In this moment, Gao Da thought he was flying.
He flew past the layers of green forest on the mountainside of Dong Mountain, the faint mist in the forest, and the swiftly flying crossbow bolts. He flew higher and higher.
The higher he flew, the further he could see. In that instant, Gao Da saw the mountain gate at the foot of the mountain. He saw the long stone path, the blood stains on the green stone slabs, the flashing knife light in the forest, and the snake-like shadow of a sword beside the stone path.
Then he fell, fell heavily, breaking who knows how many twigs. He hit the wet ground of the forest with a thud, and almost fell off the steep mountain bank.
Gao Da gave a muffled grunt and used the zhenqi in his body to forcefully resist this attack. His entire body bounced up like a spring. His hands gripped the hilt of the long knife tightly. Raising his foot, he prepared to charge toward the stone path of death again.
Then, with one movement, he felt all the bones in his body shatter at the same time. A muffled grunt came from his nose. The pain was unbearable. At the same time, two streams of blood seeped out of his nose.
Gao Da's legs weakened. He unconsciously turned his hand and stabbed the long knife into the ground beside him to support his body. Unexpectedly, the moment the tip of the knife touched the muddy ground, it shattered into countless pieces of metal in an instant.
Amidst the crisp clanging sounds, Gao Da fell wretchedly into the muddy ground in the forest. Beside him were pieces of the knife. In his hand, he held the pitiful remnants of the knife hilt. His eyes were filled with shock and terror.
…
…
He had been sent flying by a person and a sword.
As Fan Xian's personal guard, Gao Da had the strength of an eighth-level martial artist. Back in the Northern Qi Palace, he had forced back the enemy with one strike. How impressive was that? Even among the Tiger Guards of the Palace, he was one of the few aces. Unexpectedly, he had been sent flying by a sword like he was swatting a mosquito.
Gao Da's gaze was complicated as he looked at the sword light on the distant stone path. His heart darkened.
This time, Fan Xian had brought seven of the Tiger Guards to Danzhou. Unexpectedly, they had been brought to Dong Mountain by the Emperor. Then, they encountered the assassination attempt. As a Tiger Guard, their first duty was to protect the Emperor's safety. Although Gao Da didn't know that Sir Fan junior had already quietly slipped down the cliff, he still led the other six Tiger Guards and joined the group of Palace guards. They began to carry out the most merciless killing on this precipitous stone path.
A hundred Tiger Guards guarded a mountain path. Logically speaking, there were no aces in the world who could break through and ascend the mountain.
However, in this world, there were always a few existences that did not abide by logic. For example, the Great Grandmaster of the Qing Kingdom, Ye Liuyun, who had turned into a flowing cloud and passed by, or the person holding a sword in his hand and killing gods on the stone path. His sword intent had already reached a peak.
Gao Da swallowed the sweet saliva in his mouth and forcefully calmed his breathing. As he listened to the sounds on the stone path grow softer and softer, he knew that his brothers had probably already died at the hands of that Great Grandmaster.
The most basic requirement to be a Tiger Guard was loyalty to the Emperor. Even though they knew that they were facing the strongest power in the world, they still resolutely stood on the stone path and stood in front of the Emperor. Their blood splashed and their chests were cut open. They risked their lives and did not take a single step back!
Therefore, the Gundam … at this moment, its first reaction was to charge forward again and block the path of that terrifying big shot, becoming another wandering soul under the other party's sword.
Even if he was already heavily injured and his knife had been shattered into small pieces.
However, the Gundam hesitated for a moment.
On the long and bloody stone path, countless Tiger Guards tried to surround the figure with seven people and use the methods they used to deal with ninth-level aces in their daily training to deal with that figure. However, all of their efforts were futile. The sword that seemed to have come from the netherworld and carried an indomitable aura was only gently waved and suffused with a heavy murderous aura as it sliced through people's knives, arms, and heads.
