My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult-Chapter 357 - Wealthy and Crude Ghost Swordsman

Chapter 357: Chapter 357: Wealthy and Crude Ghost Swordsman

Chapter 357: Chapter 357: Wealthy and Crude Ghost Swordsman

Atop You Mountain, trees thrived in abundance; bamboo cast their shadows, cliff faces were steep, and the river roared forcefully.

After Yu Qiurong’s arrival, An Jing had briefed her and then sorted out some valuables, planning to take Li Fuzhou with him to Yujing City.

On the mountain trail, clouds enshrouded everything, surrounded by peaks with mists twirling around them. One mountain peak after another peeked out from the mist, resembling lotuses emerging from the water.

Li Fuzhou furrowed his brows and said, “Master, I’m afraid it won’t be easy going to Yujing City.”

Yujing City was in a state of utter chaos at the moment, and with the Great Yan Dynasty facing the covetous gaze of other nations, it could truly be called a time of internal troubles and external threats. At this time, both hard and soft approaches must be employed.

Otherwise, once Yujing City faced a crisis, the armies of the Southern Barbarians and Zhao Country would advance northward, plunging the Great Yan Dynasty into a severe crisis.

Under a destroyed nest, there are no intact eggs; Outer Heaven would also be implicated.

An Jing nodded and said, “I know, let’s head to Yujing City first.”

Li Fuzhou nodded in response and then fell silent.

The two men proceeded downward along the mountain, and at this moment, An Jing noticed a woman sitting on a rock in the woods.

She had a pure and fair face, delicate skin, long brows as if painted, and sparkling eyes like stars. Beneath her small nose was a tiny mouth, her lips thin, her whole face delicate and beautiful, so ethereal and seemingly untouched by worldly dirt.

She wore a white brocade shirt and a white pleated skirt, holding a blue treasure sword in her hand, sitting there poised and coldly beautiful, like a snow lotus in a snow mountain, unsullied by dust.

This woman was none other than Dai Ling of the Five Poison Sect.

Among the many women An Jing had met, five possessed unique beauty: Zhao Qingmei, Zuo Linglong, Zhao Xuening, Li Yue, and the Dai Ling before him.

However, meeting Dai Ling now felt stranger than encountering any of the others.

If the Five Poison Sect hadn’t joined the Demon Sect, their relationship would merely involve some grievances; but now, with Dai Ling leading the Five Poison Sect back to Outer Heaven, their entanglement had become exceedingly peculiar.

Seeing this, Li Fuzhou said, “Master, I’ll leave this matter to you.”

Having said that, Li Fuzhou hastened down the mountain.

Old fox!

An Jing cursed internally watching Li Fuzhou’s retreating figure, then turned to Dai Ling, “Miss Dai, we meet again.”

Dai Ling looked at An Jing before her, her coldly beautiful face unchanging.

She certainly remembered his face, it was etched into her mind, not just as an impression, but as a constant presence.

An Jing’s image still hung in front of her bed, there was no other man she thought of more day and night, wanting to kill.

Two years ago, after the Great Elder of the Five Poison Sect, Tian Cansou, died at the hands of An Jing and Li Fuzhou, Dai Ling had secretly sworn to avenge Zhang Zhixing, closing herself off to cultivate relentlessly, enduring untold hardships.

It was An Jing before her who motivated her, allowing her Cultivation to reach the First Grade of the Earth Flower Realm in just two years. But looking back, the gap in strength between them had grown even larger.

Dai Ling took a deep breath and said, “Our first meeting was in Yu State City, wasn’t it?”

An Jing nodded, “That’s correct.”

Dai Ling pursed her lips and said, “The second time was at the Five Poison Sect.”

She remembered every meeting with An Jing very clearly—his every move, his every expression.

An Jing nodded silently.

“The third time…”

Dai Ling shook her head, “Never mind, none of that matters now.”

An Jing repeated her words, “Right, it doesn’t matter anymore.”

The two of them looked directly at each other. An Jing’s eyes were calm, while Dai Ling’s heart inexplicably trembled. “Then what do you think is most important?”

An Jing said, “Surviving well in this world of Jianghu is more important than anything else.”

Dai Ling was silent for a long time before saying, “Master Feng once told my father that if he should die, the Five Poison Sect must completely return to Outer Heaven and hand over the Gate Guardian Heart Method ‘Five Poison Technique’, but my father did not do so. He did not want his life’s work to vanish just like that.”

An Jing asked, “Then why did you lead the Five Poison Sect back to Outer Heaven?”

