NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 244-249
Chapter 244: Red Demon Eye
Fang Zhengzhi decided to try his luck. He did not expect that someone else was even more tempted to try it out than him.
Naturally, that person was Ping Yang.
Before Fang Zhengzhi could run, Ping Yang took off.
In an instant, she was headed straight for the for the half opened stone door. She did not even say anything to Fang Zhengzhi as she bounded towards the door like a lamb in an open pasture.
“Hahaha, off I go…” As she ran, Ping Yang laughed maniacally.
This made Fang Zhengzhi slightly suspicious.
Ping Yang is a princess! Does she need to be in this much of a rush? Isn’t it just the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet? Hasn’t she seen it before?
Can’t she show a little more class?
Fang Zhengzhi looked to Chi Guyan.
Chi Guyan seemed to understand Fang Zhengzhi’s doubts from his look, “Actually, Ping Yang has never seen the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet before.”
“And you?”
“I have.” Chi Guyan nodded.
Fang Zhengzhi had questions again.
Ping Yang was the most loved and pampered princess to date. If Chi Guyan had seen it before, Ping Yang definitely had a chance to see it.
Is there something going on here?
Hang on…
Chi Guyan has seen the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet before? Then why isn’t she a sage?
“You’ve already become…”
“No!”
“You didn’t understand it?”
“…” Chi Guyan was silent for a moment. Then, she shook her head, “The Heaven Dao Sage Tablet is not what you think it is. It is not really a tablet. If you’re lucky enough to see it, you will understand what I mean.”
“The Heaven Dao Sage Tablet is not a tablet?” Fang Zhengzhi wanted to accuse Chi Guyan of lying to him.
However, it was more important that he chase up to Ping Yang. Ping Yang was already at the entrance.
Fang Zhengzhi and Chi Guyan rushed towards the stone door without hesitation.
The moment they stepped through the doors, Fang Zhengzhi felt like he was detached from the world. It did not feel like he had stepped through the door, it felt like he was sucked in by an unknown force.
The scene that unfolded before his eyes was even stranger.
The golden stone pillar was only ten meters wide at most. However, there was a huge magnificent throne room in front of him. The pillars were intricately carved.
In the middle of the throne room was a huge black cauldron.
Flames burned strongly inside the cauldron.
Underneath the cauldron were many soldiers dressed in glowing armor. There were thousands of them.
Ping Yang was standing in front of Fang Zhengzhi, her gaze sweeping over all of the soldiers. She seemed to be slightly excited, her mouth opening slightly in awe.
“Uncle Xing!”
“Yes… princess, your highness. Your highness, what… what are you doing here?!” A purple armored male in his forties with phoenix like eyes was shocked when he saw Ping Yang.
Then, the middle aged man noticed Fang Zhengzhi and frowned. Just as he was about to speak, his gaze froze.
Chi Guyan walked over.
“Guyan!”
“Uncle Xing, Guyan is honored to see you.” Chi Guyan calmly bowed towards the middle aged man.
“Your highness, Guyan, why… why are you here?!” The middle aged man appeared next to them in an instant.
Fang Zhengzhi was shocked when he saw the man in front of him.
If Chi Guyan’s speed was stunning to him, then this middle aged man’s speed was supernatural.
He is Ping Yang’s father’s younger brother? And Chi Guyan’s father’s elder brother?
Fang Zhengzhi’s heart fluttered. Is this man Xing Yuanguo? The leader of the 13 Constabularies and Xing Qingsui’s dad?
Fang Zhengzhi had a good impression of the Stabilisation Constabulary.
He admired them for their determination and nerver. Furthermore, Xing Qingsui had helped him in the throne room.
However, Xing Yuanguo only had eyes for Chi Guyan and Ping Yang.
Fang Zhengzhi decided not to interrupt them and greet Xing Yuanguo, potentially drawing his ire in the process.
“It’s a long story about how we got here. Is Uncle Xing trapped?” Chi Guyan glanced at the thousands of soldiers behind him.
“Nothing escapes Guyan’s eyes. I shall not hide it from you any longer. This battle is the hardest that I’ve ever fought in decades. However, I will not let the demons continue unchecked, even if I will die in the process!” Xing Yuanguo exuded an aura of determination and battle spirit.
Fang Zhengzhi had felt a similar battle spirit from Xing Qingsui. However, if Xing Qingsui’s was a creek, Xing Yuanguo’s was a vast ocean.
An endless ocean.
The hardest thing for any general was to maintain his spirit after a setback. However, despite a devastating loss, Xing Yuanguo still had great battle spirit.
Perhaps this was what made the Stabilisation Constabulary the leader of the 13, and the pillar of the Great Xia Dynasty.
“Uncle Xing, what happened in the army camp?” Chi Guyan pressed.
“You’ve been there?”
“Yes.”
“Mm, it was a massacre, but… it was a battle between the Red Pinion Squad and the Mountain Breaking Army!” Xing Yuanguo’s eyes glowed the color of blood as he spoke.
Chi Guyan frowned when she heard this, but she did not interrupt.
Ping Yang also fell silent at this point.
After a brief hesitation, Xing Yuanguo spoke again.
“An hour ago, the Mountain Breaking Army and the Red Pinion Squad realized that there was an attack on us. As such, they quickly came together to build the defences.”
“Your father had given me command of the Red Pinion Squad for this battle. I considered the tactics and strengths of each army. I gave the east and south gates to the Mountain Breaking Army and the west and north gates to the Red Pinion Squad.”
Xing Yuanguo paused for a moment.
Chi Guyan nodded lightly. If she was in command, she would have done the same thing. The Mountain Breaking Army were skilled in the spear and great at offence, whilst the Red Pinion Squad were mostly cavalry.
This was largely due to where the armies were situated.
The Red Pinion Squad was generally used to suppress and defend against the barbarians. As such, they needed to be quick and agile if they were to match up against the barbarians.
They would beat the barbarians at their own game.
As for the Mountain Breaking Army, they were mainly used to conquer other cities. As such, offence was the main focus of their training.
Since they had different philosophies, putting them together would greatly lower their effectiveness.
Xing Yuanguo had been a general for decades. He knew this and arranged his troops in the most logical fashion.
“However, I never expected that this… would cause the internal massacre!” Xing Yuanguo grit his teeth and clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening.
“Internal massacre?!”
“Yes, the Mountain Breaking Army killed members of the Red Pinion Squad, and the Red Pinion Squad killed members of the Mountain Breaking Army. When I finally reacted, it was too late…”
“The intruders were the Mountain Breaking Army and the Red Pinion Squad. They… may have forcefully changed the entire layout to cause chaos?” CHi Guyan guessed.
“I think that this is only one of the reasons. When the attack happened, the Mountain Breaking Army did not see the Red Pinion Squad. They saw black robed, masked men. It was the same for the Red Pinion Squad.” Xing Yuanguo shook his head.
“Black robed masked men… Uncle Xing, are you saying that these men don’t exist?” Chi Guyan frowned.
“According to my preliminary analysis, these black robed masked men should be members of the Mountain Breaking Army and the Red Pinion Squad. However, their appearances have been changed. When a Red Pinion Squad member pierces the hallucination, he is actually stabbing a Mountain Breaking Army member.” Xing Yuanguo continued.
“If that was the case, why didn’t you call off the attack?”
“I did give the order, however, when the attack was stopped, those black robed masked men…” Xing Yuanguo’s expression was pained. “When I gave the order to stop the attack, the massacre was just beginning!”
Chi Guyan could guess what had happened.
The mountain of bodies in the army camp explained everything. The trap had been near perfect, and the armies had fallen right into it.
“Has Uncle Xing heard of The Vast World?” Chi Guyan asked suddenly.
“The Vast World?! Of course… what you’re saying is… we are trapped in The Vast World?” Xing Yuanguo’s expression changed immediately.
“This is just my guess, but, when the incident happened at the camp, I was still quite some distance away. Only The Vast World is capable of turning the entire Cang Ling Mountain into a trap!”
“The entire Cang Ling Mountain! What a trap… I never expected the demons to be able to find the destroyed ‘The Vast World’. Furthermore, they managed to restore it? There are only three people in this world who are able to restore The Vast World… but, why would someone go and serve the demons?” Fire danced in Xing Yuanguo’s eyes.
“That is a very good question, it’s a pity you will never know the answer in this life.” Just as they were speaking, a voice rang out from the stone door.
