Clatter!
Dark clouds loomed in the sky, as if lightning flashed through the cloud cover,
briefly illuminating Great Yin Mountain.
Clatter, clatter!
In the circular cemetery, thousands of black coffins facing the center were shaking, as if terrifying and ferocious monsters were struggling inside, trying to break free.
But just as the coffin lids were about to be lifted, a crisp bell sound rang out, and the monsters struggling inside the coffins calmed down.
The entire cemetery immediately returned to silence.
The tombstones that had shifted and the withered bones that had struggled in the surrounding mass burial ground also returned to peace because of the bell sound.
Da da da.
A series of footsteps, a pair of red embroidered shoes, a red jacket, slowly passed through the cemetery, stepping on the grass, hopping and skipping.
It looked like a little girl about ten years old, with a small bell hanging from her waist.
"Oh ho!"
The little girl was very happy, covering her young face with her hands, her delicate skin stretched into a wide smile, "Li Changchun, ah, Li Changchun, you should have done this long ago.
You should have done this a hundred years ago.
Yin and Yang cultivation, one in Yin and one in Yang, is the key to the Great Accomplishment of the Bright Jade Skill, only then can the barriers of the four seasons be broken.
It's all thanks to this old woman guarding it for so many years."
The little girl hopped and skipped away, completely unaware of the young man standing outside the red coffin, watching her from afar.
And the young man's clothes scattered on the ground, as well as the old woman's clothes, and even the remnants of sloughed skin on the ground.
It is said that the little girl left the cemetery and moved away from the mass burial ground.
Following the huge valley, she continued forward, finally arriving at a very imposing mountain stronghold.
There were also children running back and forth on the ridges of the fields in the stronghold, chasing each other.
There were also farmers plowing the fields and women picking mulberry leaves.
It was truly a secluded village, full of life.
The little girl hopped and skipped on the ridges of the fields, and because she was running too fast, she attracted scolding from many farmers.
"Hey, little girl, slow down, don't step on my fodder."
"There's frost on the road, you wild girl, it's dangerous to run like that."
"… …"
The little girl ignored them, only caring about hopping forward.
Crossing the fields, she finally arrived at a cluster of red-style buildings.
The scarlet color was completely different from the fields and mountain villages outside, which were full of life.
The little girl entered the buildings and finally arrived at the entrance of a huge mansion.
Most people place stone lions on both sides of their gates, but on both sides of this mansion's gate were two evil ghost statues painted with blood-red paint.
Their eyes were wide with anger, staring intently at everyone entering the gate.
Moreover, the evil ghosts emitted a strong bloody smell, indicating that the blood-red paint on the surface was not paint, but blood itself.
Most amazing of all were the gatekeepers standing on either side of the gate.
They were not human.
But two bronze corpses.
The guys who made Fang Baiyu submit as an envoy in White Feather Hall… were only gatekeepers here.
Clang.
The two bronze corpses reached out to stop the little girl from entering.
Huh?
The little girl glared, about to get angry, suddenly wiped her smooth face, and a naive and bright smile appeared on her face.
She twisted her waist, and the bell hanging on her belt made a "jingle" sound.
The two bronze corpses seemed to have heard some soul-reaping sound and immediately bowed and made way.
Only then did the little girl step over the threshold with a smile on her face.
Entering the courtyard, there were bronze corpses sweeping the floor, drawing water, wiping tables, and a few bronze corpses were carrying ladders to repair the leaking roof on the rafters…
When they heard the bell, they all showed horrified and frightened expressions.
After passing through the front yard, there were silver corpses in the inner courtyard, writing, reciting, learning etiquette, and some practicing martial arts in the courtyard.
It is worth mentioning that the silver corpses and bronze corpses were different in appearance, at least not so scary anymore.
They looked more like humans.
Crossing the inner courtyard and entering the hall.
Several golden corpses were sitting cross-legged in the hall, learning to chant Buddha and knock on wooden fish.