“In these chaotic times, I knew I couldn’t protect our vast enterprise. The seven sects of Great Yan might seem glorious, but who knows the hardships behind them?”

Dai Ling looked at An Jing and said softly, “Besides, I had long seen through these struggles for fame and gain.”

Zhang Zhixing died, Feng Lingyue died, Dai Danshu also died.

Above this world of Jianghu, who doesn’t die, who can’t die?

Every day people die for this world of Jianghu.

Upon hearing this, An Jing was silent for a long while.

This vast world of Jianghu was like a quagmire. He remembered the first time he met Dai Ling; it seemed he had not yet stepped into this world of Jianghu, still the carefree doctor of Yu State City.

Exactly when had he entered this world of Jianghu?

Was it when he became a tributor for the Demon Sect?

Or was it when he married the Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect?

Or perhaps even earlier, when he acquired the Earth Book?

This world of Jianghu was a quagmire; once trapped, there was no possibility of retreating entirely unscathed; they all would leave something behind.

Some left their emotions, some left their hatreds, some their blood, and others their lives.

“Rest assured, the grievances between us are just like those between the Five Poison Sect and Outer Heaven.”

Dai Ling picked up a handful of fallen leaves and then gently released them, “Let them scatter like this.”

As the breeze blew, the scattered leaves danced with the wind, creating a distinctive vista.

When they first met, the two fought, leaving behind intertwined seeds of conflict, and it almost turned into a wonderful story at the Five Poison Sect. Later on, An Jing took root in Dai Ling’s heart continuously, becoming an obsession she could not dispel…

The story was tortuous, people were complex, and emotions fluctuated wildly, only that deep-rooted obsession could not be dissipated.

An Jing sighed, “This wind must have heard many people’s stories.”

Dai Ling nodded, “Yes, it must have heard numerous stories of many people.”

The two stopped talking, and the atmosphere suddenly grew silent.

It seemed as if their story and grievances were also scattering with the wind.

Dai Ling felt as if a burden had been lifted.

Letting go of one thought brings boundless relief.

An Jing chuckled, “Actually, I’m not afraid of you killing me, I’m more afraid that you might fall in love with me.”

Dai Ling looked into An Jing’s eyes, which grew colder and colder.

The air chilled suddenly.

“Just joking, we shall meet again.”

An Jing smiled and waved his hand, walking towards the foot of the mountain.

Watching that suddenly turned backfigure, Dai Ling experienced a peculiar emotion, as if something was being extracted from her body.

Her hatred was gone, and the conviction that had sustained her had dissipated like smoke.

At that moment, she felt somewhat at a loss.

Her beautiful eyes watched the figure, a soft light flashed through her icy eyes, and her lips unknowingly curled up slightly.

The wind continued to whirl, as if it would never cease.

The story was still ongoing, just starting anew.

…..

Yujing City, Yuhua Courtyard.

Currently, the entire Yujing City was caught in a swirl of public opinion, its seemingly calm surface rife with undercurrents.

Some believed the rumors, but others scoffed at the news; after all, who could imagine that Zhao Zhiwu, who had just become a Great Grandmaster, was gravely injured by a mysterious expert and was about to die—an utterly ridiculous thought.

Who could harm a Great Grandmaster?

Who could harm the Great Yan Emperor?

If there indeed was another Great Grandmaster, why didn’t he show himself?

But the news spread like wildfire, and with no denials forthcoming, many who initially doubted began to believe gradually with Zhao Zhiwu, the Great Yan Emperor, neglecting court affairs for a long time.

As belief became the majority, the incident slowly transformed into a truth.

As the Crown Prince’s residence, the place was exceptionally lively these days, bustling like a marketplace with endless visitors—all from noble families, the progeny of prominent officials, or civil and military officials of the court. Randomly picking one among them would reveal at least a Second Grade official of the court, showcasing the distinguished stature of the visitors. Some even jokingly called the Yuhua Courtyard a ‘small royal court’.

The reason Yuhua Courtyard was so popular—apart from Zhao Chongyin’s rightful status as the Crown Prince—was another critical factor: Qiu Heng, the famous supporter of the Crown Prince, commanded the Pingyang Guard that protected Yujing City.

This meant that the Crown Prince controlled the most important military power.

Should Zhao Zhiwu actually pass away, who could stop Crown Prince Zhao Chongyin from ascending to the throne?

Thus, in the eyes of the world and the court officials, the Crown Prince was the logical successor, naturally deserving their loyalty before his complete accession to the throne.

