Chapter 345: Mid-Stage of the Fourth Rank! (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 345: The Middle Realm of the Fourth Rank! (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Ah, my old friend, solitude like falling snow.

White Dadu, the great immortal, quietly murmured a phrase in his heart, yet it was a true reflection of his inner thoughts.

When he strode across the realm, the previous war of hidden immortals had long since settled into dust—Mongol tribe’s land immortal, Great Asa, had emerged as the reigning hidden immortal.

Though Great Asa rarely meddled in the internal strife of the Great Wei dynasty or the barbarian clans, each of them, within their own domains, could not allow the Central Plains to descend into chaos.

First, because they had fought bitter wars, shattering mountains, rivers, and seas, leaving all life desolated.

Second, because the prodigious upstart, unable to die by unnatural means, would affect the next “Contest of the Path to Primacy.”

In truth, which clan a hidden immortal belonged to did not affect the usual disputes between their respective masters and great masters.

The only beneficial factor was the mutual raids between Great Wei and the barbarian tribes.

Above the great masters existed those who could act, whose single battle could determine the fate of the world, threatening the mundane world’s people to an unprecedented degree.

Just as in the past, the “Sword Ghost” Han Jue, who slew three thousand Tiger Bi soldiers, had faced and vanquished a well-equipped army upon entering the great master realm.

If a great master or land immortal were to act, their power would only grow greater.

In an instant, they could sever the lives of others.

Such a state of affairs naturally required restraint above the first rank.

Even White Dadu himself was no exception.

The two words, “rules,” weighed upon him, and this so-called the greatest martial artist in the world was not pleased.

Except for the occasional bullying of Li Wuding and Chu Xiu, he had almost no chance to act.

Thus, thirty years ago, Gu Mingbai felt there were no opponents left, so he retreated to the Wind and Rain Pavilion, no longer concerned with the affairs of the world.

Until today, as the “Contest of the Path to Primacy” approached, this greatest martial artist was to carry the banner of the Central Plains.

He ran north and south, east and west, inquiring about the thoughts of over a dozen surviving land immortals of this era.

After all, he needed to ask whether those people would participate in the “Contest of the Path to Primacy,” or continue in leisurely seclusion.

Regardless of others’ choices.

Gu Mingbai, having stumbled through half a lifetime, simply wished to indulge in a grand battle.

His mind, for a rare moment, stirred with emotion, then quickly settled, his white hair and youthful face remaining as if a hermit’s.

He turned his head toward Xiao Honghong, smiling, “I wonder if my lord has heard of my meeting with Ye Guanyi, that young fellow’s duel?”

Xiao Honghong hesitated slightly, nodding, “Before, when I returned to the capital, I happened to meet the ‘Snow Sword Lord,’ who has invited me to observe.”

White Dadu’s face flickered with a strange smile, “It would be good to go see for yourself.”

“Ye Guanyi, having entered the land immortal realm through sword techniques, you should observe his sword methods, which would greatly benefit you.”

“Moreover, I have sent out invitations from the Wind and Rain Pavilion, inviting all my disciples of the Great Wei to attend, as a gesture toward the younger generation…”

Shu Hong, beside him, clenched his teeth, struggling to endure the pressure of the earth’s spirit, while secretly rolling his eyes.

Others did not know, he knew that White Dadu had met Ye Guanyi, and during that meeting, they had spoken of Xiao Honghong and the “Dragon Tiger” Liu Wu—Chen Yi.

At this moment, White Dadu feigned ignorance, asking Xiao Honghong, clearly having no good intention.

Shu Hong, in his heart, silently chanted, and soon heard White Dadu continue, “When you first observed your father and Chu Xiu’s duel, did you ever challenge others?”

Xiao Honghong nodded slightly, “My lord ordered me to test my sword.”

“Now, many outstanding young talents of Great Wei have gathered. If I let Shu Hong act, there would be some interference with others. How about you stepping in instead?”

“Me?”

White Dadu laughed heartily, “My lord, your sword techniques have reached perfection, though still far from the extreme realm. Seizing this chance to test against others, perhaps you might gain something.”

