My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult-Chapter 336 - Who Will Succeed the Throne of the
Chapter 336: Chapter 336 Who Will Succeed the Throne of the Great Yan Emperor
Chapter 336: Chapter 336 Who Will Succeed the Throne of the Great Yan Emperor
Great Grandmasters, since ancient times, have been the world’s apex experts. Even in the Great Qin Dynasty, they wielded power to turn clouds with a flip of the hand and rain with a cover of the hand.
Not to mention under such harsh conditions nowadays, in the past few centuries, only the current Great Yan Emperor Zhao Zhiwu has broken through to the Great Grandmaster Realm.
Furthermore, Zhao Zhiwu not only relied on the inspiration from the Earth Vein Spirit to break prohibitions, reducing the shackles of heaven and earth relatively, but also consumed a great amount of Essence Blood, which barely allowed him to reach the Grandmaster Realm.
However, from Nangong Weiping’s words, it seems there is still an expert in the Grandmaster Realm.
Nangong Weiping spoke in a grave tone, “Throughout ancient and modern times, Great Grandmasters have been known as Land Immortals, granted a lifespan of three hundred years, yet not one of them did not vainly yearn to become a true Immortal, to obtain longevity. However, without exception, they all failed, one after the other. People continuously studied, delving into the realms above that of a Great Grandmaster. Later, no one knew where it came from, but a secret lore emerged that once in this world, there would be a calamity. And when the calamity arrived, a true Immortal could appear in this world.”
Zhao Qingmei’s brows knitted tightly, “Secret lore? A calamity?”
She had never heard of the secret lore that Nangong Weiping mentioned.
It’s known that the ancient texts of Outer Heaven recorded many secrets and important news, but there was no record whatsoever of this astonishing secret lore.
“Some Sect Hierarchs have their own agendas, and such matters are of great concern, even within the sect, such secret lores would not be passed down,” she said.
Nangong Weiping said with a solemn voice, “The secret lore only mentioned that when the calamity arrives, there will be an opportunity. However, what the true calamity is, when it will come, no one knows. With the recent changes in the aura of evil spirits at the Sealing Demon Well, I feel that the calamity seems to be coming.”
“Perhaps this is an opportunity for a Great Grandmaster to break through to a higher realm, but it could also bring unimaginable disasters.”
Zhao Qingmei, listening to Nangong Weiping’s words, speculated, “Could this calamity be the time when the aura of evil spirits pervades heaven and earth?”
The aura of evil spirits continues to infiltrate the Earth Vein Spirit, causing it to simultaneously release nature’s spiritual energy and the aura of evil spirits. Once the Earth Vein Spirit is completely tainted, if it were to break the prohibition then, it would release pure evil spirits.
“It’s very possible.”
Nangong Weiping nodded her head and then asked, “By the way, do you know why the cave imprisoned under the Sealing Demon Well exists, and what it is for?”
The cave of the Sealing Demon Well has an unusual construction; time inside passes differently from the outside world: one day inside equates to three days outside. Although the Sealing Demon Well contains the Demon Sect leaders’ understanding of the Nine Nether Purgatory Demon Scripture, it is somewhat peculiar.
Shouldn’t it be three days inside while only one day passes outside, so one can swiftly cultivate martial arts and advance in strength by leaps and bounds?
Zhao Qingmei’s mind sharpened, and she said, “Could it be for the sake of living a bit longer?”
“That’s correct, the initial purpose of the cave in the Sealing Demon Well was indeed that,” confirmed Nangong Weiping.
A cold smile crept onto Nangong Weiping’s lips as she continued, “When the third-generation Demon Sect Hierarch learned of this secret lore, he tried everything to live until the calamity arrived. Thus, he created the cave, hoping to retreat inside and wait for the calamity. However, before the calamity could arrive, he died at the hands of Heart Demons.”
Zhao Qingmei listened without surprise; she had already felt something odd when she first entered the cave. Why the passage of time was so strange, with three days outside equating to just one day inside. Now that Nangong Weiping mentioned it, she understood.
It turns out that the cave was merely a means for the Demon Sect’s experts to ‘extend’ their own lifespans.
Nangong Weiping said in a low voice, “It’s not just the experts from the Demon Sect; I know that many Great Grandmasters have also mysteriously disappeared. They haven’t reached the end of their lifespans. I suspect they have used some method to extend their lives.”