Then, a black robed figure appeared at the door. He wore a hat on his head, and his body was completely covered by a black cloak.
There were nine other black robed men around him.
Each one of the nine had a jade green pearl like object on their forehead.
That was the demon eye.
Furthermore, a green one represented a demon in the Supernatural State.
“Demons, Supernatural State Demons! Nine of them?”
Xing Yuanguo was slightly surprised to see the cloaked figures, but he quickly recovered.
“I thought that you would surprise me, but it is always the same few people. I am disappointed!” Xing Yuanguo shook his head as he looked at the cloaked man.
“You have battled with us for so many years. Now that you are about to die, it is only right that you are sent off by an old friend! Furthermore, I, Bai Xing, am the only one in the 10 domains who can match up to you!” The cloaked man took off his har deliberately.
Then, a picturesque face could be seen. He looked to be in his thirties, his face white and clean.
He looked like an academic who had never experienced battle.
However, anyone who looked at this man would suppress any such thoughts. His eyes were like daggers.
More importantly.
His demon eye was blood red!
“As the leader of the demon’s Star Domain, you have only brought along nine followers… isn’t that insufficient?” Xing Yuanguo clenched his fists tightly when he saw the red demon eye.
“Of course it isn’t, so I wanted to give you a surprise! However, I didn’t expect you to have an even bigger surprise for me. The top talent of the Great Xia Dynasty Chi Guyan, Princess Ping Yang, and if my guess is correct, the newly appointed Sword Envoy?” Bai Xing smiled as he looked towards Fang Zhengzhi.
“Sword Envoy?!” All of the soldiers looked to Fang Zhengzhi when they heard what Bai Xing said.
Some of them recognized Fang Zhengzhi.
But why did Bai Xing call him the Sword Envoy?
“Normally, when humans talk about newly appointed, they would give… some precious gifts and pair it with congratulations. I wonder if the leader of the demon Star Domain knows his manners?” Fang Zhengzhi spoke, emphasizing the word ‘precious.”
“Haha, the Sword Envoy is right. This is the first time we are meeting, and it is your first promotion. I should do the above two things. However, humans are also known for reciprocating. If I give you a gift today, will you reciprocate?” Bai Xing mocked.
“Of course I will. We are men of our word, and we will do what we say. I will make sure I give you a gift if you give me one!” Fang Zhengzhi replied sincerely.
“How interesting!” Bai Xing’s smile became more radiant as he looked at Fang Zhengzhi’s innocent expression.
Chapter 245: Kneel and thank me
Fang Zhengzhi was smiling too. He was smiling even more radiantly than Bai Xing. Furthermore, his expression of anticipation caused the soldiers under the cauldron to doubt his intentions.
“Is he testing the waters?”
“I think there is a 90% chance Fang Zhengzhi would surrender!”
All of the soldiers looked on disdainfully at Fang Zhengzhi. They were about to fight, yet Fang Zhengzhi asked the demons for a gift? How audacious.
Xing Yuanguo also stared at Fang Zhengzhi. He did not know what this young man was thinking. After all, what he knew of Fang Zhengzhi came from the stories he heard.
This was the first time they had met.
He had no idea whether Fang Zhengzhi was a loyal and righteous man, or a two faced, benefit-driven individual.
If Fang Zhengzhi was a loyal man, then by the fact that he could still joke around when a battle was imminent meant that Xing Yuanguo had to take him seriously in the future.
However, the enemy was much stronger now. Furthermore, they were trapped in The Vast World, their lives in danger. It seemed more probable that Fang Zhengzhi would surrender.
Kill?
Or leave him be?
This was the question Xing Yuanguo had to answer. As the general, he had to be very sure before taking any actions. After all, Fang Zhengzhi was by Ping Yang’s side.
An unsuspecting Ping Yang.
If Fang Zhengzhi decided to take Ping Yang hostage, then it would be a death sentence for his force.
Xing Yuanguo’s eyes glowed icily. He did not stop Fang Zhengzhi, neither did he attack Fang Zhengzhi. He promised himself, If he takes the gift, I will kill him!
Then, things began to unravel.
After laughing, Bai Xing thought for a moment before retrieving a gemstone. Then, he stroked it lightly a couple of times.
“I heard that your honor is incredibly resourceful and intelligent. You attained the Heavenly Reflection State at 15, but have never managed to learn in an academy. You had no teacher to guide you, and have been stymied along the way. I have always been frustrated with the humans. They only look at the contributions of a family, but never realize the talents that surround them. It is a waste that you are with them. Now that I have met you, I hope that you will accept this gift. This gemstone contains the first part of our premier technique… the “Infinite Star Sword Technique!”
Bai Xing’s intentions were clear. He was sowing discord whilst trying to recruit Fang Zhengzhi. He even offered half of the demonic premier sword technique as a token of goodwill.
After he finished, he placed the gemstone in his right palm and extended it. If you want it, come and take it.
“Infinite Star Sword Technique?!”
“Isn’t that the technique Bai Xing trains with?”
All of the soldiers were stunned when they heard it.
Xing Yuanguo squinted. He knew that Bai Xing was up to no good. He had not offered jewels, armor, or weapons. He had offered up a technique scroll, half of it to be exact.
If Fang Zhengzhi trained with it, he would naturally ask for the second half.
It was only logical.
What would Fang Zhengzhi’s choice be? Take the technique stone and repay Bai Xing with his loyalty? Or reject it entirely…
Xing Yuanguo did not have to think for long.
The answer was for all to see.
Fang Zhengzhi walked over without hesitation the moment Bai Xing extended his hand.
Then, he took the gemstone.
He bowed sincerely to Bai Xing, then shouted, “Thank you!”
His voice reverberated throughout the throne room.
However, all the soldiers’ expressions darkened.
Xing Yuanguo’s hand was pressed against his waist. He did not know if it was a mere coincidence, but Chi Guyan moved slightly when Fang Zhengzhi did.
She placed herself in between Xing Yuanguo and Fang Zhengzhi.
Xing Yuanguo looked at Chi Guyan and realized that her eyes were just as bright as before. Her expression was as calm as a lake in spring.
Xing Yuanguo released his grip on his waist.
It seemed rather unbelievable. Just a moment ago, he had promised himself that he would kill Fang Zhengzhi if Fang Zhengzhi took the gift. Now, even though Fang Zhengzhi accepted the gift, he was not going to kill him.
But this was the truth.
After saying thank you, Fang Zhengzhi sauntered back.
This was rather confusing.
Why would he walk back after showing where his allegiance lay?
“Could it be…”
A thought appeared in the minds of the soldiers. Fang Zhengzhi had taken up a position next to Ping Yang. He was less than an inch from her.
Bai Xing’s smile became even more radiant.
Fang Zhengzhi was also smiling radiantly.
This smiling contest continued for almost five minutes. Finally, Bai Xing could not take it any longer.
“Your honor, where is the gift you promised?” Bai Xing did not want to remind Fang Zhengzhi, but he did not want to wait any longer.
“Haven’t I already given it?” Fang Zhengzhi looked at Bai Xing quizzically.
“You have? What… what did you give me?” Bai Xing was even more confused.
“Didn’t I thank you just now? That was my ‘gift’ to you!” Fang Zhengzhi replied.
“The ‘thank you’ was your gift to me?!” Bai Xing was taken aback.
After the thousands of soldiers heard what Fang Zhengzhi said, they all looked at each other in confusion.
Isn’t Fang Zhengzhi defecting?
Why…
“My Great Xia Dynasty is such a powerful empire with such a dense population. The demon race are hermits with a few isolated cities. As a rank four official and the Sword Envoy of the Great Xia Dynasty, it is a great honor for you that I’ve thanked you so sincerely. After all, I’ve only taken a small gemstone from you. Don’t you think you should kneel and thank me for my generosity?” Fang Zhengzhi’s voice rang out once again as he played with the stone in his hand.
When Bai Xing heard this, his expression darkened. Sword Envoy? Rank four official?
As the domain chief of one of the demonic domains and the commander of the demonic ten domain elite army, he was at least a rank two official in the demon world.
A measly rank four official with no soldiers under his command wanted him to kneel down after saying thanks?
This was humiliation! Complete, unadulterated humiliation!
All of the soldiers looked at the calm Fang Zhengzhi and the angered Bai Xing. If they still did not know what was happening, their brains were probably nonexistent.
Defect?
F*ck that!
