The original words were "Soldiers are lethal weapons. Saints have no choice but to use them. I won't use such a merciful meaning, so I changed it to" those who are not saints cannot use them ". I am satisfied that even if it is a story, it has to be carefully managed.
Yesterday, everyone gave me a lot of face and threw a lot of votes. I'm getting closer and closer to Lao Wu on the monthly votes list. I'm still a hundred votes away from him. I feel like I can see stars shining. Let's keep chasing. Yahoo!
…
…
This was a world of natural selection. To poke their heads out from the layers of reeds by the North Sea and to have the right to be first among the pack of wolves on the grasslands, they needed to abandon their so-called "weak emotions." Saints were heartless, and the most heartless. Otherwise, it was not possible to transcend.
The courtyard of the City Lord's residence was quiet. The corpses and pools of blood on the ground had been pushed to the bottom of the courtyard walls by the previous tremors. It was as if they had been swept by the hand of God. The blood had turned into red paint that had been brushed with a few green leaves that had recently fallen.
With these green leaves as a boundary, Sigu Jian and the Shadow, the two brothers, each sat below two stone steps. Heavily injured and speechless, they looked at each other coldly.
Suddenly, a concentrated whistling sound came from outside the manor. It was like a dozen catapults had launched an attack on the manor at the same time. The millstone-sized rocks sliced through the air.
Sigu Jian's expression did not change. The Shadow's expression did not change. Fan Xian was walking toward the Shadow. His expression also did not change. The three of them had all heard clearly that it was not rocks flying through the air. It was people. It looked like the bloody case in the manor had finally startled the aces standing stupidly outside the Sword Hut.
The Northern Qi Emperor had come to Dongyi with Lang Tiao and Friar He, two ninth-level aces. As for whether or not the Tianyi Dao sect had any hidden aces hiding in the dark to protect them, no one knew. Since the day before, all of the disciples of the Sword Hut had returned from their respective cultivation places and stood guard in front of the Sword Hut, silently waiting for their teacher's edict.
Adding the two sides together, there were a dozen ninth-level aces. Thinking about it, there were only two ninth-level aces in the entire Qing Kingdom, one couldn't help but feel a glimmer of surprise and envy at Dongyi's uniqueness. With so many aces breaking through the air and arriving, the aura was indeed shocking.
The wind blew. Yun Zhilan and Lang Tiao led everyone and swept onto the blood-covered ground. The two of them furrowed their brows and unconsciously looked at their feet. They then saw the scene in the manor clearly. At the same time, they found the person they cared about the most.
Lang Tiao saw the Emperor and found that the Emperor seemed to be fine, only his face was slightly pale. He couldn't help but be overjoyed. Leading his subordinates, he surrounded the little Emperor to ensure his safety. At the same time, he turned a wary gaze toward Fan Xian.
On the other side, Yun Zhilan saw the heavily injured Sigu Jian sitting at the bottom of the stone steps. His expression changed dramatically in shock. He quickly rushed over. Without a word, his knees hit the ground with a bang and he knelt down.
This first disciple of the Sword Hut was unable to hide the strange expression on his face. He didn't care how his teacher would punish him afterward. Since he dared to go against his teacher's intentions and secretly make a deal with the Northern Qi people, his sword heart had long been prepared. Looking at the wretched scene in the manor of the Master of the City, the dead Master of the City, and the aces in the manor, he knew who had done this.
Since his teacher had personally taken action, it showed his attitude. What shocked Yun Zhilan was that his teacher had been injured so heavily.
All of the disciples of the Sword Hut knelt by Sigu Jian's side. They looked at their teacher's injuries with shock and anger.
In these people's hearts, the only people in this world who could compare to their teacher were the Great Grandmasters. Even though their teacher had been injured for three years, the only people who could harm him were the Qing Emperor and the missing Ye Liuyun.
A disciple of the Sword Hut began to help bandage Sigu Jian's injuries with trembling hands. In his heart, his teacher was a god-like figure, particularly when it came to the sword. He was the foremost figure in the world. Now, he had been stabbed twice in the chest. Who had done this?
