Chapter 280: The Sword Immortal of Jiangdong, No More Than This!

Dao Mo and Xia Xiaotang returned to Wu Country.

Only seven days had passed.

They soon received intelligence from Wu Country's spies: the beast disturbances had erupted, causing heavy casualties.

Qi Shi had held out against the new Wu Emperor for so long not merely through its own strength, but because many powerful figures within Wu Country supported Prince Qi, the seventh son of Imperial Consort Qi; among them, the most renowned was Wu Country's Grand Master of Beast Taming, Pu Da.

It was precisely because of Pu Da's support that the Eight Beast Lords were willing to intervene.

"The chaos in Wu Country may very well affect Yunzhou."

Cao Wei frowned.

Li Rui nodded: "There is indeed such a possibility."

Unlike the previous Jiang Lin, Li Rui and Cao Wei's relationship was fairly good—they could often sit together in the same room and chat.

The appointment papers for Assistant Military Commander had already been approved by His Majesty.

What remained was merely bureaucratic processing by the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War, but due to the prior connection with Old Master Duan, it should proceed swiftly.

Li Rui, aside from not yet moving into the Assistant Military Commander's residence, already enjoyed benefits nearly identical to those of an Assistant Military Commander.

"Big Brother Li, we must plan ahead."

Cao Wei spoke in a low tone.

If another siege were to occur, both he, the Assistant Regional Commander, and Li Rui, the Assistant Military Commander, might not last long in their posts.

Li Rui: "What you say, Brother Cao, is reasonable—I'll follow your arrangements."

Hearing Li Rui's words, Cao Wei finally exhaled in relief.

His relationship with Li Rui had improved partly due to external pressure forcing cooperation, and partly because he had learned lessons from his past dealings with Jiang Lin.

He was no longer so arrogant.

In a sense, Li Rui had planted the tree, and now he was enjoying the shade.

Li Rui: "I have some connections in Wu Country—I'll see if I can seek their aid."

Upon hearing this,

Cao Wei was overjoyed: "That would be excellent."

After further discussing the defensive details, it was already deep into the night.

Li Rui stepped out of the General's residence.

The night wind was cool.

Becoming an Assistant Military Commander and receiving benefits meant accepting greater responsibilities—it was unavoidable.

Marquis Yuan had taken him on as a retainer and even appointed Li Rui as his martial instructor.

But Li Rui's official status must remain Assistant Military Commander.

That would not change.

Marquis Yuan did this because, as the Marquis of Annan, his duty was to maintain stability in the southern frontier; Qinghe, as one of the major ports, was a vital passage for Wu Country's northward advance and required a trusted guardian.

Li Rui was his appointed trusted agent in Qinghe.

Being a trusted agent was not as simple as flattering words—it required getting the job done well.

Cao Wei feared another siege; Li Rui feared it too.

"It's not easy being an official."

Li Rui smiled and shook his head.

Of course, according to the achievements in the system, becoming an official was already the most stable path.

The martial world?

Harder to survive in.

There's a saying: "In the martial world, who doesn't get cut?"

Major sects are swallowed or destroyed every ten years—the risk is far greater.

In comparison, the imperial court is at least far more respectable.

Even if you fail, the worst outcome is losing your post—you won't lose your life. Li Rui seeks immortality; above all, he must survive.

If you're dead, everything is over.

Of course, ideally, he'd reach the third-rank position.

"No punishment for high officials" doesn't refer to ordinary officials—it requires at least third-rank status; as for higher ranks, Li Rui's enthusiasm waned.

The risk is too great.

Third-rank is the most cost-effective position.

'Strive for third-rank.'

Now he had completely shed the stigma of his former life as a stable boy; with effort, it was still possible.

He returned to his residence.

Li Rui glanced at Wang Zhao and Yang Yong's rooms, now dark, then walked straight into his own.

Same routine.

Circulate Qi through one full cycle, then sink into bed and fall into deep sleep.

In the dream, atop Yuntai Mountain.

Li Rui stood with eyes closed and head bowed, holding Zang Feng quietly.

Gather Qi.

His battle intent gradually rose, reaching its peak.

The next instant,

Three figures slowly emerged from the sea of clouds.

Zhuang Renhe, Yuan Gao, Qi Rui.

The aura of these three fifth-rank experts stirred violent winds atop Yuntai, scattering thick clouds, their killing intent surging into the heavens.

"Such great resentment."

Li Rui smiled lightly.

Of course—they were ghosts he had slain, now summoned back; it was natural they carried heavy grudges.

"Then let me ask you three to die once more."

Instantly—

A mirage appeared atop Yuntai: a magnificent celestial palace floated into view, dragons soaring between its halls, a divine realm unfolding.

