My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult-Chapter 374 - 274 The Yongan Human Emperor Treads the

Chapter 374: Chapter 274: The Yong’an Human Emperor Treads the Path of Kings

Chapter 374: Chapter 274: The Yong’an Human Emperor Treads the Path of Kings

On the outskirts of Yujing City, within an opulent manor.

A bright moon hung high in the sky, its pristine light sprinkling across the earth like a layer of silver powder.

Guards were stationed outside the main hall, forming an impenetrable shield; they were all clad in black and adept in the martial arts, their nimble footsteps revealing their first-rate status in Jianghu. Yet inside the hall, lights blazed, and toasts were exchanged freely.

Chang Ning sat at the head and muttered to himself, “Who exactly is this mysterious expert who even my Heavenly Slaughter Divine Palace has been unable to identify?”

Liu Moyuan snorted silently; he held a certain disdain for Chang Ning’s arrogant words.

If it weren’t for the fact that the various countries are currently embroiled in war, would a trifling force like the Heavenly Slaughter Divine Palace dare to show off in the ancestral lands?

They just wanted to fish in troubled waters.

The Sword Demon, however, remarked with a sigh, “It’s been hundreds of years since a master of the Land Immortal Realm has emerged, and now we have encountered two or three consecutively, quite unexpected indeed.”

The last Great Grandmaster before was the Grand Ancestor of the Great Yan Dynasty.

Now, the Great Grandmasters are emerging one after another. Aside from Zhao Zhiwu, Xi Hafu, and the mysterious expert who showed up today, there is also the enigmatic one who fought with Zhao Zhiwu.

How deep are the waters of this world?

Legends like us from an era of Jianghu’s martial myths might drown in the unfathomable depths of this Jianghu.

And those who tout themselves as experts of Jianghu, in the eyes of true masters, how are they any different from common folk?

“Let’s not discuss that Great Grandmaster for now; the Dragon Locking Well and the Ghost Swordsman are of the utmost importance.”

Chang Ning stood up and analytically stated, “If we want to take control of the Dragon Locking Well, the first we must deal with is the Ghost Swordsman, the mainstay of Great Yan, followed by the State Preceptor Xiao Qianqiu. Once we eliminate these two, the Dragon Locking Well will be ours for the taking.”

“Once we enter the Dragon Locking Well, we will not only obtain the Earth Vein Spirit within, releasing nature’s spiritual energy and removing the shackles of this world, but our breakthrough to the Great Grandmaster realm will also be as easy as flipping a hand. We may even take this opportunity to glimpse the realm above the Great Grandmaster.”

Towards the end of his speech, excitement shone in Chang Ning’s eyes.

Compared to Chang Ning, the Sword Demon and the Sword God were much more composed.

Firstly, the Earth Vein Spirit is currently imprisoned within the Dragon Locking Well. If the secrets above the Great Grandmaster realm were easily accessible, they would have been unveiled long ago, so why wait for them?

Secondly, nature’s spiritual energy contains noxious breath; if they released the Earth Vein Spirit, this evil aura would also pervade the world. It might hasten the advancement of cultivation, but it also seems to bring some negative effects. In recent months, many martial artists with lower cultivation have been affected. If the noxious breath fully permeates the world, wouldn’t they too become its victims?

Lastly, and most importantly, there are countless experts watching the Dragon Locking Well right now. If they had the opportunity, they would have already made their move. Why would they keep waiting?

Clearly, there were some unknown tricks involved.

Sword Demon said, “The Ghost Swordsman’s strength is among the very top of the current age, with very few capable of exchanging blows with him. Killing him is probably very difficult.”

“In my view, the experts of this world can also be divided into different tiers.”

Liu Moyuan also said indifferently, “The Great Grandmaster who severely injured Zhao Zhiwu is ranked first in strength, so his power should be the greatest, Xi Hafu is ranked second, while Zongzheng Huachun and the Ghost Swordsman are ranked third and fourth. Even if a mysterious Great Grandmaster appeared today, the Ghost Swordsman would still be ranked within the top five of the world, and that’s including the Land Immortal experts.”

The Jianghu of the world is ever-changing, but in everyone’s heart, there is a ruler recording the current top experts of the Jianghu, with the very pinnacle naturally being the Five Qi and Great Grandmasters.