Today, two extraordinary visitors arrived at the Yuhua Courtyard.

The visitors were two Daoists, on the left was an old Daoist clad in a common Daoist robe, his demeanor calm and even serene, while on the right stood a slightly younger Taoist, handsome and valiant. Even in a plain Daoist robe, he was particularly eye-catching.

These two were none other than Luo Chongyang and Xiao Qianqiu.

Zhao Chongyin laughed heartily as he greeted them, “State Preceptor, Elder Luo, please come in.”

Xiao Qianqiu said, “There’s no need for such formalities.”

The three of them entered the reception hall and took their seats according to their status.

Zhao Chongyin laughed, “With the State Preceptor alone, slaying ten Grandmasters of the Southern Barbarians, making them tremble at mere news of him, and seeing their armies lower their banners and drums, daring not to cross the Thunder Pool, even hearing about it here in Yujing City, I can’t help but feel my blood boil with excitement.”

Xiao Qianqiu chuckled lightly, “Ten Grandmasters do not compare to one Five Qi Grandmaster, my humble contribution is just a trifle.”

Who killed the Five Qi Grandmaster?

Only the Ghost Swordsman had slain Taiyin Kui and Jiang Shang in the North Field. Although Jiang Shang became a Five Qi Grandmaster through absorbing the Undying Blood, and his repute in the Jianghu wasn’t as great as that of Taiyin Kui, he was still a Five Qi Grandmaster.

Both Five Qi Grandmasters had perished at the hands of An Jing. If there was a high-level expert recently renowned throughout the world, it must undoubtedly be the Ghost Swordsman.

Zhao Chongyin nodded, “An Jing indeed is a heavenly genius of the Demon Sect. In just two years, he ascended from the First Grade to his current power level. Under his leadership, the Demon Sect might indeed regain the glory of the Great Qin Dynasty era.”

When the Demon Sect was founded, it proclaimed itself as Outer Heaven, a sect that stood above the Great Qin Dynasty.

As he said this, Zhao Chongyin’s eyes turned toward the State Preceptor Xiao Qianqiu, seemingly trying to read some emotion there.

There was no trace of anything unusual in those plain, tranquil eyes, and not the slightest move was made in response to Zhao Chongyin’s words, “The Ghost Swordsman must be an unparalleled genius, only in such a time of great changes between heaven and earth can such characters emerge.”

As he spoke, Xiao Qianqiu gently sipped his tea.

As if bathing in a spring breeze, without a ripple of disturbance.

Luo Chongyang nodded, every person had their fate, it seemed preordained, but some people were exceptions; they were born to change the course of events, in the divinations of the Mystical Sect, such people were called variables.

The Great Dao has fifty paths, heaven evolves forty-nine, humans must tread just one.

There are fifty paths in the Great Dao of heaven and earth, but only forty-nine are given life, and humans can only walk one of these. Even if the heavenly path is inherently incomplete, in everything, there is a thread of opportunity.

Whether this opportunity is good or bad, no one can clearly say.

Zhao Chongyin also had some understanding of divination, and then said, “Does the State Preceptor think he is a variable?”

Xiao Qianqiu smiled and said, “He is a variable, you are a variable, I am a variable, anyone under heaven could be a variable.”

Zhao Chongyin pondered for a long while, “Being a variable is relative.”

Xiao Qianqiu said, “People have never been unchanging since ancient times.”

“What the State Preceptor says is very true, much like myself and the State Preceptor.”

Zhao Chongyin earnestly said, “So earlier, our National Religion might have had some misunderstandings, but at this moment, I am in support of the Mystical Sect becoming the National Religion.”

Luo Chongyang’s eyes narrowed slightly, giving Zhao Chongyin a deep look.

This statement was undoubtedly showing his recognition that Xiao Qianqiu’s Zhenyi Sect should become the Mystical Sect, supporting Xiao Qianqiu as the leader of the Mystical Sect.

It was a blatant gesture of goodwill and not even slightly concealed.

This scene was somewhat similar to that of Ye Ding and Zhao Zhiwu in those years.

And Ye Ding took the right step, over the past forty-plus years, allowing Zhenyi Sect to flourish unmatched in the Great Yan, thoroughly suppressing the spirit of the Demon Sect and imposing awe across the entire Jianghu.

Forty years of blossoming and fading, the same power struggle has appeared again, still beginning to pull towards Zhenyi Sect, and its opponent is still the Demon Sect.

Xiao Qianqiu nodded slightly, “I plan to go to True Mystic Xuanyi, and reorganize the elegance of the Mystical Sect.”

