CHAPTER 1853: CHAPTER 1846: PURSUIT

"Why, are you afraid?"

"It’s not fear," He Yuling looked around and said seriously, "We rely on the National Teacher for his strength. Now that we’ve chosen to openly confront him, we can no longer access his power. Should we both suffer losses, and the Wen Family take advantage of it and counterattack, what shall we do then?"

"Hmph," Xiamu Yu snorted coldly and said, "He’s just a foreigner skilled in some Sidelines, creating so-called Nascent Soul abilities. I see this National Teacher as mediocre, not worth fearing. If he truly has supernatural powers, why have we never seen him display them?"

"Could it be that the National Teacher simply chooses not to show his powers? After all, if not for this, why would the Wen Family favor him so much?" He Yuling hesitatedly asked.

"Impossible, absolutely impossible," Xiamu Yu said resolutely, "The National Teacher has always had a heart for the Wen Family. If he truly had supernatural powers, why didn’t he save the Wen Family when they were in peril?"

"That Wen Family..."

"I heard..." Anxiang Liang pondered for a long time before slowly speaking, "The National Teacher helped the Demon Clan against the Heavenly Army in West Outer Heaven. I think that’s why the Wen Family favors him. After all, the Wen Family has always opposed the Heavenly Dynasty’s expedition to West Outer Heaven, so doing dirty work there or cooperating with enemies is expected."

"If so, the National Teacher is the remaining scourge of the Demon Clan, an enemy of the Heavenly Dynasty, and must not be left unchecked!" Xiamu Yu widened his eyes, then turned enthusiastically to Bailong An and said, "I plead with His Majesty to immediately issue an edict, exterminating the Demon Clan remnants. If they leave Kyushu alive, our Heavenly Dynasty will face great calamity."

"This..."

Bailong An’s eyes widened even more. He hadn’t expected that as this group of people had been talking, Luo’er’s image as the National Teacher had steadily diminished in their conversation, ultimately becoming their adversary.

"In any case, the grass must be rooted out," Anxiang Liang also cupped his hands and suggested, "If His Majesty wishes the Heavenly Dynasty’s reign to endure, he must be ruthless."

With the conversation reaching this point, Bailong An seemed unable to find a reason to refuse. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly stood up and solemnly commanded, "Immediately dispatch troops to retrieve the Princess and eliminate the treacherous Demon Clan faction. Proclaim across state counties that any brave who aids our Heavenly Dynasty shall be heavily rewarded!"

"The ministers will obey!" Several people in the hall excitedly responded in unison.

Anxiang Liang was particularly delighted, for as Luo’er and his people intended to head south, they would inevitably pass through Qi State, which was under the dominion of the Anxiang Family. Therefore, the credit definitely belonged to the Anxiang Family.

"By the way," amidst surprise, Anxiang Liang seemed to recall something, thus he continued, "Your Majesty, now that the Wen Family is declining, what of the Emperor’s Sect..."

"The Emperor’s Sect’s elite Lieying Tang and Heterogeneous Hall are beyond my command. After the Yichuan Clan fell, members of these two halls have all vanished," Bailong An expressed unease.

"Hence, securing His Majesty’s safety is more imperative," said Anxiang Liang, "Although I’m lacking, I dare to recommend a talent to ensure the safety of His Majesty."

"Oh, what kind of talent?"

Anxiang Liang didn’t respond but gestured, then turned to shout outside the hall, "Come in!"

Following his command, a young man clad in Xuan attire strode in with head held high. After reaching Anxiang Liang’s back, he dropped to one knee, bowing to Bailong An.

"This is Jing Guan, though a commoner, he possesses exceptional talent and has been embraced by our family as a disciple, carefully nurtured. Do not let his youth fool you, he is at the late stage of the Jiedan Realm." Anxiang Liang introduced with a proud expression.

Bailong An scrutinized the young man, estimating his age at around twenty-five or twenty-six years old. He bore thick eyebrows and large eyes, with a slight beard, presenting a handsome appearance.

