The destination of Xiu Guan was something he had some inkling about.
Concerning Xi Zi, the chances of his return at this moment were exceedingly slim.
However, it was not entirely impossible.
Ling Chen, however, wore a strange expression: “The letter actually offered an explanation, though Xiu Guan wasn't mentioned.
It only said that by the time of Zong Shou’s arrival, he should be able to control the Twelve Guardian Bronze Men.” At these words, silence returned to the chamber.
Everyone exchanged glances, their eyes holding an unusual light.
“Control the Twelve Guardian Bronze Men? It is said that Emperor Shang Yin Yu has already devoured the true spirit of Emperor Qin, making him the master of the Twelve Guardian Bronze Men.
How can he seize them?” Sikong Fou asked in confusion, “But if Zong Shou truly has a way, then Xiu Guan’s return is likely just a smokescreen deliberately spread to confuse people—” Even though Cang Sheng Dao knew about the existence of the Twelve Bronze Men, they were still prepared to join Zong Shou in attacking the Imperial Capital.
The Jian Sect wasn't the only one to feel bewildered by this.
But adding Xiu Guan into the mix makes the situation less abrupt.
“Then how should our Jian Sect reply?” “We cannot easily refuse, yet the risk is too great; agreeing outright doesn't seem appropriate either.
After all, this concerns the rise and fall of our Jian Sect; we must be cautious—” The room filled with murmurs of discussion, and Ling Chen also fell into hesitation; this matter was truly difficult for him to decide.
One wrong judgment could plunge the entire Jian Sect into danger of annihilation.
It was best to travel to Cang Sheng Qiong Realm and question Wei Xu and Zong Shou more thoroughly.
It was precisely at this moment that a clear voice sounded from outside the door: “There is no need for discussion on this matter; simply reply to Cang Sheng Dao that our Jian Sect will definitely provide full support!” The few people in the room started slightly, looking towards the doorway.
They saw a young cultivator, clad in a white robe, a long sword on his back, and hair flowing like a waterfall, walking in as if no one else were present.
The several Saint Realm Venerables present all sobered their expressions.
“Greetings, Sect Master!” The person before them was none other than the Sect Master of the Jian Sect, the head of the Seven Factions of the Wan Jian Qiong Realm.
He governed the sect, overseeing nearly three hundred thousand cultivators.
Ling Chen yielded the main seat, bowed respectfully, and then asked, “Sect Master, you just mentioned full support—may I ask?” “Naturally, it is the Fu Ling Sword Formation!” The white-robed swordsman spoke immediately, without the slightest hint of hesitation.
Jian Tongming, Sikong Fou, and the others were once again stunned.
The so-called Tong Ling Sword Formation had the words Tian Jue Di Mie preceding it.
Its full name was the ‘Tian Jue Di Mie Fu Ling Sword Formation.’ It was the ultimate measure of the Jian Sect beyond the Supreme Realm, not inferior in the slightest even to the Cang Sheng Sword Formation of Cang Sheng Dao.
It used the Inherited Divine Weapon of the Jian Sect as its core, required a thousand Immortal Realm cultivators as its foundation, six Saint-stage cultivators for suppression, and specialized formation artifacts as auxiliary support.
It was one of the Jian Sect's means of contending against the Supreme Realm— It seemed the expressions of Jian Tongming and the others were even more bewildered, so the white-robed swordsman casually remarked, “Before Emperor Qin perished, he forged a Guardian Seal to replace the He Shi Bi as the artifact suppressing national destiny.
Legend holds that this object is the true central hub of the Twelve Bronze Men.
However, few in the world have heard of this matter; I surmise this object has undoubtedly fallen into Zong Shou’s hands.” He then leisurely explained, “Furthermore, our Patriarch once said that this situation of ‘Swallowing the Dragon’ remains unresolved.
The manifestation of the Hegemon, with the Tiger devouring ten thousand miles, is an excellent auspicious sign—” Hearing this, Jian Tongming’s expression subtly shifted.