Seeing Xiao Honghong showing some interest, he continued, “You must not have had a match with an equal opponent in a long time, right?”

Xiao Honghong, upon hearing this, showed a thoughtful expression, and after a moment, did not immediately agree, only saying, “My lord, I am occupied with military affairs these days, likely unable to attend as scheduled.”

White Dadu waved his hand, “Do as you wish.”

“However, shutting yourself in a room is not a long-term solution. Good opponents are hard to find. When you decide, come find me at any time.”

“Thank you, my lord…”

After a moment of silence.

White Dadu finally released the pressure on Shu Hong’s body, and the three of them sat at the table, idly chatting while letting the autumn night breeze blow.

Mostly about the “Contest of the Path to Primacy,” and White Dadu’s duel and practice with Ye Guanyi.

Shu Hong could not help but feel some irony.

Coming to Shu Zhou, he had already planned to further his martial arts.

By leveraging White Dadu and the “Snow Sword Lord’s” duel, and testing his skills against peers and young talents, this was the best opportunity.

Now, White Dadu’s invitation to Xiao Honghong had foiled his plans.

Fortunately, Shu Hong had confidence in his own talents, so he could seek another opportunity.

In fact, Xiao Honghong had also considered this, which is why he did not immediately agree.

Since entering Lingyuan Army, his sword techniques had advanced, though slowly.

One reason was his heavy military duties, another was his study of spear techniques.

The third, as White Dadu said, was that he could not find opportunities to spar with others.

Even if he tried, ordinary experts would not even catch his eye.

So, after due consideration, Xiao Honghong decided to go observe, to see the sword techniques of the “Snow Sword Lord” Ye Guanyi.

About an hour later, as midnight approached.

White Dadu stood, saying, “I must go to Wudang Mountain to inquire about Master Zhou Wu.”

“Shu Hong, will you accompany me to Wudang Mountain, or stay in Shu Zhou?”

Shu Hong stood, smiling, “I’ll stay here, Master. I want to tour Shu Zhou.”

White Dadu glanced at him, a few fingers twitched in his sleeve, calculating, “You stay in Shu Zhou, but remember, do not act rashly.”

Shu Hong raised an eyebrow, his handsome face showing some confusion, “Master, what do you see in this?”

White Dadu paid him no more mind, turning to bid farewell to Xiao Honghong, “I had suggested this earlier, hope my lord considers carefully.”

Xiao Honghong bowed his hands, “I will.”

“Then I’ll take the lead first.”

Before words could finish, White Dadu vanished into the mountains beyond.

The rapids of the Red River crashed against the cliff walls, thunderous waves echoing endlessly.

Xiao Jinghong and Shui He watched as Guo Meibai departed, yet they did not part ways then.

Shui He gazed at his equally prodigious companion, Xiao Jinghong, and after a moment’s thought, inquired, “Have you heard of the upheavals within the Shushou authorities?”

Xiao Jinghong slightly bowed her head, her hair swaying gently in the night breeze, speaking calmly:

“Governor Liu Hong betrayed my parents—he sold them to the enemy. My grandfather learned of this, and in a fit of fury, he struck him down with his bare fists.”

“Zhu Hao secretly sold iron weapons to the enemy, committing treason. I beheaded him myself.”

“Furthermore, all the associated officials and noble families have faced punishment. Shushou will inevitably experience some turbulence.”

Shui He glanced sideways at her, his gaze drifting upward to the starless sky, sighing softly:

“Though the world is rife with flies and dogs, the chaos here pales in comparison to the scheming within the court.”

After a pause, he consoled gently: “Since Liu Hong and others are dead, your brother should find some relief, allowing you to focus on refining your martial arts.”

Xiao Jinghong fell silent for a moment, shaking her head: “The matters remain unresolved. I must still await word from the Kyoto Prefecture.”

As she spoke, her thoughts drifted to a prior incident. Her eyes met Shui He’s, and she spoke with gravity:

“The token my elder brother entrusted to me—I have already dispatched several individuals from the Fengye Tower to Kyoto Prefecture, hoping you will not fault me.”

