Xu Qi'an: No one gets to fleece me

"As someone with great fortune, your intuition is quite sharp," the orange cat chuckled.

"What?"

Xu Qi'an stared at it in astonishment. This person and this cat could utter such shameless words so openly and honestly.

He replied cautiously, "Master, you have the right to speak, but never forget that refusal is my right."

"I need your help to stop the battle between the Celestial Person and humans." The orange cat cut to the chase, giving Xu Qi'an a rude awakening.

He paused for a few seconds, then nodded calmly. "Tell me your thoughts and reasons."

"Do you know why there is a battle between the Celestial Person beings and the immortals?" The orange cat leaped onto the stone table, squatted there, and stared at Xu Qi'an with its amber eyes.

"A struggle over the orthodox lineage," Xu Qi'an replied.

The orange cat nodded slightly, then shook its head. "Legend has it that the two founders of the Human Sect and the Heavenly Sect fought fiercely during a debate on the Dao, both of them were seriously injured, and soon after returning to their sects, they passed away."

Both of them left the same last words: Every sixty years, there will be a battle between Celestial Person and man.

"In the thousands of years that followed, the leaders of the Human Sect and the Heavenly Sect would engage in a battle between humans and Celestial Person beings every sixty years. There were deaths and injuries, and there were also draws."

"Later, a tradition gradually formed: before a battle between the leaders of the sects, outstanding disciples from each sect would fight, representing their respective lineages. The winning side would gain a three-move advantage."

Xu Qi'an frowned and asked, "I heard Miaozhen say that there's more to the story behind the conflict between the Celestial Person beings and humans? Do you know anything about it, Daoist Master?"

The orange cat glanced at him, its tone a half-smile, "If I say I don't know, will you object?"

Xu Qi'an replied with a similarly amused tone, "If I don't agree, will you just stop talking?"

"The real reason is known only to the leaders of the Celestial Person Sects. But based on clues from countless years past, some things can actually be deduced." The orange cat paused for a few seconds before speaking:

"About two thousand years ago, a Daoist master of the Heavenly Sect went into seclusion to cultivate and missed the battle between the Celestial Person and humans. Then he disappeared."

Six hundred years ago, a Daoist leader of the Heavenly Sect, for reasons unknown, ventured alone into the headquarters of the Witch God Sect, returned severely injured, and missed the battle between Celestial Person and Man during his recovery period. He also disappeared.

"As for the Human Sect, it has never produced a First-Rank Land Immortal, but every Human Sect leader who wins the battle between Celestial Person and Man will attempt to reach the First Rank in a very short time."

If he missed the battle between Celestial Person and Man, would the leader of the Heavenly Sect disappear? If he won the battle between Celestial Person and Man, would the leader of the Human Sect immediately attempt to become a First-Rank Earth Immortal? What on earth is going on? Xu Qi'an increasingly felt that the Daoist School sect was more complex than he had imagined.

"You haven't given your reasons yet." Xu Qi'an snapped out of his thoughts and stared at the orange cat.

The above are the secrets behind the conflict between Celestial Person and Man, but they are not the reason why Master Jinlian asked him to stop Li Miaozhen and Chu Yuanzhen.

"I made an agreement with Luo Yuheng that she would assist me in the Earth Sect's purge of its members. Therefore, I want to delay the conflict between the Celestial Person and Human Sects. I don't want anything to happen to her before dealing with the Earth Sect's leader. If the conflict between the Celestial Person and Human Sects proceeds as agreed, Luo Yuheng's chances of survival are slim."

The orange cat's eyes conveyed seriousness and heaviness.

The Daoist priest is truly a qualified disciple of the Earth Sect. He went to great lengths to cleanse the sect. Xu Qi'an was deeply moved and somewhat admired the righteousness of the Golden Lotus Daoist priest.

But he still didn't feel he could help in this matter.

"But how could a mere silver gong like mine stop the struggle between Celestial Person and man?" He shrugged.

"I didn't ask you to stop the leaders of the Celestial Person and Human Sects, but you can stop Chu Yuanzhen and Li Miaozhen," Master Jinlian patiently explained.