Patriarch? Was it Compassion Dao Lord? At this point, there was no longer any doubt.
One of the origins of the divination arts in this Cloud Realm stemmed from the Compassion Dao Lord.
A flicker of excitement crossed Ling Chen’s eyes, which was quickly followed by a slight sigh.
When the monarch is enraged, blood flows for a thousand li— If Zong Shou truly held that Guardian Seal in his hands, Then whether it was Yin Yu or Li Bie Xue, they had both walked down a path of no return this time.
He chuckled inwardly.
He knew the details; those in the Imperial Capital might not see it that way.
Come to think of it, if the Jian Sect agreed to participate, some people would likely deem it utterly foolish.
Never mind; in a few days, the outcome would be clear— At the same time, on the eastern city wall of the Imperial Capital, Zuo Xin stood with his hands behind his back, behind the crenelations.
Beneath him was the Xuan Hua Gate, one of the three gates of the eastern city of the Imperial Capital, and one of the most crucial entrances and exits to the city.
And now, within the ninety-nine zhang wide arched gate, the area was packed with people, with a ceaseless flow of men and horses.
And unlike before, a human head was displayed upon the city gate.
The blood had dried, and the skin was ashen, but after being coated with spices and lime, there were no signs of decay; it was well-preserved.
One could vaguely recognize the features of Jin Buhui.
And now almost everyone entering or exiting the gate would glance up, some with curiosity, some with astonishment, and some with indignation.
Those with better composure would merely let out a cold snort.
The common folk, clad in rags, mostly spat and cursed incessantly.
“Traitorous villain!” “It’s a pity His Majesty is merciful, only ordering the punishment of waist severance.
If it had been Ling Chi [death by a thousand cuts], I would certainly buy his flesh to devour and quench my hatred!” “He is a treasonous official who has brought disaster upon the nation! In the Southern Frontier War last year, it was because this man sold information that Emperor Qian learned of it in advance, leading to the defeat at Yun Shen Yuan! A man who sells out his country for glory—” “Precisely so.
Otherwise, with His Majesty’s brilliance and might, how could he have been defeated by that Great Qian?” “Taxes are being increased again across various regions recently, making it truly impossible to live.
But ultimately, the root cause lies in the defeat in the Southern Frontier.
It’s this villain who has brought disaster upon the nation!” “He deserves death! But I also heard that the Emperor of Great Qian is a sage ruler appearing only once in ten thousand years.
Jin Buhui is his sworn sworn brother; how could someone who can be friends with a sage ruler have such despicable and base morals?” “A sage ruler is a sage ruler; he is himself.
As a subject of Great Shang, how can he have private dealings with the ruler of an enemy nation and not deserve death?” There were also those who were merely curious, unconcerned with the political situation in the Imperial Capital.
“It is said that after Jin Buhui was cut in half at the waist, he struggled for a full day before finally dying completely.
Dragging half his body, he used his blood as ink on the execution ground to write over three thousand four hundred instances of ‘Ridiculous and Pathetic,’ only stopping when his hands and fingers were chopped off.” “He was just mad before he died! Why didn't he write the character for ‘Injustice’? Perhaps he could have garnered some sympathy!” “Actually, he hasn't completely died yet; his nascent soul has been trapped within this head by the ritual performed by the Spirit Masters.
They say he must watch the demise of Great Shang with his own eyes.” Zuo Xin listened quietly.
A group of officials stood behind him.
After a long pause, the Grand Censor stroked his beard and smiled.
“It seems that in this world, justice resides in the hearts of the people; do you not agree—” It seemed to be directed at those behind him, yet everyone on the city wall knew.
Zuo Xin’s words, from beginning to end, were spoken only to the severed head atop the wall.
There was no reaction from within Jin Buhui’s head, just like a normal corpse.
His divine sense showed no fluctuations whatsoever.
Ordinary people could not discern this, but it was not difficult for the Spirit Masters who accompanied Zuo Xin.
