Ye Yuqi is a Reincarnator and the “Doumu Yuanjun” of Xianji. Master Da Lu had sensed reincarnation very early on. Later, he used wooden carvings to slash through the void and entered samsara with his sword. They both understood the meaning behind Meng Qi’s words—one clearly, the other by inference. After a brief hesitation, they fell silent, watching Meng Qi step out of the room and drift away from Huamei Villa.
Only a handful of people across the land can truly elevate their cultivation realms whenever they speak of it. Ye Yuqi withdrew her gaze, her composed and calm expression tinged with emotion. She came from a decent background, possessed good talent, and had her brother-in-law’s guidance along with the power of reincarnation. Her progress in cultivation and strength ranked among the best of her generation, and she became a Grandmaster at an early age. Yet she never dared to claim that a single reincarnation talisman could allow her to break through a cultivation level within a year unless she was already on the verge of advancement.
Seeing Su Meng like this and reflecting on herself, even though she was hailed as the “Ice Fairy,” her heart could not help but ripple slightly. Cultivating a Dharma Body is the most crucial step on the martial cultivation path, often taking decades to accomplish. Just consider how even someone as prodigious as Su Wuming had been stalled for a long time. One or two reincarnation talismans would be of little help to her. She must still proceed steadily, step by step, climbing toward the peak.
Caught in her thoughts, she remained silent for a long while. Then Master Da Lu sighed, “With the arrival of a great era, there are both evil demons and a flourishing of talents. I will prepare for a journey north.”
“Jiefu, a journey north?” Ye Yuqi snapped back to attention.
Master Da Lu transmitted his words with a smile: “Guldu has become an Earth Immortal, compelling the nine evil sects to temporarily abandon their infighting through sheer power. I will travel north, testing my sword against the Tianzhu Axe, letting the world know that the righteous path also has Earth Immortals, thus shaking the confidence of the heterodox sects and rekindling divisions and grudges. Moreover, this way, we should be able to gauge the awakening level of the Tianzhu Axe, which will benefit our future plans.”
It is better to strike first than to sit and wait, especially since the alliance of the Nine Sects in the Golden Tent has not yet been fully confirmed.
“If the Tianzhu Axe awakens to the level of a Heaven Immortal, it will be very dangerous…” Ye Yuqi rarely furrowed her delicate brows. “Jiefu, perhaps we should invite Daoist Chonghe to go north with us. I encountered him before returning to the villa, and he has also attained the Earth Immortal stage.”
“That would be excellent,” Master Da Lu did not decline. This was a battle between righteousness and evil, not a martial challenge. Otherwise, he would have challenged Guldu alone, sword in hand, to a life-or-death duel deep in the East Sea.
…
In Xianji.
“Bixia Yuanjun,” Ju Jiuniang, reluctantly handed over six thousand Virtue Points to Meng Qi in exchange for the “Great Dao Tree,” greedily grabbing it while muttering, “How come you can obtain such a treasure, and not just one or two…”
After crossing the first Heaven Ladder, her strength entered a period of rapid growth. The insights gained from the “Dao Spreads Across the Universe” were especially helpful. Thus, she painfully gathered another six thousand Virtue Points and came again to cultivate.
“Fortuitous opportunity, fortuitous opportunity,” Meng Qi replied modestly.
Ju Jiuniang lifted her head and glanced at him with her phoenix eyes: “The Tianzun says your fortune is strong, a pity…”
She seemed to lament that such fortune was not hers and could not be shared.
At this point, she gazed longingly at Meng Qi, a smile spreading across her face: “We’ve known each other for so many years, and it was even me who brought you into Xianji. Won’t you give me a discount?”
Meng Qi flipped his hand, revealing a black talisman, grinning: “Your six thousand Virtue Points have already turned into this, no discounts possible.”
The Void Piercing Talisman, a replica of the ancient Void Piercing Talisman, could be used once for escape, worth seven thousand three hundred Virtue Points.
Since he was entering Fengshen for trials, and Meng Qi was no fool, he naturally needed to prepare some life-saving tools.
—With the Eight-Nine Transformations, he feared no binding and was unconcerned about his many secret treasures and techniques. With the Kunlun Robe, he needed no further exchanges. Using the six thousand Virtue Points from Ju Jiuniang and the additional four thousand from selling Shadow Sword, he obtained the Void Piercing Talisman and an extra year.
Ju Jiuniang was stunned, then huffed, her heart clearly aching. She then sat cross-legged and began to cultivate.
After a while, Meng Qi retrieved the Great Dao Tree and activated the Reincarnation Talisman.
The familiar scene unfolded, the reincarnation worlds flashing by, and Meng Qi chose Fengshen.
“You will return to the Fengshen world for one year and two months, and you may choose to teleport near any familiar person.”
The voice of the Six Reincarnation Master echoed through the void.
