My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 350: Chapter 350: Walking with You Until Dawn Chapter 350: Chapter 350: Walking with You Until Dawn The situation in the world suddenly changed, not only due to the wars between nations but also due to the infiltration of evil spirits, making the already turbulent situation even more perplexing and mysterious.

In Houjin, Nanping Dao, and Yujing City, it seemed that every area could erupt in a battle that would change the world’s structure, and everyone’s nerves were on edge.

Compared to the tense situation, the imminent conflict in Houjin, Nanping Dao was now caught in a state of calm deadlock.

Especially since the leader of the Southern Barbarians personally confronted Xiao Qianqiu at Nanhua Mountain.

Both were in Nanping Dao, but neither took the initiative to attack, as though each was observing the other.

Ascending Nanhua Mountain, it felt bitterly cold in the high place.

The clear, sharp mountain wind brushed unimpeded, and the whole hillside’s pine forest whispered softly, with rain-like mist, mist-like rain. Walking among them, it hit the face with the wind, dampening the cheeks and clothing.

Xiao Qianqiu had donned the raincoat prepared at the mountain’s base and held a horsetail whisk in his hand, his eyes capturing the rugged mountain path in vibrant, transparent colors.

His lone figure traversed the path, embodying a floating, independent solitude.

Luo Chongyang was a devoted Daoist practitioner, and Xiao Qianqiu not only possessed the fortitude and tenacity of a devoted practitioner but also had an air of worldly experience.

Both were cultivating, though they cultivated in different places.

Luo Chongyang cultivated outside of worldly affairs.

Xiao Qianqiu cultivated among humanity.

At this moment, another figure appeared on the rugged mountain path. This person was not tall, even somewhat short, with somewhat ugly triangular eyes. He wore the attire of the Southern Barbarians and a cloth hat on his head, with a bamboo basket hanging at his waist.

His steps were neither quick nor slow, but each step resonated with a sense of solid, weighty presence.

Xiao Qianqiu looked at the person approaching, swung his horsetail whisk, and performed a Daoist greeting, “The poor Daoist greets you.”

In this majestic world, those who stood at the summit of mountains were ultimately few, and this leader of the Southern Barbarians was one such person.

The leader of the Southern Barbarians stared at the Daoist before him and spoke, “I do not see you as Xiao Qianqiu.”

Xiao Qianqiu laughed, “If the poor Daoist is not Xiao Qianqiu, then who am I?”

The leader of the Southern Barbarians countered, “Indeed, who exactly are you?”

Xiao Qianqiu replied, “Sometimes, people do not believe what others say; they only believe what they wish to believe in their hearts. So, what do you wish to believe?”

The leader of the Southern Barbarians seriously stated, “The State Preceptor of Great Yan is dead, his body taken over by another.”

Xiao Qianqiu laughed more deeply, “People are not immortal, and fortune does not extend forever. Do you truly believe in eternal life?”

The leader of the Southern Barbarians replied, “Humans naturally cannot, but the Dao Ancestor can.”

The Dao Ancestor, also the founder of the Mystical Sect, was a historically renowned great grandmaster.

Xiao Qianqiu asked, “Why do you think I am the Dao Ancestor?”

The leader of the Southern Barbarians looked at Xiao Qianqiu and said, “You will become the new Dao Ancestor.”

Xiao Qianqiu stated, “The poor Daoist is not interested in the Dao Ancestor.”

The leader of the Southern Barbarians asked, “Then what are you interested in? The world? Or the Dao?”

Xiao Qianqiu did not speak but instead raised his head to look at the sky.

The leader of the Southern Barbarians watched this extraordinary Daoist, his brow furrowed. Within the Great Yan Martial World, not only was there Xiao Qianqiu, but also the Ghost Swordsman, an extraordinary master with boundless potential, and now even a ‘Buddha’ level master like Xi Hafu.

Although he was an ordinary Five Qi Grandmaster, even with the Earth Vein Spirit’s idea of breaking the ban, he had no chance of advancing to the level of a great grandmaster unless the Earth Vein Spirit completely broke the ban.

