Chapter 322: Clear Intentions

"......"

Inside the Main Pivot Hall, Meng Changqing silently looked toward True Monarch Huiqing; her intentions at this moment were already incomparably clear: she was taking the opportunity to kill to eliminate future trouble!

Looking at it now, the previous Wang Gu was actually just a diversion; the truly ruthless hand was that Ye Buhui.

However, at this moment, this quasi-True Monarch could not help but feel a sliver of doubt.

Admittedly, that Ye Buhui was a True Person in the making, a seed of a heaven-gifted genius, a genuine prodigy of the sword path; this time, he had even come all the way while honing and concealing his sword, and could have already broken through to the mid-stage of Nascent Soul, yet he had delayed it for this, gathering momentum to kill, seeking only to kill with one sword strike.

That sword strike was originally reserved for Du En, but why would it be Ying Dongqing's turn now?

——The stance he just took was very clear; he was going to draw his sword. It was impossible to have misread it!

This shouldn't be right!

"It was his own request. I felt it didn't matter, so I permitted it."

The development of events truly followed True Monarch Huiqing's expectations; Ying Dongqing chose to surrender instantly, not allowing Ye Buhui to draw his sword at all.

In fact, this way, he actually further became a whetstone, with the gazes of those many geniuses and the stares of those he intended to kill, all continuing to hone that hidden sword edge, grinding it to be even sharper and more formidable!

Consequently, Meng Changqing's expression sank further: "This is not in accordance with the rules."

True Monarch Huiqing said nothing, merely looking toward their Senior Martial Brother.

Just as the True Monarch was situated behind the jade throne, dim under the light, he seemed to be chuckling at this moment, saying: "Sword cultivators, after all, and he is a successor of the No-Regret Sword Canon; this is understandable."

That is correct; practitioners of the No-Regret Sword Canon often push to the extreme of a single sword strike—either you die or I perish.

True Monarch Huiqing did not manipulate the rules this time!

"Junior Martial Brother Chang Meng, this is you being unreasonable."

True Monarch Buyi opposed that statement as a matter of course.

It was already three to one; regardless of True Monarch Zhuding's opinion, the outcome was already a foregone conclusion.

Meng Changqing lowered his head slightly, his gaze appearing flickering and uncertain.

In his heart, he actually let out a sigh of relief.

Judging from this arrangement by True Monarch Huiqing, it was clear that she had not yet probed Du En's divine ability; thus, even if he took that sword strike, in reality, at most he would be near death, but he would not die.

It was just that, in that case, he would be eliminated early, unable to participate in the subsequent duels, and naturally, he would have no chance at the even later Dragon Palace exploration!

However, there was no help for it; he could only do this for now.

Meng Changqing thought helplessly.

Moreover, in the time to follow, he still needed to create a facade; he could not let this woman perceive the hidden truth of Du En's divine ability.

Thus, he immediately gave True Monarch Zhuding a look.

The latter, upon receiving it, spoke very opportunely: "Since it is already like this, then I agree as well."

The words were somewhat vague, causing True Monarch Huiqing to frown inwardly.

Therefore, she spoke to probe: "Senior Martial Brother Zhuding really values him; even though he is not your own subordinate, is this worth it?"

"Junior Martial Sister Huiqing, you who have always wanted to eliminate him, do you think this is truly worth it?"

"......"

She was speechless.

Because the answer was obvious.

It was worth it!

So she sighed inwardly.

Meng Changqing's factional foundation was, after all, much shallower; she had already managed to probe the general nature of all the treasures he could use, and he himself was at a critical juncture of seclusion, making it impossible for him to leave seclusion at will to provide rescue.

Arranging for Ye Buhui to kill him, targeting his body, mind, soul, and will, killing him with one sword strike—open, aboveboard, and beyond doubt!

Furthermore, even though multiple previous probes could confirm that these two had not reached an alliance at all, and their opinions remained at odds, with Meng Changqing even guarding strictly against being poached.

Yet now, True Monarch Zhuding appeared to be stepping in to help, or rather, it was because of that Du En, there existed some unspoken tacit understanding...

"What a variable! However, as long as that sword strike can cost him the next few decades, then the problem is not significant."

True Monarch Huiqing quickly changed her thinking, from the original policy of Du En must die, to a policy of Du En being heavily injured and needing decades of recuperation.

Because his cultivation progress was too plain and simple, too stable and continuous!

A small stage every few years, a small stage every few years; rising from the bottom to the present, and still able to maintain this, rising so fast—even True Monarch Huiqing felt alarmed!

As such, it only made her want to erase him all the more; if that failed, she would at least find a way to drag him down for a few decades, so she could free her hands from her current various entanglements and carry out a comprehensive encirclement and strike, swearing to completely annihilate and erase him!

To return to the main topic.

As everyone regained their composure, and as Ying Dongqing withdrew from the small world duel arena.

