Chapter 528: Mandate of Heaven Upgraded, Records in "Book of Green Hills"

Chapter 528: Heavenly Fate Ascends, The Record of the Green Mountain Scroll

The one-armed bandit swept his gaze over Qi Yuan and the others, a murderous glint in his eyes.

Several bandits leaped forward, encircling Qi Yuan, Liu Chudong, and the rest.

Qi Yuan’s eyes held no fear; instead, he appeared leisurely and at ease.

“If my brain were wired wrong, I’d surely ask why only the men are killed, not the women.”

“Nonsense!” the one-armed bandit roared in fury.

The bandits around him raised their broadswords and slashed at the horses of Qi Yuan and his companions.

These bandits were all Profound-rank Imperial Soldiers, considered elites in their own right, and served as squad leaders among the Blood Cloud Bandits.

Dealing with ordinary traveling merchants was child’s play.

Liu Chudong’s face twisted with disgust.

She had always loathed these wicked, crime-ridden bandits.

At her signal, the two black-robed judges behind her struck simultaneously.

A flash of sword light passed, and the four charging bandits were instantly decapitated.

Between Earth-rank and Profound-rank Imperial Soldiers lay an insurmountable chasm.

Qi Yuan watched the scene, a flicker of regret passing through his eyes.

The men hadn’t been killed by him—what a waste.

Though these foes were weak, even mosquito experience counted as experience, didn’t it?

Liu Chudong had been observing Qi Yuan closely; her gaze softened. “Brother Qi, your heart is too kind. These men deserved to die; there’s no need to grieve over their deaths.”

She mistook his regret for sorrow.

On the other side, the one-armed bandit’s expression shifted sharply. “Two Earth-rank Imperial Soldiers?”

His mind raced, spinning rapidly.

“Gentlemen, how about we call it quits here?” the one-armed bandit said with a hint of bravado.

Their identity as Blood Cloud Bandits needed no explanation.

When traveling, Imperial Soldiers always showed them some deference, granting them face.

Now, with his men unable to slay those two Earth-rank Imperial Soldiers, a truce seemed best.

Such incidents were common.

On the road, while one might seek swift vengeance, avoiding injury was always preferable.

Hearing this, the Zhao family’s young lady’s eyes filled with panic. Tears streamed down her face like rain, her expression one of utter helplessness, pitiful to behold: “Save us! They’re Blood Cloud Bandits, and they serve Supervisor Liu!”

A trace of pity flickered in Liu Chudong’s eyes. She spoke to Qi Yuan with an air of seasoned wisdom: “See? It’s victims like these, alone and destitute, who deserve our compassion. These bandits’ deaths are no loss.”

After “educating” Qi Yuan, Liu Chudong felt a sense of accomplishment.

She fixed her gaze on the one-armed bandit, her voice icy: “All Blood Cloud Bandits deserve to die!”

The two judges beside her immediately dismounted, swords in hand, and charged into the midst of the Blood Cloud Bandits.

Sword light flashed, and blood sprayed everywhere.

The two judges moved as if through empty space, granting the bandits no chance to survive.

With one swing, a sword cleaved through a bandit’s blade and body alike; with another, it lopped off a second bandit’s head.

In mere tens of breaths, the bandits were mowed down like weeds.

Seeing the tide turn, the one-armed bandit swung his blade in a fierce slash and fled swiftly.

The two judges were entangled by the remaining bandits, and since the one-armed bandit was also an Earth-rank Imperial Soldier, they found it hard to give chase.

In the end, all the bandits were slain, save for the one-armed bandit who escaped.

The Zhao family patriarch and his daughter wore expressions of relief at having survived a disaster.

The Zhao young lady, in particular, had a face like a snow pear, still marked by two streaks of undried tears, her eyes brimming with water, exuding a fragility that stirred a strong urge to protect—or, for the base-minded, to cruelly ravage.

“Many thanks to you chivalrous heroes for saving us. This old man has prepared a modest gift; please do accept it!” The Zhao patriarch bowed low, his posture humble.

He offered three thousand taels of silver at once.

Not much, but not little either.

“Upholding justice without seeking reward is our creed,” Liu Chudong declared, refusing outright.

She was not short of money.

Nor was the organization of Judgment short of funds.

Thus, she declined directly.

What she admired most was the Arbiter of a hundred years past.

Hearing this, the Zhao patriarch was momentarily stunned.

But soon, his smile grew even broader. “Miss, your noble character, untainted by worldly goods, earns my deepest respect!”

Since she disdained gold and silver, she must favor flattering words.

Liu Chudong nodded, then looked toward the direction the one-armed bandit had fled. “A pity… one got away. Brother Qi, since this matter is concluded, we should be on our way.”

The Zhao patriarch and his daughter both breathed a sigh of relief.

But at that moment, Qi Yuan spoke up: “The matter is not yet over.”

