The Fierce Beasts of the Poison Dragon Pool bid farewell with great reluctance from Yan Changkong. Those fierce beasts escorted him from the Poison Dragon Pool to the border between Yunmeng Marsh and Qingyan Mountain. The Heavenly Scale Winged Dragon refused to leave the marsh, stopping only when Qingyan Mountain was clearly visible ahead.
Ji Changkong finally walked out of Yunmeng Marsh with Zhou Qiangwei. Arriving at Qingyan Mountain, they paused at the foot of the mountain where the Ji family once resided.
Everything was as it had been; the mountain was the same mountain. No changes had occurred here due to the Ji family’s departure. On the cliff face where the Ji family conducted their trials, the impressions of Ji Changkong’s fingers remained.
“This is where your Ji family used to cultivate?” Standing at the foot of Qingyan Mountain, Zhou Qiangwei gazed up at the sheer cliff wall, a look of realization dawning on her face.
Nodding lightly, Ji Changkong pointed to the startlingly small indentations. He said calmly, “The Ji family trial, held once every three years. I climbed to the peak of Qingyan Mountain from here twice. The first time, I was the last to reach the summit, taking a full day, finally crawling up as darkness fell.”
“Three years later, during the next Ji family trial, I was the first to reach the peak. Those finger-sized holes were left by me. Nothing here has changed; only we, the former trial participants, and the Ji family who once lived here, have changed.”
“At that time, the Ji family was merely struggling to survive here. Without sufficient cultivation Yuan Stones, without outstanding Heavenly Master experts, let alone recognition across the continent, our name wasn't even known within the Water Cloud Kingdom. Any expert at the Star Heaven Realm passing through here required the Ji family to be extremely cautious.”
Ji Changkong recalled the past, bit by bit, his expression distant.
“It’s different now. When I traveled from the Ye family toward the Chi Yi Clan, we had to pass by Qingyan Mountain. Our clan elders instructed us that if we passed by your Ji family’s area, and if we encountered any of your kin, we must treat them with respect. We were warned never to make enemies with the Ji family unless absolutely necessary.”
“From my mother, I learned somewhat about your Ji family’s strength, about your standing in Blood Rain Mountain, and that the power you wield is not much inferior to that of the Seven Great Families or the Six Major Sects. Now, although your actual cultivation realm is Seven Star Heaven, you can contend evenly with the Arrow God Gong of the Divine Archer Gate. You are also the new generation’s Xuanyuan of the Ji family; before long, the Ji family can ascend to the ranks of the Seven Great Families.”
Zhou Qiangwei gazed at him, her beautiful eyes shining with varied brilliance.
Shaking his head gently, Ji Changkong sighed softly. “When our Ji family was weaker, many didn't pay us much mind. We weren't a target for others’ scheming. Now, it’s different. The crises our Ji family might face in the future are greater. One misstep, and we could be wiped out.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“When our Ji family lacked sufficient strength, we weren’t noticed, so we weren't targeted for plotting. Now, the stronger our Ji family becomes, the more it will attract the calculations of certain interested parties. I imagine many people do not wish to see our Ji family prosper.” Ji Changkong hinted at an underlying meaning.
“You had a private discussion with the Arrow God Gong in the woods, and it seems you reached some kind of agreement. You are from the Central Lands Water Cloud Kingdom, and the Water Cloud Kingdom has always viewed the Divine Archer Gate as its potential greatest enemy. And in Blood Rain Mountain... the Heavenly Master sects there deeply resent the Heavenly Master experts of the Southern Yi Divine Archer Gate. Why did you do that?” Zhou Qiangwei’s delicate brows were deeply furrowed, filled with doubt. Ji Changkong hadn't wished to discuss it earlier, so she hadn't pressed. Now that the conversation had opened up, she voiced the doubt lingering in her heart.
“Just preparing for a rainy day.” Glancing at Zhou Qiangwei, Ji Changkong’s voice was low. “The Huangfu family is one of the most powerful families in the world, and they are also the royal family of the Water Cloud Kingdom. If our Ji family in Blood Rain Mountain grows strong enough to threaten the Huangfu family’s status, what do you think the Huangfu family will think, and what will they do?”
“Suppress you?” Zhou Qiangwei asked tentatively.
