“As someone with great fortune, your intuition is quite sharp,” the orange cat chuckled.
“What?” Xu Qi An looked at it in surprise. This cat… spoke such shameless words so openly and righteously.
He cautiously replied, “Daoist Master, you have the right to speak, but never forget that the right to refuse belongs to me.”
“I want you to help prevent the Heaven-Human Dispute,” the orange cat said bluntly, without beating around the bush, giving Xu Qi An a “wake-up call.”
He remained silent for a few seconds, then nodded steadily, “Tell me your thoughts and reasons.”
“Do you know why there’s a Heaven-Human Dispute?” The orange cat jumped onto the stone table, crouching there with its amber eyes fixed on Xu Qi An.
“A dispute over doctrine,” Xu Qi An answered.
The orange cat nodded slightly, then shook its head, “Legend has it that the founders of the Human Sect and Heavenly Sect had a fierce fight during a discussion of the Dao. Both were severely injured and passed away shortly after returning to their sects. Their last words were the same: ‘Every sixty years, a Heaven-Human Dispute.’
“For thousands of years since then, the Sect Leaders of the Human Sect and Heavenly Sect have engaged in a Heaven-Human Dispute every sixty years. There have been deaths, injuries, and draws.
“Later, it gradually became a tradition for outstanding disciples from both sects to represent their schools in battle before the Sect Leaders’ confrontation. The winning side gains a three-move advantage.”
Xu Qi An frowned and asked, “I heard Miao Zhen say there are hidden truths behind the Heaven-Human Dispute. Do you know about them, Daoist Master?”
The orange cat glanced at him sideways with a half-smiling expression, “If I say I don’t know, will you refuse to help?”
Xu Qi An replied with an equally ambiguous smile, “If I refuse, will you not tell me?”
“The real reason is known only to the Sect Leaders of the Heaven and Human Sects. But based on countless years of clues, we can deduce some things,” the orange cat said, pausing for a few seconds before continuing:
“About two thousand years ago, a Heavenly Sect Leader was in secluded cultivation and missed the Heaven-Human Dispute. Then… he disappeared.
“Six hundred years ago, a Heavenly Sect Leader, for unknown reasons, stormed the headquarters of the Shaman God Cult alone. He returned severely injured and missed the Heaven-Human Dispute while recovering. He also disappeared.
“As for the Human Sect, they’ve never had a First Rank Terrestrial Immortal. But every Human Sect Leader who won the Heaven-Human Dispute would attempt to break through to First Rank in an extremely short time.”
Missing the Heaven-Human Dispute causes Heavenly Sect Leaders to disappear… Winning the Heaven-Human Dispute allows Human Sect Leaders to immediately attempt to break through to First Rank Terrestrial Immortal. What… what’s going on here? Xu Qi An increasingly felt that the Dao School’s matters were even deeper than he had imagined.
“You still haven’t given your reason,” Xu Qi An snapped back to attention, staring at the orange cat.
The above was the hidden truth behind the Heaven-Human Dispute, but not Daoist Jin Lian’s reason for asking him to stop Li Miao Zhen and Chu Yuan Zhen.
“I have an agreement with Luo Yu Heng. She will assist me in purging the Earth Sect in the future. Therefore, I want to delay the dispute between the Heaven and Human Sects. I don’t want anything to happen to her before dealing with the Earth Sect Leader. If the Heaven-Human Dispute proceeds as scheduled, Luo Yu Heng is likely to meet with misfortune,” the orange cat’s eyes showed seriousness and gravity.
Daoist Master is truly a qualified Earth Sect disciple, going to such lengths to purge his sect… Xu Qi An inwardly sighed, somewhat admiring Daoist Jin Lian’s sense of righteousness.
But he still didn’t think he could help in this matter.
“But how can I, a mere Silver Gong Beater, stop the Heaven-Human Dispute?” He shrugged.
“I’m not asking you to stop the Sect Leaders of the Heaven and Human Sects, but you can stop Chu Yuan Zhen and Li Miao Zhen,” Daoist Jin Lian patiently explained:
“Lord Xu, don’t you want to make a name for yourself? Don’t you want to show off in front of all the jianghu martial artists gathered in the capital?”