The reason Gao Da was still alive after flying over was because he had been influenced too much by Fan Xian these two years. Involuntarily, his murderous long knife carried some of the dark imprints of Fan Xian's little tricks.
He was no longer blindly murderous and did not retreat a single step. Even when facing that figure, Gao Da was still not his match. His meridians were about to be torn apart by the sword intent, but he still survived.
Since he had survived, was he still going to send himself to death?
No!
A strange light flashed through Gao Da's eyes. Sir Fan junior had said countless times that no matter what, he had to first keep his life before he had a chance to redeem it. The great Dong Mountain was surrounded. If he charged over again and died on the stone path, it would be useless.
He covered his mouth with his hand and allowed the blood to flow out between his fingers. He didn't make a single sound. He gazed at the bottom of the forest. It was clear that the rebel army's defensive circle had relaxed a little because of the arrival of two figures in succession.
Gao Da gritted his teeth. His eyes were filled with determination. He decided to find an opportunity to break out of the encirclement.
From the moment he made this decision, he was no longer just a Tiger Guard of the royal family. He had not thought that this decision of his would bring so much shock to the world two years later.
… …
Drip, drip. The drop of blood slowly fell. It was a very small sound, but it was ear-piercing. It even made the people present feel that the sound of the dripping blood was even more cleansing than the sound of the bell in the old temple behind them.
The drop of blood was dripping from the tip of a sword.
This sword slowly rose and passed the last stone step, appearing in front of the eyes of the people on the summit of Dong Mountain.
The sword was very normal and didn't look strange. Even the hilt was casually tied with a layer of hemp rope. It looked a bit old and worn.
However, it was precisely this ordinary sword that did not reflect much light on the surface of the sword that shone with a trace of power and coldness that made everyone feel fear. Especially when the blood on the sword slowly gathered at the tip of the sword and then slowly fell down. It was as if everyone who saw this sword felt as if the blood at the tip of their hearts was flowing out of their bodies through this process.
Therefore, their faces turned pale.
Then he saw the hand that held the sword, the person.
The person wearing a straw hat and hemp clothing was not very tall. On the contrary, he appeared to be a bit short.
He was the complete opposite of Ye Liuyun's confident and untainted image. Because this figure was short, his hemp clothing was in tatters, and his entire body was covered in dust and blood from the tears in his clothing. In his hand, he held a blood-stained, worn-out sword. He appeared incomparably wretched.
However, no one laughed because of this wretched feeling. They knew that when this figure killed, he was ruthless. In terms of terror, he was even more terrifying than Ye Liuyun.
…
…
Old Eunuch Hong looked calmly at the wretched swordsman ascending the steps and smiled slightly. He then slowly withdrew the Tyrannical aura he had released. His entire body bent down and returned to the appearance of an old eunuch.
The Qing Emperor looked at the stone steps with a cold expression. He looked at Ye Liuyun and the newcomer and took a gentle step forward. Calmly, he said, "Looks like Yunrui has invested a lot this time. However, uncle, are you going crazy with her? Betraying the country for the sake of the family is truly unexpected. "
Since that terrifying figure was standing with Ye Liuyun, it meant that the most powerful old creatures had already joined hands and made a decision. They could not allow the most powerful Emperor since the founding of the Qing Kingdom to continue living.
Ye Liuyun smiled warmly. He didn't explain or defend himself.
Ever since that terrifying figure holding a sword had come up the cliff, everyone had been silent, terrified of disturbing that person. However, the Qing Emperor was not afraid at all. He smiled coldly as he stared at the hemp clothing full of holes.
Mockingly, he said, "Sigu Jian, what are you doing on Dong Mountain instead of retiring in the grass hut? Look at your wretched appearance. You killed all of my Tiger Guards. Did you think you wouldn't have to pay a price? An idiot is an idiot. The Qing Kingdom cured your insanity. It's fine if you don't think about repaying the favor, but you insist on using your sword to kill your way up the mountain and waste your zhenqi. It looks like after all these years, your brain hasn't gotten any better. "
A short man with a broken sword and wretched clothes had killed his way up the endless stone steps and killed hundreds of Tiger Guards. In the entire world, there was only Sigu Jian, who only cared about what was in front and not behind, who pressed forward with an indomitable sword intent, and who single-handedly protected Dongyi and the small vassal states for 20 years.