"Lord Xu, would you like to make a name for yourself? Would you like to show off your skills and steal the spotlight in front of all the martial arts figures gathered in the capital?"

"I'm not Yang Qianhuan, I don't like to show off." Xu Qi'an questioned, "You mean you want me to participate in the battle between the Celestial Person and humans? That's not a good idea. First of all, I can't beat them. Secondly, even if I disrupt the battle three days later, what about five days later, or ten days later?"

"Master, your method won't work."

The orange cat gently shook its head, speaking in a tone that seemed to be advising a junior, "There must be a method to making moves, and the same goes for actions. If you rush in without any preparation or reason, Li Miaozhen and Chu Yuanzhen will naturally ignore you. Even if you manage to disrupt the battle by chance, you can't disrupt the subsequent battles."

"But you can find a reason for yourself."

"Reason?" Xu Qi'an countered.

"For example, you, Lord Xu, consider the Celestial Person and Human Sects insignificant, and their disciples mediocre. Yet you are eager to challenge them and challenge them in front of everyone, making a bet: if they can defeat you, the Celestial Person competition will continue. If not, then wait until they can defeat you before proceeding with the Celestial Person competition."

Xu Qi'an stared in disbelief. "This works? Such a far-fetched reason!"

Master Jinlian scoffed, "That's because you haven't ventured into the martial world. When martial artists issue a challenge, they're always straightforward and brutal. If the opponent doesn't dare to accept, they'll humiliate them severely until they agree."

"This is still considered following the rules. Those who don't follow the rules will just come to the venue and cause trouble."

"Li Miaozhen and Chu Yuanzhen are both proud and arrogant people. If you embarrass them in front of everyone, they will most likely accept the challenge. Once they accept, the agreement will be made. Even the elders of the Heavenly Sect can't say anything; they can only urge Li Miaozhen to deal with you as soon as possible."

"Won't all the elders of the Heavenly Sect come down the mountain and slap me one by one?" Xu Qi'an asked. "If Li Miaozhen can't beat me in the end, will the battle between Celestial Person and Man not take place?"

The orange cat glanced at him again. "What I admire most about Lord Xu is your overconfidence. I've said it before, the battle between Celestial Person and man cannot be stopped, but it can be delayed. You can delay it for a year or two."

"Of course, this will indeed offend the Heavenly Sect. Others might not dare to do it, but you'll be fine."

"Is it because I'm fine, or are you forcing me to say I'm fine?" Xu Qi'an said with a dark face, "Why?"

The orange cat chuckled and said, "Because you're young enough, and because you have a relationship with Li Miaozhen. If someone else had forcibly intervened, the elders of the Heavenly Sect might not have intervened, but they would have ordered Li Miaozhen to kill the person who stood in their way, and might even have bestowed upon them corresponding Law Treasure and elixirs. There's no doubt about that; the Daoists of the Heavenly Sect are cold-blooded enough."

"Then what can I gain from it?" Xu Qi'an asked.

"Believe me, if Luo Yuheng doesn't die, you will receive an unimaginable gift in the future. That's one of the reasons I asked you for help," the orange cat said leisurely.

"That bastard is making empty promises again," Xu Qi'an pondered for a moment, then said, "I need to think about it."

The orange cat nodded, full of patience.

Xu Qi'an sat at the stone table, pondering the pros and cons of participating in this matter.

First, rule out bounced checks (gifts that are hard to imagine).

The fight between Chu Yuanzhen and Li Miaozhen was not a friendly exchange, but a life-or-death struggle carrying the mission of their sect. Especially for Chu Yuanzhen, although he was not a true disciple of the Human Sect, his Swordsmanship came from the Human Sect. He had to repay this debt of gratitude, so he would do everything in his power to gain the upper hand for Luo Yuheng by three moves.

Li Miaozhen is meticulous in her work, making it almost impossible for her to go easy on anyone in the battle between Celestial Person and Man. This is not only due to her personality but also because it involves the reputation of the Heavenly Sect.

The best solution is one win and one loss, resulting in mutual destruction. The worst outcome might be one death and one injury?