Now, it seemed the breaking of the Earth Vein Spirit’s ban presented a great opportunity but also a tremendous crisis.

Amid the chaos of today’s world, the heart of the leader of the Southern Barbarians also surged with tumultuous folds.

Where should Jianghu go from here?

Where should the world go from here?

And where should he go from here?

He was one of the rare Five Qi Grandmasters in the world today, but also the leader of the Southern Barbarians. How should he make his choice?

Xiao Qianqiu looked at the Southern Barbarian leader before him, “What the poor Daoist is interested in is not important; what you are interested in is important. Have your eyes lost direction, or was your heart always devoid of light?”

The Southern Barbarian leader’s gaze turned cold, “You killed my ten great wizards of the Southern Barbarians. Regardless, the first thing I must do is to take your head to sacrifice to the heavens. What do you say?”

With ten master-level experts perishing at the hands of Xiao Qianqiu, the Southern Barbarians were not just wounded to the core; they were already incomparable to Great Yan and Zhao Country. Now, with the deaths of ten master-level experts, the backbone of the Southern Barbarians was essentially shattered.

Within the territory of the Southern Barbarians, merely mentioning the name Xiao Qianqiu stirred up intense fear and resentment.

If the leader of the Southern Barbarians remained inactive, wouldn’t he be ridiculed?

Xiao Qianqiu said, “You stand in the mist, unable to even see yourself clearly.”

The ruler of the Southern Barbarians replied coldly, “One only needs to see the world clearly with both eyes. Why must one see oneself clearly?”

Xiao Qianqiu asked, “Do you really think you have seen this world clearly?”

Boom!

As his words fell, Xiao Qianqiu stretched out his palm, and suddenly clouds gathered in the sky with thunder booming.

The ruler of the Southern Barbarians frowned deeply, feeling an unprecedented crisis emanating from those clouds.

Even though he was vaguely aware of the dreadful power of Xiao Qianqiu before him, the thunder still left him with palpitations.

But who was he? The ruler of the Southern Barbarians, the king controlling the entire domain of the Southern Barbarians.

“Hmph!”

With a light snort, his resounding voice did not pale in comparison to the roaring thunder.

Xiao Qianqiu’s palm then displayed arcs of electricity.

Palm Thunder!

It was not a deeply profound hand technique within the Mystical Sect, and many ancestors of the Zhenyi Sect could perform it effortlessly; however, in the hands of some experts, a seemingly simple technique could prove formidable depending on who executed it.

The ruler of the Southern Barbarians, watching the ready Palm Thunder, said indifferently, “Our battle may not necessarily influence the situation under heaven, so why bother?”

Xiao Qianqiu asked, “Then who do you think can influence the grand situation under heaven?”

The ruler of the Southern Barbarians looked towards the north and said, “Zongzheng Huachun and the Ghost Swordsman.”

The Southern Barbarians and the Zhenyi Sect had no grievances, even though Xiao Qianqiu had killed ten Great Wizards of the Southern Barbarians. However, Great Yan had previously lost tens of thousands of soldiers, and many experts of the Zhenyi Sect had died on Nanhua Mountain.

The Ghost Swordsman and Zongzheng Huachun were mortal enemies.

Xiao Qianqiu, hearing this, also looked towards the north.

The Ghost Swordsman, who had slain two Five Qi Grandmasters, holding the national treasure Imperial Jade Seal and the Dulu Sword, was about to strike into the Houjin Royal Court.

He planned to, alone, accomplish a feat that would shake the world.

Meanwhile, Zongzheng Huachun, currently the second greatest expert under heaven, was stationed at the Houjin Royal Court.

A fight to the death between the two was inevitable and had already attracted everyone’s attention.

The ruler of the Southern Barbarians said, “In just forty years, Zongzheng Huachun unified the great plains and established Houjin. His backing is definitely not simple, and now the royal court still has hundreds of thousands of troops. The Ghost Swordsman, although he holds national treasures, is perhaps too arrogant and presumptuous in undertaking this mission alone.”