In anyone’s view, the Ghost Swordsman is undoubtedly one of the top experts of the age. The difficulty in killing a top expert of this era is something that two top swordsmen would naturally be very clear about. Unless a higher-ranked expert makes a move, there might be an opportunity to slay him; otherwise, there is virtually no chance at all.

This was merely an opportunity, and if the Ghost Swordsman had other helpers or decided to flee the battle, it would undoubtedly be even more difficult.

Chang Ning said slowly, “The Ghost Swordsman’s duel with that mysterious master has undoubtedly resulted in some internal injuries, regardless of his strength. This is an opportunity that comes once in a thousand years.”

Sword Demon pondered for a moment, then asked, “What do you plan to do?”

Liu Moyuan also nodded slightly, acknowledging that the Ghost Swordsman, having battled a Great Grandmaster, was definitely not in his best condition; indeed, now was the optimal time.

Chang Ning’s eyes flashed with a hint of sharpness as he said, “My senior brother Mo Chen will arrive in Yujing City in a few days. Then, we can lure the snake out of the hole. As long as this Ghost Swordsman has not broken through to become a Great Grandmaster, then he is undoubtedly doomed.”

Sword Demon’s heart trembled, for he had lived in Guishuang and had naturally heard of its top experts.

This Mo Chen was a top-notch Swordsman of Guishuang, the Alliance Hierarch of the Heavenly Blade Alliance, whose cultivation was at the peak of the Five Qi Grandmaster. In Guishuang, he was a legend among legends, known as the strongest Swordsman of the past five hundred years.

Due to the barrier of the Western Pure Land, this so-called strongest Swordsman of Guishuang over the past five-hundred years had never crossed swords with the Sword God of Zhao Country, so it was still uncertain whether he was truly the world’s strongest Swordsman. However, Sword Demon knew his strength was genuine and incredibly formidable, possibly even exceeding that of Qi Xuan Dao.

There was a place known as the One-Line Embankment in Guishuang, which Mo Chen had created with a single slice of his sword, severing the embankment and creating a spectacular sight that attracted countless people from the Jianghu to stop and observe annually.

Moreover, in Guishuang, this Swordsman was surrounded by many legends, all of which reinforced that this person was definitely not of mediocre caliber. Now, with Chang Ning and Mo Chen, two Five Qi Grandmasters, as well as themselves, the top Four Qi Grandmasters Swordsmen, there was indeed a great chance of capturing the Ghost Swordsman.

Chang Ning looked at the two and said, “As long as we kill the Ghost Swordsman, the Dulu Sword will become ownerless, and Brother Hao could also retrieve his Blood Tears Sword.”

“What do the two of you think of this plan?”

Sword Demon took a deep breath and gave a slight nod.

Liu Moyuan, on the other hand, did not speak, his expression always as indifferent as water.

However, after spending some time together, Chang Ning also came to understand this proud and lofty Sword God.

Throughout history, very few Swordsmen have been able to cultivate the Holy Dao Sword to the Sixth Realm. If not for the Ghost Swordsman’s emergence out of nowhere, he would have likely become the world’s first Swordsman. If his cultivation reaches the Five Qi and he wields the Dulu Sword, even amongst the Five Qi Grandmasters, he would be among the very peak. In fact, he previously had a great chance of becoming the number one in the world.

This kind of person, having their own pride is only normal.

Without saying a word, he already implied his agreement.

……

Houjin, Royal Court.

One does not realize that summer has passed until the clear skies break with a rain, announcing the depth of autumn.

As the end of summer hadn’t yet passed, the autumn slaughter had already arrived; leaves fluttered down from branches, flocks of geese flew southward in V formation, fields of mature sorghum waved like the endless twilight glow, and golden chrysanthemums blossomed even more brilliantly amidst the autumn days.

At this moment, with the sun setting in the west, the evening glow painted layers of red rouge upon the vast grasslands.

Compared to the past in Houjin, the hearts of its people were now clouded with a dismal shade of sorrow.