No one dared to be disrespectful to Sigu Jian. Only the Qing Emperor dared to speak to him in such a tone. However, when these mocking words fell into the ears of those who paid attention, they heard a hint of being strong in appearance but weak in heart.
No one dared to not reply to the Qing Emperor's question. However, Sigu Jian couldn't even be bothered to glance at the Qing Emperor. He only stared in a daze at old Eunuch Hong beside the Emperor. Gradually, the Great Grandmaster's gaze grew hot. It was as if they were going to pierce through the shadow under the straw hat and melt old Eunuch Hong's old face.
The short Sigu Jian opened his mouth. His voice was not like his body. It was as loud as a large bell. His voice could split pine, but it trembled with excitement.
"It was you just now, wasn't it? What Tyrannical zhenqi …" Sigu Jian stared at old Eunuch Hong in a daze. "I know Fan Xian also walks this path. So, you are his teacher. Speaking of which, the person who displayed power in the Royal Palace in Jingdou a dozen years ago was you. The rumors under heaven are indeed reasonable."
The Qing Emperor was ignored by this Great Grandmaster. Although the Emperor did not get angry, his gaze gradually became icy. Looking at Sigu Jian, he said, "You have tried to assassinate me three times. You didn't even see my face before retreating miserably. Is there some unexpected joy this time?"
It seemed that Sigu Jian had only just heard the Qing Emperor's words. His gaze shifted slightly and looked at the Qing Emperor's face. After a moment of silence, he suddenly shook his head. "You are far less handsome than your son. What is there to look at?"
The Emperor smiled slightly and said, "Naturally, I am talking about An Zhi. Have you seen him?"
Sigu Jian tilted his head and said, "I have a female disciple called Lv Sisi. Her senior sister disciple was clearly killed by Fan Xian, but after seeing Fan Xian from afar in Hangzhou, she forgot her grudge and became infatuated. Every day, she holds up some Banxianzhai book and reads it. Speaking of which, Fan Xian, that pretty boy, is not bad."
The sea breeze blew gently through the summit of the mountain. The Qing Emperor laughed loudly and said, "You Dongyi people are indeed all infatuated."
Sigu Jian thought for a moment and then said seriously, "I am an idiot. My little disciple is even more of an idiot. My disciple is infatuated. This is as it should be."
Then, this seemingly idiotic Great Grandmaster suddenly gazed at the Qing Emperor and said, "I am not as good as you in governing and fighting wars. There are not many people more powerful than you in the world. Thus, I must respect you. I hope you don't mind my rudeness just now. "
"Sir is too polite." The Emperor seemed to be intoxicated and bowed slightly.
Then, the Emperor and Sigu Jian laughed loudly at the same time. Even the increasingly strong sea breeze could not stop the sound of the laughter from spreading. Sigu Jian's laughter was naturally imbued with extremely pure zhenqi, so it broke through the wind without any hindrance. However, the Emperor's laughter was unhindered by the heroic spirit he had cultivated for a long time as the ruler of the world.
The laughter suddenly stopped. An awkward silence fell. It was as if neither side knew how to continue this absurd play.
To kill or to be killed, this was a question and not a long play that needed to be talked about, told history, and told stories.
Why had the Qing Emperor and Sigu Jian clumsily performed this scene earlier?
The Qing Emperor slowly put his hands behind his back and sighed. He no longer looked at the two Great Grandmasters on the stone steps. Calmly, he said, "I had followed Yunrui's intentions and followed her plan, intending to keep uncle here. Unexpectedly, Yunrui's plan was so crazy that she disregarded the safety of the country and tied Dongyi and Northern Qi to her chariot."