Shui He smiled and nodded: “Our patriarch clearly intended this. There is no need for you to be formal.”

“Besides, Li Shicheng and our master share the same lineage. Though you have no direct involvement with Fengye Tower, the temple remains, and all personnel there are under your command.” Xiao Jinghong bowed deeply: “Your kindness is beyond measure.”

Before Shui He could respond, she continued:

“There is another matter. I had intended to contact the Fengye Tower at another time, but since you are here, I shall speak plainly.”

“Speak plainly.”

“Recently, Shushou has been unstable. To the north lie the Liu family of Jingzhou and Liu Hong’s machinations; to the south, the Chuanque King’s faction, led by the bandit Du Cang, has seized my younger sister. I wish to summon several masters from the Fengye Tower to guard the Xiao family.”

“Do you have any candidates in mind?”

Upon hearing her request, Shui He’s handsome face bore a peculiar smile.

The Xiao family required protection?

It seems his sister-in-law has yet to grasp the nature of his schemes.

Indeed.

If not, how could their grandfather, so shamelessly playful, concoct such tricks?

Shui He pondered these thoughts, his expression unreadable as he turned away in thought, then murmured:

“For the time being, I cannot fathom a suitable candidate. However…”

He fixed his gaze on Xiao Jinghong, then pointed to himself: “Perhaps I could take up residence at your home for a few days?”

Xiao Jinghong hesitated, “If your elder brother were to intervene personally…”

Before she could finish, Shui He nodded firmly: “It is settled.”

“Once our patriarch and Ye Luan meet to discuss matters, I will seek his approval before arranging for others to come.”

Xiao Jinghong saw no reason to refuse, bowing slightly: “Then I shall entrust it to your care.”

“In my spare time, I’d like to explore the capital’s prosperity. With so many outstanding talents arriving from various prefectures, it should not be too dull.”

“If you require anything, Jinghong, I can have Grandfather arrange for you to tour the city.”

Shui He waved dismissively: “I am not so extravagant…”

Yet as he spoke, a thought struck him. He turned to Xiao Jinghong and said softly: “Have you heard that your husband has shown remarkable talent?”

“Husband?”

Xiao Jinghong glanced at him, hesitating, then nodded: “He is indeed talented, though his martial arts are still unrefined. Perhaps…”

“Nonsense. Nonsense. I shall see for myself. It would be good to meet your husband.”

“In that case… Jinghong, I shall send him a letter later.”

“Certainly, certainly…”

Within moments, Shui He leapt to his feet and rushed toward the capital.

Xiao Jinghong watched him depart, then recalled the events of the evening. She composed herself and returned to her quarters at the Xuanjia Army garrison.

Su Zhimeng greeted her upon her return, hurrying forward: “General, a letter has arrived from the capital.”

Xiao Jinghong walked back to her tent, taking the letter from Su Zhimeng’s hands and reading it carefully.

[“The letter from Feng Erbao states he has returned safely. No severe punishment was imposed; he is merely to forfeit three years’ salary.”]

[“However, the Son of Heaven has also conveyed the following…”]

[“Furthermore, the Shushou governorship is to be temporarily administered by Yang Zhe as left governor. The right governor’s appointment remains undecided.”]

After reading the letter, Xiao Jinghong felt a slight relief, her steps lightening.

She handed the letter back to Su Zhimeng: “Instruct someone to greet Governor Feng.”

Su Zhimeng glanced at the letter, smiling: “The Emperor has shown leniency this time. You and Master may relax a little.”

Xiao Jinghong nodded, settling at the table: “How is the condition of the Xuanjia Army soldiers?”

Su Zhimeng immediately set aside his smile, retrieving a scroll: “To speak plainly, seventy percent of the eighty thousand new recruits have reached the eighth-grade threshold. Another twenty percent are close to breaking through. The remaining ten percent still lag behind.”