The entire northern expedition army of Houjin was annihilated, and the North Field also fell into the hands of Great Yan. Furthermore, just previously, the elites of Great Yan’s Pingyang Guard and the masters of Outer Heaven had almost breached the Royal Court of Houjin, nearly storming inside.

It must be known that a year ago, Houjin was a powerful nation, even boldly declaring their intent to journey south with their cavalry, coveting the territories of Great Yan. Yet now, they were trapped inside their Royal Court, hearts pounding with terror.

Reflecting upon it, what irony this was.

In a quiet and elegant separate courtyard.

The architectural style of Houjin blended the traits of other countries but with strict hierarchies and tedious rules. Yet, the decorations of this courtyard alone spoke of its extraordinary nature, facing a banquet room adorned with vermillion lacquer, carved red sandalwood, and soaring roof figures.

In front of the courtyard lay a sky-well and behind, a garden; east and west wings with upper floors, a garden featuring a clear pool overgrown with upright lotuses that revealed their roots, teeming with countless red carps swimming leisurely.

This moment, at the cusp of early autumn, saw yellow leaves scatter amidst the green tiles and red walls, blanketing the bluestone floor tiles beneath the eaves.

A delicate and beautiful woman was standing by the pool, holding a small porcelain bowl, scattering feed into the water to entice the joyful carps to swim around.

This woman was none other than Zongzheng Yue, the most powerful woman in Houjin.

Ever since she was captured by An Jing and released, her spirit had suffered a tremendous blow. Her personality had undergone a great change, becoming more suspicious, more sensitive, and at the same time, more fragile.

Just then, a tall and handsome man walked in.

A maid by Zongzheng Yue’s side quickly lowered her gaze, not daring to look up.

Wanyan Lin bowed to Zongzheng Yue and said, “Princess!”

Zongzheng Yue, upon seeing the visitor, a glint sparked in her eyes, “I’ve said before, there’s no need for formalities.”

Wanyan Lin earnestly replied, “Etiquette is etiquette. I must still adhere to it.”

“You…”

Zongzheng Yue set down the porcelain bowl and asked, “Are the troops guarding the Royal Court all settled now?”

Wanyan Lin, with his head lowered, said, “They are settled.”

A flicker of undetectable brightness passed through his eyes.

Everyone in the world knew that Zongzheng Huachun and the Ghost Swordsman were due for a duel, and this duel was tied to the fate of both Houjin and Great Yan. In particular, if Zongzheng Huachun was defeated, Houjin would fall into a hopeless state.

The current troops guarding the Royal Court were the true elite of Houjin, the final card up its sleeve. Most were elite warriors gathered from various tribes, so it was crucial for Zongzheng Yue to keep them under her control, and currently, the person she trusted most was none other than Wanyan Lin before her.

“That’s good,” Zongzheng Yue sighed, a trace of worry appearing in her eyes, “The Ghost Swordsman’s strength is profound and unpredictable. It’s said that he killed the Evil King in Yujing City, defeated Xiao Qianqiu, and has likely made further advancements. I fear that unless my father breaks through his limits to reach Great Grandmaster status, he might not be able to defeat the Ghost Swordsman.”

Although Zongzheng Huachun had been a top Five Qi Grandmaster and had even infused a strand of the Earth Vein Spirit’s consciousness into himself, ranking among the rare experts in the world, it was generally acknowledged that barring a Great Grandmaster stepping in, his presence was virtually invincible.

Yet, Zongzheng Yue still felt uneasy at heart.

The truth was that the Ghost Swordsman’s record was too stunning, too formidable. Each and every Five Qi Grandmaster he encountered, without exception, died or was defeated at his hands.

The prominence of this invincible Sword Immortal was astounding.

Under such circumstances, who could ensure Zongzheng Huachun’s victory?

Houjin couldn’t afford the consequences of Zongzheng Huachun’s defeat.

Wanyan Lin said, “Princess, you needn’t worry too much. Perhaps the Holy Master will break through to Great Grandmaster, and then Houjin might turn its fortunes around.”

Zongzheng Yue sighed, “Breaking through to Great Grandmaster is too hard. I don’t know if my father can achieve it.”

Even though Zongzheng Huachun had integrated a strand of the Earth Vein Spirit’s consciousness, making his breakthrough to Great Grandmaster considerably easier, becoming a Great Grandmaster was still not something easily attained.