His temples were full, his physique tall and strong with powerful limbs, characteristic of sect cultivators.

In contrast to military cultivators, these generals must ensure both cultivation and physical strength, thus most are broad-shouldered and stout, known as military traits.

Regarding sect cultivators, with less emphasis on physical strength, they focus on cultivation level, coupled with controlled diet, hence most sect cultivators have good figures, unlike the military, known as sect traits.

Following military reforms by the Wen Family Court, numerous salaried generals were dismissed, some repositioned into the Forbidden Army, others joined the Nine Thousand Battalion.

Yet, most of these generals harbored resentment toward the Wen Family Court, and those unable to secure new positions became vital forces in the Wu Family’s quest for power.

Bailong An found the young man impressive, nodding with satisfaction, yet simultaneously felt curiosity.

The Anxiang Family was known for equal distribution, providing ample resources evenly among family disciples, resulting in all being mediocre, unable to form high-level combatants.

It was unimaginable that such a family could allocate resources to cultivate commoner disciples, indicating that the leadership of the Anxiang Family was aware of their family’s intrinsic issues.

"If His Majesty does not disdain his status, let him accompany you frequently. I believe Jing Guan can absolutely protect His Majesty," Anxiang Liang suggested happily upon hearing the Emperor’s words.

He perceived his actions as greatly beneficial, demonstrating loyalty to His Majesty while placing his own people by His Majesty’s side. However, it wasn’t long before he regretted this decision greatly.

Since they decided to force the court, they’d already entered the trap pre-designed by Ichuan Fei, akin to being cursed. Hence, regardless of what they intended next, even if well-intentioned, events would ultimately go awry.

Meanwhile, tasked with monitoring the Advance Team, Hun Jiansi miraculously received a signal from the organization. Thus, she took advantage of the team’s rest to separate and meet the organization’s personnel at the designated location.

She met an old acquaintance, Zhang Yi and the Ghost Hag from the Heterogeneous Hall. However, the orders they conveyed made Hun Jiansi doubtful.

"What did you say, have me knock down the National Teacher and others, then escort them back to Shengjing?"

"Those are orders from above, just comply!" Zhang Yi said coldly.

"What orders from above, don’t think I don’t know anything," Hun Jiansi retorted bluntly, "Who doesn’t know the Wen Family is now declining, with the Young Lord deceased, the Emperor’s Sect headless..."

"Who told you the Emperor’s Sect is headless?" Zhang Yi interrupted her, sneering.

"You..."

Hun Jiansi initially squinted confusedly but quickly widened her eyes, pointing at him tremblingly, "You... you’ve allied with the Wu Family?"

"The Emperor’s Sect is loyal to Emperor Wu, that’s the natural order. How can you call it allegiance?" Zhang Yi remained unashamed while saying this.

"Nonsense," Hun Jiansi spat, "The Heterogeneous Hall was founded by the Wen Family, you and I benefited from the Young Lord, and now that you express such distorted loyalty, is it to excuse yourselves?"

"Wake up, Hun Jiansi, the times have changed, the Young Lord is dead!"

"So what?"

"I reckon you’re reluctant to part with your little lover, considering if you were truly uninterested, why follow him for so long? Knowing your temperament, without orders from above, you wouldn’t follow him for long."

"And what if I am?" Hun Jiansi retorted through clenched teeth.

Her response left Zhang Yi momentarily stunned; his face flashed a trace of bitterness before reverting to a cold expression.

"Unexpectedly, the formidable Intangible Flower-like Hun Jiansi is, in the end, just a woman, unable to escape the shackles of love." He sighed, pretending to be emotional.

"Stop belittling me; I’m different from you backstabbing scoundrels. Without orders from the Young Lord, no one dares touch those under my protection!"

"It seems you’re determined to protect them, sacrificing your life for foreigners—is it worth it?"

"I’m clear on what I’m doing, no need for you to instruct me!"

"It seems you’re asking for trouble. Don’t you realize I, Zhang Yi, am your nemesis, Hun Jiansi?"

Zhang Yi’s expression icy changed dramatically.