novelapdf Chapter 194 Shangguan Luoxue's Confidence
Chapter 194 Shangguan Luoxue's Confidence
Divine Sword Sect, Sword Tomb Forbidden Ground.
Inside the dark and empty cave, the surging pool of blood resembled a boiling cauldron, bubbling with dark red bubbles.
In the center of the blood pool, a small black sword, no bigger than a thumb, floated silently.
The sword was covered in cracks.
With each surge of blood, wisps of dragon-shaped phantoms were drawn from the blood and burrowed into the sword, causing the cracks to glow faintly.
He Qingyang sat cross-legged on the bluestone beside him, like a withered tree.
He stared intently at the small sword that was transforming in the pool, his gaze filled with a mixture of fervor and anticipation.
"Father."
A fragrant breeze wafted over.
He Shan'er entered the Sword Tomb and gracefully bowed before the stone.
"Do you think Prince Sheng will believe us?" He Qingyang asked coldly, without even lifting his eyelids.
He Shan'er stood up, brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, and said softly:
"Prince Sheng has always held my father in high esteem. And Shan'er has also tested him; he completely believes that story and shouldn't suspect anything. However…" A hint of hesitation flashed in the woman's eyes, and she said with concern:
"Father, under the pretext of forging swords, you secretly extracted the royal dragon energy from Prince Sheng's body. This is tantamount to pulling teeth from a tiger's mouth."
If it gets discovered later, it could bring great trouble to the Divine Sword Sect. After all, Prince Sheng is the current emperor's uncle... "The path of cultivation is like climbing a ladder of ten thousand fathoms, one step to heaven and one step to abyss. The path of cultivation is inherently about facing death and living.
With a flick of his sleeve, He Qingyang caused a giant wave to surge from the blood pool, crashing against the rocks and splashing blood.
However, it was blocked by an invisible sword aura three inches in front of him, and it fell like rain.
"Besides, I don't intend to take his life; I'm merely borrowing some of his dragon energy to nourish my sword."
He Qingyang's tone was low and somber.
"You must be aware of the situation in Yancheng. The imperial court no longer has any extra garrison commanders to fill the vacancies, so they can only cooperate with us Jianghu cultivators."
"Once this sword of mine is forged and breaks through the ten realms, possessing sufficient value, I believe the imperial court will understand how to weigh the pros and cons."
He Shan'er felt a slight sense of relief and nodded gently:
"Father's considerations are thorough; Shan'er is overthinking it. Then Shan'er will continue to appease Prince Sheng. He seems to have some feelings for Shan'er... Shan'er will continue to keep him hanging on."
As a woman, she knew exactly what methods to use to deal with this kind of idle prince.
If a man is interested in you, you should never let him get his way too easily.
The key is to keep him hanging on, occasionally offering him a sweet treat, but never letting him have it.
Only in this way can its greatest charm be revealed.
Of course, except for that bastard named Jiang Mu.
Thinking of that scoundrel who made her kneel without any mercy and even pinched her buttocks in front of everyone, He Shan'er felt a burning hatred, but deep down, a strange feeling arose inexplicably.
The more unattainable a man is, the more it entices people to desire him.
He Qingyang suddenly made a single stroke with his fingers.
A beam of black light flew out of the blood pool and landed in front of the woman.
It was a three-inch sword, with a damaged blade.
"This is a failed, incomplete weapon; its internal malevolent energy is mixed and unstable. However, it's worth testing its power."
He Qingyang gave the order expressionlessly.
"Place this broken sword on the eagle. Also, go and get a pseudo-Celestial Star Seal and give it to him so he can properly refine it."
He Shan'er's delicate body trembled.
He Qingyang's eyes darkened when he saw that the other party didn't take it.
"What's wrong? Feeling sorry for him?"
"Shan'er, you're a smart person, you should understand. The He family's bloodline is enough with you and your rootless eldest son."
