Chapter Three: A Union Forged in Autumn Frost
hat he called his deceased wife's relic.The site itself was the earliest discovered sea-tower ruin by Hu Shaomeng, but when he accidentally noticed it, he forcibly “helped” under the guise of a maste...Standing amidst clouds and mist, the white fox fur piled high like snow.
A rare flush graced Jiang Wuqi's face. His aristocratic yet aloof eyes swept over the surroundings, as if surveying his vast kingdom.
“The country of Equality plots in secret, alone. I shall exterminate them!”
Each word is like a silver bottle shattering, resembling swords and spears clashing together.
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He shouted loudly, "Who else is coming"
He was saying that this moment, it's not just about this moment.
Zhang Yong's downfall at the Crying Temple was a conspiracy orchestrated by the Equalisist nation to tarnish the Emperor's name. He became entangled in this plot, and ever since, he has been unable to recover. His foundation lay not only in the court but also in the Emperor's favor. To lose the Emperor's trust is to lose almost everything.
But today is the day Jiang Wuqidi retaliates!
At this moment, all is silent. The clouds have ceased, and the wind has stilled.
He crushed the two divine presences with a flick of his palm, his might seemingly intimidating even Mount Yunwu itself.
"Your Highness, I have wounded you!" Li You's voice echoed in his palm.
This is just a simple test.
Jiang Wuqi remained silent, stepping on the clouds and mist, turning to walk down the mountain.
The strong in the egalitarian nation chose to assassinate today, and "just happen" to be near the area of Li Yougui on duty. How could he be innocent
Even the record of Li Yougui adjusting his duty shift area was already in Jiang Wuqi's hands.
Of course, Li Youqiu's guilt could have many reasonable explanations...
But he wouldn't listen.
He, Jiang Wuqi, used himself as bait. The person he wanted to catch was certainly not just these few. This line would spread throughout the entire Qi country...Changsheng Palace was fully prepared for today!
But at this moment, only these harvests remain here in Yúnwù Mountain.
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After all, he has always only shown his inner strength cultivation. Even as the Master of Changsheng Palace, he could only attract fish within this level by directly fishing. A big hook can only catch a big fish.
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So he turned around.
The walkway beneath them was empty. The Bridge of the Divine Presence and the Terrace of the Divine Presence, where both Jiǔ and Lì were present, were overturned with a single hand.
At that time, the sun was just rising, with a blush of clouds at the horizon, shyly gazing upon the beauty of the young man.
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A noble, dressed in a white fox fur coat, soared away into the sky. The clouds parted for him.
It will be hard to meet again in heaven and earth.
All the extraordinary cultivators who witnessed this scene on Yunwu Mountain were speechless!
It is well known to all that the eleventh prince of Great Qi, Jiang Wuqi, possesses unparalleled beauty. Relying on willpower and talent beyond ordinary comprehension, he has reached the position of Palace Master of Changsheng despite the innate handicap of a deadly poison in his body.
Little did the world know, Jiang Wuqi could be so talented!
Within a single step, he reached the realm of the Divine Manifestation. As soon as he entered this state, he effortlessly overpowered two Divine Manifestation experts with his superior strength, subduing them with a flick of his wrist!
Is this really humanly possible
The same morning light falls on different places in Linzi.
It awakened some people's shallow dreams and soothed the hearts of those who were lost.
The scenery has always been similar, but the people have always been different.
The Xiu family residence was the most imposing in Jixianfang. It was built by Xiu Yuan, and due to Xiu Yuan, its doors were always closed.
Still that quiet room, still that pot of tea.
Still, Yan Tu and Xiu Yuan sat facing each other.
From the same humble beginnings, with the same extraordinary talent, the same dedication to the military, and the same meteoric rise through the ranks.
These two military commanders, who had such similar life experiences, forged a friendship envied by all early on. Years have passed to the point where it's hard to even count them.
Their tacit understanding surpasses that of ordinary people. They are also more relaxed and open when speaking privately than with others.
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But today of all days, it is a long silence.
...until a cry from two blocks away.
"Sharpen the scissors, please"
Although so far away, the sound was naturally heard by Yan Tu.
He lifted his teacup and drank it down in one gulp.
The teacup rested on the table.
"I've had enough, drinking just fills me with resentment!"
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Yan Tuji got up and said, "Let's go!"