“The Holy Master is an exceptional prodigy and has merged with a strand of the Earth Vein Spirit’s consciousness. He definitely has the strength to break through to Great Grandmaster,” Wanyan Lin said. As he spoke, it seemed he thought of something, “Princess, didn’t you say that the Holy Master has a mysterious teacher?”

Zongzheng Yue shook her head, “I’m afraid that teacher won’t be coming this time, and that’s precisely why I’m so worried.”

Upon hearing this, a glint flickered in Wanyan Lin’s eyes, then he lowered his gaze to the fat carps in the pool.

Zongzheng Yue stepped forward, gently took Wanyan Lin’s hand, and said, “Fortunately, you are here. Have you exhausted yourself during this time?”

“Princess, why speak such words between you and me?”

Wanyan Lin seized the opportunity to hold Zongzheng Yue’s hand, his eyes brimming with affection, “Wanyan Lin is willing to go through fire and water for the princess, without a hint of complaint.”

Zongzheng Yue felt a warmth in her heart upon hearing this, then gently embraced Wanyan Lin, “Do you know? In the barren land of my heart, you are the last blooming snow lotus.”

Her voice was very soft, rarely carrying a touch of tenderness.

Zongzheng Yue had always appeared overbearing, fierce, and even somewhat willful. She seemed even more like a man of the steppes than Zongzheng Yuan.

The Zongzheng Yue of this moment showed an entirely different demeanor than usual, the demeanor of a demure young woman, one that evoked a sense of tenderness.

It seemed she had completely sunk into Wanyan Lin’s embrace.

Wanyan Lin also hugged Zongzheng Yue tightly, whispering, “Me too.”

The moonlight was like water, the two of them held each other closely, silently basking in the gentle moonlight that fell upon them, with only the evening breeze knowing their secret.

……..

Mao hour, the sky had not yet fully brightened, only the east revealed a pale dawn.

Gradually, that pale dawn spread inch by inch, turning the deep blue sky to a light blue, and the light blue sky slowly turned to pale pink. After a while, the glow of sunrise appeared, thin as tufts of cotton scattered across the sky.

Inside the Imperial City, drums and music sounded together in a grand symphony.

Today was the day the new emperor of Great Yan would ascend to the throne.

The coronation was exceptionally complicated. First, led by the Minister of Rites, the officials would offer sacrifices to heaven and earth, welcome the gods, ring the bells, present the platters, and slaughter the sacrificial offerings…

Afterward, the new Human Emperor, dressed in Great Yan’s mourning attire, would offer sacrifices in the Temple to the ancestors.

Only after these two steps were completed, could the coronation officially begin.

The Minister of Rites led many officials of the Ministry to the altar and the Temple to inform the spirits and the heroic souls of past Human Emperors that a new sovereign was about to take the throne.

Along the way, the scene was extraordinarily lively; all the common people who heard of this gathered to watch, yet no one dared to speak impertinently.

After the sacrifices, the Ministry officials returned to the Imperial City, with music playing and the majestic sound of bells echoing outside the Golden Throne Hall.

Princess An Le, dressed by the care of gorgeous palace maids, donned the Great Robe Crown.

This ceremonial attire was exceedingly intricate, consisting of the crown, inner robe, great fur, dark robe, and lined skirt. The crown was adorned with golden decorations, with twelve tassels hanging down.

The upper garment was patterned with the sun, moon, stars, mountains, dragons, and mythical creatures. The skirt was embroidered with algae, fire, chalk, ancestral vessels, yellow and more yellow patterns, making a total of twelve emblems, hence it is called the robe with twelve emblems.

It was the ceremonial dress worn by emperors during their enthronement and sacrifices to heaven.

Once dressed neatly, two elder palace maids brought over a bronze mirror as tall as a person, placing it before Princess An Le.

Through that mirror, one could see Princess An Le’s exquisite and touching features, less softness, but more a martial aura.

Additionally, today she wore the robe with twelve emblems and the twelve-tasseled crown, exuding an aura of regal magnificence that was overwhelming.

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The two elder palace maids felt a chill in their hearts upon seeing this. Even though they sometimes joked with Princess An Le on ordinary days, at this moment, they lowered their heads, not daring to breathe too loudly.