How can someone who dares to insult the opposing commander in such a blatant fashion be accused of defecting? Fang Zhengzhi’s actions had made his stand very clear.
He would fight the demons to the bitter end!
“Well said! The Great Xia Dynasty is such a powerful empire with such a dense population. Why would we surrender to the hermit demons with a few isolated cities!”
“You must be dreaming! Our rank four official would not be bought over with a measly stone!”
“Yes, kill the demons, make the Great Xia Dynasty great again!”
The morale of the soldiers swelled. This had little to do with what Fang Zhengzhi had done or said.
This was pride!
If an untested 15 year old youth dared to humiliate the domain chief of the demons, then how could they, as the elite soldiers of the Great Xia Dynasty, back down?
As soldiers, they were ready to die, but they would never give up their pride. They were the Mountain Breaking Army and the Red Pinion Squad, the pillars of the Great Xia Dynasty.
In an instant, the shadow of their previous failure was lifted. They only had one aim – to defeat the demons and retain their standing and pride
Xing Yuanguo stared at Fang Zhengzhi.
He did not know if Fang Zhengzhi’s actions were planned or merely a happy coincidence. However, he knew that Fang Zhengzhi had used the simplest of methods to reinvigorate the depressed army.
Morale was the most important in any army.
With good morale, anything was possible.
Fang Zhengzhi, and untested and inexperienced youth who had not even finished the imperial examinations, had done something that a seasoned commander like him could not.
He had given the thousands of soldiers a morale boost, and a cause to fight for.
Ping Yang did not know much about troop management. However, she could feel the changes in the emotions of the thousands of soldiers. Was it because of Fang Zhengzhi?
This shameless boy had managed to scam the demons of half of the “Infinite Star Sword Technique” and raise the morale of the soldiers at the same time? How unbelievable.
“Shameless fella. It must be luck!” Ping Yang’s mouth twitched, her head held high.
Chi Guyan was different from Ping Yang. She had grown up in a military family and was familiar with military tactics. She knew that Fang Zhengzhi had potentially turned the tide of the battle.
If they could win this battle…
Fang Zhengzhi would have played a huge role in it.
Raising the morale of soldiers may seem simple, but is actually incredibly difficult. Someone who can encourage the soldiers is the rarest of all military geniuses.
“This shameless thief… actually did it?” Chi Guyan’s expression changed for the first time. She was here with Fang Zhengzhi.
She had seen the expressions of the soldiers before. She knew that they were a beaten force. However, they were rejuvenated and given a new lease of life. They were now a strong army ready to fight for their pride.
His methods may be shameless.
But one could not argue with his results.
Bai Xing’s expression was ugly. He glanced at the soldiers under the cauldron, finally stopping at Fang Zhengzhi.
“Master had warned me that Fang Zhengzhi is an unpredictable man. Master told me to be careful when dealing with him. I had ignored the advice then, but now, I must say that what master said was an understatement! It’s alright though, Fang Zhengzhi’s name will disappear from the world after tonight. The Vast World will be your burying ground!”
Bai Xings body began to glow silver as he spoke. He looked like he was bathing in stars as a strong killing aura exploded outwards.
It crashed towards Fang Zhengzhi.
The red demon eye meant that Bai Xing was one state higher than Ying Shan.
Fang Zhengzhi had killed Ying Shan…
However, he had done so because the Traceless Sword was in control of the World of the Sage. He could not match Ying Shan based purely on ability. Now that he was up against Bai Xing…
He was not masochistic.
“It would be a waste to not properly admire such a magnificent throne room!” Fang Zhengzhi murmured, then paced quickly to the side.
A battle between two powerhouses was not a place he wanted to be. He would just be a cheerleader by the side. Only an idiot would get in the middle of those two.
Xing Yuanguo stared at Fang Zhengzhi.
He was confused when he saw Fang Zhengzhi moved, then, he heard what Fang Zhengzhi mumured.
Admire?
This child was not one for the refined arts.
Clearly, Fang Zhengzhi was trying to use this time to run. Xing Yuanguo had always punished deserters, but he was not surprised that Fang Zhengzhi wanted to run.
He was not even angered.
Fang Zhengzhi had already done the most important thing. As the commander, he should be the one fighting this battle.
But…
Didn’t he run a little too fast?
At the very least, shouldn’t he bring the princess along with him?
Just as he was thinking about it, Fang Zhengzhi turned back and appeared beside Ping Yang and Chi Guyan. “Follow me, I found a lead on the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet, come on over!”
Xing Yuanguo was taken aback by Fang Zhengzhi’s expression.
Isn’t that excuse a little too ridiculous?
Thousands of soldiers had not found any trace of the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet after searching repeatedly. How can you find it without even walking to the edges of the throne room?
However, with the impending battle, Fang Zhengzhi was offering to take Ping Yang and Chi Guyan along with him. This reassured Xing Yuanguo.
Neither Ping Yang nor Chi Guyan could be endangered.
“Your highness, Guyan, the emperor has decreed that we must find the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet. In the name of the emperor, I command you to follow Fang Zhengzhi and find it!” Xing Yuanguo found the excuse a little ridiculous, but he decided to “fall for it’.
Chapter 246: Shan Jia
Chi Guyan, being as smart as she was, knew exactly what Xing Yuanguo meant. However, since he had used the emperor’s name, that meant that he had made up his mind.
Ping Yang knew that Xing Yuanguo wanted her to hide for now. It was a good thing she was a bully, and she did not like being bullied.
As such…
She ran off with Fang Zhengzhi without putting up a fight.
“Kill!” The morale of the soldiers under the cauldron hit a high as their roar echoed throughout the throne room.
“Are you trying to bully us with numbers?” Bai Xing looked at the thousands of soldiers before glancing back at his nine companions. His gaze finally locked onto Xing Yuanguo as he sneered.
Being humiliated by a 15 year old boy was incredibly infuriating.
However, when faced with a powerful enemy, he could not let his emotions get the better of him. Furthermore, now that the morale of the soldiers was at an all time high, he had to find a way to calm himself down.
“Time and space are both in your favor. The only thing I have is the people.” Xing Yuanguo replied coldly.
“People? Hahaha… what a joke. I do not dare comment about the others, but I must say I have some confidence if I had to compete with your people!” Bai Xing chuckled.
Xing Yuanguo’s expression darkened. He had battled Bai Xing many times over the years. He knew that Bai Xing was a difficult man to deal with. Bai Xing never fought a losing battle.
Is there an ambush?
Just as he was thinking about it, the lyrical music from a flute rang out from the stone door. It felt like rain in the desert – incredibly soothing and hypnotising.
When Xing Yuanguo heard the flute, his expression changed instantly.
“You all actually…” Even the battle hardened Xing Yuanguo could not keep his cool.
At this point, he was sure that this was all a set up. When the Dragon Protection Squad had passed the message to the capital, they had fallen into the trap.
He also knew why the demons chose Cang Ling Mountain. They could only set up this trap on Cang Ling Mountain.
“Hahaha, Xing Hou, please put your hands together to welcome a good friend of the demons, “Shan Jia”!” Bai Xing pointed flamboyantly towards the stone door as he spoke.
Xing Yuanguo ignored Bai Xing.
His gaze was trained on the middle aged man standing at the entrance.
That man was covered from head to toe in green rattan. He had a thick beard and wore no armor. He had a green flute in his hand.
He looked like a barbarian.
However, Xing Yuanguo did not underestimate him. His eyes glimmered; he was even more solemn than when he saw Bai Xing appear.
The male also looked at Xing Yuanguo. However, it was no more than a glance. He did not speak as he sauntered over to Bai Xing’s side.
All of the soldiers were in disbelief when they saw that man.
“His… surname is Shan!”
“Shan Jia!”
“Exactly, only people from that area will use rattan for clothing. But… why is his surname Shan?!”
The thousands of soldiers were in disbelief when they realized the identity of the man. Their disbelief was quickly replaced with fury.
“Ever since the Great Xia Dynasty was founded, we have protected the Southern Mountain Range. As a Shan, you should know this better than anyone else! Why would you ally yourself with the demons?!” Xing Yuanguo’s tone was dangerous, his arm at his waist.
Shan Jia was silent. However, when Xing Yuanguo said “as a Shan” his tiger like eyes flashed with pain.
“Shan Jia, do you know the consequences of your actions? Do you know what this means for the citizens of the Southern Mountain Range?” Xing Yuanguo continued.
