Chapter 383: Chapter 283: Houjin’s Vision Shocks the World Chapter 383: Chapter 283: Houjin’s Vision Shocks the World The snow mountains rolled and undulated, forming a range upon range that resembled the writhing spine of a dragon, while halfway up the mountain, clouds and mists swirled, giving it an ethereal feel. At this moment, the snow mountains were covered with white snow, wrapped in a silvery garb.

In Houjin, when an important person dies, most would choose a Heavenly Burial, and the ones who can conduct Heavenly Burials in Houjin are called Heavenly Burial Masters.

It’s rumored that Heavenly Burial Masters guide the departed from the human world to the Underworld or the path of reincarnation, possessing means beyond those of ordinary people. When they carry out the Heavenly Burials to ascend the dead, a sacred light appears above their heads.

The sanctity of a Heavenly Burial Master’s work and their special magical powers make them a source of wonder and reverence, causing people to keep a respectful distance as if they were ghosts or spirits.

Thus, in the eyes of ordinary people, Heavenly Burial Masters became exceptionally mysterious. It’s said that Heavenly Burial Masters have terrifying appearances and fierce visages. Not to mention foreigners, even the people of Houjin rarely see these mysterious masters. Some even believe that Heavenly Burial Masters are beings risen from corpses, incarnations of ghosts and spirits.

The main duty of a Heavenly Burial Master is to handle corpses, which is the central part of the burial. Their primary tasks include chanting scriptures, burning fragrant substances, processing the body, and cleaning the burial site.

After the Heavenly Burial, the skulls are preserved, and these skulls are secretly kept. There is a snow mountain in Houjin called Damu Great Snow Mountain, and at its peak, there is a place called the Damu Sky Burial Platform, which is built using the skulls as its walls.

Ordinary people who see this wall of skulls can’t help but feel chilled to the bone.

As autumn arrives with howling winds and snow, there appear two figures, one large and one small, on Damu Great Snow Mountain.

One is an old man in a grey robe with a face full of wrinkles, weather-beaten. He is Ke Hua, a Heavenly Burial Master of Houjin. Next to him is his disciple, Aze.

Ke Hua, gazing up at the falling snow, said somberly, “This Sky Burial Platform is the most sacred place in the heart of a Heavenly Burial Master. Each time I come here, my heart is filled with reverence and there can be no slackness.”

Aze nodded and replied, “Master, I understand.”

Ke Hua sighed deeply and said, “The world is now experiencing continuous changes, and I can feel that these changes are becoming increasingly intense.”

Unable to contain his curiosity, Aze asked, “Master, what kind of changes will occur?”

Ke Hua asked, “Do you remember the riot among the sheep a few days ago?”

Aze, with a sigh, responded, “Of course, I remember. A few days ago, the lead sheep in the tribe went berserk, causing chaos throughout the herd. Many sheep died. It was such a pity.”

Ke Hua slowly said, “That is just the tip of the iceberg. Now it’s sheep, in the future, it will be people.”

Upon hearing this, Aze felt a movement in his heart, “Now it’s sheep, in the future, it will be people?”

As they conversed, they continued to walk up the mountain. Suddenly, the wind and snow grew more intense, making it difficult for them to open their eyes. Aze’s body was like a small boat in a storm.

Ke Hua stretched out his withered palm and shouted, “Grab my hand!”

Aze hurriedly took hold of Ke Hua’s hand.

Ke Hua, leading the way and blocking the wind and snow, thought to himself, “There’s something strange atop the snow mountain.”

He had been to the Damu Sky Burial Platform before, but he had never encountered such a heavy storm.

“Boom! Boom!”

Struggling against the fierce wind and snow, they made their way towards the Damu Sky Burial Platform when suddenly they heard a series of loud noises ahead.

Ke Hua raised his head and saw the path ahead seeming to crack open, and a golden light emerged from the fissure, spreading outwards.

