Gate of God

Chapter 365: The True Plot

The Law Official left.

On the surface, things seemed to have already settled down. The Emperor had expressed his opinion, even if a few military generals didn’t approve of it, they couldn’t continue to risk their lives arguing in front of the hundreds of officials.

Of course, the most important reason was that now wasn’t the time to risk their lives going against the Emperor’s decision yet. A Stable Mountain Pass wasn’t sufficient to cause significant threat to the Great Xia Dynasty.

Left Prime Minister You Yiping, who usually concluded everything at the end, was completely silent from the start to the end today. This caused the officials to feel somewhat uncomfortable. However, it was just discomfort.

After all, there wasn’t any further debate after the Emperor had given his order.

The officials gradually withdrew, while Left Prime Minister You Yiping calmly walked out of the Throne Room. However, he didn’t even manage to walk five steps before he was stopped by an elderly wearing a palace servant attire.

“Prime Minister You, the Emperor wishes to meet you in the Imperial Study Room.”

“Oh, thank you Eunuch Pan!” Left Prime Minister You Yiping stopped in his tracks and nodded lightly. Then, he fished out a handful of silver from his pockets.

The elderly dressed in palace servant attire instantly received it and stuffed it into his sleeves as he led the way with a bright smile on his face…

In the Imperial Study Room, Emperor Lin Mubai sat on the Dragon Throne with a frown on his face as he flipped through a report continuously. However, his gaze didn’t seem very focused.very focused.

“Your Majesty, Left Prime Minister You is here.” Right at this moment, Eunuch Pan’s voice sounded out from outside the door.

“Enter.”

The door opened. Left Prime Minister You Yiping, dressed in a red Imperial robe, entered respectfully and quickly made his way to the center of the Imperial study room. He bent his knees and prepared to kneel.

“There is no need for these customaries. Yiping, this time’s trip by the Crown Prince to the Southern Mountain Range, I believe that he wouldn’t likely conceal things about the Southern Mountain Range from. Based on your opinions, do you think that my present this time is too generous?” Emperor Lin Mubai waved his hands towards Left Prime Minister You Yiping who was about to kneel and immediately asked.

When Left Prime Minister You Yiping heard this, his expression changed slightly. The Crown Prince’s relationship with the Imperial officials was too close. This matter was considered somewhat taboo within the royal family.

However, the Emperor had casually pointed it out.

At this moment, if he acknowledged it, it was equivalent to admitting the relationship between the Crown Prince and himself. But even if he didn’t, how could the Emperor not notice with his astute observational abilities?

It wasn’t serious enough to be considered lying to the Emperor. However, it was sufficient to lose the Emperor’s trust.

“I believe that Your Majesty’s decision was naturally one that was made after much thought and consideration, hence the value of the gift doesn’t matter. Your Majesty understands and considers the entire decision, and my insights cannot be compared to that of Your Majesty’s.” Left Prime Minister You Yiping replied very seriously.

“Ha ha… I am indeed somewhat worried when I heard today’s report about the loss of the Stable Mountain Pass.” When Emperor Lin Mubai heard Left Prime Minister You Yiping’s words, the frown on his face seemed to have relaxed a little.

“Is Your Majesty worried about the fifty thousand soldiers of the Great Xia trapped at the Stable Mountain Gate?” When Left Prime Minister You Yiping saw Emperor Lin Mubai relaxing slightly, he began to relax as well and guessed carefully.

“Yes. I am indeed worried about this.” Emperor Lin Mubai glanced at Left Prime Minister You Yiping, but finally nodded in the end.

“I believe that Your Majesty need not worry too much about this.”

“Oh? What do you mean?”

“Just like what Your Majesty mentioned, Your Majesty’s gift is for the Southern Mountain Range. Since it is meant for the Southern Mountain Range, then what is there to worry about?”

“Ha ha ha… yes, you are very right. The culture of the Southern Mountain Range is simple and plain, they would never engage in acts such as killings and massacres. Hence, I indeed need not worry. However…” When Emperor Lin Mubai heard this, his mood seemed to have been lifted significantly. However, when he reached the end of his sentence, a tinge of worry flashed across his eyes.

“Is Your Majesty worried about the Crown Prince?”

“That’s right, after all, the Crown Prince is young and lack military experience and training, unlike the Duan King who had been in charge of the military department for many years. In addition to that, this is his first time out of the Yan Capital, I wonder if he had made any mistakes in carrying things out. I am still not completely reassured.” When Emperor Lin Mubai reached the end of his sentence, he sighed softly.

In reality, even though training was indeed a reason for sending Crown Prince Lin Tianrong to the Southern Mountain Range to hold the combat examination, the true reason was to use the Crown Prince’s status to resolve the suspicion of the Southern Mountain Range.

Frankly speaking, the Crown Prince was a bait.

If King Duan was used, the outcome would definitely not be as good. Firstly, King Duan had controlled the military department for many years, hence the Southern Mountain Range would definitely be more cautious. Secondly, even though King Duan was of high status, it couldn’t be compared to that of the Crown Prince.

“Replying Your Majesty, even though the Crown Prince is young, he had grew up by Your Majesty’s side since young. He learns from his surroundings, and in addition to that, he is smart and wise, even if there was really some inappropriate handling of the details of the situation on his part, I believe that it would be impossible for him to make any major mistakes that affects the grand scheme of things.” Left Prime Minister You Yiping replied confidently.

“I hope that is the case.” Emperor Lin Mubai nodded and didn’t speak further. Instead, he gazed outside the window. There was another worry in his heart.

Fang Zhengzhi had appeared in the Southern Mountain Range.

Furthermore, in one sweep, he had taken down Chen Feiyu who had occupied the Thunderous Lion Settlement, and then used Chen Feiyu’s Thunderous Lion Settlement as a bait to eliminate Wu Feng.

His achievement was incredible.

However, it was because of this incredible results that caused Emperor Lin Mubai to worry.

“Don’t tell me this guy can really take down the Icy Monkey Settlement? Impossible! He would never take down the Icy Monkey Settlement!”

…

Within the Sagely Mountain City, within the white jade palace where the Southern Mountain Range King stayed.

A youth around thirty years of age sat on a huge leather chair. The youth wore an exquisite silver colored animal skin on his boy and the shoes he wore on his feet were threaded with golden silk. There were two five-colored feathers diagonally protruding from his hair. In the middle of the feathers, there was a bright blue gem.

Shan Ling!

The third son of the Southern Mountain Range King, and the current noblelite of the Southern Mountain Range.

Shan Ling swept his gaze across the area below him. On his two sides, six middle-aged or elderly men dressed in various kinds of leather rattan armour stood with various different illustrations painted on them.

Some of the illustrations looked like a huge lion, while others looked like a crow bathing in flames.

These six people were the true settlement chiefs of the six settlements of the Southern Mountain Range.

As for their names, they had followed the traditions of the six main settlements and followed that of the settlement.

“Yan Ya, how many soldiers did you use to take down the Stable Mountain Pass?” After sweeping his gaze across the six people before him, Shan Ling’s gaze finally landed on the body of a rather skinny middle-aged man.

“Your Highness, following your orders, there were a total of eighty thousand soldiers hidden within the Yan Ya Settlement, and three thousand soldiers were used to take down the Stable Mountain Pass. It took four and a half hours.” Yan Ya instantly stood up and respectfully replied Shan Ling.

“Three thousand? Hmm… The defence of the Stable Mountain Pass is indeed stronger than what I had imagined. Even with our people hidden inside, we still had to sacrifice three thousand of our Southern Mountain Range warriors? However, sacrificing three thousand to capture fifty thousand soldiers of the Great Xia is indeed still worth it! Have these fifty thousand people been managed properly?” Shan Ling nodded and gestured Yan Ya to take a seat.

“Based on Your Highness’s orders, the fifty thousand troops were split into two groups. One is imprisoned within the Yan Ya Settlement, while the other is imprisoned with the Shi Zun Settlement in case of unforeseen circumstances!” Yan Ya continued after sitting down.

“Alright, Shi Zun, how is the situation at the side of the Great Xia’s Crown Prince?” Shan Ling nodded again and shifted his gaze from Yan Ya to a well-built muscular man standing by the side.

That was a man whose skin was a slight shade of green, his body filled with fissure-like illustrations. It wasn’t very discernible what the illustration was, however, his shiny bald head was still extremely obvious.

“Don’t worry noblelite, the Crown Prince of the Great Xia will never leave our palms. He is already currently trapped within the mountain valley and the sixty thousand soldiers in his hand are simply not able to be of any use.” Shi Zun replied casually.

“Excellent. Now, the only ones that are left are Nangong Hao and the one called Fang Zhengzhi in the Icy Monkey Settlement!” When Shan Ling heard Shi Zun’s words, the edges of his mouth curved into a smile.

“Noblelite, one Nangong Hao and one Fang Zhengzhi are simply no causes for concern. The eighty thousand soldiers hidden within my Thunderous Lion Settlement have already been mobilised to the Icy Monkey Settlement. Once the forces inside and outside the settlement are able to collaborate, they will definitely destroy these two random kids!” A man with dense, thick hair stood up at this moment. The purple lion patterns on his body were mysteriously captivating.

“Old Thunder, you should be careful with your words!” Another voice rang out at this moment. That was an elderly man whose hair was somewhat white and whose arms were extremely long. He seemed to be around fifty-over years of age.

“What’s the matter? Don’t tell me I’m wrong?” When Thunderous Lion heard this voice, his expression changed slightly.

“Nangong Hao has stayed in my Icy Monkey Settlement for almost two months. I understand a little how Nangong Hao’s personality is like. I fear that he wouldn’t be very easy to defeat. Furthermore, we can’t underestimate that Fang Zhengzhi either. After all, both him and Nangong Hao are joint first in this Court Theory Examination. Furthermore, most importantly… what the hell, I don’t know what kind of method he used, he actually managed to break my Icy Monkey Settlement’s wind valley. It is really frustrating!” When the fifty-over year old elderly man finished his sentence, he swore loudly. His expression seemed somewhat inappropriate for his age.

“No matter whether he is Nangong Hao or Fang Zhengzhi, I don’t believe that the combination of a hundred and sixty thousand warriors of the Southern Mountain Range from both inside and outside wouldn’t be able to take down the fifty thousand men under them!” When Shan Ling heard this, he waved his hand casually with a lofty expression on his face.

“Noblelite is right, now that the Stable Mountain Pass is within our control, we have essentially entered the Great Xia’s throat. They will be completely unable to send reinforcements. The defeat of these hundred thousand soldiers is only a matter of time. Furthermore, even if something truly happened to our Icy Monkey Settlement, we still have Princess Shan Yu defending from the outside. Even both of them combined wouldn’t be enough to escape our ambush!” At this moment, Yan Ya also stood out and spoke confidently.

“Once the hundred thousand soldiers are captured, I really wish to see what expression the Great Xia’s Emperor would show on his face, ha ha ha…” When Shan Ling thought of this, he finally broke out in laughter.

…

In the Southern Mountain Range, within the Icy Monkey Settlement and outside the wind valley.

As the military commanders charged into the chaotic battle as if injected with chicken blood, Fang Zhengzhi once again pulled the jade-green Sun Shooting Bow in his hands into a full crescent.

Teng Shisheng had heard that Fang Zhengzhi used a certain kind of archery technique to fend off the great tiger general, General Tai of the Supernatural advanced state’s killing blow in front of Princess Shan Yu.

However, at that time, no matter whether it was Teng Shisheng or the other generals in Princess Shan Yu’s camp, all of them felt that the technique only came about due to relying on Princess Shan Yu’s Fiery Rattan Bow.

However, the scene in front of him as well as the arrow that was shot into the sky not too long ago caused Teng Shisheng to startle in shock. This Fang Zhengzhi in front of him, number one in the theory examination, not only had the extremely horrifying sword on him, but even had a jade-green bow didn’t seem inferior to that of Princess Shan Yu’s Fiery Rattan Bow.

How did he get so many treasures?!

Is he really Fang Zhengzhi? Why did I hear that Fang Zhengzhi from a poor mountain villager background. Why doesn’t it really seem like that is the case?

Teng Shisheng felt somewhat doubtful.

However, what caused him even greater doubt was why Fang Zhengzhi would draw his bow over and over again at this moment. Is he trying to stop these scholars from continuing with their killing?

Does he wish to take advantage of their fatigue and finish off these scholars?

