My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult-Chapter 283 - : Prelude to the Dulu Sword Meeting

Chapter 283: Chapter 283: Prelude to the Dulu Sword Meeting

The soldiers at the gate of Yujing City, even in the cold and freezing weather, were still as diligent as ever, keeping an eye on everyone to prevent any unusual activities.

Meanwhile, the Pingyang Guard in charge of defending Yujing City heightened the alertness outside the city’s encampment, and since the Emperor of Great Yan had been injured after breaking through his shackles, the palace guards had been maintaining an intensive watch round the clock.

At this moment, the entire Yujing City was in a tense state. It had been over two years since the Great Yan Emperor sustained severe injuries, yet there was still no sign of improvement. Nowadays, the situation on the upper echelons was utterly turbid, and both Houjin and Zhao Country were glaring like tigers eyeing their prey, adding a heavy oppressive feeling to the atmosphere.

Where lay the future of Yan Country?

In the heated winter season, the tea houses were sparsely populated, yet there were still righteous individuals discussing the current global situation and the major trends.

Besides the battles in the North Field, what most people discussed was the ceremony of offering sacrifices to heaven. The Emperor had the Crown Prince take his place in performing the rites, which raised the question, what did this imply?

Could it be that the Emperor might… thus making preparations in advance?

Upon thinking this, many were shocked. If this were indeed the case, it would not be a bad thing for the present Yan Country but rather a good one.

After all, Zhao Tianyi was now leading at the top echelons, but in the end, he was just a member of the Eunuch Party, which many viewed with great disdain.

Moreover, the current Crown Prince had an excellent reputation for being generous and kind-hearted. Whether in Jianghu, the political spheres, or among the common folk, he had his own loyal supporters.

However, some furrowed their brows with worry, thinking about the ambitious Second Prince and wondering if he would truly be content to be a leisurely prince after the Crown Prince ascended the throne.

Neither the common people nor the officials in the court could foresee that a crisis was gradually unfolding.

Yujing City, Lv Mansion’s reception hall.

Lv Guoyong was sitting at the head of the hall, hunched over with his graying temples and a face so dull and lined that it resembled the rough bark of a tree, his eyes full of the vicissitudes of life.

In his hands, he held a cup of tea, each finger unbending like tiny branches made from twigs.

Lv Guoyong glanced at An Jing sitting below him and smiled, “The Sword Meeting of the Dulu Sword is approaching, yet you still have time to come to Yujing City. It must be more than just visiting me, right?”

An Jing set down his teacup and responded, “Elder Lv sees clearly, it seems my little trick cannot really be hidden.”

Visiting an old friend in Yujing was secondary; the main purpose was to visit Lv Guoyong and pick up some clues.

“This is no small trick.”

Lv Guoyong said indifferently, “You must be wanting to ask about the Sword Meeting of the Dulu Sword, right?”

“I do have some doubts that I would like to discuss with Elder Lv,” An Jing was direct and straightforward.

The Dulu Sword had been kept in the Imperial Palace for hundreds of years and had been preserved until now, but it was suddenly taken out to be used for offering to the heavens. An Jing always felt that with the Emperor’s strategizing, it couldn’t be so simple.

Lv Guoyong also set down his teacup and slowly walked down, saying, “With your current level of cultivation, you should know how difficult it is to break through that barrier.”

An Jing replied, “As hard as ascending to heaven.”

Even a high master like Jun Qinglin, who had separated from the heavenly beings, had not reached this level, and what a challenge it would be to take that step?

Lv Guoyong gave An Jing a look,

A look that seemed to convey many meanings,

Instantly, it plunged An Jing into deep thought.

Reaching the Great Grandmaster, gaining a life span of three hundred years, what a difficult, unimaginable thing this is! It is what countless Jianghu masters and Martial Arts Emperors have striven for over the centuries—all to reach the realm of Great Grandmaster.

But how many have reached this realm?

Jun Qinglin, such a prodigy blessed by heaven, exhausted all he had by igniting the Spiritual Lamp. As for the even more challenging longevity lock, he himself said the chance was bleak, almost negligible.

What about the Great Yan Emperor?

Could he really break through the shackles and reach the realm of Great Grandmaster?