Xiao Jinghong furrowed her brow: “So nearly ten thousand soldiers cannot yet face the adult barbarians in direct combat…”

Su Zhimeng understood her implication, hesitating: “General, I and the overall commander have inquired—they lack the necessary skills.”

“If we forcefully elevate their cultivation, it would only breed complacency.”

Xiao Jinghong shook her head: “Time does not wait for us. We can wait. Some cannot wait, and I cannot afford to wait much longer.”

“You mean… the situation in Kyoto Prefecture?”

“The Emperor’s words are clear—he understands the state of Shushou and my family.”

Su Zhimeng glanced at the scroll, then at Xiao Jinghong: “So he…”

Xiao Jinghong traced her finger along the map on the table, whispering: “It concerns the northern frontier.”

Long before her return to Shushou, she had heard Li Wei discuss the Emperor’s nature and plans. Reflecting on this, she realized that the Emperor’s tacit approval of events affecting her family had been a test.

If the Xiao family could endure, the Emperor would continue to trust them.

If they failed to withstand the previous trials, the Emperor could openly replace them with another martial brother.

Given Xiao Jinghong’s understanding of the Wei dynasty’s current strength, the Emperor’s forces were too formidable to fear Xiao family resistance.

At such a juncture, perhaps the Emperor would even use Shushou as a training ground, refining the forces of other prefectures.

Like her recent dispatch of Ma Wei to lead the Xuanjia Army beyond the Mengshui Pass, intended to let the new recruits witness true barbarian warfare—even with losses, she was prepared to accept them.

Xiao Jinghong could not help but harbor a sliver of hope in his heart; the Xiao family had, at last, managed to catch a breath.

After a moment of contemplation.

Xiao Jinghong stood up and gave the order, "Gather your belongings. We must hurry to the Grey Wolf Army garrison."

Su Zhimeng hesitated, "You said you were preparing to welcome Master Feng?"

"Not anymore. Since he came to deliver the imperial decree, he might as well walk a little further..."

How could a few playful whims change the tide for the Xiao family, after all they had endured?

...

The Xiao family, Spring Lotus Garden.

Past the middle of the yin hour, the sky was dimly lit.

Chen Yì tossed the purple bamboo aside, brushed the sweat from his brow, and strolled back to the wooden tower.

Since completing the letter to Xiao Jinghong, he had been cultivating the Four Symbols Technique, and by the time theZi hour passed, he proceeded to practice in the purple bamboo forest.

Of course, his primary focus remained the sword path.

These days, Chen Yì had been diligent and resolute.

Not only had he mastered the profound secrets of the Great Ascension Sword Path, but he had also reached proficiency in the Tian Wu Fei Hua sword technique, matching his progress in blade and footwork.

Chen Yì paused briefly, his thoughts stirring, as he gazed at the golden characters before him:

[Daily Intelligence Report, Grade Yellow, Premium: At noon, in the East Market's Ji Zhua Pharmacy, the renowned medical master Wen Niu Er will visit to consult. Reward: a small amount of karma.]

The medical master visiting the Xiao family's Ji Zhua Pharmacy...

Was this the same individual from the invitation Su had sent out earlier?

Chen Yì’s lips curled into a sly smile, "It seems the visiting monk is hoping to extract some information from the local monks."

"Though young Cheng’s medical arts aren’t exactly impressive..."

Well, that suited him just fine.

A medical master displaying even a hint of skill might prove beneficial to Yuan Liu’er.

Chen Yì thought to himself, then settled cross-legged on the bed, continuing his cultivation of the Four Symbols Technique.

The energies of heaven and earth surged in an instant, converging along the twelve meridians, filling the three great energy seas.

Especially the energy sea in the mind palace—the four divine palaces consuming it grew increasingly dense.

After roughly half a shi, a thunderous boom resonated in his mind, like a cauldron striking a bell, and his spirit lightened, his entire being floating slightly.

Then, four voices—clear and crisp, deep and resonant, or booming—echoed forth.

[Cultivation of the Four Symbols Technique successful; progress refined—midway through the fourth tier...]

(Chapter Complete)