What followed was a miraculous scene. The snow on the mountain began melting at a rate visible to the naked eye, as if something fearsome were brewing underneath.

In a short while, a gigantic golden statue emerged from the skull wall.

The golden statue was splendid and radiant, tinting the clouds in the sky with gold. However, the head of the statue was a massive skull.

Ke Hua cried out, “An omen, an omen from the Sky Burial Platform!”

Aze looked up, his mouth agape in astonishment, as if he had turned to stone.

He had never seen such a scene before, and it was unforgettable.

People within hundreds of miles could see that dazzling golden light. They all became incredibly excited and agitated, and subsequently, the people of the Houjin tribes bowed down in devout worship.

This scene quickly spread throughout Houjin, and everyone knew that an anomaly had appeared above the snow-covered mountains of Houjin.

In the legends of Houjin, only in times of great prosperity would such anomalies occur. The current anomaly above the Heavenly Burial Platform had invigorated the people of Houjin, who couldn’t help but kneel down on the ground.

All of Houjin was boiling with excitement, as if welcoming a golden age.

…..

In Yujing City, atop a square platform.

An Jing, the Sword Demon, and the Sword God Liu Moyuan were seated in three different directions, with sharp Qi mechanisms spreading out from them continuously towards the distance.

Those sharp Qi mechanisms were indeed Sword Qi.

To give rise to Sword Qi from one’s own being, what a terrifying epiphany of the Sword Dao it was.

Tan Yun stood below the platform, swallowing his saliva and said, “Such sharp Sword Qi, even a Grandmaster getting close would turn into a pile of mush.”

“Sword Light as lightning, it cuts through gold and jade like mud; when wood is rubbed against it, smoke and flames arise; when struck against metal and stone, sparks fly.”

Li Fuzhou slowly nodded and said, “These three are among the top Sword Dao masters of this era. They could be considered the top three swordsmen in the world, and the Sword Qi they give rise to is naturally terrifying.”

Several hours had passed since the three began their discussion on the sword, and even for a Three Qi Grandmaster like Li Fuzhou, the sharp Sword Qi made him feel a chill in his heart.

The Sword Demon was the first to open his eyes, pointing a finger towards the sky.

A violent wind swept in, the already fragile fallen leaves rustled, and thunder roared above. A terrifying heavenly power came with immeasurable might, and a transparent great sword appeared above the Sword Demon.

Within the Sword Dao, the Heavenly Dao Sword also belonged to the superior ranks, containing overwhelming heavenly might within it.

It was because of this that countless swordsmen throughout history have practiced the Heavenly Dao Sword, but those who have cultivated the Heavenly Dao Sword to the Fifth Realm were few and far between, and those who have reached the Sixth Realm were practically the top one or two of the era.

The Four Symbols Sword Ancestor from the Four Symbols Sect had practiced the Heavenly Dao Sword and had reached the Sixth Realm. He was known as the World’s First Swordsman of that era, which illustrated the power of the Heavenly Sword Dao.

Sword God Liu Moyuan drew his palm across, and the Sword Dao of the Holy Dao Sword appeared behind him like a breathtaking swan, reaching into the vast and obscure sky above.

The Holy Dao Sword is considered the foremost among all sword techniques ever since ancient times. Those who have cultivated the Holy Dao Sword to the Sixth Realm have all been the number one swordsman of their time without exception.

The might of the Holy Dao Sword is grand and magnificent, as vast as the ocean, and within the Four Seas, it is king.

Tan Yun’s Futu Sword in his hand trembled as if it would fly out at any moment.

With the appearance of both the Heavenly Dao Sword and the Holy Dao Sword, the rhymes and light of the swords spread in all directions, allowing one to clearly feel the extraordinary essence of the Sword Dao within.

An Jing sat cross-legged, his True Qi starting to circulate.

Suddenly, the world seemed to darken, and a stretch of the Milky Way hung in the sky.

“Whoosh!”

