Chapter 189: Bazhangtai Enters the Grandmaster Stage

Chapter 189: Eight Zhang Platform, Entering the Grandmaster Realm

The Marquis of Pingyang's wedding banquet was the talk of the town, creating quite a stir, but another matter was also circulating widely, creating waves no smaller than the Dharma King Mujin's incident.

This was the challenge issued by Li Fuzhou, the Human Sect Leader, to Tang Taiyuan, the Black Robe Guard Commander, at the Eight Zhang Platform.

Instantly, discussions about this battle filled every street and alley.

Who was Tang Taiyuan?

Everyone in the Jianghu knew him. He was the Great Commander of the Black Robe Guard, a confidant of the current Emperor Yan.

Great Yan sabermen revered him as a god, worshipping him. Although Tang Taiyuan was an official of the Great Yan Dynasty Court and had never roamed the Jianghu, people across the land collectively referred to the Later Jin Moluo Dharma King, Ancestor Tianpeng, and the Frost Pride Saber of the Black Ice Terrace as the Four Great Sabermen of the World.

The Frost Pride Saber was Qi Shu's Senior Brother, the Moluo Dharma King was a Dharma King of the Great Snow Mountain, and Ancestor Tianpeng was a rootless wild grass wandering the world, drifting aimlessly. Tang Taiyuan naturally became the legend among the Great Yan Jianghu sabermen.

Li Fuzhou, the Demonic Cult Human Sect Leader, was also very famous. Originally a scholar who ranked third in the imperial examinations, he angrily left the Lu Family and entered the Jianghu. He had Cultivated martial arts for no more than thirty years, yet he became one of the world-renowned masters, even combining the Demonic Cult's Cultivation Technique with his own Confucian righteousness.

But no one expected Li Fuzhou to come to Yujing City today to challenge Tang Taiyuan.

Li Fuzhou was called a 'peerless Genius' by many Jianghu masters, and as for how 'peerless' this 'peerless' was, people wanted to find out.

Everyone was looking forward to the great battle between these two.

In a quiet courtyard of the Lu Manor.

Zhou Xianming yawned, quickly washed up, and came out, immediately seeing Lu Jingchun in a hurry. "Jing Chun, why are you in such a rush this morning?"

The little fatty glared at Zhou Xianming, annoyed. "What morning? The sun is already high in the sky."

He couldn't understand why, even though he woke up earlier than Zhou Xianming and studied longer than Zhou Xianming, everyone thought Zhou Xianming was a promising talent, but considered him a good-for-nothing.

Was there no justice in this world?

Zhou Xianming shook his head and said, "I read and practiced calligraphy a bit late last night, so I slept late."

Upon hearing this, Lu Jingchun immediately retorted, "You're full of it! Last night, I saw the lights in your room were off. You weren't reading or writing; did you go to the Brothel to listen to music again?"

Zhou Xianming's favorite pastime was sitting in a Brothel, listening to those gaudy young women sing and play instruments. Others might not know, but Lu Jingchun knew it perfectly well.

Zhou Xianming walked over to Lu Jingchun, put his arm around his shoulder, and said, "Why so angry? Next time, I'll take you with me."

Lu Jingchun pushed away Zhou Xianming's hand and snorted, "Vulgar! I'm not going to that kind of place again. From now on, I plan to seriously learn martial arts and Cultivate diligently."

Uncle Ghost said that the most important thing for a martial artist is to preserve their Yang Qi and essence.

Zhou Xianming chuckled, not getting angry. Suddenly, he noticed the clothes in Lu Jingchun's hand and couldn't help but ask, "What are you holding?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Jingchun immediately became smug, shaking the black robe in his hand. "See? Uncle Ghost's clothes."

Zhou Xianming was stunned. Had Lu Jingchun gone to steal the Ghost Swordsman's clothes?

But that was impossible. With his skill, how could he possibly steal the Ghost Swordsman's clothes?

Lu Jingchun, nimble with his hands and feet, put on the black robe and raised an eyebrow at Zhou Xianming, saying, "How about it? Is it heroic? That unparalleled spirit of 'entrusting oneself to white blades, killing in the Mortal World.'"

His tone carried a hint of inexplicable excitement and thrill.

Lu Jingchun was already a bit shorter than average, and coupled with his plump figure, the black robe was stretched taut, especially his belly which protruded prominently, fully displaying his affluence.

No matter how one looked at it, he seemed completely out of place with the Ghost Swordsman's image.

At the same time, Lu Jingchun even stood on a chair, adopting an arrogant posture of 'looking down on the world' as he gazed at Zhou Xianming.