If I could stop this battle between the Celestial Person and the mortal, this situation could be avoided.

But I am only a sixth-rank martial artist, while the true combat strength of the two outstanding disciples is that of a fourth-rank martial artist. Well, having been nourished by the Essence Blood of the monk Shenshu, my Vajra Divine Skill has long surpassed the normal level.

In terms of combat strength, I may be stronger than a sixth-rank martial artist, but I am definitely no match for a fourth-rank or even fifth-rank martial artist. However, in terms of defense, even a fourth-rank martial artist is probably not as good as me.

Master Jinlian's certainty that I could help suggests she has seen through my true nature. Did she discern something amiss when I fought Li Miaozhen that day?

"Daoist Master, I understand what you mean. Chu Yuanzhen and Li Miaozhen are both members of the Heaven and Earth Society, but due to the sect's orders, they will not hold back. It is something that no one wants to see if there are casualties among them." Xu Qi'an sighed.

The orange cat smiled contentedly and nodded, just like an adult who had successfully fooled a child.

"As for the elders of the Heavenly Sect's dislike, I believe it's not a big problem. Daoist Master, you wouldn't harm me," Xu Qi'an said.

The orange cat nodded again with a smile.

"Therefore, I refuse," Xu Qi'an concluded.

The orange cat's smile froze instantly.

"Why?" the orange cat asked urgently, "Xu Qi'an, mutual help is the tenet of the Heaven and Earth Society."

"When there's trouble, it's Master Xu Qi'an. You're such a pragmatic cat." Xu Qi'an recounted his painful experience. "Last time we went to find Lina, we almost died underground. We didn't get any benefits, and we almost lost our lives."

"You absorbed the fortune within the jade seal." The orange cat raised its front paw and patted the table.

"And what about this time? What can I gain this time?" Xu Qi'an sighed, "Daoist, you must know that my reputation is hard-earned. The people of the capital admire me and regard me as a hero of the Great Feng."

"Chu Yuanzhen and Li Miaozhen's cultivation levels far surpass mine. If you send me to get beaten up, it will damage my reputation as a lone warrior who single-handedly fought thousands of rebels. It will also damage my reputation for defeating the Buddhist School."

The orange cat sighed, "What do you want?"

Xu Qi'an revealed an innocent smile, "Two requests. First, I want a treasure. I haven't decided what it is yet, just consider it something you owe me. But if I ask you for it again later, you can't go back on your word."

The orange cat pondered for a moment, then nodded. "But you can't ask for too much. Sigh, what's the second request?"

Xu Qi'an straightened his expression and said, "I want a Green Pill."

"!!!"

The orange cat raised its paw and slammed it on the table three times, shouting, "That's impossible! Like the Rebirth Pill, only three Green Elixir can be refined in sixty years. The Rebirth Pill's ingredients are hard to find, while the Green Elixir's refining process is complex and the ingredients are expensive. In terms of cost, it's several times that of the Rebirth Pill."

This kid doesn't even consider that if he, Jinlian, possessed a treasure like the Azure Elixir, would he have needed to send him to Lingbao Temple to beg Luo Yuheng for the elixir in the first place?

The Earth Clan lacks nothing except money.

Xu Qi'an rubbed his hands together and smiled warmly, "Daoist Master, that's too formal. We're from the same organization. Do you think I'd ask you for an exorbitant amount?"

"You may not have the Azure Elixir, but the Human Sect does. Who in the Daoist School doesn't know that the Human Sect is a powerful and wealthy sect?"

The orange cat hesitated for a long time before finally saying, "I'll give it a try and get back to you before dusk."

Xu Qi'an nodded quickly. "No rush, tomorrow is fine too. The battle between Celestial Person and man is in three days."

The orange cat ignored him, darted into the flowerbed, and disappeared.

"That old fox, Daoist Jinlian, always likes to take advantage of the younger generation. It's even worse than freeloading," Xu Qi'an grumbled.

The so-called Qingdan is a kind of elixir that cleanses the marrow and strengthens the bones and muscles. These eight characters have been used to death, and those who sell miracle cures in the martial arts world disdain to use these eight characters to describe their medicine.