While Xiu Yuan remained seated upright, his head bowed as he gazed into the teacup. Within the white cup adorned with cloud patterns, a single tea leaf stood erect, resembling a blossom on a branch, rising and falling in the boiling water like a dance.
He seemed about to stare at it sinking, but this tea leaf never did.
"The mission failed, didn't it" Xiu Yuan asked.
As the Yama had already reached the door, he suddenly turned back and asked, "What do you mean"
Xiuyuan twirled the rim of his cup with his thumb and forefinger, "I've been thinking, why do I value Cui Zhu so much Why was he so accommodating before the Grandmaster's Ceremony He wasn't that kind of person, yet he seemed to have been molded after my ideal, becoming exactly what I admired."
He didn't raise his head, but asked: "Can you tell me the answer, Brother Yan"
Yan Tu's face darkened: "We've been friends for so many years, you doubt me"
"That's right...we've been friends for so many years." Xiu Yuan sighed: "With your help, Cui Zhu could certainly be on my side. Because of our friendship, no one would think much of your guidance to him. It just so happened that Zhan Yu was in charge of the Jingqi military at the time, so even if someone from Pingguo sent a high-level official, the trail would be quickly broken. Beiya joined forces with Zhan Yu's army to search the entire city, but they only caught some insignificant people..."
"Spouting nonsense like this, I could come up with hundreds of different people. Don't you think that's far-fetched" Yan Tu was furious. "Xu Yuan, are you crazy!"
“Forced” Xiuyu finally looked up at him, her eyes were very unfamiliar: “I just feel sad. We’ve been friends for so many years, have you always worn a mask in front of me Even now that I’m imprisoned, you still come to use me to clear your suspicions. Although Zhan Yu Jun is on duty in the capital, when Your Highness was in trouble, the commander of Zhan Yu Jun was drinking tea at my place! Do you think that’s appropriate, Yan brother”
"I don't know what you're talking about, and I don't know who has bewitched you. But Xiu Yuan, you have disappointed me so much today! Are our decades of friendship used to make you suspicious" Yan Tu turned away heartbroken: "Give me some time to calm down!"
"I am calm, it's you who is not calm." Xiuyuan said coldly. "You have lost your composure."
Yan Tu steadied his figure, took a deep breath, and with a single slash of his finger, the sturdy skirt armor was cut off at an angle.
It hit the ground with a metallic clang.
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"Since you've never trusted me, I guess this friendship is over!"
Xiu Yuan watched his unusually heavy back, couldn't help shaking his head, and then laughed at himself: "Your Majesty said you are rough but fine, you are more than just rough but fine. You are simply 'faced like an iron tower, with countless figures of cattle and horses carved inside.' Even at this moment, seeing your performance, I momentarily doubted myself. Yan Tu, Yan Tu, if it weren't for the reminder from Your Highness, I really couldn't notice. Xiu Yuan losing to you, Yan Tu, is far more than just a little!"
During those years of mutual friendship, whether it was drinking, performing military drills, or engaging in combat, Xiu Yuan never conceded defeat and always strived to be the first.
> The most frequently uttered phrase from him was —
"Far journey, far journey, “far” comes before, “journey” comes after."
Today, he admitted that he was not as good as before. Of course, what is not as good is his character of using decades of friendship as a bargaining chip.
So his laughter, so desolate.
"Unreasonable!" Yen Tu's face was as dark as water, and he was about to leave.
"Sharpen the scissors, please."
Suddenly, Xiu Yuan shouted from behind him, every word, every inflection, identical to the voice two blocks away.
That is to say, Shuyuan also heard it.
In other words, the seal on Shu Yuan's body... has already been broken.
This is a setup, a scheme specifically designed for him!
A dangerous signal exploded in his heart, and Yan Tu quickly realized where the problem lay.
Xiu Yuan said, it was the eleventh prince who reminded him that he began to notice something was wrong.
That means everything that happened today was under Jiang Wuqidi's control. This opportunity to assassinate Jiang Wuqidi was given by Jiang Wuqidi himself.
The moment they conceived the idea of assassinating Jiang Wuxi, they were ensnared in a trap.
Tracking down Jiang Wuqi's whereabouts, understanding the defenses of Changsheng Palace, mobilizing forces to make this operation appear natural, coordinating responses from the Qingpai Headhunters to the rotating Jingki army... They could indeed carry out all these actions very discreetly. Their organization always operated with caution and meticulousness, leaving no trace behind.
