Chapter 249: Chapter 249: The Five Qi Grandmaster Finally Cos Out of Seclusion
The starry sky adorned the vast twilight with a touch of deep, profound desolation, rolling the warp of the early autumn new moon.
An Jing stepped out of the Lv Mansion, walking amidst the silent streets, heading towards the hostel.
Suddenly, his footsteps paused slightly.
“Co out.”
A few monts after his words fell, a woman in red erged.
Under the faint moonlight, one could see that the woman had delicate features and was extrely beautiful, especially her eyes, which could captivate any man’s heart and seed to bewitch one’s very soul.
...
This woman was none other than Li Yue.
When An Jing saw who it was, he looked indifferent, “I thought it was soone else; it turns out to be Miss Lin.”
“Dr. An, greetings.”
Li Yue looked at the man before her as if in a dream.
She rembered the first ti they t on the boat in Yu State City; who would have known that such a young individual was the world-renowned supre Sword Immortal?
An Jing glanced at Li Yue with interest, “Are you here for Zhou Xianming?”
He already knew the mystery behind the Wind and Rain Tower, it must be the power that the Houjin had planted in Yan Country’s Jianghu, and their purpose in coming to Yujing City was for the Crown Prince Zhao Chongyin.
Not to ntion that Li Yue was practicing the Blood Spirit Technique and did not have much life left, her background itself was a huge obstacle.
Li Yue glanced at Lv Mansion but didn’t speak.
“Then Miss Li Yue can take your ti to look around; I am a bit tired, I’ll go back to rest first.”
An Jing lazily spoke and walked towards the distance.
Li Yue’s lips parted slightly, asking, “Will Doctor An go to Blue Sky Island?”
An Jing looked at Li Yue, “Why ask this all of a sudden?”
“Blue Sky Island is very dangerous; I wanted to remind Doctor An, although perhaps you don’t need my reminder.”
Li Yue fell silent for a while, “After all, I don’t know many people.”
There was no mixed interest, no reason or purpose, just because of a past chance encounter, she said these words.
An Jing smiled, “Thank you, I am aware of it.”
Li Yue chuckled softly, “Doctor An is a wise man.”
An Jing, looking at the night sky’s new moon, murmured, “This world has too many wise n; it doesn’t need more of them—being sensible is enough.”
“A sensible person… how does it help to understand everything?”
Li Yue let out a long sigh, muttering to herself, “Life presents many paths for you to choose from, yet paradoxically, you can only choose one.”
An Jing looked at Li Yue before him, he could not persuade another to let go of their hatred.
Unaccustod to their suffering, do not counsel them to kindness.
Without standing in their shoes or experiencing their journeys, don’t preach about magnanimity and good deeds.
The woman before him was tired, and simply standing there, one could feel it.
As if a mountain rested on her shoulders, pressing down upon her.
Li Yue whispered, “Yesterday, I had a dream.”
An Jing subconsciously asked, “What dream?”
“In a clear weather, under the warm sunshine, there was a group of people, laughing and talking lightly, free from major worries and the complicated Jianghu grudges, not burdened by heavy loads.”
“That sounds nice; such a life is perhaps envied by many.”
“Yes, but I wasn’t among that group of people.”
“…..”
Both were silent for a while, as if unsure what to say, or perhaps many words no longer needed to be spoken.
An Jing pointed to the night sky above, “You see, no matter how long the night, the day always cos.”
He felt what he could offer were just these few words, albeit futile.
“It’s hope, right.”
Li Yue chuckled lightly, turned, and walked away towards the distance.
An Jing watched Li Yue’s departing figure for a long ti before heading towards the hostel.
Neither of them said goodbye, each turning towards their respective paths.
Such is a fleeting acquaintance.
…..
The news of Ye Ding from the Zhenyi Sect erging from Hidden Mountain gradually spread within the Jianghu.
This news stirred up nurous waves; once a paramount figure on the Righteous Path, maybe his strength was no match for Xiao Qianqiu’s nowadays, but his prestige undoubtedly surpassed that of Xiao Qianqiu.