However, the cleansing and strengthening effects of Qingdan are different from those in the usual sense. It can make the defensive power of a sixth-grade martial artist with the Bronze Skin and Iron Bones Realm increase by leaps and bounds.

"My Vajra Divine Skill has reached a bottleneck. There's still a small amount of Shenshu Monk's Essence Blood left, but I can't seem to utilize it. If it just stays in my body, it'll be a waste."

Xu Qi'an specifically sought advice from Wei Yuan, asking how to rapidly improve his Vajra Divine Skill in a short period. Wei Yuan pointed him to two paths: practical combat experience and the Green Elixir.

"I was struggling with how to achieve a minor mastery of the Vajra Divine Skill. Today, when the Orange Cat Daoist asked for my help, it suddenly opened my eyes."

"Looking at it from another angle, could it be related to my powerful luck? I need a breakthrough, I need the Azure Elixir and a life-or-death struggle, and Li Miaozhen just happened to come to the capital to fulfill the covenant between Celestial Person."

What method?

Emperor Yuanjing's eyes brightened slightly as he gazed at the stunningly beautiful woman floating in the pond.

Luo Yuheng parted her red lips slightly, her voice both cool and alluring, "Simply send someone to stop this battle between Celestial Person and humans. They must be of the same generation and not afraid of retaliation from the Heavenly Sect."

Emperor Yuanjing frowned and pondered, "If we intervene forcefully, the Heavenly Sect will surely send someone to demand an explanation. Perhaps we can intervene through a bet."

Luo Yuheng nodded, then shook his head, and said softly, "Once the bet is made, it will last until death. The price is too high. Your Majesty need not sacrifice a young genius for this matter."

This is tantamount to dragging oneself into the conflict between Celestial Person. What was originally an agreement between the Heavenly Sect and the Human Sect has now become a three-way agreement.

The struggle between the Heavenly Sect and the Human Sect has its reasons, and they will follow the rules. But this person who forcibly intervened is a troublesome figure in the eyes of the Heavenly Sect.

The Heavenly Sect's reaction will be one of two things: First, order Li Miaozhen to finish the battle quickly, in which case the Heavenly Sect will provide some degree of "assistance".

Second, the elders of the sect come over directly and slap the troublemaker to death.

There is no possibility of escaping unscathed here. If you want to break the agreement and withdraw from the duel, you will not achieve your goal. The battle between the Celestial Person and humans will proceed as scheduled, only delayed by a few days.

Secondly, the Daoist priests of the Heavenly Sect might not agree. In the end, they would still slap the guy who broke the contract to death, and do so openly and with good reason.

Emperor Yuanjing ignored him, shifting his gaze from Luo Yuheng's face to the direction of the Bureau of Astronomy, and said:

"Therefore, Yang Qianhuan of the Bureau of Astronomy is the best candidate. He is not afraid of the Heavenly Sect's retaliation and has sufficient ability to deal with Chu Yuanzhen and Li Miaozhen."

Luo Yuheng nodded slightly. Emperor Yuanjing was right. Yang Qianhuan was the best candidate. No one was more suitable than him.

"I will immediately send someone to discuss this with the Supervisor."

Emperor Yuanjing beckoned to the old eunuch who was waiting outside the courtyard and instructed him to go to the Bureau of Astronomy to fetch someone.

Two incense sticks' worth of time later, the guard sent out by the old eunuch returned and reported back that the supervisor replied: Yang Qianhuan has been suppressed underground in the Star-Gazing Tower. Your Majesty is requested to select another virtuous and capable person.

This result was within the expectations of Emperor Yuanjing and Luo Yuheng, but they were still somewhat disappointed.

"The supervisor only ever does what is 'ruled out,' and there is no room for sentimentality." Emperor Yuanjing shook his head, his tone quite helpless.

The supervisor did everything that was required to be done, and even the emperor himself couldn't dictate what wasn't his duty.

"I'll think of another way," Emperor Yuanjing said, then turned and returned to the palace.

After Emperor Yuanjing left, Luo Yuheng sighed softly.