But if this process is watched closely by a pair of eyes, then there are flaws everywhere!
What a ruthless person.
Pingguo was implicated in the case of Zhang Yong's mourning hall and dragged Jiang Wuqi into it. Jiang Wuqi, in turn, used himself as bait to uproot Pingguo's entire network in Qi.
Yan Tu was very certain that there was no ambush on the side of Yunwu Mountain. As a high-ranking official of the Daji Military Affairs Hall and in charge of the garrisoning of the entire Jingki region, what major movement could escape his notice
Jiang Wuqi is truly throwing himself into a death trap, only then can he truly catch the big fish.
Otherwise, he would not agree to this action, and the King of the East who is temporarily in charge wouldn't approve either.
What happened over at Yunwu Mountain...how did it fail
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One deity realm Bridge Er was responsible for the assassination, and one deity realm Li Yougui, using his Qingpai identity, helped control the situation and cut off rescue efforts. It was difficult to capture Jiang Wuqi alive; killing an inner mansion disciple should be foolproof.
Could it be that a mortal who had previously not been in Linzi has secretly intervened Or perhaps a true immortal is watching over this place
Why, as the commander of the Nine Armies stationed in Jingzhou, had he received no word of this
>
Could it be true, as Xiu Yuan said, that I was already suspected beforehand
>
These are all questions that Yan Tu must consider. Only by thinking them through clearly can he make fewer mistakes in the next confrontation.
Of course, by now, the choices before him were not many.
Yan Tu crossed the threshold without a word, ignoring Xiu Yuan's outburst. He simply said, "Xiu, today we sever ties. Take care of yourself from now on!"
But his military boots, having only taken a single step, stopped.
Because right before his eyes, a white lantern pierced through space and emerged horizontally.
"General Yan, please wait." The blind old man in front of him said so.
Mingming's frame was hunched, yet it seemed to fill the heaven and earth. Mingming trembled, yet he seemed like an abyss, vast and deep.
Directly answer to the emperor's bell-ringer!
The Inspector General of Abilities guards the night, purging all wickedness.
Abruptly facing this blind old man, hardly anyone in the entire state of Qi could help but feel fear.
But Yan Tu instead took a step forward, his aura flaring: "I am the commander of the Nine Infantry Divisions, a lifetime dedicated to serving the country on the battlefield, renowned in the Da Qi military annals! You night watchmen dare to seize me without cause"
The old man carrying a white paper lantern slowly said, "That old fellow just said he would tell you."
The person who was sharpening scissors was perfectly normal; he had just had a dream last night. The dream affected him, so when he passed by the fried dough stick stall, he saw three or five fried dough sticks, and the hawker's voice had different speeds and emphasis.
The fritter seller was doing just fine, but at that moment a person happened to walk by and bought a lot of fritters, leaving only three on his stand.
The person who bought the fritters was also very normal. Someone gave her some money, just enough for her to buy that many. After she finished buying the fritters and went to find the person who asked her to help, that person was gone.
Our clues also ended at this point, we couldn't find the person who gave her the money for the knife... It really is a very careful organization.
"That sounds complicated," Yan Tu said. "But what does this have to do with me"
The blind old man asked, "You say all this fuss, what information are they trying to convey What does that hawking represent"
閻 Tu chuckled: "How would I know"
“We don't know what it represents, but we can be certain that it has its meaning and is definitely not ordinary.”
The blind old man said calmly, "We investigated everyone in the three surrounding blocks, centered around the person sharpening the shears. In terms of order by seniority, there were only 471 people who could have heard that sound during that time period..."
Yan Tu looked at the blind old man in front of him, holding a white paper lantern. He felt that it was like a swaying, soul-calling banner, bobbing back and forth before his eyes.
And the old geezer's voice was still going on beside my ear—
As you suspected, we have thoroughly investigated all four hundred and seventy-one individuals. To this point, only three people remain under suspicion, and General Yan, you are one of them.
Yan Tu shook his head in admiration, saying, "What a wonderful process."
“As His Highness Eleventh said, I fully agree: ‘When faced with the most foolish methods, even the most intelligent person cannot hide. Because smart people are only accustomed to dealing with other smart people.’ ”The blind old man said, “Therefore, we used this stupid method to find you, this clever person.”