Zhenyi Sect is not the Mystical Sect; instead, it is one of the three branches. Reorganizing the Mystical Sect has been Xiao Qianqiu’s lifelong hope.

Zhao Chongyin’s eyes brightened, and he quickly said, “Good, I will fully support the State Preceptor.”

Xiao Qianqiu performed a single-handed Taoist salute and said, “I will also do my best to support the Crown Prince.”

Upon hearing Xiao Qianqiu’s words, Zhao Chongyin instantly felt a great sense of relief.

Although he currently held the major forces of the Pingyang Guard, his control over Jianghu was extremely limited, particularly since the Demon Sect still posed a great threat. So, for the time being, his only option was to pull the Zhenyi Sect and Buddhist factions together to balance the increasingly strong Demon Sect.

Previously, the Buddhist faction had cooperated with Zhao Chongyin, making their support for him not difficult, and if Xiao Qianqiu and the Zhenyi Sect also stood with him, then this attempt would surely be foolproof.

Despite being usually composed, Zhao Chongyin was thrilled at the moment, “Then I hope everything goes well for me and the State Preceptor.”

Xiao Qianqiu smiled and said no more.

The two had a casual chat for a while longer before Xiao Qianqiu and Luo Chongyang left their seats.

On the way back, Luo Chongyang said, “This Crown Prince, also qualifies as an Emperor; enough forbearance, ambition, and a fair degree of wisdom and strength, but…”

Xiao Qianqiu continued Luo Chongyang’s words, “But he has grudges with An Jing, and inevitably, he will suppress the Demon Sect. Therefore, the Demon Sect definitely would not stand by his side.”

With Zhao Qingmei’s identity, plus their couple’s strength and the power of the Demon Sect, Zhao Chongyin’s heart would certainly not be at ease. If Zhao Chongyin ascended to the throne, these tensions would grow even larger and might eventually lead to internal strife.”

And An Jing certainly does not wish for Zhao Chongyin, this Crown Prince, to ascend the throne, and will surely cause trouble in this.

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This is but one of the turbulence in Yujing City.

Given An Jing’s current status and position, he is no longer someone waiting for turbulence to arise, but a creator of turbulence.

And the big hand pushing An Jing forward is both power and fame.

Zhao Chongyin is also very aware of this, so he needs Zhenyi Sect and the Buddhist to balance the Demon Sect. He needs Xiao Qianqiu to suppress An Jing, and of course, Xiao Qianqiu is very aware of this.

Luo Chongyang nodded and said, “It seems you have already made your choice.”

Xiao Qianqiu calmly stated, “An Jing is the successor of the Daluo Sect. Jiang Sanjia is dead, Lou Xiangzhen is missing, and he is also considered a successor of the Ghost Valley Sect. The unification of the Mystical Sect is inevitable, and I must have a confrontation with him. This is a struggle for the legacy of the Dao.”

“Previously, I was always waiting for him, but now the time has ripened, and with Zhao Chongyin, it’s possible to lay out this game of chess. Next, let’s see how he responds.”

The unification of Mystical Sect involves not only the mental methods but also the greater forces at play.

So, representing the Daluo Sect and the Ghost Valley Sect, An Jing and Xiao Qianqiu are bound to have a confrontation, which is unavoidable.

Not only that, if Zhenyi Sect wants to maintain its former glory, then they must choose a side in this struggle for succession. It is the way things are headed because the court and Jianghu are inseparably integrated.

If the Demon Sect’s power is great, then Zhenyi Sect will inevitably wane; if Zhenyi Sect is strong, then the Demon Sect will inevitably decline.

Because Jianghu is only so large, the world is only so large, and it does not change just because someone dominates Jianghu.

“It seems that this is inevitable,”

Luo Chongyang lifted his head, with the sunlight intensely strong, making it hard for him to keep his eyes open.

Xiao Qianqiu said with a smile, “It’s inevitable.”

Luo Chongyang said, “It seems, nephew, that you have been waiting for a long time.”

Xiao Qianqiu, with his hands behind his back, said softly, “This chess game of mine has finally welcomed the opponent it awaits.”

Luo Chongyang nodded, “True rivals are hard to find, even harder than friends.”

“Uncle Master is right, in this world today, there is only one person who can be my opponent.”

Xiao Qianqiu asked with a smile, “Is there anything you’d like to tell your nephew before that?”

He was curious to know what his little Uncle Master, who was both a teacher and a friend, would say before his game with the Ghost Swordsman.