People's gazes followed her, all the way to the white iron floating pillar on Du En's side.

Now, the others in this small group had nowhere to go, so they all had to crowd together.

People's gazes became strange.

Ye Buhui's sword strike had not been unleashed!

Then, the person who would have to endure that sword strike next became self-evident.

"Heh."

"This is truly heaven helping me!"

"Vicious wolves and fierce tigers biting each other; it is exactly the time for us fishermen to profit!"

Such inner thoughts would naturally not be spoken aloud, but their eyes revealed it very clearly.

Ying Dongqing's emotions were stable at this moment, but her mood naturally became complicated; just as she returned to Du En's presence, she immediately spoke to plead guilty: "It is this concubine who lacked courage and ability..."

"It is nothing; it was I who suggested you surrender."

Just as she began to speak, Du En interrupted.

Once he said this, the gazes of Xiong Fa and Hao Liaoxue, which had changed slightly while looking at her, finally returned to normal.

Su Wanhe, on the other hand, had improved her relationship with her, so she had no complaints just now.

But now, it was Ying Dongqing herself who felt very ashamed.

The prouder she had been before, the more ashamed she felt now.

Although she was calculating and sought her own interests, she was not entirely mercenary; rather, she held herself in high regard, believing that her choice of allegiance would surely yield rewards commensurate with her efforts.

But in this current state, wasn't it equivalent to explicitly stating that Du En was a poor judge of character and that she, Ying Dongqing, was self-righteous?

Therefore, she appeared to be brooding over it.

Seeing the heavy atmosphere among the group, Du En did not bother to say much, only stating: "Since the duel is over, then do what needs to be done. Besides, the two of you are women after all, so what are your plans for what follows?"

After Su Wanhe lost earlier, she had stayed with Ying Dongqing, which was why their relationship had grown increasingly close.

Now that Ying Dongqing had also lost, they had nowhere else to go and could only huddle here with Du En.

Although he himself was not particular about such things—cultivators at this level generally did not fuss over these matters—he was a considerate person, which was why he took the initiative to bring it up.

You still have the mood to care about this right now!

All four of them couldn't help but think this, and looking at his as-usual, seemingly calm and indifferent demeanor, the atmosphere of worry and unease eased slightly.

"This concubine is indifferent; after all, the interior space is not small, and I fear that in the time to come, under Yingcai's command, there will be no leisure to think about this or that."

"I don't mind either. The innocent remain innocent. Also, you wouldn't really be like what Sister Ying said, right?"

The two women's spirits lifted slightly, and their answers were more normal; Su Wanhe even carried a certain expectation.

Regarding this, the other two who had stayed behind to work for free—working from day to night, through the entire night—blinked their eyes, feeling that something sounded a bit off.

However, they still did not realize the fact that they were being exploited.

"There is nothing else to do anyway, is there?"

Du En only asked this in return, seizing the initiative.

"This... indeed."

Ying Dongqing suddenly thought at this moment that perhaps she should stop and carefully ponder her own path.

Although Ye Buhe was very strong, he hadn't even truly drawn his sword, yet he had already caused her to lose her composure to such an extent.

Perhaps she was too eager for success, appearing strong on the outside but weak on the inside; it was not suitable to blindly push forward now.

Thinking this, she wondered if Du En had sensed this long ago, which was why he had the four of them come over to work for free, to prevent them from clinging to the opportunity of the thatched cottage, becoming restless, and rushing forward blindly, only to end up with a shallow foundation and nothing but a hollow exterior!

The more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed, her beautiful eyes flickering.

"Oh, that's right, haha."

Su Wanhe was a little disappointed, then looked at Ying Dongqing, and then at Du En, who was already walking toward the wilderness space; she patted her directly and transmitted her voice: "Sister Ying, don't overthink it. It's not like that at all. If you look at Yingcai with your previous attitude, he just wants us to work for free!"

Uh!

Ying Dongqing paused for a moment, and seeing the other three walk in one after another, she touched her hair somewhat casually, then smiled bitterly: "The blow I received was just too great, sigh~!"

"It's okay, no need to sigh. As long as you keep working hard, there will eventually be a day when you catch up!"

Su Wanhe was forthright and spirited, full of confidence; infected by her, Ying Dongqing's mood also improved quite a bit.

Hmm, this way there won't be any mistakes when working.

Du En, who had the complete mindset of a construction foreman, observed secretly and nodded in affirmation to himself.

At this time, Meng Changqing took a moment from his busy schedule to send a message: "Du En, don't worry."

"I am not worried."

Du En's reply was received by Meng Changqing.

And so he did not say anything more.

After all, True Monarch Zhuding was also a difficult fellow to deal with; it was only natural for him to take the opportunity to demand an exorbitant price, and he still had to haggle with him for a while, so there was really no leisure time now.