“I don't know what the Huangfu family will do, but I believe that emperors throughout history do not wish to see a single family within their domain become so powerful as to threaten their authority. Only if our family becomes as mighty as the Guiyuan or Qiankun Sects will the royal family bow their heads and cease to easily harbor thoughts of eradication,” Ji Changkong said gravely.
“Your closeness with the Arrow God Gong, will that affect the Ji family’s standing in Blood Rain Mountain? Also, the Arrow God Gong and the Divine Archer Gate have always harbored ambitions toward the Water Cloud Kingdom. By doing this, won’t you...?” Zhou Qiangwei sounded worried.
“There will be no direct interaction between the Arrow God Gong and me, nor will I borrow the power of the Divine Archer Gate to act against my own countrymen. As long as my conscience is clear, I do not fear what others say. If Zhongli Jingyi becomes the Southern Yi Holy Lord, the Southern Yi and Water Cloud Kingdoms can maintain peace because of my friendship with Zhongli Jingyi. This would be a blessing for both the Water Cloud Kingdom and the Southern Yi,”
After a pause, Ji Changkong added, “As for your worry that the Arrow God Gong and the Divine Archer Gate might act detrimentally toward the Water Cloud Kingdom, that is even easier to resolve. As long as our Ji family reaches a certain level of strength, as long as my own power surpasses that of the Arrow God Gong, the Divine Archer Gate will not dare to flaunt its power in the Water Cloud Kingdom!”
“Zhongli Jingyi…” Zhongli Jingyi. Zhou Qiangwei murmured to herself, then suddenly looked straight at Ji Changkong. “After Zhongli Hui returns, aren't you worried that you and Zhongli Jingyi might become estranged because of me, because of me?”
“Zhongli Jingyi is a man focused on great endeavors; I am not worried about him.” Ji Changkong grinned, then added, “I will entrust the Sun-Shining Bow to Zhongli Hui, and I will help him become the Southern Yi Holy Lord. He will know what to do.”
“Help him become the Southern Yi Holy Lord?” Zhou Qiangwei was startled, then suddenly said, “Could it be... that your private discussion with the Arrow God Gong also involved... involved...?” Zhou Qiangwei found it hard to believe. She couldn't quite accept that Ji Changkong possessed such vast influence, an influence that even her Ye family’s ancestor hadn't anticipated.
“Let’s go. We’ll take a trip around Qingyan City and see if anything has changed on Qingyan Mountain,” Ji Changkong evidently did not wish to elaborate on that topic. He suddenly turned and headed toward Qingyan Mountain.
Ji Changkong led Zhou Qiangwei to Qingyan City and walked straight toward the City Lord’s Mansion. Soon, the two stopped outside the mansion gates.
A single glance at the guards stationed at the mansion entrance made Ji Changkong’s heart sink. The two guards were unfamiliar faces. He didn't know where the two guards he was familiar with had gone. Ji Changkong knew those two guards were Nie Yuanshan’s trusted men. As long as Nie Yuanshan remained in the City Lord's Mansion, he would never replace those two guards. Now that the guards had changed, it was highly uncertain if Nie Yuanshan was still the City Lord of Qingyan City.
“Excuse me, sirs, is Nie Yuanshan still the City Lord of Qingyan City?” Ji Changkong asked, his brow furrowed.
“Nie Yuanshan?” One of the guards, who was stockily built, managed a sneer and shook his head. “Nie Yuanshan hasn’t been the City Lord of Qingyan City for a year now. The current City Lord is Scholar Xu Wei, a protégé of the Prime Minister. As for Nie Yuanshan... hehe, rumor has it he went into seclusion to cultivate with his steward, Shao Kang.”
“Xu Wei?” Ji Changkong’s face darkened. He suddenly realized that Nie Yuanshan and Shao Kang probably couldn't remain on Qingyan Mountain any longer. Since Xu Wei had become the new City Lord of Qingyan City, it meant Prime Minister Wang Pai must have intervened in Qingyan City’s affairs.