I’m not Yang Qian Huan, I don’t like showing off… Xu Qi An questioned, “Are you suggesting I participate in the Heaven-Human Dispute? This isn’t a good idea. First, I can’t beat them. Second, even if I disrupt the fight three days from now, what about five days later, or ten days later?
“Daoist Master, this method won’t work.”
The orange cat shook its head gently, speaking in a tone of mentoring a junior, “Moves must have a strategy, and so must actions. If you barge in without preparation or reason, Li Miao Zhen and Chu Yuan Zhen naturally won’t pay attention to you. Even if you manage to disrupt the battle, you can’t disrupt subsequent battles.
“But you can give yourself a reason.”
“A reason?” Xu Qi An asked.
“For instance, you could say that in your view, Lord Xu, the Heaven, and Human Sects are not worth mentioning, and their disciples are nothing special. You’re intrigued and want to test your skills against them. Challenge them in front of everyone and make a bet: if they can defeat you, the Heaven-Human Dispute continues. If not, they’ll have to wait until they can beat you before proceeding with the Heaven-Human Dispute.”
Xu Qi An was dumbfounded, “This works? Such a far-fetched reason…”
Daoist Jin Lian scoffed, “That’s because you’ve never roamed the jianghu. When jianghu martial artists issue challenges, they’re always direct and brutal. If someone doesn’t dare to accept, they’ll be severely humiliated until they agree.
“This is following the rules. Those who don’t follow rules directly go to smash-up places and challenge dojos.
“Li Miao Zhen and Chu Yuan Zhen are both proud individuals. If you publicly humiliate them, they’re very likely to accept the challenge. Once they agree, the agreement is set. Even the Heavenly Sect elders can’t say anything, they’ll only urge Li Miao Zhen to deal with you quickly.”
Won’t the Heavenly Sect elders all come down the mountain and each slaps me? Xu Qi An asked, “If Li Miao Zhen can never beat me, does that mean the Heaven-Human Dispute won’t happen?”
The orange cat glanced at him sideways again, “What I admire most about you, Lord Xu, is your excessive self-confidence. I’ve said that the Heaven-Human Dispute can’t be stopped, but it can be delayed. You just need to delay it for a year or so.
“Of course, this will indeed offend the Heavenly Sect. Others might not dare, but you’ll be fine.”
Is it really that I’ll be fine, or are you forcibly saying I’ll be fine… Xu Qi An frowned and asked, “Why?”
The orange cat chuckled, “Because you’re young enough, and you have a connection with Li Miao Zhen. If others forcibly intervened, the Heavenly Sect elders might not act themselves, but they would order Li Miao Zhen to kill the interferer and even bestow appropriate treasures and pills. This is without doubt; Heavenly Sect Daoists are cold enough.”
“Then what do I get out of this?” Xu Qi An asked.
“Trust me, if Luo Yu Heng doesn’t die, you’ll receive an unimaginable gift in the future. This is also one of the reasons I’m asking for your help,” the orange cat said leisurely.
You cat, drawing a big picture for me again… Xu Qi An pondered for a moment and said, “I need to think about it.”
The orange cat nodded, showing plenty of patience.
Xu Qi An sat by the stone table, considering the pros and cons of getting involved.
First, exclude the empty promise (the unimaginable gift).
The confrontation between Chu Yuan Zhen and Li Miao Zhen isn’t just a friendly match, but a duel bearing the mission of their sects, especially for Chu Yuan Zhen. Although he’s not a true Human Sect disciple, his swordsmanship comes from the Human Sect. He must repay this debt, so he’ll fight with all his might to win the three-move advantage for Luo Yu Heng.
Li Miao Zhen does things by the book; it’s almost impossible to ask her to hold back in the Heaven-Human Dispute. Besides her personality, it also involves the face of the Heavenly Sect.
The best solution would be one win and one loss, both injured. The worst outcome might be one dead and one injured.
If I can prevent this Heaven-Human Dispute, such a situation could be avoided.
But I’m just a sixth-rank martial artist, while the true combat power of these two outstanding disciples is at the Fourth Rank… Well, nourished by Monk Shen Shu’s essence blood, my Vajra Body Technique has long surpassed normal ranks.