Soon after, a beam of Sword Light shot up into the sky, causing the brilliance of the Holy Dao Sword and the Heavenly Dao Sword to continuously diminish.

The Immortal Sword had appeared!

Both the Sword Demon and Liu Moyuan watched the Immortal Sword with solemnity, their hearts involuntarily beating faster.

“My sword!”

“What is going on!?”

“Look! All the swords are flying up!”

…..

Within Yujing City, the swords of all swordsmen were drawn by some attraction, flying up into the sky and rapidly spinning around.

All swords returned to their origin!

“`
Merely relying on the rhythm and glow of the Immortal Sword’s Sword Dao was enough to make all swords above Yujing City fly into the sky; even those who did not cultivate the Sword Dao could tell that the Immortal Sword was extraordinary and surpassed both the Heavenly Dao Sword and the Holy Dao Sword.

Inside the Imperial City, Emperor Yan of Yong’an stood before the carved railing, watching the longswords dancing unceasingly in mid-air.

The Imperial Guards around him, however, were on high alert, with each one looking at this scene with tense expressions.

The Tianpeng Ancestor approached and said, “Your Majesty, the Sword Qi contains the sharpness of the Ghost Swordsman’s Immortal Sword, I think it would be best to avoid it.”

“It’s fine,”
said Emperor Yan of Yong’an indifferently.

Just then, several sharp longswords whirled in the air, and streams of Sword Qi burst forth in all directions, with two streams heading straight for Emperor Yan of Yong’an.

Just as the Sword Qi were about to permeate, a white light shield rose up, and the Sword Qi were like pebbles tossed into a pond, creating ripples, while the light shield melted away the two weak streams of Sword Qi.

Emperor Yan of Yong’an exclaimed, “Truly a terrifying Sword Dao, to be able to create such a Sword Dao, the Ghost Swordsman can be called the greatest swordsman through the ages.”

Bai Mei the eunuch and Xu Qianyue both nodded in agreement, deeply convinced by his words.

At this moment, everyone under heaven knew that within Yujing City there was an invincible Great Sword Immortal who had yet to taste defeat.

Not only was he revered by martial experts of Jianghu, but even the common folk worshipped him like a deity.

Emperor Yan of Yong’an thought of something and said, “The frequent strange occurrences in Houjin may very well indicate that Zongzheng Huachun has made great progress in his cultivation, or perhaps he has completely refined the thoughts of an Earth Vein Spirit.”

The strange occurrences in Houjin had already spread throughout the world, and the news of Zongzheng Huachun’s upcoming breakthrough to the Grandmaster level was also quickly disseminated.

The discussion about the impending duel between the Ghost Swordsman and Zongzheng Huachun grew louder and more fervent.

For many people in Great Yan, this was undoubtedly a heavy blow.

Bai Mei the eunuch said gravely, “If Zongzheng Huachun breaks through the shackles of the Dao, I believe his power will undergo an earth-shattering transformation…”

Between a Five Qi Grandmaster and a Great Grandmaster, the difference was as vast as the heavens and the earth, especially since Zongzheng Huachun was not only a top Five Qi Grandmaster but also had the thoughts of an Earth Vein Spirit integrated within him.

Should he reach the Great Grandmaster level, his power would be even more terrifying, even surpassing that of Wang Yangsheng.

At this moment, the strength of the Ghost Swordsman seemed to be progressing continually, and who would emerge victorious in their duel was still uncertain, attracting the attention of all the top experts in the world.

“Tonight, I will meet with Xi Hafu; perhaps he would know something.”

Emperor Yan of Yong’an waved his sleeve and then turned to walk towards his sleeping palace.

After all, Xi Hafu was a Grandmaster Realm expert, very sensitive to the changes in the Qi Mechanism of heaven and earth.

……

Atop the Four Directions Platform, both the Heavenly Dao Sword and the Holy Dao Sword appeared at this moment.