“That’s right. Lord Xu possesses the cultivation of the Seven Star Heaven Realm. Not only is his skill profound, but he is also learned. Since taking office, Lord Xu arrested and executed the rebellious Southern Yi people in Qingyan City, restoring peace. In the year Lord Xu has governed Qingyan City, he has earned the trust of the citizens, and the various aristocratic clans are very satisfied with his governance. Compared to Lord Xu, Nie Yuanshan was lacking by more than just a little,” the guard said arrogantly.
Nodding slowly, Ji Changkong said nothing more and turned to leave.
“Jie jie, Lord Xu is too polite. As long as Lord Xu...” A slightly odd, grating sound drifted from within the City Lord’s Mansion. Although the sound was faint, Ji Changkong, with his sharp hearing, caught it clearly.
His expression instantly turned grim, and Ji Changkong halted his steps. He suddenly turned back to look at the City Lord’s Mansion and asked, “Is there a lame old hag inside the City Lord’s Mansion?”
“You know Old Wu?” The slightly stouter guard was momentarily stunned and quickly asked.
“Haha, I didn't expect to run into her here! It wasn't a wasted trip to the City Lord’s Mansion!” Ji Changkong laughed loudly and strode toward the City Lord’s Mansion.
“Who are you? You can’t just enter! You must wait for our announcement before you can go in!” “Kid, stop right there! The City Lord’s Mansion is no place for you to run wild!”
Seeing Ji Changkong’s expression change, the two guards immediately shouted a fierce warning.
“Scram!” Ji Changkong roared lowly. He suddenly raised his left hand, and the power of the Triple Rushing Waves instantly took form, slamming toward the City Lord’s Mansion.
Bang bang bang!
The two guards slammed against the iron gates of the City Lord’s Mansion. The iron gate vibrated with violent crashes before suddenly shattering into pieces. The entire main gate of the City Lord’s Mansion exploded apart in an instant.
“Who dares?!” A furious shout suddenly came from within the City Lord’s Mansion. Starlight flickered, and a tall figure abruptly landed in front of Ji Changkong. The newcomer was in his prime, sporting a finely trimmed goatee, and wearing a dark brown robe, his face stern.
The main gate of the City Lord’s Mansion was now in ruins. Many guards from inside heard the commotion and rushed out, their faces contorted with rage, instantly surrounding Ji Changkong and Zhou Qiangwei, who had already entered the compound.
Without even glancing at the newcomer, Ji Changkong rushed straight ahead, instantly passing the man and stopping abruptly in the vast courtyard. Although the master had changed, the house remained the same as before.
Witch Mountain Old Mother, whose leg had been broken by Tuoba Lie, was standing right there in the courtyard. Witch Mountain Old Mother stared at Ji Changkong with a grim face, her eyes clouded with confusion.
Years had passed, but Witch Mountain Old Mother hadn’t changed much; she still possessed that unpleasant appearance that repulsed people. However, Ji Changkong had undergone a massive transformation; his physique and temperament were entirely different from before. Witch Mountain Old Mother stared at him blankly, unable to recognize him for a moment.
City Lord Xu Wei, whom Ji Changkong had instantly bypassed, turned back into the spacious courtyard and roared sternly, “Insolent brat, how dare you trespass into the City Lord’s Mansion!”
“Eh! Isn't this, isn't this Young Master Changkong?” Not everyone had been dismissed from the City Lord’s Mansion; some elderly servants who handled chores and watering the flowers remained. They recognized Ji Changkong, who had been away for over a year.
The moment Ji Changkong’s name was uttered, Witch Mountain Old Mother’s face turned as cold as ice. Before Xu Wei could say more, she let out another cackling laugh like a duck, pointing fiercely at Ji Changkong: “Jie jie! Ji Changkong, oh Ji Changkong, I never thought I’d run into you here!”
Xu Wei reacted instantly, his face shifting. He shouted, “You are Ji Changkong of the Ji family in Qingyan City? Kid, this is the City Lord’s Mansion of Qingyan City! Nie Yuan is long gone as the master here, and you are not allowed to cause trouble! Leave immediately!”
“If I don’t kill this old whore today, I will never leave the City Lord’s Mansion!” Ji Changkong laughed toward the sky, completely disregarding Xu Wei’s threats. He swept out his right hand, and the Dragon Radiance Saber instantly appeared in his grip, releasing a sharp, surging aura of bloodlust from the blade.