Teng Shisheng couldn’t guess. Or, it could he said that even if he could, he didn’t dare to confirm it. Because, the longer he stayed by Fang Zhengzhi’s side, the more he felt like he was unable to see through Fang Zhengzhi’s intentions.

His style of doing things was too different from that of normal people.

Whether Teng Shisheng could guess or not didn’t matter. Fang Zhengzhi’s arrow quickly left the bow, flying out of the Sun Shooting bow and soaring into the sky like a green meteor.

Then…

It drew a beautiful arc in the sky and shot towards a youth wearing an exquisite jade-green armour and holding a jade flute in his hand.

It wasn’t any other person but Wu Feng!

As he stood among the crowd and waited for the surrounding soldiers to surrender, Wu Feng evidently hadn’t imagined that Fang Zhengzhi would attack him. Furthermore, he attacked without any notice at all.

This caused Wu Feng to feel somewhat angered.

Because, if it was said that Fang Zhengzhi’s shot towards Chen Feiyu was to demonstrate his power as the chief commander by using his actions when dealing with Chen Feiyu’s massacre to alert to rest.

Then, having already stopped fighting, there was simply no reason for Fang Zhengzhi to attack him.

“Fang Zhengzhi! What are you trying to do?!” Wu Feng bellowed in anger. He naturally couldn’t block Fang Zhengzhi’s Million Sword Illustration directly as Chen Feiyu did.

Because…

In his heart, that was a useless act that wasted his energy.

A person who was as intelligent was Wu Feng would dodge to one side, using speed to his advantage to rapidly dodge Fang Zhengzhi’s arrow.

“Boom!”

With a loud boom, the spot Wu Feng initially stood at exploded. Dust and debris flew into the air. At the same time, a bloodcurdling cry rang out among the sounds of explosion.

“Ah!”

Fresh blood spurted and a broken sword was tossed into the sky and then landed on the ground. A moment later, the dust settled and a corpse whose clothes were completely torn apart and whose chest was filled with blood appeared.

Chapter 366: What Kind of Vengeance

This scene instantly stopped everybody in their movements.

Killing?

This wasn’t something that was extreme nor was it something strange for the people of this world. However, killing a scholar from the Court Examination in front of the public for no reason at all.

They were two different things altogether.

From an emotional, logical or legal point of view, any one of these deemed that such a thing shouldn’t happen. However, in terms of outcome, there seemed to be some weird form of benefits.

For example, when the soldiers who were still resisting saw such a scene, they unbelievably took a step back immediately and after which, clanging sounds began to ring out.

The weapons of almost a thousand soldiers fell to the ground one after another.

The issue of surrendering seemed to have reached a conclusive outcome.

However, even though the soldiers surrendered, the scholars flared up in anger, beginning to burn just like a spark falling into a pot of boiling hot oil.

“Fang Zhengzhi, how dare you kill the innocent!” A scholar glared at Fang Zhengzhi with anger in his eyes. However, when he reached the word ‘you’, he instinctively withdrew his head slightly.

Because…

After living in the Yan Capital for a period of time, he didn’t feel that there was anything Fang Zhengzhi didn’t dare to do. The most recent of which was that Fang Zhengzhi had disappeared during the announcement of the Court Examination results.

“Bring down Fang Zhengzhi to take revenge for Young Mater Li!”

“Killing the innocent will never be forgiven!”

“We cannot group ourselves with such a shameless person. Soldiers of the Great Xia listen up, Fang Zhengzhi had committed reckless murder and already cannot escape his criminal charges. There is no need to consider the rules of the combat examination anymore. I plea that fellow young masters will lend me a hand. Today, we must take down this criminal and send him to His Highness the Crown Prince!”

One stone incited a tsunami. Very quickly, the voices of a few scholars rang out from behind and at this moment, four scholars raised their swords and charged towards Fang Zhengzhi.

As the four scholars charged, they loudly counted out Fang Zhengzhi’s criminal charges. As they announced the charges one by one, they seemed to be filled with righteousness.

When the other scholars witnessed this scene.

They were slightly taken aback. After all, based on the rules of the combat examination, they were all eliminated. And, based on the laws of the Great Xia, even if Fang Zhengzhi had really committed a crime.

The punishment should be decided by the Law Council.

Immediately wanting to capture Fang Zhengzhi like what was happening now was more or less unreasonable. However, when they recalled the scene during which Fang Zhengzhi was doing his field cooking while they were fighting with their lives.

Even though Fang Zhengzhi had defeated the formation in the end, after being trapped within the formation for almost an hour, it was somewhat impossible for the scholars to be completely void of indignation.

Why not just directly take down Fang Zhengzhi and return the army to Wu Feng?

When His Majesty questions, Fang Zhengzhi would be a criminal and the results of this combat examination would naturally not be counted. Hence, they wouldn’t have to depend on the results of Fang Zhengzhi anymore.

In conclusion.

It seems like the results of the combat examination are better than imagined!

When they thought of this, the other scholars exchanged glances with one another and expressed their own feelings. Instantly, another three to four scholars followed up.

There was a saying that went, a bystander isn’t afraid of big events.

When the other scholars saw that there were already seven to eight scholars who were about to fight Fang Zhengzhi with all their might, even if they didn’t join in to help, there wouldn’t be any harm in going over to watch the commotion.

Hence, one by one, the scholars started to move and ran head over heels towards Fang Zhengzhi, who stood at the entrance of the wind valley holding a jade-green Sun Shooting Bow in his hands.

“Guard Fang, these people seem to wish to rebel?” Teng Shisheng couldn’t really understand why Fang Zhengzhi would attack Wu Feng. However, he didn’t bother about these.

Because, he only listened to the order of the Cyan Stone Token.

Fang Zhengzhi held the Cyan Stone Token in his hands, hence, he had to unconditionally ensure the safety of Fang Zhengzhi.

“That’s right, they indeed wish to rebel.” As Fang Zhengzhi gazed towards the scholars charging towards him, and then looked at Teng Shisheng using his body to block in front of him, a smile appeared on his face.

When the other military commanders saw this scene, they were dumbfounded. They had all heard the words that the scholars shouted out, and naturally understood the meaning behind these words.

However, what could they do about it?

They were soldiers. They didn’t know if their chief commander committed a crime of not. However, they knew very well the importance of orders. However, Fang Zhengzhi had indeed made the first killing move right in front of their eyes.

What could they do?

Hesitation and doubt. This was a pain that they had to go through in this short span of time.

In reality, other than the hesitation and doubt of the military commanders, there were another two people who were extremely confused. They were Wu Feng and Chen Feiyu.

Under normal circumstances, Chen Feiyu and Wu Feng should be considered the victims of this situation. However, they didn’t seem to have any intention of charging towards Fang Zhengzhi.

Chen Feiyu was of royal blood, and was the descendent of the Thirteen Constabularies. He had his pride. He was naturally angry that Fang Zhengzhi shot an arrow towards him. However, after some careful consideration, he was indeed “making a mistake”.

Hence…

It wasn’t wrong for Fang Zhengzhi to shoot him.

However, Wu Feng’s question was different from that of Chen Feiyu. He faintly recalled that when Fang Zhengzhi was shooting at him, there wasn’t anybody else behind him.

However, when the arrow landed, it landed on a scholar!

What was this all about?

Actually, Wu Feng really wished that these scholars would take down Fang Zhengzhi, and hopefully instantly disqualify Fang Zhengzhi from the examination. However, he didn’t participate in this movement.

Instead, he instinctively gazed towards the corpse not too far away from him.

Wu Feng wasn’t very far away from the corpse. From his angle, he could clearly see that the other party had indeed been shot by the Million Sword Illustration. Because, the wounds on his chest seemed to have been sliced open by many sharp swords.

However…

He didn’t seem to be dead!

Wu Feng felt the other person’s chest rise faintly as well as the weak breathing from his nose. His eyes instantly lit up.

In a flash, he reached the scholar’s side.

“Young Master Li, can you hear me?” Wu Feng gradually squatted down and reached one hand towards the scholar’s nose. The other hand was used to lightly shake the scholar’s body.

“Young… Young Master Wu, save… save me…” The scholar seemed to feel that his body was being shaken and an extremely weak voice came from his throat. His eyes opened gradually. However, it seemed extremely pained and achieved with great effort. It was only opened very narrowly.

“Of course, I have some medication with me. You must not die.” When Wu Feng heard this voice, he couldn’t bothered with anything else. Instead, he instantly reached into his pocket and took out a jade-green bottle. He poured out two green pills, one which he directly fed into the scholar’s mouth and the other which he crushed into powder and spread it over the wound on the scholar’s body.

Just as Wu Feng was healing the injured scholar.

The other scholars had already charged in front of Fang Zhengzhi. The four people who led the charge didn’t even bother to speak a single word before directly lashing out towards Fang Zhengzhi.

Four swords glowed up with four different colours and slashed towards Fang Zhengzhi from four different directions at the exact same time. The speed was blazing fast and the sword techniques used were extremely powerful.

When Teng Shisheng saw this, he roared out and advanced without any further hesitation.

When the other Silver Horned Wolf Cavalry troops saw Teng Shisheng move, they similarly pounced up without the slightest intention of holding back.

When the other military commanders witnessed this, they were completely stunned by the sudden change in situation. They had indeed considered that there might be a fight.

However, they had never imagined that this battle would arrive as quickly. And, they didn’t even bother to communicate with Fang Zhengzhi. They were all examinees, even if they wished to kill, shouldn’t they at least announce the crimes?

The military commanders were stunned.

However, Fang Zhengzhi’s expression was filled with calm, as if he had already predicted that such a thing would happen. He wasn’t at all affected or taken aback by the other party’s direct attack.

Instead, he quietly drew back the Sun Shooting Bow in his hand into a full crescent.

Then…

Directly shot towards the person among the four scholars who made the first move.

“Woosh!”

This arrow was different from the two that were shot towards Chen Feiyu and Wu Feng. Those two arrows followed the path of an arc as they were shot. However, this arrow was a straight shot.

Because, the distance was extremely near.

A jade glow flashed and instantly arrived in front of a scholar, carrying along with it the sound of air being torn apart and a black trail in its wake.

“Boom!”

A thunderous sound rang out once again.

A tremendously powerful force expanded in all directions like water ripples, which caused even the military commanders standing behind Fang Zhengzhi to instinctively take a step back.

“They are really fighting?”

“What is Fang Zhengzhi trying to do? Don’t tell me he really wishes to murder these scholars completely?”

“It is already extremely difficult to get off with killing one. But how would he do so if he killed all of them?

“General Fang, Sword Envoy Fang, stop quickly. If there is anything, we can discuss, everyone is part of the same group!”

The military commanders really didn’t wish to witness such murders. Because, it was really too meaningless. Now was the moment in which they were in front of the enemy fortress and the opposing army. Internal struggles were clearly a huge military sin.

Naturally, the military commanders chose to make peace.

After all, in their eyes, Fang Zhengzhi seemed to have the advantage no matter how they looked at the situation. Not only did he have the Sun Shooting Bow, he also had five hundred Silver Horned Wolves. How could a few scholars truly harm Fang Zhengzhi.

Hence…

They didn’t have to act immediately.

This was what they thought. However, this thought was quickly changed by a scene that occured in reality. Because, when the Million Sword Illustration clashed with the sword of a scholar.

An outcome that nobody had ever imagined suddenly occurred.

The scholar was clearly injured, and, his injury seemed extremely serious. However, he didn’t retreat and instead, continued to raise his sword to slash towards Fang Zhengzhi.

The other scholars also carried the same determination on their faces at this moment.

Even with Teng Shisheng and a few Silver Horned Wolf Cavalry troops fending them off in front of Fang Zhengzhi, they continued to charge over without caring about anything else. It seemed as if that if they didn’t kill Fang Zhengzhi, they would never retreat.

What kind of vengeance is this?!

The person Fang Zhengzhi shot was Wu Feng!

Are these people mad?

The military commanders initially thought that fighting would occur, but they would definitely not fight with their lives. After all, Fang Zhengzhi killing the scholar was a crime. However, scholars killing Fang Zhengzhi was also a crime.

This was the same logic.

However, the current situation clearly didn’t quite fulfill this logic.

“Quick, stop!”

“You are all examinees, even if one has committed a crime, it should still be dealt with by the Law Council, you cannot fight with your lives!”

A few military commanders instantly reminded these reckless scholars, attempting to stop them from fighting. However, it seemed to be completely useless.

