My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 338: Chapter 338: Great Yan’s Reforms Shock the World Chapter 338: Chapter 338: Great Yan’s Reforms Shock the World “`

The battle at Nanhua Mountain raged, tumultuous and unpredictable.

Soon, the result of this great battle spread throughout the world. Atop Nanhua Mountain, Xiao Qianqiu fought against ten, and all the Great Wizards of the Southern Barbarians perished, their souls severed atop the mountain. This forced the Southern Barbarians’ army to retreat a hundred miles, not daring to cross the Thunder Pool boundary. The news spread as if it had grown wings, zooming throughout the land.

Those Great Wizards from the Southern Barbarians were all Grandmasters, and among them were no lack of Three Qi and even Four Qi Grandmasters—a handful were top-tier experts. But now, all had fallen to Xiao Qianqiu, which dealt a heavy blow to the vital energy of the Southern Barbarians, shaking them to their core. The ruler of the Southern Barbarians was greatly enraged, and the nation grieved as a whole.

However, someone who could slay ten Grandmasters, even a Five Qi Grandmaster would rarely possess such strength. Through this, one could perceive the terrifying power of Xiao Qianqiu. The name of Xiao Qianqiu, the Great Yan State Preceptor, instantaneously spread across the world, making everyone realize they had underestimated the Great Yan State Preceptor.

Because of this battle, both the military’s and the civilians’ spirits were greatly boosted in Great Yan.

In Yujing City, at the Lv Mansion.

Since the battle of Yujing City, Lv Guoyong had resigned from all official duties at Court and had relinquished all power, rarely leaving his home and spending his days gardening and tending to vegetables.

At this time, Lv Jingchun rushed over in a flurry, panting, “Grandfather, it’s not good.”

Lv Guoyong put down his watering can and stood upright, “You’re panting after just a few steps?”

Lv Jingchun caught his breath and said, “There’s trouble, first thing this morning I saw Tan Yun packing up her belongings, and it seems she’s prepared to leave.”

Lv Guoyong looked at Lv Jingchun and said, “If she wants to leave, isn’t that good news for you? Haven’t you always wanted her gone?”

Lv Jingchun hastily replied, “Grandfather, she said she’s going to the Northern Wilderness Dao to fight against Houjin; she’s going to her death.”

Lv Guoyong fell silent for a long while, then lifted his head to the sky and said indifferently, “She came to me last night and mentioned this, but I did not expect her to truly be resolute about it, so be it.”

Lv Jingchun touched his head cautiously and said, “So you’re really going to let her leave, Grandfather?”

Even in his voice, a hint of reluctance could be heard.

Lv Guoyong said, “She’s no longer a child, she can distinguish right from wrong and has the right to make her own choices. I won’t force her to do anything.”

Still concerned, Lv Jingchun voiced, “But…”

One should know that the battlefields of the Northern Wilderness Dao were relentless, with a great number of people perishing daily.

Especially since food supplies within Yuan City were reportedly scarce, not just the defending army but also the civilians were in need. How could a city be defended if hundreds of thousands of troops had no food to eat?

The fall of Yuan City seemed inevitable, and now Tan Yun was marching to her death, right?

Lv Guoyong looked weary as he slowly sat down on the stone bench in the pavilion, “That child does not belong here, the Lv Mansion is but a cage to her after all. Perhaps the Jianghu is where she truly belongs. With her strength at the Second Grade Realm, you need not worry about her.”

Lv Jingchun shook his head and said, “I know Tan Yun likes An Jing; she must be going to find that lad.”

Lv Guoyong glanced at his grandson, “How do you know that?”

Reflecting, Lv Jingchun said, “A while back, I noticed she wasn’t happy, but the day An Jing came, she smiled like a flower. Yet once An Jing left, she became even more melancholic. She didn’t even eat her dinner that night.”

“Ultimately, it was to my disadvantage, taking care of that night’s dinner. It was the only time since she arrived that I’ve had my fill,” he said, and then patted his stomach and sighed deeply.