Ye Ding’s ergence from Hidden Mountain ant settling two decades of grievances with the Demon Sect and also the grievances between the Zhenyi Sect and the Ghost Swordsman.
Many sects bearing deep-seated hatred towards the Demon Sect were restless, led by the Five Poison Sect, while those with minor grievances against the Demon Sect were also hesitant.
On one hand, they dared not participate in this confrontation between the Zhenyi Sect and the Demon Sect, on the other hand, they feared, worried about the Demon Sect’s retaliatory return.
So responded, so hesitated, so watched from the sidelines.
This was different from the Buddhist-Demonic conflicts; this ti, everyone could feel the intensity in the air, aware of the tumultuous undercurrents and the surging waves.
This ti, surely lives would be lost, and blood would be shed.
The day after tomorrow, the sunshine was splendid, casting down on the dried yellow leaves, forming mottled tree shadows on the ground.
An Jing stepped out of the hostel’s main gate accompanied by the Minister of Rites, Zhu Yongfang.
“Regarding the recent rumors in Jianghu, I have also heard so.”
Zhu Yongfang warmly said, “After all, these are Jianghu grievances, and it’s wholly reasonable for the Zhenyi Sect to challenge openly in good faith; there’s nothing the Crown Prince could do to prevent it…”
An Jing indifferently responded, “Thank him for , but the grievances of Jianghu, my Outer Heaven can resolve on its own; I can resolve them myself too.”
If a young newcor had heard Zhu Yongfang’s words, he might have felt grateful inside, but An Jing just sneered at them.
The Crown Prince would have been more than happy to see the Demon Sect and Zhenyi Sect fight each other to death, which was the situation he most wanted to see.
Zhu Yongfang asked nonchalantly, “I wonder how An Tributor plans to decide?”
An Jing looked at Zhu Yongfang and smiled, “Does Mister Zhu hope I go, or hope I don’t?”
Those eyes were like two sharp knives, stabbing into his heart.
Zhu Yongfang felt creeped out by that stare and chuckled awkwardly, “This is your Sect’s private affair and yours, how could I make the decision?”
An Jing patted Zhu Yongfang on the shoulder and smiled, “Since it’s a private matter, Mister Zhu should avoid prying into it, especially matters of Jianghu, which are inherently dangerous.”
With that, An Jing walked towards the city outskirts.
Zhu Yongfang frowned and hurriedly followed him.
The hostel was located just outside the city, not far from the city gate.
Zhu Yongfang, with the officials from the Ministry of Rites and the guards, escorted him properly all the way to the city outskirts.
A finely crafted carriage was waiting in the distance, drawn by six fine horses. An old nursemaid sat on the carriage, and as the curtain was lifted, a stunningly beautiful woman stepped down.
Upon seeing the newcor, An Jing chuckled lightly, “Princess An Le.”
“Greetings, Princess!”
Zhu Yongfang and the officials from the Ministry of Rites, along with the guards, all kneeled down.
“Rise.”
Zhao Xuening waved her hand and looked towards An Jing, “Mister An, are you planning to return ho?”
An Jing nodded, “I’ve been in Yan Country for almost two months now; it’s about ti I returned.”
Zhao Xuening’s eyes shimred with a hint of regret, “I was hoping Mister An would stay a bit longer to enjoy the four sights of Yujing City.”
An Jing responded, “Thank you for your kind intentions, Princess.”
Zhao Xuening smiled, “You don’t need to be so formal with , you can just call Xuening.”
On the side, Zhu Yongfang was as passive as if he hadn’t heard anything, keeping his attention inward.
An Jing said sowhat awkwardly, “I’m afraid that might be inappropriate.”
Zhao Xuening looked into An Jing’s bright eyes, “A na is just a form of address, Mister An, as soone of Jianghu, why confine yourself to these trivial formalities?”
An Jing chuckled lightly, but said nothing.
Princess An Le casually asked, “Mister An, are you in such a hurry to return because you miss your wife at ho?”
An Jing nodded, “Of course.”
Princess An Le said with a smile, “It seems Mister An and your wife have a very good relationship.”