“They are all waiting for that great calamity, or rather, an opportunity. When that opportunity arises, these Great Grandmasters who have not died will reappear.”
Hearing this, Zhao Qingmei felt as though a storm had risen in her heart.
Could it be that other Great Grandmasters have used some method to keep themselves alive, including the Xu King that her husband once spoke of?
If that’s true, then it’s truly terrifying.
Nangong Weiping cautioned, “Although the evil spirits inside you have been cleared, you must still be wary of the Heart Demon, which is your biggest obstacle.”
Zhao Qingmei clasped her fists, saying, “Junior understands.”
“Sect Hierarch!”
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Just then, Yu Qiurong’s voice came from outside the secret chamber.
Zhao Qingmei walked out slowly and asked, “What’s the matter?”
Yu Qiurong took a deep breath and said, “Yuan City is under fierce attack by the Houjin army. Chief Lin and Chief Yi have both gone to support them, but since Yuan City is running short of provisions, it will be difficult to hold out. Chief Lin suggested a retreat, but Wang Shiyi and Li Qirong swear to stand or fall with Yuan City.”
The Houjin army of six hundred thousand had attacked, previously gaining a huge advantage, their momentum unstoppable, and their morale high. Meanwhile, the Great Yan army suffered from successive defeats and, in addition to the constant assassinations from experts of the Great Snow Mountain, a significant disparity had formed.
Under such an overwhelming difference in strength, even defending the city for Great Yan was extremely difficult, not to mention that Yuan City was now lacking provisions. Considering that there were as many as two hundred to three hundred thousand troops inside, the daily consumption of food was immense.
Although Zhao Qingmei had not gone in person, she had dispatched elite forces from the Demon Sect, even experts from the Heavenly Sect.
After all, with the Houjin army’s fierce and unstoppable advance, having reached Yuan City, if the city fell, the Demon Sect’s Main Hall at You Mountain would be next in line.
Zhao Qingmei frowned slightly and instructed, “Tell Wang Shiyi that if they cannot hold out, they should retreat first. I have already set up a Heaven and Earth Net in You Mountain; this time, Jin Lv will come but not return.”
Jin Lv was the chief culprit who had captured Dongluo Pass in the past and brutally killed the people there. Naturally, Zhao Qingmei intended to kill him personally.
Thus, relying on her puppet mechanisms and the treacherous terrain of You Mountain, she had long been prepared for an ambush, ready to spring a surprise on Jin Lv. If the Houjin army dared to come, they would be annihilated.
At this moment, with Wang Shiyi and Li Qirong insisting on defending Yuan City, Zhao Qingmei’s plans were disrupted.
“Yes.”
Upon hearing this, Yu Qiurong nodded gravely, then suddenly thought of something, “Recently, there are more and more orphans, and our sect can no longer accommodate all of them…”
The Demon Sect had previously cultivated talents from orphans or by abducting promising youths with potential found by Human Sect spies from various places.
That’s right, it’s abduction. This method has been used by many sects, and it has never failed. It includes the so-called reputable and righteous sects, such as Zhenyi Sect. When faced with children of excellent aptitude, they directly abduct them by force.
Now, with the chaos in the Northern Wilderness Dao of Great Yan, millions of commoners are displaced and homeless. Moreover, with the Demon Sect having lost Dongluo Pass and their economic source, it’s become extremely difficult to gather the many orphans from the Northern Wilderness Dao.
Many experts within the Demon Sect were orphans themselves, including Yu Qiurong. She, seeing the large number of orphans, naturally couldn’t bear it.
Zhao Qingmei exhaled softly, “Do one’s best and leave the rest to fate.”
“Understood.”
Yu Qiurong clasped her hands together and left.
Zhao Qingmei looked at You Mountain. At this moment, the perilous ravines were shrouded in a dim and obscure mist, like a road ahead without visible end.
It seemed inevitable that the Houjin army would break through Yuan City; the question was whether she could take advantage of You Mountain’s terrain to swallow up the several hundred thousand Houjin soldiers and avenge the grudge from Dongluo Pass.
With landscapes stretching for thousands of miles in her eyes, what is there to fear from a bit of autumn chill?
…….
Yujing City, Imperial Palace.