Lv Guoyong laughed heartily at Lv Jingchun’s words.

Discipline in the Lv household was strict, and most of the fruits and vegetables were personally grown by Lv Guoyong. Daily meal portions were precisely measured, with Lv Jingchun and Tan Yun often fighting over scraps to fill their stomachs.

Something occurred to Lv Jingchun, and he sulkily said, “It’s probably for the best that Tan Yun is gone, saving me the irritation and trouble every day.”

While Tan Yun was around, not only did she often hit and kick Lv Jingchun, but she also frequently snitched on him, causing him much suffering.

Lv Guoyong said, “Don’t think that just because she’s gone, you can do whatever you want.”

“Grandfather, aren’t I your obedient grandson? When have I ever angered you?”

Lv Jingchun quickly flashed a smile and said, “Actually, I came here because there’s something I wish to discuss with you.”

Lv Guoyong raised an eyebrow, “What is it?”

Lv Jingchun rubbed his hands together and said, “Grandfather, don’t you think it’s time I found a wife?”

Lv Guoyong’s eyes widened, looking at Lv Jingchun without speaking.

That was a request that he should be making, right?

Who asks their elder to find them a bride?

Lv Jingchun hastily continued, “Grandfather, don’t you want to see your great-grandchildren? I’m at such an age now, it’s time I got married. Just imagine how wonderful it would be to have me and my wife taking care of you.”

Lv Guoyong said gravely, “That’s up to you.”

Lv Jingchun became anxious, “Grandfather, how can I find a wife if you don’t help me?”

Lv Guoyong, annoyed, said, “Can’t you find one on your own? If you fancy a lady, go and talk to her family.”

Lv Jingchun sat on the ground, turning petulant, “I’m already twenty-two in actual age, twenty-three by traditional calculation, swaying towards twenty-four, nearly a hair away from twenty-five. Which other Second Grade official’s son in his right senses is still unwed at this age?”

Even Lv Guoyong was flabbergasted by his grandson.

This is truly my grandson?

Lv Jingchun called out, “Grandfather, I don’t care, I want a wife!”

As Lv Guoyong withdrew from the Court, the position of the Lv family plummeted, and although there was still Lv Fang, Zhou Xianming, the indispensable Lv Guoyong had completely stepped down. Moreover, Zhou Xianming had opened his own mansion, prompting many to rethink their loyalties.

Those who once leaned towards the Lv Sect now defected elsewhere, and it was difficult to imagine that as the direct grandson of the Lv family, Lv Jingchun remained carefree, living his effortless days.

Previously, there were many suitors, but Lv Guoyong declined them all, and now there were none whatsoever.

Lv Guoyong, looking down at Lv Jingchun who was now throwing a tantrum on the ground, subsequently shook his head in resignation.

“`

…..

Outside the Lv Mansion, Tan Yun was dressed in a pale blue palace attire, holding the Futu Sword in her left hand, and leading a white steed with her right. The horse was laden with bags, large and small, all filled with cakes and dry provisions.

When she reached the gate, Tan Yun seemed to recall something and leaned over the horse’s back to search for something, “Sugar steamed cheesy puffs, Ruyi Cake, Lucky Fruit, Plum Blossom Cakes, Rose Pastry, Seven Skillful Dessert… pretty much got everything.”

After taking inventory, Tan Yun breathed a sigh of relief and prepared to mount her horse and set off.

Lately, she had been reading numerous books, and notably in military strategy, there was one most important line: “Before troops move, provisions must go first.”

This line resonated with her deeply, and she adopted it as a lifelong maxim.

“Ahem…”

At that moment, a gentle cough sounded.

Tan Yun followed the sound and couldn’t help but say, “Uncle.”

The person who came was none other than the son of Lv Guoyong, Lv Fang.

Lv Fang asked, “Are you really leaving?”

Tan Yun earnestly replied, “Yes, I’ve made up my mind.”

Lv Fang pondered for a long moment before saying, “Stay for a bit longer.”

Tan Yun said, “I would like to stay here, but I want to fight against Houjin even more.”