Shan Jia did not speak, almost as if he didn’t hear Xing Yuanguo at all.
“Come on Shan Jia, you have spent more than 20 years in Cang Ling Mountain, it is time for you to show them your abilities!” Bai Xing glanced at Shan Jia and sneered.
Shan Jia nodded but still remained silent.
He was not as respectful as the other nine black robed men nor as disciplined as the soldiers. He did not even greet Bai Xing. He merely nodded, then placed the flute to his lips.
In an instant, a melodious tune filled the room.
However, this time, the music was clearly more rushed. It’s hypnotic nature was a lot more intense this time.
“Kaboom!”
A loud sound echoed out from the stone door.
“Roar!”
A beast’s roar reverberated throughout the throne room.
At the stone door was a beast with steel like blue fur. It’s sharp black claws glowed icily. More uniquely, there was a fiery red line of fur that extended from its forehead all the way to its tail…
“Blue Fire Wolf!”
“No, it’s the Blue Fire Wolf King!”
Before the soldiers could finish, additional figures came through the door. A second, a third…
Within moments, nearly a thousand Blue Fire Wolves had made their way inside.
Apart from the Blue Fire Wolves, there were various other ferocious beasts. There were the Steel Limb Golden Apes, the Tri-horn White Rhinoceros, and the sharp fanged Torrential Thunder Lions…
They packed the entire room.
However, they were all quite disciplined. It looked like a trained beast army There were 1000 Blue Fire Wolves on the perimeter whilst no less than 500 Tri-horn White Rhinoceroses took point. The Steel Limb Golden Apes rode the Rhinoceroses whilst the Lions guarded the back.
Xing Yuanguo frowned deeply.
From the moment Shan Jia entered through the stone doors, he had expected to face such an army. However, he did not expect Shan Jia to have trained them to such an extent.
These were all different species of beasts.
More importantly, they were all beasts which lived in herds!
They valued cooperation more than anything else in the world.
However, they only cooperated with their own species. Shan Jia’s feat of making them cooperate with different species could not be over exaggerated.
“It is no wonder you’re the top clan of the Southern Mountain Range!” Xing Yuanguo waved, his two handed sword in his hand.
His sword was pure black and ancient. Its sharp blade was inscribed with complicated runes, each one shining elegantly.
“Kill! For our pride!”
“Kill!”
The army charged under the leadership of Xing Yuanguo. None of them fled in the face of the beast army.
They were the elite soldiers of the Great Xia Dynasty.
For pride and glory!
…
At the back of the throne room, Ping Yang grabbed onto Chi Guyan’s arm tightly. She looked on unwillingly as she saw the army clash with the beasts.
“Fang Zhengzhi, you said you found a lead towards the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet, where is it?” Ping Yang pouted.
Chi Guyan did not speak. She knew that Fang Zhengzhi had made up an excuse to drag them both away. She had no reason to shame him now.
Fang Zhengzhi did not speak. He did not even hear what Ping Yang said. His gaze was fixed onto the herd of Blue Fire Wolves.
“Worked for 20 years?!”
“20 years ago…”
Eight years ago, when he was seven, he had killed a Blue Fire Wolf at the edges of Cang Ling Mountain. It was a lone wolf, but it was much larger than those he saw now.
In the moment that it died, it had looked back into the depths of Cang Ling Mountain. It’s eyes seemed relieved, but also unwilling.
At that time, the Blue Fire Wolf had already spent about three to four years at the edges of Cang Ling Mountain.
No one knew why there was a lone wolf on the edges of Cang Ling Mountain. Despite its loneliness, it never stepped into the depths of Cang Ling Mountain, choosing to roam the perimeter.
12 years…
Fang Zhengzhi clenched his fists tightly.
That Blue Fire Wolf was the king of these thousand wolves, it was a king!
Until now, Fang Zhengzhi could still keenly remember the gaze of the Blue Fire Wolf as it died, as well as its lonely last howl.
“Aroo!”
Fang Zhengzhi subconsciously made a noise as he recalled that scene.
A lonely and bright howl reverberated throughout the throne room.
It interrupted that hypnotic flute music.
All of the thousand Blue Fire Wolves stopped immediately. A thousand pair of eyes stared at Fang Zhengzhi, their eyes filled with disbelief.
This was the intelligence of the beasts.
Fang Zhengzhi knew how smart these beasts were. Since he was capable of discerning their location by sound, he was equally adept at imitating the sounds they made.
As such, he howled once again. “Aroo!”
In that instant, all of the thousand Blue Fire Wolves were moved.
It was not just the Blue Fire Wolves, even the other beasts subconsciously looked towards the 15 year old youth at the back of the throne room.
“12 years ago, he chased your king off Cang Ling Mountain!”
“At that time, he promised your king freedom. He promised that he would let your king go!”
“In fact, he didn’t!”
“He killed your king and dumped the body at the base of Cang Ling Mountain. He skinned your king!”
Fang Zhengzhi stood at his original position, completely absorbed in his storytelling. His actions were even slightly comical.
Strangely, all of the beasts were completely engrossed in his comical actions.
“Rubbish! I, Shan Jia, descend from the top family of the Southern Mountain Range. I have been vegetarian my whole life. I never wear fur or leather. I drink only water from the spring! I am friends with the trees and partners with the beasts! How dare you accuse me of such atrocities?!” Shan Jia’s expression changed when he heard Fang Zhengzhi.
As the top family of the Southern Mountain Range, they had their own methods of cultivating. They too believed in the Dao of All Creation. However, they were more focused on using their body to connect with nature.
They lived in the woods and lived off the land. As such, only the top family of the Southern Mountain Range could have the surname Shan. They revered nature and everything it represented.
They were partners with the beasts. They drew on the powers of the beasts to protect their homeland. In return, they never ate meat or wore fur or leather!
Shan Jia was infuriated. What Fang Zhengzhi had said went completely against everything he believed in.
It was almost as if someone told a monk that he had impregnated a woman. Even the most refined monk would protest vehemently against such an accusation.
When Xing Yuanguo had interrogated and even threatened Shan Jia, he did not even reply.
However, the moment Fang Zhengzhi said a few cryptic words and made a few comical actions, Shan Jia was completely infuriated.
This stunned the thousands of soldiers.
Even the nine robed men behind Bai Xing were stunned. Having known Shan Jia for so many years, they knew that Shan Jia was a man of extremely few words.
His only replies have either been a nod or a shake of the head.
Yet now…
This introvert was speaking up?!
Chi Guyan looked at Fang Zhengzhi. She knew what Fang Zhengzhi was saying, but, How did Fang Zhengzhi manage to deduce that Shan Jia chased their king out twelve years ago?
After all, this was the first time Fang Zhengzhi had seen Shan Jia. 12 years ago…
Fang Zhengzhi could not have been more than three years old?
“I’m falsely accusing you? What if I have evidence?” Fang Zhengzhi could not be sure. However, his gut told him that Shan Jia had chased out the Blue Fire Wolf King.
But what did this have to do with anything? Speaking rubbish was not a crime. If he got it right, the benefits could be immense. If he got it wrong, it would not matter anyways.
“What evidence could you possibly have?” Shan Jia was in disbelief. He had never done such a thing, what evidence could this boy possibly have?
“Of course I do!” Fang Zhengzhi produced the hide of a huge Blue Fire Wolf with a wave of his hand.
Eight years ago, when he had killed the Blue Fire Wolf, he had brought the hide back, wanting to sell it for some silver. However, because Chi Guyan had gone to the Southern Mountain Village, he had no choice but to guard against her coming to the Northern Mountain Village.
As a result, he did not get a chance to sell the Blue Fire Wolf hide.
As his family became richer, Fang Zhengzhi dismissed the idea of selling the hide. He decided to keep it as a memento of his first kill.
It was being put to good use now.
Shan Jia’s gaze was fixed on the hide of the Blue Fire Wolf. All of the other Blue Fire Wolves also concentrated on that hide.
That was the hide of their king.
“Aroo!” In an instant, the thousand Blue Fire Wolves howled in despair. Their howls rocked the throne room, almost like an offering to their fallen king
Shan Jia’s expression darkened.
“It’s you! You killed their king, you bloody villager!”
Chapter 247: Turn of events
“You’re lying! 12 years ago, I was only three years old. Saying that I killed their king is an insult to their king! Or… do you have a guilty conscience?” Fang Zhengzhi’s gaze became sharp and icy.