The door to the back of the manor moved slightly. The second disciple of the Sword Hut walked in, supporting Thirteenth Wang. They saw the scene in front of them and couldn't help but be shocked. Thirteenth Wang, in particular, was still poisoned. Last night, he had forcefully raised his realm and held a willow tree to stop everyone and help Fan Xian enter the Sword Hut. He was completely exhausted. If it weren't for his second disciple supporting him, he probably wouldn't have made it to the manor in time.
Last night, the atmosphere inside the Sword Hut was harmonious. Outside the Sword Hut, swords were drawn. Everyone knew that the thirteenth disciple of the Sword Hut was Fan Xian's good friend. Fan Xian had taken the Northern Qi Emperor hostage and charged into the sacred and inviolable Sword Hut. Thus, everyone's enmity was directed at Thirteenth Wang.
If it weren't for the second disciple of the Sword Hut coldly protecting him, Yun Zhilan would not have allowed Lang Tiao and the others to attack for the sake of his teacher's dignity, Thirteenth Wang would probably be lying in bed.
Of course, the reason Thirteenth Wang was able to maintain his safety under the encirclement of so many aces was because of that leaf and that branch. The sword saint in the Sword Hut had already expressed his attitude. The disciples of the Sword Hut who had already leaned toward Yun Zhilan's side could only maintain their neutrality.
…
…
Thirteenth Wang knelt by Sigu Jian's side. His lips trembled slightly. He couldn't say anything. After he entered the manor, he hadn't glanced at Fan Xian because his emotions were complicated. All of this had been ordered by his teacher. He had helped Fan Xian enter the Sword Hut. He had thought that his teacher and Sir Fan junior would have a harmonious conversation. He had not thought that his teacher would be so injured.
The disciples of the Sword Hut all knew of the power of the manor of the Master of the City and the terrifying power of the sword in their teacher's hand. Naturally, they thought that the person who had injured their teacher was not someone from the manor of the City but someone from the Qing Kingdom.
It was someone from Fan Xian.
Yun Zhilan was the first to stand. He looked coldly at Fan Xian and the black-clothed man by the stone steps. Gradually, his eyes became icy. His gaze passed over Fan Xian and looked at the black-clothed man. His gaze changed from icy to burning.
He knew the black-clothed man. It could even be said that he was very familiar with him. Four years ago, by the Hangzhou lake in the Qing Kingdom's Jiangnan, this black-clothed man had risen from the lake and stabbed him with a sword on the side of a small boat. Then, the two of them had carried out a chase and being chased for a number of months in the Jiangnan area.
Yun Zhilan knew the black-clothed man's strength. He had even always thought that, other than his teacher, this black-clothed man's sword technique was the sharpest and most sinister, even sharper than his own.
Yun Zhilan was already a ninth-level ace, so he knew how powerful the black-clothed man was. He didn't need to think too much to know that the only person present who could injure his teacher with a sword was that black-clothed man.
He slowly pulled out the long sword at his waist and walked step by step toward the stone steps. The distance between each step was fixed, no more, no less, exactly two feet.
The sword in his hand was three feet.
The distance between him and the Shadow was 30 feet.
"The legendary true master of the Sixth Bureau of the Overwatch Council, Sir Shadow." As Yun Zhilan walked, he coldly said, "This is the first time I've seen your true face."
Yun Zhilan took five steps closer and closer to the stone steps. The sword intent on his body grew thicker and his murderous intent grew stronger. Regardless of what difference this first disciple of the Sword Hut thought of the future of Dongyi and his teacher, when foreign enemies attacked and the Qing people dared to injure his teacher, Yun Zhilan's chest was filled with murderous intent. He had to kill the other party under his sword.
If the other party had been in perfect condition, Yun Zhilan would not have had much confidence. However, he knew that even if the black-clothed man had taken advantage of the situation when his master was not paying attention to kill him and stabbed his master twice, the other party must have paid a great price for this.
The disciples of the Sword Hut were deeply influenced by Sigu Jian's intentions. They did not care about using strength to bully the weak.
Under the large tree, the Northern Qi Emperor watched this scene with a pale face. She didn't know if the Sword Hut and the Qing Kingdom would come to blows or how Fan Xian would deal with these matters. In her opinion, even if Sigu Jian wanted to reach an agreement with the Qing Kingdom, given this Great Grandmaster's bloodthirsty nature, he would not allow the black-clothed man, whom Yun Zhilan called the Head of the Sixth Bureau of the Overwatch Council, to leave alive.