She no longer wanted to stay at the Lv Mansion, even if it meant becoming a maid, even if she might be driven out by Zhao Qingmei, she still wanted to leave.

Lv Fang watched Tan Yun, and with a sense of resignation, said, “As a disciple of Fuzhou, you should understand the importance of the Literary Palace. Fuzhou abandoned his cultivation decades ago, choosing martial arts over scholarship. This allowed him to break through to a higher level of cultivation, while my father has only ever cultivated a single Literary Palace in his lifetime.”

Upon hearing this, Tan Yun’s heart trembled, “What do you mean?”

Lv Fang nodded, “That’s why I hope you will stay.”

Tan Yun bit her lip, recalling the image of that elderly man, she sighed and said, “Alright, then I will stay.”

In the end, she couldn’t bear to leave.

Lv Fang immediately smiled and took hold of Tan Yun’s white horse, “Let’s go. I’ve asked the kitchen to prepare a meal with all your favorites.”

Tan Yun looked at Lv Fang’s expression and immediately questioned suspiciously, “Uncle, is what you said true or not?”

Lv Fang promptly responded with utmost seriousness, “Of course it’s true. Why would I deceive you? Do you not know about grandfather’s health?”

Tan Yun nodded slightly. Lv Guoyong was in his nineties, and needed assistance just to climb up and down the stairs…

Thinking this, Tan Yun said no more.

The steed was handed over to the servants, and Tan Yun herself carried the large and small bags as the two of them made their way to the backyard.

Upon entering the backyard, they saw Lv Jingchun sitting on the ground, and both Lv Fang and Tan Yun were startled, especially upon hearing his audacious words.

“Although I’m really twenty-two, in terms of maturity I feel twenty-three, wobble like I’m twenty-four, and have the sparseness of a twenty-five-year-old. I feel like I’m getting old…”

Lv Fang burst into anger, “Jing Chun, what nonsense are you spouting?”

Lv Jingchun sat on the ground and looked at Tan Yun in surprise, “How come you haven’t left?”

Tan Yun crossed her arms and retorted coldly, “That’s none of your business. I don’t want to leave.”

Lv Guoyong saw Lv Fang and stealthily nodded, signaling a job well done.

Lv Fang coughed lightly, then interrogated, “I ask you, what were you saying just now?”

Lv Jingchun put up a defiant attitude like a cornered pig not afraid of boiling water, “Dad, anyway I’m like this, I’ve got no shame left, I just want a wife; it’s up to you to arrange it.”

Just want a wife…

Lv Fang’s face darkened, and he walked over to a tree, preparing to break off a branch, “You shameless wretch, I’ll see if you still want to be shameless today.”

Seeing this, Lv Jingchun’s heart chilled, and he quickly ran off into the distance, shouting as he fled, “Grandfather, Dad, you take care of it! If you don’t find me a wife, I’ll come and make a scene every day.”

Lv Fang watched his burly figure, and couldn’t help but sigh deeply, “Truly a misfortune for the family, a misfortune indeed. How did we raise this creature?”

Lv Guoyong looked up at the sky, then glanced at Tan Yun, and burst into laughter.

…..

In Yujing City, the Imperial Palace, the Palace of Peace and Happiness.

Everyone in the Imperial Palace knew that this was the residence of the princess most beloved by the Human Emperor.

At this moment, Zhao Xuening stood in front of the railing, placing her jade hands on the finely carved balustrades, her beautiful eyes gazing at the courtyard.

The old nursemaid who had accompanied Zhao Xuening for a long time looked at this scene and inexplicably felt something strange.

Zhao Xuening had changed!

It was an inside-out transformation. In just a few months, she seemed to have changed entirely, becoming a stranger. This kind of change could only be sensed by someone who had cared for her for many years.

Perhaps this was her true self all along.

Gazing at the clouds in the sky that seemed to morph into the shape of a person, the corners of Zhao Xuening’s mouth involuntarily revealed a faint smile.

