The Corpse Collection

Li Fan stood with his eyes closed for a while at the entrance of the Sili Xiaowei's office. Suddenly, he extended his right index and middle fingers, took a step, and vanished like a shadow. He darted into the hall like a beam of light, his fingertips thrusting diagonally to the upper left. Halfway through the thrust, the sword suddenly turned and swept to the right. At the same time, his body twisted with the sword's momentum, and he sidestepped out. With this one thrust and one flash, the Sword Light only broke in one move. He left only a faint afterimage in the office before disappearing in a flash, killing all the more than one hundred people in the office.

Yes, just one sword strike, only one move—no, not even one move, just half a move— the Sword Light pierced through Li Er's brow, killing him on the spot, obliterating his Dao body and primordial spirit. The remaining half-move was to unleash the remaining Sword Light, sweeping outwards and slaughtering all the survivors!

In fact, if 'Li Er' was so easily defeated, there's no need to mention the guards, clerks, and disciples of the Discipline Institute who were shocked and killed by the Sword Light. It would be a miracle if someone at the Enlightenment Stage could survive a casual sword strike.

Even Wen Zhang, a dignified Sili Xiaowei of the Capital Region, sitting in the courtroom reviewing case files, a legitimate official protected by the Li Country, listed on the Divine Ranking, blessed with good fortune, and with all his buffs stacked up, was still killed by the afterglow of this sword strike. However, the jade pendant and goldfish pouch he wore did play a tiny role, leaving the Wen family with a complete corpse; only their head fell off, rolling to the threshold, leaving a trail of blood. 'Li Er' had his entire body from the chest up shattered!

This guy is awesome...

Li Fan had also studied it carefully, so he knew that assassinating the king in the palace was not an easy feat to achieve.

Not to mention the layers upon layers of guardians and protectors, the system of the Immortal Palace and the Divine Ranking is also full of restrictions and countless secret incantations. Just two days ago, when he was standing in places like the government office, the Imperial City, and the Forbidden Palace, he could feel that his cultivation and sword power were being significantly suppressed, and he could not unleash even 10% of his full potential.

But this assassin, with a single tiptoe, rushed in, turned and slashed everyone down with a single sword stroke, then turned and left!

The sword flashes without leaving a trace! Not a drop of blood stains his body! Wow, that's incredibly dashing!

Whether or not he's truly a direct descendant of the Beichen Sword Sect's leader, this level of prestige is off the charts...

Li Fan sighed, glanced at the pile of corpses covered with white cloth parked in the yamen, and walked to the corpse of his clone.

Yes, he's dead beyond dead. Just like 'Fuck' and 'Li Datang' last time, the Vermilion Bird clone 'Li Er' is also completely dead and can't be transformed anymore. Even the white baleful aura and the Azure Dragon's secretly refined pill fragments were destroyed by the sword force, turning into a pool of milky white gelatinous liquid that seeped out from between the shattered wounds, blood vessels, and muscle tissue, flowing in a puddle and completely losing its effectiveness.

Even Li Fan in his current state couldn't achieve such sword power.

Although he could excuse the delay by the old man from Emei pulling him along, causing a signal delay and preventing manual operation, coupled with the sudden assassination attempt and the resulting mishap, Li Fan, through his own deduction and simulation experiments, still realized that this person's Sword Light speed was a level above his own.

Can't beat them...

If you can't get the kill opportunity and it's a 50/50 fight, you have no chance of winning in a head-on confrontation.

I'm afraid he'll have to wait until he's properly reached the Nascent Divine Transformation and has had time to refine his various Cultivation Method before he'll be qualified to challenge or even injure his opponent. Without enlightenment, even challenging someone of a higher level wouldn't guarantee victory...

Li Fan glanced at the Sili Xiaowei again, sighed, and gestured for the officials to come in and collect the body. He then stood silently in the courtyard, watching absentmindedly.

The assassins who made this move are most likely "Seventh Friend," or at least other numbered experts from Nangong Xianzei's camp. With such trump cards at their disposal, it's no wonder they "aim for the world."

Li Fan guessed that this person might have wanted to join the sect last time and exchange a few moves with 'Qingyue', but in the end, Li Yi's luck was more extraordinary. This assassin actually managed to run into the old man Cangbai and was even knocked away by a sword.