Zhou Xianming said faintly, "Where did you get these clothes?"

"I had the servants at home make them overnight. How are they?"

"The material is quite good. I think it's better than what Senior is wearing. Why don't you give him a set of these clothes you're wearing, so he doesn't look so shabby?"

"Oh, you're right! Why didn't I think of that?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Jingchun's eyes immediately lit up.

Uncle Ghost doesn't want me to join him, but I can corrupt him with money. One day, he might agree and even teach me his unrivaled sword techniques.

Someone of Lu Guoyong's status and position would naturally not deliberately embezzle or waste, but his family's wealth was not something ordinary families could compare to.

Zhou Xianming shook his head, sighing inwardly.

Lu Jingchun shook his clothes, proudly saying, "Old Zhou, what do you think of me in these clothes? How do I compare to Uncle Ghost?"

Zhou Xianming shook his head and said, "You two are poles apart."

"You don't know anything! The heroic spirit of Jianghu people is not something a pauper like you can understand."

Lu Jingchun glanced at Zhou Xianming; their feelings were already difficult to resonate with.

Zhou Xianming raised an eyebrow and said, "You rushed here early in the morning just to show me this?"

"I almost forgot about the important matter."

Lu Jingchun patted his head, then hurriedly walked towards An Jing's residence.

Zhou Xianming looked at Lu Jingchun's retreating figure and said faintly, "You don't look like the Ghost Swordsman; you look more like a fat swordsman."

Lu Jingchun, however, didn't hear Zhou Xianming's mumbling and quickly arrived at An Jing's door.

"Knock, knock!"

"Uncle Ghost! Are you awake?"

An Jing, sitting cross-legged on the bed, feeling the profoundness of body and mind unity, couldn't help but open his eyes upon hearing the sound.

"Come in."

Lu Jingchun outside the door, hearing this, carefully pushed open the door. "Uncle Ghost, there's an eunuch looking for you outside."

An Jing frowned. "An eunuch!?"

Lu Jingchun replied, "Eunuch Pingde, the managing eunuch of Kunning Palace."

Kunning Palace!?

An Jing nodded slightly. Noble Consort Rong was the mistress of Kunning Palace. Was there another purpose for this eunuch to seek him out now?

Lu Jingchun smiled fawningly, "That old eunuch is waiting in the side hall now. If you don't want to see him, I'll tell him to leave right away."

An Jing said indifferently, "Take me to meet him."

Lu Manor, side hall.

An old eunuch was slightly bent over, almost curled into a ball. Beside him was a very young, handsome little eunuch.

This old eunuch was Eunuch Pingde, and An Jing recognized the young eunuch beside him as Zhuo Yuchang, the infamous flower thief in the Jianghu.

Zhuo Yuchang advised, "My godfather said that on this trip, he hopes to calm things down, turn hostility into friendship, and remember not to cause any trouble."

Eunuch Pingde nodded and said, "This old servant understands."

Now, everyone in the world knew that the Ghost Swordsman not only had The World's Number One Swordsman, Lou Xiangzhen, behind him, but also an extremely mysterious and powerful Grandmaster.

Even the Great Yan Imperial Family had to carefully consider whether to win him over or offend him.

Eunuch Pingde and Zhuo Yuchang came today to ease the tension between the Imperial Family and the Ghost Swordsman.

At the very least, they didn't want the Ghost Swordsman to align with the Imperial Family, but they also didn't want to make an enemy of him.

Not long after, footsteps were heard outside the door.

Following the sound, a man in a black robe, wearing black boots, tall and sturdy, walked steadily into the hall.

Lu Jingchun followed behind him, chest puffed out, with a hint of pride in his expression.

Eunuch Pingde quickly said, "This old servant Pingde greets you."

"There's no need for such formalities, Eunuch."

An Jing cupped his hands, then looked at Zhuo Yuchang behind Eunuch Pingde with a puzzled expression.

"We meet again."

Zhuo Yuchang, seeing An Jing, immediately looked embarrassed. Every time he thought of that extra-large belly-band, he wished he could find a hole to crawl into.

An Jing smiled playfully, "Your Excellency comes and goes as you please. I suppose your godfather must not be an ordinary person."

One must know that Zhuo Yuchang was a notorious flower thief in the Jianghu, although his methods of 'picking flowers' were quite peculiar.

Zhuo Yuchang chuckled twice and said, "You met my godfather yesterday. He's the one who sent me today."