“Hmm?” Liu Chudong was taken aback.

“There are still villains left unkilled,” Qi Yuan said calmly.

“That man was an Earth-rank Imperial Soldier; he fled fast, and we couldn’t catch him.” Liu Chudong’s voice carried a note of disappointment.

“No, I mean these two.” Qi Yuan’s gaze fell on the Zhao patriarch and his daughter.

Liu Chudong froze.

The Zhao young lady’s face turned deathly pale, and she seemed on the verge of tears again.

Just then, one of the judges, who had remained silent, spoke up.

“Before we arrived, they were already shouting for help, and they deliberately revealed the bandits’ connection to Blood Hand, as if afraid the bandits would let us go.”

Another judge added, “While we were fighting the bandits, they tried to flee, but only stayed when they saw we had the upper hand.”

“No, Your Honor, you wrong me… I didn’t think that far; I was just scared and cried for help,” the Zhao young lady sobbed, on the verge of tears.

The Zhao patriarch quickly interjected, “Xingyue misspoke and caused you trouble; we beg your forgiveness…”

They hastened to apologize and admit fault, their attitudes utterly deferential.

Liu Chudong narrowed her eyes, pondering seriously. “Losing one’s wits in panic is understandable.”

“Chudong, if we had been ordinary people, then we would be the ones dead,” Qi Yuan said flatly.

One of the judges added in a low voice, “When we arrived, we didn’t reveal our aura, appearing no different from commoners. Yet this was how they cried for help—what other intentions could they have?”

Miss Zhao and Old Master Zhao, pale-faced, cried out their innocence.

Liu Chudong hesitated.

"If only Shenlin were still here, then we would know what they truly think," Liu Chudong sighed.

These words now were all subjective judgments.

Even if reasonable, they were mere conjectures.

She had already believed Qi Yuan and the Judge's words, but without solid evidence, she could not get past that hurdle in her heart.

Yet, as her words fell, a flash of light streaked by.

The heads of Old Master Zhao and Miss Zhao fell to the ground.

Their eyes still held expressions of terror and disbelief.

Liu Chudong's gaze snapped to Qi Yuan, her eyes filled with incredulity: "You killed them?"

She was stunned—wasn't Qi Yuan someone who wouldn't even harm an ant?

And now he had killed two people?

"To kind ants, I am gentle.

To the wicked, I never show mercy," Qi Yuan declared with righteous indignation.

His demeanor bore a striking resemblance to those who treat stray animals as family.

Liu Chudong gave Qi Yuan a long, hard look, a faint unease stirring in her heart. But she took a deep breath and said, "Brother Qi, you acted rashly. You should have clarified things before killing."

Still, since they were already dead, she did not dwell on it further.

Yet other thoughts surfaced in her mind—had her methods of teaching been flawed, turning the kind Qi Yuan into a radical one?

... In the stronghold of the Trial.

Chi Changle's eyes burned with anger: "Now, a third of the suffering in Dingbo Prefecture is likely caused by the Blood Cloud Bandits."

Wang Kong nodded: "In Dingbo Prefecture, who doesn't know that behind the Blood Cloud Bandits stands Blood Hand, the Prince Dingyuan?"

Dingbo Prefecture, though not so peaceful that doors could be left unlocked or everyone had meat to eat, had never seen thieves and bandits so rampant as now.

When Prince Dingyuan came to suppress the bandits, he wasn't targeting the Blood Cloud Bandits—he was targeting the Liu family.

"If I were the head of the Liu family, I would send troops right now to wipe out the Blood Cloud Bandits!" Liu Chudong could not help but vent her indignation.

Chi Changle shook his head at this: "The court sent Prince Dingyuan to suppress the bandits. Who else dares to suppress them?

Suppress bandits? That would be opposing the court!"

Wang Kong's face darkened at these words: "Officials and bandits collude, but... every so often, bandit heads are presented as military merits."

At this, Liu Chudong clenched her teeth even tighter.

She had heard of this matter.

The Blood Cloud Bandits would burn, kill, and loot, beheading villagers and merchants, collecting their heads to give to Prince Dingyuan's generals.

"Enough, let's not talk about these things. It'll frighten Brother Qi," Chi Changle said.

Rather than frightening Brother Qi, it was more that speaking of it only left them with pent-up frustration they could not resolve, with no benefit.

After all, with the Trial's current strength, could it change the situation?

No.

"If only Shenlin were still here. With the sins of the Blood Cloud Bandits and Prince Dingyuan, a hundred years ago, they would have faced the judgment of the God of Judgment!" Liu Chudong said bitterly.

Qi Yuan casually remarked: "Without Shenlin, there is still the Trial. As long as everyone works hard, there will be more hope with each passing day."

Meanwhile, in the stronghold of the Blood Cloud Bandits.

The one-armed bandit knelt on the ground, his face full of terror, sweat beading on his forehead like beans.