Zhu Yongfang also looked at An Jing with curiosity. He had heard that the new Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect was a woman and not very old, reportedly very beautiful as well.
Could she be even more beautiful than Princess An Le, Zhao Xuening?
With a twinkle in her eyes, Princess An Le said, “Mister An, if you find it uncomfortable in Dongluo Pass, you can always co to Yujing City. I think both my father and I would welco you anyti.”
“I wouldn’t put such pressure on Mister An; I might even acquiesce to whatever you suggest.”
If the earlier statents were indirect, this statent was a direct indication.
Even with her boldness, Princess An Le’s face turned slightly red after saying this.
An Jing was about to speak when he sensed a disturbance in the distance and automatically looked in that direction.
A blue radiance appeared far away.
Blue River Water Dividing Technique!
This qi chanism was sothing An Jing had seen in the Blue River Sect; it was indeed the Blue River Sect’s Blue River Water Dividing Technique.
Besides the blue radiance, a fierce wind swept in, bringing with it a sky full of dust.
“This is from the Blue River Sect, high experts of Youfeng Valley!”
The old nursemaid imdiately protected Princess An Le behind her.
Zhu Yongfang also retreated repeatedly while the guards ford a barrier in front of him.
Shadows flickered in the front, and soon, six figures appeared.
Among them was Zhao Liangdong from the Blue River Sect, Dai Danshu from the Five Poison Sect, Jia Shiwu from the Four Symbols Sect, and two others he didn’t recognize, but their aura was not weak, all at the First Grade, especially the old Daoist holding a black umbrella, whose cultivation seed to be the highest.
The six figures approached An Jing, then one after another they declared.
“Zhao Liangdong, representing the Blue River Sect!”
“Chang Yifu, representing Youfeng Valley!”
“Gu Yanruo, representing Yu Heng Sword Sect!”
“Dai Danshu, representing the Five Poison Sect!”
“Jia Shiwu, representing the Four Symbols Sect!”
“We are here specifically to deliver a greeting card to Elder Ye from the Zhenyi Sect.”
As the five announced their affiliations, their voices combined, roaring like thunder and echoing all around.
Wow!
The area suddenly erupted into a buzz!
Zhu Yongfang’s eyelids twitched continuously, also shocked by the grand gesture before his eyes, not expecting Elder Ye to have invited five major Sects to deliver a greeting card.
Princess An Le also frowned at this scene.
“Quite the grand gesture.”
An Jing chuckled lightly, looking towards the old Daoist.
The old Daoist gave a Daoist salute to An Jing, “This must be An Tributor. I, Qian Ji, pay my respects.”
“Qian Ji!?”
An Jing thought it over and didn’t recall any expert by the na Qian Ji in the Zhenyi Sect.
“Qian Ji!?”
The old nanny murmured to herself, and upon seeing the black umbrella beside the old daoist, as if realizing sothing, she exclaid, “Could it be that your excellency is the Qian Ji Old Man from the Soul Chasing Sect?”
The old daoist said indifferently, “The Soul Chasing Sect has beco a thing of the past, and the Qian Ji Old Man is dead. Now, I am a person cultivating the Dao, and my Daoist na is Qian Ji.”
Qian Ji Old Man!
Upon hearing these four words, An Jing suddenly rembered; within Jianghu, there had been many masters, including myths like Ye Ding of Taishan Beidou, and masters similar to Sword Demon, but there were also so exceptionally talented and extraordinary figures.
Among them, Qian Ji Old Man was one of the most renowned masters.
Qian Ji Old Man originated from the Soul Chasing Sect, which was once the foremost hidden weapon sect in Great Yan. However, due to internal conflicts, it gradually declined and never recovered.
What thrives must wane, and what wanes must thrive.
Just when the Soul Chasing Sect was about to collapse, a genius erged from the sect, who was the Qian Ji Old Man. Due to his talent, he was extrely adept in the way of hidden weapons, quickly distinguishing himself in Jianghu with the hidden weapon techniques of the Soul Chasing Sect, and even created the Thousand chanism Umbrella capable of slaying masters of the sa realm.