In terms of combat power, I might be stronger than a Sixth Rank martial artist, but I’m certainly no match for a Fourth Rank or even a Fifth Rank martial artist. However, in terms of defense, even Fourth Rank martial artists might not compare to me.
Daoist Jin Lian is so certain I can help, it seems he has seen through my true capabilities… Did he notice something when I fought with Li Miao Zhen that day?
“Daoist Master, I understand your meaning. Chu Yuan Zhen and Li Miao Zhen are both members of the Heaven and Earth Society, but due to their sect’s orders, they won’t hold back. If either of them is injured or killed, that’s something none of us want to see,” Xu Qi An sighed.
The orange cat nodded with a satisfied smile, like an adult who had successfully fooled a child.
“As for the resentment from the Heavenly Sect elders, I believe it won’t be a big problem. You wouldn’t harm me, Daoist Master,” Xu Qi An said.
The orange cat nodded again with a smile.
“So, I refuse,” Xu Qi An concluded.
The orange cat’s smile suddenly froze.
“Why?” The orange cat’s tone was urgent, “Xu Qi An, mutual help is the tenet of the Heaven and Earth Society.”
When there’s trouble it’s Lord Xu, when there’s not it’s Xu Qi An. You’re truly a pragmatic cat… Xu Qi An recounted his painful experience, “Last time we went to find Li Na, I almost died underground. I didn’t get any benefits, but nearly lost my life.”
“You absorbed the fortune from the Imperial Seal,” the orange cat raised its front paw and patted the table.
“Then what about this time? What can I gain this time?” Xu Qi An sighed, “Daoist Master, you should know that my reputation didn’t come easily. The people of the capital all admire me and see me as a hero of Da Feng.
“Chu Yuan Zhen and Li Miao Zhen’s cultivation is far higher than mine. You’re asking me to go get beaten up, which will damage my reputation of fighting thousands of rebels alone with just a sword. It will damage my reputation for defeating the Buddhist sect.”
The orange cat sighed, “What do you want?”
Xu Qi An showed a pure smile, “Two requests. First, I want a treasure. I haven’t decided what yet, but consider it a debt you owe me. When I ask for it in the future, you can’t go back on your word.”
The orange cat pondered for a moment, then nodded, “But you can’t ask for the moon… Sigh, what’s the second request?”
Xu Qi An put on a serious face and said, “I want a Green Pill.”
“!!!”
The orange cat raised its paw and slammed the table three times, saying loudly, “That’s impossible! Green Pills are like Rebirth Pills, only three are refined every sixty years. Rebirth Pills are hard to make because of rare materials, while Green Pills are complex to refine and the materials are expensive. In terms of cost, they’re several times that of Rebirth Pills.”
This kid doesn’t think. If he, Jin Lian, had such a treasure as a Green Pill, would he have needed to ask him to go to Lingbao Temple to beg Luo Yu Heng for pills back then?
The Earth Sect lacks nothing but money.
Xu Qi An rubbed his hands together, smiling enthusiastically, “Daoist Master, why so distant? We’re in the same organization. I wouldn’t ask too much of you.
“You don’t have Green Pills, but the Human Sect does, right? Everyone in the Dao School knows the Human Sect is loaded.”
The orange cat hesitated for a long time, then said hesitantly, “I’ll try. I’ll give you an answer by dusk.”
Xu Qi An quickly nodded, “No rush, tomorrow is fine too. The Heaven-Human Dispute is in three days.”
The orange cat ignored him, darting into the flower bed and disappearing.
“Daoist Jin Lian is such an old fox, always trying to fleece the juniors. Even worse than freeloading,” Xu Qi An grumbled.
The so-called Green Pill is a type of pill that cleanses the marrow and strengthens the bones and tendons. These eight characters have been overused; even street vendors selling strength pills in the jianghu disdain use these eight characters to describe their medicine.
But the marrow cleansing and bone-strengthening effects of the Green Pill are different from the usual meaning. It can dramatically increase the defense of a sixth-rank martial artist in the Bronze Skin Iron Bone realm.