At this moment, Zhao Chongyin stood at the entrance of the Human Emperor’s sleeping chamber with a furrowed brow, saying, “Governor Xu, am I not allowed to see the emperor, my father, even now?”
Since the great victory in North Field, the Great Yan Emperor had ceased to attend court and disappeared completely from public view. How could people not worry at such a critical juncture?
No secret can be kept forever. Zhao Chongyin eventually learned about the news that the Great Yan Emperor had been seriously injured by the experts from the Black Ice Platform.
Regarding this news, he was terrified but also felt a glimmer of elation.
His fear stemmed from the fact that Zhao Country actually had such an expert; after all, Zhao Zhiwu was already at Grandmaster Realm. Even with severe essence blood loss, his strength was still that of a Grandmaster. What entity could inflict such heavy damage on Zhao Zhiwu?
The slight joy, of course, needs no explanation; if Zhao Zhiwu truly remained unscathed, he could govern for another three hundred years. To Zhao Chongyin, three hundred years meant he might be only bones by then.
Xu Qianyue stated coldly, “The Human Emperor has ordered, no one is allowed.”
Zhao Chongyin, looking at the person before him, frowned even more.
Who was this person in front of him? That was Xu Qianyue, the personal guard of the Great Yan Emperor. Even now, if the Great Yan Emperor ordered Xu Qianyue to kill his own parents, he would not hesitate to draw his sword.
He was such a person—utterly loyal and without regard for reason.
In the sleeping chamber at this moment was also Bai Mei, the eunuch. This old man, who had safeguarded the Imperial Palace for decades, was also like a second father to the Great Yan Emperor.
Zhao Chongyin stood at the doorway, hesitated for a moment, then prepared to leave.
Just then, a lovely figure approached from afar.
The surrounding flowers seemed to lose their color compared to that gorgeous face.
It was his sister, Princess An Le, Zhao Xueling.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
Zhao Xuening gave Zhao Chongyin a curtsy.
Zhao Chongyin asked, “Xuening, are you also here to visit our father?”
Zhao Xuening nodded, “Yes.”
Zhao Chongyin nonchalantly said, “Then go ahead.”
Zhao Xuening bowed slightly and headed towards the Human Emperor’s sleeping chamber.
What sent a chill through Zhao Chongyin’s heart was that Xu Qianyue did not stop her but instead opened the door for her.
The identity of Zhao Chongyin was none other than the Crown Prince, designated by Zhao Zhiwu himself. But at this moment, the Crown Prince was barred from entering the Human Emperor’s sleeping chamber, whereas Princess An Le, Zhao Xuening, was permitted. The suspicious and wary Zhao Chongyin’s heart now harbored a seed of doubt.
When he first learned that Zhao Qingmei was a descendant of the Royal Family, murderous intent had arisen in his heart, and at this moment, Zhao Xuening’s threat seemed even greater than Zhao Qingmei’s, even posing a direct threat to his position as Prince.
Inside the sleeping chamber, Zhao Xuening walked to the side of the dragon couch and said, “Father.”
At that moment, Zhao Zhiwu looked pale, sitting cross-legged. Even Zhao Xuening could sense that something was unusual.
Zhao Zhiwu slowly opened his eyes and said, “You have come.”
Zhao Xuening was startled and hurriedly asked, “Father, have you truly been gravely injured by an expert?”
“Indeed, Black Ice Platform conceals an extraordinary and unparalleled talent.”
Zhao Zhiwu took a deep breath and said, “This person’s strength is profound and unfathomable, and their background is a mystery. If you ever encounter them, remember to be cautious.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xuening shuddered, “Father, you say if I meet…?”
Was she capable of contending with such an extraordinary individual?
If a Grandmaster like Zhao Zhiwu had been secretly dealt such a blow, could she resist such a person?
Zhao Zhiwu looked earnestly at Zhao Xuening and said, “This person’s target is the Sealing of the Dragon Locking Well. Once the seal is broken, the world will inevitably fall into misery and suffering. As members of the Great Yan Royal Family, it is our inescapable responsibility to protect the people from all directions.”
“You must be able to deal with him, and I’m sure you will. If you fall, the Great Yan Royal Family will face an extinction-level disaster. Not only that, but the people of Great Yan will never have peace again.”