"To be honest, your speculation is quite interesting, and Eleventh Highness is very intelligent. But aren't you assuming too much" Yan Tu said angrily, "A person who sharpens scissors had a strange dream and slightly changed the way he hawked his wares. Just because this General has extraordinary cultivation and can hear it from such a distance, does that mean the dignified commander of nine legions is suspected of colluding with the Pingdeng Nation It's simply absurd and laughable!"
"Don't you understand You're not suspected because of this incident. Eleventh Prince had already been suspicious of you, and today's event just validated his suspicions! I'm not here to explain things further. Let me be clear: after the Weeping Shrine case, Eleventh Prince has been investigating your organization. You are just one suspect among many. General Yan, I won't answer any more questions. If you have any further doubts, perhaps you can ask them in the jail."
The blind old man spoke, turning to walk forward: "Come with me, don't waste any more time."
There was a wall before him, but he just walked into the wall.
It's like walking from one world into another. It's also as if there was no fear of escaping hell.
Yan Tu truly didn't choose to flee, he just finally couldn't find words to justify himself.
At this moment, there is no point in justifying oneself to this blind old man. It would be better to think carefully about how to make a plea before the emperor.
There is no escape. With the blind old man appearing in person, resistance is futile. While his Rainstorm Army is currently stationed near the capital, it wouldn't be enough to rely on in this situation.
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Qi Ting allowed each family to establish tribal armies within a certain range. Each county magistrate had a great deal of autonomy, and sects within their jurisdiction also enjoyed freedom under the constraints of Qi Law.
>
Only the highest authority of the Nine Troops was firmly held by the Qi court.
The Jiusu elite soldiers belong to Qi, they are not the nine elite soldiers of a specific family or surname.
Just like when Zhong Xuanzhu Liang moved the Autumn Killing Army, he also needed to receive a tiger talisman from the imperial court.
As the spring campaign ended, Cao's forces all came under his direct command. Even in the previous battle at Jianfeng Mountain, Jiang Mengxiong readily mobilized troops as requested.
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Ultimately, the nine soldiers are loyal to Qi. Not a particular general.
In the absence of a general order from Qi Ting, this commander of the Zhan Yu Army could not mobilize more than a thousand soldiers.
Yan Tu never expected that he would be identified because of an extremely clever information transmission. To confirm his suspicions, the watchman investigated everyone in three nearby blocks all at once!
Regardless of the outcome of the Yúnwù Shān operation, it wouldn't affect him.
At what time was he discovered by Jiang Wuqi
>
Yan Tu thought for a moment, then stopped thinking about it and strode forward.
The past has been tumultuous, but there was no regret in his heart.
But he didn't know why, at this moment, the first image that appeared in his mind was a rainy night seventy-six years ago.
That dense and poignant rain...
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At that time, Qi State was not yet the overlord of the East Region, and even Jiang Shu had not ascended the throne. He was only a prince who fought on the battlefield, but he had already shown his ambition. As a core member of Pingguo, he joined the iron hooves of Qi State's conquest of the East Region.
It was a difficult rainy night, he was beaten and scattered his troops. In a cave, he met Xiu Yuan, who looked equally miserable.
Two extremely nervous people met for the first time. They greeted each other with swords and guns, fighting fiercely while both were injured. In the process of life-and-death struggle, they finally learned about each other's identities and turned their hostility into friendship.
The two people hid in the cave for five days, and the rain didn't stop for five days either.
>
Until one day, they heard a very clear bird singing. When they walked out of the cave, it was sunny after the rain.
It was a long time later that he learned the name of that bird: "Rain Eater."
According to the Illustrated Record of Strange Beasts: There is a bird called "Negative Rain" whose feathers are divided into three colors, and its wings are nine feet long. It rises with the wind and flies carrying rain. When this bird cries out, the clouds disperse and the rain stops.
>
He also told Xiu Yuan about it, but Xiu Yuan insisted that the one calling outside the cave that day was just a sparrow...
This is a test.
The wall before me seemed to block everything. I couldn't see the road ahead, nor could I find any memories.
Before stepping in, Yan Tu sighed: "An empty valley bears the rain, can it still be heard"
Then, with one step, she vanished into the Xiu family's home.