…
In the State of Chen, Shangying, the outskirts.
Tian Kuo wore a wide robe, his cloak swaying as he climbed the newly carved mountain path. Trees lined both sides, birds chirped melodiously, and the scenery was superb.
This was the royal mausoleum of the State of Chen, where the assassinated King of Chen was also buried. The mountain had been hollowed out, and the tomb was extravagantly built.
“The King advocated frugality in death, yet received a grand burial. Truly ironic,” Tian Kuo gazed up the hillside, as if lamenting, as if mocking.
The most ironic part was that the very nobles who had betrayed and killed him were the ones who gave him a grand burial, fearing the stain of regicide. They tried every means to smear the Ink Sect, but people’s eyes were sharp, and secretly, fingers had already been pointing.
A refreshing breeze brought floral fragrance. Following the winding path and rounding the mountain wall, Tian Kuo saw the flat area ahead and the tomb of the King of Chen.
Before the tomb stood silently a man in black. He wore a tall cap, a long sword at his waist, his clothes ancient and simple, wide robe and large sleeves, his black attire deep and solemn. In his hand was a cup of wine, slowly poured before the grave.
No birds chirped around, no breeze stirred, only a low voice:
“I told you I would return.”
Tian Kuo’s pupils contracted, a mix of shock and joy, he blurted out: “Juzi!”
Meng Qi threw the cup before the tomb, slowly turned around, hands behind his back: “Have you been well?”
The warm and caring words entered his ears, and the past two years of anxiety and danger surged into Tian Kuo’s mind. Despite having reached the Outer Scenery realm, he felt like a child, his vision blurring, his voice choking: “I’m fine, but many of our companions in the Ink Sect of Chen have died.”
The ruling class of Chen deeply feared the Ink Sect and never ceased their pursuit and suppression. If not for the Ink Sect’s tightly organized structure, their shared beliefs, and the protection of a few nobles like Tian Kuo, they would have been eradicated long ago. Even so, due to internal traitors and other factors, many Ink Sect members were captured and met tragic ends.
“They were true Ink Sect members, sacrificing themselves for the good of the world,” Meng Qi approached Tian Kuo, his tone gentle. “Let’s walk and talk. How is the situation in Chen now?”
Tian Kuo inhaled deeply, suppressing his surging emotions: “The tax on border crossings has been abolished, merchants travel frequently, markets, taverns, and inns are flourishing, benefiting many commoners. However, a few noble families control the state affairs, selecting talents based on family background, causing capable individuals to flee to other countries. Moreover, these nobles indulge in luxury, preferring to waste resources rather than cultivate the common people extensively.”
“Thanks to your strategy, Juzi, the State of Chen briefly grew stronger, but they have developed ambitions and frequently wage wars against neighboring small states. Tang has already shown dissatisfaction.”
“In the past year, other small states have followed Chen’s example, abolishing the tax on border crossings, causing commercial activities to stagnate.”
Meng Qi strolled forward, sighing: “I proposed three strategies to the King of Chen: non-aggression, upholding justice, and benefiting the people. But they only know how to benefit themselves, ignoring justice and non-aggression. This will not last long. Have you not heard of a child carrying a fortune through a bustling market and expecting to remain unharmed?”
“As other small states abolished the border crossing tax, the advantage of ‘benefiting the people’ has also weakened,” Tian Kuo added with a bitter smile. “The King worked hard to govern, but did it only lead to the downfall of Chen?”
Meng Qi nodded slightly: “Upholding justice and benefiting the people were meant to buy time for non-aggression. They have put the cart before the horse, ultimately due to their short-sightedness.”
He pointed to the distant fields: “If time permits, the Ink Sect should research machinery and herbal techniques, helping the people harvest more and build reserves. With more resources, they can afford to learn martial arts. As more martial artists emerge, with encouragement, selection, and resources provided by the upper class, more powerful individuals will arise. This is a matter that will take twenty, thirty, or even a hundred years to see results. They cannot see that far.”
At this, Meng Qi sighed: “Those who do not plan for eternity are not fit to plan for the moment.”
“Those who do not plan for eternity are not fit to plan for the moment…” Tian Kuo savored the words, then suddenly pulled out his paper and brush, recording what Meng Qi had just said.
“What are you doing?” Meng Qi asked in surprise.
Tian Kuo’s face was filled with enthusiasm: “Every word of Juzi’s is precious, deeply embodying the Dao. How can I not record and contemplate them day and night, and teach the rest of the Ink Sect?”
Meng Qi felt a mix of emotions inside, his lips twitching slightly, then he continued: “Do you want to save the State of Chen?”
“I would be honored to hear your detailed plan!” Tian Kuo’s hand trembled, nearly dropping his paper and brush.
Meng Qi smiled: “The first thing is to have the Tian family seize power and eliminate rivals!”
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