"
This name was enunciated word by word.
After speaking thest word, Moragu''s eyes suddenly turned blood-red.
It was not eye congestion.
His pupils and eyeballs had all turned bloodthirsty red!
At the same time, his aura was rising steadily, and the terrifying sword intent gathered again.
However, what was different from the sword intent just now was that although the sword intent just now was also filled with the murderous meaning, everything had still been within Moragu''s control. The previous sword intent was restricted by him and controlled by him.
However, currently, after Moragu''s eyes turned red, his sword intent had clearly be more violent!
This was very obvious.
Not only could Lin Ping feel it, even Chun Fei and Yun Su who were next to him, as well as the people outside the Changmen Pce, seemed to be on a battlefield of mass killing instantly!
Moragu''s face became pale at a speed visible to the naked eye, and some of his whip hair began to turn gray. However, Moragu''s breath continued to strengthen.
"Strong!"
Lin Ping was also slightly shocked when he saw this.
Now the sword intent of this barbarian master had more than doubled from before, and the murderous meaning in it was also much stronger.
It was so rich that he could no longer attempt to dismantle andprehend it!
Moreover, the violent and bloodthirsty sword intent was not suitable for dismantling andprehending.
Therefore, this time, Lin Ping had to fight back seriously!
Even with such a sword move, Moragu might actually still be unable to break through his strong physical defense. However, Lin Ping wanted to try the power of his Return of the Ten Thousand Swords.
The deficiencies of a sword move could only be discovered through a head-on collision.
It was rare to find such a good sparring partner.
Even the previous Bo Ri was not worthy of being a sparring partner for Lin Ping.
This was because Bo Ri had died before he could even use his full strength. If so, how could it even be considered a spar?
Bo Ri''s senior brother, Moragu, could barely be considered worthy of taking on his new move.
"I also have a move that I would like to ask you for advice on."
Lin Ping squeezed his sword sutra in both hands, then ced one hand horizontally on his chest, and raised one hand between his eyebrows.
His figure suddenly became like blue smoke at this moment. A sharp sword intent was generated from his body, which swept in all directions like a violent wind.
This was different from Moragu''s murderous meaning, which made everyone feel that they had seeminglye to a battlefield. When Lin Ping''s sword intent appeared, everyone didn''t feel much.
However, at this moment, all the long swords in the entire pce began to tremble!
Then, as the sword sutra in Lin Ping''s hand moved slightly closer, the sword intent condensed.
Weng!
Thousands of long swords trembled and screamed out of their sheaths. They rose into the air, as if they were called, and flew towards the Changmen Pce.
On this day, countless swords ran across the skies of the Grand Xia Pce, making it a majestic view.
Return of the Ten Thousand Swords!
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