He had expected Shan Jia’s response.
It was only reasonable for Shan Jia to respond that way. Shan Jia was actually not the guilty party. However, who cared about that? Fang Zhengzhi was just waiting for that response.
“Aroo!” The one thousand Blue Fire Wolves howled after hearing what Fang Zhengzhi said. This time, their howls were filled with fury.
As beasts who lived in a herd, their intelligence was much greater than those of other beasts. They had quickly come to a decision on who was lying.
“Imagine if i had killed their king, wouldn’t I have even less incentive to show his hide and speak out about the incident? Do you really think that these are mindless wolves who will be controlled by you?” Fang Zhengzhi said deliberately as he saw the raging pack.
The eyes of the 1000 Blue Fire Wolves turned red in that instant.
Shan Jia’s expression also changed.
He had no idea that the Blue Fire Wolf King was killed. He also did not expect that Fang Zhengzhi would use its hide to frame him.
He felt incredibly wronged.
He felt like the monk who knew that the kid in the lady’s womb was not his. However, after the baby was born, a blood test revealed that it was a match to his.
Was there anything more ridiculous than this?
F*ck!”
This is ludicrous!
Shan Jia wanted to explain himself, but he did not know how.
The thousands of soldiers were stunned by this turn of events. All of them looked towards Fang Zhengzhi.
“Did Shan Jia really kill the Blue Fire Wolf King?”
“If that is so, this is a great chance for us!”
The soldiers did not know if Fang Zhengzhi was telling the truth. However, they were inclined to believe him. After all, like what Fang Zhengzhi said, he was only three years old 12 years ago.
Killing the Blue Fire Wolf King at three?
Is that possible?
Of course not.
Fang Zhengzhi ignored the surprise of the soldiers. He continued to motion with his limbs. He wanted to strike whilst the iron was hot.
He would keep going, suffocating Shan Jia until he had gotten what he wanted.
“I still have other evidence, would you like to see it? It has to do with the Tri-horn White Rhinoceros, the Steel Limb Golden Ape, and the Torrential Thunder Lions. Which one would you like to see first?” Fang Zhengzhi continued before Shan Jia could reply.
“That’s impossible!” Shan Jia’s eyes turned red. He had chased all four of the kings away in four different directions.
His sole intent was to prevent them from interacting with each other.
Even if Fang Zhengzhi could get his hands on the Blue Fire Wolf King hide, how could he possibly have those of the other three?
Shan Jia did not believe it.
However, if Fang Zhengzhi clearly did not have it, why would he announce it so loudly? Is he not afraid that his lies will be torn apart?
Or…
“Not good!”
Shan Jia suddenly remembered something. He subconsciously tried to run, but it was too late. A purple light had hit his body, and there was a ray of black light hidden within it.
That was a lethal strike.
“Sh*t!”
Before he could say anything, a large black sword had already pierced his heart, sending blood splattering everywhere.
Shan Jia’s eyes widened as the life slipped from him.
He finally understood what Fang Zhengzhi was trying to do, but it was too late. He could feel the energy exit his body in that instant.
“Oh… I see… ahem…” Shan Jia coughed up a mouthful of blood as he glared at Xing Yuanguo. His eyes were filled with pain and unwillingness. However, there was also a subtle glint of relief, almost as if a load had been taken off his shoulders.
“Shan Jia, aren’t you going to say anything before you die?” Xing Yuanguo’s eyes glimmered.
It was not difficult for someone as powerful as him to sneak an attack on Shan Jia. Furthermore, Shan Jia was flustered, his concentration fully on Fang Zhengzhi.
Xing Yuanguo would never let an opportunity like that slip by.
“Haha, you want to know the Southern Mountain Range’s… attitude towards the Great Xia Dynasty? If you want to know… go… go take a look for your… yourself…” Shan Jia’s eyes closed before he could finish.
Even at the point of death, he still did not know why his plan had failed.
He had put in so much effort to set up Cang Ling Mountain and absorb it into The Vast World. He had also made all of the beasts his subordinates.
Each of the 1000 Blue Fire Wolves were at the Divine Seal State. The Steel Limb Golden Ape were incredibly agile, the Tri-horn White Rhinoceros were powerful, and the Torrential Thunder Lions were ferocious…
More importantly, with his training, these beasts could form powerful magical formations. Even if there were many times the number of soldiers, they would still die.
What had gone wrong?
The Blue Fire Wolf King…
How could he have been killed by a three year old kid 12 years ago? Why? All of the villages at the foot of Cang Ling Mountain were all ordinary villagers. No matter how many of them there were, it would be impossible for them to kill a Blue Fire Wolf King!”
“Dong!” Shan Jia’s head hit the ground.
“Aroo!”
“Aroo!”
“…”
“Roar!”
“Aroo!”
All of the beasts, from the Blue Fire Wolves to the Torrential Thunder Lions, were in chaos. Each of them howled and roared continuously.
They seemed to be honoring their dead kings, as well as praying after Shan Jia’s death.
Those were sounds of sadness and anger.
What would a raging army of beasts do? Xing Yuanguo, Bai Xiang, even every member of the Red Pinion Squad and the Mountain Breaking Army knew.
Fang Zhengzhi did not.
Shan Jia had trained these beasts for 12 years. If they would turn against him simply because of what Fang Zhengzhi said, then those 12 years would have been a waste.
He had never intended to turn the army of beasts just by pinning the murder of the Blue Fire Wolf King on Shan Jia. He was just using it to create chaos.
And…
Give Xing Yuanguo a chance to attack.
Just because Shan Jia was dead did not mean that the army of beasts would be commanded by Fang Zhengzhi. However, if Shan Jia was alive, Fang Zhengzhi would have no chance of commanding the army of beasts.
There was absolutely no reason to let Shan Jia live.
Fang Zhengzhi’s idea was simple. He would create an opportunity for Xing Yuanguo to kill Shan Jia. Everything else was not his problem. All he had to do was find a safe place to hide.
Shan Jia’s death resulted in chaos within the ranks of the beasts. He could not possibly predict what would happen next. They could tear Shan Jia apart, turn and attack the demons, or even scatter from the scene.
However, he was sure that without Shan Jia’s leadership, this army of beasts would be untamed.
They would simply run riot!
After the music stopped and the beasts finished their prayers, their eyes glowed with ferocity as they roared.
They did not leave. They glared at everyone in the throne room, including Bai Xing and the black robed men. At this point, everyone was the enemy.
“Fang Zhengzhi!” A raging voice called out his name. This voice naturally originated from Bai Xing. He was furious.
However, Fang Zhengzhi did not care.
Bai Xing’s opponent was Xing Yuanguo.
Xing Yuanguo was quite the match for him. At the very least, Bai Xing had to concentrate fully if he wanted a chance to defeat Xing Yuanguo.
“Kill!” The nine black robed men behind Bai Xing leapt into action.
“Kill!” The morale of the thousands of soldiers rose to an all time high. With the army of beasts left without a commander, it felt like their fighting spirit had been ignited.
The battle finally started. Everyone was inside the bloodbath, and the beasts attacked manically, regardless human or demon.
“Ah!”
“Go to hell!”
…
The battle in the throne room was intense and savage.
Fang Zhengzhi stood by the side of the battle, calm and serene. He was flanked by two ladies.
“Where did you get the hide of the Blue Fire Wolf King?” Ping Yang did not understand what just happened. She could not suppress her curiosity any longer.
“I killed it.” Fang Zhengzhi’s mouth twitched as he replied disdainfully.
“You killed it?! Don’t lie to me. How old were you 12 years ago, three? You could kill the Blue Fire Wolf then?” Ping Yang did not believe it.
“Did I say I killed it 12 years ago?” Fang Zhengzhi replied.
“He did kill the Blue Fire Wolf King. However, he didn’t kill it 12 years ago. He killed it eight years ago. He was seven years old then!” Chi Guyan’s voice interrupted the conversation.
“Sister Yan knows about this?”
“Mm.”
“Okay then, since Sister Yan says that he killed it, I will believe him. But… he killed it eight years ago?! But he said 12! Fang Zhengzhi, you… you liar!” Ping Yang finally understood.
“Aish… I thought that they were slightly dumb, but I never expected you to be like them… how did you not see through something so obvious?” Fang Zhengzhi mocked.
“How dare you call me dumb? I will complain about this to the emperor and have him strip you of your post!” Ping Yang raged.