Sword Qi crisscrossed, forming storms, while An Jing, the Sword Demon, and Liu Moyuan were at the center of these storms.

An Jing closed his eyes slightly and slowly said, “The edge forged from fine steel, the back from alloy, the aura from Cold Forest, wielding the might of the Heavenly Dao. It can cut through heaven above, earth below, and shatter all beings in between – this is the Heavenly Dao Sword.”

Upon hearing this, the Sword Demon’s mind tensed, as if he had realized something.

An Jing’s few words seemed to have completely articulated the essence of the Heavenly Dao Sword, clearer and easier to understand than some ancient texts.

An Jing continued, “The Holy Dao Sword, with the Dao as its spine and virtue as its edge, with Yin and Yang as its aura, with the Five Elements as its handle, it can sever heavenly light from above, and cut off the lifelines of the earth below.”

Liu Moyuan frowned slightly, and couldn’t help but calm his heart to experience the meaning in An Jing’s words. He was suddenly struck with an epiphany, as if in that moment, An Jing was the true practitioner of the Holy Dao Sword.

Numerous swords flew in the air, creating a bizarre and fantastical sight.

“So this is the world’s current Sword Immortal,”
sighed a voice. Li Fuzhou and Tan Yun followed the sound and saw the newcomer – none other than Duanmu Xinghua, the Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect Heavenly Sect.

“`
Next to Duanmu Xinghua stood Zhao Qingmei, Yu Qiurong, Yi Daoyun, Lin Tianhai, Ouyang Ping, You Gai, and other experts from the Demon Sect.

“Sect Hierarch!”

Li Fuzhou and Tan Yun hurriedly bowed their heads in salute.

Zhao Qingmei nodded slightly, then looked towards An Jing on the Four Directions Platform, “Have the strange phenomena in Houjin been clarified?”

Li Fuzhou clasped his fists and said, “Not yet, Zongzheng Huachun is still in seclusion and hasn’t left. However, we can’t rule out that the phenomena are unrelated to him.”

Zhao Qingmei spoke indifferently, “Keep a constant watch on the movements of the Houjin Royal Court. Don’t miss any signs.”

Li Fuzhou replied, “Yes.”

In the sky above, all the sword tips were pointing towards the same place, the Four Directions Platform where An Jing was positioned.

At this moment, on the Four Directions Platform, An Jing’s eyes were slightly closed, his back set against a dense star river, the mere sight of which conveyed a sense of depth.

About half an incense stick later, the flying swords still rotating in the sky began to fall, emitting a crisp sound.

“Thank you both, seniors, for your assistance. An has benefited greatly.”

An Jing also slowly opened his eyes and then exhaled a breath.

The Sword Demon chuckled bitterly, “It is I who has benefited greatly.”

Liu Moyuan said, “I’ve learned a lot.”

An Jing smiled and said, “In the future, I hope to have the opportunity to learn from the two seniors again, and I hope you won’t refuse.”

“Alright.”

The Sword Demon was the first to stand up, feeling emotional, “I’ve gained many insights from this sword discussion. I shall leave you to it.”

With that, the Sword Demon stood up and departed.

“Farewell!”

Liu Moyuan also clasped his fists towards Zhao Qingmei and then left directly.

They both departed in haste, eager to digest the insights gained from their exchange.

An Jing looked down at the audience and said, “My Lady, you’ve come.”

Zhao Qingmei let out a long sigh, her voice tinged with sorrow, “Senior Nan is gone.”

Upon hearing this, An Jing also felt a wave of melancholy.

Even as a Great Grandmaster, one isn’t invulnerable to death. Those like Zhao Zhiwu and Nangong Weiping have perished in these chaotic times. At present, he himself was merely a Five Qi Grandmaster.

“Don’t think too much. Perhaps Senior Nangong got what he wished for,” An Jing consoled Zhao Qingmei and then looked at the many experts behind her, “You’ve all come.”