Xu Wei, standing directly in front of Ji Changkong, was the first to sense the killing intent emanating from the Dragon Radiance Saber. A glint flashed in Xu Wei’s eyes. He glanced at the somewhat frenzied Witch Mountain Old Mother, then immediately shouted, “Ji Changkong, this is the territory of the Water Cloud Kingdom, the residence of the City Lord! If you run amok in my City Lord’s Mansion, you are making an enemy of the Water Cloud Kingdom!”
No longer bothering with Xu Wei, Ji Changkong raised the Dragon Radiance Saber, and a streak of bright blood-light shot out from the blade, aimed directly at Witch Mountain Old Mother.
From the moment the Dragon Radiance Saber was drawn, Witch Mountain Old Mother realized that Ji Changkong today was far stronger than before. Having deliberately inquired about Ji Changkong over the years as his fame grew across the land, Witch Mountain Old Mother knew his progress had been swift.
Not underestimating Ji Changkong, she held nothing back! Witch Mountain Old Mother had somehow refined another Serpent Head Staff. The staff was entirely emerald green. With a casual wave, the Serpent Head Staff transformed into a massive green python, which lunged with bared fangs and claws toward the blood-light shooting from Ji Changkong’s Dragon Radiance Saber.
Unlike the techniques used by experts from the Myriad Poison Sect like Ba Gejiu, the green python formed by the Serpent Head Staff was purely condensed through the infusion of Yuan Power; it was not a true python, possessing no physical substance, nor the highly toxic mist or water that those who specialized in serpentine power, like Ba Gejiu, commanded.
After the green python swallowed the blood-light from Ji Changkong’s Dragon Radiance Saber, Witch Mountain Old Mother let out a cackling laugh. “Boy, rumors claim you possess power comparable to an Eight Trigram Heaven Master, but the rumors are clearly untrue. Your power is still far from the Eight Trigram Heaven Realm!”
Boom!
An extremely violent thunderous explosion erupted from within the green python. The green python, purely materialized by Yuan Power attached to the Serpent Head Staff, instantly reverted to its original form—the Serpent Head Staff.
Clatter. The Serpent Head Staff fell to the ground, wisps of light green smoke rising from its snake-mouth.
Ji Changkong grinned. “Back in Yunmeng Marsh, I remember I once used the Heavenly Scale Winged Dragon to break one of your staff branches. But back then, you managed to escape during that momentary pause. Heh, today, I will shatter your natal divine weapon again, but this time, you won't have the chance to leave alive!”
“Ji Changkong, you, you shouldn't go too far! By doing this, are you completely disregarding me, the City Lord, the Huangfu family, and the Water Cloud Kingdom?!” Xu Wei shouted anxiously.
“I respect the Huangfu family and the Water Cloud Kingdom, but I truly do not respect you, this new City Lord installed by Wang Pai! In my eyes, the City Lord of Qingyan City will always be Uncle Nie. You are utterly unworthy!” Ji Changkong sneered.
“Good! Since you are so arrogant, I want to see if you truly possess the rumored abilities!” Xu Wei laughed in fury. “Ji Changkong, you are the one who initiated the provocation against the Huangfu family and the majesty of the Water Cloud Kingdom! Everyone here is a witness! As the City Lord of Qingyan City, I have the responsibility and obligation to stop you from wreaking havoc in my City Lord’s Mansion.”
Chuckling, Ji Changkong shook his head. “Adding one more won't change much.”
Witch Mountain Old Mother, seeing her Serpent Head Staff instantly knocked away, felt a sinking feeling, uncertain about Ji Changkong's true strength. When Xu Wei suddenly jumped in to engage Ji Changkong as well, Witch Mountain Old Mother, aware of Xu Wei's power and backing forces, was overjoyed. She hurriedly urged, “City Lord Xu, this man doesn’t respect you, which means he doesn’t respect the Water Cloud Kingdom or the Huangfu family! Such a lawless person must be captured and escorted to Tianshui City to be interrogated by the Huangfu family!”
“Let us join forces and subdue this arrogant brat!” Xu Wei immediately agreed with her. The two exchanged a look, understanding each other implicitly, and suddenly attacked together.
