CHAPTER 958: CHAPTER 466: THE REWARD IS ME_2

Jiang Shouzhong frowned, puzzled, "Why must it be the master?"

Jiang Wan sat at the edge of the bed, her smile faded as she seriously gazed at the other’s face and said,

"Jiang Shouzhong, in the eyes of the world, the current number one under heaven is Zhao Wuxiu. But in my heart, Yan Changqing is the true number one, his swordsmanship unmatched.

He only started cultivating in his twenties, opening up just thirteen meridians, spent his life searching for his daughter, disdaining the path of ascension, and even under such circumstances became the leader of the Sword Dao, showing just how terrifying his talent is.

Furthermore, he is indeed the only one who can suppress the Shura, plus he is Qingchen’s biological father, bonded by blood. Without him, no one can pull Qingchen from the Shura Path."

Jiang Shouzhong still didn’t quite understand.

If Yan Changqing is so formidable, why didn’t he rescue Qingchen earlier, instead of delaying it?

Jiang Wan saw his confusion and continued to explain,

"Of the three thousand Great Paths, the Shura Path is the hardest to solve. If a few of us join forces, we could kill the Shura, but we cannot help Qingchen eradicate the Shura heart demon.

If Yan Changqing had slain the Shura beforehand, it wouldn’t have helped Qingchen; it might even have harmed her.

Qingchen must perfectly merge with the Shura, allowing the hidden Shura heart demon within her to fully appear, only then does Yan Changqing have the assurance to break the Shura Path with one strike.

But the trickiest part currently is that those Taoyuan Immortals clearly also wish to use the Shura against the Red Demon.

Those Taoyuan Immortals are too afraid of the Red Demon; once the Red Demon reemerges, no one in heaven or earth can match them, only a complete version of the Shura can rival the Red Demon.

In short, the Shura is like a chessboard, with all sides secretly placing their bets and engaging in a game. Just like the former Emperor Zhou Chang, and now the Esoteric Sect Saint Buddha... everyone will stop Yan Changqing from saving his daughter.

Now you understand the pressure Yan Changqing faces, right? This is also why he’s been running around lately. He needs to make comprehensive preparations, leaving no room for error."

Jiang Shouzhong, feeling complex inside, asked again, "Can the master survive?"

Jiang Yi smiled and said, "If it were before, Yan Changqing could only exchange his life for his daughter’s safety. But now, it’s uncertain, especially since we’ve already eliminated Qingchen’s heart demon.

This has increased Yan Changqing’s chances of survival. Otherwise, why do you think I’ve been working so hard with you against the Shura? Yan Changqing is Qingchen’s only relative in this world; if he dies saving her, it would be a huge blow to Qingchen.

We should help where we can, as Qingchen’s experienced too many of life’s joys and sorrows. I truly don’t want her to endure more suffering..."

Feeling Jiang Wan’s genuine concern for Ran Qingchen, Jiang Shouzhong smiled and said, "Having a mother like you is Qingchen’s fortune in this life."

"I just want to make up for some guilt. After all, in the beginning, I wanted to use her too."

Jiang Wan said self-mockingly.

Jiang Yi stared blankly at her sister, tears glistening on her delicate snow-like face, and softly asked, "And when will you make up for your guilt towards me?"

Jiang Wan remained silent.

After a long while, she smiled and said, "Let Jiang help make up for it."

With that, the woman turned and left the room.

Jiang Yi leaned silently against the doorframe, her fingertips unconsciously caressing the faded vermilion paint.

Jiang Shouzhong dressed, got out of bed, and approached the woman, wanting to hold her for comfort, but his raised arm hesitated in mid-air without reaching down.

As he hesitated, Jiang Yi suddenly turned around and buried her face in his chest.

"Will you abandon me like her?"

The woman’s voice carried a hint of sobbing.

Jiang Shouzhong gently stroked the woman’s smooth hair and softly said, "As long as you wish to stay by my side, I will never abandon you, not in this life or the next."

"There’s no such thing as the next life..."

Jiang Yi murmured softly, her tears soaking into his clothes, "If you miss it in this life, you’ve truly missed it."

...

The next morning, Li Guanshi returned.

Behind him was someone who greatly surprised Jiang Shouzhong — Mengniang.

Since saving Jiang Wan at the Moon in Water Bridge last time, Mengniang seemed to have vanished without a trace.