An Jing nodded slightly. Qiu Lun had once mentioned that Zhuo Yuchang's godfather was the White-browed Eunuch.

As one of the three great eunuchs of the Emperor Yan, the Imperial Secretary, though not as powerful as Imperial Secretary Zhao Tianyi, held a higher status than Zhao Tianyi.

The current Emperor Yan even called the White-browed Eunuch 'Adoptive Father,' which showed his status in the Imperial Family.

An Jing asked, "What did he send you for?"

Zhuo Yuchang didn't speak, but Eunuch Pingde interjected, "Lord Ming heard that you have been looking for Jiang Sanjia's burial place. When Lord Jiang died, this old servant personally buried him on Wangjing Mountain, north of the city. We are here today specifically to guide you."

An Jing had only inquired about Jiang Sanjia's body from Lu Fang. He didn't expect the White-browed Eunuch to act so quickly. It seemed they wanted to ease yesterday's conflict.

An Jing was silent for a moment, then let out a long sigh and said, "Let's go."

"Please."

Eunuch Pingde extended his hand.

Then, the group walked out of the Lu Manor. Lu Jingchun silently followed behind An Jing, and they all headed towards Wangjing Mountain.

Along the way, An Jing asked about the specific details of the calculations made at the Qintian Platform (Imperial Observatory) that day.

Eunuch Pingde recounted everything word for word, in great detail.

An Jing asked, "So, it was the Second Prince Zhao Mengtai who made the petition? And Noble Consort Rong who requested Sanjia to make the calculations?"

"Yes."

Eunuch Pingde said softly.

An Jing nodded, then said nothing more.

Jiang Sanjia had already mentioned in his letter that when he returned to Yujing City, the Second Prince Zhao Mengtai would most likely inquire about his true identity.

But An Jing was somewhat puzzled. Jiang Sanjia deeply loved Mu Xiaowan in his heart, so why would Mu Xiaowan force a man who loved her to his death?

He remembered Lou Xiangzhen vaguely mentioning that Mu Xiaowan had ties to the Zhenyi Sect. Could the mastermind behind this be the Zhenyi Sect?

Could it be that the Zhenyi Sect had already obtained the Ghost Valley Heart Sutra from Jiang Sanjia's hands long ago?

An Jing didn't know any of these things, but he knew that the matter was not as simple as it seemed on the surface.

"Wait."

Passing a wine shop, An Jing paused and looked at it.

"Uncle Ghost, what's wrong? Is there an assassin?"

Lu Jingchun was startled and quickly looked around, his heart instantly leaping to his throat.

Eunuch Pingde and Zhuo Yuchang also became a little nervous upon hearing this.

This was Yujing City. Who would be so foolish as to assassinate them here?

The person beside him was an unrivaled Sword Immortal, and there was also Lu Jingchun, the grandson of the current number one Confucian in the world.

An Jing slapped Lu Jingchun on the back of his head and said, "What assassin? Go buy me two jars of wine."

"Ah, so you wanted to buy wine."

Upon hearing this, Lu Jingchun's eyes showed a hint of disappointment, then he scurried towards the wine shop. Not long after, he returned, carrying two jars of good wine.

"Let's go."

An Jing took the wine jars and said.

Beyond Yujing City, to the north, was Wangjing Mountain.

Lush green mountains, solemn for a thousand years, verdant trees dripping with dew, strange rocks lying in the waves.

Eunuch Pingde led the way, and soon they arrived at a dense forest.

Faint sunlight slanted down, scattering onto the ground, forming a dappled shadow of trees.

Eunuch Pingde pointed to a distant tomb, saying, "That is Lord Jiang's grave."

An Jing walked over slowly upon hearing this.

The tomb was just an earthen mound, without even a tombstone or a wooden marker. If Eunuch Pingde hadn't pointed it out, no one would have guessed that this was the tomb of the Divine Calculator of the Ghost Valley Sect in the Jianghu.

"Sanjia, I'm a little late."

An Jing looked at the tomb and sat directly on the ground, then opened the seal of the wine jar in his hand.

As the saying goes, shallow friendships lead to deep conversations, and secrets are best kept secret.

It was strange, but Jiang Sanjia was not like that with him.

When Jiang Sanjia was still in Fuyang Village, the most An Jing did when he visited Jiang Sanjia was to drink with him and watch him fish by the river.

Perhaps it was due to An Jing rescuing him from the dungeon, and he remembered this kindness in his heart. Or perhaps it was due to accepting Mu Xiaoyun's ancient jade and snatching Xue Chen's corpse from Faxi Temple on Sanmiao Mountain, which made him look at An Jing with new eyes.