The white-browed eunuch beside them didn’t speak, standing silently like a wooden figure.
Zhao Xuening looked at her palms, her clear and watery eyes gradually becoming sharp, as if emanating a cold aura.
It’s easy to deal with a thief hidden in the mountains but difficult to confront the thief within one’s heart.
One’s greatest opponent is oneself. If one can overcome oneself, then what is there that cannot be conquered?
Zhao Xuening exhaled, her heart becoming more tranquil.
Zhao Zhiwu looked at Zhao Xuening and asked, “Xuening, do you know why I ultimately chose you?”
Zhao Xuening shook her head, “I do not.”
“I have eight princes. Among them, Mengtai has too much ambition, so great that it could swallow heaven, which even terrifies me. If Yan Country ends up in his hands, it will surely come to no good end. Chongyin, on the other hand, is patient and diligent, and also quite cunning, but he is cold-hearted. Most importantly, his bloodline is impure; perhaps twenty years ago, I would have chosen him to succeed the throne.”
Zhao Zhiwu shook his head and continued, “Although you are weaker than Chongyin in terms of scheming and astuteness, you possess great tolerance, and you understand reflection and contemplation. Most importantly, your aptitude for martial arts is very poor.”
Zhao Xuening was taken aback upon hearing the last few words, wondering if she had heard wrong, “My martial arts aptitude is very poor?”
She couldn’t understand why having a poor martial arts aptitude would be a reason for Zhao Zhiwu to approve of her.
Zhao Zhiwu took a deep breath and said, “I once told you I had several hidden pieces. Today, let me show you one of them. Come out.”
As Zhao Zhiwu’s words fell, a figure slowly emerged.
Upon seeing that person, a hint of disbelief appeared in Zhao Xuening’s eyes.
Could it be him!?
….
In the dense forests of Jiangnan Dao.
As the Zhao Country’s army invaded, the entire Jiangnan Dao was thrown into the flames of war.
Even though the top experts from the Black Ice Platform were injured or dead, the combat strength of the ordinary soldiers of Zhao Country remained formidable.
Hence, the Governor was no match for the Great Marshal Sui Xin of Zhao Country.
In the battles with them, Yan Country was almost at a complete disadvantage.
Moreover, Zhao Country this time was resolute, having fully prepared for the invasion with an army of 700,000 marching north, intent on swallowing Jiangnan Dao whole.
Just then, Buddhist monk soldiers came to support, temporarily slowing down the advance of Zhao Country’s army, but many cities still fell.
At this moment in the forest, a bloodied monk was fleeing towards the distance.
His head was bloody, his clothes were bloody, and the knife in his hand was bloody as well.
This man was none other than the monk Jie Se.
Accompanied by Jie Se, Fa Wu came to support Beihuang Dao and, having absorbed several relics, his cultivation had reached the Four Qi Grandmaster Realm, not far from ascending to the Five Qi Grandmaster Realm.
During the great battle in Lijiang City, Fa Wu charged directly at Sui Xin and then clashed with the experts from the Black Ice Platform. Jie Se had to flee in a panic to avoid the pursuit of Zhao Country’s soldiers.
“These soldiers of Zhao Country are really formidable. Even a hundred-man commander has the cultivation of the Fifth Grade,” Jie Se said, wiping the blood off his body with his clothes, his voice tinged with lingering fear.
Over the past year, aside from eating his three meals a day, Jie Se had not focused on his cultivation, so there was hardly any improvement in his strength, and he remained at the Sixth Rank.
Not everyone is earnestly striving to enhance their cultivation.
A true master must endure loneliness and solitude that ordinary people cannot imagine.
Just then, several elite soldiers of Zhao Country caught up with him.
Jie Se’s heart skipped a beat, and he halted his breath.
“Where did that bald head run off to?”
“We must catch that sleazy bald head; his head is worth a hundred gold!”
“If we catch him, we would be set for life with wealth and honor beyond measure.”
…..
The Zhao Country soldiers continued their search, cursing under their breath.
“I’m as elegant as a fine tree in the breeze, a single pear blossom outshining the begonia; how am I sleazy?”
Hearing this made Jie Se somewhat dissatisfied. Then, touching his bald head, he thought proudly to himself, “My goodness, my head is actually worth a hundred gold. That’s enough for countless visits to the brothels, to enjoy so many flutes…”
Just then, a familiar figure appeared in the distance.