The four scholars didn’t falter the slightest bit in their movements.

Instead, they seemed to speed up.

Right at this moment, another two scholars charged out. However, what was different from the first four scholars was that the stances of these two scholars seemed somewhat different.

They were actually trying to stop the fight!”

“Young Master Tai, Young Master Wang, don’t kill him, just make sure that Fang Zhengzhi surrenders.”

“That’s right, Fang Zhengzhi, you have already committed a great crime, you must not make your murder charges more serious. Everybody stop fighting, let’s discuss and resolve this together.”

As the two scholars chased after the four scholars, they shouted out loudly.

Fang Zhengzhi ignored completely the advice of these two people. He didn’t even take another glance towards the two of them. Instead, he quietly pulled back his Sun Shooting Bow into another full crescent.

“With me, Teng Shisheng, here, don’t even dream of crossing!”

“Kill!”

Under the leadership of Teng Shisheng, a group of Silver Horned Wolves leapt out one by one and blocked in front of Fang Zhengzhi. Instantly, they formed a three-row formation.

However, the space within the wind valley was really quite limited.

In addition to the broad bodies of the Silver Horned Wolves, the width that was usually sufficient to contain ten people was only able to contain six.

It was naturally somewhat tough for six Silver Horned Wolf Cavalry troops to defend against four crazy scholars. Hence, under the relentless attacks of the four scholars, the six Silver Horned Wolves retreated step by step.

As for the other Silver Horned Wolves standing behind, they could only wait for the Silver Horned Wolves in front of them to fall before advancing to fill up the spot in front.

This was different from the battle in which they surrounded Chen Feiyu and Wu Feng in the Thunderous Lion Settlement.

This battle was a street fight!

Hence, the Silver Horned Wolves’ advantage in numbers to surround opponents naturally couldn’t be employed as well as it was in the Thunderous Lion Settlement. They could only painstakingly endure.

This seemed to be an internal battle.

And, it was an extremely intense internal battle.

The cause of it was, Fang Zhengzhi randomly shooting an arrow towards Wu Feng and Chen Feiyu respectively. The results were somewhat of a joke. Chen Feiyu and Wu Feng didn’t attempt to take revenge on Fang Zhengzhi.

However, the other scholars couldn’t take it and directly wanted to fight Fang Zhengzhi with their lives.

It was somewhat illogical.

Yet, it was reality.

“Indeed!” Fang Zhengzhi gazed towards the four seemingly crazy scholars and smirked. He drew back his bow once again.

“Woosh!”

A jade-green arrow rapidly soared into the sky and drew out another beautiful arc. The point where it landed towards was not the four scholars, but was instead towards Wu Feng again!

Chapter 367: Rebirth Assasins

If there was a certain provocation method in this world that caused the most hatred and vengeance, it definitely wouldn’t be able to escape comparison with Fang Zhengzhi’s current actions.

You are filled with righteousness?

You wish to fight for Wu Feng and Chen Feiyu?

Then, let me shoot another arrow towards Wu Feng. Let me see how you remain as a “good man”.

That was the first thought that came to the minds of all the scholars and the military commanders. It was also the first thought that came to Wu Feng, who was trying to heal the scholar’s injury.

“Is there any end to this? You are shooting again?!” This time, Wu Feng was truly somewhat angered.

If you only shoot at me once in a while, I can temporarily hold myself back. However, you are provoking me not once, but over and over again. Nobody would be able to hold back.

Wu Feng instantly shot up and turned around. He looked towards the jade-green arrow that fell from the sky and instinctively lifted up the jade flute in his hand and placed it in his mouth, attempting to block off this arrow.

However, right at this moment, an chilling feeling rose from his heart.

This chill came from the depth of his heart. However, it originated from behind his back. That was a strange feeling, causing him deep discomfort.

The speed of the jade-green arrow was naturally extremely fast. In the blink of an eye, it arrived on top of Wu Feng’s head, carrying with it a power sufficient to tear apart the fabric of space.

Wu Feng knew very clearly how much power this thing contained.

He definitely could block off this shot. However, it required him to expend all his strength and energy. At the very least, he mustn’t be burdened with any other thoughts or distractions.

However, under the current circumstances, could he achieve that state of clarity?

It was impossible!

Hence, Wu Feng very decisively dismissed the idea of blocking. Instead, he shot towards his left in a flash. This action was indeed more or less rather selfish.

However, in reality, Wu Feng had never considered himself as a great righteous youth.

What should he do if he wasn’t able to save Young Master Li?

Then, he should just die.

Wu Feng wasn’t bothered about that.

Hence…

“Boom!”

A resounding bang sounded out once again. Wu Feng had casually and quickly ran to one side. Hence, the person who truly suffered the force of this arrow was Young Master Li.

This scene naturally landed once again in the eyes of all the scholars and military commanders.

“Alright, this time he is really dead!”

This was the first thought that came to everybody’s mind when they saw the jade green arrow land. The second thought was that Fang Zhengzhi’s criminal charges were now official.

If the person didn’t die.

Then, there would still naturally be opportunities and reasons to drop the charges. However, once he was dead, there would be many things that Fang Zhengzhi wouldn’t be able to explain and escape from. At the very least, this was what they thought.

However…

The turning point of a situation always happened when one least expected it.

Even when it happened, it would still cause people to feel somewhat dumbfounded.

At this moment, this was how Wu Feng, Chen Feiyu and the military commanders thought. Because, right at the moment when the jade-green arrow landed.

An arm flew up.

That was an arm filled with fresh blood. It naturally came from the injured Young Master Li. However, that wasn’t the main point. The main point was that on that arm, there was still a dagger.

A dagger that glowed with a faint blue glow.

Blue represented many things within the Dao of All Creations. For example, the sea, the sky, flowers and so on. However, it had another meaning among the Dao of All Creation.

That was…

Poison!

The poison of the Upas Tree!

Why did the injured Young Master Li hold a poisonous dagger in his hand. This was something which nobody could understand within this short span of time.

Wu Feng’s initially somewhat furious expression instantly vanished, and instead appeared somewhat pale.

At this moment, he actually felt his legs go weak. Because, even though he hadn’t completely understood what transpired, he knew somewhat faintly what had just occurred.

Chill!

A chill was sent down his spine.

At this instant, the gazes of Wu Feng and the military commanders were all focused on that detached arm flying in the sky. However, this didn’t mean that everybody did the same.

For example, the four scholars who were attacking Fang Zhengzhi, as well as the other two scholars who were loudly urging for the fighting to stop as they sprinted towards Fang Zhengzhi.

At the very least, these six people didn’t look at that detached arm.

Instead, they continued to execute what they felt that they should be doing.

“Fang Zhengzhi, raise your hands and surrender!” A scholar finally broke through the defences and forced himself between two Silver Horned Wolves.

The glow of his sword magnified greatly at this moment, seeming completely different from what it was like before. In an instant, the glow of the sword seemed to have expanded at least three feet.

At the same time, the other three scholars also seemed to be changing.

If it was said that the aura the four scholars gave off during their initial attack was somewhat normal, then, the current aura from their bodies were clearly different.

Swift and fierce!

Extremely swift and fierce!

“Be careful!” Teng Shisheng’s expression also changed slightly at this moment. A green glow instantly began to radiate from his dark skin.

That was a glow that came from within. When that glow lit up, Teng Shisheng’s skin turned somewhat dry, as if moisture was leaving his body.

It was a very strange scene.

However…

The outcome didn’t seem too bad.

“Dong!”

An extremely dull thud sounded out. The magnified sword glow was actually forcefully deformed by Teng Shisheng’s one punch. Or, it could also be said that when the sword glow cut towards Teng Shisheng’s fist.

It seemed to be slanted!

When Fang Zhengzhi witnessed this scene, it was rather impossible for him to claim that he wasn’t taken aback at all. Even though he didn’t quite understand the training methods of the Southern Mountain Range.

However, he could at least feel the change in the air.

Teng Shisheng.

The team leader of five hundred Silver Horned Wolf Cavalries.

In terms of raw power, Fang Zhengzhi didn’t think that Teng Shisheng would be very strong. Hence, Fang Zhengzhi assumed that Teng Shisheng was only probably of the Heavenly Reflection State.

At the very most…

He would have attained the Heavenly Reflection Peak State.

However, when he saw Teng Shisheng’s punch, this thought was immediately rejected.

In Princess Shan Yu’s military camp, Fang Zhengzhi had fought with General Tai. Hence, he knew very clearly how powerful General Tai of the Supernatural Advanced State would be.

Teng Shisheng’s power might not be as ferocious as General Tai’s.

However, in terms of stability.

There wasn’t a single bit of difference.

“Teng Shisheng is actually of the Supernatural State?!” Fang Zhengzhi very quickly confirmed this thought. However, when this thought arose, another thought entered his mind.

If Teng Shisheng was really of the Supernatural State.

Why did Teng Shisheng purposely conceal this in the previous battles?

From the moment Teng Shisheng appeared by Fang Zhengzhi’s side, the abilities he displayed were all extremely ordinary. Even when they surrounded Chen Feiyu and Wu Feng.

Teng Shisheng’s performance didn’t appear too impressive.

Fang Zhengzhi didn’t have a definite answer to this. However, he could faintly sense that it wasn’t a coincidence that Princess Shan Yu had sent Teng Shisheng to his side.

Then, what was that Princess Shan Yu’s intention?

Giving him a Cyan Stone Token for no reason at all, and then giving him five hundred Silver Horned Wolf Cavalry troops, and also sending Teng Shisheng, who concealed his true powers, to his side.

If it was said that Princess Shan Yu did this to ensure Fang Zhengzhi’s safety, Fang Zhengzhi wouldn’t believe it even if he was beaten to death. Because, that girl didn’t have such a good heart.

Fang Zhengzhi didn’t continue pondering this issue.

Because, now wasn’t exactly the time to do so.

As Teng Shisheng blocked off the expanding sword glow, the expressions of the other three scholars clearly changed as they looked towards Teng Shisheng with a faint shock in their eyes.

However, it was just a faint shock.

After exchanging a quick glance at one another, the three scholars didn’t hesitate any further.

They stepped forward at the same time.

The actually forced themselves in the middle of the Silver Horned Wolves and used their external territory to force back the few Silver Horned Wolves.

At this moment, other than Teng Shisheng, the expressions of the other Silver Horned Wolf Cavalry troops were a deathly shade of pale.

The fundamental source of their power came from the Silver Horned Wolf. As for their individual powers, they naturally couldn’t all have attained the Heavenly Reflection State.

In reality, among the five hundred Silver Horned Wolf Cavalry troops, seven out of ten of them were only of the Star Conglomerate State.

However, even so, it didn’t stop them from becoming the most elite forces of the Southern Mountain Range. Because, with the Silver Horned Wolves, they could easily match up to someone of the Heavenly Reflection Intermediate State.

However…

It was clearly somewhat futile to fight against four enraged scholars of the Heavenly Reflection Peak State and above.

They were unable to surround the enemy and hence, the Silver Horned Wolves couldn’t unleash their full power. As for the Silver Horned Wolf Cavalry troops standing behind, other than watching, the most they could do was to cause some distractions.

For example, shouting out loud – careful of your left, beware on top of you, or toss out a few black spears glowing with an icy glow to prevent their teammate from being injured.

However, this was futile in tackling the root of the problem.

The four scholars had clearly considered this point. They simply didn’t give the Silver Horned Wolf Cavalry troops much opportunities. After forcefully pushing them back, the four swords in the hands of the scholars mysteriously met at one point.

“Sword formation?!”

When the military commanders witnessed this scene, they finally regained their senses. Each of their eyes were filled with shock. However, more of it was filled with a form of disbelief.

Because, in their hearts, the scholars in front of them were examinees participating in the Court Examination.

Four examinees?

How could they cooperate so well through a sword formation? Shouldn’t they be fighting as individuals? Even if they really had some synergy, it was definitely impossible for things to be like this!

They truly couldn’t understand.

As the military commanders were lost in thought, the four scholars didn’t seem to have any intention of explaining themselves. At the instant their four swords met, the expressions of the four scholars instantly changed.

In it, there seemed to be a certain pain.

Fang Zhengzhi had seen this expression before. That was during the time Yan Xiu employed his Asura Dao. However, compared to Yan Xiu, the pain of the faces of these four scholars didn’t seem quite the same.

Yan Xiu’s was a form of endurance.

However, these four scholars seemed to be suffering.