“My Vajra Body Technique has reached a bottleneck. There’s still a small residue of Monk Shen Shu’s essence blood, but I can’t absorb it no matter what. If it just settles in my body, it would be a waste…”
Xu Qi’an specifically sought advice from Wei Yuan on this matter. Of course, he only asked how to rapidly advance his Golden Body Technique in a short period. Wei Yuan pointed out two paths: practical combat experience and Qing Dan pills.
“I was previously worried about how to bring my Golden Body Technique to the Small Success realm. Today, when Daoist Orange Cat came to ask for my help, it suddenly opened up my thinking…”
“Looking at it from a different perspective, could it be related to my strong luck? I need a breakthrough, I need Qing Dan pills and life-or-death battles, and Li Miaozhen happens to come to the capital to fulfill the Heaven-Human Agreement.”
…
“What method?” Emperor Yuan Jing’s eyes lit up slightly as he gazed at the exquisite beauty floating in the pool.
Luo Yuheng’s red lips parted slightly, her voice cool yet alluring, “Simply send someone to stop this Heaven-Human dispute. It must be someone of the same generation who doesn’t fear retaliation from the Heavenly Sect.”
Emperor Yuan Jing frowned and pondered, “If we intervene forcefully, the Heavenly Sect will surely send someone to demand an explanation. Perhaps we could interfere through a wager.”
Luo Yuheng nodded, then shook her head, saying softly, “Once a wager is established, it’s to the death. The price is too high. Your Majesty need not sacrifice a young talent for this matter.”
This would essentially involve getting caught up in the Heaven-Human dispute. What was originally an agreement between the Heavenly Sect and the Human Sect would now become a three-party agreement.
The struggle between the Heavenly Sect and the Human Sect has its reasons, and they would follow the rules. But this person forcibly intervening would be seen as a nuisance in the eyes of the Heavenly Sect.
The Heavenly Sect’s reaction would likely be one of two: First, ordering Li Miaozhen to end the battle quickly, for which the Heavenly Sect would provide a certain degree of “assistance.”
Second, a senior member of their sect would come directly and eliminate the troublemaker with a single strike.
There’s no possibility of walking away unscathed. If you want to break the agreement and withdraw from the duel, first, the goal wouldn’t be achieved, and the Heaven-Human dispute would proceed as scheduled, just delayed by a few days.
Furthermore, the Daoist from the Heavenly Sect might not agree, and would still eliminate the one who broke the agreement, doing so righteously and with justification.
Emperor Yuan Jing ignored this, shifting his gaze from Luo Yuheng’s face towards the direction of the Celestial Observation Bureau, saying:
“Therefore, Yang Qianhuan from the Celestial Observation Bureau is the best choice. He neither fears retaliation from the Heavenly Sect nor cannot deal with Chu Yuanzhen and Li Miaozhen.”
Luo Yuheng nodded slightly. Emperor Yuan Jing was correct; Yang Qianhuan was the best choice, and no one more suitable than him.
“I will immediately send someone to discuss this with the Director.”
Emperor Yuan Jing beckoned, summoning the old eunuch waiting outside the courtyard, and instructing him to go to the Celestial Observation Bureau to request someone.
Two incense sticks’ time later, the guard sent by the old eunuch reported back. The Director’s response was: Yang Qianhuan is suppressed at the bottom of the Star-Gazing Tower, please ask His Majesty to choose another capable person.
This result was within the expectations of Emperor Yuan Jing and Luo Yuheng, but they still felt somewhat disappointed.
“The Director only does things within the ‘rules,’ beyond that, there’s no room for personal favors,” Emperor Yuan Jing shook his head, his tone rather helpless.
The Director would do everything he should, but for things he shouldn’t do, even the Son of Heaven couldn’t command him.
“I’ll think of another way,” Emperor Yuan Jing said, then returned to the imperial palace.
After Emperor Yuan Jing left, Luo Yuheng sighed softly.
Returning to the imperial palace, Emperor Yuan Jing sat in the imperial study, pondering for a quarter of an hour. He then picked up a brush and wrote a list of names, saying, “Grand Steward, go summon the people on this list to the palace.”