Back at the palace, Emperor Yuanjing sat in his study for a quarter of an hour, then picked up a pen and wrote down a list, saying, "Grand Master, summon the people on this list to the palace."

Led by a eunuch, Nangong Qianrou crossed the square and entered the Imperial Study.

He glanced around and saw two young men in light armor standing on the scarlet carpet; there was no one else.

Nangong Qianrou knew these two people; they both served in the Imperial Guard. One came from a noble Aristocratic Clan, while the other was a commoner martial artist who rose to prominence.

The two men looked surprised when they saw Nangong Qianrou.

Nangong Qianrou had no connection with them and, being naturally gloomy and aloof, did not greet them, standing silently to the side.

Before long, Emperor Yuanjing entered, scrutinizing the three men as he walked. Finally, he stopped in front of them and said in a deep voice, "Do you know why I summoned the three of you to the palace?"

Nangong Qianrou ignored him. The martial artist from humble origins bowed slightly, while the young man from a noble Aristocratic Clan clasped his hands in greeting. "Please give your instructions, Your Majesty."

Emperor Yuanjing nodded and slowly said, "The battle between Celestial Person and Man will begin in three days. I hope you can intervene to stop it."

He explained the pros and cons of the matter to the three men, and then asked, "Which of you is willing? Regardless of the final outcome, you will be promoted one rank."

These three are the youngest fourth-rank martial artists in the capital, and also fourth-rank martial artists belonging to the imperial court.

Fourth-rank martial artists are rare outside. In the thirteen states of Great Feng, there are only a handful of fourth-rank martial artists in each state. However, as the power center of Great Feng, the capital city has a much larger number of fourth-rank experts than one might imagine.

However, there is only one third-rank martial artist, the Prince of Zhenbei. A third-rank martial artist who can regenerate severed limbs has transcended the realm of mortals and is worlds apart from a fourth-rank martial artist.

Nangong Qianrou remained expressionless.

The martial artist from humble origins had a barely concealed glint of anger in his eyes. The martial artist from a noble family, however, was filled with apprehension and caution.

Emperor Yuanjing said in a deep voice, "Promote his official rank by two levels."

The anger in the eyes of the commoner martial artist burned even brighter, while the martial artist from a noble family was somewhat tempted, but ultimately shook his head and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, please forgive me, this humble servant is incompetent and cannot fulfill this duty."

The grassroots martial artist followed suit, clasping his hands in a fist salute. "This humble servant is unfit for the task."

Emperor Yuanjing nodded calmly and said, "You two may leave. Nangong Qianrou, please stay."

The two breathed a sigh of relief and left the imperial study.

Emperor Yuanjing walked back to his throne, waited for a dozen breaths, and then said, "Of the two of them, one is dissatisfied with me for standing up for the Human Sect, which ultimately means he is dissatisfied with my cultivation of Tao."

"The other person cherishes their life; they are already wealthy and powerful and do not want to get involved in the conflict between the two sects of Daoist School."

Nangong Qianrou looked directly at Emperor Yuanjing. "Your Majesty, are you keeping me here because you think I'll make a move?"

Emperor Yuanjing nodded. "Nangong Qianrou, I know your identity, and I know what you want."

Nangong Qianrou's pupils contracted suddenly, then quickly returned to normal.

Emperor Yuanjing stared at him. "If you can settle this matter for me, I can lend you 20,000 elite troops."

Nangong Qianrou's expression wavered, seemingly very tempted, but in the end he chose to refuse, shaking his head and saying, "Your Majesty, I promised Duke Wei. I will not leave him until he returns my name."

"Furthermore, I am not afraid of either Li Miaozhen or Chu Yuanzhen. But if the two of them join forces, I am powerless. And in order to carry out the Celestial Person Pact as scheduled, they will definitely join forces first to kick outsiders out of the game. Non-Self am unwilling, but that I am not capable enough."

Emperor Yuanjing did not insist and simply waved his hand.

Nangong Qianrou clasped her hands in a fist salute and left the Imperial Study.

Emperor Yuanjing, his face grim, ordered, "Tell the Imperial Advisor that I am powerless to help; let her take care of herself."