Somehow, the Princess An Le they had watched growing up seemed to have transformed.

Soon, the Minister of Rites, Zhu Yongfang, approached the entrance of the Great Hall, and, standing behind the curtain, respectfully said, “Princess, the time has come for the coronation.”

“I know.”

Princess An Le nodded slightly and, escorted by palace maids and eunuchs amidst the grand sound of drums and bells, walked towards the Golden Throne Hall.

Along the way, she saw the path paved with jade stones, the resplendent decorations, and the majestic Dragon Throne.

It seemed many had walked this path, including former Great Yan Emperors, but Zhao Xuening had never seen any of those people. In a trance, she saw the unruly Zhao Mengtai, the cold and violent Zhao Chongyin, Lv Guoyong, the pillar of the nation, Xiao Qianqiu of the grand legacy like a pot of tea, as well as the Demon Sect’s Sect Hierarch Zhao Qingmei, and An Jing, whose image was etched in her mind, lingering night and day.

Innumerable figures flashed through her mind.

Princess An Le walked slowly to the Dragon Throne above the Golden Platform, her palm gently caressing the throne that symbolized supreme power.

Subsequently, civil and military officials, as directed by the Ministry officials, arrived in front of the Golden Throne Hall one after another. Everyone had a solemn expression and dared not speak or laugh.

Afterward, the Grand Secretary Lv Fang presented the edict of ascension, gave it to the Minister of Rites who held the edict at the steps, and then to the ministry officer who placed it on a cloud-shaped tray, delivering it to the hands of the Eunuch Bai Mei.

The Eunuch Bai Mei, in a red python robe, bowed deeply to receive the cloud-shaped tray and read the edict to the officials: “With the sudden passing of the former emperor, who has returned to the Five Elements, I follow the favor of the heavens and the great blessing of the saints, according to the last will of Emperor Taiping, inheriting the lineage and attending to the ancestral temple. The civil and military officials inside and outside, along with the elders, soldiers, and citizens, together offered their earnest entreaty for succession, reiterated thrice, and declination was futile. I prudently announce to heaven and earth at this moment that I ascend as Emperor. Reflecting on the profound trust bestowed, truly mindful of the vigilance needed, our Father Emperor Taiping governed in prosperous harmony, his legacy enduring and auspicious. Now desiring to bring about just rule, it is necessary to innovate upon the old. All matters shall adhere to the former statutes, likewise to revere the predecessor’s will. My modest virtue depends on the counsel of the wise and good to together envision a new governance. Let the next year be the first year of Tianfu. Grant a universal amnesty, and let the people begin anew. Those matters which are appropriate to carry out shall be listed separately. Cherish this edict.”

Eunuch Bai Mei’s voice resonated strongly, reverberating in all directions.

“Long live our Emperor, long live, long live!”

As his voice fell, all officials on both sides knelt down.

Their voices surged like a tide, ringing loud and clear.

Upon the imperial seat, Princess An Le looked upon the moving sea of heads, the kneeling ministers of civil and military affairs, her face devoid of any trace of joy.

She had thought that standing here would be exhilarating, exciting, the very peak of her life, but only today, upon truly standing here, did she realize that another life of hers had just begun.

And at this moment, as she stood there, looking upon the path of her future life, she felt only an endless surge of loneliness.

Her red lips parted slightly as she said, “My loyal subjects, rise.”

From this day forward, she would no longer be Princess An Le, but the Eternal Peace Human Emperor who reigned over all.

…..

Imperial City, Empress’s Bedchamber.

Zuo Linglong, in a long dress, stood in front of the carved balustrade, watching the lively and noisy Golden Throne Hall in the distance.

Above the great hall, the True Dragon Qi was more abundant than during the reign of Zhao Zhiwu.

It seemed that for others, the Great Yan was still surrounded by enemies on all sides, in a state of crisis, but in her view, after its recent transformation from ruin to rebirth, Great Yan might even surpass the prosperity of the Taiping Human Emperor’s era.

And all of this was achieved by her daughter, the Eternal Peace Human Emperor, with Zuo Linglong participating in its orchestration.