Not long after, someone spoke: “This wicked creature says that while we can manipulate public opinion now, deceive the masses, and twist words with the pen, no matter how we try to cover up the facts, within a few years, the truth will surface.
You who have brought disaster upon the nation will surely be recorded in the history books! You will be infamous for ten thousand generations, remembered by the world—” “Infamous for ten thousand generations? Are you eagerly anticipating that Great Qian Emperor will wipe out my Great Shang so that your name can be cleared?” Zuo Xin shook his head, appearing unconcerned, yet deeply distressed.
“It seems Buhui, you still do not repent.
I originally intended to plead for you with His Majesty, but now that is canceled! He then sighed wistfully, “Everything you listed in your memorial was not entirely without reason, but the timing was wrong! You must know, governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish; how can it be as chaotic as you suggested? The dynasty is already precarious; too much commotion will only cause this house to collapse prematurely!” The Spirit Master beside him kept his eyes half-closed, feigning attentive listening.
After a brief moment, he carefully chose his words to translate: “Since you say governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish, then mobilizing a massive army, raising an unjust force, and sending thirty million troops to conquer Great Qian—is that the so-called cooking of a small fish? This is being blinded by avarice, desiring great accomplishments without knowing one's own limits.
Great Shang is rotten through and through; if the putrid flesh is not removed, how can it recover? Not daring to make necessary cuts leads only to greater disorder.
Are you expecting this host of court vermin to govern the nation well? Yuan Chen’s compromise and leniency have led to today’s disaster.
We are one step away from national ruin; why not use decisive measures?” Zuo Xin’s face turned ashen with anger: “His Majesty is brilliant; unification of the Cloud Realm is imminent.
How dare you question him? Before the Southern Frontier War, His Majesty’s intention was to first eliminate external threats before resolving internal worries—what fault is there in that? Furthermore, the current national policy is already cleaning up corruption and reclaiming the power of the aristocratic families; now you come to pick faults.
Perhaps no matter what is done, you, Jin Buhui, would be dissatisfied, correct? His Majesty has grand strategic plans and does not need your criticism! Holding onto resentment, that statement is entirely true.” He then sneered coldly, “Jin Buhui, do you know that just one day ago, that Great Qian ruler you hold in such high esteem has already decreed to the world that in four days, he will personally enter the Imperial Capital, intending to take His Majesty’s head and demand your corpse back.
Your sworn brother treats you with deep affection.” When these words were spoken, there was intense spiritual activity within Jin Buhui’s head.
In those dry, withered eyes, tears seemed to fall.
That Spirit Master took a long time before translating again: “He says Zong Shou is not coming for him, Jin Buhui, but for the hundreds of millions of subjects of Great Qian, for the welfare of the masses, risking great danger.
That Great Qian Zong Shou is far superior to our Dynasty’s Emperor.” Having said this, the Spirit Master was already drenched in cold sweat; some words he truly dared not utter.
“He also says Zong Shou must have come prepared, with at least a seventy percent certainty.
If the Emperor of Shang is wise, he should know that the Twelve Bronze Men cannot be fully controlled until our dynasty has recruited enough Saint Realm cultivators.
Even though His Majesty possesses the true spirit of Emperor Qin, he still needs to recruit Mo School cultivators to gain complete control.
At this time, striving to foster goodwill with the Four Great Families and driving out the Supreme Demon Li Bie Xue, relying on the Dao and Confucian schools for self-preservation, is the best policy.
Otherwise, in four days, he will witness the demise of Great Shang and the death of His Majesty here—” Zuo Xin paused, though he had long known what good words Jin Buhui would speak.
However, the final sentence still caused him slight surprise.
A moment later, he waved his sleeve disdainfully: “In four days, His Majesty himself will place Zong Shou’s head next to yours! Further talk is useless; carry out the execution!” According to Yuan Chen’s decree from a month prior, Jin Buhui’s nascent soul could remain, but the Soul-Rending Punishment could be inflicted every seven days.