As for Ying'er and Diao'er, since they enjoyed the resources of the Divine Sword Sect, they were destined from the moment of their birth to die for the great cause of the Divine Sword Sect. He Shan'er slowly lowered her head and spoke respectfully:
"Yes... Shan'er understands."
The woman took the small sword and silently left the sword tomb.
After the woman left, He Qingyang's gaze fell upon the true sword that was being nurtured in the blood pool, his voice echoing in the empty cave:
"The Great Dao is supposed to be ruthless..."
"Take off your clothes?"
Jiang Mu looked at the aloof and stunningly beautiful woman in front of him and inwardly complained.
Why did Lady Peach Blossom suddenly change the map?
Are they giving up on the wild Peach Blossom Island and switching to temple and Buddhist shrine PY?
However, since we have already discussed the Dao several times in the Purple Mansion Divine Realm, there is no need to be coy.
"Alright, Madam has given the order, and we dare not disobey."
Jiang Mu swiftly and decisively unbuckled her belt and took off her clothes.
Shangguan Luoxue's pretty face flushed slightly.
Although I had already seen and done everything I needed to in the Purple Mansion Divine Realm.
But it is ultimately just a fusion at the level of consciousness.
But things are different now!
This time, she used her supreme authority as the garrison commander to control the city's magic array, and combined with the profound mystery of the "Purple Mansion Cantong Qi", she directly moved Jiang Mu's true body to this ancient temple.
It is a very real situation.
Thinking about the upcoming encounter, even with Shangguan Luoxue's resolute Dao heart, she felt somewhat nervous at this moment.
She tilted her head slightly and waved her hand.
Spiritual energy gathers in the air.
Rays of purple light flowed and intertwined before the two, eventually forming the scene that had appeared in the divine realm.
"Forty-eight postures..."
Jiang Mu watched the various extreme moves on the screen and marveled at them.
"Today, let's begin with the first move."
Shangguan Luoxue parted her red lips slightly.
Although I had already overcome my psychological barriers in the Purple Mansion Divine Realm, I still felt somewhat hesitant and nervous when I actually discussed the Dao.
But once the decision has been made, there is no turning back.
And more importantly...
Once this step is taken, the domineering laws of the "Purple Mansion Cantong Qi" will take effect.
Jiang Mu's cultivation will come to a complete standstill at this moment.
She was trapped in her current state for life, becoming a sacrifice on her path to enlightenment.
Fortunately, this kid's talent is truly amazing. He has already reached the fifth realm. Even if he can't break through in the future, with his abilities, he should be able to protect himself in this world.
Moreover, the other party had agreed to the transaction.
She gently loosened her silk robe.
Outside the window, a thick layer of dark clouds had drifted into the once clear night sky, obscuring the bright moon.
"Boom!"
A muffled thunderclap boomed across the sky.
Immediately afterwards, large raindrops poured down, and a fierce wind and rain lashed against the eaves of the ancient temple.
After an unknown amount of time, the torrential rain outside finally stopped.
Only the raindrops on the eaves remained, falling into the puddles with a pitter-patter sound.
Inside the temple, the discussion concluded.
With a sliver of strength, Shangguan Luoxue formed a hand seal, condensing a stream of warm water vapor to bathe the two of them clean.
Jiang Mu finished dressing, feeling puzzled.
He moved his body and felt something was wrong.
Previously in the Purple Mansion Divine Realm, although the process of discussing the Dao through the stream of consciousness was also wonderful and intoxicating.
But it always feels like there's a veil between us, lacking the visceral, visceral feel of real combat.
However, this time, the feeling was quite different.
"Could it be that the Daoist principles in the *Purple Mansion Cantong Qi* automatically evolve as one's cultivation level increases?"
Jiang Mu scratched his head, completely baffled.
But to be fair...
Compared to the mature and gentle discussions with Aunt Shui, this aloof and icy Lady Peach Blossom seemed tailor-made for him. Her beauty was beyond words.
This gave Jiang Mu a sense of relief, making her willing to die beneath the peony blossoms even if it meant shortening her lifespan by ten years.