“Your Highness the Princess, this subordinate has arrived.”

Just then, a voice called out to her, bringing her back to reality.

Raising her head, the person approaching was none other than Zhou Xianming, who had just been promoted to Cabinet Scholar.

Zhao Xuening waved her hand,

“All of you, leave us.”

“Yes.”

The palace maids and old nannies all walked out.

Zhao Xuening stared straight down at Zhou Xianming,

“Lord Zhou, I am very interested in the reforms you spoke of last time.”

Zhou Xianming chuckled,

“What I have is but a humble opinion, unworthy of any grand attention.”

Zhao Xuening earnestly said, “No, it is a strategy for all eternity. Please, assist me.”

With that, Zhao Xuening gave Zhou Xianming a serious bow.

Zhou Xianming quickly said, “Your Highness is too kind to this official.”

Zhao Xuening asked, “Does that mean you agree?”

Zhou Xianming took a deep breath and said solemnly, “As an official of Great Yan, I naturally have the interests of Great Yan and its people at heart. This strategy concerns a thousand, even ten thousand generations; if Your Highness wishes to implement it, Zhou would spare no effort, even if it meant shattering my body and bones.”

Zhao Xuening laughed out loud,

“Rest assured, Lord Zhou. As long as this princess is here, no one can shatter your body and bones.”

Zhou Xianming, with a meaningful tone, asked, “Not even An Jing?”

Zhao Xuening glanced at Zhou Xianming and, after pondering for a long while, finally said,

“Lord Zhou, please share your thoughts on reform with this princess.”

“Very well, Your Highness, please listen carefully.”

Zhou Xianming also realized Zhao Xuening’s evasion but instead bowed and said, “Since ancient times, heroes have been breaking the law with martial power. Within these vast lands, countless sects have emerged, from which countless martial artists have arisen; some are loyal and righteous, but others harbor wild ambitions, seeking to stir up strife. They all represent unstable elements. I have a strategy that can resolve these issues and even greatly enhance the national strength of Great Yan.”

“It is to abolish the sects and gather all martial arts under the state, to establish martial arts academies on royal land, and to create a martial arts examination system. Each year, a group of top-notch masters will be selected to ensure that all who practice martial arts are loyal to the Great Yan Court and to the Human Emperor.”

Even Zhao Xuening was shocked by Zhou Xianming’s words.

Abolish the sects?

Establish martial arts academies?

Create a martial arts examination system?

The latter two are already digging at the roots of the sects, and the first one is effectively killing all sects outright.

If these views were to spread, Zhou Xianming would likely not survive leaving the Imperial Palace.

After all, this would affect the interests of all sects in the world.

Who would have thought that this scholar could come up with such a ruthless plan?

Zhou Xianming continued, “In this way, all martial artists would be in the hands of the Royal Family. Great Yan will undoubtedly prosper and become powerful, feared in all directions. Moreover, with the martial arts examination system intact, no one in the world would be able to oppose the Court.”

Zhao Xuening clenched her fists tightly and said seriously, “I’m afraid this will not be easy to do, will it?”

If Zhou Xianming’s strategy could indeed be implemented, then imperial power could truly reach its pinnacle, and the world would listen to her without question.

This indeed is a strategy for all eternity, one that could even make her, Zhao Xuening, an eternal figure in history.

“It’s not just difficult, it’s extremely challenging.”

Zhou Xianming said gravely, “Not to mention the myriad of crises Great Yan faces right now. Once the crises are fully resolved, then this could be achieved. But there are two great mountains in front of this issue; only by dealing with these two great mountains is there a chance of implementing it.”

Zhao Xuening frowned and asked, “Which two great mountains?”

Zhou Xianming said indifferently, “State Preceptor Xiao Qianqiu and the Ghost Swordsman from Outer Heaven.”

Upon hearing the second name, Zhao Xuening fell into silent contemplation.

The State Preceptor Xiao Qianqiu solidified the southwest battle situation in the battle of Nanhua Mountain, not only severely damaging the Southern Barbarians but also ensuring they could not disturb Great Yan’s southwestern foundations for the foreseeable future.