A glow lit up in the middle of the four swords. It was a light similar to that of a star. The silver glow was soft as silk.

It was very soft, yet mysteriously sent a sharp chill down people’s spines.

“This looks like…” Fang Zhengzhi rapidly recalled a scene. That was something that happened within The Vast World.

In there, Fang Zhengzhi met with somebody from the Southern Mountain Range for the first time.

His name was Shan Jia.

And, standing beside Shan Jia, there was another person. Or, it could also be said that there was another demon. That was the first time Fang Zhengzhi saw a red Demon Eye, and the first time he felt the power of a demon named Bai Xing.

The Domain Chief of the Demon Race Star Domain, Bai Xing!

Fang Zhengzhi didn’t know why he felt the way he did now. However, he faintly felt that when these four swords combined together, that silver glow seemed to be largely similar to the starry glow that Bai Xing gave off.

Alright..

I seem to have overestimated myself this time!

Fang Zhengzhi naturally saw through the identities of these people. Not only did he realise the identities of these four people, he also realized the identity of that “Young Master Li” standing behind Wu Feng.

In reality, among these four scholars, there was initially one that was standing behind Chen Feiyu.

However…

Chen Feiyu seemed to be crazy!

He actually forcefully blocked off Fang Zhengzhi’s Million Sword Illustration, allowing that scholar to continue concealing his identity.

Hence, as Chen Feiyu leapt around and shouted for Fang Zhengzhi to shoot another arrow at him again.

Fang Zhengzhi was actually somewhat speechless.

Other than expressing his despise towards Chen Feiyu’s intelligence, there really wasn’t another sentence that could describe his feelings. However, fortunately, Chen Feiyu had demonstrated a rather impressive power when he blocked off the arrow.

At the very least, the scholar who had already unsheathed his sword managed to sheath it back in time, revealing a rather exaggerated and shocked expression on his face.

Fang Zhengzhi had seen it. However, he didn’t wish to loudly expose it. Instead, what he thought was that since you don’t wish to expose yourself, let me give you a surprise.

That was the reason he shot another arrow towards Wu Feng.

The outcome was clearly evident.

The results were very ideal, and rather impressive. Not only did he disable that “Young Master Li” who was about to attack Wu Feng, he even managed to enrage and trigger his four buddies.

Until now, Fang Zhengzhi had given his own perfect plan thirty two ‘likes’.

However…

What he never thought of was that.

Even with five hundred Silver Horned Wolves beside him and forty thousand soldiers behind him, the other party had actually suddenly managed to advance to his side and even seemed to be executing a technique almost similar to that of Bai Xing.

Shouldn’t I be possessing an absolute advantage in this, playing with them in any way I wish?

This was what Fang Zhengzhi thought all along.

However, in reality, he seemed to have miscalculated a tiny bit once again. The powers of the “four scholars” was actually not of the Heavenly Reflection Peak State.

Instead, it was the Supernatural State!

Most importantly, these four “scholars” of the Supernatural State seemed to be using a certain sword formation that enabled them to attack together. This actually enabled their sword techniques to come close to Bai Xing of the Rebirth State!

“What the hell, Yun Qingwu, are you kidding me? No matter what, we were once in the same “boat” together, you actually sent four people of the Supernatural State to assassinate me?!”

Chapter 368: Sword within the Sword

Ever since he had met with Wu Yuer, Fang Zhengzhi had learnt from her that Yun Qingwu had another identity.

The Young Demon Lord!

Even though Fang Zhengzhi was somewhat taken aback when he heard of this identity of Yun Qingwu, he knew that Wu Yuer had no reason to lie to him.

Hence, in his heart, he inferred very easily that the incidents of the Southern Mountain Range were naturally related in some way or another to this woman Yun Qingwu, especially the part about having ties with the demon race.

The four scholars in front of him were evidently of the demon race.

Fang Zhengzhi didn’t need to remove the skin masks on their faces on purpose. Because, when Fang Zhengzhi had defeated Nangong Hao’s formation, one of the scholars had already launched an attack on Chen Feiyu.

What was Chen Feiyu’s status?

The younger brother of Imperial Concubine Hua Fei, the young brother-in-law of the Emperor, the direct line of descent of the thirteen constabularies.

Fang Zhengzhi knew that. Hence, it was impossible for the other scholars not to know this. Hence, would anybody launch a sneak attack on somebody like Chen Feiyu?

There was.

For example, Fang Zhengzhi used a sneak attack against Chen Feiyu.

However, that was in order to take down the Thunderous Lion Settlement. And now, Chen Feiyu had already been eliminated and lost all the value he had. At such a time, launching another sneak attack on Chen Feiyu…

There could only be one reason.

That was that the other party was of the demon race!

Fang Zhengzhi inferred this point. However, he didn’t infer the true strength of the other party. He initially felt that everything was within his control. However, in reality, he seemed to have been controlled by someone else all along.

That didn’t feel very good.

However, he was still extremely helpless.

When faced with four Supernatural State demons employing the technique of combining four swords, causing their power to reach that of the Rebirth State, what Fang Zhengzhi needed to do was too simple.

That was one word…

Run!

However, in reality, with a bunch of people standing behind him, running was actually not something very simple. However, this evidently didn’t affect Fang Zhengzhi.

Flipping into the air, he directly “fell down” from the horse.

One must frequently maintain his appearance and image, however, he must not be hindered by his image. In certain special circumstances, falling down the horse wasn’t actually something bad.

The four demons disguised as scholars were evidently somewhat taken aback by Fang Zhengzhi’s ‘decisiveness’. After all, Fang Zhengzhi’s reputation outside was on the same level as that of Nangong Hao due to being joint first in the Court Theory Examination.

Such a genius and talent.

When being attacked, he didn’t even think of fighting back and instead, immediately ran away. And, the way he escaped was so “smooth”.

If it was said that the four demons weren’t taken aback at all, it was still rather impossible.

However, they quickly recalled Bai Xing’s opinion of Fang Zhengzhi. That was that this was a person full of surprises.

Alright…

He indeed was somebody full of surprises.

After destroying the wind valley of the Icy Monkey Settlement, he defeated Nangong Hao’s formation, and after that he was actually able to see through their disguises. Every single one of these incidents reflected Fang Zhengzhi’s intelligence.

However, when this extremely intelligent person met with danger, he was still able to hide under the horse’s stomach without the slightest bit of hesitation and care for his own image.

That was truly “full of surprises”.

“Kill!” The four demons gave up their pretence.

Because, there was already no more need to do so. Their next objective was to kill as many scholars participating in this examination as possible, after which use this incident to incite and provoke conflict between the Great Xia and the Southern Mountain Range.

After all, the scholars participating in this examination were too high in “status”.

Members of the royal family, descendents of the Thirteen Constabularies, notable families and great clans. When these people perished away from their home country and in the foreign land of the Southern Mountain Range, it would evidently be impossible for the Great Xia to maintain a relationship with the Southern Mountain Range that was as close as before.

However, apart from this task, there was another more important prerequisite task. That was that if they were able to kill off either Fang Zhengzhi or Nangong Hao, it was worth it to give up every other scholar.

The four demons didn’t know why such an order would be given.

However, this order was personally given by Bai Xing. Hence, all they had to do was to carry it out.

Initially, their plan was definitely to aim for Fang Zhengzhi. However, Fang Zhengzhi had been constantly surrounded five hundred Silver Horned Wolves, it was too difficult to launch an attack on Fang Zhengzhi.

Hence…

After seeing that the wind valley was defeated, they changed their plan.

They followed Wu Feng and Chen Feiyu and charged into the wind valley, planning to wait until Wu Feng and Chen Feiyu led the army to launch a sneak attack on Nangong Hao before launching their attack on Wu Feng and Nangong Hao at the same time.

However, the outcome of that was that they were trapped within Nangong Hao’s formation.

Just as they thought that they were in trouble, a fortunate incident happened once again. Fang Zhengzhi was actually able to defeat the formation, and furthermore, he created a situation filled chaos.

This opportunity was simply one given by Heaven.

Moreover, they indeed couldn’t wait any longer.

After all, if they waited any further, Fang Zhengzhi would be able to leave the wind valley. When that time came, with five hundred Silver Horned Wolves beside him in addition to facing against Nangong Hao.

They simply didn’t have a chance anymore.

Hence…

The disguised demons naturally attacked very decisively.

What happened afterwards was what everybody had seen. Even though Fang Zhengzhi saw through their identity, he didn’t announce it righteously.

Hence, this gave them an opportunity to kill in the name of someone else.

Even though this reason sounded really somewhat exaggerated, the outcome seemed to have achieved their objectives. The group of military commanders didn’t lash out immediately.

That was enough.

Within the wind valley, nobody could stop them.

And now, once they broke through the protection of a few Silver Horned Wolves and arrived in front of Fang Zhengzhi, they were filled with confidence that even if Fang Zhengzhi hid under the horse’s stomach, he wouldn’t be able to avoid this strike.

After all, slashing apart a person along with a horse wasn’t something very difficult.

And…

Most importantly, with their abilities, after finishing their assassination, escaping safely was similarly not something too difficult either.

“Die!”

As the four demons roared out at the same time.

A silver glow soared from the tips of their swords, directly cutting down towards Fang Zhengzhi. It moved with blazing speed and gave off a chilling air.

“Quick, protect Guard Fang!” When Teng Shisheng saw this glow, his expression clearly changed. His task was obviously not to protect Fang Zhengzhi.

However, he couldn’t just let Fang Zhengzhi die now!

At this moment, a few Silver Horned Wolf Cavalry troops stared with their eyes wide open. The silver glow in front of their eyes was extremely thin. However, the power within caused them to feel a sense of fear rising from within.

The warriors of the Southern Mountain Range were human. They also had times of fear.

However, they were able to transform this fear into a form of belief, a belief that was able to integrate them with the mountain rocks. This belief could ensure that in order to complete certain orders.

They would be willing to sacrifice their lives.

Hence, when Teng Shisheng finished his sentence, the few Silver Horned Wolf Cavalry troops standing behind Fang Zhengzhi soared into the sky and used their bodies to block in front of that silver glow.

Due to the presence of the Silver Horned Wolves behind him, Fang Zhengzhi was initially unable to turn around and run. However, when those Silver Horned Wolves leapt up, this problem seemed to be gone.

A few empty spots appeared behind him.

These empty spots enabled him to easily run a few more steps back. Even though he didn’t know if he was able to avoid this silver glow, the probabilities of him doing so would at least be higher.

However, Fang Zhengzhi didn’t do that.

It could even be said that when those spots appeared in front of his eyes, he didn’t even consider once nor hesitate at all.

Fang Zhengzhi believed that shamelessness was a virtue.

However, this didn’t represent that he could casually hide being others and watch as other people used their bodies to defend against a silver glow that should initially be slashing on his body.

Even though these people were the Silver Horned Wolf Cavalry troops that he had only briefly interacted with.

In an instant, Fang Zhengzhi pressed his hand onto his chest. There was a silver Heart Protection Mirror. Within the Heart Protection Mirror, there was a sword.

The sword’s name was Traceless!

Fang Zhengzhi didn’t know if the Traceless Sword could fend off this silver glow, however, this was indeed the only glimmer of hope he could think of.

After all, this sword had previously defended against General Tai’s fatal blow!

“Dong!”

Right at this moment, an extremely melodious tone suddenly rang out. It wasn’t loud, however, it seemed to carry with it a terrifying penetrating force.

“Boom!”

A loud boom resounded.

The silver glow seemed to have clashed with something coming from the side. It actually quavered. It didn’t disappear, but its power was evidently reduced by a little.

Right at the same time, Teng Shisheng’s fist reached again.

A green glow expanded from Teng Shisheng’s skin. His fist once again slammed into that silver glow. This caused the silver glow to quaver once again.

It was actually forcefully made to change its course slightly.

Teng Shisheng knew that the Silver Horned Wolf Cavalry troops behind him would protect Fang Zhengzhi. However, knowing was one thing. If it was said that he could bear seeing them do so, that was still rather impossible.

Hence, he used his full strength in this punch.

Even though he couldn’t block it entirely, changing its course slightly was sufficient to protect lives.

“Woosh!”

The silver glow finally landed.

Two screams rang out at the same time. One of them came from a horse Fang Zhengzhi initially rode on. It wasn’t too noble, however it was still one of the top breeds among horses.

However, at this moment, one of the horse’s front legs was cut into two by the silver glow.