Or perhaps it was because of the Great Luo Heart Method An Jing Cultivated, making them both fundamentally belong to the Xuanmen. Or perhaps Jiang Sanjia's later years were desolate, with no one to care for him, leading to a subtle state of mind as he lamented his past.

It could also be An Jing's words, "What? He can be the Dao Master? Why can't I?"

In short, who could truly explain all the reasons?

The depth of a friendship is not necessarily determined by the length of time one has known each other.

"Sanjia."

An Jing poured the wine from the jar onto the ground. "I haven't forgotten what I said. When I step onto Zhenyi Mountain one day, I will definitely bring good wine and a roasted chicken."

The wine spilled onto the ground and then seeped into the soil.

"If it weren't for you, I might have truly died at Jiang Shang's hands. Oh, and I also saw Old Man Lou. He has become The World's Number One Swordsman, entering the Sixth Realm. It's a pity he didn't come today."

"It's been several months since we parted, but to me, it feels like years. I used to be unwilling to step into the Jianghu, but without realizing it, I have already entered this Jianghu."

"Perhaps, from the moment I married my wife, I unknowingly stepped into the Jianghu, or perhaps from the moment I saved you."

"Lost in the Mortal World, drunk, I return to my dreams, the person is still the same, only sighing that time flies too quickly."

As An Jing spoke, he picked up the wine jar and took a big gulp himself.

In the distance, Eunuch Pingde saw this scene and sighed, "No one from the Ghost Valley Sect has ever had a good end since ancient times."

Zhuo Yuchang slowly said, "The Dao cannot be completely calculated, for fear of the impermanence of heaven and earth. Those who try to divine the secrets of heaven are inherently anomalies."

Lu Jingchun, on the other hand, looked bewildered, his eyes fixed on An Jing sitting by the tomb, speaking intermittently.

Originally, he saw more of the Jianghu's heroic spirit and carefree nature, but today, seeing that tomb, he suddenly realized that the Jianghu not only had heroic righteousness but also deceit, helplessness, and countless corpses.

"The Jianghu truly is a dangerous place," Lu Jingchun said with a sigh.

The three stood under the tree and watched for a long time, until the sky began to darken, before An Jing slowly stood up.

May the other side be as splendid as this Mortal World.

On the way back, Eunuch Pingde, when Zhuo Yuchang wasn't paying attention, slipped a waist token to An Jing, saying, "My Lord, this is a Kunning Palace waist token. Her Ladyship says you are welcome to visit anytime."

With that, Eunuch Pingde casually left with Zhuo Yuchang.

An Jing clutched the waist token in his hand, a faint cold light appearing in his deep eyes.

Dongluo Pass, Dongluo Tower.

The room was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood. Gentle sunlight streamed through the镂空 carved window frames. Looking closely at the center, below was a soft wooden bed with exquisite carved decorations. An ancient zither was placed in the corner, and a bronze mirror sat on a wooden dressing table, with some rouge nearby.

Jiang Renyi stood by the table, casually flipping through a secret letter on it, then put it down, finding it rather uninteresting.

Below him was the pale-faced Yu Qiurong, her expression somewhat listless, her body swaying like willow catkins in the wind, looking as if she might collapse at any moment.

Jiang Renyi looked at the delicate face before him and said, "Yu Qiurong, I have given you three days. How have you considered it?"

Yu Qiurong said indifferently, "Impossible. Give up on that idea."

Jiang Renyi chuckled, walked to Yu Qiurong's side, and gently stroked her fair, smooth cheek with his finger.

Yu Qiurong gave Jiang Renyi a cold look, then retreated backward.

Jiang Renyi sighed and said, "As long as you make Qin Bin relinquish his military power, I can not only release you, but I can even put food into the Demon Sealing Well to ensure my Junior Sister doesn't die. Why are you unwilling to make such a good deal? Do you really think my Junior Sister can still get out?"

Chief of the Black Tortoise Seat Qin Bin commanded the only elite force in Dongluo Pass, and his generals were all his trusted confidantes. If he were to forcibly kill this man, it would inevitably cause a mutiny among the soldiers. Jiang Renyi naturally hoped to control a complete Black Armored Iron Guard.

Yu Qiurong looked at Jiang Renyi and said, "According to the rules of our Demonic Cult, a new Chief can only be elected if the Chief has been missing for more than two years. Do you think you are worthy of this Chief position now?"