Clearly, the probability of the Yan Emperor breaking through to the Great Grandmaster is also low.

Therefore, it might truly be that the Yan Emperor was severely injured, and because of his failure to break through the shackles these past two years, the hearts of the people of Yan Country have scattered, the royal court has been turbulent, and there has been constant strife in Jianghu, creating many unstable elements.

This competition for succession could be the perfect opportunity to lure out some big fish that have been lying dormant in Yan Country.

In an instant, countless thoughts crossed An Jing’s mind, and recalling what Lv Guoyong had said, An Jing suddenly seemed to understand something.

He wasn’t certain whether the Emperor had been severely injured, but this grand sacrificial ceremony might indeed be a long-planned strategy with an obvious purpose.

Like that Second Prince, or others…

Lv Guoyong said indifferently, “In any case, do not get involved in the battle for succession.”

“Thank you for the reminder, Elder Lv.”

An Jing bowed his fists toward Lv Guoyong.

As a person who had been influential in the courts of Yan Country for sixty years, he naturally understood much and knew much. His words clearly had their reasons.

Lv Guoyong looked at An Jing, “I hope you understand my meaning.”

An Jing’s eyes were initially puzzled, but then he thought of something, and his heart suddenly shook.

Could it be that what Lv Guoyong was talking about the battle for succession wasn’t between the Second Prince and the Crown Prince, but his own wife, Zhao Qingmei!?

Zhao Qingmei was of the former Crown Prince’s bloodline, something Jiang Shang had once told her. When the current Taiping Emperor ascended the throne, it involved killing the former Crown Prince. In other words, Zhao Qingmei could also ascend to the grand throne.

Even more rightfully, more justifiably.

This was no longer just a reminder from Lv Guoyong, but a caution.

It showed Lv Guoyong might know Zhao Qingmei’s identity and origins. Recalling Li Fuzhou’s allegiance to the Demon Sect and Lv Guoyong’s suppression in the Yan Country court, could it be said that Elder Lv was once part of the former Crown Prince’s faction?

For a moment, An Jing’s heart was filled with turbulent waves.

Lv Guoyong smiled gently, patting An Jing on the shoulder.

“Son-in-law!”

Just then, a clear voice came from outside the door.

An Jing turned his head to look and saw Tan Yun walking in with a face full of joy.

Seeing this scene, Lv Guoyong shook his head helplessly, thinking to himself, “A girl can’t be kept at home forever.”

An Jing pinched Tan Yun’s cheek, “It seems you’re doing quite well here, you’ve gotten rounder.”

“How could that be?”

Tan Yun heard this and quickly lowered her head, only to realize she couldn’t even see her toes, and suddenly felt a bit guilty, “Husband, it’s been a very, very long time since we last met, isn’t it normal to gain a bit of weight? Besides, it’s winter now; stocking up some fat is good for the winter.”

“Has it? It’s only been a month or two.”

An Jing thought of something and asked, “By the way, where is Mr. Zhou?”

Lv Guoyong said, “Xianming has been at home reading books recently. Tan Yun, you take him to see him. I will go back to rest.”

As he spoke, Lv Guoyong stooped and walked toward the house.

Seeing her grandfather walk away, Tan Yun pursed her lips, her big watery eyes turning towards An Jing, “Husband, did you come specially to see me?”

An Jing let out a light laugh and said, “Of course, this time coming to Yujing City was to see you all. Many people in the sect miss you, especially Third Uncle.”

Hearing the word ‘you all,’ Tan Yun felt a sudden sense of loss but quickly covered it up and smiled, “Then let’s go see Mr. Zhou. Although he achieved the position of top scholar, he has been idling at home.”

“Hmm.”

An Jing nodded and then followed behind Tan Yun as they walked towards the yard.

Since Zhou Xianming did not proactively cling to the royal family, the Human Emperor naturally was displeased, fearing another powerful official like Lv Guoyong would emerge. Keeping him suppressed at home was quite normal.

Along the way, they encountered many servants who were all extremely respectful and careful around Tan Yun.

An Jing said with a smile, “It seems you’re doing quite well here.”

Tan Yun pouted, “I’m still not quite used to it, especially feeling uncomfortable at times.”

An Jing comforted her, “You’ll get used to it.”