…
Nan Gong Qianrou, led by a eunuch, crossed the square and entered the imperial study.
He glanced around, seeing two young men in light armor standing on the crimson carpet, with no one else present.
Nan Gong Qianrou recognized these two men, who served in the imperial guard. One was from a noble family, while the other was a commoner who had risen through the ranks.
When the two men saw Nan Gong Qianrou, their eyes flashed with surprise.
Nan Gong Qianrou had no friendship with them, and being naturally gloomy and unsociable, he didn’t greet them, standing silently to one side.
Soon after, Emperor Yuan Jing entered, walking while scrutinizing the three of them, finally stopping in front of them and saying in a deep voice, “Do you know why I summoned you three to the palace?”
Nan Gong Qianrou didn’t respond. The commoner-born warrior slightly lowered his head, while the young man from the noble family cupped his hands and said, “Please instruct us, Your Majesty.”
Emperor Yuan Jing nodded and slowly said, “Three days from now is the Heaven-Human dispute. I hope you can intervene to stop it…”
He explained the pros and cons of the situation to the three of them, then asked, “Which of you is willing? Regardless of the final outcome, you’ll be promoted one rank.”
These three were the youngest Fourth-Rank warriors in the capital, and they belonged to the imperial court.
Fourth-Rank warriors were rare outside the capital. In the thirteen provinces of Great Feng, one could count the number of Fourth-Rank experts in a single province on one hand. But in the capital, as the center of power for Great Feng, the number of Fourth-Rank experts was much higher than one might imagine.
However, there was only one Third-Rank warrior, the Northern Frontier King. A Third-Rank warrior capable of regenerating limbs had already transcended the realm of mortals, a world apart from the Fourth Rank.
Nan Gong Qianrou remained expressionless.
The commoner-born warrior’s eyes flashed with concealed anger. The noble-born warrior, however, showed wariness and caution.
Emperor Yuan Jing said in a deep voice, “Two rank promotion.”
The anger in the commoner’s eyes intensified, while the noble-born warrior seemed tempted but ultimately shook his head, saying softly, “Your Majesty, please forgive me. This humble official’s abilities are shallow and cannot meet the task.”
The commoner-born warrior followed suit, cupping his hands, “This humble official cannot fulfill the task.”
Emperor Yuan Jing nodded, his expression unchanged, and said, “You two may withdraw. Nan Gong Qianrou, stay behind.”
The two men breathed sighs of relief and left the imperial study.
Emperor Yuan Jing paced back to the imperial throne, waited for about ten breaths, then spoke, “Of those two, one is dissatisfied with my support for the Human Sect, which ultimately stems from dissatisfaction with my path of cultivation.
“The other values his life too much. He already has wealth and status and doesn’t want to get involved in the disputes of the two Daoist sects.”
Nan Gong Qianrou looked directly at Emperor Yuan Jing, “Your Majesty kept me behind because you think I will act?”
Emperor Yuan Jing nodded, “Nan Gong Qianrou, I know your identity, and I know what you want.”
Nan Gong Qianrou’s pupils suddenly contracted, quickly returning to normal.
Emperor Yuan Jing stared at him, “As long as you settle this matter for me, I can lend you twenty thousand elite troops.”
Nan Gong Qianrou’s expression wavered, seeming extremely tempted, but in the end, he chose to refuse, shaking his head and saying, “Your Majesty, I made a promise to Duke Wei. Before he returns my name to me, I won’t leave him.
“Moreover, I’m not afraid of either Li Miaozhen or Chu Yuanzhen individually. But if they join forces, I won’t be able to handle it. And to ensure the Heaven-Human Agreement proceeds as scheduled, they will certainly team up first to eliminate any outsiders. It’s not that I’m unwilling, but that my abilities are insufficient.”
Emperor Yuan Jing didn’t insist, waving his hand.
Nan Gong Qianrou cupped his hands and left the imperial study.
Emperor Yuan Jing’s face darkened as he instructed, “Tell the Imperial Preceptor that I am powerless to help, and she should fend for herself.”
Such a stubborn woman, willing to face the Heaven-Human dispute rather than dual cultivate with him. Since that’s the case, go and face the Heavenly Sect’s leader yourself.