The other sound obviously originated from a Silver Horned Wolf who had leapt into the air. Its front legs were injured as well. However, both of its legs were slashed into two and sent flying into the air.

Fresh blood…

Spurted out like a fountain.

This wasn’t the end. After slashing a horse and a beast, the silver glow didn’t seem to bear any intention of stopping. It continued to fly forwards and cut downwards.

This caused the few Silver Horned Wolf Cavalry troops initially standing behind Fang Zhengzhi to give off bloodcurdling cries.

However, these cries occured after the previous two.

One slash!

After clashing with the musical note and being slammed into by Teng Shisheng’s full-powered punch, it was still sufficient to injure five to six Silver Horned Wolf Cavalry troops.

From this, one could infer the power of that sword.

Fang Zhengzhi’s hand remained pressed upon his chest. Because, he saw that this sword was diverted off course. Hence, he naturally didn’t unshealth the Traceless Sword immediately.

After all, he wasn’t a hundred percent sure that the Traceless Sword was able to defend against this slash.

“Stop them!”

“They aren’t humans, they are demons!”

“Protect the scholars, we mustn’t allow the demons to accomplish anything!”

Just as Fang Zhengzhi prepared to shout out that these people were demons, waves of shouting already rang out beside his ear.

This caused him to feel somewhat confused.

What was this about?

Who had such a fast reaction?

As he thought, he finally saw a figure standing not too far away.

That was a youth wearing an intricately designed jade green armour. He held a jade flute to this mouth in one of his hands, while the other held on to a mask.

Under his feet, “Young Master Li”, who was down to his last breath, revealed his true appearance. A glimmering demon eye could be seen on his forehead, glowing with light.

At this moment, Fang Zhengzhi recalled the melodious, yet containing immense penetrative power, sound. If he didn’t predict wrongly, that sound should have originated from the jade flute in Wu Feng’s hands.

It seems that…

The Dao of music could be so strong.

When Fang Zhengzhi captured Wu Feng, he naturally didn’t give him any opportunities to exercise his Dao of music. Moreover, he didn’t even leave the jade flute for Wu Feng to use.

Hence, even though he knew that Wu Feng was apparently quite strong.

He had never truly seen Wu Feng use the Dao of music.

This could be counted as the first time he had seen it.

This caused him to be more or less startled. Even though the power from the Dao of music didn’t appear to be extremely powerful, it seemed to possess a clear advantage.

It had a blazing fast speed!

Furthermore, other than its extreme speed, the location it appeared was extremely mysterious. It was actually able to hit an extremely narrow silver glow using sound with such precision from such a long distance away.

This element of surprise and accuracy.

Wasn’t something an average Dao of All Creation could compare to.

Wu Feng!

The scholar ranked number three in the Rising Dragon Roll, the student of one of the four sages. His power was indeed rather incredible. I wonder if I will be able to defend against this attack of the Dao of music?

Fang Zhengzhi pondered for a moment and felt that he had only a fifty percent chance of being able to do so.

Hence, he quickly changed his train of thought. If he really had an opportunity to fight against Wu Feng, he would make sure to steal the jade flute from his hands first. Or, he would ensure that Wu Feng didn’t have the opportunity to blow the flute.

This way, his chances of winning would increase to eighty percent!

A perfect plan.

Of course, Fang Zhengzhi didn’t have to consider where that sound came from anymore. Because, when Wu Feng peeled off that “Young Master Li”‘s mask, the truth immediately rose to the surface.

Moreover, that deadly attack from those four people had already completely revealed their true intentions.

“Quick, take them down!” At this moment, the military commanders didn’t even need Fang Zhengzhi to give any orders before acting immediately. Furthermore, at the same time, all the soldiers behind them drew back their bows.

When the four demons saw this scene, the expressions on their faces appeared somewhat pained. After all, using the same technique as they just did had some rather serious consequences.

“Seems that the four of you are from the demon race?! Don’t even think of harming the citizens of our Great Xia. Today, I will fight you with my life!” Right at this moment, the two scholars following behind the demons gave off a terrified cry. Immediately after which, they moved sideways and actually leapt across the four demons and blocked in front of Fang Zhengzhi.

Chapter 369: At All Costs

This sudden change in situation evidently caused the military commanders to be somewhat taken aback. After all, the power displayed by the four demons were horrifying.

In that case…

The commanders didn’t know if there was any mistake in their way of dealing with this issue.

However, in reality, they all knew that the relationship between Fang Zhengzhi and the scholars weren’t as close as what they imagined. Hence, under such circumstances, it was naturally extremely unlikely that they would use their bodies to defend Fang Zhengzhi.

However, at this moment, the two scholars clearly blocked in front of Fang Zhengzhi. Furthermore, they did so without the slightest bit of hesitation.

Hence, it was impossible to say that they weren’t even the slightest bit shocked.

Of course, this was all just guesswork. From certain points of view, it wasn’t completely impossible that the scholars were amazed and convinced by the talent Fang Zhengzhi had displayed and suddenly decided to see the big picture instead.

It was precisely because of this probability that led to the commanders not stopping the two scholars immediately in their moment of shock, and instead deciding to watch on silently.

However, this slight hesitation also allowed them to see a scene that left them astounded.

After the two scholars blocked in front of the four demons, they had also arrived in front of Fang Zhengzhi. They held a sword in each of their hands.

There wasn’t any problem in this. However, the problem was that the swords in their hands didn’t stab towards the four demons in front of them, instead, they turned around and stabbed towards Fang Zhengzhi.

This also meant that as they were crying out to protect scholars and people of the Great Xia, the swords in their hands were carrying out a completely opposite action.

“Pssh!”

Fresh blood spurted out and sprayed into the air.

An icy glint flashed in the eyes of the two scholars as the edges of their lips instinctively curved up into a delighted smile. However, this smile didn’t last for long.

Very quickly, the two scholars lowered their head.

In their eyes, there was an evident disbelief. Because, they realised that the blood that spurted out like a fountain actually originated from their chests.

Shock.

The two scholars were shocked. The four demons were just as shocked.

The other commanders standing behind Fang Zhengzhi were also stunned, rooted to the ground. Because, this scene truly occurred too quickly.

“When… when did you rea… realise?!” The two scholars uttered softly, their eyes unmovingly fixated upon Fang Zhengzhi.

They truly didn’t quite understand.

Why could Fang Zhengzhi easily see through their plans over and over again.

“From the moment you followed behind the four of them, I have already known.” A faint smile appeared on Fang Zhengzhi’s lips.

Making peace?

Who, in this situation, would even bother to try to make peace at this moment?

Fang Zhengzhi would never believe that the examinees in this Court Examination would have such childish hobbies. Of course, just based on this point alone, it wasn’t possible to confirm this absolutely.

The truth was inferred from one sentence.

Ever since the ancient past, regardless of whether it was the past world or this world, there was one well-known saying.

That was that spectators saw the game better than players.

Previously, everytime Fang Zhengzhi evaluated a problem, this was the kind of thinking he employed. However, when the two scholars stood out with righteousness filling their faces.

He understood another word of wisdom…

That was that under certain special circumstances, only the real players in the game would be able to understand things best!

Would these two scholars in front of him be selfless enough to do what was best in this situation? Others weren’t too sure. However, Fang Zhengzhi was almost absolutely certain that it was impossible!

“Within the sword, there is another hidden…’sword’!” When Fang Zhengzhi saw the two scholars make their way past the four demons, he was already certain about this situation.

What was the meaning of a sneak attack?

It was naturally one that was impossible to defend against!

Fang Zhengzhi was an expert at sneak attacks. Hence, he knew very clearly what was impossible to defend against. The previous time he saw Bai Xing was within The Vast World.

Right from that moment, Fang Zhengzhi knew that Bai Xing wasn’t dumb.

Of course…

There was another person who was definitely not dumb either. That was Yun Qingwu.

Due to that, having wasted time and energy on planning a sneak attack plan, how could it only have one stage?

There was a plot within the plot, a sneak attack within the sneak attack, a sword within the sword.

That was a real deadly strike.

Fang Zhengzhi knew all of these extremely well. Hence, all he could do was to helplessly look on with disdain as these people attempted to showcase their skills in front of the real expert, himself.

Since you like to hide a sneak attack within this attack, then, I will fulfill your plan.

At the instant the two scholars jumped past the four demons, Fang Zhengzhi’s sword had already lashed out.

There was a very wise saying.

Never leave your back facing the enemy.

Because, that was an extremely… stupid action!

“You knew ever since we ran over? W… Why?! We… we want to know the reason!” The expressions of the two scholars were clearly filled with disbelief as an emotional tone filled their voices.

“Beware!”

Just as Fang Zhengzhi prepared to reply the questions of these two scholars.

A somewhat urgent voice rang out beside his ear. He was somewhat familiar with this voice. If his guess was correct, it was Teng Shisheng.

However, what did ‘beware’ mean?

Fang Zhengzhi didn’t manage to understand immediately. However, he instinctively took a step backwards. During this step backwards, he saw two swords.

Two swords that stabbed towards his throat like a dragon.

These two swords naturally came from the hands of the two scholars. However, due to the close distance between Fang Zhengzhi and the two scholars, he seemed to have neglected these two swords which were in his blind spot.

Fang Zhengzhi rarely had cold sweat.

However, this time, when he saw those two swords, his back was immediately soaked with cold sweat. He had seen through the real identities of the two scholars.

However…

He hadn’t seen through their determination!

This wasn’t very related to Fang Zhengzhi’s judgement. Instead, it was a form of thinking. Fang Zhengzhi was a person who was rather afraid of pain and death. Hence, when he thought about a problem, he would naturally leave this point out.

On the other hand, the two “scholars” in front of him had taken advantage of this point.

On purpose!

Ever since the start, the other party’s slightly “exaggerated” performance, that silly and logically flawed act, was actually all planned out for this final attack.

In other words, the other party wanted Fang Zhengzhi to understand, or, wanted Fang Zhengzhi to think he understood that everything was within his control.

It was during such moments in which a person would let down his guard.

In reality…

These moments were when the other party would value the most. The real deadly blow of the other party was actually the most boring and normal stab with the sword in close distance after being stabbed!

It was extremely dangerous. This danger that brought Fang Zhengzhi extremely close to the God of Death, despite the fact that Fang Zhengzhi was really soaked in cold sweat, if it wasn’t for the fact that Teng Shisheng was just as close to Fang Zhengzhi, if it wasn’t for the fact that Teng Shisheng gave the warning.

He would really have delightfully felt that the other party was showcasing their skills in front of a real expert!

The demon race!

Yun Qingwu!

Only at this moment did Fang Zhengzhi understand what the demon race was made of, what Yun Qingwu was made of. Only now did he truly understand how lucky he was to have succeeded during his previous time in The Vast World.

“Fang Zhengzhi, Domain Chief Bai asked us to bring you this sentence. How can an ant compete with huge beast that fills the sky? You are a smart man, you can naturally understand the meaning behind these words!” The attacks of the two scholars missed.

This caused a glimmer of disappointment to flash across their eyes.

However, after this glimmer of disappointment appeared, the two scholars didn’t reveal any form of repent or misery. Instead, they stood silently on the spot.

Calm. That was a form of calm that would never budge even if they stood among thousands of soldiers.

Their assassination had failed.

The two scholars didn’t intend to continue their attacks any further. Because, they knew very clearly that opportunities when missed, were truly missed.

“Leave!” The two scholars turned around and gazed towards the four demons.

At the same time, the wounds on their chests slowly began to heal. Even though the blood that spurted out didn’t stop flowing, they simply weren’t bothered at all. They didn’t even take a second glance towards it.

“Roger!” When the four demons heard the words of the two scholars, they bowed slightly and leapt in four different directions towards the two walls of the wind valley.

The two scholars didn’t hesitate either. They immediately followed and leapt up, pressing down with one foot on the body of a Silver Horned Wolf, borrowing its strength and very quickly, reaching the two walls of the wind valley.

They arrived quickly.

And left just as quickly.

Furthermore, the way they did it was with such uniqueness and without the slightest bit of care and hesitation.

“Want to run? Stop them!”

“Quickly, start shooting the arrows!”

“Don’t let them escape!”

The commanders managed to regain their senses at this moment. Of course, if they still didn’t understand up till now, then they were truly stupid.

The demon race. Among twenty scholars, there was actually a total of seven hidden demons. Six launched a sneak attack on Fang Zhengzhi, while one was killed by Fang Zhengzhi’s Million Sword Illustration.