He turned his head without a trace of fear. Calmly, he looked at the shadow under Sigu Jian's straw hat and said, "Great Grandmasters have not appeared in the world for a long time. When they do, they will shake the world. Since the two of you have come here today, naturally, you must succeed. Although I am not afraid of death, I do not want to die. Thus, I have no choice but to delay. I truly do not know why you are also delaying with me for so long. "
Sigu Jian was silent for a moment. His wrist dropped naturally. Appearing somewhat ill at ease, he smiled strangely and said, "Why am I so interested in this eunuch? Of the four strange creatures in the world, the three of us can all be considered divine friends. Only this eunuch likes to hide in the Palace. It is because I understand Ye Liuyun that I know his personality. If possible, he would act alone and not wait for us outsiders to interfere with the internal affairs of the Qing Kingdom. "
Sigu Jian calmed down and respectfully said to old Eunuch Hong, "Even if eunuch was here, Ye Liuyun would still act."
He said one last sentence to explain the Qing Emperor's question. "Ye Liuyun has his reasons for not acting. Thus, I can only see why he hasn't acted immediately."
Ye Liuyun smiled gently and turned his body to face Sigu Jian. "Foolish sword, do you still not feel it at this time?"
Sigu Jian's body was short, so the straw hat on his head appeared particularly large. The shadow completely covered his face. Even though the shadow was heavy, the people on the summit seemed to see the trace of a bitter smile at the corners of this Great Grandmaster's lips and a strange expression on his face.
Everyone's hearts jumped. They wondered what kind of discovery would make Sigu Jian, who had always viewed swords as an idiot and killed people like grass, quiet for so long.
Sigu Jian turned and directly faced the door of the old temple behind everyone. He raised his sword and bowed. After a moment of silence, he said, "I truly don't understand. Why have you come to join in on the lousy matters of the world?"
The officials and priests who were seen by Sigu Jian were terrified and quickly moved away, terrified of being touched by his gaze. Following Sigu Jian's gaze, the people parted to make a path, revealing the black wooden door of the old temple at the very end.
Outside the door was Wu Zhu, who was dressed entirely in black and seemed to have become one with the temple.
Sigu Jian's gaze pierced through the air like two swords and landed on Wu Zhu's clean face and the black cloth that seemed to never be tainted by dust.
However, Wu Zhu was unmoved and did not have any reaction.
Sigu Jian sighed.
…
…
The Qing Emperor laughed again. This time, his laughter was more natural. "If you can come, why can't Lao Wu?"
The Emperor's smile faded and he looked coldly at Sigu Jian.
Ye Liuyun smiled bitterly and shook his head. He said to Sigu Jian, "When the mountain was surrounded, Fan Xian was on the mountain. Naturally, he also came."
Sigu Jian paused. This Great Grandmaster had never cared about the specific process of surrounding the mountain. After pausing for a moment, he suddenly let loose a torrent of abuse. He completely disregarded a Great Grandmaster's aura and dignity. A string of curses went on for several breaths, using all the obscenities he could think of.
"F * ck … Yun Zhilan and Yan Xiaoyi, those two idiots! Why did they surround that pretty boy on the mountain? "Sigu Jian scolded as he panted for breath." Are they trying to kill me? "
His expression suddenly froze. He looked coldly at the Qing Emperor and mockingly said, "You brought Fan Xian up the mountain and found such a good helper. No wonder you're not afraid at all. Looks like I was wrong earlier. I am not as good as you in governing and military. I am even less capable of squeezing my own children and family."
The Qing Emperor smiled slightly and didn't say anything.
It was clear that, regardless of whether it was Sigu Jian or Ye Liuyun, they both felt great shock and wariness toward Wu Zhu, who had suddenly appeared in the Qing Temple at the summit of Dong Mountain.