…
At Lingbao Temple.
The young eunuch bowed deeply, speaking in a soft voice, “Imperial Preceptor, His Majesty is also powerless. None of the young Fourth-Rank experts in the capital are willing to interfere with the Heaven-Human dispute.
“As you know, His Majesty can’t force them.”
Luo Yuheng didn’t open her eyes, saying indifferently, “I understand.”
The eunuch didn’t dare linger, bowing before quickly leaving.
A quarter of an hour later, a slender orange cat appeared on the wall of the small courtyard, its amber vertical pupils staring intently at the woman above the pool.
“Junior Sister!”
Luo Yuheng didn’t look up, her tone tinged with disgust, “What are you doing here?”
The orange cat hesitated slightly, adopting a tone of consultation, “I have a question. Does the Human Sect have any Qing Dan pills? This pill is difficult to refine and priceless…”
Luo Yuheng frowned, interrupting, “If you know this pill is rare, why ask? What would you, an Earth Sect leader, need Qing Dan pills for?”
The orange cat looked somewhat embarrassed, “In your eyes, am I just a poor relative who takes without giving? I can’t use Qing Dan pills myself, I’m asking on someone else’s behalf.”
Luo Yuheng scoffed, mocking, “You’re not a poor relative, you’re a shameless, stinking Daoist. My father once refined a batch of Qing Dan pills. Two were taken by Emperor Yuan Jing, and I have the last one.
“But this pill is both difficult to refine and precious. I won’t give it to you. Unless you exchange it for a fragment of the Earth Scripture.”
How could I possibly give you a fragment of the Earth Scripture? Your Human Sect can’t even use it… The orange cat grumbled inwardly, saying regretfully, “Never mind then. I had originally found an assistant for you, Junior Sister, someone who could delay the Heaven-Human dispute. They only had one requirement, which was the Qing Dan pill. Since you don’t agree, I’ll have to decline their offer.”
Luo Yuheng suddenly stood up, shouting, “Come back!”
She imperiously reached out and grabbed the orange cat from the wall, throwing it onto the rockery by the pool. Her beautiful eyes blazed as she stared intently, rapidly questioning:
“Who is it? How confident are you? Do you know that once involved in the Heaven-Human dispute, it’s difficult to withdraw?”
As she spoke, she stared unblinkingly at the orange cat, focused and urgent.
“You’re not unfamiliar with him. You’ve even considered dual cultivating with him,” the orange cat said leisurely, licking its ruffled fur.
The light in Luo Yuheng’s eyes dimmed, and she said angrily, “He’s only a Sixth-Rank warrior. Even with the support of the Buddhist Golden Body Technique, he’d be at most Fifth-Rank in combat power.
“Chu Yuanzhen and Li Miaozhen are not ordinary Fourth-Rank warriors.”
The orange cat spoke unhurriedly, “Don’t be angry. Xu Qi’an’s Golden Body Technique is not something ordinary warriors can compare to. I even suspect that Fourth-Rank warriors might not have stronger physical bodies than him.”
Luo Yuheng sneered, “You suspect?”
The orange cat nodded, “Because Li Miaozhen’s full-power sword strike couldn’t harm him in the slightest.”
Luo Yuheng was stunned, feeling it was utterly absurd. She asked for confirmation, “Li Miaozhen’s full-power sword strike couldn’t harm him at all?”
The orange cat nodded.
Luo Yuheng was dumbfounded.
…
At Haoqi Tower.
Wei Yuan listened to Nan Gong Qianrou’s report and nodded approvingly, “You handled it well. Participating in the Heaven-Human dispute would be harmful and without benefit. It’s a dispute within the Daoist sects; outsiders forcefully intervening would only be asking for trouble.”
Yang Yan grunted and said, “The Human Sect’s swordsmanship is unparalleled, and the Heavenly Sect’s Daoist techniques are mysterious. In a one-on-one situation, Qianrou fears no one, but facing two opponents simultaneously would undoubtedly lead to defeat.”
Nan Gong Qianrou said calmly, “In the capital, no Fourth-Rank expert can handle both of them at once. Yang Qianhuan’s teleportation arrays might allow him to remain undefeated, but once engaged in combat, he wouldn’t last ten moves.”