The sooner the discussion was finished and implemented, the sooner there would be sufficient guarantees for the future.

Amidst such undercurrents and varying moods, the third round of the Thousand-Day Grand Competition reached its end, and the time arrived at the middle of the third month of the new year.

The elites were eliminated one by one, and with their injuries, rekindled pride, and a certain quiet sigh of worry, as well as some spontaneous anticipation, they left Zhongdu, this competition venue.

Only the four of them, Ying Dongqing and the others, remained; in a situation surrounded by geniuses, they only felt out of place, especially today, as the first match of the fourth round was about to begin.

Vaguely, everyone had a premonition.

Thus, the four of them exited the wilderness space, while other geniuses appeared in the spectator seats before dawn.

Only two people were still following their routine and doing their own things.

One was sharpening a sword, the other was grinding away at practice.

Du En maintained his own rhythm without change, calm as an ancient well, his heart like still water.

Relying on people working for free, his magical artifacts were not just replenished, but had gradually accumulated to over fifteen thousand, all of which were Tier 4 peak-grade; he could now be called wealthy, with exceptionally abundant ammunition.

As for spiritual meals, he cooked some himself, mainly for his own consumption, and the ingredients had to be piled on heavily, so Ying Dongqing and the others mostly helped out by doing the pre-processing work.

Progressing like this, until today.

【Age: 46/1233】

【Spiritual Root: Low Grade】

【Cultivation: Nascent Soul Mid-Stage (74/100)】

【Cultivation Method: Green-Yellow Canon (Mastery 13064/50000)】

【Spells: Meteor Rock Technique (Thoroughly Mastered 31080/300000), Sandstorm Technique (Initial Glimpse 12500/20000), Ice Breath Technique (Perfected to the Extreme), Profound Armor Giant Statue (Initial Glimpse 12500/20000), Ten Thousand Defense Technique (Initial Glimpse 1000/20000), Phoenix Red True Flame (Thoroughly Mastered 5/300), Grass and Trees Become a Forest (Initial Glimpse 1500/20000), Dharma-Devouring Spirit-Piercing (Initial Glimpse 1500/20000)】

【Divine Ability: Burying Death, Flourishing Life (Thoroughly Mastered 0/300)】

【Hundred Arts: Gathering and Appraising (Mastery 0/500), Culinary Arts (Mastery 300/500), Spirit Seeking (Thoroughly Mastered 0/300), Artifact Refining (Thoroughly Mastered 0/300)】

Basically, there was no change, only the secret technique Phoenix Red True Flame had progressed rapidly, reaching the level of Thoroughly Mastered, which could be considered the strongest among all the spells, even far crushing the Meteor Rock Technique.

Based on this point, there was no need to change the original plan.

After all, this long board was truly too long; now, letting the levels of other peak-grade spells rise seemed insignificant, so it was better to continue as before, crazily practicing and piling up the Meteor Rock Technique.

In any case, this level of proficiency, when placed among geniuses, is quite ordinary; it cannot serve as an effective means and can only be used to deal with small fry or provide support.

The curtain of night was gradually drawn back, and the sun began to reveal its features.

Du En also stood up, stepped out calmly, and arrived under the eyes of the crowd.

The fourth round, first match, is about to begin.

Under the gaze of those inside and outside the arena, two white iron floating pillars drifted and moved out from the crowd.

It was precisely Du En and Ye Buhui!

As expected, everyone's spirits were stirred.

Silently watching, they saw the two people who appeared to be men of few words leap out and head straight for the small world fighting arena.

"Can Yingcai... win?"

Xiong Fa asked sullenly, the pause in his words actually filled with worry.

He actually wanted to ask, can he survive?

Hao Liaoxue remained silent, his expression somber.

Su Wanhe quietly clenched her fists and only said, "There is still the resolution."

Indeed, there is still a backer.

There is also no need to fear the backer falling.

Ying Dongqing did not speak; what she cared about more was whether Du En would suffer a blow to his Dao heart after this battle, and subsequently drag down or slow his pace of cultivation.

After all, he had been advancing triumphantly all the way until now and had never encountered any difficulties.

And judging from the conclusion of the Chang'le City affair, she felt he was someone who pursued perfection, so even if it meant using unscrupulous means, he would force out the Fu Dong bandits of that time.

This is precisely the point that True Monarch Huiqing wants to seize upon, because while the body and soul Nascent Soul are relatively easy to treat, the haze on the Dao heart is difficult to remove; if one can recover in a few decades, that is considered quite fast, and there are precedents of people becoming completely demoralized, unable to make any further breakthroughs until the moment of their death!

"Sigh~ I hope not, otherwise, it will be very difficult for me to conduct myself here as well."

Whether emotionally or in terms of interests, that was something Ying Dongqing did not want to see.

Who made her, rather than saying she was relying on Meng Changqing, more like she was relying on Du En's side?

(End of this chapter)