A sinister glint appeared in Jiang Renyi's eyes. "My Junior Sister is definitely not getting out of the Demon Sealing Well. Do I still have to waste two more years in vain? Besides, many experts of the Demonic Cult have already agreed to my succession as Chief."

"Since you are so stubborn, I'll tell you another cruel truth. Yesterday, I sent someone down to the Demon Sealing Well to deliver a message to Junior Sister. As long as she is willing to hand over the Nine Nether Purgatory Demonic Codex, I won't kill you. But she directly killed the messenger. This shows that in her heart, you are far less important than the Nine Nether Purgatory Demonic Codex. Why are you so loyal to her?"

Yu Qiurong was not affected by Jiang Renyi's words at all, and sneered, "It's absolutely correct that the Chief didn't give it to you."

Jiang Renyi licked his lips and said, "You truly are an incredibly loyal lackey. Do you really think I have no way to deal with you?"

With old generation Demonic Cult experts like Duanmu Xinghua still around, and having just become Chief, he indeed couldn't kill Yu Qiurong, but that didn't mean he had no way to subdue her.

"Jiang Renyi, the last time the Chief spared your dog life, have you truly forgotten?"

Yu Qiurong stared straight at Jiang Renyi and said, "I advise you to restrain yourself. When the Chief comes out, your death won't be too ugly."

"Hahahahaha."

Jiang Renyi burst into laughter upon hearing Yu Qiurong's words.

His voice was loud, carrying a hint of recklessness.

Yu Qiurong looked at the somewhat frenzied Jiang Renyi, her eyebrows tightly furrowed.

After a long while, Jiang Renyi, perhaps tired from laughing, took out a porcelain bottle. "Do you know what this is?"

"Hongyan Zui (Beauty's Intoxication)!?"

Yu Qiurong's eyes widened instantly upon seeing the porcelain bottle.

This was the latest poisonous pill refined by the Poison King, so she naturally couldn't be unaware of it. Furthermore, Yu Qiurong had even sent this poisonous pill to Zhao Qingmei some time ago.

"That's right."

Jiang Renyi nodded slightly, a cold glint appearing in his eyes. "This is a good thing. It is said that Hongyan Zui (Beauty's Intoxication) can silently integrate into a person's internal organs. When the poison takes effect, it's like thousands of poisonous insects gnawing at the internal organs, making one wish for death. This pain lasts for several days before ending."

Yu Qiurong looked at the Hongyan Zui (Beauty's Intoxication), drops of cold sweat appearing on her forehead, and subconsciously stepped backward.

"Aren't you not afraid?"

Jiang Renyi's lips curved slightly upward, with a hint of a sneer.

The next moment, his figure appeared in front of Yu Qiurong. He then grabbed Yu Qiurong's chin and poured the Hongyan Zui (Beauty's Intoxication) in his hand into her mouth.

"Ugh ugh ugh ugh ugh cough cough cough."

Yu Qiurong only felt the powder enter her mouth, and with a surge in her throat, it entered her abdominal cavity.

"Swallow it!"

Jiang Renyi pushed Yu Qiurong directly and said, "From today onwards, if you don't agree to me, I will feed you some of this Hongyan Zui (Beauty's Intoxication) every day. For now, the dosage is small and it won't take effect, but one day it will erupt. Whether you want to die quickly or get it over with, it's up to you."

"Cough cough cough."

Yu Qiurong lay on the ground, coughing continuously, but said nothing.

"Chief, a new secret letter has arrived."

Just then, a voice came from outside the door.

Jiang Renyi took a deep breath and said, "Come in."

"Yes."

Geng Tianchou pushed the door open and walked in, holding a secret letter from the Human Sect.

Jiang Renyi directly took the secret letter, opened it, and immediately frowned. "There's an expert behind this Ghost Swordsman?"

The intelligence on the secret letter was precisely news from Great Yan's Jade Capital City.

Geng Tianchou said in a deep voice, "Chief, what do we do now? Lin Tianhai and Luo Zixiang are still in Jingji Province. Chief Zhao said to capture the Ghost Swordsman alive. In my opinion, this will probably be very difficult."

Not to mention that the Ghost Swordsman himself was a top sword immortal expert in the world, and there was such a powerful expert behind him. It was truly unwise for the Demonic Cult to be his enemy.

"Tell them to come back quickly."

Jiang Renyi said coldly, "Do they not even care about their lives?"

Geng Tianchou quickly said, "Yes, I will relay the order to Chief Lin immediately."

Having said that, Geng Tianchou hurried out.