Such a stubborn woman would rather face the battle between Celestial Person and man than cultivate with him. Since that's the case, then go and fight the leader of the Heavenly Sect.

Lingbao Temple.

The young eunuch bowed and said in a soft voice, "Grand Preceptor, even His Majesty is powerless. In the capital, none of the young fourth-rank masters are willing to get involved in the battle between Celestial Person and man."

"As you know, His Majesty cannot force them."

Luo Yuheng did not open his eyes, and said calmly, "I understand."

The eunuch dared not linger, bowed, and left quickly.

A quarter of an hour later, a slender orange cat appeared on the courtyard wall, its amber vertical pupils staring intently at the woman on the pond.

"Junior Sister!"

Luo Yuheng didn't look up, her tone slightly disdainful. "What are you doing here?"

The orange cat hesitated for a moment, then asked in a consultative tone, "I have a question. Does the Human Sect possess any Azure Pills? These pills are incredibly difficult to refine and are priceless."

Luo Yuheng frowned and interrupted, "Since you know this elixir is rare, why ask? What do you, a mere leader of the Earth Sect, need a Green Elixir for?"

The orange cat was a little embarrassed. "In my junior sister's eyes, am I just a poor relative who eats and takes from others? I have no need for the Green Elixir; I'm here to ask for it on behalf of someone else."

Luo Yuheng scoffed and said sarcastically, "You're not a poor relative, you're a shameless, stinking Daoist priest. My father once refined a batch of green pills, two of which were taken by Emperor Yuanjing, and I have the last one."

"But this pill is both difficult to refine and precious, so I will not give it to you unless you exchange it for a fragment of the Earth Book."

"How could I possibly give you the fragments of the Earth Book? Your Human Sect doesn't even know how to use them," the orange cat thought to itself, then said regretfully, "Never mind. I originally found a helper for my junior sister, someone who could delay the battle between Celestial Person and Man. The other party only had one requirement: the Azure Pill. Since my junior sister doesn't agree, then I have no choice but to decline."

Luo Yuheng suddenly stood up and shouted, "Come back!"

With a domineering reach, she snatched the orange cat from the wall and tossed it onto the artificial hill by the pond. Her beautiful eyes fixed intently on it, and she pressed on with rapid-fire questions:

"Who is the other party? How confident are you? Do you know that once you get involved in the battle between the Celestial Person and humans, it's difficult to extricate yourself?"

As she spoke, she stared intently at the orange cat, her gaze focused and eager.

"You're not unfamiliar with him, you've even considered cultivating with him," the orange cat said leisurely, licking its ruffled fur.

The light in Luo Yuheng's eyes dimmed, and he said angrily, "He is only a sixth-rank martial artist. Even with the blessing of the Buddhist School Vajra Divine Skill, he can only have a combat strength of a fifth-rank at most."

"And Chu Yuanzhen and Li Miaozhen are not ordinary fourth-rank officials."

The orange cat spoke slowly and calmly, "Don't be angry. Xu Qi'an's Vajra Divine Skill is beyond the reach of ordinary martial artists. I even suspect that the physical body of a fourth-rank martial artist might not be stronger than his."

Luo Yuheng sneered, "You doubt me?"

The orange cat nodded. "Because Li Miaozhen's full-force sword strike failed to harm him in the slightest."

Luo Yuheng was stunned, finding it utterly absurd, and asked in a questioning tone, "Li Miaozhen's full-force sword strike couldn't even harm him in the slightest?"

The orange cat nodded.

Luo Yuheng was utterly astonished.

Haoqi Tower.

After listening to Nangong Qianrou's report, Wei Yuan nodded approvingly. "You handled it well. Participating in the conflict between Celestial Person is more harmful than beneficial. It was originally a dispute within the Daoist School; outsiders forcibly interfering is just asking for trouble."

Yang Yan hummed in agreement and said, "The Human Sect's Swordsmanship is unparalleled, and the Heavenly Sect's Daoist techniques are unpredictable. In a one-on-one fight, Qian Rou fears no one, but against two opponents, she will undoubtedly be defeated."