His Qi Form fully manifested, grand and awe-inspiring, leaving one speechless with shock.

Li Rui dared not unleash his full Qi Form except in dreams—his special effects were too extravagant.

Sometimes, this was also a sadness.

The majestic celestial palace rose from the ground and pressed down upon Zhuang Renhe and the others.

Condense celestial Qi, enter Guanlan.

At this moment, Li Rui's combat power was unprecedented, far surpassing his previous strength.

BOOM!

A thunderous crash.

The three figures exploded into white clouds and vanished instantly—defeated in a single strike.

Raise hand, subdue!

Li Rui's lips curled slightly.

"Good, good."

This was a new technique he had discovered after his Foundation Establishment—not complex, merely overwhelming opponents with high-grade true Qi and Qi Form; the effect was excellent.

Li Rui's enthusiasm surged; he shifted his thoughts slightly.

A graceful, immortal-like figure appeared atop Yuntai.

Jiang Lin.

Precisely, Jiang Lin in his fifth-rank state—why fifth-rank? Because Li Rui had never witnessed Jiang Lin's fourth-rank combat, nor the battle when he entered Earth Immortal.

"Come."

Li Rui was eager to fight.

His right hand slowly rose.

The celestial palace reformed around him, the Yinglong coiled behind his back, him standing precisely atop its dragon head.

Across from him,

Jiang Lin's body slowly summoned seven small swords.

"Tan Lang—go!"

With a soft whisper, the small sword Tan Lang shot toward Li Rui.

This time, Li Rui neither dodged nor retreated under pressure; Zang Feng descended steadily, colliding midair with Tan Lang.

CLANG!

A crisp ring shattered across Yuntai.

For the first time, Tan Lang suffered defeat, spinning backward to return to Jiang Lin's side.

Jiang Lin remained expressionless.

He murmured softly again: "Ju Men, Wu Qu, Po Jun—attack!" This time, three more small swords joined Tan Lang, targeting Li Rui's four vital points simultaneously.

Before the swords even reached him, he already felt a dull, creeping pain.

Li Rui dared not underestimate him; the phantom of the Immortal Palace enveloped his body.

Ding ding ding ding

Four small swords flew back in unison!

"Excellent."

Li Rui's pupils widened slightly; he shouted, this was the first time he had blocked all four of Jiang Lin's flying swords at once.

"My turn!"

"Go!"

With a sharp cry, the Immortal Palace soared high and came crashing down upon Jiang Lin.

For a moment,

wind and clouds churned atop Mount Yuntai; purple-gold divine light blazed forth.

Please... collect... 6... ... ooks...!

The morning sun was especially beautiful; Li Rui opened his door, and the warm dawn light fell directly upon his face.

A pleasant night.

Though sleepless, it was worth it.

Yes, in the end he still lost.

But he forced Jiang Lin to unleash all seven swords, and he was by no means defenseless—in fact, he lost by only a single move.

Defeated, yet honorable.

Although Great Dream Immortal Travel could not simulate Jiang Lin's full strength, it was undoubtedly at least the Observing Sea realm, having ascended to the Bright Moon stage.

A cultivator still in the Listening Waves stage of Observing Sea, holding his own against Jiang Lin across a full minor realm—this alone was enough to be proud of.

If outsiders learned of this, they would be stunned.

It had always been Jiang Lin who challenged others across realms; when had a lower-level cultivator ever challenged him?

It was outright heresy.

The Sword Immortal of Jiangdong, is that all?

Li Rui chuckled.

This was the first time he had matched Jiang Lin blow for blow.

Who isn't a genius?

He stepped out of the room.

Li Rui began his morning training as usual.

Gold bricks, glazed tiles; vermilion walls, jade steps.

A red sun perfectly aligned with the golden peak; the imperial city glowed brilliantly, majestic and grand, while beneath the vermilion walls, palace maids and eunuchs hurried past, too busy to pause and admire.

A neglected beauty.

"Young Uncle, Elder Jiang, Master Qu has left the city."

Yao Xue stood respectfully beside him.

A man in a feather fan and silk headband, handsome and otherworldly, chuckled: "No matter. Little Xue, return to rest. I'll speak a few words with Elder Jiang."

Yao Xue nodded.

Then she walked out of the small courtyard.

Gu Changsheng smiled warmly at Jiang Lin: "Jiang Brother, your eye for talent is truly sharp. Li Rui caught the attention of Marquis Yuan, who invited him to be a tutor. Marquis Yuan's standards are always high; for both you and him to take notice—and for my disciple Xiao Xue to keep thinking of him—I truly wish to visit Qinghe and see for myself."