Apart from the golden skin color, they were not much different from ordinary withered old people.
A woman wearing a brown fur-trimmed waist dress was kneeling on the ground.
It was Yu He.
(The author kindly reminds you: Yu He is not a villain, the secret will be revealed in the second half of the chapter, there are surprises and reversals!)
Seeing the little girl for the first time, Yu He was stunned and trembled all over.
At first, she thought she was seeing things, until the little girl hopped forward and sat down on the chief grand master's chair of the High Priest, and the worries in Yu He's heart were completely dispelled.
"Your subordinate Xie Yu He pays respects to the High Priest! Congratulations to the High Priest… for achieving great divine power and returning to youth."
Hmm.
Because she was too small, the little girl could not maintain a normal sitting posture, so she sat cross-legged on the grand master's chair, looking at Xie Yu He with great interest, "Has the matter of the Immortal Treasure been confirmed yet?"
Xie Yu He shook her head, "Your subordinate is incompetent and has not been able to confirm it."
"Strange!"
The little girl frowned, "This priest helped your ancestors achieve great success in the Bright Jade Skill, and specially blessed the Immortal Box with a Corpse Seed in order to find someone to bear the curse on the Immortal Box.
In this way, this priest can always sense the specific location of the Immortal Box.
Why did the sensing of the Corpse Seed disappear after the Chen Mansion incident last time…"
Bang!
Yu He kowtowed on the ground, "Your subordinate has infiltrated the White Feather Hall and is trying her best to investigate… Ah!"
Before she could finish speaking, Yu He was slapped away by the little girl.
Without seeing any movement in the little girl's body, she casually raised her palm, leaving a red five-finger print on Yu He's face.
"Waste! This priest has cultivated you for nearly twenty years, let you infiltrate the Tang Family Fortress since you were a child, and then let you infiltrate the headquarters of the Tiger Wolf Gate.
Finally, I transferred you to the Blood Ridge Black Market.
Is this how you repay this priest?
Bring the branding iron!"
A golden corpse came over with a charcoal basin, inside which was a red-hot branding iron.
The little girl left her seat, picked up the red-hot branding iron, and pressed it directly on Yu He's chest, making a "sizzle" sound, followed by thick smoke and the burnt smell of scorched skin.
Yu He's face was pale, and the corners of her mouth were twitching, but she endured it.
After the branding iron had completely cooled down, the little girl withdrew her hand and said fiercely:
"This priest has spent a lot of effort to cultivate you as a chess piece, but you repay me like this.
I need to give you a lesson.
This Immortal Treasure is one of the two treasures of the Longevity Sect.
It is of great importance and is related to the future cause of my Corpse Refining Hall.
Whether my Corpse Refining Hall can return from a branch to the core of the main sect in the future depends entirely on this Immortal Treasure.
If there is any mistake, bring your head to see me!"
Yu He endured the pain and prostrated on the ground, trembling, "Thank you, High Priest, for giving your subordinate another chance."
Hmm.
Seeing that Yu He's attitude was acceptable, the little girl's anger eased slightly, "Could the Immortal Treasure be on Xie An, the old man you serve?"
Yu He shook her head: "Your subordinate has served the master for almost a year and has not found anything unusual about him.
It shouldn't be on him.
Most likely… it's in the hands of the higher-ups of the Tiger Wolf Gate."
The little girl stared at Yu He for a long time, as if she suspected something, and after a long time, she withdrew her gaze, "Then hurry up and dig it out for this priest.
The Tiger Wolf Gate is just a bunch of trashy Jianghu ants, yet they dare to give this sect's Immortal Treasure.
It's simply ignorant.
Go.
You must find out the whereabouts of the Immortal Treasure within three years, otherwise… you will be worthless."
Worthless…
Means abandonment, is death.
Yu He kowtowed on the ground, "Your subordinate will certainly not fail to live up to the High Priest's expectations."
"Go down."