Tan Yun looked into those bright eyes, her mouth opening slightly but in her heart she silently muttered: ‘Smelly husband, bad husband…’

Unknowingly, the two arrived at the courtyard where Zhou Xianming lived.

At that moment, a fire stove was burning in the yard with a small pot on top. The snow in the pot had already turned into boiling water, and several pears were being poached inside it. Zhou Xianming was squatting down, continually fanning to increase the flame.

“Mr. Zhou.”

An Jing called out.

Upon hearing the voice, Zhou Xianming quickly got up and, seeing An Jing, a hint of delight appeared, “Doctor An, your timing is perfect. This pear water will be ready soon, and then you can taste it.”

“The taste is indeed quite good.”

At that moment, Tan Yun had already stretched out her hand, picked up a pear, and began to chomp away contentedly.

“The pears aren’t ready yet…”

Zhou Xianming, seeing such a heart-wrenching scene, hesitated to speak.

An Jing patted Zhou Xianming on the shoulder and said softly, “Mr. Zhou, you are a talented person. Why spend your days at home poaching pears in the snow?”

Zhou Xianming was silent for a long while and said, “Throughout history, many talented people have lived unfulfilled lives; it’s quite common.”

An Jing’s eyebrows slightly raised, “Then you don’t plan to pursue your ambitions anymore?”

Zhou Xianming took a deep breath and replied, “Let’s wait. These things shouldn’t be rushed.”

An Jing asked, “Mr. Zhou, what do you think of Outer Heaven?”

Zhou Xianming glanced at An Jing, immediately grasping his implication, his eyes showing a hint of hesitation.

He had gained fame at a young age and then traveled the world, covering great distances and reading voluminous books, naturally to serve his country and fulfill his lifelong ambitions. However, if he were to join the Demon Sect, his heart was somewhat unwilling.

After all, the Demon Sect was just a sect, and broken down, it was just a Jianghu force.

Just then, a servant from Lv Mansion came hurrying over.

“Miss, Princess An Le has arrived.”

Tan Yun quickly swallowed a mouthful of pear, her eyebrows shooting up, “Why has she come?”

Princess An Le!?

Zhou Xianming, hearing this, glanced at An Jing and then continued fanning the fire.

The facial expression of the servant from the Lv Mansion turned grim, “I’m not sure either. The young master and the princess are walking over here.”

As he spoke, two figures approached from a distance.

One of them was stocky, with a well-fed look, his face full of humility and pleasantry; it was Lv Jingchun.

The woman beside him was slim, her long hair draped over her vest, gently tied with a pink ribbon, dressed in white like snow, her skin fairer than snow, strikingly beautiful and radiant, almost too dazzling to look directly at.

Any man who saw her would involuntarily marvel at her beauty.

Zhou Xianming, also seeing Zhao Xuening up close for the first time, was taken aback by her beauty.

“Greetings, Princess!”

An Jing and Zhou Xianming both politely clasped their hands, while Tan Yun huffed, and then with a look of disappointment towards her brother, Lv Jingchun, who couldn’t live up to expectations.

“We meet again.”

Zhao Xuening saw An Jing and her eyes lit up slightly, “It seems we really do share a profound fate.”

An Jing chuckled lightly, “Perhaps so.”

At this moment, Tan Yun pulled at An Jing’s arm and said, “Husband, come, let’s drink some pear water. I think it’s almost ready.”

Saying so, Tan Yun ladled a bowl of pear water and handed it to An Jing.

She couldn’t bear to see An Jing talking to that princess, as it was clear to anyone with eyes that the princess harbored ill intentions towards her husband.

Zhou Xianming saw this and his face was full of black lines; he hadn’t touched that pear water at all…

Meanwhile, Zhao Xuening snorted softly, then suppressed the flutter in her heart, turning to Zhou Xianming and said, “Top Scholar, I came today specifically to tell you some good news.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xianming looked surprised, “Good news?”

Zhao Xuening took out an appointment order from her bosom and handed it to Zhou Xianming, “Congratulations, Top Scholar, on your assignment to work in the Imperial Study. Here’s the appointment order.”

“What!?”

Zhou Xianming, upon hearing the news, was greatly shocked and quickly accepted the transfer order.