You Gai playing the bamboo flute, put forward, “Your upcoming duel with Zongzheng Huachun is imminent, how can we not be present?”

The duel between An Jing and Zongzheng Huachun had attracted the attention of everyone under the heavens, as this battle was connected with the fate of Great Yan and Houjin. It would change the pattern and direction of the martial world.

Recently, hearing of strange phenomena in Houjin at such a critical juncture, how could people not speculate more?

If Zongzheng Huachun were to break through to the Grandmaster Realm, he would essentially be invincible.

Even if the Ghost Swordsman was a genius, frequently winning against stronger opponents, the gap between a Grandmaster and a Great Grandmaster was like a vast chasm, not so easily bridged.

Thus, everyone was extremely curious as to whether Zongzheng Huachun had broken through his constraints or not.

“Brother An!”

Just then, a loud shout came from afar, “Guess who’s here?”

An Jing looked toward the direction of the voice, and saw Han Wenxin rushing toward the Four Directions Platform, with two figures following behind him, Zhou Xianming and Tian Yingying.

It wasn’t until then that Han Wenxin noticed the crowd that had gathered around An Jing, and he also knew that these people were the ‘vicious and malignant’ experts of the Demon Sect. His spirits immediately sagged, and he whispered, “Brother An, Old Zhou has arrived.”

Tan Yun saw this and snorted, “Isn’t that Han Wenxin, the arrest officer? Weren’t you acting all high and mighty back then, saying you would eradicate the Demon Sect?”

Eradicate the Demon Sect!?

The Demon Sect experts present all turned their gazes upon hearing this.

Han Wenxin, seeing the unfriendly eyes around him, quickly raised his voice in defense, “Guardian Tan, you can eat whatever you want, but you can’t just say anything–when have I ever said that? I am now a spy for the Human Sect.”

While saying this, Han Wenxin took out his token.

Tan Yun stared closely at the token for a while, then her eyebrows shot up as she said, “Really, how can the Human Sect even accept someone like you?”

Han Wenxin hung his head, sullenly responding, “Aren’t you the same?”

Tan Yun’s ears were quite sharp, as she immediately snapped, “What did you say!?”

“I said where did my comic book disappear to? Could you have ‘picked’ it up?”

Han Wenxin looked at An Jing curiously, “Brother An, have you seen it? Was it picked up by you, eh?”

A blush of shame appeared in Tan Yun’s eyes; she said nothing further. Although the others were unaware, An Jing, Tan Yun, and Han Wenxin were very clear about what this meant.

Zhou Xianming then came over, nodded to Li Fuzhou, and then said, “Brother An, Lady An.”

Zhao Qingmei smiled and replied, “You’re too polite.”

An Jing let out a long sigh, “It has been a while since we all gathered together.”

Zhou Xianming couldn’t help but feel nostalgic, “The last time was during the year-end in Yu State City, and it’s almost been two years since then.”

Han Wenxin, sounding somewhat wistful, said, “I still remember those soft, fragrant, and sticky pig’s trotters.”

Tan Yun immediately glared fiercely at Han Wenxin.

“Hahaha!” “Haha!”

Everyone present couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Zhou Xianming’s lips curved upwards in a smile as well.

Tian Yingying stood behind, watching Zhou Xianming at this moment. To her, this was one of the rare smiles he had shown in a while.

Zhao Qingmei said, “I’ll have someone prepare the banquet right now, let’s continue talking inside the hall.”

“Alright, then I’m troubling Lady An again.”

Zhou Xianming nodded, not declining the offer.

……

The night was silent, stars twinkled faintly.

The cool breeze of the evening carried a piercing chill with it.

Inside the great hall, the lights were swirling as laughter and cheers continued unabated, with everyone joyfully toasting each other.

Zhou Xianming stepped out alone, and the cold wind sobered him quite a bit.

Then, a voice came from behind him, “Mr. Zhou, I remember you’re never drunk, no matter how much you drink, why step out for some fresh air after just one jar?”