Nangong Qianrou said calmly, "In the capital, there is no fourth-rank cultivator who can handle two people at the same time. Yang Qianhuan's teleportation array might make him invincible, but once they start fighting, he won't last more than ten moves."

Combat is not Warlock's forte.

Wei Yuan said, "You Golden Gongs should all go and watch the battle between Celestial Person and Man three days from now, to broaden your horizons. High-level battles Daoist School are rare."

At dusk, Xu Qi'an heard a high-pitched meow. Following the sound, he saw an orange cat perched on a tree branch in a secluded corner.

The orange cat held a porcelain bottle in its mouth, gently opened its mouth, and let it land in Xu Qi'an's palm.

"Boo"

I uncorked the cork, brought it to my nose, and indescribable fragrance filled my nostrils.

"Luo Yuheng said, 'As long as you give it your all, whether you succeed or fail, Qingdan is yours.'" the orange cat said.

With it, and the battle three days from now, my invincible body will surely be even stronger. It will also prevent Number Two and Number Four from suffering heavy losses together—a double victory. Xu Qi'an's face lit up with joy, and he sighed, "The Imperial Advisor is truly a wealthy man."

Auntie, I don't want to work hard anymore.

The orange cat stood on a branch, looking down at Xu Qi'an, and said, "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. Chu Yuanzhen and Li Miaozhen are both experts. I think you need to know some information."

That's what I was thinking too. I also wanted to try and gather information from Li Miaozhen later. Xu Qi'an said, "Please speak, Daoist Master."

"You are somewhat familiar with the Swordsmanship of the Human Sect, and you have also mastered Chu Yuanzhen's self-created Sword Cultivation Intent, so I have nothing to say about him. The main issue is Li Miaozhen; you know nothing about the Daoist methods of the Heavenly Sect."

"Investigate things to acquire knowledge," Xu Qi'an said.

"Investigating things to gain knowledge. Ah, that's a very apt description." The orange cat coughed and continued, "Li Miaozhen is also skilled in flying swords. This is a seventh-grade Daoist School technique, a divine ability brought about by absorbing Qi."

"A fifth- Daoist School Golden Core elixir can dispel all illusions and is undaunted by the turbidity of the world. Your Buddhist School lion's roar is ineffective against Li Miaozhen."

Xu Qi'an nodded.

"In addition, there are Thunder Method and five elemental Law Technique. These Law Technique require the right timing and location. The final battle will take place on the Wei River, so be careful of water Law Technique." The orange cat finished speaking with a solemn expression.

"The core Law Technique of the Heavenly Sect is the Celestial Person. Its materialization ability is to endow all things in the world with spirituality, establish a connection with them, and make them obey its commands. In short, your knife may not be your knife, and your belt may strangle you with all its might."

"The stone at your feet may suddenly jump up and hit your knee."

"Your hand might suddenly rise up and slap you."

Holy crap, are the Heavenly Law Technique really that powerful? Is this what they mean by. "There's no such thing as loyalty in this world, it's just because you haven't met me yet?" In my eyes, everything is a traitor?

Xu Qi'an was taken aback and filled with envy for the Tianzong's flashy methods.

After bidding farewell to Daoist Jinlian, he immediately returned to his room, swallowed the green pill, and refined its medicinal power.

The three days passed in the blink of an eye. As dawn broke, Chu Yuanzhen woke up, dressed himself in an orderly fashion, slung his sword over his shoulder, and helped his old classmate cover himself with the blanket.

Yesterday, the two drank heavily, and his friend's words implied that he was going easy on him.

Chu Yuanzhen actually knew that the struggle between Celestial Person and Man was a great opportunity for many people in the court to eliminate the "Human Sect".

Many people believe that once the Human Clan is gone, His Majesty will be more diligent in governing and will no longer pursue the elusive pursuit of immortality.

"You don't understand. I saw it ten years ago: even without the Human Sect, there would be other Daoists, other imperial advisors. Even if none of that exists, Emperor Yuanjing will still cultivate Daoism. He craves immortality, and no one can stop him."

Chu Yuanzhen shook his head and left the room.