Suddenly, the little Emperor seemed to think of something. She thought of the word Sigu Jian had mentioned earlier. Her eyes lit up. A glimmer of red appeared on her pale face.
…
…
Fan Xian was half-kneeling by the Shadow's side, helping him tend to the wounds on his body. The countless bloody cuts made by the sword qi were still seeping blood. Fortunately, the Overwatch Council's robes had some effect. The wounds were not deep and did not need any special treatment. Given the Shadow's powerful body, he should be able to stop the bleeding.
The biggest problem was inside the Shadow's body. Fan Xian's palm was placed on his back. Slowly, he sent in a stream of Tianyi Dao's natural zhenqi. Carefully, he checked the situation inside. His expression grew more and more serious. A moment later, he took out a medicine from his clothes and fed it to the Shadow's lips. Then, he pressed his palms tightly together and began to help him heal.
The night before, he had treated Thirteenth Wang's wounds. Yesterday, he had fought a desperate battle with Lang Tiao and the others. Last night, he had fought in bed with the little Emperor. Fan Xian was exhausted. He knew that if he didn't act quickly, the Shadow would probably die from internal bleeding.
After the Hanging Temple incident, the Shadow had followed Fan Xian for four years and never left his side. Although their relationship was that of a superior and subordinate and did not have much to do with the term friend, Fan Xian knew that he could no longer leave this person. This was a feeling of familiarity that came naturally after entrusting one's life to another for a long time.
Fan Xian lowered his eyes, but he could still hear Yun Zhilan's steady footsteps coming closer and closer. A moment later, he slowly put down his hands and stood. Looking at Yun Zhilan, he said, "Do you still want to kill me?"
Yun Zhilan was silent for a moment. He then said, "Your life and death will be decided by my teacher. However, this person must die."
Fan Xian didn't think about anything. He slowly took off the long robe he was wearing, revealing a pure black suit underneath. He then bent down and pulled out his black dagger from his boot.
He stood in front of the Shadow.
…
…
Fan Xian stood out. The atmosphere in the entire courtyard changed. From beginning to end, he had not truly attacked. The only thing he had expended was his spirit, which had been forcefully worn away by Sigu Jian's powerful will. However, standing in front of the Shadow, Fan Xian's spirit seemed to return to his body in an instant. He was cold and silent, unusually powerful.
It was just like when he faced Yan Xiaoyi in the past.
Everyone knew of Fan Xian's power. The current Qing official was no longer the young and inexperienced figure who had just entered the ninth-level when he went to Northern Qi as a diplomatic envoy. He was a true ninth-level ace. He had silently killed Yan Xiaoyi, killed the old Qin Master in Jingdou, forced back Haitang on the grasslands, and miraculously escaped twice from the combined attacks of a few ninth-level aces. In his past encounters with ninth-level aces, Fan Xian had, without exception, obtained complete victories.
This was not a person's name or the shadow of a tree. It was a true accumulation of confidence. Even when facing the first disciple of the Sword Hut, Yun Zhilan, Fan Xian still did not feel a glimmer of fear in his heart. He only looked at him coldly. His meaning was clear. If you want to kill my subordinate, you have to let me kill you first.
Fan Xian and Yun Zhilan stood face to face. Behind Yun Zhilan, more people stood up. There were 13 disciples of the Sword Hut, and all of them were present. Only six people stood up. However, it was the sharp sword intent emanating from these six people that merged with Yun Zhilan's blade and suddenly shot out, causing Fan Xian's face to pale slightly.
There were also a few disciples of the Sword Hut kneeling by Sigu Jian's side. Their hands and feet were busy, serving him fearfully. Among them were the third and fourth disciples of the Sword Hut who had ambushed Fan Xian in the plum garden. The reason these two aces of the Sword Hut did not stand up was complicated. They knew that Fan Xian and the black-clothed man both knew the Sigu sword.
They had not told Yun Zhilan of this matter because the implications were too great. They were prepared to secretly report it to their teacher. Unexpectedly, too many things had happened these two days. They had not found an opportunity.