Such an incident was simply astounding to the ear.

Furthermore, most important, if these seven scholars were demons in disguise, then, where were the seven scholars who participated in the Court Examination?

Nobody knew.

However, this didn’t seem to affect the arrows of those soldiers who had already drawn back their bows. At the instant the order was given, hundreds of white-feathered arrows soared into the sky.

Shooting towards the six demons on the two walls of the wind valley.

At the same time, the melodious and high pitched sound of a flute sounded out again, drifting among those white-feathered arrows towards the six demons.

Fang Zhengzhi obviously didn’t give chase.

It wasn’t because he didn’t want to. Instead, it was because he knew very clearly that every single demon among them was of the Supernatural State. If his guess wasn’t wrong, even that “Young Master Li” who had fallen on the ground was of the Supernatural State.

However, in order for the plan to succeed smoothly and lead Fang Zhengzhi to think that everything was within his control, that “Young Master Li” actually took the blow of his Million Sword Illustration twice.

After suffering fatal injuries to the organs, even someone of the Supernatural State would have to lie down for a while.

Hence, the reason why Fang Zhengzhi didn’t give chase was too simple. With his powers, how could he defend against the counterattacks of six people of the Supernatural State?

Give chase?

The outcome could be predicted accurately. The other party would definitely be willing to sacrifice one or two of themselves to kill off Fang Zhengzhi, then, use his head to report back with their orders completed.

Fang Zhengzhi didn’t quite understand why would the demon race sacrifice a strong person of the Supernatural State just for his head. However, in reality, that was exactly what they did.

At the same time the white-feathered arrows were shot out, black spears similarly flew out.

However, they weren’t of much use.

The movements of the six demons were extremely fast. The walls of the wind valley was filled with white frost. However, when they stepped onto the frost, it was just like stepping on flat ground.

Dull blue light glowed under their feets, causing their speed to become blazing fast. In only a short moment of time, they had reached the top of the two walls of the wind valley.

“Looks like they are really going to escape?” Fang Zhengzhi had never felt that power was important. He felt that at many times, intelligence was more important than power.

However, at this moment, in front of the six Supernatural State demons, he suddenly felt that he couldn’t do anything despite all the power he had.

He had five hundred Silver Horned Wolves around him and also forty over thousand soldiers of the Great Xia. This was initially supposed to be a time filled with honour and glory to make a clean sweep of the Southern Mountain Range.

However, what actually happened was that he had to helplessly watch the demons run away after they attempted to assassinate him. Frankly, if it was said that he was completely fine with that, it would be rather impossible.

He didn’t know whether it was because of this slight bit of unhappiness.

Or because Fang Zhengzhi held a sword in his hand. Right at this moment, an evident purple glow flashed across Fang Zhengzhi’s eyes.

At the same time, Fang Zhengzhi raised the sword in his hand.

The name of the sword was Traceless!

However, at the tip of the sword, there was an extremely abnormal purple mark that was as clear as blood, flashing with an icy and mysterious glow and carrying with it a killing intent that was as vast as the sea.

“Mountain… Waterfall Cascade!”

Fang Zhengzhi shouted in a low voice and slowly raised his sword and brought it down slowly.

In the sky, a bright silver moon appeared. That was a bright and clear shade of silver. However, for some reason, within that silver glow, there was a faint sense of purple.

A waterfall fell from the silver moon.

Then, with a terrifying speed, it became six silver rays. Each ray was like a thin string filled with a cold and chilling aura, landing towards the six demons that had climbed onto the wind valley.

At this moment, the eyes of the six demons lit up with a glow.

Their gazes turned towards the six silver rays that fell from the sky. At this moment, there seemed to be a slight change in their expressions. It was very complicated, and also somewhat relieved.

When they received the order from Bai Xing.

Take Fang Zhengzhi or Nangong Hao’s life at all costs, they had also asked themselves one question. Why would the order be to do so at all costs?

However, now, they seemed to understand.

When those six silver rays came down upon them, they somewhat understood.

Indeed.

It should be done at all costs!

Chapter 370: We Finally Meet

To the members of the demon race, they didn’t fear those who were powerful. Because, from the moment they were born, they had a sacred eye which enabled them to communicate with Heaven and Earth.

With the demon eye, their powers were immense and their ability to grasp knowledge was uncanny.

To them, this was a form of pride. However, behind this pride lay a slow transfer of knowledge.

The demon race was extremely gifted. However, their reproduction abilities were extremely weak. Among ten humans, nine can give birth to a child. However, it wasn’t the same for the demon race.

Among ten demons, at the very most, only one could give birth.

This caused the demon race to be unable to possess power in numbers like the human race did.

However, despite that, using their gift and ability that greatly exceeded that of the human race, they occupied an immensely important position in this world.

A demon’s pride originated from his natural talent.

However, when a human possessing even greater natural talents stood in front of them, from certain points of view, it indeed went against the laws of nature.

They wouldn’t even take a second glance towards a powerful human of the Supernatural State.

However, when a human who was only of the Heavenly Reflection State had powers that almost exceeded that of the Supernatural State, that was a completely different concept altogether.

A person who was only fifteen or sixteen years of age had defeated the wind valley of the Southern Mountain Range, one that hadn’t been defeated for hundreds of years. His intellect and familiarity with stratagems and formations had already reached such a stage.

How could they not feel any shock!

At the instant six silver rays of light descended from the sky, the six demons raised the swords in their hands. There was a solemn look in their eyes. That was a look that represented their seriousness.

“Boom boom boom…”

Six resounding explosions rang out from the two walls of the wind valley as countless snow-white frost fell from above, causing the ground of the wind valley to shake slightly.

Everybody’s gaze landed on the six silver rays of light.

The military commanders, the forty thousand soldiers, the remaining scholars, Wu Feng, Chen Feiyu, the five hundred Silver Horned Wolves behind Teng Shi Sheng.

Not a single one of them was staring elsewhere other than the six silver rays.

At this moment, in their hearts, there was only one thought.

Power!

But, how can they be so strong?!

Fang Zhengzhi’s abilities were of the Heavenly Reflection State. This was an undeniable fact. However, Fang Zhengzhi of the Heavenly Reflection State had forcefully held back the six demons of the Supernatural State.

Even though they were only held back for a moment, it was already extremely impressive.

The frost continued to fall. The figures of the six demons of the Supernatural State were finally revealed amidst the white frost. The clothes on their bodies were somewhat tattered and cuts and wounds were clearly visible on their bodies.

The looks in their eyes appeared extremely stunned. This also represented that under a six-versus-one situation, they were injured by a silver ray that was split into six!

“Fang Zhengzhi! I will remember this, I only wish that the next time we meet, you can remain alive!” A demon spoke and raised his hand. The skin mask on his face was removed, revealing a sparkling demon eye.

This was a challenge.

However, this time, Fang Zhengzhi didn’t speak. He didn’t even reply a single word.

Because…

He saw a ray of light.

Compared to the ray of light from his previous strike, this ray was red in colour. It was blood-red, translucent yet shiny. It landed from the sky as thin as the wings of a cicada.

If it was said that Fang Zhengzhi’s previous sword contained a demonic killing intent, then, this ray of light contained a chilliness that seemed to have originated from hell.

When Teng Shisheng and the five hundred Silver Horned Wolves saw this ray of light, there was an evident shock in their eyes. Because, this ray of light clearly didn’t originate from Fang Zhengzhi.

Instead, it shot towards the six demons!

Who is it?!

This was what Teng Shisheng and the rest thought. However, it wasn’t what Wu Feng, Chen Feiyu and the rest of the scholars thought. Because, once that beam of light lit up, they all knew who had arrived!

At this moment, the six demons had also noticed the red beam of light speeding towards them.

They were already injured after receiving Fang Zhengzhi’s attack. Initially, they thought that everything should have ended. However, in reality, it seemed that things had only just begun.

“Psst!”

There wasn’t a resounding boom. Because, when the red beam landed on the bodies of the six demons, it didn’t explode. Instead, it congregated together like a fissure without disappearing nor splitting apart.

A few broken swords flew up. At the same time, there were two arms.

More importantly, a few cracks were made on the walls of the wind valley. Those cracks seemed to be exactly under the areas on which the six demons stood.

Hence…

The six demons who had initially already climbed up the mountain walls fell back down. They fell among countless soldiers with their bows drawn and riding on Silver Horned Wolves.

At the same time, a figure slowly appeared on top of the area where the six demons initially stood on the mountain wall.

He wore a faint black robe and slowly waved the paper fan in his hands which was filled with illustrations of the mountains and the rivers. During this time when it was approaching the season of winter, it seemed somewhat inappropriate.

Fang Zhengzhi was actually really tempted to ask.

“Yan Xiu, are you cold?”

However, in reality, Yan Xiu’s expression clearly didn’t look as if he would reply this question. That was an icy cold expression. However, within the coldness, there was a sense trace of arrogance.

Fang Zhengzhi clearly knew what Yan Xiu was thinking. All he did was give him a present when they met, after which, ask for gratitude in return.

It was just preventing the escape of a few demons, is this even necessary?

Without his initial attack, could Yan Xiu take down these six demons as smoothly?

Fang Zhengzhi didn’t voice these out. Because, in his heart, what he wanted to say the most was: “I knew that you will definitely come to the Icy Monkey Settlement to unite with me!”

“Charge!”

“Everybody charge, take down the demon race!”

“We must not let them run!”

When the military commanders saw Yan Xiu, it was somewhat impossible if it was said that they weren’t the slightest bit shocked. However, what they wanted to do more was to take down the six injured demons.

After all, this was what they needed to do.

As for…

Relationships and snuggling around, that was a form of fortune that only scholars could enjoy. To these people from military backgrounds, it was clearly not very suitable.

“Yan Xiu!” Wu Feng gazed towards the figure on the mountain walls and gradually put down the jade flute in his hands. Bitterness and desolation was evident in his eyes.

During the theory examination, Yan Xiu had obtained third place and stepped over his head.

This was already somewhat that caused him to feel extremely bitter. Hence, during the combat examination, he paid very close attention to Yan Xiu’s movements. The six thousand troops moved everywhere. They never settled.

Wu Feng knew these. Hence, he had initially assumed that he would definitely surpass Yan Xiu in the combat examination. Because, during that time, he would have already occupied two territories and possessed two armies of soldiers.

However, in the blink of an eye.

When they met again, he had already become an eliminated scholar. Furthermore, he had almost been assassinated by the demon race in such an unbearable manner.

And when he looked at Yan Xiu?

He was standing on the cliff wall, waving his paper fan slowly. With one strike, he caused the six demons who were initially about to escape to fall onto the ground. How could Wu Feng be happy when met with that superior sense of coldness?

Compared to Wu Feng’s dissatisfaction, Chen Feiyu clearly took more initiative.

Before this, he had never understood the reason behind why Fang Zhengzhi shot an arrow towards him. However, when Wu Feng tore off Young Master Li’s skin mask, he was completely enlightened.

However…

He wasn’t Wu Feng. He didn’t understand the Dao of music, hence, he naturally couldn’t make himself useful.

However, everything was different now. The six demons had been taken down by Yan Xiu. Hence, if he didn’t take his revenge now, he would really not be Chen Feiyu anymore.

Chen Feiyu pounced forwards.

He felt that this was the true opportunity for him to rise to fame. He decided to fight the six of them at one go, then, demonstrate to everyone the power of his Supernatural State. This will make them deeply understand one thing…

Chen Feiyu had reached the Supernatural State!

Fang Zhengzhi didn’t seem to have any intention of stopping Chen Feiyu. Instead, he slowly kept the sword in his hand back into his robe, then, waved his hands towards Yan Xiu, who was standing on the mountain wall.

The fate of the six demons naturally didn’t need any further elaboration.

They were indeed of the Supernatural State. However, when they were forced out of the wind valley by the combined power of the scholars and landed in the middle of the combined assault of almost a thousand soldiers, they were clearly unable to escape as easily as before.

Most important, Teng Shisheng and the rest also participated in this battle. Because, the warriors of the Southern Mountain Range had to take revenge for fellow Southern Mountain Range warriors.

Chen Feiyu of the Supernatural State, in addition to Teng Shisheng of the Supernatural State, the large group of scholars, five hundred Silver Horned Wolves and over forty thousand soldiers. The outcome of this battle was already predetermined.