Jiang Renyi took a deep breath and muttered to himself, "My Junior Sister really likes to cause trouble, insisting on provoking someone like the Ghost Swordsman. Let the Black Ice Terrace, Zhenyi Sect, and Later Jin worry about how to deal with this person."

He truly didn't understand why his Junior Sister wanted to capture the Ghost Swordsman alive. If there was a grudge, wouldn't it be better to just kill him directly? Was there some secret about the Ghost Swordsman?

But no matter what the secret was, it was not advisable to make an enemy of such a person at this moment.

May 17th, Jade Capital City, Lu Manor.

In a field in the back garden.

Seasonal vegetables and fruits were planted in the field: cucumbers, radishes, and watermelons. The green branches and leaves were incredibly lush, full of the Qi of life.

At this moment, Lu Guoyong, whose body was hunched, held a water dipper and continuously scooped water to sprinkle on the field.

"Father."

Lu Fang walked over slowly.

Lu Guoyong's hand paused, and he said, "What is it?"

Lu Fang whispered, "Li Fuzhou has left."

"He left?"

Lu Guoyong continued watering, his expression not changing much. "Has Tan Yun also left?"

Lu Fang nodded and said, "Yes, she followed Li Fuzhou to Eight Zhang Platform."

Lu Guoyong was silent for a moment, then said nothing more.

"Father."

Lu Fang's expression was a little hesitant.

Lu Guoyong scooped another ladle of water and said, "Just say what you want to say."

Lu Fang said, "Tang Taiyuan has the cultivation of a Peak Two-Qi Grandmaster, and he is the Grand Governor of the Black Robe Guard. In the battle on Eight Zhang Platform in Jade Capital City, he is inherently in an invincible position. Li Fuzhou's journey there will likely be fraught with danger."

Not many people knew how ruthless Tang Taiyuan was, but if they knew what he had done, they would surely be surprised.

Lu Fang took a deep breath and continued, "Li Fuzhou is not only doing this for himself but also for my sister. Decades ago, our Lu Family had endured enough. Father retreated again and again, leading to Zhao Tianyi castrating himself to become an eunuch, Li Fuzhou being forced to leave the Lu Family, and so was my sister."

Speaking of this, Lu Fang paused and said no more.

Lu Guoyong was silent for a long while before saying, "Let Jing Chun go. It can also be seen as a gesture."

Upon hearing this, Lu Fang's spirits lifted, "I understand, Father."

With that, he hurried away.

Lu Guoyong watched Lu Fang's retreating figure, remaining silent for a long time, then continued to water the plants with a ladle.

Yu Jingcheng, Eight Zhang Platform.

The Eight Zhang Platform is famous in the Jianghu because it is the yamen of the Black Robe Guard in Yu Jingcheng.

Normally, this Eight Zhang Platform was a place where heads of Jianghu people were chopped off, so the Qi of Blood here was extremely heavy, faintly giving rise to a fierce and malevolent Qi. There were no surrounding pavilions or houses, let alone people passing by.

But today, compared to its usual quietness, it seemed a bit boisterous.

Many Jianghu masters gathered on both sides of the Eight Zhang Platform, their eyes filled with solemnity.

This included Lin Yiyang of Yuheng Sword Sect, Zuo Biwen of Youfeng Valley, Five Venoms Lord of Five Venoms Sect, Ling Yuanjing of Zhenyi Sect, He Chen, and other Jianghu masters.

There were also many masters from other smaller sects, and some top lone wolves of the Jianghu, each of them a first-rate master in the Jianghu.

Today, there might be a great battle here.

On the viewing platform not far from the Eight Zhang Platform, tents were now set up.

On the left, a man in a golden python robe was Crown Prince Zhao Chongyin, and on the right was Zongzhen Yuan, the seventh son of the Later Jin Holy Ruler.

Zongzhen Yuan looked at the Eight Zhang Platform ahead and smiled, "I didn't expect to witness a duel between top masters in the world during this mission to Great Yan. It is truly an honor."

Zhao Chongyin smiled faintly and said, "Whether they are truly top masters is yet to be known."

At this moment, Zhao Chongyin's brows were tightly furrowed. He really didn't understand why Tang Taiyuan would agree to Li Fuzhou's challenge. Wouldn't it have been better to directly send masters to kill him?

If Tang Taiyuan won this battle, everyone in the world would only consider it expected. But if Li Fuzhou won, the Black Robe Guard's reputation, accumulated over hundreds of years, would instantly turn to dust.

Although the probability of Tang Taiyuan losing was very low, Zhao Chongyin felt that this duel should not have happened from the beginning.