This is exactly his good junior brother, Jie Lu!
At this moment, Jie Lu had also been dispersed. When he saw his good senior brother, Jie Se, his eyes lit up with joy, but just as he was about to speak, Jie Se motioned for him to keep silent.
Jie Lu’s eyebrows raised as he carefully approached, then following Jie Se’s gaze, he too saw the Zhao Country soldiers and immediately went pale.
Although Jie Lu always boasted that he was a pirate, he was merely a minor bandit of the hills, never having killed even a chicken. His greatest wish in joining Fa Xi Temple was to learn superior martial arts, then return to banditry and take a village wife to enjoy his days.
“Gulp–!”
As he watched the fierce Zhao Country soldiers, Jie Se, though nervous, was still rational, but Jie Lu was frightened to the extreme and couldn’t help swallowing his saliva.
Even though the sound was very faint, it was still detected by the keen Zhao Country elite soldiers.
“Not good!”
Jie Se also reacted very fast, his long knife slashing forward.
The blade was extremely fast; after all, Jie Se was an arrest officer of Yu State City. Even if he was the son of a minor official, lacking major talents, he still had some skills.
“Pffft!”
A soldier’s head was directly chopped off, and blood sprayed out instantly.
Jie Se shouted, “That’s for calling me a pervert, you’re the first I’ll chop down.”
“Baldy is over here!”
A few Zhao Country soldiers also reacted and charged toward Jie Se.
The sound of metal clashing erupted, sparks flying everywhere, and soon they were all engaged in combat.
After a few moves, Han Wenxin was somewhat overwhelmed and shouted quickly, “Junior brother, come and kill a few of them!”
“Coming… here I come, hold on, senior brother.”
Jie Lu hurriedly rushed up.
His strength wasn’t high, and he lacked real combat experience, quickly receiving a wound from a blade and immediately crying out like a ghost howling.
A good opportunity!
Seizing this moment, a sharp light flashed in Jie Se’s eyes and a golden glow appeared on the palm that wielded the long knife.
“Puff puff puff!”
With one slash, three sprays of blood gushed out, and the three elite Zhao Country soldiers fell to the ground unwillingly.
Jie Se looked toward the still howling Jie Lu and said irritably, “What are you howling for? They’re all dead.”
With cold sweat streaming down his face and tears pouring from the pain, Jie Lu said in a low voice, “Senior brother, what should we do now?”
Wiping the blood off his knife, Jie Se said indifferently, “Didn’t you always want to return to Azure Dragon Mountain to continue being a bandit? Now’s a great opportunity. The master won’t find you, and you can go back.”
Fa Wu had always taught Jie Lu and Jie Se Buddhist Law, but had never passed on Buddhist martial arts, so Jie Lu had long harbored the idea of leaving Fa Xi Temple to return to the hills and resume banditry.
However, after Han Wenxin’s ‘earnest teachings’ later on, he had abandoned the idea.
Bearing the pain, Jie Lu hesitated for a moment before saying, “Actually, I’ve thought about it, and I think it’s better to return to the temple with senior brother.”
“Hmm?”
Jie Se gave his junior brother a look, puzzled, “That’s not what you were saying a while back.”
With a dry laugh, Jie Lu said, “Mainly because being together with senior brother, I can feel the true warmth and beauty of this world.”
Jie Se saw right through Jie Lu’s thoughts and sneered at the corner of his mouth, “While senior brother is considering your future, you’re only thinking about your lower half.”
Rubbing his hands together, Jie Lu said, “Didn’t you once say, senior brother, that the lower half is much more important than the latter half of life?”
“Swoosh! Swoosh!”
Just as Jie Se was about to speak, a dark shadow came flying rapidly.
“Thump! Thump!”
The shadow struck both Jie Se and Jie Lu on the neck, and before they could react, they fell unconscious.
The figure landed and looked at the two shiny bald heads on the ground, then became confused, “Which one of these monks is Han Wenxin?”
After a careful look and still unable to discern, the shadow huffed lightly, “Never mind, better to catch the wrong one than to let go. I’ll just take both of them back.”
With that, the figure picked up one in each hand as if they were two small chicken chicks and, like a nimble swallow, leaped and flew off into the distance.
…….