Xiao Qianqiu had definitely reached the Five Qi Realm, and not just an ordinary Five Qi Realm at that.

It was said that at that time, lightning flashed over Nanhua Mountain, and State Preceptor Xiao Qianqiu, as if incarnated as destiny, called down ten thunderbolts from heaven, instantly killing ten Great Wizards.

The Zhenyi Sect, meanwhile, despite its decline during the battle of Blue Sky Island, still has deep roots in Jianghu and enjoys extraordinary prestige among the populace.

Especially after the battle of Nanhua Mountain, it returned to its heyday.

If the State Preceptor disapproves, forcing the reform could shake the foundation of Great Yan.

Although Outer Heaven’s foundation is not as deep as Great Yan’s, it currently boasts the most masters among all the sects. Looking around, it’s fair to say that it’s now the world’s top sect, especially with the Sect Hierarch and the Ghost Swordsman, two potential-laden masters, who will worry any emperor if left unchecked in the future?

Zhao Qingmei’s unique identity especially poses a great threat.

Of late, Outer Heaven has been attacking North Field, pushing towards the Houjin Royal Court, and the Ghost Swordsman even killed the Houjin Five Qi Grandmaster Taiyin Kui, causing an uproar. His fame cannot be underestimated.

These two are indeed the two great mountains in the way of the reform. Would Zhao Xuening want to push for reforms — would they agree?

The Zhenyi Sect’s predecessor, the Mystical Sect, is one of the world’s most ancient sects, with a thousand years of heritage.

And what of Outer Heaven?

With a thousand years of heritage as well, are they to simply vanish just like that?

Zhou Xianming understood An Jing — although he was not covetous of power, Zhao Qingmei seemed to be the complete opposite of him.

She cared deeply about power and was also a woman plagued by immense jealousy.

Zhao Xuening took a deep breath, “Besides these two individuals, there are many other difficulties.”

Great Yan’s sects are already tied to the Court, and countless officials are linked with martial artists in Jianghu. Without going too far, even Zhao Xuening’s uncle, Zuo Biwen, happens to be the Valley Master of Youfeng Valley. Would they have to sever family ties?

Zhou Xianming’s body bent slightly as he said, “The sin belongs to the present, the merit to posterity.”

The sin belongs to the present, the merit to posterity!

Zhao Xuening said nothing, then lifted her head to look up at the sky.

When you hesitate about whether or not to do something, in reality, your heart has already made a choice, just lacking enough reason to persuade yourself.

…..

In the Northern Wilderness, Heavenly Water City, within a courtyard.

The sky was lonely with stars scattered across it, and the nights on the vast grasslands were so serene, with the moon hanging like a high dish above in the sky.

An Jing’s body and mind were completely relaxed as he enjoyed the moonlight above, and couldn’t help but think back to the time he and Zhao Qingmei watched the moon together in Yu State City.

Back then, neither of them had revealed their identities, both of them being extremely cautious for fear of exposing themselves, climbing up ladders onto the roof to enjoy the moon.

The candied hawthorns were still sweet.

I wonder what Madam is doing now?

“Benefactor An, are you going to Yulong Snow Mountain tomorrow?”

At that moment, a voice sounded from behind him.

It was Xi Hafu.

An Jing nodded and said, “Since Zongzheng Huachun invited me, I shall meet him then.”

Xi Hafu pressed his palms together and said, “Yulong Snow Mountain is very famous in Houjin, and it is not a place to hide a large army. It seems that Zongzheng Huachun is very confident in defeating you with strength.”

An Jing’s gaze turned slightly cold. “His confidence is nothing more than that Earth Vein Spirit’s intention. This time, I will sever it all.”

Zongzheng Huachun was very powerful, and even without the Earth Vein Spirit’s intention entering his body, he was a top Five Qi Grandmaster in the world. Now with the Earth Vein Spirit’s intention invading his body, his power must be even greater.