Combat is not a sorcerer’s forte.
Wei Yuan said, “For the Heaven-Human dispute three days from now, all of you Golden Gongs should go watch and broaden your horizons. Battles between high-ranking Daoists are rare.”
…
At dusk, Xu Qi’an heard a shrill cat’s meow. Following the sound, he saw the orange cat crouching on a tree branch in a secluded corner.
The orange cat held a porcelain bottle in its mouth, gently opening its jaws to let it fall into Xu Qi’an’s palm.
“Pop…”
He removed the wooden stopper and sniffed it, an indescribable fragrance filling his nostrils.
“Luo Yuheng said, as long as you give it your all, win or lose, the Qing Dan pill is yours,” the orange cat said.
With this, plus the battle in three days, my Invincible Golden Body will surely advance to the next level. I can also prevent Number Two and Number Four from mutually destroying each other, killing two birds with one stone… Xu Qi’an’s face lit up with joy, and he sighed, “The Imperial Preceptor is truly wealthy.”
Auntie, I don’t want to struggle anymore.
The orange cat stood on the branch, looking down at Xu Qi’an, and said, “Know yourself and know your enemy, and you’ll win every battle. Chu Yuanzhen and Li Miaozhen are both experts. I think you need to know some intelligence.”
I think so too. I was planning to probe Li Miaozhen for information later… Xu Qi’an said, “Please speak, Daoist.”
“You have some understanding of the Human Sect’s swordsmanship, and you’ve grasped Chu Yuanzhen’s self-created Sword Nurturing Intent. I don’t have much to say about him. The main focus is Li Miaozhen; you know nothing about the Heavenly Sect’s Daoist techniques.”
“Investigation of things and extension of knowledge,” Xu Qi’an said.
“Investigation of things and extension of knowledge… heh, very aptly put.” The orange cat coughed and continued, “Li Miaozhen is also skilled in flying swords, a supernatural ability brought by the Seventh-Rank Qi Absorption of the Daoist sects.
“The Fifth-Rank Golden Core of the Daoist sects can break all illusions and fear no worldly turbidity. Your Buddhist Lion’s Roar will be ineffective against Li Miaozhen.”
Xu Qi’an nodded.
“Additionally, there are thunder techniques and Five Elements spells. These spells need to be used in conjunction with the right time and place. The battle location is at Wei River, so be careful of water-based spells,” the orange cat said, then adopted a serious expression:
“The core technique of the Heavenly Sect is the Unity of Heaven and Man. Its manifestation ability is to imbue all things in the world with spirit, establish connections with them, and make them obey. In simple terms, your knife might not be your knife, your belt might try its best to strangle you.
“The stone at your feet might suddenly jump up and hit your knee.
“Even your hand might suddenly raise itself to slap you.”
Damn, are the Heavenly Sect’s techniques this formidable? Is this the so-called: There’s no such thing as loyalty in the world, only because they haven’t met me? In my eyes, everything is a potential traitor?
Xu Qi’an was shocked and filled with envy for the Heavenly Sect’s flashy techniques.
After bidding farewell to Daoist Golden Lotus, he immediately returned to his room to swallow the Qing Dan pill and refine its power.
…
The three-day period passed in the blink of an eye. At the crack of dawn, Chu Yuanzhen woke up, methodically dressed himself, strapped on his sword, and took the time to tuck in the blanket for his old classmate and friend.
Yesterday, the two had drunk deep into the night, with his friend hinting throughout that he should throw the match.
Chu Yuanzhen actually knew that for many in the court, the Heaven-Human dispute was a great opportunity to eliminate the “Human Sect.”
Many believed that without the Human Sect, His Majesty would focus on state affairs and no longer pursue the elusive goal of immortality.
“You don’t understand. I saw it clearly ten years ago. Even without the Human Sect, there would be other Daoists, other Imperial Preceptors. Even if all of this didn’t exist, Emperor Yuan Jing would still pursue the Dao. He craves immortality, and no one can stop him.”
Chu Yuanzhen shook his head and left the room.