They were shocked in their hearts and endlessly guessed the relationship between the black-clothed man at the bottom of the stone steps and their teacher. Why was he able to injure their teacher?
Thirteenth Wang also did not stand up. He did not look at Fan Xian. His heart was a mess. He didn't understand what had happened. He only faintly guessed a secret, but he could not speak of it.
…
…
Yun Zhilan did not know any of this. The cold-blooded assassination between him and the Shadow in Jiangnan was often only a matter of an instant. At that time, the Shadow had held back and had not demonstrated his ultimate skill.
He only looked at Fan Xian and tightened his grip on the sword in his hand.
Under the large tree, Sir Lang Tiao, who had his head down the entire time, suddenly tightened his pinky. The metal chain around his wrist suddenly tightened.
Just at this moment, a slightly cold hand was placed on Lang Tiao's wrist, stopping him from attacking.
Lang Tiao furrowed his brows slightly and looked at the Emperor who had stopped him. He didn't understand why. He thought that this was a rare opportunity for the Qi Kingdom. The Qing Kingdom and Sigu Jian were about to reach an agreement. Now, it was the Qing Kingdom who had injured Sigu Jian. If he helped Yun Zhilan capture or kill Fan Xian and then killed the black-clothed man who had injured Sigu Jian, the relationship between Dongyi and the Qing Kingdom would completely break.
As a warrior, Lang Tiao was indeed curious as to who that black-clothed man was. Was he truly the legendary foremost assassin in the world, the Shadow of the Overwatch Council? Was this assassin truly so powerful that he could injure Sigu Jian?
The little Emperor smiled slightly and looked at the tense scene by the stone steps. In a quiet voice, she said, "Believe me, they won't be able to fight. Since it is so, why should we be the bad guys?"
…
…
The atmosphere made it so that the people involved did not have the little Emperor's judgment. Faced with the overlapping sword intents of seven ninth-level aces, even Fan Xian began to find it difficult to breathe. The cold sweat that had just dried not long ago began to trickle down his back again.
He couldn't help but shiver. The Sword Hut was indeed a strange place. There were so many ninth-level aces. If the Qing Kingdom could not reach an agreement with Dongyi and actually sent troops to attack, the leading Generals would probably always have to face attacks in the dark.
The sword intents spread out for a moment. Fan Xian knew that if they actually fought, it would be difficult for him to leave alive. Suddenly, the corners of his lips twitched. Smiling, he raised his head and swept his gaze across Yun Zhilan's iron-like shoulders. Looking at Sigu Jian below the stone steps, he said, "Do you really want outsiders to interfere in your own affairs?"
When these words fell into different people's ears, they had completely different meanings. Yun Zhilan thought Fan Xian was talking about the Northern Qi people. Coldly, he said, "The disciples of the Sword Hut are enough. We don't need the help of our friends in the North."
Under the tree, Lang Tiao smiled slightly and said, "If Sir Fan junior survives, I will personally challenge you."
Fan Xian paid no attention to the words of these two aces. He only stared fixedly at Sigu Jian below the stone steps. Only Sigu Jian understood the true meaning of his words. This was a battle between two brothers. Did they really need outsiders to interfere? Earlier, when the Shadow had used the thunderous strike, Fan Xian had been behind the wheelchair. However, he had only taken the little Emperor away and had not attacked together with the Shadow.
Fan Xian had not interfered. Could a disciple of the Sword Hut interfere in the grievances between you two brothers? Fan Xian was gambling on Sigu Jian's pride and wildness. He was gambling that Sigu Jian had left the Shadow alive earlier and would certainly have follow-up plans.
Since this was so, how could Sigu Jian watch as his disciples ruined his grand plan for the sake of revenge?
…
…
Sigu Jian raised his eyelids slightly and smiled. He sighed with some regret. It was as if he was regretful that Fan Xian had guessed his thoughts and was unable to see Fan Xian's true abilities.
This Great Grandmaster glanced with disgust at the disciples kneeling beside him and scolded in a raspy voice, "I'm not dead. Why are you in such a hurry to mourn?" Strangely enough, as he scolded like this, the disciples beside him became happy and quickly stood up.