"Madam, shall we review the second move again?"
Jiang Mu leaned forward, still wanting more.
Before he could even finish speaking...
Suddenly, a familiar feeling of dizziness washed over me.
The next moment, the Buddha statues in the temple and the alluring Lady Peach Blossom vanished like shattered glass.
Jiang Mu opened her eyes.
I found myself back in my familiar study.
The candles in the study had gone out, and it was pitch black all around, with only the chirping of insects outside the window continuing.
Jiang Mu touched her body.
"That's strange, it just feels a little different."
Inside the underground palace of Huzhou City.
On the cold jade, Shangguan Luoxue sat cross-legged.
Having just engaged in a philosophical debate, though his face still bore a lingering flush, his aura had undergone a dramatic transformation. The previous listlessness was gone.
The damaged Star Core within the body was rapidly repaired and nourished with the help of the Purple Mansion spiritual energy.
"call"
Shangguan Luoxue exhaled a breath of stale air.
Flakes of purple snow, emanating a chilling aura, appeared out of thin air and swirled around her graceful figure.
Snowflakes drifted down and fell into the cold pond.
It stirred up ripples containing powerful Daoist principles.
After a long while, she slowly opened her purple eyes.
Shangguan Luoxue turned her head and her gaze fell on a handkerchief next to Han Yu.
That was the cushion she had just casually placed there.
In the center of the pure white silk handkerchief, a plum blossom stands out, its red color both poignant and breathtaking.
Shangguan Luoxue stared intently at the handkerchief, her expression complex.
I originally thought my heart was as firm as iron, that everything was just a sacrifice and trade for the Great Dao, and that I would never care about the purity of this physical body. But when I actually took that step, I still subconsciously kept this handkerchief.
I want to keep this as a memento for myself.
"That's enough."
With a gentle flick of her slender hand, she tucked the handkerchief into her bosom, her gaze regaining its haughty indifference.
Anyway, that kid doesn't seem bad.
Moreover, for the sake of one's own path, to let such a brilliant genius perish, his cultivation forever stagnant at the fifth realm... is somewhat regrettable.
"Once I've fully stabilized my cultivation level, besides the magic weapon I promised him last time, I'll find another opportunity to give it to him as compensation," Shangguan Luoxue secretly planned.
Then, she gave a self-deprecating laugh.
If Master Ling Ye knew that her once proud disciple had ultimately chosen this path, she would probably be utterly disappointed in her. After all, just recently, the other party had specifically come to the underground palace to warn her that she must never cultivate this technique.
Because of his master's tragedy, the thing his master hated most in this life was men.
Now her apprentice is repeating the same mistake...
Thinking of this, Shangguan Luoxue felt a pang of guilt.
"But Master, what else can I do?"
She murmured, "If Jiang Mu cannot master the 'Purple Mansion Covenant,' I will not dare to hope for it."
But he actually succeeded in cultivating it.
This is clearly an opportunity bestowed upon me by the Heavenly Dao, another chance for me to challenge the supreme Dao!
How could I miss it?
Shangguan Luoxue sighed, cutting off all the chaotic emotions and guilt in her mind.
In the struggle for supremacy, there is no room for weakness!
The only thing she can do now is to hold fast to her Dao heart and absolutely not be like her grandmaster, succumbing to the entanglements of romantic love. She is Shangguan Luoxue!
Destined to reach the pinnacle of the Great Dao!
The woman clenched her fists, slowly raised her head, and her clear purple eyes seemed to pierce through the earth, gazing directly at the vast starry sky.
"Since Heaven has favored me and granted me the supreme Dao fruit, then I, Shangguan Luoxue..."
We will surely overcome all obstacles and seize the Purple Star Emperor Star!
The woman's stunning beauty exudes an aura of dominance.
She had a strong, inexplicable intuition.
That Ziwei Star, suspended in the heavens and commanding all the stars to bow down, was prepared for her, Shangguan Luoxue.