He continued to refine and enhance it until it beca a supre fierce weapon. The battle that truly made the Thousand chanism Umbrella famous throughout the world was when he, with the Half-step Master cultivation, used it to slay a Grandmaster.
From then on, his fa spread far and wide, and everyone knew him as Qian Ji Old Man.
At the sa ti, Sect Hierarch Jiang Shang of the Demon Sect also started showing his ambitions, expanding the power of the Demon Sect, aggressively recruiting and absorbing other sects’ forces. The Soul Chasing Sect, with its deep understanding of hidden weapons, was very much to his liking, naturally becoming his primary target.
Despite Jiang Shang’s hints and suggestions, Qian Ji Old Man never agreed to join the Demon Sect.
This caused Jiang Shang’s anger to rise from his heart, and he directly eradicated the then Soul Chasing Sect under the pretext of their assassination attempts on Demon Sect mbers. Although Qian Ji Old Man was able to use the Thousand chanism Umbrella to slay a Grandmaster, the Demon Sect sent Ouyang Ping, a Peak One Qi master.
Within just a few moves, Qian Ji Old Man was defeated by Ouyang Ping, and he barely escaped with his life, thereafter vanishing from the world without a trace.
The rumors in Jianghu declared that Qian Ji Old Man had died at the hands of the Demon Sect, and it was almost considered a closed case. Who could have imagined that not only had he not died, but he had also taken the Thousand chanism Umbrella and joined the Zhenyi Sect?
An Jing was unimpressed by such legendary figures of Jianghu. No matter how powerful the Thousand chanism Umbrella was, it couldn’t possibly allow Qian Ji Old Man, with just One Qi cultivation, to kill him.
“Since your excellency has co to deliver an invitation, where is the invitation?”
“It’s right here.”
The black-clothed old daoist looked towards An Jing, extended his hand, and a piece of paper flew towards An Jing.
An Jing casually glanced at the paper, which simply contained a date and a location.
The date was the seventh day of the next month, and the location was Blue Sky Island.
Qian Ji Daoist said indifferently, “Outer Heaven has killed 312 disciples of my Zhenyi Sect over the past twenty years, and Heavenly Sect’s Sect Master Duanmu Xinghua killed my Great True n Qing Feng, Qing Ming, and Qing Yue. My sect also killed Human Sect’s head Feng Jingchu, and this year, the Ghost Swordsman in Xuanqing Mountain also killed my Zhenyi Sect’s Great True n Yu Huai and Yu Lin, even slaying Peak Master Song Chengbiao at Abyss Lake. Now, Outer Heaven has received the Mountain Opening Order from the Human Emperor and has once again beco a legitimate sect of Yan Country. Forr Sect Leader Ye Ding of my Zhenyi Sect has invited the Ghost Swordsman of Outer Heaven to Blue Sky Island to settle all past grievances. After this battle, regardless of life or death, Zhenyi Sect will have no further grievances or entanglents with Outer Heaven and the Ghost Swordsman, and those in Yan Country’s Jianghu who wish to settle grievances are also welco to attend.”
Upon hearing this, An Jing pondered for a mont.
Settling all grievances in one battle, he quite agreed with this, as after more than twenty years of killing, it was already impossible to determine who was right or wrong, and right or wrong had beco irrelevant.
From certain positions, one is compelled to act; such is the trend of the tis.
An Jing had killed quite a few masters of the Zhenyi Sect, although it was the Zhenyi Sect that had oppressed first. Even though the masters of the Zhenyi Sect knew the complications involved, they had no choice but to take action.
‘A laugh to erase hatred’, that’s just a ridiculous notion in the books.
Without settling the grievances, only the destruction of one side can end it.
But everyone knows deep down that the Emperor would never allow one sect to dominate without challenge.
Zhu Yongfang’s brows were furrowed. Ye Ding’s display today was clearly aid at forcing An Jing to settle their conflicts, and the timing was indeed a cunning ploy.
However, in his view, focusing solely on the agreed ti was underestimating Ye Ding.
Blue Sky Island, this place was truly the most alarming.
“Very well.”
An Jing nodded and said, “Settling the conflict is fine. Since the location has been set by the Zhenyi Sect, then how about I set the ti?”