Immediately after, Sigu Jian raised his left arm and glanced at Thirteenth Wang. Thirteenth Wang was familiar with this action. When he had descended Dong Mountain, he had carried it like this. After returning to Dongyi, he had still carried it like this. Thus, he naturally crouched down.
Sigu Jian leaned against his young disciple's wide and sturdy back and twisted his head comfortably. "Return to the Sword Hut."
Thirteenth Wang made a muffled sound of agreement. He then stood up with his skinny teacher on his back and walked out of the Sword Hut. However, his body was already in terrible condition. A few of his brothers beside him quickly supported him and left with him.
Just like this, Sigu Jian left without saying anything. He only left behind a ground of astonishment and eyes. Fan Xian looked at Yun Zhilan, who was close at hand, and said, "Master Yun, you've already disobeyed the sword saint a few times. Do you want to do it again?"
Yun Zhilan was silent for a long time. He glanced at the Shadow at the bottom of the stone steps and said, "Actually, I also want to carry teacher. However, I have too many things to carry."
"There are some things that you don't need to carry." Fan Xian's expression did not change. He smiled slightly and said, "Because you can't carry it. Not only will it crush you, but it will also shatter the things you want to carry. Wouldn't that be a great sorrow?"
Yun Zhilan thought deeply for a long time. He then looked seriously at the blood and bodies in the manor, particularly the body of the Master of the City to the side of the stone steps. A moment later, his expression calmed. He knew that his thoughts had, in the end, all come to nothing. He didn't know what kind of magic Sir Fan junior had used to not only have his teacher act and kill the entire manor of the Master of the City, but even after he was injured, he didn't have any desire to kill the Qing people.
In the end, it was this first disciple of the Sword Hut who did not understand Sigu Jian. No one in this world could persuade or tempt Sigu Jian to do anything. This Great Grandmaster did whatever he wanted to do. All of this was just his own thoughts.
…
…
The Sword Hut withdrew from the manor. Only the Northern Qi people, Fan Xian, and the Shadow were left. Lang Tiao placed his hands behind his back and walked out from under the tree. Looking at Fan Xian, he smiled slightly and said, "Sir Fan junior is indeed skilled. With just one sentence, you were able to force the Sword Hut to not attack. However, I am not a Dongyi person. Today's opportunity is rare. Do you want to spar?"
"One cannot be shameless to such an extent." Fan Xian had just escaped the danger of the sword intent. His entire body relaxed from exhaustion. Sitting on the stone steps beside the Shadow, he didn't even raise his head. With a smile, he said, "This is a sentence your Emperor gave me today. I'll give it back to you."
"Sir Fan junior, I don't know who is more shameless in this world." The curved knife and golden chain behind Lang Tiao's back rattled slightly in the wind. Paired with his steady voice, it was even more beautiful. "Your sister is a disciple of Tianyi Dao and has received orders from my teacher to control the affairs of Qing Mountain. Although sister disciple Fan has returned to the Qing Kingdom, the teachings of the sect still exist. Even if you don't remember old friendships, you still have to remember the righteousness of the sect. Last year, in late autumn, the Qing Mountain disciples suffered heavy casualties in Xiliang Road. Do you think I would let this go?"
"So, you also know she died in Xiliang Road." Fan Xian raised his head. Two beams of cold light shot out. "Don't say there is anything wrong with Imperial Advisor Ku He's orders. Even if my sister takes over Haitang's control of Tianyi Dao in the future, if Tianyi Dao still dares to mess around in the Qing Kingdom, I will still continue to kill."
After these words were said, there was a clamor under the tree. Lang Tiao's brows also furrowed. He didn't know how Fan Xian could still be so unyielding under such urgent circumstances. Although the disciples of the Sword Hut had left, the Northern Qi aces were still there. Even if Sigu Jian was hindered by something and didn't want to kill Fan Xian or the black-clothed ace, when the Northern Qi people attacked, they would not have any psychological barriers.
This first disciple of Tianyi Dao did not know what had happened last night. How could he know that Fan Xian looked at these Northern Qi aces as if they were his own subordinates? Your Emperor is already one of my people. Are you still far from becoming one of my people?
Under the tree, the little Emperor smiled and said, "Our Northern Qi is famous for its literature. Of course, we will not bully the weak with numbers. Sir Lang Tiao, let's go."