Although they were Great Grandmasters, past history and the miraculous happenings of this world had already proven many things. Otherwise, Sigu Jian would not have sent Thirteenth Wang to Fan Xian's side and thrown out his last disciple, whose personality was most similar to his but was particularly gentle.
Was it not because of this blind man?
Sigu Jian suddenly looked at Wu Zhu and quietly said, "Don't get involved in this matter. Go down the mountain. This Emperor is not a good person. Us old fellows will give you a guarantee. Fan Xian will live a glorious life. Even if he doesn't stay in the Qing Kingdom and goes to Dongyi, I will have him be the Master of the City."
Everyone present remained silent, but expressions of shock and terror began to appear in their eyes. They didn't know who the black-clothed man standing at the temple door was to be able to make two Great Grandmasters stop in the instant before they assassinated the Emperor and to make Sigu Jian, the always ruthless Sigu Jian, make such a large promise.
No one would disbelieve the words of a Great Grandmaster.
Thus, everyone was even more curious about the black-clothed man who was closely related to Sir Fan junior.
…
…
The Emperor's brows furrowed slightly. He found that Wu Zhu had his head lowered as if thinking about something.
Wu Zhu thought for a moment and then slowly said, "Apologies, Fan Xian asked me to protect the Emperor's life."
Like Ye Liuyun, Sigu Jian also opened his mouth wide and sank into an expression of shock that was even greater than when he saw Wu Zhu. A moment later, he shook his head and said, "After 30 years, who would have thought you'd become so talkative? If I didn't know it was you, I would have thought you were being impersonated."
Wu Zhu shook his head and couldn't be bothered to reply to such a senseless question.
Sigu Jian adjusted the straw hat on his head and said, "Wu Zhu, we were friends back then. Unless I had no other choice, I didn't want to attack you. You have to know, in the two years after Niulan Mountain, I had tolerated Fan Xian for a long time."
Everyone was shocked again and wondered what the friendship back then was.
Wu Zhu was slightly startled. He thought for a moment and then quietly said, "At that time, your snot was on the ground. It was so dirty."
Sigu Jian laughed loudly. "I'm just as dirty now. I'm still that idiot with a runny nose when I was a teenager. How about it? Do you want to squat with me again? "
The corners of Wu Zhu's mouth twitched as if he wanted to smile. In the end, he didn't. He only shook his head.
…
…
Sigu Jian was silent for a long time. He then shook his head and put his sword back into the sheath by his side. Ye Liuyun asked in surprise, "What?"
Sigu Jian pointed at old Eunuch Hong and Wu Zhu. He then looked at Ye Liuyun and said without good humor, "Two against two. Only an idiot would attack."
Ye Liuyun said with a pained expression, "But you … are you not an idiot?"
"I am an idiot," Sigu Jian said seriously. "But, I am not crazy."
Everyone present, including the Qing officials, priests, and a few eunuchs, was actually seeing these legendary figures for the first time. They were seeing the Great Grandmasters who were like gods in the hearts of humans. After the initial respect and fear, countless absurd feelings grew in their hearts as they watched the conversation. Were these old men who bickered like children the Great Grandmasters who had secretly influenced the situation under heaven for 20 years?
The Emperor watched this scene and waited for the curtain to fall on the drama. His heart was calm.
If Sigu Jian and Ye Liuyun truly retreated, this drama would become a farce. Sigu Jian was not truly an idiot. He knew what terrifying consequences it would bring if he allowed the Qing Emperor to return to Jingdou alive.
Sigu Jian yelled at the top of his voice, "In any case, I won't fight two against two. If that bastard still doesn't come out, I will immediately leave the mountain."
Hearing these words, the Emperor's pupils constricted slightly. His expression became cold.
Clouds rose and fell at the waist of the mountain. Heavenly swords pierced through the stone paths. Fallen leaves drifted with the wind.
The wind passed and the light scattered. In a flash, a third person wearing a straw hat floated to the top of the mountain like a fallen leaf.
Ku He had finally come.
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