Luo Chongyang pondered for a moment and said, “The victory or defeat of a chess game does not rest on a single move, but in every move, just as the brilliance of life lies not in one day, but in every day.”

……

On the official road of Capital Road, several speeding horses approached, carrying An Jing and others heading towards Yujing City.

Han Wenxin, seeing the majestic city just a short distance away, couldn’t help but exclaim, “The capital, we’ve finally arrived! I, Han Wenxin, have finally arrived in the capital!”

This was his first time in Yujing City in over twenty years. The last time at the Houjin Royal Court, he was too scared to enjoy the scenery.

Li Fuzhou said with a tone of annoyance, “It’s just the capital, nothing so great about it.”

Han Wenxin rubbed his hands together, chuckled, and said, “Mainly because I’ve heard that the local customs and people in the capital are quite appealing.”

After speaking, he even turned around and raised his eyebrows to An Jing standing behind him.

Remembering Zhao Qingmei’s advice, An Jing hurriedly set his eyes on his nose, his nose on his mouth, his mouth on his heart, and ignored Han Wenxin completely.

Li Fuzhou nodded, “Indeed, it’s quite good, especially places like Yiyin House, Fengchen Garden, where the top performers, whether in looks or dance moves, or their skills in winning men’s hearts, are unmatched.”

Han Wenxin swallowed his saliva and said, “Third Master, how is it? Is it enticing?”

“Extremely exciting!”

The little mare under Han Wenxin couldn’t seem to bear the indignity from Han Wenxin, and let out an involuntary roar.

A glint passed through Li Fuzhou’s eyes, “Very enticing.”

“Third Master, now I really must speak up about you,”

An Jing became uneasy and couldn’t help saying, “You already have two women at home, and yet you’re still sneaking around. Can your old body handle this?”

Couldn’t Liu Huiyun and Ling Yuehua suck this old stick dry?

Before Li Fuzhou could respond, Han Wenxin quickly began to flatter, “Third Master, this is vitality in old age, the older the wiser, the older the more cunning…”

Li Fuzhou was satisfied with the start, but the next moment his face darkened upon hearing those four words.

An Jing burst into laughter, “Brother Han, your skill of seizing the opportunity has improved again.”

Han Wenxin: “??”

Li Fuzhou, with a thought, smiled and said, “Son-in-law, would you like to have a drink and listen to some songs?”

An Jing glanced at Han Wenxin and shook his head like a bobbie doll, “No, I never visit such places that involve flirting and enjoying music.”

Hearing this, Han Wenxin couldn’t help saying, “Brother An, you’ve changed.”

An Jing replied unhappily, “How have I changed?”

Han Wenxin, with deep remorse, said, “Before you made your name, your biggest hobby was to frequent brothels and listen to music. Have you forgotten?”

An Jing raised his eyebrows and said, “That’s slander.”

The cunning Li Fuzhou immediately saw An Jing’s concerns and urgently said, “Just come along, son-in-law, I absolutely won’t tell the Sect Hierarch.”

“Exactly, exactly.”

Han Wenxin hurriedly said, “Brother An, I absolutely won’t tell my sister-in-law, I’d rather die than speak.”

An Jing looked at Han Wenxin, “Really?”

Han Wenxin quickly held up three fingers, “I, Han Wenxin, now swear that if I speak of today’s events, I am a dog.”

An Jing still looked suspiciously at Han Wenxin. This hardly seemed like a binding oath.

Han Wenxin honestly said, “Mainly because I don’t have any silver on me, and everyone knows you, Brother An, are rich and well-equipped…”

Upon hearing this, An Jing nodded in satisfaction, “Now that sounds more reasonable; everyone knows I, An Jing, am a man of wealth and utility.”

Han Wenxin, delighted, quickly asked, “Brother An, so you agree to treat me to some music?”

“Let’s take care of business in Yujing City first,”

An Jing said sharply, “Let’s go!”

Han Wenxin, watching An Jing’s retreating figure, said in amazement, “How come he didn’t fall for it? Such a big man, what’s wrong with treating a brother to some fun?”

Other brothers would eat meat and drink wine together and be merry. Why was An Jing being so stingy?

Li Fuzhou glanced at Han Wenxin and then shook his head, “You, aiming to become the Hierarch’s top spy under his command, still have a long way to go. Let’s go!”

Having said that, Li Fuzhou quickly followed on.

Han Wenxin scratched his head and muttered, “What’s all this about? Not treating me to brothels and music is one thing, but why spout things I can’t understand?”

“Brother An, Third Master, wait for me.”

……