The Serpent Head Staff jumped up from the ground once more, transforming again into a green python. Witch Mountain Old Mother’s eyes were icy cold as flecks of starlight ignited in her palm, which she directed toward Ji Changkong as she lunged to attack.
Seeing Witch Mountain Old Mother attack, Xu Wei suddenly shifted his body, darting toward Ji Changkong from another direction. His five fingers curled like hooks, shooting out dazzling beams of golden light, sharp as unsheathed swords, aimed directly at Ji Changkong’s blind spots.
The coordination between Witch Mountain Old Mother and Xu Wei was surprisingly tacit. The timing of their attacks seemed forged through countless drills, pressuring Ji Changkong from the left and right, making it difficult for him to manage both sides.
“Heh heh, a pair of shameless dogs, quite coordinated. I wonder if they’ve practiced this combination many times in private?” Even at this moment, Ji Changkong couldn't resist mocking the pair.
The onlookers hearing Ji Changkong’s explicit insinuation all had strange expressions. Zhou Qiangwei’s neck even turned red; annoyed and embarrassed, she rolled her eyes at Ji Changkong, thinking this man truly had the leisure to insult others at a time like this.
Boom boom boom! Boom boom boom!
Deafening blasts erupted above the City Lord’s Mansion, snapping everyone out of their distracting thoughts. They scrambled to evade the danger.
Ji Changkong abruptly unleashed the Thunder Movement Nine Heavens technique from the Heaven Thunder Force. All around Ji Changkong, the air filled with heavenly lightning. Witch Mountain Old Mother and Xu Wei, attacking from the left and right, suddenly found themselves facing numerous spheres of shimmering lightning. Before they could react, they were buffeted by fierce energy fluctuations erupting from the azure thunder orbs.
Witch Mountain Old Mother and Xu Wei, whose coordination should have been seamless, inevitably collided with the heavenly lightning that saturated every direction around Ji Changkong. Amidst earth-shaking explosions, both spat blood, their bodies flung away by the successive strikes of heavenly thunder.
“I’ll fight you to the death!” Witch Mountain Old Mother, as soon as she hit the ground, soared up again, charging toward Ji Changkong fearlessly.
A cold smile played on Ji Changkong’s lips. He simply brandished the Dragon Radiance Saber, waiting for Witch Mountain Old Mother to walk into a trap.
However, while still mid-air, Witch Mountain Old Mother abruptly changed direction. With nimble agility, she vaulted over the high walls of the City Lord’s Mansion, hastily attempting to flee the scene.
“Old whore, trying the same trick again?!” Ji Changkong didn't raise his blade to pursue. Instead, he composed himself and watched Witch Mountain Old Mother carefully as she flew over the wall and sped away.
“Changkong, why aren't you pursuing?” He was unhurried, but Zhou Qiangwei grew anxious. “This person is clearly not kind-hearted. Keeping her alive in this world will eventually cause you trouble. It would be better to kill her now.”
Zhou Qiangwei was born into the Ye family. Although she hadn't been involved in the Ye family’s major affairs, her heart was sufficiently cold.
“No rush. Let’s see how far she can run.” Ji Changkong smiled nonchalantly, glancing at Xu Wei, who was sputtering smoke from being blasted. “City Lord Xu, I hear you are a protégé of Prime Minister Wang Pai?”
“Indeed! The Prime Minister has shown me immense kindness. My becoming the City Lord of Qingyan City is all thanks to his patronage. Since you are causing chaos in my City Lord’s Mansion today, I will surely report this to the Prime Minister! Your Ji family has been making more and more small moves lately. I think the doom of your Ji family is imminent!” Xu Wei snorted.
Smiling faintly, Ji Changkong nodded. “What happens to our Ji family is none of City Lord Xu’s concern. I was originally inclined to spare you, but since City Lord Xu said that, I suppose even if I let you go, you wouldn't let me off either. In that case, City Lord Xu, you’d better fend for yourself.”
With that, while Xu Wei looked on in confusion, Ji Changkong nodded to Zhou Qiangwei. “Let’s go. We’ll go find Witch Mountain Old Mother.”
“Um, well, what about this person?” Zhou Qiangwei was stunned, pointing at Xu Wei. “Didn't you just say you wouldn't let him go?”