Zhou Xianming turned around with a smile, “Perhaps the wine was too strong.”

An Jing chuckled lightly, then looked up at the moon in the sky, round like a disk.

Zhou Xianming spoke up, “Doctor An, thank you.”

An Jing replied, “Thank for what?”

Zhou Xianming earnestly said, “Thank you for the traveling expenses back then, and for not hesitating to invite me to the pleasure quarters to listen to music.”

“You better not talk nonsense.”

An Jing glanced toward the lively great hall, “I have never invited you to pleasure quarters to listen to music.”

“Hahahaha.”

Zhou Xianming laughed out loud, “You’re still the same, still so henpecked.”

An Jing shrugged his shoulders, huffing, “Mr. Zhou, do I really look scared to you? Here, I make the rules.”

Zhou Xianming did not respond. An Jing also fell silent, and the two men exchanged a glance.

The evening breeze gently swept past, carrying with it the clear sounds of insects chirping and birds singing.

After a long while, Zhou Xianming finally said, “We can’t go back to how things were.”

An Jing responded, “People always change.”

Zhou Xianming added, “Everyone changed.”

An Jing affirmed, “Perhaps.”

Zhou Xianming looked up and said, “Doctor An, thank you.”

An Jing replied, “You’ve already thanked me.”

“Doctor An, there are some things I still want to discuss with you.”

Zhou Xianming took a deep breath and said, “Based on my estimation, the anomaly in Houjin this time is extraordinary; it could very well be a danger for you.”

Danger!?

Upon hearing Zhou Xianming’s words, An Jing’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Zhou Xianming, who was now the trusted confidant of the Human Emperor of Yong’an, did his words carry another implication?

Imagine if An Jing could defeat Zongzheng Huachun, then he could take the opportunity to seize the entire Houjin, at which point An Jing’s notoriety in Great Yan would become peerless, and his accomplishments would reach a level beyond reward.

Suppressing a rebellion, saving the Royal Family, expanding territory–everything a hero should do, he had done.

Add to that his strength and the power in his hands, how could an ambitious Emperor tolerate the existence of such a person?

Zhou Xianming was clearly warning An Jing to be secretly vigilant against the Great Yan Royal Family, to be wary of the Human Emperor of Yong’an.

Although An Jing previously formed an alliance with the Human Emperor of Yong’an, and they had a very strong relationship, the Human Emperor was an Emperor, and national affairs weren’t child’s play. A good relationship was just that–nothing more and it didn’t signify anything else.

The Human Emperor of Yong’an had risen to the throne with the support of An Jing, but the Demon Sect also gained immense benefits in the process, stealthily spreading throughout the entirety of Great Yan, to the extent that their influence now surpassed that of the previous Zhenyi Sect.

It’s no exaggeration to say that in the current Great Yan Martial World, Zhenyi Sect and the Buddhist sects had no chance of contending against each other; even combined, they barely posed a challenge to the Demon Sect. One can imagine the current status of the Demon Sect in Jianghu.

The collaboration between the Demon Sect and imperial power had grown into a massive tree, one capable of shaking the very foundations of imperial power.

An Jing asked, “Why are you telling me this?”

Zhou Xianming answered, “I haven’t told you anything, I’m just reminding you.”

An Jing said with a smile, “Thank you.”

Zhou Xianming looked at An Jing’s bright eyes and softly stated, “We were never enemies, and we will never be enemies. What I seek is nothing more than a stable world, to avoid the suffering of the living.”

“You are a very smart person, but sometimes you refuse to think more deeply. If you defeat Zongzheng Huachun, what will you do next? Continue to roam the Great Yan Martial World as a carefree Ghost Swordsman, or become a rogue figure in Jianghu?”

An Jing fell silent upon hearing Zhou Xianming’s words.

As his cultivation grew stronger and the Demon Sect continued to rise in power, everything seemed to have changed.