Outside the mansion, he saw the tall and robust Heng Yuan standing by the street in the pre-dawn darkness.
“It was Lord Xu who sent me in. This poor monk will accompany you,” Heng Yuan said, palms pressed together.
Chu Yuanzhen nodded silently and walked side by side with Heng Yuan. After a while, he turned his head to look at the middle-aged monk and asked, “What do you want to say?”
Heng Yuan turned his gaze to the sword on Chu Yuanzhen’s back and said softly, “This poor monk wishes to request that you not unsheathe this sword.”
Chu Yuanzhen didn’t agree.
“That would be disrespectful to both the Heavenly Sect and Li Miaozhen,” he said.
Heng Yuan looked distressed.
…
At the Imperial Palace, a column of imperial guards escorted two luxurious carriages out of the palace, through the imperial city, and towards the outskirts.
Lin’an lifted the carriage curtain. The streets were sparsely populated, with steaming breakfast stalls sending wafts of fragrant smells into Lin’an’s nose.
She couldn’t help but feel the urge to taste the commoners’ breakfast.
In the carriage ahead sat Huai Qing. Lin’an’s trip out of the palace was by tagging along with Huai Qing. In the entire imperial palace, only the Crown Prince and Huai Qing could freely enter and leave the capital without hindrance.
Other princes and princesses didn’t have such privileges.
Lin’an loved to watch excitement and didn’t want to miss the Heaven-Human dispute. She had originally planned to have the dog slave secretly take her out of the city, disguising herself as an ordinary young wife and following him to watch the commotion at Wei River.
Who knew the dog slave would treat her like a ball and kick her to Huai Qing.
Fortunately, Huai Qing was quite righteous and willing to take her out of the city.
“Hmph, I’ll see how I deal with that dog slave later,” Lin’an thought angrily.
She didn’t know where he had gone.
…
At the Prince of Huai’s mansion.
All the guards in the mansion were mobilized, surrounding a luxurious carriage made of golden nanmu wood as it left the imperial city.
…
At the Xu mansion.
Xu Xinnian woke up early, leading a horse, clip-clopping along the street. At the corner, he saw a luxurious carriage parked by the roadside.
More than a dozen household guards stood on either side.
The carriage curtain lifted, revealing Miss Wang’s beautiful face. She smiled and said, “Lord Xu, come aboard for some tea.”
The palace examination was over, and Xu Xinnian was now a Hanlin Academy Bachelor, no longer just a commoner scholar.
This year’s top graduates had particularly little prestige, as all the attention was stolen by the Heaven-Human dispute.
Even the capital’s citizens had shifted their focus to the Daoist sects’ conflict. People heard that the Heaven-Human dispute happened only once every sixty years, and many could only witness it once in a lifetime. Thinking it over, the imperial examinations happened every three years, so the importance was clear at a glance.
Miss Wang took the opportunity to invite Xu Xinnian to watch the Heaven-Human dispute together, and this time Xu Xinnian didn’t refuse.
Miss Wang was overjoyed.
After Xu Xinnian boarded the carriage, she quickly instructed her maid to pour tea and said with a smile, “I heard from my father that the disciples of both the Heaven and Human Sects are extraordinary experts.”
She thought for a moment and found a comparison, “Not inferior to the Golden Gongs of the Night Watchmen’s Office. I also heard that the Heavenly Sect’s Holy Maiden is as beautiful as a flower, a great beauty who could topple nations.”
Xu Xinnian calmly nodded.
His overly cold attitude deflated Miss Wang a bit, and she probed, “Is Ci Jiu not interested in the Heaven-Human dispute?”
Without a sound, she called him Ci Jiu.
The Second Young Master Xu shook his head and said, “I know who the Heavenly Sect’s Holy Maiden is. Since she entered the capital, she has been staying at my mansion.”
Miss Wang was stunned, her eyes widening, “Ci Jiu, don’t joke. How could the Heavenly Sect’s Holy Maiden be at your mansion? Are you… are you old acquaintances?”
The Heavenly Sect was a renowned sect in the jianghu. Given the Xu family’s status, it seemed impossible for them to “reach” the Heavenly Sect’s Holy Maiden.