But there was no response from behind him.
Since the leader of the watchmen appeared, Xiu Yuan had remained silent, only slowly turning the teacup in his hand and silently observing the confrontation between the two.
It was only at this moment that he shifted his gaze to the dress lying on the ground, a long silence following.
While others sever their robes, Yama severs their armor.
Xiaoyu shook her head.
He had scorned countless times the vulgar displays of the underworld, yet at this moment, he raised his cup and drank down this exquisite tea in one gulp.
The Purple Extreme Hall.
The court meeting had already dispersed, and all the civil and military officials had retreated.
Though the Son of Heaven has already left, he is still in the palace.
Atop the lofty dragon throne stood a magnificent and grandly adorned dragon chair.
The vast hall was empty.
The great emperor of Da Qi did not look over his petitions today, nor did he do anything else. He simply sat there quietly.
After a long while, he sighed: "Perhaps I have been sitting too high"
Of course, the one serving him at this moment could only be Han Ling.
>
He did not answer, for the emperor needed no reply.
Click, click.
Footsteps echoed outside the Zi Ji Hall, resounding across the vast white stone plaza.
Actually, it wasn't heavy. But to their ears, it was crystal clear.
The emperor leaned on his armrest for a moment, then stood up and walked towards Empress Dan.
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The dragon boots touched the ground, firm and powerful.
The emperor walked very slowly, for with every step, he bore the weight of the nation on his shoulders.
But the footsteps outside the hall were very calm and measured.
Within the bounds of propriety, do not slacken your pace.
When the Son of Heaven finally descended from the Danbi, standing in the hall of Ziji Palace, he stood at the forefront where courtiers usually lined up.
The thin figure shrouded in a white fox fur cloak also stood in the huge doorway of Zi Ji Dian.
...As imposing as a celestial gate, the doorway only accentuated his slender frame.
He stood bathed in the falling dawn, as white as snow, his fur cloak as white as snow.
It brings a chilling sensation that pierces the soul.
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“Your son, bows to his father!”
Jiang Wukui pushed Mount Jin and overturned the Jade Pillar, bowing down in the magnificent Zi-Ji Hall.
He could have gone to the imperial palace to pay his respects, but today is a day for sons to see their fathers, and for ministers to see their sovereign.
So he chose the Zi Ji Palace.
The Emperor Qi did not stop his grand ceremony. The drooping jeweled pendant of the flat heaven crown obscured the emotions of this esteemed emperor of Qi.
But the swaying beaded curtain seemed to be saying that his heart was not at peace.
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At last, the emperor only asked: "Why"
>
Jiang Wuqi rose up in an orderly fashion, now standing before the emperor of Da Qi. Finally, he could look his father in the eye as a son.
This is a special grace granted by the Son of Heaven.
But he abided by his duties as a son, lowering his gaze slightly, and said earnestly, "Your Majesty has great matters at hand, and there can be no hidden dangers within the army."
The emperor said, “We have plenty of time...”
Jiang Wuqi said, "Time waits for no man."
“No Abandonment.” The emperor only uttered a single word before falling silent.
Standing behind the emperor, Han Ling did not utter a word, positioning himself as a silent sculpture. But his face was filled with sorrow, and tears welled up in his eyes.
Only Jiang Wuqi was smiling.
He smiled, like a snowflake blooming in the Zixing Palace.
In his whole life, there were few smiles so bright and radiant.
Because he was born, he already carried too much. Even in his cradle, his fate was already decided.
In the frozen ground of life, where can flowers bloom
"Father Emperor, do you believe your son" Jiang Wuqi asked.
The emperor remained silent for a long time, and finally said: “An emperor cannot help but doubt.”
On Jiang Wuqidi's pale and handsome face, there was still a radiant smile: "Now you can believe your son."
He seemed determined to make the Son of Heaven remember him in such a brilliant manner.
So he laughed so brightly.
“I just hope you, believe me.”
“Your Majesty, I have always been loyal!”
"Please return the removed white jade to your son."
“The son had never felt so healthy. This feeling...is good..."
And his smile, just like that, froze.
In the crisp morning of October, autumn frost formed.
>uddha's body gradually developed cracks.His eyes widened in anger, yet his spirit gradually dimmed.>Please note that the original text contained an empty string within the triple angle brackets. I hav...