The hatred in Xu Guo’s gaze swept over Zhou Qiangwei as he heard her words, sending a chill through her heart. She instinctively leaned closer to Ji Changkong.
“The fact that I’m not laying a hand on him is precisely because I don’t intend to let him off,” Ji Changkong uttered a phrase hard to fathom, then turned and strode toward the exit.
Zhou Qiangwei’s expression was strange, but she asked nothing more, following him quietly.
A few guards from the City Lord’s mansion cautiously stepped forward when they saw Ji Changkong intending to leave with Zhou Qiangwei, looking pleadingly at Xu Wei.
“Let them go!” Xu Wei knew he was likely no match for Ji Changkong. At this moment, he wished Ji Changkong would leave sooner rather than later, so how could he dare stop them with his subordinates?
Ji Changkong laughed loudly, not even glancing at Xu Wei, and swaggered out of the City Lord’s mansion with Zhou Qiangwei.
They had only taken a few steps when a resounding crash echoed from behind, followed by the panicked shouts of the City Lord’s guards: “My Lord, City Lord, what’s wrong? What is it?”
“Ah, My Lord’s face has turned green! What’s happening? What’s wrong with the Lord?”
“Ah, My Lord is no longer breathing! His heart has stopped beating!”
“Oh! My Lord’s eyes are rolled back! My Lord, My Lord might be done for!”
The hysterical cries of the City Lord’s guards followed them. They swarmed around Xu Wei, screaming helplessly, yet not a single one knew how to save him.
Zhou Qiangwei hadn’t gone far and naturally heard the wailing behind them, her delicate face paling slightly. She stared blankly at the composed Ji Changkong and whispered, “You—when did you poison Xu Wei? How… how do you even know poisons?”
Glancing at Zhou Qiangwei, Ji Changkong frowned slightly and sighed softly. “I know you never liked the use of poisons, but that poison was indeed mine during the net attack. In the future… I might occasionally do it again. If you don’t like it, then, then—”
“It’s nothing!” Zhou Qiangwei abruptly cut off Ji Changkong’s next words. She said coolly, “When dealing with people like Xu Wei and Wu Shan Laomu, I won’t object to whatever means are used. I’ve actually heard things about both Xu Wei and Wu Shan Laomu; they both deserve to die anyway.”
“However, Xu Wei was, after all, the City Lord of Qingyan City. Killing him inside the City Lord’s mansion is a blatant challenge to the authority of Prime Minister Wang Pai and the Huangfu family. Are you sure doing this won’t incite their wrath?” Zhou Qiangwei asked with concern.
“I suspect they have already begun targeting my Ji family. Otherwise, Qingyan City’s City Lord wouldn’t be Xu Wei. Since the other side has already made their move, why should I be constrained? It’s just that I still haven’t figured out if everyone in the Huangfu family is uniformly set against my Ji family,” Ji Changkong mused, his brow furrowed.
The two continued walking and talking. Before long, they reached a street corner where a crowd of city commoners had gathered. These townsfolk were clustered around the junction, all pointing and gesturing with terror-stricken faces, unable to articulate what they were seeing.
With a carefree smile, Ji Changkong said, “Let’s go. It looks like the place where Wu Shan Laomu collapsed is up ahead.”
Zhou Qiangwei managed a wry smile, shaking her head, but she didn't say much more.
She didn't know when it started, but she had become incredibly lenient when dealing with Ji Changkong. Things that would have been absolutely unacceptable in her eyes before, if done by Ji Changkong, she would try to rationalize, even choosing to forget them.
Ji Changkong walked over to the spot, pushed through the crowd, took just one long look, and then turned back to leave.
The one with the greenish complexion was naturally Wu Shan Laomu. With just one glance, Ji Changkong knew she was beyond saving. Even an immortal spirit arriving now could hardly revive Wu Shan Laomu, whose divine soul had already dissipated.
Infusing the poison from the Myriad Poisons Sect into the Heavenly Thunder, then releasing the toxic smoke through the explosion of 'Thunder Shakes Nine Heavens'—this creative method of applying poison had significantly increased Ji Changkong’s own lethality by several degrees. Now, even without borrowing the power of the Tianyuan Pearl, his offensive killing power was already terrifyingly potent.