Upon leaving the mansion, he saw Hengyuan, tall and imposing, standing by the street in the dark night.

"It was Lord Xu who brought me in; this humble monk will go with you." Hengyuan clasped his hands together.

Chu Yuanzhen nodded silently and walked side by side with Hengyuan. After walking for a while, he turned his head, looked at the middle-aged monk, and asked, "What do you want to say?"

Hengyuan's gaze shifted to the sword on Chu Yuanzhen's back, and he said in a low voice, "This humble monk wishes to request that you not draw this sword."

Chu Yuanzhen did not agree.

"This is disrespectful to both the Heavenly Sect and Li Miaozhen," he said.

Hengyuan looked sad.

At the imperial palace, a line of imperial guards escorted two luxurious carriages out of the palace, through the imperial city, and towards the outskirts of the city.

Lin'an lifted the curtain of his carriage. The streets were sparsely populated, and the breakfast stalls were steaming, with wafts of delicious aromas wafting into Lin'an's nostrils.

She couldn't help but feel the urge to try a commoner's breakfast.

Huaiqing was sitting in the carriage in front. She had gotten out of the palace this time thanks to Huaiqing. In the entire palace, only the Crown Prince and Huaiqing could freely enter and leave the capital without any hindrance.

None of the other princes and princesses had this qualification.

Lin'an loved watching excitement and didn't want to miss the battle between the Celestial Person and humans. She originally planned to have her servant secretly take her out of the city, where she would disguise herself as an ordinary young wife and go with him to the Wei River to watch the spectacle.

Who knew that the lackey would treat her like a football and kick her to Huaiqing.

Fortunately, Huaiqing was quite righteous and was willing to take her out of the city.

"Hmph, just wait and see how I deal with those lackeys," Lin An thought angrily.

I don't know where he went.

The Prince of Huai's Residence.

The entire palace guards were mobilized, surrounding the luxurious carriage made of golden nanmu wood, as it drove away from the imperial city.

The Xu Residence.

Xu Xinnian woke up early, led his horse, and rode along the street. At the corner, he saw a luxurious carriage parked by the roadside.

A dozen or so guards stood watch on both sides.

The carriage curtain was lifted, revealing Miss Wang's beautiful face, who smiled and said, "Lord Xu, please come in and have some tea."

Having passed the imperial examination, Xu Xinnian is now a probationary official in the Hanlin Academy, no longer a commoner.

This year's top team was particularly lackluster, its limelight completely stolen by the battle between the Celestial Person.

Even the people of the capital city shifted their attention to the disputes within the Daoist School. They heard that the battle between Celestial Person and Man occurred once every sixty years, and many people could only witness it once in their lifetime. Upon reflection, they realized that the imperial examinations were held every three years, making the relative importance of the two events quite clear.

Taking the opportunity, Miss Wang invited Xu Xinnian to watch the battle between Celestial Person and man together, and this time Xu Xinnian did not refuse.

Miss Wang was overjoyed.

After Xu Xinnian got into the carriage, she hurriedly instructed the maid to pour water and said with a smile, "I heard from my father that the disciples of the Celestial Person and Human Sects are all extraordinary masters."

She thought for a moment and made a comparison, "It's no less impressive than the gong of the Nightwatchers's office. I've also heard that the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Sect is as beautiful as a flower, a stunning beauty that could topple kingdoms."

Xu Xinnian nodded calmly.

His overly indifferent attitude discouraged Miss Wang, who tentatively asked, "Is Cijiu not interested in the struggle between Celestial Person and man?"

Without a word, Cijiu and called forth new ones.

Xu Erlang shook his head and said, "I know who the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Sect is. She has been staying at my residence since she came to the capital."

Miss Wang was stunned, her eyes widening. "Don't joke, Cijiu! How could the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Sect be in your residence? You... you and she are old acquaintances?"

The Heavenly Sect is a renowned sect in the martial arts world. Given the Xu Residence's status, it's impossible for them to "climb the social ladder" to the Heavenly Sect's Holy Maiden.

P. S.: Here's a long chapter. Please help me fix any bugs. Thank you.