She could not possibly tolerate being called dumb in front of Chi Guyan.
“You need to be able to get out first.” Fang Zhengzhi ignored Ping Yang’s fury. He was used to it, she was just a pampered princess.
“Get out? Then… then why aren’t you thinking of a method?”
“I already thought of it. Didn’t I just say? I already found a lead!” Fang Zhengzhi said calmly.
“You meant it when you said you found a lead?” Ping Yang said in disbelief.
Chi Guyan was taken aback. She guessed that Fang Zhengzhi was just finding an excuse to get them out of the battle. How could he have possibly found a lead?
“Of course it’s real. Why else would I go back for you two? I am not sick…” Fang Zhengzhi nodded.
“Then tell us!” Ping Yang said anxiously.
“Oh please, if I say it now, you will go to the emperor to complain and strip me of my Sword Envoy position. And then you’ll throw me in jail? I’m not so dumb!” Fang Zhengzhi shook his head.
“You… you are now a rank four official, the Sword Envoy of the Great Xia Dynasty. How dare you disobey my direct order?” Ping Yang said haughtily, her arms akimbo.
“I’m about to be fired anyways, what’s the difference?” Fang Zhengzhi ignored Ping Yang.
“You, you… argh… Sister Yan, he’s bullying me!”
“Fang Zhengzhi, you should just tell us your lead. Maybe we can think of a solution together. I’m sure time is of the essence for you too?” Chi Guyan finally said exasperatingly.
Fang Zhengzhi was slightly taken aback. Just as Chi Guyan had said, time was of the essence. He had to get back to the Northern Mountain Village by sunrise. Else, the damage could be irreversible.
However, he wasn’t too happy about being so submissive towards Chi Guyan.
“I was just lying to her, you actually believed me?” Fang Zhengzhi looked at Chi Guyan.
“…” Chi Guyan was stunned. Her lips parted, but words eluded her.
Ping Yang’s face flushed instantly. Her head was held high as a bright red spear appeared in her hand.
It was the Blazing Qilin Spear.
“I will kill you!”
A column of flame shot skyward as Ping Yang bellowed. It crashed towards Fang Zhengzhi, its aura intimidating and powerful.
“You were all talking about the scene at the army camp. The Red Pinion Squad and the Mountain Breaking Army were fighting illusions, but ended up fighting themselves. Afterwards, they were massacred by the black robed masked men. Think about this, if the demons had such a powerful army, why bother training an army of beasts for 12 years?”
Fang Zhengzhi’s mouth twitched as he looked at the column of flames.
Ping Yang’s spear froze in its spot, the flames and the golden glow not able to advance any further.
“Yes! Why?” Ping Yang asked curiously.
Chi Guyan’s eyes glowed as she thought about it. Then, she seemed to have a revelation.
“What you’re saying is…”
“I think that we will have an answer very soon!” Fang Zhengzhi looked thoughtfully at the nine black robed men standing behind Bai Xing.
Chapter 248: The real face of The Vast World
The nine black robed men were standing in a protective circle around Bai Xing. Their bodies glowed as they beat the attacking beasts backwards.
The pale green light continued to flicker on their foreheads.
Based on their Supernatural cultivation state, they would easily defeat any of the beasts.
However, a swarm of beasts was a different story. They were limited by their limbs and speed.
There were too many beasts in the throne room. There were over 1000 Blue Fire Wolves alone. Including the Steel Limb Golden Apes, Tri-horn White Rhinoceroses, and Torrential Thunder Lions, there were over 4000 beasts.
Xing Yuanguo’s motive was to find the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet. Cang Ling Mountain was part of the Great Xia Dynasty’s territory. Even though it was dangerous, the Red Pinion Squad and the Mountain Breaking Army should have been sufficient. Furthermore, they had reinforcements from the the five northern constabularies.
He had left the capital in a hurry and only brought two Supernatural State deputies with him.
As such, he commanded the Red Pinion Squad and the Mountain Breaking Army to avoid clashing with the beasts. He made them rush Bai Xing and the nine black robed men.
This way, they could press the nine black robed men hard.
They all looked hard pressed to fend off the attacks.
They had to battle over 4000 beasts and 2000 elite soldiers from the Red Pinion Squad and the Mountain Breaking Army. The tide of the battle had shifted.
“Domain Chief!” One of the black robed men looked at Bai Xing anxiously.
“I really never expected that master’s efforts to set up such a flawless trap would be… would be destroyed by a small little Fang Zhengzhi!” Bai Xing was unwilling to give up.
“Domain Chief sir, you cannot hesitate any longer. If our deaths can destroy the Stabilisation Constabulary, we would die a hundred times over!”
“Yes, we would!”
“Domain Chief sir, you cannot let the Stabilisation Constabulary out of The Vast World. Else, the grand plan of the demon race would be destroyed!”
Each of the black robed males pleaded with Bai Xing as they struggled to repel the attacks. Their expressions were determined.
“Okay then, begin!” Bai Xing grit his teeth as he retrieved a silver colored longsword, his red demon eye shining brightly.
At this point, all nine of the males looked relieved.
“Hum!”
A weird sound rang out.
Then, the entire throne room began to shake. Black crack lines appeared in the air, almost like a spider web. It looked like the space itself was being torn apart…
…
“F*ck, I think I guessed wrong!” Fang Zhengzhi’s voice rang out, a wave of awe rising in his heart.
“You guessed wrong?” Ping Yang looked at Fang Zhengzhi in confusion.
“It’s over, it’s over… we are so dead!” Fang Zhengzhi was worried.
“What’s going on?” Ping Yang was getting worried as well.
“Why is everyone so set in their ways? Why must everyone die together? This way, no one will get out!” Fang Zhengzhi ignored Ping Yang and continued lamenting.
“Oh I see!” Chi Guyan finally understood what was going on.
Ping Yang looked at Fang Zhengzhi and Chi Guyan. She was lost, but she heard Fang Zhengzhi say ‘die together’.
She did not like that phrase… no one in this world would like that phrase.
…
When Xing Yuanguo saw this scene unfold before his eyes, his phoenix like eyes also flashed with awe.
“I understand now!”
“It’s a pity you understood too late!” Bai Xing’s voice rang out. He was protected by the nine black robed men, his sword lowered towards Xing Yuanguo. His voice was calm.
“I have never been afraid of death. I am glad to be accompanied by the domain chief of the demon Star Domain!” Xing Yuanguo was calm.
“Hahaha… let’s have ourselves a great battle today!” Bai Xing’s blades moved as he entered the stars.
The nine men guarding Bai Xing saw his actions. However, they did not stop him. The stage was set – everyone in The Vast World would die.
Demons, humans, and beasts alike.
They were all condemned to death!
“Woosh!” A silver ray of light shot through the air. It pierced through the foreheads of three beasts and a stream of blood flowed from the open wound.
Then, the three beasts fell to the ground, dead.
Bai Xing stepped firmly on the body of one of the fallen beasts.
He held the blade in his right hand as he stepped on the beast with his left foot. He raised his head slightly, his attitude arrogant as his eyes glistened like lightning bolts.
He did not speak, wielding the sword in his hand as he looked at the beasts around him.
However, in that moment, the world became immensely quiet. No one knew if it was because Bai Xing was too quick, or because he was too powerful. All of the beasts stopped moving.
There was a strange moment of quiet in the throne room.
However, it only lasted for a moment.
“Boom!”
At this point, a loud explosion rang out in everyone’s ears.
Then, there were more than 2000 black robed masked men in the throne room. Each one of them held a long spear, just like those that the Red Pinion Squad and the Mountain Breaking Army wielded.
However, their faces were all covered. One could not even see their eyes. It was almost as if they were mummified.
When the Red Pinion Squad and the Mountain Breaking Army saw this, they all stopped moving.
They knew what the black robed masked men represented. Death, absolute death, no chance at life.
Whether they chose to battle or not.
There was only one end, death!
Xing Yuanguo’s gaze scanned the 2000 masked black robed men, his eyes filling with rage. These were the men who had massacred the Red Pinion Squad and the Mountain Breaking Army aboveground.
Of the remaining 2000 members of both armies, almost 500 of them were severely injured.
This was the worst losses Xing Yuanguo’s had suffered to date, and his most painful loss.
And now…
He knew that the remaining 2000 soldiers in the throne room would not live. However, he could not stand idly by and watch the elite soldiers of the Great Xia Dynasty die.