Zhao Tianyi slowly approached, “From now on, she is the new Human Emperor of Great Yan.”

“Indeed,” Zuo Linglong replied, still gazing into the distance.

Zhao Tianyi fell silent for a long while before asking, “Your Majesty, may this servant be so bold as to ask when you began preparing for this?”

Behind Zhao Xuening’s back was not only Zhao Zhiwu’s support but also that of the Demon Sect and, of course, unseen assistance from entities like Youfeng Valley and the Zhao Family.

This was an invisible tentacle, and an extremely vast interest group.

Zuo Linglong replied solemnly, “I started when I learned that Zhao Mengtai intended to rebel, for it was bound to fail.”

Zhao Mengtai and the Empress, Zhao Xuening, shared a very close relationship, which, in essence, tied them on the same boat. Initially, Zuo Linglong, without any progeny, naturally lacked the prerequisite to contend for the throne; hence, she planned to place all her bets on Zhao Mengtai. However, upon sensing Zhao Mengtai’s actions, she swiftly distanced herself from him.

Even more, Zuo Linglong secretly passed on her inklings to Zhao Zhiwu, perhaps alerting the Great Yan Emperor to be wary or perhaps due to Zhao Zhiwu’s own investigation into Zhao Mengtai’s ambitions. As to the exact reason, with both having since passed away, it is no longer significant.

With the death of Zhao Zhiwu, neither Zhao Mengtai nor Zhao Chongyin—the two princes locked in years of contention for the throne—secured it, and the ultimate beneficiary turned out to be the unexpected Zhao Xuening.

Such are the wonders and unpredictabilities of the world.

Zhao Tianyi nodded, “Zhao Mengtai was somewhat clever but lacked profound wisdom; his methods were too bold and decisive, with no regard for the consequences, chasing great profit at the risk of his life and ever seeking wealth in peril. With such actions, it was inevitable that he would meet a grave end without a place to bury his remains.”

And his character indeed dictated his life.

Zhao Tianyi bowed and said, “Your Majesty is far-sighted and profoundly strategic; this servant admires you.”

Zuo Linglong turned towards this man who had castrated himself to become an eunuch in the Imperial Palace from a scholarly background and said leisurely, “Much of this is thanks to you, without whom, I believe Zhao Zhiwu would not have easily chosen Xuening.”

In this world, Zhao Zhiwu truly trusted almost no one, yet he had a few confidants, among whom the foremost was the Eunuch Bai Mei, Fan Daoji, a man of clear mind and little desire who shunned fame and fortune and never meddled in matters of State, possibly also why he was esteemed by two Emperors. Next came Xu Qianyue, Zhao Tianyi, and Lv Guoyong.

These three held pivotal positions in the court, their opinions influencing Zhao Zhiwu to some extent.

Others might not know, but Zuo Linglong was aware that Zhao Tianyi had protected and supported Zhao Xuening all the way.

Hearing this, Zhao Tianyi looked toward the distant Golden Throne Hall, as if lost in memory, “When I first entered the palace, Her Highness only reached my knees, and now she has become My Great Yan’s Human Emperor.”

Zuo Linglong touched her own cheek, “Indeed, we have grown old.”

When do you realize you have truly aged?

When you realize that this world and the Jianghu are no longer yours, that’s when you know you’re really old.

Looking at the Eternal Peace Human Emperor, so breathtakingly beautiful and regally dignified, Zuo Linglong, for a moment, thought she saw her younger self, jolting back to reality.

She felt a strange discomfort about herself.

Zhao Tianyi said, “In my heart, you have always been in your prime, never aging.”

Zuo Linglong laid her hands upon the balustrade, gazing into the distance, “Is that so?”

Zhao Tianyi earnestly replied, “Yes.”

The two then fell silent, quietly listening to the music of the coronation ceremony.

They should have had more to discuss, like the worldly situation following the Eternal Peace Human Emperor’s coronation, the current dilemmas of Great Yan, or they could have talked about the current state of Li Fuzhou or reminisced about the past, long gone like smoke.

But tacitly, they chose not to say anything more.

That day, golden sunlight scattered across the Imperial City, laying a carpet of splendor upon the ground, and a cool breeze wafted through, bringing a refreshing coolness.

……..