However, since 'Li Er' possessed an avatar and recklessly disrupted the plans of the Nangong Immortal Thieves over many years, he naturally didn't have such good luck. This time, Wen Zhang, who came up with the wicked idea and caused trouble, was assassinated, and the <Yuan Shi> that they had painstakingly searched for was also destroyed. The clues to the Nangong Immortal Thieves were thus warned and completely cut off.

Even if the abbot wanted to divine the future, the Nangong Immortal Thieves would have already vanished and fled Li Country.

Of course, this assassin killed someone from Ink Bamboo Mountain. If the abbot performs rituals within three days, he might be able to find out who it was. But even if he does find out, what then? This is a sword immortal who has attained enlightenment! Without the abbot and mountain master Li Fan in their full power, there's little hope, right?

However, could this straightforward style of doing things really be the reincarnation of a senior brother from the Xuan Tian lineage...?

Unfortunately, Xuan Tian was in seclusion forging a sword, and Li Fan couldn't get any information from him, leaving him quite helpless.

Why is it that every time I think I've mastered my skills and can finally roam free, a new enemy appears to slap me in the face? Why does the plot have to be so predictable?

After calming down a bit, Li Fan recalculated the power dynamics and felt that Ink Bamboo Mountain was still far from being able to challenge the Nangong Immortal Thief Group.

If it weren't for the fact that both the Abbot Li Fan were related to Nangong, and perhaps also had the appreciation and protection of the Thousand-Faced Immortal, they would probably have been wiped out by the other side long ago.

Perhaps only the Three Elders and Four Ancestors of Emei can truly stop the Nangong Immortal Thief Group.

But those old men probably understood too, and they despaired.

The Tai Su Dao was flourishing, a destiny difficult to defy. The number of Emei people dwindled with each battle, while the number of bandits from Nangong increased with each defeat. If this continued, they would eventually be wiped out. So, they gritted their teeth, made the necessary sacrifices, and ascended to another world, surrendering completely...

Ah... too weak, still too weak... we need new strength...

"The administration of the Jingji has been lax, causing Your Excellency great concern. I have come to apologize."

Li Fan pulled himself out of his reverie, glanced sideways at Li Hongxian, who had rushed over earlier and was now kneeling at his feet with his rear end sticking out, and said in an annoyed tone.

"Your Excellency Imperial Censor, are a man of great importance and have many important matters to attend to. There is no need for you to come to see me in person so often."

Li Hongxian dared not raise his head, and answered while kneeling on the ground.

"I dare not. Your Excellency's orders are etched in my mind and I dare not forget them. It is only a pity that such a rare talent as Lord Wen is now facing an unpredictable fate. Without his assistance, I am afraid that many things will be difficult to accomplish... I wonder who Your Excellency intends to command the Jingji?"

Li Fan rolled his eyes. "I heard Wei Hu did a pretty good job?"

Li Hongxian quickly replied,

"Minister Wei possesses the exceptional talent to serve as both a general and a prime minister. Placing him in the Jingji would be a waste of his abilities, but now, with the north facing perilous warfare, it is the perfect time for him to realize his ambitions and serve the country..."

Li Fan crossed his arms and tilted his head to look at the Imperial Censor.

"What about the Wang Lang?"

Li Hongxian paused for a moment, then looked up and smiled, saying...

"Although the Honglu Shaoqing of State Ceremonies also has the title of one of the Four Young Masters, half of his promotion was due to the help of others, and he has too deep connections with the palace. He might be able to serve Jiedushi, but he doesn't have the ability to go any higher. So Grand Tutor is also keeping an eye on him, not feeling comfortable letting him take the lead too early. Even if the imperial edict is issued, he will probably decline on the grounds of illness, right?"

"Damn it, if this won't work and that won't work, then why did you come to ask me? Why don't you name a few things that can get things done?"

Li Fan glared at him, but the Imperial Censor was not surprised but rather pleased. He straightened up and respectfully offered his advice.

"When recommending someone for a position, one should not avoid relatives or enemies. I happen to have one relative and one enemy to recommend to Your Excellency."

Li Fan couldn't help but roll his eyes. "What, your son?"