Yu He endured the burns on her chest and had only taken two steps when she suddenly heard the little girl behind her calling her to stop, so she turned around and cupped her hands, "What else do you want to instruct, High Priest?"
The little girl stepped forward and handed Yu He a black pill, "Take this Corpse Pill.
If you don't have my antidote within three years, you will die from Corpse Poison."
Yu He did not hesitate, swallowed it in one gulp, and said, "Thank you, High Priest, for bestowing the medicine."
"Hmm, find the Immortal Treasure within three years, and I will give you the antidote.
Life and death all depend on you.
Go down."
The little girl waved her hand to signal Yu He to retreat, then returned to the grand master's chair and sat down cross-legged, muttering to herself.
"Damn Immortal Treasure, it was actually cursed, and anyone who opens the Immortal Treasure will bear the curse.
If it weren't for this, why would this priest need to find a scapegoat?
I don't even know what's inside the Immortal Treasure.
It is said that the successive leaders of the Longevity Sect did not dare to open it easily… Even if I take this Immortal Treasure back, whether it is a blessing or a curse is still unknown."
… …
It is said that after Yu He left the Corpse Refining Hall, she returned to Shuideng Town, found a pharmacy, and simply treated the wound on her chest, then found a fiery horse.
Giddy up!
She galloped wildly, leaving Shuideng Town all the way, crossing the county seat of Qingwu County, and heading west along the official road, heading straight for Nanyang Prefecture.
Yu He was in a hurry.
Going to Nanyang Prefecture is a full two thousand miles away.
There were many bandits on the road, but Yu He didn't care, only caring about rushing madly.
"Since the High Priest has returned to youth, it means… Li Changchun has also succeeded… Great Yin Mountain, which has been stable for a hundred years, is going to have a big event!"
Nanyang Prefecture City is much grander than Qingwu County City.
It is home to a full million people.
It is the largest city in the entire Nanyang Prefecture, which governs thirty-six counties.
The Nanyang Prefecture Yamen, renowned for its formidable reputation, and the Demon Suppression Bureau were both situated within the prefectural city. Consequently, the city was a haven of peace and prosperity, completely devoid of banditry. Compared to Qingwu County, it was like a paradise on earth.
Moreover, Mount Tai'a, located thirty miles outside the city, was also home to the Tai'a Taoist Academy. Common bandits simply didn't dare to venture near.
Mount Tai'a Peak.
Early morning, the purple aura of dawn arrived from the east.
On the mountaintop, countless martial artists dressed in combat attire were practicing and drilling, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere.
A carriage hastily arrived at the entrance of the Tai'a Taoist Academy.
The coachman was a man in his thirties, dressed in black combat attire. He jumped down from the carriage and approached the main gate.
The gatekeeper hurried forward, cupping his hands in greeting, "Sub-Director Li, you've arrived so early. Our Headmaster probably hasn't risen yet and will need a little more time before departing to teach at the Demon Suppression Bureau. Please, Sub-Director, come inside for a moment to sit and have some tea. I'll gladly offer some refreshments."
The man, addressed as Sub-Director Li, declined, "No need, Chao Sheng will wait here."
"Ah, this..." The gatekeeper wanted to persuade him further, but seeing Li Chao Sheng's resolute attitude, he had no choice but to give up. Others might not know who this Li Chao Sheng was, but the gatekeeper certainly did.
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Li Chao Sheng, the Deputy Sub-Director of the Nanyang Demon Suppression Bureau.
Holding the rank of a fifth-grade official.
Even the Prefect would treat him with courtesy and respect.
Yet, here he was, braving the cold wind, standing beside the carriage waiting.
In the entire Nanyang Prefecture, there were only two people whom Li Chao Sheng would wait for in such a manner.
The Headmaster of the Tai'a Taoist Academy was one of them.
After about half an hour, the sun rose, and golden rays filled the sky. The gates of the Taoist Academy also opened at this time, and a slender woman wearing a fitted, sea-blue silk dress walked out, facing the golden rays.