This left Jiang Shouzhong quite regretful.

In his deepest heart, there were truly few he considered close, and Mengniang was one of them.

In a short time, they had formed a deep bond.

Seeing her graceful silhouette again, Jiang Shouzhong was overjoyed.

"Did my little master miss me?"

Compared to the fiery wedding garment of the past, Mengniang now wore a light green ruqun, making her look elegantly beautiful, yet the bewitching charm that seemed to penetrate to the bone remained, making her even more enchanting than in red.

Jiang Shouzhong’s tone held some reproach as he said, "Why do you always leave suddenly without a word?"

Mengniang laughed and said, "Last time at Water Moon Manor, I didn’t mean to leave you, but someone..."

Mengniang’s eyes glanced at Li Guanshi but then didn’t continue, instead smiling and saying, "But it doesn’t matter, from today on, Mengniang will stay with you and won’t leave again."

"Really?"

Jiang Shouzhong was a bit skeptical.

Mengniang didn’t mind the other women around at all, and she lowered her head to kiss the man’s lips, softly saying, "No matter what, you are Mengniang’s master, if you wish Mengniang to stay, she naturally won’t leave."

Jiang Shouzhong hadn’t expected the woman to become so passionate, feeling a little bashful.

Yet strangely, Jiang Yi, known for her jealousy, did not show anger or displeasure at this scene, but rather looked at Mengniang with a peculiar gaze.

As if she were looking at a very novel toy.

After some simple pleasantries, Li Guanshi spoke, "Barring any obstacles, the upcoming month is crucial, those Immortals might cause trouble during this time.

I initially planned for Jiang Shouzhong to stay at Water Moon Manor. After all, it was once the Red Demon’s haven, and those Immortals might be wary and not dare to act rashly.

But considering the uniqueness of Demon Sea Mountain, those Immortals might have already set traps, so we’ll roam around and strategize based on celestial phenomena."

Jiang Wan nodded lightly, "If I were the Immortal, I would definitely act within this month. One, because the Shura is about to enter the Path and can’t be delayed any longer.

Two, your ’Three Lives Longevity Skill’s’ term is also ending, the Immortals won’t allow you to Dual Cultivate with Heavenly Divine Fortune as they’re most afraid of it being depleted.

After all, the Heavenly Divine Fortune is crucial for repairing the Tribulation Fate Pool, which concerns their future survival.

Three, with Zhao Wuxiu’s ascension failing last time and the Heavenly Gate hastily closing, it’s highly likely the barrier of Taoyuan Holy Land was damaged, if they don’t obtain the Heavenly Divine Fortune soon, they’ll have to come to the Mortal World as dogs."

Within a month...

Listening to their words, Jiang Shouzhong instinctively glanced at the stunning Li Guanshi.

That is, within a month, he would have to Dual Cultivate with the world’s number one female cultivator and most beautiful woman.

For other men, this would undoubtedly be something to eagerly anticipate, but Jiang Shouzhong felt an inexplicable resistance.

Perhaps because he was worried about Qingchen and Hong’er.

Or perhaps the recent running about had left him mentally and physically exhausted, with no mood for Dual Cultivation.

Even amidst the resistance, there was a hint of fear deep within.

As for what he feared, Jiang Shouzhong wasn’t sure.

"By the way, I want to first visit the Imperial Palace of Nanjin Country."

Jiang Shouzhong said, "The Zen Rebel Monk might know the whereabouts of Hong’er and the others, and I need to ask her clearly."

Previously, due to apprehension of the Zen Rebel Monk’s cultivation, Jiang Shouzhong could only agree to her condition to investigate the Emperor’s death, but now with so many powerful warriors around, there’s nothing to fear.

Moreover, he now understood Wanyan Wulie’s conspiracy.

"I’m also planning to visit the Imperial Palace."

Jiang Wan smiled, "Your sister purposely let Wanyan Wulie escape, likely for that mirror, right? Coincidentally, I’m also very interested in that mirror."

At this point, Jiang Wan suddenly curiously looked at Jiang Shouzhong, "So, what was the reward from the Water Moon Dream Mirror?"

"Me."

Before Jiang Shouzhong could answer, a ripple arose in the air.

A white-haired woman appeared out of nowhere.

It was the Demon Venerable.