"Indeed, Wen Rao's talent is ten times that of me. It was only to avoid suspicion that he was sent to the frontier to gain experience. Otherwise, he could have earned the reputation of a young master. Over the years, he has managed the country in his post as the governor of the provinces without making any mistakes. He has also helped the court to increase revenue and enrich its reserves, which is evident to all!"

His ability to handle complex affairs and adapt to changing circumstances makes him a talent capable of revitalizing the nation and governing the world! It's such a waste that he's relegated to this position of managing finances and calculating every penny!

Li Fan remained noncommittal; after all, when a father brags about his son, he'll boast as much as he can.

"And what about the other 'grudge'? Who would dare to have a grudge against you, Doctor? Could it be someone who wrote a long essay criticizing you?"

Li Hongxian was not disappointed, and stroked his beard, nodding as he said...

"Indeed, although this person once plotted to frame me, falsely accusing me of forming cliques and causing me to be exiled to another province, I, Hongxian, have received the Emperor's grace, and my thoughts and concerns are only on promoting virtuous people for the country and sharing the burdens of the court. As long as they are truly talented people who can be used by the country, I will not take any resentment to heart."

Although this person has some minor flaws, he is indeed a man of great talent for governing the world and a prime minister capable of assisting a king. In the years he has been in the capital, he has held the reins of power and personally handled matters. He excels in scholarship and is skilled in practical matters. Although he is still somewhat inexperienced in governing, if we only consider his ability to manipulate power and influence, he is slightly better than Wen Rao.

Unfortunately, a couple of years ago, due to some family issues, he was implicated in the affairs of the Demonic Sect and was wanted by the imperial court, thus preventing him from serving in office and repaying the country.

Li Fan was taken aback, then suddenly felt the name sounded familiar. "The person you're talking about, could it be...?"

Li Hongxian nodded and said, "This man's surname is Lu, and his given name is Qi. He is none other than Lu Chai, who was famous in the capital back then and was known as Four Young Masters."

Damn it, they were actually waiting for him here! This old bastard, he doesn't even avoid grudges when recommending outsiders, and the grudge he's referring to is actually Li Fan's grudge!

Li Fan narrowed his eyes immediately. "Doctor, do you know what Lu Chai did back then that made him a wanted man by Ink Bamboo Mountain?"

Li Hongxian shook his head. "This humble official is unaware of the details. I only heard that back then, Lu Chai colluded with the Divine Cult, attempting to launch an uprising in the Jingji, but was killed by Ink Bamboo Mountain. However, the situation has changed now, and I've heard that Ink Bamboo Mountain has also signed a non-aggression pact with the Divine Cult in the west, turning enemies into friends, hasn't he?"

Therefore, I believe that such a talented person should be given an opportunity to serve the court.

Li Fan chuckled, "You really think this kind of 'talent' can be of use to the country?"

Li Hongxian said solemnly, "That's right. Although Lu Qi has been infamous and wanted by the government all these years, he still hides in the countryside and refuses to leave his homeland when the country is destroyed! Moreover, I have observed that his actions in the Jingji back then have a very good reputation among the people. The situation in Changsi City back then was much better than it is now!"

I think to myself, perhaps it is also because Young Master Lu laments the current times of hardship, with the nation in turmoil and the people suffering greatly, that he hopes to step out of seclusion and help the world. His fervent patriotism shines as brightly as the sun and moon!

Wow! Who knows if it's as clear as day! He almost summoned the Blood Lord and the Demon God!

However, although he personally killed Lu Chai's true form, Lu Qi, Lu Chai's clone, hadn't escaped yet. Was he still hiding in the shadows, spying and observing the development of the Li Country?

No, perhaps it's more than just spying! Think about it carefully, the previous ruler of the Li Country the Guo Family in the east of the city! Now, unknowingly, those dead eunuchs have won the final victory! And they've even managed to make so much money, becoming the ultimate Winner!

It's likely that the lurking ghost of Lu Chai also played a significant role in this...

Among the Four Young Masters, the real Winner might just be him...

Why is Lu Qi hiding now, after hiding for so long?

Why did he still need to convey his intention to reconcile to Li Fan through the Imperial Censor?

That's right. Li Hongxian is such a cunning politician; he wouldn't do anything without personal gain. Why would he bother to speak up for Lu Chai? There must have been some exchange of political interests somewhere! Maybe from the very beginning, Li Hongxian and his son were in cahoots with Lu Chai!