“They’re finally here! I’m sure you recognize these things!”
“Yes!” The 2000 soldiers replied in unison.
“Okay, since you all recognize them, let me ask you this. You know that you will die whether you fight or not. Will you fight?” Xing Yuanguo asked.
“Fight!”
“Fight!”
“Fight!”
“…”
They all answered in unison, their voices reverberating throughout the throne room.
Then, the 2000 strong Red Pinion Squad and Mountain Breaking Army moved like the waves, shouting as they charged the 2000 masked black robed men.
“Okay, let’s battle!” Xing Yuanguo said solemnly when he saw this.
Just as he finished, his figure disappeared from his previous location. A purple ray of light shot towards Bai Xing.
“Bai Xing, let’s have ourselves a battle to remember!”
“Come on!” Bai Xing stepped on the body of the beast with one leg, his other leg bent. He stared intently at the purple light, the light beneath him getting brighter by the moment. It was almost as if there was a galaxy behind him.
“Kill!”
“Kill!”
The sounds of killing seemed to ring out at the same time.
A silver ray of light clashed with the purple.
“Boom!”
“Boom boom boom…”
The explosions rang out as the silver light and the purple meteor clashed together. It felt as if an infinite number of silver light rays were clashing with a ball of purple fire.
Remnants of each clash filled the sky.
The ferocity of the beasts in the throne room reached a high. Roars echoed out as they began biting manically. For some beasts, they even attacked members of their own species.
A Steel Limb Golden Ape smashed its arm on the head of a Tri-horn White Rhinoceros, causing it to crumple to the ground.
At that moment, another Tri-horn White Rhinoceros fumed as it stabbed the Steel Limb Golden Ape in the back.
“Kacha!”
It’s horn pierced through the body of the ape, coming out through its chest…
…
The battle in the throne room had reached its peak. The black robed masked men, the beasts, the soldiers of the Red Pinion Squad and the Mountain Breaking Army, and the demons, all killed without hesitation.
There was nothing to be said.
Ping Yang’s eyes became watery as she continued to watch the battle unfold from the corner of the throne room.
“Why is Uncle Xing going into a duel with that Bai Xing?” Ping Yang said tearfully, still unable to understand.
“Bai Xing has sealed the only way out…” Chi Guyan stroked Ping Yang’s face gently.
“The only way out?” Ping Yang still did not understand.
“Do you remember what Fang Zhengzhi said just now?” Chi Guyan subconsciously glanced at Fang Zhengzhi.
Fang Zhengzhi frowned slightly, almost as if he did not hear the conversation going on just beside him.
“Sister Yan is referring to why the demons would need to spend 12 years training an army of beasts when they had such a strange army already?” Ping Yang asked.
“Yes, think about it… those black robed masked men, should be an army belonging to The Vast World!” Chi Guyan stared at the 2000 strong army in the throne room.
“Belong to The Vast World?!” Ping Yang was even more confused.
“Initially, I had the same conjecture as Fang Zhengzhi. I thought the problem lay with the nine black robed men. I thought that the ones who had massacred our elite soldiers were the illusions of the nine men. But now…” Chi Guyan hesitated.
“Was it not?”
“No! Their illusions were of the Mountain Breaking Army and the Red Pinion Squad. Actually, they’re illusions of every living soul in The Vast World!” Chi Guyan pointed at the 2000 black robed masked men.
If one followed Chi Guyan’s finger…
A ray of purple light shot out from one of the black robed masked men. It was an exact replica of Xing Yuanguo’s attack. It shot towards a Red Pinion Squad member.
At the same time, another black robed masked man began to glow, almost as if he was bathing in a galaxy. A silver light flickered around him…
“How… how is this possible?!” Ping Yang looked at the two black robed masked men in disbelief.
“Actually, this is genuinely “The Vast World”! Chi Guyan’s tone was conflicted. No one could tell what she was thinking.
“Genuinely “The Vast World”?” Ping Yang said in awe.
“When we take an illusion as reality, reality becomes an illusion. When we think we have something we don’t actually have, we end up losing what we have.” Fang Zhengzhi seemed to be replying to Ping Yang and talking to himself at the same time.
“When we take an illusion as reality, reality becomes an illusion. When we think we have something we don’t actually have, we end up losing what we have? This is quite apt, did you think of it yourself?” Chi Guyan looked at Fang Zhengzhi curiously when she heard it.
“Have you read “Dream of the Red Chamber”?” Fang Zhengzhi asked curiously.
“What is “Dream of the Red Chamber”?” Chi Guyan asked.
“The “Dream of the Red Chamber”… is a dream that someone had in a red colored chamber!” Fang Zhengzhi explained.
His heart skipped a beat. He had forgotten that there was no “Dream of the Red Chamber” in this world.
“What has dreaming… got to do with what you said?” Ping Yang looked at Fang Zhengzhi.
“Did I say it had any link? Mm, I thought of that phrase myself. Aren’t I smart?” Fang Zhengzhi had no qualms about claiming the credit for himself.
“Oh please!” Ping Yang did not want to let Fang Zhengzhi win so easily. Even though what Fang Zhengzhi said seemed simple, it seemed to have much larger implications.
When we take an illusion as reality, reality becomes an illusion. When we think we have something we don’t actually have, we end up losing what we have.
Is that very applicable to the current situation?
Ping Yang kept repeating this phrase to herself. Then, her eyes brightened up, almost as if she had a revelation.
“What you’re saying is, even though these masked men are fake, they are drawing on real energies?” Ping Yang looked at Fang Zhengzhi and Chi Guyan excitedly.
“Aish… your intelligence needs a lot of work!” Fang Zhengzhi replied rudely when he saw Ping Yang’s expression.
“You chide me again?! Argh… tell me… where… where have I gone wrong?” Ping Yang pouted, then asked weakly.
“Even though what you’re saying is not completely wrong, you did miss it by a little bit!” Fang Zhengzhi watched the intense battle between Xing Yuanguo and Bai Xing unfold as he spoke.
Chapter 249: Door within the Throne Room
When powerhouses met, the battle was constantly evolving.
Fang Zhengzhi did not know how powerful Xing Yuanguo and Bai Xing were. However, in the short span of a few sentences, they had clashed more than a dozen times.
Fang Zhengzhi finally understood what ‘offence is the best defence’ meant.
Xing Yuanguo attacked constantly, going for the kill with every hit. He pressed hard, going for lethal blows with each hand, his blade swinging viciously.
More importantly, he chained his techniques perfectly. The first technique transited smoothly into the second, and then the third…
It looked simple, but anyone with a discerning eye knew that this was impossible to replicate.
When Xing Yuanguo first started, his first stroke basically determined all of his remaining techniques. However, in the face of an enemy, who knew what the first stroke would be?
Furthermore, the battlefield was constantly evolving. Different opponents used different techniques. One could not use the same set of techniques to suppress all potential opponents.
As such…
Xing Yuanguo adopted the concept of “adaptation”.
He constantly switched his techniques and strokes about. He trained to be ambidextrous so that he could adapt to any situation on the battlefield.
He had learnt every possible technique, then changed it to make it uniquely his.
“What did I miss out?!” Ping Yang said discontentedly.
“Let’s use Xing Hou as an example. The masked black man may have gotten Xing Hou’s power, but can he get his experience?” Fang Zhengzhi pointed at the masked black man firing purple rays of light.
Ping Yang did not understand at first. However, when she looked at the masked black man, she had a revelation.
Even though the masked black man had Xing Yuanguo’s abilities, his techniques were nowhere near as good.
“I know what you want to say, but this is just one of the points you missed. There is something more important!” Fang Zhengzhi waved Ping Yang off, asking her to listen instead of speaking.
Ping Yang swallowed the words at the tip of her tongue, her face flushed. She wanted to rebut, but she did not know what to say. Her mouth opened slightly.
“Tell me!” Ping Yang fumed.
“You said that the black robed masked men were fake whilst the soldiers were real. This is a fatal mistake. However, the explanation for this is a lot more complicated. I don’t think you would understand it. It is said that you can have the same attitude towards wealth and poverty, a good or bad harvest, and a long or short lifespan.” Fang Zhengzhi said.
“What do you mean?” Ping Yang looked at Fang Zhengzhi.
“I’m saying that one can face each of these scenarios with the same attitude and mentality.” Fang Zhengzhi explained.