Zongzhen Yuan whispered, "Li Fuzhou can't possibly challenge Tang Taiyuan with only a Half-Step Grandmaster cultivation. He must have other tricks up his sleeve, right?"

This was like a question to himself, and also to Zhao Chongyin.

After all, if Li Fuzhou only had the cultivation of a Half-Step Grandmaster, challenging Tang Taiyuan would undoubtedly be courting death.

Zhao Chongyin's gaze was sharp as he said, "No matter what Li Fuzhou does, I believe Commander Tang will surely win."

"Then let's wait and see."

Zongzhen Yuan smiled and said no more.

At this time, An Jing, in a black robe with his arms crossed, looked at the surging crowd ahead and was secretly curious about what abilities Li Fuzhou had to challenge a Two-Qi Grandmaster.

Beside him were Zhou Xianming and Lu Jingchun.

Zhou Xianming's face was unmoving, but his heart was also very heavy, because he knew very well Li Fuzhou's situation today. The chance of winning was small, and even if he won, he would probably be targeted.

Lu Jingchun chuckled, "Uncle Ghost, how does the new clothes feel in terms of quality?"

"Not bad."

An Jing said indifferently, "You were very thoughtful."

Although Lu Jingchun seemed a bit silly, when he gave him the robes, he gave him two sets: one to wear and another to change into at any time.

"As long as you like it, Uncle Ghost."

Lu Jingchun smiled. Then he noticed that the clothes on him were a little different from the ones he had given. Just as he was about to ask, a slight anomaly suddenly appeared on the Eight Zhang Platform ahead.

"Place your bets, place your bets! High payouts for high bets!"

A man, built like a mountain of flesh, moved through the crowd, shouting as he went.

This was Qiu Lun, the son of the Marquis of Pingyang.

Upon seeing that person, Lu Jingchun immediately shouted with excitement, "Brother Lun!"

"Dachun."

Qiu Lun turned his head and, seeing An Jing, also showed a hint of joy, "Oh, Big Brother, you're here too."

Zhou Xianming looked at the mountain-like physique and was completely stunned. Could there really be such a corpulent person in the world?

An Jing nodded slightly, "Yes, I came to watch the duel between masters today."

Qiu Lun didn't find it surprising. Ghost Swordsman was also present on the day Li Fuzhou and Tang Taiyuan made their challenge, so it was normal for him to come and watch their duel today.

Suddenly, Qiu Lun thought of something and, with a solemn face, looked at Lu Jingchun, saying, "Dachun, you're too disloyal, aren't you? You didn't even come to your brother's wedding?"

"I truly couldn't make it."

Lu Jingchun sighed repeatedly, "I fell that day, and I've only just recovered these past few days, and…"

An Jing coughed twice and said, "Someone's here, no more talking."

"Whoosh!" "Whoosh!"

Dozens of Black Robe Guard Gold Character Constables emerged from the back hall, followed by several Black Robe Guard Great Tiangang-level officers in large cloaks.

Finally, the ones who walked out were Xi Yuanjun, the Deputy Commander of the Black Robe Guard, and Commander Tang Taiyuan.

"Look, Commander Tang is here!"

"Why isn't Li Fuzhou of the Demonic Cult here yet?"

"He's not coming, is he?"

"I don't think that's possible. Li Fuzhou personally issued the challenge, how could he not come?"

With Tang Taiyuan's appearance, the area around the Eight Zhang Platform immediately erupted into a clamor.

Tang Taiyuan, in his black robe, seemed oblivious to the surrounding discussions, and slowly walked onto the Eight Zhang Platform.

His black robe billowed without wind, rustling loudly.

Tang Taiyuan was definitely one of the few top masters in this Great Yan land.

In the entire Great Yan, there were definitely no more than five people on the surface who could defeat him.

He was one of the four most skilled saber wielders in the world, and a legend among saber wielders in the Great Yan Jianghu.

Just like the words he spoke when facing Qi Shu, who was like a scorching sun in Zhao State: indeed, there were very few in this world who could survive at his hands.

Tang Taiyuan's expression was calm as he stood silently on the Eight Zhang Platform, not saying a word.

Suddenly, his eyes opened, and a bright light emerged within them.

"Li Fuzhou is here!" "Make way!"

A clear shout rang out, and everyone looked in the direction of the sound.

The crowd parted like a tide, creating a passage.

Li Fuzhou was seen walking slowly. Today he wore a white robe, spotless, and his hair was neatly combed.

On his slightly aged face were a pair of eyes as calm as a deep abyss.

Behind him, besides Tan Yun, there was also a woman in her fifties.