"Didn't catch the people?"

The young, long-haired man spoke, standing still, toying with an exquisite bone knife in his hand.

This bone knife, crafted from a beauty's bones, was the young man's proudest work.

"Young Master... they were rescued by a group. Among them were two Earth-level Weapon Masters. I was no match!"

The one-armed bandit prostrated himself.

The man before him was the godson of Superintendent Liu.

Even the chief of the Blood Cloud Bandits had to show him respect.

A mere minor leader like him could be killed on a whim.

"Li Zhao's men, or someone else?" Liu Wen asked.

"I don't know," the one-armed bandit shook his head.

A dangerous glint flashed in Liu Wen's eyes: "If you don't know, what use are you!"

The bone knife flew from his hand. The one-armed bandit clutched his neck as blood gushed, his breath fading until it ceased.

The Weapon Masters around him, accustomed to such scenes, showed no reaction.

Liu Wen stood up, pulled out the bone knife, and wiped the blood clean.

He looked at a burly man beside him, his voice calm: "Seventh Chieftain, how was the harvest this time?"

The Seventh Chieftain's face showed reluctance: "Young Master Liu, this time only three hundred... human yuan."

"Human yuan" was a special term used by the Blood Cloud Bandits and Prince Dingyuan's army, referring to heads—bandit heads that could be exchanged for military merits.

"Three hundred? Too few." Liu Wen's gaze grew deep. "In half a month, take your men and massacre Xiaoliang Stockade."

The Seventh Chieftain's expression shifted: "Xiaoliang Stockade is not far from General Li Zhao's camp. If we massacre it... it won't look good for General Li Zhao's face."

"That's exactly what I want—to make him lose face. How dare he steal my woman!" Liu Wen's eyes flared with anger. As if afflicted with a manic temper, he kicked over the table.

But the rage vanished in an instant, replaced by a gentle smile: "I'm not unreasonable. The heads from Xiaoliang Stockade can be given to Li Zhao as military merits."

Hearing this, the Seventh Chieftain broke out in a cold sweat.

These officials—their hearts were truly black.

"If I don't knock him down a peg, he'll think this empire was won by those grunts. It was won by my grandfather!" Liu Wen said excitedly.

...

"We've only found two strongholds. Such slow progress."

Five days had passed, and Qi Yuan was taking it easy.

The drones he had sent into the mountains had so far located two strongholds of the Blood Cloud Bandits.

The main stronghold had yet to be found.

Otherwise, Qi Yuan would have gone to wipe out the bandits by now.

"It's fine. Let's wait a little longer." Qi Yuan was in no hurry.

His gaze fell upon the string of copper coins on the table, a strange glint flickering in his eyes.

The coins were stained with a sour, sweaty odor.

These coins had been given to Qi Yuan by Wang Keng.

Just today, while unloading cargo at the dock, Wang Keng had accidentally bumped into the steward of a wealthy household.

That steward, accustomed to arrogance and bullying, threatened to have Wang Keng thrown into the sea.

At that moment, Qi Yuan secretly intervened to help Wang Keng, causing the steward to accidentally drown himself.

Wang Keng knew it was Qi Yuan who had helped him, so he offered his hard-earned silver coins in gratitude.

These were all trivial matters.

What surprised Qi Yuan most was that the faint destiny within him had actually increased because of this incident.

“Hey, do you know under what circumstances destiny can be enhanced?” Qi Yuan took out the Divine Wood Token and asked the staff member of Thornblood again.

He felt that the staff member of Thornblood was like an AI, always ready with an answer.

“My name contains the character ‘Wei,’ but I am not called ‘Hey.’”

Well, in Qi Yuan’s view, the staff member of Thornblood sometimes pretended to be human, saying things with emotional undertones.

But after saying that, they would still get to the point.

“Well… there are generally three reasons.

First, you have devoured the destiny of another destiny-bearer;

Second, you have obtained some special treasures.

And third, you have altered the original trajectory of some people’s fates.

However, not every change in someone’s fate qualifies to enhance your destiny—otherwise, wouldn’t all destiny-bearers in this world strive to change others’ fates?

Only certain special individuals, certain specific events, can do so.”

Hearing this, Qi Yuan understood.

These special individuals and special events were exactly the kind recorded in history textbooks, the kind tested in exams.

Could it be that by saving Wang Keng, he had changed fate?

“How special?” Qi Yuan pressed on.

“Anything that can be recorded in the *Green Mountain Book* counts as a special event.”

“Wait, what does that mean?” At this point, Ji Wuyun, who had been lurking, voiced her doubt.

She had a million whys in her heart.

The *Green Mountain Book* records certain special events—if one changes them, can destiny be enhanced?

Then those special events… are they yet to happen?

Only what has not yet occurred, what is about to happen… can be changed, right?

But how can the *Green Mountain Book* record things of the future?

(The chapter ends)