Thousand chanism Daoist glanced at An Jing, “I am rely here to deliver this ssage; such significant matters are beyond my authority to decide.”
An Jing smiled, “So it cannot be changed?”
With a hint of indifference, Thousand chanism Daoist replied, “If you’re afraid, you can choose not to go. If this grudge isn’t settled, it will only continue.”
“Are you provoking ?”
An Jing mockingly looked at Thousand chanism Daoist.
Thousand chanism Daoist also nodded, “Indeed.”
An Jing touched the Evil Suppressing Sword and said, “Then do you know how many grandmasters have died by this sword?”
The question seed casual, yet it sent shivers down one’s spine.
Thousand chanism Elder’s pupils shrank suddenly, looking at the young man before him who could be the size of his grandson, not out of fear but because of that statent.
Dai Danshu felt a chill from the soles of his feet to the top of his skull, as indeed, a significant number of grandmasters had died at the hands of the Ghost Swordsman; the Great Elder Qingfeng, Qi Shu, Sang Tianyou, Yuan Feng—these four Grandmasters.
Among them, Sang Tianyou and Yuan Feng possessed the cultivation of Second Qi Grandmasters.
The expressions of the other three were complicated. However, compared to Dai Danshu’s anxiety, they were slightly calr.
After all, the three sects had not explicitly stated they would go to Blue Sky Island.
With the Zhenyi Sect and Demon Sect vying for supremacy and the Buddhist community intervening, they could cheer for the Zhenyi Sect considering the tyranny of the Demon Sect, but going out to fight to the death was absolutely out of the question.
“Go back and tell Elder Ye that I have received his ssage.”
An Jing crumbled the ssage into powder, bowed to Princess An Le, and said, “Your Highness, I take my leave.”
With that, he strode away.
Arguing with Thousand chanism Daoist over timing was less appealing than finding the blade of the Evil Suppressing Sword and returning to the warmth of his wife.
Knowing he would die, why would he go to his death willingly?
Did they really think he was so inexperienced youth who could be provoked by a few sects’ invitations?
Princess An Le watched An Jing’s departing figure, wanting to shout a warning, but felt it improper and ultimately, she could only sigh deeply.
Watching the young man’s departing figure, clouds of darkness gathered in Thousand chanism Daoist’s heart.
No wonder Ye Ding had erged from Hidden Mountain. No wonder Yu Ying was frightened. He instantly realized all the reasons.
If he had such a formidable enemy, he too would be restless day and night.
…..
Dongluo Pass, Sealing Demon Platform.
Atop the flying eaves of the great hall, there stood an elderly man dressed in white.
Jun Qinglin was unlike other experts; he gazed at the distant sunlight and sandstorm, his eyes filled with mories.
mories of things that were elusive.
People always think that after the baptism of ti, they will let go of their obsessions and past, but this is rely self-deception.
Just like Jun Qinglin at this mont, he continually recalled the years gone by, the days when he could laugh heartily, the days he sang songs over wine, and the brilliant sunshine that once belonged to his world.
In these endless recollections, he realized a truth: always reminiscing ans that the present isn’t going well.
Sigh…
Suddenly, a sandstorm rose in the distance, appearing from afar like a soaring dragon roaring towards them.
That dragon, twining around the sand, was unending, covering even the distant sky with a layer of yellow.
A sandstorm, a common occurrence in the desert.
“Great Elder!”
At that mont, Ouyang Ping hurried over, “There’s urgent news from Yan Country again.”
“Again?”
Jun Qinglin heard this and chuckled lightly, “Is it that youngster again?”
Normally, no significant news would be transmitted to the Sealing Demon Platform from within the Demon Sect, especially after Yuan Feng’s death. To avoid suspicion, Ouyang Ping seldom interfered with the affairs of the Demon Sect.
However, a heavy piece of news a few days ago was that An Jing had defeated Exalted Vajra, allowing the Demon Sect to establish their doctrine in Yan Country.
This indeed was good news, indicating that Jun Qinglin could enter Yan Country openly and rightfully.
Even though he previously could as well.