“Should the Ghost Swordsman fall at the Houjin Royal Court, Houjin, having amassed the nation’s forces, could directly march into Yujing City, and Great Yan would be in imminent peril.”

Xiao Qianqiu nodded slightly and said, “What you say seems quite reasonable.”

It turned out that the ruler of the Southern Barbarians was here to persuade him.

The ruler continued, “Xiao Qianqiu, you don’t need to go down with the Great Yan Dynasty either. Standing before my Southern Barbarians’ army means certain death unless you think you alone can withstand my hundreds of thousands of troops.”

“Your strength combined with mine makes us invincible under heaven, and we could definitely secure a position in this chaotic world. In time, I could make your Zhenyi Sect the national religion of our Southern Barbarians.”

Currently, as chaos reigned, the ruler of the Southern Barbarians had to plan for the future. If Great Yan fell, then the world would be divided among three nations, and it was clear to any discerning eye that the Southern Barbarians were the weakest among them.

Xiao Qianqiu asked, “Do you truly think Zongzheng Huachun can kill An Jing?”

The ruler of the Southern Barbarians said, “Then you don’t know who is truly behind Zongzheng Huachun, or perhaps Zhao Zhiwu has never mentioned it to you.”

Xiao Qianqiu, with his hands behind his back, replied lightly, “Then let us wait and see.”

The ruler of the Southern Barbarians shook his head and said, “You Taoists really won’t shed tears without seeing the coffin. Why don’t we make a bet?”

Xiao Qianqiu asked, “What sort of bet?”

A glint appeared in the eyes of the ruler of the Southern Barbarians, “If in the battle of Houjin, the Ghost Swordsman wins, my Southern Barbarians will retreat. If the Ghost Swordsman falls, then you will submit to my Southern Barbarians. How about it?”

For him, this wager was all to his advantage; if the Ghost Swordsman won, the Southern Barbarians could not refuse to retreat, and if the Ghost Swordsman lost, he could then welcome the Great Yan State Preceptor to his side. At that time, as the three nations divided Great Yan, he would surely gain the greatest benefit.

Xiao Qianqiu looked toward the ruler of the Southern Barbarians, “If the Ghost Swordsman loses, I will offer my head. If the Ghost Swordsman wins, I will take yours. What do you think?”

A sharp light flashed in the ruler’s eyes, “Do you really have such faith in the Ghost Swordsman?”

Xiao Qianqiu smiled but remained silent.

The ruler of the Southern Barbarians said, “Very well, I accept your terms.”

Though he could not convince the State Preceptor of Great Yan to join the Southern Barbarians, having the State Preceptor executed would not only avenge a personal grievance but also greatly enhance the prestige of the Southern Barbarians.

Xiao Qianqiu glanced at the ruler of the Southern Barbarians and said, “I hope your excellency will honor this wager in due time, as I do not wish to personally intervene.”

It was merely a fleeting glance, calm and tranquil, yet the leader of the Southern Barbarians felt a chill within, as if a cold breeze was sweeping from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.

“Then let us wait and see,” he said.

The leader of the Southern Barbarians snorted coldly, his figure gradually fading on top of Nanhua Mountain.

Xiao Qianqiu looked at his palm, “Without destruction, there can be no establishment. Someday, the sky will inevitably be pierced with a hole.”

……

In Yujing City, the Empress’s sleeping quarters, the night deepened.

Zuo Linglong was dressed in a yellow gown, trimmed with golden edges, with beautiful peonies embroidered with golden threads on the hem, regal and elegant, her long dress dragging on the ground.

Once known as the greatest beauty of Great Yan, she still carried herself with grace and was still incredibly captivating.

She walked through the palace halls with lotus steps, heading towards the Western Garden.

“Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress.”

Upon seeing Zuo Linglong coming, two young eunuchs quickly knelt down in reverence.

Zuo Linglong asked, “Is Minister Zhao still here?”

One of the eunuchs hurriedly replied, “He is still here.”

“Good,” she said.

Zuo Linglong nodded slightly and entered the Western Garden.