You can't go wrong!
The next morning.
Jiang Mu led Duanmu Li to the Demon Slayer Division.
The girl was dressed in a dark, fitted outfit today, with a large tomb knife slung over her back. She walked with a light and silent gait, her small face cold, seemingly oblivious to the strange looks coming from those around her.
Inside the signing room, Ran Qingshan was bent over his desk reviewing official documents.
Seeing Jiang Mu enter, he was about to smile, but his gaze fell on Duanmu Li behind him, and his brows immediately furrowed.
"Good morning, Lord Chief."
Jiang Mu greeted him with a smile.
He then recounted his plan to recruit Duanmu Li into the Demon Slayer Division and have her stay in his Eighth Hall.
After listening, Ran Qingshan said to Duanmu Li with a gentle smile:
"Young lady, please go out for a moment. I need to speak with Hall Master Jiang alone."
Duanmu Li glanced at Jiang Mu.
Seeing Jiang Mu nod, he turned and walked out of the house without saying a word.
After the girl left, Ran Qingshan's gentle expression faded: "Aren't you afraid of getting yourself into trouble?!"
Jiang Mu looked completely innocent:
"How did hiring a promising newcomer cause trouble?"
Ran Qingshan rubbed his temples and said coldly:
"Do you know why the Heavenly Blade Sect went from being a first-rate sect to a third-rate sect, and ultimately ended up disbanding and being destroyed?" Jiang Mu nodded and said:
"Of course I know. Back then, the old master of the Heavenly Blade Sect was betrayed by his sworn brother from the Divine Sword Sect, which severely damaged the sect and led to its gradual decline."
"Foolish!"
Ran Qingshan sneered.
"It's not that simple. How can the rise and fall of sects in this world be determined by one or two feuds in the martial world?"
Back then, the great demon Jiang Chaoxi acted without any restraint, angering almost all cultivators in the world. However, there were also some who supported him.
This included Elder Duanmu of the Heavenly Blade Sect.
Ran Qingshan poured himself a cup of tea, leaned back in his chair, and continued:
"When Elder Duanmu publicly expressed his support for Jiang Chaoxi, it naturally attracted suppression from other sects, including the imperial court, which regarded him as a thorn in its side. At that time, the imperial court was even preparing to wipe out the Heavenly Blade Sect."
In the end, it was only because General Chang protected the Heavenly Blade Sect that they escaped this calamity.
After the death of Master Duanmu, coupled with the suppression and exclusion by the imperial court and other sects, the Heavenly Blade Sect declined rapidly.
"If it weren't for the Chang family backing them up, they would have been wiped out a hundred times over."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Mu frowned slightly: "If the Chang family is protecting them, then why did the Heavenly Blade Sect suddenly disappear again?"
"Because the world has changed."
Ran Qingshan pointed to the top of his head, his tone solemn, "General Chang suffered a defeat some time ago."
But the reason for this defeat was not actually due to the old general's poor command, but rather because of His Majesty...
Ran Qingshan coughed and didn't continue speaking.
"In short, His Majesty felt that General Chang had made him lose face in the court, and even suspected that the old general deliberately suffered a defeat in order to prevent him from continuing to interfere in frontline military affairs, and to give some officials in the court an excuse to remonstrate."
Ran Qingshan sighed:
"But General Chang's prestige is too high, and it is indeed difficult for Daqing to find a suitable person to compare with him. Although His Majesty is angry, he does not dare to directly touch him. This requires a scapegoat, a target to make an example of."
The Heavenly Blade Sect, which had always been protected by the Chang family and had a history of "colluding with demons," naturally became the best victim.
Ran Qingshan looked directly into Jiang Mu's eyes and said, word by word:
"So, the reason why the Heavenly Blade Sect was besieged by all sorts of demons and monsters and was forced to disband was actually because His Majesty instructed them to do so. Do you understand?" Jiang Mu's heart was stirred after hearing this.
This emperor must be crazy.