He had unwittingly positioned himself in opposition to imperial authority. Either submit to it, control it, or become it.

If an incompetent Emperor ruled, then while An Jing seemed to dominate the Demon Sect, in reality he could manipulate imperial power, seize the opportunity to control the world, but if he encountered a capable Emperor, intense conflicts were bound to arise.

If such a day came, An Jing did not particularly despise the Human Emperor of Yong’an. If he were Zhao Xuening, he might act even more decisively and resolutely.

Zhou Xianming pondered for a moment and then said, “Actually, I have a method that can help you resolve your current troubles.”

An Jing couldn’t help asking, “What is it?”

Zhou Xianming spoke slowly and deliberately, “Marry the Human Emperor of Yong’an!”

An Jing’s eyes narrowed to slits as he looked at Zhou Xianming in front of him.

Zhou Xianming continued, “Once you marry the Human Emperor of Yong’an, the Human Emperor can completely trust you. Then you can revolutionize and establish the Martial Arts Academy. You will be the first dean of the academy, bringing all the sects of the world into it……”

An Jing interrupted Zhou Xianming, “Brother Zhou, you’ve had too much to drink.”

Zhou Xianming exhaled and said, “I’ve said my part, Doctor An. It’s all up to you what kind of person you want to be and the life you wish to lead.”

It’s indeed strange that someone like An Jing, a person of such stature, would also stand at a crossroads in life. As Zhou Xianming said, he could indeed have different lives by doing different things.

Just then, Han Wenxin came out with a red face, cursing and saying, “What are you two doing? Let’s go back and keep drinking.”

The two men exchanged a glance and then walked towards the great hall.

Wrapping his arms around their shoulders, Han Wenxin said, “I really envy you two, one has already won a beauty, and the other is embraced by beauty.”

An Jing replied with annoyance, “What’s there to envy? You can too.”

Han Wenxin curled his lip and said, “How could I give up my entire dark forest for just one tree?”

“The dark forest….”

Zhou Xianming stumbled, almost falling to the ground.

…..

In the Imperial City, the Imperial Study Room.

The Human Emperor of Yong’an sat on the throne, surrounded by bright and warm candlelight, her head bowed as she read a book.

The eunuch Bai Mei walked in slowly, saying quietly, “Your Majesty, Xi Hafu has arrived.”

Without raising her head, the Human Emperor of Yong’an said, “Let him in.”

“Yes.”

Bai Mei slowly retreated.

Shortly after, Xi Hafu was brought in.

He bowed symbolically to the Human Emperor of Yong’an and said, “This humble monk greets Your Majesty.”

“No need for formalities.”

The Human Emperor of Yong’an said indifferently, “Master must have heard the rumors about the strange omen in Houjin, haven’t you?”

Xi Hafu replied, “News of this has spread throughout the world. Even if I did not wish to know, I would have learned of it.”

The Human Emperor of Yong’an asked, “Does the Master know why this omen has appeared?”

Xi Hafu spoke slowly, “The emergence of a celestial phenomenon surely signifies something extraordinary, and Houjin is indeed extraordinary right now. If I am not mistaken, this extraordinary entity should be a fragment of the Earth Vein Spirit harbored within Zongzheng Huachun’s body, which is to say, he has finally refined a fragment of the Earth Vein Spirit.”

Emperor Yan of Yong’an set down the book in his hand, stood up, and said, “Then Master, do you think he has a chance of breaking through the restraints and reaching the Grandmaster Realm?”

Without a second thought, Xi Hafu replied, “The Earth Vein Spirit can be called a rare treasure of heaven and earth, an existence that nurtures the world with spiritual energy. Its value is considered genuine creation; even a wisp of the Earth Vein Spirit’s intent is incomparable to ordinary things. Moreover, Zongzheng Huachun himself is at the peak of the Five Qi Grandmaster, with profound insights into the Heavenly Human Communication, which shows that he has considerable epiphanies about the Dao of Heaven and Earth. If he completely integrates with this wisp of the Earth Vein Spirit’s intent, he should be sufficient to reach the Grandmaster Realm.”