An Jing, who was drinking pear juice nearby, also looked over. A position in the Imperial Study was not too small an official post, most importantly, it frequently required presence in the Imperial Palace and near the Human Emperor, which easily led to promotion.

Lv Jingchun said sourly, “Xianming, you’re going to make it big.”

Zhou Xianming carefully examined the transfer order and then felt a great joy inside, yet he maintained a calm demeanor on the surface, “Thank you, Princess, thank you, Your Majesty. Zhou will surely devote his life to his duties until death.”

Throughout history, a position in the Imperial Study had always been a sign of important use.

His long-held ambitions finally found a place to be realized.

Zhao Xuening supported Zhou Xianming’s arm, speaking earnestly, “No need for such formality, I also hope that the top scholar can showcase his talents.”

She had seen Zhou Xianming’s examination papers and had to admit that the person before her was truly a great talent and not just a theorist.

An Jing realized that Zhou Xianming was preparing to enter the court as an official, which meant that joining the Demon Sect was now out of the question.

However, in his heart, he also felt a bit of joy for Zhou Xianming; if he could meet a wise ruler, to display all he had learned in his life, his years of hard study would not have been in vain.

Zhao Xuening looked at An Jing with a bit of reproach, “Last time, Master An left in a hurry and didn’t have time to see the four sights of Yujing City. I wonder if you have some time today?”

An Jing had not yet spoken when Tan Yun intervened, “My lord, don’t you still have to go to Zhong Mountain?”

Lv Jingchun also nodded repeatedly, “Zhong Mountain is quite far, you should head off early.”

Zhao Xuening smiled at An Jing, her face unchanged, but inside she was quite irritated.

This Tan Yun, always opposing her, was really infuriating, and what’s more, this person was no ordinary woman, but the granddaughter of Lv Guoyong.

Unable to do otherwise, An Jing could only cup his fists in resignation, “I am indeed too busy, but thank you for the kind thought, Princess.”

“That’s truly a pity,” she said.

Zhao Xuening gave An Jing a lingering look and said, “When does Master An depart? Tonight, I’ll prepare some modest wine to see you off.”

Tan Yun glared fiercely at Zhao Xuening and intoned guardedly, “No need, tonight my lord will stay and drink with my grandfather.”

An Jing did not speak, but merely smiled apologetically.

Zhao Xuening chuckled lightly, “Very well, then I won’t impose on Master An any longer.”

With that, Zhao Xuening rose and walked toward the yard entrance.

Seeing this, Lv Jingchun quickly followed.

An Jing turned to Zhou Xianming, sighing, “Mr. Zhou, congratulations, you’ve finally gotten what you wished for.”

“Indeed,”

Zhou Xianming looked at the transfer order in his hand, which had turned his initial joy into a mix of emotions.

Originally, it seemed that the Human Emperor had planned never to use him, but now there was a turnaround, not just using him but favoring him heavily.

Although he didn’t understand the thoughts of the high and mighty Emperor, Zhou Xianming clenched the transfer order tightly.

An Jing sighed deeply in his heart and remained silent.

Somehow, he always felt that the distance between him and Zhou Xianming was growing further apart, perhaps the days when they once raised glasses together in a tavern were never coming back.

Tan Yun next to him asked curiously, “My lord, when are you leaving?”

“I’ll leave in a while,”

An Jing mused for a moment.

Zhong Mountain on East Lin Road was neither too far nor too near, but if something delayed him on the way, it would be troublesome.

Tan Yun frowned and asked, “Are you in such a rush?”

“Yes, I’ll see next time.”

An Jing touched Tan Yun’s head and smiled softly.

“Alright then,”

Tan Yun sighed resignedly upon hearing this. She had many things she wanted to say to An Jing, but knowing that he was hurried to attend the Dulu Sword Meeting, she refrained from speaking further.

Afterward, An Jing bid farewell to Lv Guoyong, and Zhou Xianming along with Tan Yun saw An Jing off outside the city gates.

The cold wind was biting, and there were few people around.

An Jing looked at Zhou Xianming, “Yan Country is now storm-stricken, a time when talents are needed the most. Brother Zhou, you will surely shine brightly.”