Da da da.
The sound of cloud-patterned boots stepping on the ground was crisp and clear. The morning breeze stirred her long hair, revealing a delicate and pretty face, with skin as smooth as jade, hair adorned with a jade hairpin, and clear, bright eyes.
Her sleeves fluttered in the wind, each step like a lotus blooming, a pearl of the sea, making even the sun in the sky seem to lose its color.
Li Chao Sheng quickly stepped forward, cupping his hands and bowing, "Chief Supervisor Su. Today is the usual teaching time, and I've come to escort you, Madam."
"Mm."
The woman softly hummed in acknowledgment, then glanced at the rising sun.
The sun rose from the southeast.
That direction was also the direction of Qingwu County.
The woman gazed for a long time before getting into the carriage and lowering the curtains, "Let's go, don't keep my students waiting for too long. Although I am a teacher, being late is not good."
"Student understands."
Li Chao Sheng drove the carriage down the mountain, his attitude respectful throughout the entire journey.
There were only two people whom this Deputy Sub-Director of the Nanyang Prefecture Demon Suppression Bureau would treat with such respect.
And only one of them was a woman.
It was the Headmaster of the Tai'a Taoist Academy, and concurrently the Chief Supervisor of the Nanyang Demon Suppression Bureau… Nanyang Prefecture's only Grandmaster of Martial Dao, Su Yuqing!
Nanyang Prefecture had a famous academy.
Named Yunlu Academy.
Da Qian emphasized martial prowess and always advocated for the integration of literary and martial arts.
Even academies required martial arts training.
For an academy to receive instruction from a Grandmaster of Martial Dao was undoubtedly a great honor. Its students included most of the talented youths in Nanyang Prefecture.
Moreover, although Da Qian favored men over women, this was mainly prevalent among the lower and middle classes of commoners. Among the scholar-officials and nobles… as material and spiritual wealth increased, this phenomenon lessened considerably.
Or rather, the world didn't truly favor men over women, but success over failure.
It was difficult for women to rise to prominence, but there was no shortage of heroines and chivalrous women in the martial world. As long as they achieved success, they would become people above others, and people would not only dare not look down on them but would also have a bit more respect.
For example, Su Yuqing was a typical representative of this.
A generation's Grandmaster, seated in Nanyang, who wouldn't respect her? Who would dare to disobey?
In the academy, over a hundred people sat respectfully, while Su Yuqing held a book and read aloud.
"Da Qian's civilization has stretched for five thousand years. Since Emperor Jingtai established the dynasty, it has continued to this day, extending the nation's destiny for a hundred years. Although it is a new dynasty, it is full of undercurrents. To the north, the Sixteen Kingdoms of Northern Liang are eyeing us covetously. To the south, pirates rampage across the vast seas. Internally, powerful clans secede and establish their own territories. It is always the common people at the bottom who suffer, but the common people are the roots of Da Qian. All of you are talents of Nanyang Prefecture. In the future, after understanding the principles, whether you write books and establish theories or wield power, you must remember… the roots of Da Qian are in the fields, not in the court."
The students listened attentively, some feeling enlightened, and others filled with doubts.
Su Yuqing's views conflicted with the sage's sayings they usually learned from books.
One young man asked, "Teacher, a student has a question."
Su Yuqing's expression was as calm as water, refined and courteous, "Please speak."
Even when faced with a student's question, she would add the word "please."
The young man said, "The world says that under the sky, there is no land that is not the king's. One who eats the king's food must be loyal to the king's affairs. But teacher says that the roots of Da Qian are in the people, not in the ruler. Then, whose world is this world after all?"
In Da Qian's feudal society with its strict hierarchy, asking this question would be considered treasonous.
Only in Su Yuqing's classroom would there be such an atmosphere.
Only a Grandmaster of Martial Dao like Su Yuqing would dare to discuss matters of the imperial court.