"Of course, this also involves some court struggles, which I can't explain to you in a short time."
Ran Qingshan said,
"In short, this girl is not officially wanted, but the Imperial Guard has long been keeping her on their radar."
"You're bringing her back to Huzhou City so openly, and you're even going to enlist her in the Demon Slayer Division...you're just asking for trouble!"
I don't care if I get burned or not.
Jiang Mu said, "Anyway, I've already promised that girl. Since the court hasn't officially issued any arrest warrants, I don't care about any secret orders from the Imperial Guards."
Besides, as you know, I have a blood feud with Yang Qintian, the deputy commander of the Imperial Guard.
I crippled his son, and I killed his adopted daughter. Now, having one more of him doesn't make much difference to us, and losing one of him won't make much difference to us either.
Whether you agree or not is irrelevant; I will keep this girl by my side.
Ran Qingshan looked at this troublesome person and suddenly felt a headache coming on.
He knew this kid was as stubborn as a mule, and sighed helplessly: "Fine, fine, you've got guts."
Regardless, you've done a great service in Yancheng this time, and the higher-ups are planning to reward you handsomely. I'll go back and pass on a message to the commander-in-chief to sound them out.
"I doubt those imperial guards would go so far as to openly cause trouble for one of our Demon Slayers' greatest contributors at this critical juncture."
Jiang Mu put on a bright smile: "Thank you for your kindness, Master."
Ran Qingshan secretly grumbled to himself.
This kid is both smelly and delicious.
Their ability to stir up trouble is unparalleled; they offend this person and that person.
But ironically, his ability to slay demons and monsters is terrifyingly powerful, making people want to worship him like an ancestor.
"By the way, Lord Chief."
Jiang Mu said seriously, "I thought about those recent serial murders in the city all night and made some new discoveries." "What discoveries?" Ran Qingshan asked.
Jiang Mu explained in detail the patterns of murder based on the seven deadly sins that he had summarized, as well as his predictions about the killer's next possible target. Ran Qingshan listened quietly.
After listening, he hummed in agreement and said:
"I actually discovered what you're talking about a long time ago."
I've been losing sleep these past few nights, investigating this lead in depth. Your thinking is quite similar to mine. "Oh?"
Jiang Mu immediately gave a thumbs up, "As expected of the Chief Inspector, you are insightful and discerning."
"Alright, alright."
Ran Qingshan picked up his teacup and took a sip. "Alright, stop joking around. If you have any new leads in the future, remember to report to me immediately. Don't act on your own."
I'll have someone make that girl's identity token later, and send it directly to your Eighth Hall.
Remember, tell her to keep a low profile these next few days and not cause any trouble.
"Understood."
Jiang Mu bowed in agreement, then turned and left.
Watching Jiang Mu's figure disappear outside the door, Ran Qingshan immediately pulled out a piece of paper from the table, picked up a pen, and wrote down every single word of the "Seven Deadly Sins" rule that Jiang Mu had just mentioned.
Then he instructed his subordinates to summon Yan Fenghuo.
Before long, Yan Fenghuo arrived: "Master, you wanted to see me?"
Ran Qingshan handed over the paper that had just been written on:
"Feng Huo, this is a clue I painstakingly pieced together last night from the slightest traces in sixteen murder cases. Take a look and see if it makes sense."
Yan Fenghuo took the paper with both hands and looked down to examine it carefully.
The more I looked, the wider my eyes widened.
He looked at Ran Qingshan with a face full of admiration:
"Lord Chief, you are truly amazing!"
You managed to uncover such a deep-seated pattern in so many seemingly unrelated murder cases.
"As expected of you, sir; we subordinates are truly far inferior to you."
Facing Yan Fenghuo's admiring gaze, Ran Qingshan waved his hand and said modestly:
"Hehe, it was just a lucky flash of inspiration for me."
"Not worth mentioning, not worth mentioning."
He spoke modestly, but the smile on his lips just wouldn't go down.