Without much further ado, the six demons were taken down. After taking one final stare towards Fang Zhengzhi, the six demons exchanged glances.

They preserved their last possible bit of pride.

Suicide!

Chen Feiyu laughed. Because, he felt that his performance was rather impressive. However, he didn’t hear the congratulatory cries from the surrounding scholars.

“What is it now?” Chen Feiyu was somewhat confused. He wanted to ask, is everybody here blind? Don’t tell me that you didn’t notice my powers are already completely different from the past?

However, in reality, there was really not a single person who praised him.

Or, it could be said that nobody paid too much attention to him.

The reason behind this was very simple. When a group of people surrounded six demons and fought with all their powers, who would be so free as to pay attention to what techniques others were using?

There was only one thing on everybody’s minds. That was, what technique I should use!

…

The wind slowly began to blow.

Because, after the bodies of the six demons were moved, the forty over thousand soldiers slowly exitted the wind valley and walked towards a huge fortress rooted to the ground.

That was the Icy Monkey Settlement, one of the Southern Mountain Range’s six main settlements.

Gigantic, snow-white rocks filled the scenery, just like the frost on the two cliffs of the wind valley, encompassing a chilliness that troubled people’s hearts.

A huge black cloud slowly pressed down towards the Icy Monkey Settlement.

In front of this black cloud, there were two people. Two people who journeyed shoulder to shoulder. One was wearing a leopard skin robe, while the other wore a faint black robe.

Fang Zhengzhi didn’t ask Yan Xiu why he came. Because, he knew that once news of his intention to attack the Icy Monkey Settlement was spread, Yan Xiu would definitely come.

Except, he had never imagined that Yan Xiu would come at such a right time.

Time flowed slowly.

The black cloud slowly began to stop.

A dull sound finally came from the main gate of the Icy Monkey Settlement. The massive gate opened gradually. However, after the gate was completely opened, there wasn’t much soldiers coming out of it.

Or, it could also be said that…

There simply wasn’t any soldiers.

Undoubtedly, this wasn’t something very normal. Because, when faced with the force of an army, there were usually two methods. One was defense, while the other was offense.

Why would a defender open the main gate? Since the main gate was opened, that meant that they wished to face the enemy. Hence, under such circumstances, how could there not be a single soldier?

Was this the stratagem of the empty city?

Wu Feng glanced at the completely empty gate, and then glanced towards Fang Zhengzhi who was standing not too far away. Because, his memory of this scene was really too vivid.

Faced with Nangong Hao’s empty city stratagem, what would Fang Zhengzhi do?

This was Wu Feng’s instinctive thought. Because, he really wanted to know what would Fang Zhengzhi do when he met with a situation similar to that of his own.

However, in reality, when Fang Zhengzhi saw the main gate of the Icy Monkey Settlement open, his expression didn’t even change much. Instead, he quietly observed the main gate.

Finally…

The opening sound of the main gate stopped.

Closely following which, a figure slowly appeared at the main gate.

A youth dressed in a white scholarly robe whose expression didn’t look too cold. However, it didn’t seem too casual either. It was a form of brightness, one that shone as bright as a halo.

Obviously, the figure at the gate was Nangong Hao.

However, when the scholars saw Nangong Hao, their expressions clearly froze for a moment. Because, today, Nangong Hao indeed appeared somewhat strange.

This strangeness didn’t originate from the expression on Nangong Hao’s face. Instead, it was because there was no horse below Nangong Hao. Instead, he stood quietly on the ground.

Then, Nangong Hao moved.

Step by step, he walked over from the main gate of the Icy Monkey Settlement. His expression appeared extremely calm, as calm as a jade green lake.

However, the expressions of the scholars couldn’t remain calm.

Because, they felt that if they were Nangong Hao, they would definitely not be as calm as he was now. At the very least, when faced with almost fifty thousand soldiers, they could never be as calm.

There was obviously nobody behind Nangong Hao.

Not a single person.

However, behind Nangong Hao’s back, there was a sword. A sword that was slung horizontally across his body. The hilt of the sword was white. It was a shade of white that was as white as the snow.

The scabbard was also white.

However, compared to the hilt of the sword, the white of the scabbard was even more crystalline. It was a shade of white that was like that of ice. It was an extremely transparent white, and was extremely dazzling.

“We finally meet.” Nangong Hao looked towards Fang Zhengzhi, who stood in front of the army, and then looked at Yan Xiu, who stood shoulder to shoulder beside Fang Zhengzhi, and greeted them calmly.

Chapter 371: Dragon Combat Plan

Nangong Hao’s statement was directed at Fang Zhengzhi.

However, when this statement rang out, Wu Feng, Chen Feiyu and the other candidates were visibly more shocked than Fang Zhengzhi.

“Nangong Hao came out alone?”

“What is he trying to do?”

All of the candidates looked at each other in disbelief.

When they saw Nangong Hao walk out from the Icy Monkey Settlement, they thought that they were hallucinating. This was quite unfathomable

Is Nangong Hao stupid?

Of course not. So, what is he trying to do?

Is he going to take on 10,000 men at once?

There were more than 40,000 soldiers behind Fang Zhengzhi. Yan Xiu had another 6000. Their combined strength was almost 50,000.

How was Nangong Hao going to defeat them all alone.

No one could understand what was going on. As for Fang Zhengzhi, he did not think about it at all.

“Actually, we have yet to be acquainted.” Fang Zhengzhi smirked, then turned to look at one of his deputies. “Are you familiar with him?”

“Ah?” The deputy was slightly taken aback. He looked at Fang Zhengzhi, then back at Nangong Hao, unsure of what to reply.

However, he grit his teeth when he remembered which side he was on.

“Nope!”

“It is said that there is no better way to be acquainted than to have a friendly duel. Since we are not familiar with each other, let’s launch a few arrows to increase the familiarity.” Fang Zhengzhi nodded satisfactorily.

“Launch a few arrows?” The deputy was stunned.

What kind of reason was this?

He could not follow Fang Zhengzhi’s train of thought. That being said, he still registered the order, albeit in a rather confused manner.

What the hell?

Was the fight about to break out?

They did not even prepare. More importantly, Nangong Hao had come out from the Icy Monkey Settlement alone. Was Fang Zhengzhi not curious as to what Nangong Hao’s motives were?

He did not really understand.

But he still obeyed the order!

“Archers, ready!”

“Fire!”

His voice rang out in the air and hundreds of white feathered arrows were launched skyward. They flew towards Nangong Hao.

This scene stunned all of the deputies as well as the surrounding candidates.

Who would do such a thing? This was blatant bullying! Nangong Hao had greeted Fang Zhengzhi. Yet, Fang Zhengzhi started a fight with a single statement.

Who fought that way?

Furthermore, his opponent was Nangong Hao!

Was Fang Zhengzhi not afraid?

…

Was Fang Zhengzhi terrified?

Naturally not.

He did not even bother explaining his ideas and thoughts to those around him. His actions were not easily understood by those around him.

He had two other reasons for doing this. Firstly, he did not believe that Nangong Hao was alone.

Fang Zhengzhi had tens of thousands of soldiers!

If Nangong Hao did not realize that, firing a few arrows would allow him to realize it.

That was the first reason. His second motive was to agitate Nangong Hao.

Fang Zhengzhi was too lazy to guess what Nangong Hao’s motives were. He planned to agitate Nangong Hao into revealing his intentions.

“Ding ding ding…”

The arrows sailed through the sky and embedded themselves deep into the ground when they landed.

Nangong Hao did not move during this entire exchange.

He stood quietly and looked at Fang Zhengzhi. A faint white mist surrounded his body.

When the arrows hit the white mist, their flight paths changed, almost as if they were pushed to the side by an invisible force…

In fact… it looked like they were slipping off the mist.

“Is the Nangong Family’s Dragon Combat Plan based on the ice element?” Fang Zhengzhi thought to himself bitterly.

When he had met Nangong Mu, others had told him that the two greatest arts of the Nangong Family were the Dragon Combat Plan and the Green and Blue Secret Art.

Nangong Mu chose the Green and Blue Secret Art. Green represented wood, blue represented ice.

Fang Zhengzhi did not understand the Dragon Combat Plan well. He had heard of it, but had never seen it in action. He could only guess.

However, there was no way of confirming his guesses. After all, the Dragon Combat Plan was one of the two greatest arts of the Nangong Family. It could not be that simple.

“The Dragon Combat Plan is not completely ice.” Yan Xiu muttered.

“Not completely ice? Then… what else is there?” Fang Zhengzhi thought that Yan Xiu would continue explaining, but Yan Xiu said nothing.

“There are two schools of thought. One says that the Dragon Combat Plan is nothing. The other one says that the Dragon Combat Plan is everything.” Yan Xiu replied.

“Nothing? Everything?” Fang Zhengzhi still could not understand.

“To put it simply, the Dragon Combat Plan is not based in any specific element. It is an all accepting art. It is completely different from the Green and Blue Secret Art. The Green and Blue Secret Art uses two opposing forces to augment each other. However, the Dragon Combat Plan is blank. The limit is simply how much you can fit into it!” Yan Xiu explained.

“Blank? I see!” Fang Zhengzhi finally understood what Yan Xiu was getting at.

Furthermore, he could guess why the Nangong Family disciples chose to learn the Dragon Combat Plan and not the Green and Blue Secret Art.

If what Yan Xiu said was true and the Dragon Combat Plan was blank, then its ideas were simple.

If everything in the universe was a word, the Dragon Combat Plan was the canvas for people to write the words on.

Was it difficult to write on a blank canvas?

Of course not!

This was extremely simple when compared to the Green and Blue Secret Art. It’s simplicity gave it mass appeal.

To put it simply, the biggest difference between the Dragon Combat Plan and the Green and Blue Secret Art was it’s barrier to entry. The Dragon Combat Plan had a low barrier to entry, but it required a lot of effort before one could be proficient in it.

On the other hand, the Green and Blue Secret Art had a high barrier to entry. However, once someone understood the principles of it, progress was quick.

Ordinarily, these two arts would be similarly matched.

However, for someone as talented as Nangong Hao, the difference was obvious.

The Green and Blue Secret Art was powerful, but it was limited by its elements.

The Dragon Combat Plan was easy to learn but difficult to master.

However, it was a white canvas. It’s potential was limitless. If the foundation was set well enough…

It could accommodate anything the artist wanted!

When Fang Zhengzhi thought about this, he finally had some understanding of how powerful Nangong Hao was. He also understood why all the candidates had the same expression when Nangong Hao appeared.

Even if Nangong Hao was alone!

When Wu Feng heard what Yan Xiu said, he was even more taken aback than Fang Zhengzhi.

Not only did Wu Feng know how powerful the Dragon Combat Plan was…

He also knew that Nangong Hao had attained Natural Heart Dao!

There was only one state that could make the Dragon Combat Plan even scarier than it already was. That was Natural Heart Dao!

The Dragon Combat Plan could accommodate everything in the world.

The Natural Heart Dao allowed the wielder to meld everything around him into what he was doing. He could be killing, showing mercy, doing evil, or good.

Nangong Hao’s potential was limitless. He had the ability to learn any Dao and a skill that could accommodate everything.

Wu Feng was keenly aware of this. As such, even when he had over 20,000 soldiers at his peak, he did not dare go to the Icy Monkey Settlement.

However…

Just because Wu Feng knew this didn’t mean that the others did.

Chen Feiyu was one such example.

Chen Feiyu knew how powerful Nangong Hao was. However, in Chen Feiyu’s mind, no matter how powerful Nangong Hao was, he was still only a Heavenly Reflection cultivator.

Could a Heavenly Reflection State cultivator defeat a Supernatural State cultivator?

Of course.

However, would it be easy? Definitely not. After all, Nangong Hao could not possibly suppress the Supernatural State cultivator.

“This is a good opportunity!” Chen Feiyu did not think that he could defeat Nangong Hao, but he was going to give it a try.

Especially with 50,000 soldiers as his witness.

If he could give Nangong Hao a run for his money, his name would reverberate throughout the dynasty. He would also be respected by the masses.

Chen Feiyu was not going to give up such a great opportunity.

Even though he knew he was going to lose…

He did not care.

He did not believe that the people around him would still be blind to the fact that he had broken through into the Supernatural State after this battle.

“Fang Zhengzhi!” Chen Feiyu hollered as he thought about this.

“Young Master Chen… what do you have to say?” Just as Fang Zhengzhi was contemplating ordering for another wave of arrows, he heard Chen Feiyu.