"Liu Huiyun?"

Upon seeing the woman, Qiu Lun couldn't help but be surprised.

An Jing asked in a low voice, "The name sounds a bit familiar."

Qiu Lun whispered beside him, "Liu Huiyun is the only Bloodline of the Liu Family. Back then, the Liu Family was a military noble family of the Great Yan Dynasty. Their entire family fought on the border against Zhao State. Her elder brother Liu Zixing and younger brother Liu Zhaoyu died in battle on the border, and her father, Marquis Xintian, was also assassinated by a master from the Black Ice Terrace. They were truly a family of loyal martyrs. Back then, my father was just a chiliarch under Marquis Xintian and was promoted by him to achieve what he has today. Marquis Xintian almost became Li Fuzhou's father-in-law."

An Jing nodded upon hearing this, thinking to himself, The entire Liu Family died on the battlefield, so they must have received abundant imperial favor. Li Fuzhou brought Liu Huiyun; could it be that he wants to protect Tan Yun?

When Tang Taiyuan saw Liu Huiyun, his brow furrowed, "You shouldn't be here."

Liu Huiyun met Tang Taiyuan's gaze and said calmly, "But I'm still here."

Li Fuzhou walked onto the Eight Zhang Platform, and his white robe also began to flutter.

At this moment, the whistling sound grew louder, and a faint scent of blood surged from it.

Li Fuzhou opened his mouth and said, "Li Fuzhou has arrived as promised."

The voice was neither loud nor soft, yet it resonated like thunder in everyone's ears.

"Very good."

Tang Taiyuan looked at Li Fuzhou before him, his heart filled with emotion.

Recalling the first time he saw Li Fuzhou, he was still a young man in his prime, dressed in vibrant clothes and riding a spirited horse. Now, in less than thirty years, he had reached the Half-Step Grandmaster Realm, and it seemed he could Breakthrough to Grandmaster at any moment. It must be said that he was truly a Genius.

If he had diligently Cultivated martial arts, his achievements might not have been inferior to Xiao Qianqiu's.

It was just a pity that time had passed, and life could not be relived.

Tang Taiyuan slightly raised his arm and said with an indifferent expression, "Li Fuzhou, I admire your courage. Among the Demonic Cult members who dared to come to Yu Jingcheng to die, you are the first. You have done what Jiang Shang wanted to do but dared not."

Jiang Shang, a notorious name in Great Yan, a name that propelled the Demonic Cult to its Peak, a name that resounded like thunder.

What he dared not do, Li Fuzhou has now done.

The old scholar in a white robe, with sleeves fluttering, said loudly, "Tang Taiyuan, the current Great Yan is too dirty. It needs to be cleansed to restore a bright and clear sky. Since others won't do it, won't speak, then today I shall speak and I shall do it."

Tang Taiyuan laughed up at the sky, "Do you think you are a Saint?"

His laughter carried a hint of clarity.

How many years had it been since a Saint appeared in the Confucian school? It seemed the last Saint was from a very distant history.

Li Fuzhou shook his head, seemingly with great emotion, "Li Fuzhou is dull. I have read the books of the Sages for over twenty years, yet I could not read out a Saint. I have failed my father, failed my teacher, and failed my former self."

Decades passed in a flash. His life was divided into two halves, and also two calamities.

Tang Taiyuan drew his long saber and said indifferently, "Practicing martial arts and studying, with neither done wholeheartedly, ultimately wastes one's prime years, and one eventually becomes a mayfly in the world, fading into obscurity."

As the long saber appeared, its cold light illuminated the world, and everyone's hearts grew cold, as if they had suddenly transitioned from the scorching heat of summer to the biting cold of winter with its fierce winds and snow.

Tang Taiyuan continued to ask, "Born at dawn, dying at dusk, do you have any regrets?"

"Born at dawn to gaze upon the sunlight, born in the dark to be accompanied by the moon and stars, no regrets."

"A mayfly is ultimately a mayfly, unable to glimpse the Great Dao."

"Then today, let the mayfly shake the great tree!"

After Li Fuzhou finished speaking, he took a step forward.

Immediately, the blood-soaked Qi of the Eight Zhang Platform surged in all directions, and a Qi of shattered mountains and rivers, like a surging river or sea, swept over, making everyone's hearts tremble.

The three flowers shone brightly, rising behind him, then converging towards the top of Li Fuzhou's head.

Almost in the blink of an eye, the three flowers gathered at the crown.

At this moment, Li Fuzhou entered the Grandmaster Realm.