136: Chapter 136 Old Sword God Li Chungang?

But how could Empress Wu easily let go? After a tug-of-war, Zhu Yuyan finally gave up—she knew very well that her Junior Sister's cultivation now far surpassed hers.

But she had also made up her mind: no matter what was asked, she would not say a single word.

So, no matter how Empress Wu teased or probed, she remained silent.

"Senior Sister really has a heart of stone," Empress Wu sighed lightly, standing up.

Shangguan Wan'er immediately stepped forward and gently draped the cloak embroidered with golden dragon patterns over her shoulders.

"Wan'er, let's set off, straight for Northern Li."

Before the words had even fallen, Empress Wu had already turned and walked out.

Zhu Yuyan looked at her retreating figure, her expression complex and unreadable.

"Master!" Wanwan called out softly.

Shan Meixian beside her was still somewhat dazed, as if she hadn't recovered from the scene just now.

"We are also returning to Northern Li." After a long pause, Zhu Yuyan finally spoke, her tone resolute.

"Ah?" Wanwan was stunned. "We just returned, and didn't you say you wanted to deal with the Quiet Temple of Compassion?"

"That place can be dealt with sooner or later," Zhu Yuyan said lightly.

"..." The two exchanged a look, both finding it incredible.

From the time they could remember things, they knew Zhu Yuyan only focused on destroying the Quiet Temple of Compassion.

Now that the time was ripe, she was suddenly giving up.

"Is it because of that Pavilion Master?" Wanwan tentatively asked.

"That is not something you should inquire about." Leaving these words, Zhu Yuyan ordered someone to prepare hot water for a bath.

After bathing, she changed into the attire of a new bride, her dark hair coiled into a dignified bun, looking as if she were marrying into a family.

Before leaving, she confirmed the destination of Empress Wu and her group with a subordinate—they were indeed traveling rapidly toward Northern Li.

But surprisingly, Empress Wu was not traveling in a royal carriage but using Qinggong (lightness skill) to make haste.

"We depart immediately!" Zhu Yuyan decided instantly.

Since the other party was moving fast, she could not be slow either.

At this moment, she felt restless and anxious—although Empress Wu's appearance was slightly inferior to her own, she held the esteemed status of Empress, and her allure to men could not be underestimated.

With this thought, she hesitated no longer, her figure flashing as she darted out like the wind.

She left only Wanwan and Shan Meixian staring at each other.

She left just like that? Was there really such a rush?

"Are you planning to go too?" Wanwan looked at Shan Meixian.

"Of course, I have to go." Shan Meixian gave a wry smile. "After all, she has been my mother since I was little.

Even if we aren't related by blood, that bond remains.

Now hearing that she might have found a spouse... doesn't that mean she's like my father?"

The two conferred briefly, and then Wanwan led the way, following closely behind.

Meanwhile, deep within the Yin-Yang School of Great Qin.

Donghuang Taiyi stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on the short figure seated among the officials in the hall.

"Have you found out?"

"Reporting to the Leader, it should be him.

He is the Master of a martial arts hall in Snow Moon City, who has taken in several Disciples, but I cannot see through his foundation," Xing Hun replied respectfully.

"What about his physiognomy?" Donghuang Taiyi asked again.

"A sheet of Chaos, like the Void Realm," Xing Hun's tone held a hint of shame.

"The Qin Emperor has already sent the Net of Heaven to infiltrate Northern Li. Do you think they can recruit this person?"

"I fear it will be difficult." Xing Hun pondered for a moment, then said with certainty, "Leader, the ability this person possesses is the first I have ever witnessed in my life; perhaps only you can suppress him."

These words, spoken by a youth, were delivered without hesitation, causing even Donghuang Taiyi to pause slightly.

"Go and rest," He finally waved his hand.

"Yes." Xing Hun received the order and quickly withdrew.

"Xing Hun, this child, his temperament seems a bit different now," Moon God said softly after Xing Hun left, her eyes showing a hint of inquiry.

"After experiencing some storms, there will always be a transformation," Donghuang Taiyi's tone was calm, yet it couldn't conceal his high regard for Xing Hun.

"Then, Leader, should you send someone else to Northern Li? If such a person falls into the hands of the Net of Heaven or Great Qin, I fear it will have a considerable impact on the situation," Yan Fei spoke slowly, her tone gentle but sharp.

"Hmm, which of you is willing to make this trip?" Donghuang Taiyi's eyes shifted as he looked at the two.

Moon God and Yan Fei exchanged glances for a moment, and finally, Yan Fei stepped forward and bowed.

"Your subordinate is willing to go."

"Go then. If the matter proves difficult, there is no need to force it; just return," Donghuang Taiyi did not impose any constraints.

"Yes." As her voice faded, she turned and left, her figure quickly disappearing into the night.

"Will she be in danger going to Northern Li? The fighting there is fierce, and the situation is turbulent," Moon God asked in a low voice, worry showing in her brow.

"No need to worry, her death omen has not moved," Donghuang Taiyi replied faintly, waving his sleeve to signal Moon God to withdraw.

Only he remained standing in the hall, looking up at the celestial sphere instrument, his gaze deep as the sea.

— —

Liyang Dynasty, Beiliang Royal Residence.

Xu Zhihu rushed to meet her Second Sister upon hearing of her return.

Before even entering the main hall, she heard voices conversing inside.

"So, you're saying you secretly left the Shangyin Academy, ran off to Northern Li, and even took a Martial Arts Hall Master as your Master?"

The Human Butcher's voice was as steady as ever, betraying no emotional fluctuation.