“These are clearly different, how can you have the same mentality towards them? Poverty is poverty, wealth is wealth… do you think you’re on the same level as the emperor?” Ping Yang asked in confusion.
“This is why I say it is very difficult to explain it to you. Let me give you an example. Many would say that one’s wealth and lifespan is decided by fate.”
“You can’t say that he is totally wrong. If someone had been a saint in their previous life, they may be rewarded with wealth and longevity. If they did evil in their previous life, they may be punished with poverty and a short life.”
“This is the classical view. However, the other viewpoint is that we are the masters of our own fate.”
“If one was blessed with wealth and longevity but did a ton of evil in his life, he may get his retribution in this life. Another man could have been cursed with poverty and a short life, but did something saintly in his life. He may not need to wait till the next life to reap the rewards of his actions.”
“In conclusion, one’s fate may have been predetermined, but we cannot be restrained by it. We must create our own destiny.”
Fang Zhengzhi did not elaborate. Ping Yang’s status made it difficult for her to understand equality and change.
“I can understand a little… but, what has this got to do with our current situation?” Ping Yang looked at Fang Zhengzhi conflictingly. Even though she did not fully understand what Fang Zheng had said, she could feel that there was a lesson in morality behind it. However, she still did not know how it linked to The Vast World.
“If I recall correctly, The Vast World got its name for its ability to make the sea a drop in the ocean!” Fang Zhengzhi looked to Chi Guyan.
Chi Guyan nodded slightly. Fang Zhengzhi was right, The Vast World had the ability to make a sea a drop in an ocean.
“What is the opposite of that? Making a drop in the ocean into a sea! It is just like our current situation now. If reality can be made into an illusion, illusion can be made into a reality!” Fang Zhengzhi explained.
“Reality and illusion… how to we break it?” Ping Yang asked.
“We can’t.” Fang Zhengzhi shook his head.
“We can’t?! Then what’s the point of saying all that?” Ping Yang said condescendingly.
“In The Vast World, everything real is fake and everything fake is real. We can’t break that, but, what if The Vast World didn’t exist?” Fang Zhengzhi asked.
“Didn’t exist? You’re saying…”
“There is a law known as the law of conservation of energy. No item in the world can exist by itself. In order to support something as energy consuming as The Vast World, there must be something equally powerful.”
“You’re referring to the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet?!” Ping Yang did not know what the law of conservation of energy was. However, when Fang Zhengzhi said ‘something equally powerful’, she reacted immediately.
“That’s right. If we can find the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet, we can break The Vast World!” Fang Zhengzhi asserted.
“That’s equivalent to not saying anything. Uncle Xing and the soldiers must have searched the entire throne room. If they could find it, this wouldn’t be happening!” Ping Yang said depressingly.
“I just said that what’s real is fake. Since the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet is integrated with The Vast World, it must follow the same rule!”
“What you’re saying is…”
“There are two possibilities. One, there is another throne room within this one. However, you said that this place had already been searched. If it was here, they would have found it. So, only the second possibility…”
“What is it?”
“What’s real is fake and what’s fake is real! The altar is the throne room and the throne room is the altar! What that means is that the altar is the real throne room!”
“Ah?!” Ping Yang’s jaw dropped in disbelief. However, her eyes glimmered brightly.
“I see!” Chi Guyan nodded slightly when she heard this.
“Then let’s get out of here!” Ping Yang did not really trust Fang Zhengzhi, but she trusted Chi Guyan with her life. Once Chi Guyan nodded, she did not hesitate at all.
“Where do we go out from?” Fang Zhengzhi asked.
“Through the stone door of course!” Ping Yang looked at Fang Zhengzhi innocently.
“I think your intelligence really needs work! Do you really think you can come out the way you came in?” Fang Zhengzhi looked at Ping Yang condescendingly.
“Erm… we can’t?” Ping Yang asked doubtfully. Then, she became anxious, “What now?”
“If I guessed correctly, that should be the door!” Fang Zhengzhi pointed to his back.
Fang Zhengzhi was pointing towards a closed stone door. This door was carved on the wall and it was flanked by eight solemn and intimidating statues.
It looked like the altar outside.
There were many similar engravings on the wall of the throne room. There were also many engravings of walls and statues. A quick glance revealed no less than a dozen.
But Fang Zhengzhi specifically chose this one.
“Why there?” Ping Yang was confused.
“Real and fake are direct opposites. The doors should also be the same!” Fang Zhengzhi pointed out that the engraving was directly opposite the stone door.
“You… aren’t lying to me right?” Ping Yang still did not believe him.
“Try and you’ll find out!” Fang Zhengzhi replied.
“How do I try?” Ping Yang asked.
“If you believe me, you can try barging it with your head and see if it’ll give!” Fang Zhengzhi said seriously.
“Use my head… to barge it?!” Ping Yang paled. She hesitated, then grit her teeth. She shouted to the nearest Mountain Breaking Army soldier, “Hey… you! Come and protect the princess!”
“Yes!” One of the soldiers who was having second thoughts immediately rushed over happily.
Fang Zhengzhi looked at the expression of happiness on the soldier’s face and sighed. Even the elite armies accepted a couple which simply did not make the cut.
This was an undeniable fact repeated throughout history.
“What is your name?” Ping Yang asked as she looked at the soldier.
“In reply to your highness, my name is Wen Daobao, my father is Wen Qinghe. I will guard your highness with my life!” The soldier puffed his chest and walked confidently to Ping Yang.
“Oh so you are the son of one of the law ministers? Good. Now, I order you to barge through that door!” Ping Yang pointed at the door.
“Ah?!” Wen Dabao paled upon hearing that.
He had only joined the Mountain Breaking Army for the honour and glory. The Mountain Breaking Army was famed throughout the empire. As long as he served three years with them, he would be respected for the rest of his life.
He may even be able to take over his father’s post in the future with the help of the Stabilisation Constabulary.
In fact, Wen Dabao did not want to join this expedition to excavate the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet.
He simply wanted to serve in the army for three years.
Of course, the Mountain Breaking Army did not really bother much about his presence. The deputy general initially had no intention of having Wen Dabao participate. However, Wen Dabao’s father heard of the expedition and thought that it was a good opportunity for Wen Dabao to do something great.
Afterall, an ordinary honorable discharge could not compare to an honorable discharge after doing something great for the dynasty.
This was an understandable thought. Xing Yuanguo was leading the expedition, what could possibly go wrong?
In the end, heaven knows best.
Wen Dabao had used his talents at ‘cruising’ in order to survive till now. Who else could understand the pain that he had went through?
And now…
He thought that he would have an excuse to leave the carnage and laze around beside the princess. He never expected to be caught between a rock and a hard place.
This was hard for him to swallow.
“Why? You dare to disobey a direct order?” Ping Yang stared at him, her arms akimbo.
Wen Dabao began to sweat profusely when he saw that. A shiver went down his spine and he felt as if his head was going to explode.
When Ping Yang raged, the entire capital trembled.
Afterall, not everyone was Fang Zhengzhi. Ping Yang was a devilish girl in the capital who no one dared to antagonize. Even her father would sweat if he saw Ping Yang as she was now.
If the emperor wanted his official to die, his official had to die.
Ping Yang was not the emperor, but she was the master. As the most pampered princess in the empire, her wish was a command.
“No… no… I… I wouldn’t dare!” Wen Dabao stammered as he lowered his head.
“Then why aren’t you doing it?” Ping Yang bellowed.
“Yes, yes…” Wen Dabao nodded repeatedly, but he was still rooted to the ground.
When Ping Yang saw this, she glared at Wen Dabao. Just as she was about to rage, Fang Zhengzhi walked over and patted Wen Dabao on the shoulder. Then, he whispered something in Wen Dabao’s ear.
Wen Dabao immediately raised his head, his eyes glowing.
“Plonk!” He fell to his knees.
“Thank you your highness, thank you princess! I will follow your orders!” Wen Dabao clenched his fists tightly, clearly reinvigorated.
Ping Yang could not understand what was going on. Wen Dabao was clearly hesitant despite the order coming from me. Why is it that he is so motivated after Fang Zhengzhi spoke to him?
What is going on?
“Ah!”
Before Ping Yang could question him, Wen Dabao charged, his eyes glowing as his body shot out like an arrow.
He did not dodge or hesitate.
“Dong!” A huge sound echoed out as Wen Dabao crashed against that door.
Then…
His eyes went black as he fell to the ground, unconscious.