“Nangong Hao appearing alone is a challenge to our army. I ask that you allow me to face him in battle!” Chen Feiyu replied confidently.

He sounded just like a seasoned veteran.

However, when the other candidates and deputies heard what Chen Feiyu had to say, they could not help but scratch their heads in confusion.

“What is Chen Feiyu doing?”

“He wants to challenge Nangong Hao! Is he tired of living?”

“Does he think he can stand up to Nangong Hao?”

Murmurs of disbelief spread through the ranks.

Wu Feng was stunned when he heard this. He knew that Chen Feiyu was quite powerful, but he was nowhere near as powerful as Nangong Hao.

To challenge Nangong Hao was equivalent to signing his own death warrant.

This was the same thought that everyone had when they heard Chen Feiyu’s challenge.

However, Fang Zhengzhi did not think so.

He was the only one who knew what Chen Feiyu was thinking. He knew for a fact that Chen Feiyu had already broken through into the Supernatural State. This was also the reason why he was not surprised that Chen Feiyu could catch his Million Sword Illustration.

“This guy really wants to show off huh?” Fang Zhengzhi thought to himself.

After all, he was in the Supernatural State.

It would be cruel if Fang Zhengzhi did not allow him to showcase his abilities.

Fang Zhengzhi decided to let Chen Feiyu have his way.

“Okay then, since Young Master Chen is eager for battle, I shall let you go ahead. Just be careful!” Fang Zhengzhi tried to act concerned.

After all, Chen Feiyu is the first person to challenge Nangong Hao.

Yan Xiu’s lips twitched, almost as if he was going to say something. However, after he heard what Fang Zhengzhi said, he pursed his lips.

He remained silent.

Upon hearing Fang Zhengzhi’s approval, Chen Feiyu smiled. This was a chance for him to showcase his talent. It was even more valuable than when he defeated Wu Feng.

“Nangong Hao! I, Chen Feiyu, will let you see how powerful I am!” Chen Feiyu’s eyes glimmered as he drew his sword.

He was ecstatic.

It was a chance for him to challenge Nangong Hao. An opportunity to experience Nangong Hao’s abilities and powers personally was rare. Who wouldn’t be excited.

Nangong Hao stood in his original position. Even after hearing Chen Feiyu’s challenge, his eyes remained calm.

“Okay then, Young Master Chen, please.” Nangong Hao said courteously. He was not agitated by Fang Zhengzhi’s provocation. Neither did he despise Chen Feiyu’s challenge.

It felt like he had predicted the entire sequence of events.

Chapter 372: Invisible Blade

He was calm, almost as if he was one with his surroundings.

Many a times, one could read another’s character from his expression. A person who was arrogant would look at others with disdain.

However, nothing could be read from Nangong Hao’s expression.

From the moment he stepped out of the Icy Monkey Settlement, he was calm, almost to the point of being humble. However, when seen in the face of a 50,000 strong army…

All of the candidates felt that this was a show of force. He was like a war god, infallible.

Of course, Nangong Hao had been defeated before. The only time he had been defeated was at the hands of Chi Guyan. However, could that be called a failure?

Definitely not!

Chi Guyan was the top of two of the Dragon Rolls. She was the Pride of Heaven and the one mentioned in the prophecy.

As such…

Even if Nangong Hao was defeated, he did not fail.

“After four years out of the public’s eye, how powerful is Nangong Hao now?”

“Is he as powerful as he was four years ago?”

“How much more ridiculous did his abilities get? He was already able to suppress all his peers four years ago… how much more powerful could he get?”

Questions began to fly through the minds of the candidates as well as the 50,000 strong army.

How powerful is Nangong Hao now?

Chen Feiyu was also very interested to find out the answer to that question. The only difference was, he was going to try it out for himself.

Fang Zhengzhi himself was curious as well. However, he did not need to fight this battle, Chen Feiyu had offered to do it for him.

King of the hill style!

This was the classic tactic to wear down the outnumbered. Fang Zhengzhi was rarely able to use this tactic, but he had to admit he liked this feeling.

“Nangong Hao, prepare to receive!” Chen Feiyu had no intention of delaying any longer. He had waited too long for this moment.

He drew his sword and it began to pour.

Chen Feiyu put everything he had behind this blade. He used the Torrential Pear Blossom Sword Technique, the secret technique of the Sun Constabulary!

This technique was characterized by its speed and lethality!

In the moment he raised his sword, his body became one with the rain. He appeared in front of Nangong Hao in and instant.

The speed at which he moved was unbelievable.

Barely a second had passed from the moment he raised his sword.

However, its power was not compromised despite its speed. He thrust his sword and the storm intensified. A snow white flower bloomed in the rain, its petals dancing in the air.

“Good technique!”

“How is he that powerful?! Chen Feiyu’s Torrential Pear Blossom Sword Technique is so powerful now?”

All of the candidates gasped in awe when they saw this. Before this, they were too absorbed with ensuring their own survival and defeating others.

Right now, they were able to just sit back and watch the action.

This made them realize how overpowered Chen Feiyu’s sword technique was. When they saw it, they all got the feeling that it was unstoppable.

Chen Feiyu felt his pride grow when he heard the cheers around him. However, this was not enough for him. He wanted to hear more praises.

Chen Feiyu can match Nangong Hao for 100 rounds?!

Chen Feiyu managed to fight Nangong Hao to a draw?!

Chen Feiyu is in the Supernatural State!

“Come on, say it all! I want to hear it all!” Chen Feiyu lusted for these compliments. He chopped downwards.

The petals immediately formed a sharp, glowing point as they rocketed towards Nangong Hao’s head. They would bloom at the very last moment.

“Woosh!” The blade fell, but the petals did not bloom.

The rain was torrential, but the strike seemed calm. It felt as if the rain had stopped. In fact, it felt like time had stopped for a brief moment.

However, this feeling did not last long.

Everyone saw the strangest sight unfold before them.

It had all happened too fast. It was so fast that everyone thought the two people had swapped places in that moment.

Chen Feiyu’s strike was not blocked.

However, as his blade travelled through the air, Nangong Hao was already behind him. More importantly, it seemed as though Nangong Hao had been there all along.

“How fast!”

“Even faster than Chen Feiyu!”

All of the candidates looked at Nangong Hao and could not hold back their awe.

Fang Zhengzhi had promised Nangong Mu that he would defeat Nangong Hao. This was a promise that he intended to keep.

He believed that he could defeat Nangong Hao. However, that did not mean that he thought that Nangong Hao was weak.

Fang Zhengzhi was confident but he was not arrogant.

As such, he was keenly aware of the fact that Nangong Hao was very powerful. However, only now did he understand why Nangong Mu, as powerful as he was, would give up in the face of Nangong Hao.

Nangong Hao and Chi Guyan…

Were quite similar.

The first time Fang Zhengzhi saw Chi Guyan’s speed was on Cang Ling Mountain. At that time, he thought that he would be able to leave Chi Guyan far behind.

However…

Chi Guyan had no problem following him despite being unfamiliar with the area.

That was the first time Fang Zhengzhi had witnessed such a queer way of moving. She moved without actually moving her body.

Fang Zhengzhi had wondered if Chi Guyan was stepping on something. After all, such movement was illogical.

However, after seeing how Nangong Hao dodge Chen Feiyu’s strike, he knew that Chi Guyan did not have anything under her feet.

How was this possible?

Fang Zhengzhi did not understand. However, he was certain that Nangong Hao’s speed was no less than Chi Guyan’s.

In other words…

He was still slower than Nangong Hao!

Speed was paramount in the world of martial arts. He was already slower than Nangong Hao. How was he going to defeat someone faster than him?

Fang Zhengzhi did not spend anymore time thinking about it. Nangong Hao had already drawn his blade.

All of the candidates and deputies pursed their lips. Their gazes were fixed on Nangong Hao.

When Nangong Hao drew his blade, Fang Zhengzhi had a strange feeling. This feeling was from the heart.

For some inexplicable reason, when Nangong Hao drew his blade, Fang Zhengzhi felt that Chen Feiyu was outmatched.

This was despite the fact that Chen Feiyu was in the Supernatural State!

Fang Zhengzhi had watched how masters in his previous world bullied those less skilled. They would not draw their blades unless absolutely necessary.

However, Nangong Hao drew his blade!

It was an incredibly shiny blade.

The hilt was snow white and the blade itself was crystal clear. It was even clearer than its sheath. If one did not look closely, it would be impossible to notice.

“This is Nangong Hao’s sword?” Fang Zhengzhi had seen many swords in this world, including Nangong Mu’s and Xing Qingsui’s.

Furthermore…

The Traceless Sword was his.

However, he had never seen a sword like Nangong Hao’s! It was almost invisible. Could this be the Invisible Sword?

It looked just like a block of ice!

The moment Nangong Hao drew his sword, he thrust it at Chen Feiyu.

There was nothing special about his strike!

In the eyes of the candidates and the deputies, this strike was rather ordinary. Of course, if this was someone else, it would be quite extraordinary.

It was too quick!

Unfathomably quick!

Was Nangong Hao’s strike merely quick?

This was the question in the minds of all the candidates. Nangong Hao represented the pinnacle of his age.

At the very least, his strike should be quite gaudy!

It should have the bloom of Chen Feiyu’s strike. At the very least, there should be sounds of wind or thunder. Anything would be better than this silence.

However, the fact was that Nangong Hao’s strike was silent.

Completely silent.

It was as smooth and stable as his movement. It did not even look like he was moving, but he appeared behind Chen Feiyu.

Chen Feiyu was not a rookie.

When he saw Nangong Hao disappear, he did not panic. He had predicted that this would happen.

Was it weird that Nangong Hao dodged his attack?

Of course not! Since he wasn’t surprised, why would he panic?

He expected Nangong Hao to disappear from view.

Normally, when one’s opponent disappeared from view, he was mostly likely at the back. Chen Feiyu should thrust to his back next.

However, he heard nothing from behind him.

As such…

His battle experience told him that if his opponent was not behind, then they could only be above or below.

Of course, these were all guesses. Since he had no way of being sure, he was not going to try his luck.

He decided to react in the best way possible.

He would defend himself from all sides!

A wall of blue water surrounded him like a huge bubble.

This was the torrential rain from the Torrential Pear Blossom

It was a way for him to defend himself before going on the offence.

The water would form a bubble that would defend against the incoming attack before going on the offensive. After the opponent’s strike impacted the bubble, it would become millions of water droplets which would attack the opponent.

It was the perfect technique for this situation.

Chen Feiyu was proud of his adaptability. He did not think of defeating Nangong Hao in a single round. All he wanted to do was wear Nangong Hao down.

Being calm and composed was important if he was going to last multiple rounds against Nangong Hao.

However, his confidence did not last very long.

When his technique began to take shape, he felt a weird feeling around him. His shield had been broken.

The bubble had been pierced.

This was something that should never have happened.

If his bubble had really been pierced, he should have felt something. His torrential rain should also have been activated. But, it wasn’t.

Without the torrential rain, what was this technique of his?

Bubble?

Chen Feiyu was rather curious. He subconsciously turned around as he looked at what was behind him.

He saw a sword.

A sword that was right at his throat.

This caused the initially calm and composed Chen Feiyu to lose his composure.

What the hell?

Why was there a blade at his throat? Where did it come from?

Chen Feiyu saw the hilt, then looked at the hands holding the blade. Finally, he looked up at Nangong Hao. Nangong Hao’s expression was still calm.

“Nangong… Hao?!” Chen Feiyu had expected to lose, but he did not expect to lose so quickly.

He also did not expect himself to lose in such a weird way.

What happened?

Why didn’t the torrential rain activate. Was it really time to change its name to bubble?

Chen Feiyu could not understand it. He could not accept this defeat. Even up till now, he did not know how he lost.

“You can control everything in this world, but so can I. You… have lost.” Nangong Hao’s lips moved as he sheathed his sword.

“Lost?!” Chen Feiyu looked at Nangong Hao, then at the sheathed blade. For the first time ever, he was lost.

He can control everything in this world just like me?

Chen Feiyu was confused. He kept thinking about what Nangong Hao had just said.

All of the other candidates were equally confused. Not only were they thinking about what Nangong Hao said, they were thinking about how Nangong Hao had pierced Chen Feiyu’s defences.

That was not an ordinary strike.

On the contrary…

It was a peerless one!

However, that was a strike that Chen Feiyu did not see until it was too late.