“Yes.”
Unlike his previous joyful expression, this ti Ouyang Ping wore a worried look, “Zhenyi Sect’s Ye Ding has co down from the mountain, fixing the seventh day of the next month at Blue Sky Island to settle personal and Demon Sect grudges with An Tributor. After that, regardless of life or death, there will be no further entanglents.”
“Blue Sky Island?”
Jun Qinglin thought of that place, a location almost forgotten in his mind.
Ouyang Ping said solemnly, “On the seventh day of next month, with the Sect Hierarch Zhao and Sect Master Duanmu’s speed, they could barely make it, but other experts would have difficulty arriving. Even if they did arrive, they would be weary. This is forcing An Tributor…”
Ouyang Ping naturally could see the craftiness involved. If there were no sches, it would be even more terrifying.
It might even hide so conspiracy.
“Settling grudges is indeed excellent.”
Jun Qinglin watched the distant sandstorm, “Jianghu is all about slaying each other; in the beginning, right and wrong could still be discerned, but after killing many, who is right and who is wrong has beco unknown.”
“Actually, in this world, the notion of right and wrong is not important.”
Ouyang Ping nodded, “What’s important is strength; if our sect’s strength surpasses everything, we wouldn’t need to ally with Yan Country, and Zhenyi Sect’s Ye Ding wouldn’t dare to co down from the mountain.”
The strength of a fist makes one’s words reasonable.
Thus, now that the Demon Sect has An Jing and Zhao Qingi, as long as they continue to develop steadily it’ll be enough.
But would others watch them grow?
Especially the covetous Houjin.
Jun Qinglin asked, “What did the Sect Hierarch say?”
Ouyang Ping replied, “The Sect Hierarch ordered Human Sect spies to spread the news that this ti Outer Heaven’s return to Yan Country will take on a new sect, and except for the Five Poison Sect, they won’t settle any prior grievances. If there really are those who want to settle grudges, the ti is set for next month in the Northern Wilderness’s You Mountain.”
“But as I see it, proposing a different ti, Ye Ding might not agree.”
Jun Qinglin started laughing, “Ye Ding certainly will not agree; his arranging the eting at Blue Sky Island is no simple matter.”
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Ping frowned deeply.
If Ye Ding does as such, the Demon Sect’s return to Yan Country will definitely lead to a full-scale blood battle with Zhenyi Sect, surely involving other powers.
This outco is probably only what Houjin and Yan Country would like to see.
Jun Qinglin’s eyes deepened as he looked into the distance, “Ouyang, a Great Grandmaster is already considered a land immortal by the people, so what lies in between humans and immortals?”
Ouyang Ping pondered for a long ti before shaking his head, “I don’t know.”
Sigh!
Sigh!
….
The distant sandstorm roared like a rampant dragon, stirring up the sky full of sand, turning the world into a dim yellow, as if the apocalypse had arrived.
Jun Qinglin looked up at the sky filled with sand.
The next mont, the sky full of sand suddenly stopped moving.
Each grain of sand, illuminated by the sunlight, shone with a pale golden light, completely transforming the world into a realm of sand.
This scene, even for a Second Qi Peak Grandmaster like Ouyang Ping, was imnsely shocking.
“It’s a Five Qi Grandmaster.”
Jun Qinglin looked at the motionless sand in front of him and declared, “Send down the ssage, the ti will be the seventh of next month, then.”
Ouyang Ping’s breath also halted, “Great Elder…”
“I’ll personally go to settle the grudges.”
Jun Qinglin said indifferently, “And while at it, see how many can survive under my hand in this vast world.”
As his words fell, that piece of golden sand suddenly began to fall like rain.
The white robe fluttered with the breeze, and then tranquility returned to the world, even the just-occurred sandstorm had disappeared, as if nothing had happened.
On this day, Jun Qinglin, who had been in seclusion for thirty years, walked out of the Sealing Demon Platform.
…….
PS: I originally wanted to discuss the logic a bit more, but then thought better of it. Those who can understand, will understand; those who can’t, no amount of explanation will do, I’d better reflect on why today’s update is so short.
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