Zhou Xianming forced a smile, “Yan Country is beset on all sides, fraught with crises. Protecting the people of Yan Country is the most crucial task at the moment; in this regard, Doctor An, you are much stronger than me.”

The Ghost Swordsman An Jing, who doesn’t know of him?

The famed White-clothed Sword Immortal, countless Grandmasters had died by his hand.

“Hahaha.”

An Jing laughed heartily and then waved his hand as he walked away.

“My lord….”

Tan Yun waved her hand, with words she couldn’t bring herself to say.

Zhou Xianming watched An Jing’s retreating figure, his heart filled with fervor.

He didn’t know if life was sweet, but the bitterness was real; having experienced all that should be experienced—and that which shouldn’t—the outcomes in life were just two, to be ridiculed or to prove one’s worth.

……

Inside the Imperial Palace, Princess An Le’s sleeping quarters.

There was the sound of jade shattering, ‘crackling’ from within, while outside, several palace maids stood cautiously, fear flickering in their eyes.

This was evidently not the first time, and they knew better than anyone how terrifying Zhao Xuening could be at this moment.

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Inside, Zhao Xuening kept picking up porcelain and furniture decorations, smashing them to the floor to vent her inner rage.

She hated that An Jing had openly refused her.

She hated even more that Tan Yun had added to her frustration!

She also hated the Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect whom she had never met before. How wonderful would it be if this woman disappeared from the world?

About several dozen breaths later, she arrived at the dressing table, gasping for breath. After searching carefully, her brow furrowed, “Where is my Purple Jade Hairpin?”

A palace maid spoke softly, “Princess, this servant is also not sure.”

“You’re not sure?”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xuening narrowed her eyes, a trace of coldness appearing, “Do you not know that this Purple Jade Hairpin is my favorite hairpin!?”

“Ser…servant…”

The palace maid turned pale upon hearing this.

“Smack!”

Zhao Xuening slapped her fiercely, “Did you steal it?”

A bright red handprint immediately appeared on the palace maid’s face as she knelt on the ground in terror, “This servant really doesn’t know, even if this servant had ten times the courage, she would not dare take the Princess’s hairpin, please forgive me, Princess.”

Zhao Xuening suddenly became anxious, “Find it for me, if you can’t find it I will take all of your lives.”

The other palace maids trembled when they heard Zhao Xuening’s words and quickly began to search.

Watching the palace maids’ distressed figures, the rage in Zhao Xuening’s heart gradually dissipated. After about several dozen breaths, she waved to the maid she had slapped, saying, “Xiaoyu, come here.”

The maid named Xiaoyu’s heart trembled, and she walked over cautiously.

Zhao Xuening sighed, “Your face is injured, go apply something to it. It wouldn’t be good for others to see.”

Xiaoyu quickly responded, “This servant understands, but finding the Princess’s hairpin is more important.”

“Nevermind.”

Zhao Xuening waved her hand, “Perhaps I put it somewhere and didn’t realize. It might be found soon, no need to search further.”

The other palace maids all breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. They understood their master’s temper well; it seemed that Princess An Le had calmed down for now.

At this moment, Zhao Xuening also clenched her fists, silently admonishing herself to control her emotions more tightly and not to easily reveal her joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness.

Just then, an eunuch briskly walked in, saying, “This servant pays respect to the Princess.”

Zhao Xuening glanced at the newcomer, “Eunuch Li, what is it?”

Eunuch Li replied, “The Empress said she hasn’t seen you for a long time and would like to have a meal with you.”

“Tell Mother I will be there now.”

Zhao Xuening took a deep breath and walked out of her bedchamber.

……..

Yujing City, Wangjing Mountain.

Zhao Mengtai now stood on the summit, surrounded by the fierce wind and snow, admiring the blood plum blossoms in the distance.

Amid the brown branches, blood-red plum blossoms dotted the scenery like twinkling stars or countless red butterflies resting on the branches. From a distance, the tree full of red plum blossoms clustered in groups and clumps.

Behind him were the Minister of the Ministry of Industry, Yue Tingchen, and Mo Yan from the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.

Since the Pavilion Master of Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion had been murdered, Mo Yan had taken full control of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, responsible for the intelligence under Zhao Mengtai’s subordinates.