Li Fan rested his chin on his hand, stared at the old man for a while, and tried to guess what the other man was planning...

Damn, I can't guess...

"We can meet him first. I've long admired the Four Young Masters. When I first entered the sect, Senior Brother Lu took good care of me! Since he's a descendant of the Lu Family, we should offer him some guidance! Let him come to Li Family Village to see me."

Li Fan then smiled and spoke in a kind and approachable manner.

"Follow the law!"

Seeing that things had gone well, Li Hongxian grinned and crawled away with his rear end sticking out.

The main storyline got stuck, but then a dead side quest suddenly reappeared. It's so frustrating...

"Master Li, are you done with your work?"

Before Li Fan could even catch his breath, more people arrived outside the yamen.

"Qin Jianshi, how have you been? What brings you out of seclusion?"

"What else could it be? Sigh, another twenty-four soul lamps have been extinguished this time. The familiar faces are becoming fewer and fewer..."

Old Qin, clutching his Chi Qiu Sword, arrived in his flying boat to 'pick up' the person. He had been holed up in the secret realm's sword-forging workshop, and hadn't seen a living person in a long time.

It's a pity that this isn't the time for a drink. Ink Bamboo Mountain is truly in dire need of talent; there's not a single idle person around. With such a major incident in Changsi City, even the swordsmiths have been dispatched to collect the remains of their disciples.

Li Fan sighed, remaining silent for a moment. Together with Qin Jianshi, they transported the twenty-four coffins to the flying boat and escorted them back to the mountain.

"By the way, this was crafted for you by Fellow Daoist Huangfu."

Old Qin then remembered and took out a sword box.

"Xuan, did Fellow Daoist Huangfu give this to me?"

Li Fan opened the sword box and saw a pair of precious swords inside: one of the Ink Mountain style and the other of the Blood Talisman style. The blades glowed with a faint purple light, seemingly forged from metals from a celestial realm. The Ink Mountain sword was adorned with gold patterns, while the Blood Talisman sword with silver talismans, their interplay creating a radiant effect that gave Li Fan a familiar yet distinct Divine Sense...

"Huh? This is! Golden Dragon White Star!"

Qin Jianshi nodded, his face full of excitement, "Indeed, Fellow Daoist Huangfu is truly a learned man! When he was repairing the Golden Dragon White Star, he thought that the current weather was not favorable for Taiji magic weapons, and the flying sword was easily tainted by evil energy, losing its sharpness. Repairing it would be a waste of time, cough cough, and it would not harm the sword spirit."

Therefore, he proposed to use extraterrestrial meteorite iron and void evil stone to forge a new Tai Sha Sword Embryo, which would protect the Sword Talismans. He also modified the Golden Dragon White Star twin swords, forging them into the sword spine and hiding them within the sword body, thus creating the newly made Tai Sha flying sword!

Li Fan exclaimed, "Wow!"

Qin Jianshi clearly thought the pair of swords were amazing and looked at them with envy.

"Fellow Daoist Huangfu asked me to tell you not to misunderstand anything. He just saw that he had a lot of materials and simply wanted to try it out to see if this new method of sword forging could succeed. If the method of modifying the Tai Sha Sword Embryo works, then many precious swords and divine weapons in the Taiji Realm will have a use again."

In short, Lord Li, you should give it a try first. Whether it works well or not, let us know later and see if there's room for improvement."

Wow! Good heavens! Good heavens!

Li Fan held two swords in his hands, the tips pointing to the sky. The sword light gathered faintly between the blades, like purple torches. He tried to visualize and drive it using the Tai Sha Sword Embryo method, and found that he could indeed imitate the Qi Sword method and gather the Tai Sha Sword Qi on the purple blades of the two swords! Forming a dark, ink-like, blood-thick Tai Sha Qi Sword!

Good heavens! The Tai Sha Sword Embryo's damage has already broken through the defense! The Gu Guan Method, combined with various buffs, makes its damage output even more explosive! Now, with the aid of these two precious swords, it's like adding wings to a tiger!

If we encounter that assassin again, we might actually have a chance to chop his head off!

Ahhh! I'm so itchy! Is there any fool who'll step forward and test his sword on me?!