"That is correct, Father," Xu Weixiong's reply was cool and firm.

"This is nonsense!" The Human Butcher finally couldn't help but sigh, his tone full of helplessness.

"How is it nonsense? What one learns from books is always shallow; what I saw and heard on this journey surpasses a thousand scrolls."

Xu Weixiong was neither subservient nor overbearing.

"But you should have informed us! I thought you had met with an accident!"

Xu Zhihu could almost imagine her father's exasperated expression.

"I just heard that talents gather and experts abound in Snow Moon City, Northern Li, and I wanted to see for myself. Must I report every single thing I do from now on?"

Xu Weixiong retorted, a trace of stubbornness in her tone.

The Human Butcher fell silent.

It wasn't that he had nothing to say, but that he simply couldn't win the argument.

His daughter was always eloquent; when arguing logically, her points were clear, and when arguing illogically, she could still render you speechless.

He never dared to engage her lightly, otherwise, a splitting headache was the least of it.

"Sister, Father is just worried about you," Xu Zhihu stepped into the door at this moment and persuaded softly.

Xu Weixiong paused slightly and looked up at her elder sister: "Didn't you marry that sickly man from the Lu family in Jiangnan?"

"..." Xu Zhihu's face stiffened, almost choking with anger.

"That person died long ago," she replied coldly, her tone as hard as ice.

"Cough, let's not talk about that now." The Human Butcher quickly smoothed things over. "Tell us about your Master. With your temperament, you rarely respect anyone, so the person you were willing to bow to and take as a Master must have extraordinary qualities."

"I am only a Named Disciple, not even considered formally initiated; I was added later on," Xu Weixiong stated the truth, then briefly recounted her experience of meeting Su Rui and receiving martial arts instruction in Snow Moon City.

"That person said he could cure my foolish younger brother?"

The Human Butcher's expression trembled, a flicker of unconcealed emotion crossing his eyes.

"Exactly. The reason I returned this time is to take Huang Man'er to Northern Li."

Hearing this, The Human Butcher exchanged a look with Xu Zhihu.

Everyone in this family was exceptionally intelligent, except for Xu Longxiang, who possessed innate Divine Power and had reached the Vajra Realm, yet his intellect was like that of a small child.

This matter had always been a heavy stone in The Human Butcher's heart.

"Is this true?" How could he easily let go of a chance to cure his son? But based only on his daughter's word, it was still hard to decide.

"Absolutely true." Xu Weixiong nodded solemnly. "I would not joke about my brother's condition."

"Father, perhaps we should give it a try?" Xu Zhihu felt curiosity stir in her heart as she listened to her sister describe the Martial Arts Hall Master.

What kind of man could make the usually aloof Weixiong so convinced?

"Very well." The Human Butcher pondered for a moment. "However, the war in Northern Li has not yet ceased. It's better to wait until the dust settles before making plans."

After all, the Liyang court was already wary of Northern Liang, making it inconvenient for him to act rashly, and he dared not rashly send troops to escort them.

"No need to wait." Xu Weixiong smiled faintly. "My Teacher has already taught me two ultimate techniques. Even if the legendary Old Sword God himself came, I would dare to face him head-on."

The Human Butcher was about to laugh at her youthful arrogance when he suddenly felt the air freeze.

An old, hoarse voice echoed faintly:

"What a bold girl, you have quite the nerve."

Before the voice faded, another person appeared in the courtyard.

One-armed, thin, slightly stooped, with messy hair and beard, wearing a sheepskin coat so dirty that its original color was unrecognizable, resembling a beggar from the street.

The Human Butcher's pupils contracted, and without hesitation, he stepped forward, shielding Xu Weixiong behind him.

"My daughter spoke carelessly, Senior, please do not take it to heart."

Xu Weixiong paused slightly, her sharp mind instantly grasping the crux of the matter.

In just a few words, she had roughly figured out the identity of the withered old man before her.

"Are you perhaps... the Old Sword God, Li Chungang?"

Her eyes lit up slightly, betraying a trace of excitement.

This expression made the others look utterly confused.

What was going on?

"Is Second Sister back?"

The notoriously dissolute young Master of Northern Liang rushed over without even taking time to tidy his clothes, shouting as he ran, his face overflowing with joy—if not for the several bright red lip prints on his face being so conspicuous, it might have seemed genuinely heartfelt.

"Call me Sister!" Xu Weixiong's eyebrows knitted, and she spat out the two words coldly.

The wastrel stumbled, falling flat on his face.

He got up, clutching his nose, blood streaming from it, mumbling incoherently. Before he was even steady, he turned and ran away.

"Second Sister! I have something urgent, I must leave first!"

His figure flashed, and he was long gone.

Everyone stared at each other, momentarily speechless.

The Human Butcher raised a hand to wipe the cold sweat from his brow, smiling wryly without a word.

Xu Zhihu sighed lightly, shaking her head.

Only the one-armed, thin old man scrutinized Xu Fengnian with piercing eyes.

"Your bones are decent, why don't you come learn the sword with me?"

"No need!" Without waiting for The Human Butcher to speak, Xu Weixiong quickly refused.

The old man grinned, squinting at her: "You said you couldn't be stopped? Now I want to see that."

His pupils converged slightly inward, and a sharp light flickered within them.

"Want to try?"

Xu Weixiong showed no fear, her Aura imposing.

She had now cultivated the Heaven-Slaying Sword Drawing Technique taught by Su Rui, had just glimpsed the threshold, and her spirit was high.

"Heh..." A dry laugh rumbled in the old man's throat.

"Sword, come!" Before the words finished, exclamations of shock erupted from all directions.