“Has the Crown Prince arrived yet?”

Zhao Mengtai turned his head again towards the direction of the Imperial City, the position he longed for in his dreams, the place he was madly eager to sit in.

Mo Yan replied, “Your Highness, Zhao Chongyin set out five days ago with the Minister of Rites, and should have already reached the borders of Capital Road. It will take ten more days to enter the territory of Zhong Mountain.”

“What about the others?”

“The Sword Demon and Tianpeng Ancestor have also gone, and many masters from the Wind and Rain Tower and Great Snow Mountain have secretly arrived at East Lin Road. Countless swordsmen from all over have also moved upon hearing the news, heading to Zhong Mountain, including some reclusive swordsmen, among whom are several top swordsmen from the Fifth Realm. Warriors from Zhao Country, Houjin, and the Southern Barbarians seemingly have left their seclusion as well, but there are few grandmasters, as this happens right before the upheaval.”

Now, because of the emergence of the Dulu Sword, many masters have traveled to this Zhong Mountain, some wanting to witness the elegance of the World’s First Sword, while others wish to observe the top swordsmen in the world competing.

And because this Sword Meeting of the Dulu Sword was spread before the year’s end, the area around East Lin Road in Zhong Mountain is already bustling with people from Jianghu, making this scene as lively as the struggle between Buddha and Demon at the Heavenly Martial Sect.

Especially with the rumor that the Sword Demon is still alive, Jianghu was abuzz with discussions and lively debates.

After all, the previous first swordsman was the Ghost Swordsman, but now, with the meteoric emergence of the Sword Demon, the title of the World’s First Swordsman was put into question. Everyone wanted to know whose Sword Dao was stronger between the Sword Demon and the Ghost Swordsman.

In everyone’s eyes, the swordsman who now wields the World’s First Sword at this Dulu Sword Meeting has firmly secured the title of the World’s First Swordsman.

“It really is lively, what a pity I cannot witness this spectacular scene.”

A cold sneer appeared on Zhao Mengtai’s lips. He very much wanted to go to Zhong Mountain, but he knew there were more important matters waiting for him to attend to.

Once the event at Zhong Mountain concludes, it will surely reach Yujing City. By then, his father, the Emperor, will surely be furious, and he will need to face the Great Yan Emperor, the most powerful man in Great Yan today.

Yue Tingchen added, “Yujing City still needs the Second Prince to hold fort.”

Zhao Mengtai laughed heartily, “After the Zhong Mountain Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony, it will be the perfect time for my ascension to the throne. I naturally won’t leave.”

A glint appeared in Mo Yan’s eyes, and his voice grew slightly excited, “Second Prince, your plan is flawless, and success is assured.”

“As long as Lv Guoyong does not make a move.”

Zhao Mengtai squatted in the snow, scooping up a handful, and said, “The Emperor suffered severe damage while breaking through to the Great Grandmaster level; his strength barely one-tenth of what it was. Bai Mei, the eunuch, is a key defender of the palace and is not allowed to move against the Yan Royal Family, and out of the three defensive forces of Yujing City, I control two… ”

Lv Guoyong was the only existence he was worried about.

This old man, who had been in power for sixty years, not only had extensive connections but also had an immense amount of Cultivation in the Literary Palace. Li Fuzhou shattered the Literary Palace and directly ascended from One Qi to Second Qi. How much Cultivation could this lifelong scholar have in his Literary Palace?

Zhao Mengtai shaped the snow in his hand into a ball and smiled faintly, “However, I have already got a hint from that old man; he will not partake in these matters.”

Saying so, Zhao Mengtai threw the snowball towards the Imperial Palace, but it fell to the ground halfway there.

Mo Yan thought of something and said, “It is heard that the Ghost Swordsman is also heading to the Dulu Sword Meeting. This person came from the Demon Sect, breaking the covenant…”

Zhao Mengtai replied indifferently, “If he dares to obstruct my great cause, then let’s kill them all.”

Upon hearing this, a chill flashed in Mo Yan’s eyes.

Zhao Mengtai exhaled a breath of white air, looking into the distance and softly said, “The dawn of heaven and earth, the rebirth of sun and moon, all is set for tomorrow.”

…..