Su Yuqing glanced at the young man and said calmly, "The world, of course, is the world of the myriad people."
The young man argued unconvinced, "What about the monarch?"
Su Yuqing pondered for a moment, looking at the rising sun outside the window, "The monarch is merely governing the country on behalf of the people. The monarch's power is granted by the people!"
The words were like a thunderclap.
Rippling through everyone's hearts, causing a great uproar.
The young man said, "Teacher, but this is unreasonable. In Da Qian's five thousand years of dynastic changes, there has never been talk of the people granting the monarch power. There is no such system either."
Su Yuqing said softly, "There is no such system, but if you stretch the timeline, have there been few peasant uprisings since ancient times? The common people may not speak, but history will speak. One commoner may not speak, but millions of commoners will stand up and speak at a certain point in time. The changes of dynasties in the past were all due to the monarch being immoral. The so-called immorality is disregarding the people's livelihood and suffering.
Moreover, this system may not exist now. Perhaps in the future… it will appear. Five thousand years of history are proving this point. One day, it will be put on the table."
The young man was stunned for a long time, finally bowing deeply to Su Yuqing, "Student has been taught."
At this moment, Su Yuqing saw someone outside the window and said, "Everyone, recite the sage's sayings a few more times."
She put down her book and walked outside, seeing Yu He, who had been standing under the ancient locust tree outside the door for a long time, covered in dust, "Yu He."
Yu He performed a Wanfu greeting, "Miss, I have important news to report."
Su Yuqing glanced at the academy, seeing that the students were all reciting attentively, and turned back, "Is there any unusual activity at the Great Yin Mountain?"
Yu He was shocked, "Miss, you sensed it too?"
Su Yuqing said, "I learned a bit of divination from the old master when I had nothing to do. I've been feeling uneasy these past few days. Tell me."
Yu He said, "I saw the Great Priest rejuvenating. Li Changchun… I'm afraid he has completed the Bright Jade Skill and has also achieved rejuvenation. Also, the Great Yin Mountain has recently been repeatedly sending bronze corpses down the mountain to cause trouble. They are disregarding the agreement between the Prefecture Bureau and them."
Swish!
Su Yuqing suddenly extended her slender jade fingers and tapped Yu He's chest, tearing open her clothes, seeing the wound wrapped inside, still showing traces of blood, "Did the Great Priest do this?"
Yu He lowered her head.
Ai.
Su Yuqing sighed, "These years have been hard on you."
Yu He drooped her head, gritting her teeth, "Compared to the sacrifices made by the Miss, this little bit of mine is nothing."
"Li Chao Sheng."
Su Yuqing called out, and Li Chao Sheng immediately hurried over, "Madam Su."
Su Yuqing said, "You secretly take Yu He down and give her the best wound medicine. Also, after I finish this class, I will go to Qingwu County. It will be three to five years if short, and ten years if long. During this time, the affairs of the Nanyang Prefecture Bureau will be entrusted to you."
Li Chao Sheng immediately became nervous, "But there is unusual activity at the Great Yin Mountain. If so, I can go there and share your worries, Madam."
Su Yuqing shook her head, "You stay here. I heard long ago that the Bright Jade Skill, when refined to the nineteenth level, can compete with a contemporary Grandmaster of Martial Dao. Moreover, the Great Yin Mountain has two old fellows who have refined it to the twenty-fourth level. Perfect, let me test my sword.
My iron sword hasn't been unsheathed for more than a decade. I don't know if it's still sharp."
Li Chao Sheng felt a chill run down his spine, and it took him a long time to calm down, "Rest assured, Madam, this student will do everything in my power to protect the prefectural city. If Madam is anxious, then let's cancel this class."
"There's no need for that, everything should have a beginning and an end."
Su Yuqing left the two and stepped into the academy, continuing to teach, her calm gaze sweeping over each young student, full of peace and serenity.