Hearing the announcement, Zhao Tianyi, who was reviewing memorials, quickly stood up and bowed, “Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress.”

“No need for formalities.”

Zuo Linglong waved her hand and said, “For the Zhao Family’s dynasty, you truly spare no effort, even unto death.”

Her words were very flat, devoid of any emotion.

Zhao Tianyi said, “To eat the ruler’s grain is to bear the ruler’s burden, and to worry for the ruler.”

Zuo Linglong took a deep look at Zhao Tianyi. “Is it just for that reason?” she asked.

Zhao Tianyi repeated Zuo Linglong’s words, but in a completely different tone, “It is just for that reason.”

Zuo Linglong walked up to Zhao Tianyi, looking at the candle flame before her.

The faint light glimmered brilliantly in the dark night.

Zhao Tianyi bent slightly and remained silent, the room falling into a state of tranquility.

After a long while, Zuo Linglong finally said slowly, “The Emperor is failing.”

Her voice was clear, indifferent.

Zhao Tianyi calmly said, “Birth, aging, sickness, and death are the natural ways of the world; the Emperor is also human, and a Land Immortal is merely an immortal of this land. It is sufficient as long as the Emperor has a successor.”

Zuo Linglong nodded and said, “In fact, I am here to discuss some matters with you.”

Zhao Tianyi replied, “Please speak, Your Majesty; I shall withhold nothing and will be completely forthcoming.”

“What a promise to withhold nothing and be completely forthcoming,” she remarked.

Zuo Linglong took a deep look at Zhao Tianyi, then asked, “This morning in the court, I heard from Xuening that the Ghost Swordsman has penetrated deep into Houjin, intending to breach the Royal Court alone with his sword.”

Zhao Tianyi nodded and said, “According to the reports from Heaven and Earth Net, this is indeed true.”

Zuo Linglong furrowed her brows and asked, “Isn’t this venture too risky?”

Zhao Tianyi replied, “It is risky.”

Zuo Linglong slowly sat down and asked, “Then why not send him a letter, to stop his actions?”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tianyi shook his head, “Your Majesty seems to be mistaken. Not every minister is like Minister Lv, and not everyone in Great Yan will heed the Court’s command.”

Zuo Linglong said, “With such a formidable enemy before us, he is not someone who lacks understanding of the bigger picture.”

Zhao Tianyi replied pensively, “He understands the bigger picture, but not the ‘bigger picture’ Her Majesty refers to.”

They were all too aware of the kind of person the Ghost Swordsman was.

Upon hearing this, Zuo Linglong’s brows tightened then relaxed intermittently, then she finally asked, “Minister Zhao, what do you think the chances are that the Ghost Swordsman will come out unscathed?”

Zhao Tianyi pondered for a moment and said, “There are limits to human capability, and until the final moment, I cannot be certain.”

Zuo Linglong’s beautiful eyes narrowed as she asked bluntly, “If the Ghost Swordsman dies, will Houjin launch a major offensive again, intensifying the current crisis?”

Zhao Tianyi spoke in a deep voice, “Yes, the Demon Sect is currently the mainstay in the north. If the Ghost Swordsman were to die, the northern barrier would be completely gone, and then the Houjin army could directly invade Yujing City.”

Zuo Linglong asked, “So what should we do now?”

Zhao Tianyi said, “Calm your mind and wait for the outcome.”

All that the Court could do now was to quietly await the result. If the Ghost Swordsman won, then it would be a celebration for all under the heavens, and Great Yan could consider directly attacking the Royal Court of Houjin. While it might be challenging to incorporate the entire Houjin into the Yan Country’s territory, the crisis in the north could be completely eliminated.

If he lost, the consequences were unimaginable.

“I understand,” she said.

Zuo Linglong nodded slightly, then stood up and walked towards the outside of the hall.

Zhao Tianyi bent over and had not straightened up throughout.

Just as Zuo Linglong reached the doorway, she paused slightly and said in a low voice, “Tianyi, you have worked hard.”

Having said that, she stepped out of the Xiyuan.