However, An Jing had a vague feeling that he must have another trump card, for back in Yujing City, he had felt a similar aura to that of Qi Xuan Dao on Zongzheng Huachun, so tomorrow at Yulong Snow Mountain was bound to be extremely fierce.

But he had the Earth Book, and if he sensed anything amiss, he would retreat immediately.

Xi Hafu said, “Rest assured, benefactor, the monk will help block the obsessions for you.”

An Jing squinted and smiled, “If the obsessions return to oneself, will the master also benefit?”

During these past few days, he had read quite a few Buddhist scriptures; indeed, severing obsessions was a method of high-ranking Buddhist monks, and eventually, when the obsessions reunite, one’s strength can make a great leap forward.

Xi Hafu was a Five Qi Grandmaster, as were the obsessions. If the two were to unite, it’s possible that Xi Hafu could become a Great Grandmaster, and even if not a Great Grandmaster, he would still be a top master in the world.

Yet, Xi Hafu seriously said, “Amitabha. The obsessions have done much evil and caused chaos in the world for a long time—these are my faults. Naturally, I must completely eliminate these obsessions, to atone for my past sins.”

An Jing said, “Then I will have to trouble the master tomorrow.”

No matter what, the current Xi Hafu was a Five Qi Grandmaster, a valuable ally.

Xi Hafu nodded, and just then he saw Ouyang Ping approaching. He turned to An Jing and bowed, “The monk shall not disturb you two, I will take my leave first.”

“Take care, master.”

The two watched Xi Hafu walk away.

Ouyang Ping transmitted his voice, “This master’s spirit is pure, indeed rare in this world.”

An Jing, looking at the back of Xi Hafu, said, “It’s terrifying when one’s spirit is too pure, because people are multifaceted. Extreme individuals are the most terrifying, whether it’s extreme good or extreme evil.”

Even extreme goodness is terrifying.

Because such extreme goodness cannot possibly exist in this world.

Ouyang Ping looked at Xi Hafu’s retreating figure and felt a sudden chill in his heart.

An Jing asked, “Elder Ouyang, to seek me out so late, what’s the matter?”

Ouyang Ping said, “Jiang Renyi has disappeared.”

“Disappeared?”

An Jing’s eyebrows raised as he quickly asked, “How did he disappear? Did he leave on his own, or was he kidnapped?”

Ouyang Ping said gravely, “This morning he said he was going to scout the Houjin tribes, and he hasn’t returned since the evening. I fear he won’t be coming back.”

An Jing pondered, through his observations over the past few days, he realized that Jiang Renyi indeed harbored deep hatred for Jiang Shang and seemed very eager to kill Jiang Shang for revenge.

Moreover, neither he nor Ouyang Ping had any intention to kill him, so it was unlikely he ran away.

Therefore, it was very likely that he was captured. Knowing that Jiang Renyi was at the level of a Half-step Master, it would take a Grandmaster to capture him, and in the territory of the Northern Wilderness, there weren’t many forces with Grandmasters.

An Jing said sternly, “Could it be Houjin? But why would Houjin want to capture Jiang Renyi?”

Ouyang Ping glanced at An Jing and said, “Could it be that Zongzheng Huachun wants to use it as leverage to force Jiang Shang to act against you?”

An Jing laughed coldly, “Jiang Shang is heartless and ruthless, without compassion or righteousness, killing wife and grandchild. He is shameless in his willingness to do anything to survive, having lost his humanity. Moreover, Jiang Renyi betrayed him, Jiang Shang’s character will surely lead him to kill Jiang Renyi first. How could he possibly be threatened by Houjin?”

Houjin’s idea of using Jiang Renyi to threaten Jiang Shang was simply a fool’s dream.

Ouyang Ping hesitated for a moment, then said, “In fact, there is a secret on the old Sect Hierarch, a secret known only to me and the Great Elder. Even Yuan Feng does not know. With the Great Elder gone, only I and the old Sect Hierarch are left in the world who know of it.”

Upon hearing this, An Jing instinctively asked, “A secret? What secret?”

…….