The value of the Earth Vein Spirit is best known to practitioners in the Grandmaster Realm, especially someone like Xi Hafu who ascended to Grandmaster status in the Age of Dharma Decline. His understanding is incomparably clear.

Emperor Yan’s brows furrowed slightly, “So, you mean to say that Zongzheng Huachun has already reached the Grandmaster Realm?”

Xi Hafu answered, “Not necessarily, but the probability is high.”

Emperor Yan continued to inquire, “If Zongzheng Huachun indeed ascends to the Grandmaster Realm, can An Jing stand as his opponent?”

Being the person currently replacing Zhao Zhiwu as the strategist of the martial world, she needed to make thorough preparations for anything she undertook, regardless if An Jing won or lost.

Xi Hafu pondered for a long while before saying, “If Zongzheng Huachun truly reaches the Grandmaster Realm, in my opinion, Ghost Swordsman is certain to be defeated beyond doubt, and defeat would mean death, leaving no chance for escape.”

Emperor Yan nodded slightly, “I understand. I need Master to do something for me.”

Xi Hafu asked, “What is it?”

Emperor Yan replied, “Make a clandestine journey to Houjin Bashan.”

Bashan was precisely where An Jing had agreed to duel Zongzheng Huachun.

Xi Hafu didn’t even consider it but outright refused, “Impossible.”

Right now, his duty was to guard the Dragon Locking Well, waiting for the final moment to arrive. He couldn’t afford any mishaps at this critical juncture.

Emperor Yan declared, “If you are willing to go, I can grant you unrestricted access to the Dragon Locking Well.”

With an expressionless face, Xi Hafu said, “Your Majesty disappoints me. This humble monk does not wish to get involved in these murky waters.”

A cold light flashed in Emperor Yan’s eyes, “I said go! And you must go. If you refuse, I will destroy the Dragon Locking Well right now and release the Earth Vein Spirit.”

Upon hearing these words, Xi Hafu’s pupils dilated, and a dark golden light flowed over his body, making him seem both like a fierce demonic Asura and a Bodhisattva delivering all beings.

Simultaneously, the True Dragon Qi surged within the great hall, protecting Emperor Yan.

Emperor Yan pressed on, “You have no choice in the matter.”

After a while, the Qi around Xi Hafu began to dissipate, then he brought his hands together and said, “Very well. I will succumb to Your Majesty’s threat just this once, but it will be the only time and the last time.”

Having said that, Xi Hafu turned and left immediately.

Watching Xi Hafu’s retreating figure, Emperor Yan’s frown deepened.

The eunuch Bai Mei stepped out and asked, “Your Majesty, will Xi Hafu truly comply with Your Majesty’s wishes?”

Emperor Yan coldly said, “The Dragon Locking Well is in the hands of our Great Yan Royal Family. He has no choice but to obey.”

Bai Mei stood solemn and couldn’t help saying, “It seems that the rumors about the Earth Vein Spirit beneath the Dragon Locking Well must be true, otherwise why would so many Grandmasters appear in this world, and even a top Grandmaster like Xi Hafu, who is a living Bodhisattva, submits to it.”

Above the Grandmaster realm is the rumored Immortal Realm, which to this day no one has reached.

Currently, the Earth Vein Spirit that could allow a Grandmaster to break through is right below the Dragon Locking Well, and it seems that an opportunity of a millennium is about to emerge.

Even Bai Mei, the eunuch, was deeply shaken by this thought.

Whoever eventually attains the Earth Vein Spirit will undoubtedly become the true ruler of this world.

Emperor Yan, with his hands behind his back, spoke indifferently, “This Earth Vein Spirit belongs to the Great Yan Royal Family, and no one can take it away, not even a Grandmaster.”

…….