After these words were said, it was Fan Xian who furrowed his brows. He looked at the little Emperor and suddenly said, "Can you come over for a moment?"
It was extremely rude to speak to His Majesty the Emperor in such a tone. However, what shocked the Northern Qi people was that the Emperor was not angry. He only smiled slightly and said, "What business does Minister Fan have? Let's talk after you've rested. "
Fan Xian saw clearly the coldness and slight anger between the little Emperor's brows. He knew that she was, after all, an Emperor. In front of her officials, she was terrified of making a mistake. His words earlier had indeed crossed the line. He couldn't help smiling self-mockingly and said, "Your Majesty, I have something important to report."
The little Emperor was silent for a long time. No one knew what kind of struggle she was going through in her heart. Today, she had seen too many profound things that had nothing to do with power. Her state of mind had been greatly shaken. Looking at Fan Xian's expression, she thought of the even greater shock her state of mind had suffered last night.
After a long time, the little Emperor coldly said, "All of you go out. I have something to say to Minister Fan."
After these words were said, there was another clamor, particularly Lang Tiao, who turned his head in shock to look at his Emperor. He didn't know what the situation was. A few days ago, the Emperor had made up his mind to join hands with Yun Zhilan's faction of the Sword Hut to kill Fan Xian in Dongyi. Yesterday, everyone had seen Fan Xian take the Emperor into the Sword Hut. The hatred between the two sides should be irreconcilable. Looking at their expressions as they spoke, it was completely different from what everyone had imagined.
Friar He, who had been standing by the little Emperor's side the entire time, was also shocked. He glanced at Lang Tiao suspiciously and waited for him to speak.
Lang Tiao took two deep breaths and waved his hand, leading everyone out of the manor. Regardless of whether or not he was worried that Fan Xian would harm the Emperor, since the Emperor had issued an edict, as officials, they could only act according to the edict.
The manor of the Master of the City once again recovered its calm. Fan Xian stood and walked to the little Emperor's side. Looking at her calmly, he suddenly opened his mouth and said, "The things you heard at the end today, don't tell anyone. Otherwise … I will also tell everyone what I know."
The little Emperor's expression changed slightly. A cold light flashed through her eyes. She had not thought that Fan Xian would guess her thoughts so quickly or that he would use her secret to threaten her.
The head of the Sixth Bureau of the Overwatch Council was Sigu Jian's younger brother. This matter could be used to great effect. It could even shake the foundations of the Qing court and create an irreconcilable conflict between the Qing Emperor and the Overwatch Council. Northern Qi's Brocade Guard was not just for show. A long time ago, the little Emperor had learned from Wei Hua that the Qing Emperor had always believed that the assassination in the Hanging Temple was done by Sigu Jian's unknown younger brother.
The little Emperor took a deep breath. This secret was too important for Northern Qi. To be able to throw the Qing Kingdom into chaos, it could, without question, turn Northern Qi around. However, Fan Xian held a secret that was enough to topple all of Northern Qi.
Her expression changed for a long time. In the end, she quietly said, "I understand."
…
…
Outside the manor, the expressions of Lang Tiao and the others changed endlessly. They had never thought that after they had been so anxious all night outside the Sword Hut and constantly worried about the Emperor's safety, in the end, the Emperor and Fan Xian seemed to be having a very good conversation.
Lang Tiao's pupils suddenly constricted. "Send an order back to the Qing Kingdom to have Mu Peng rush back."
To the side, Friar He's expression changed slightly. Lowering his voice, he said, "Do you suspect that Fan Xian has poisoned the Emperor?"
"Fan Xian is a master of poisons. If he hadn't been poisoned, how could he have so easily let the Emperor leave? Why did the Emperor agree to stay and have a secret talk with him just now?" Lang Tiao's eyes were filled with anger. Enunciating each word coldly, he said, "Fan Xian is as poisonous as a snake or scorpion. He cannot be underestimated."
Lang Tiao's intelligent reaction could not be said to be slow. However, he had no idea that Mu Peng had long been locked up by Fan Xian in the Seventh Bureau of the Overwatch Council. He also did not know that Fan Xian had indeed poisoned the little Emperor. However, it was not a poison that would kill. Instead, it was a poison in the heart that had no antidote.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