It was not until long after Zuo Linglong had left that Zhao Tianyi replied in a low voice, “It’s not hard.”

……

The news that the Ghost Swordsman was going to storm into the Royal Court of Houjin alone spread like wildfire throughout the world.

Instantly, the entire world was astounded, and everyone was deeply shaken.

Everywhere in Great Yan, Zhao Country, Houjin, the Southern Barbarians, and the Buddhist Pure Land were engulfed in surging waves and dramatic ups and downs.

No one had expected the Ghost Swordsman to be so audacious as to attempt to storm into the Royal Court of Houjin alone.

In the world, only Grandmaster Level experts would dare to disregard an army as nothing.

Currently, there were only two Land Immortal Level experts in the world, and the Ghost Swordsman was not among them. Although he possessed the Imperial Jade Seal, he was still far from reaching the Land Immortal status.

Zongzheng Huachun was among the top Five Qi Grandmasters in the world. The Five Qi Grandmaster of the Demon Sect, Jun Qinglin, had died by his hand. Now that he had acquired a strand of intent from the Earth Vein Spirit, his cultivation was sure to have greatly increased.

In many people’s minds, without the help of the National Seal, the Ghost Swordsman might not be a match for Zongzheng Huachun.

The trilateral attack on Yan had occurred several times till today, but this time the impact was undoubtedly the greatest, as the Ghost Swordsman was aiming to break into the Royal Court of Houjin. If the Ghost Swordsman succeeded in killing Zongzheng Huachun, the trilateral attack on Yan would be dissolved, and the world’s structure thoroughly overturned.

The crisis in Yan Country would be instantly dispelled, instead boosting the momentum of Yan Country.

If the Ghost Swordsman were to die in the Royal Court of Houjin, then Zongzheng Huachun could firmly secure the position as the second most powerful in the world. With hundreds of thousands of Houjin troops in the Royal Court and the acquisition of the Ghost Swordsman’s National Seal, they could make a direct push into Yujing City.

The news that the Great Yan Emperor, Zhao Zhiwu, had forcibly advanced to the Great Grandmaster level and damaged his foundation was spreading throughout the world. If the Ghost Swordsman also failed, it would be a tremendous blow to Great Yan.

It could even inspire the military spirits of Zhao Country and the Southern Barbarians. A series of blows in succession could possibly lead to the complete annihilation of Great Yan.

Hence, all under the heavens were paying attention to this great battle.

Because they knew, this battle was crucial for the direction of the world for decades to come.

At night, the stars were brilliant, and the bright moonlight shone on the prairie, making the world seem peaceful. The evening breeze gently blew, causing the grass to undulate with the wind, making it appear very comfortable.

An Jing sat cross-legged in the middle of the prairie, feeling the comfortable breeze and felt a tranquility in his heart.

Ever since he had left Yu State City, he had only hurriedly passed by once and had not returned since.

Time had flown by, and two years had already passed.

In these two years, many things had happened, and he had encountered many different opponents. But without exception, all these opponents eventually fell under his sword.

Now, he was not only recognized as the World’s First Swordsman but also had the opportunity to vie for the position of the world’s foremost expert.

The only thing that made him feel regret was the time Jun Qinglin died.

At that time, the Houjin had strong horses and soldiers, with nearly a million troops under the Thirteen Banner eying the world covetously. The Soul Seeker Mansion and Snow Mountain were full of experts, and he clearly knew it was Zongzheng Huachun who had cut off Jun Qinglin’s lifeline, yet he was powerless.

And now, Zongzheng Huachun was just two hundred li away, within the reach of his sword.

An Jing stroked the sword box in front of him and murmured to himself, “The affairs of the world are all within the sword.”

“Chirp—!”

Just then, a crisp sound arose from the sky.

He looked up, and there was a large red bird, with a figure standing on its back.

She stood above, holding a short knife in her right hand, her delicate fingers grasping the white blade as if holding a sprig of fresh flowers, her dashing eyes roving, lips curved in a smile, indescribably charming and delightful.

“My lord, I am here.”

…….