Jiang Lin: "Don't you dare. If you go, I fear the State Preceptor will tear the whole city apart."

Gu Changsheng chuckled awkwardly: "The State Preceptor does have a temper."

Jiang Lin rolled his eyes.

A temper?

If not for worrying that Gu Changsheng might ruin the State Preceptor's plans, his temper was actually quite tolerable.

He was merely caught in the crossfire.

Ever since arriving in the capital, he'd had no peace—first the Martial Rankings, then Gu Changsheng dragged him to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau.

Gu Changsheng was forty years his senior.

At his level in the First Rank Earth Immortal realm, he was exceptionally young; Gu Changsheng regarded him as a kindred spirit, claiming they were the same kind of person, and always addressed him as brother.

"Enough of that."

Gu Changsheng: "My disciple Qu will achieve great things in Qingzhou."

Qu Chengfeng had topped the Metropolitan Examination.

He had since served in the Literary Pavilion, but now, upon his first posting, he was directly appointed as a Department Magistrate.

Everyone said it was Gu Changsheng's doing.

But that was untrue—he owed his promotion to his rival, the State Preceptor of Yu State.

Jiang Lin glanced sideways at Gu Changsheng: "Do you truly not know, or are you pretending? Haven't you noticed something's off about Qu Chengfeng?"

Gu Changsheng did not answer, but changed the subject.

"Jiang Brother, do you know how the former head of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau died?"

Jiang Lin: "I heard he died from backlash during alchemy."

Gu Changsheng shook his head: "He was a Third Rank Earth Immortal—how could alchemy kill him? He probed the Heavenly Mandate and suffered backlash."

Jiang Lin's eyes narrowed slightly.

Heavenly Mandate backlash.

Gu Changsheng continued: "My unfortunate predecessor, entrusted by the late Emperor, spent his life calculating celestial omens, exhausting himself to deduce eight characters—then died suddenly."

Jiang Lin's eyes narrowed slightly.

Though he had many connections within the palace, he could not possibly know its deepest secrets.

He had never heard this before.

Gu Changsheng seemed to recall something amusing; a faint smile touched his lips, and without teasing, he spoke plainly:

"The Heavenly Gate will open; an Immortal will emerge."

The Heavenly Gate. An Immortal.

Jiang Lin's pupils contracted slightly.

He had heard this from Xu Xuan the Daoist; now he heard it again from Gu Changsheng.

"Jiang Brother, have you heard of the Exiled Immortals?"

Jiang Lin: "Immortals reincarnated?"

Gu Changsheng smiled: "Yes—and no. The Imperial Astronomical Bureau discovered something fascinating a century ago: perhaps true Exiled Immortals walk among mortals."

Qinghe, Anning Guard.

In the center of the training ground.

Li Rui and Cao Wei stood stiffly in official robes, as if waiting for something.

Times had changed; Li Rui, rarely, stood shoulder to shoulder with Cao Wei.

Other Garrison Commanders of the Anning Guard stood behind them.

The scene was grand.

Within a quarter hour,

a carriage escorted by dozens of armored cavalrymen slowly entered Anning Guard and halted before Li Rui and Cao Wei.

The two stepped forward.

Then the carriage curtain was drawn aside; first Xue Gui's advisor Han Zhen stepped down, followed by an elegant old man.

Han Zhen stepped down and bowed to Li Rui and Cao Wei.

"Commander Cao, Commander Li."

He then introduced his companion: "This is Senior Liu of the Hanlin Academy, come from the capital."

Hearing he was from the Hanlin Academy, Li Rui and Cao Wei dared not be careless.

"Senior Liu."

The Hanlin Academy was responsible for drafting and proclaiming imperial edicts; each scholar was noble and esteemed, even able to meet the Emperor directly—how could they offend him?

And their respect was not merely for Senior Liu himself, but for what he carried.

Senior Liu chuckled: "Gentlemen, this old man has come to Yunzhou by the Emperor's command."

Upon hearing "Emperor,"

Li Rui and Cao Wei both stiffened.

They watched as Senior Liu took the golden silk scroll held by a young official, cleared his throat,

and proclaimed: "Qinghe, Anning Guard, Li Rui, receive the edict!"

Immediately,

everyone present—including Li Rui—kneeled.

To refuse kneeling before an imperial edict was disrespect to the Emperor—punishable by death.

Having received two edicts before, Li Rui was well practiced.

"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: There are scholars who hold pure white integrity and grow old in seclusion—such men deserve honor. Thus, I bestow upon Li Rui the title of Assistant Garrison Commander of Annan Town, Anning Guard. First day of the first month, Year 87 of Tianwu."

(End of Chapter)