Chapter 148: The Heaven of this world is right before you

After the morning court session ended, the Minister of Justice, Pang Jin, still had important matters to report to Li Chen, so he hurried toward the Imperial Study.

While walking, he saw the Commander of the Imperial Guards, Li Sixing, following closely behind, also heading in the direction of the Imperial Study.

Seeing this, Pang Jin hurriedly stopped his steps, cupped his hands in salute, and said, "Lord Li, you have worked hard. After today's morning court, you still have to trouble yourself with guarding the Imperial Study to ensure the safety of the Imperial Palace."

Upon hearing this, Li Sixing also stopped his steps and returned the salute, saying, "Lord Pang, your words are too heavy. Guarding the Imperial City is the duty of us Imperial Guards; how can there be talk of hard work? It is you, Lord Pang, who, as the Minister of Justice, are busy with public affairs and still have to come personally to report important matters to His Majesty. That is truly exhausting."

After the two exchanged pleasantries, they each continued on their way, heading toward the Imperial Study.

After waiting for a while at the entrance of the Imperial Study, the eunuch had them both enter together, saying it was His Majesty's decree.

The two of them knew then that it seemed they were to handle the same matter.

Pang Jin arrived at the Imperial Study and began to report the results of the investigation conducted during this period.

Here was a secret memorial, on which were written some of the aristocratic families and remnants of the previous dynasty in the Imperial Capital who had connections.

Within the Six Ministries, there were also some officials involved, among whom were several mid-level cadres from the Ministry of Justice.

What was recorded here were all those who had shown their faces in the case of the Crown Prince's death.

As for who specifically killed the Crown Prince, that was not yet clear for the time being; Pang Jin was only reporting the progress of the investigation.

That is to say, he was letting Li Chen know that he had already managed to uncover some clues and was not working in vain.

When the time came to close the net, most of these people would face the death penalty, and the core figures would even have their nine generations executed.

Then Pang Jin began to report other matters, which was the news mentioned by Biyou Tianzun that many remnants of the previous dynasty were hiding in Zi Xiao Tiangong.

Because only a few days had passed, only partial information could be obtained; the specifics would have to wait for some time.

However, there was indeed evidence to prove that the remnants of the previous dynasty were in Zi Xiao Tiangong.

Pang Jin judged that the remnants of the previous dynasty had only infiltrated and had not completely mastered Zi Xiao Tiangong.

A sect is a very special existence; whoever is strong takes the position of power.

If the remnants of the previous dynasty wanted to mix in, they could only send some disciples with extremely high talent to join the sect, slowly gain experience, accumulate step by step, and thereby rise up.

But they also could not guarantee that the subsequent disciples would be able to continue the line, and there were many geniuses in the sect.

At such times, it is not something that can be solved by playing connections; everyone is in competition.

A sect is not an aristocratic family.

To give an example, if a powerhouse among the remnants of the previous dynasty became the He He Zongzhu, he would naturally want to keep the sect in his own hands and then pass the position to his own clansmen.

But if this successor clansman could not reach the required standard and was forced to be the He He Zongzhu, then this sect would decline rapidly and never recover.

The competition in a sect is particularly cruel; the original intention for some sects being destroyed might just be that an outer disciple spoke rudely and offended a Son of Fortune.

Then this Son of Fortune would make destroying this sect his goal; if he beat the small ones, the big ones would come, and if he beat the big ones, the bigger ones would come. As long as the Son of Fortune is not killed, his powerful fortune will allow him to obtain more opportunities.

Finally, the Son of Fortune grows up and destroys this sect.

This is also the main reason why, for so many years, the remnants of the previous dynasty have been unable to get Zi Xiao Tiangong under their control.

Even the Imperial Clan cannot guarantee that every generation will have a Son of Fortune or a powerhouse appear; Li Chen can be considered a hegemon who appeared surprisingly during the decline of the Li family.

For every great clan, the geniuses who can reach the peak over thousands of years can be counted on one's fingers.

The Li family developed openly and occupied so many resources, yet it was not that exaggerated, let alone the remnants of the previous dynasty who were developing in secret.

Being able to mix into a great sect as an Elder is already considered impressive for them, let alone reaching the Sage Realm.

According to Pang Jin's investigation, among the three Sage Realm powerhouses currently known in Zi Xiao Tiangong, two of them seem to have no relationship with the remnants of the previous dynasty, and as for that mysterious alliance leader mentioned by Biyou Tianzun, they also cannot make contact and cannot judge the identity.

This was only Pang Jin's preliminary investigation; without the help of someone at the level of Lady Youlan, Pang Jin wouldn't even know where many sects were. A detailed investigation is estimated to take some time before it comes out.

Li Sixing, who was beside him, had nothing to report this time; it was purely that Li Chen had him come over to understand these matters.

In any case, Li Chen is definitely going to manage Zi Xiao Tiangong. If Zi Xiao Tiangong does not submit, the sects of the Nine Abyss Holy Domain will have worries in the rear and will not go all out to help.

Then the Imperial Guards will definitely have to be dispatched to follow Li Chen in wiping out some sects that don't know what's good for them.

Li Chen also had Li Sixing prepare.

He also had him get familiar with Pang Jin and do their work well.

As for the intelligence Pang Jin submitted, Li Chen would read it himself. With nothing else to do, the two took their leave and went back to continue their work.

At this time, Eunuch Cui also brought a lot of information about the remnants of the previous dynasty.

Li Chen was reading it carefully; it was the first time he had paid attention to the remnants of the previous dynasty.

Therefore, every emperor would strike hard in this regard, but the results were minimal.

Perhaps many emperors felt that if these guys were not eliminated, the dynasty would not have peace.

But Li Chen was not afraid, and even after reading for a while, he didn't have much interest.

Because these remnants of the previous dynasty were mostly hidden in aristocratic families and the imperial court, all under Li Chen's nose, what could they do?

Currently, the only ones who could pose a slight threat to Li Chen were the top-tier cultivators of the era.

It is still that saying: originally in the Imperial Palace, he was just invincible in his own palace; after taking a stroll around the Imperial Capital, he felt that he seemed to be invincible in the Imperial Capital as well; now that he is gradually going out and fighting with people from various regions, he is almost starting to feel that he is invincible in the world.

Li Chen is not arrogant; he is simply wondering, is there really anyone in this world who can fight me?

In his view, even if the remnants of the previous dynasty all carry a sea of blood and deep hatred, so what? Cultivation is a matter that emphasizes talent and comprehension, plus a bit of opportunity.

If effort alone were useful, then what would geniuses be for?

Moreover, those with high talent are mostly even more hardworking.

Only in a Golden Age will a great many powerhouses appear.

According to the current situation, various types of heaven-favored geniuses seem to have already appeared in the world to start their struggle for hegemony.

It is believed that it won't be long before the Golden Age of this continent will appear.

But the problem is, Li Chen is a version ahead of them, having reached the supreme realm in advance, a true boss of the Tian Ce Dynasty.

The goal of many heaven-favored geniuses is to defeat Li Chen.

When they are working hard to cultivate in this era, Li Chen has already started training alt accounts, and not just one.

Li Sining's progress is a bit slower than his own was in the past, but the speed is already very terrifying for other cultivators.

Added to the system's feeding, the minimum guarantee is also the Great Perfection of the Sage Realm; after all, that is what the system says.

Then there is Chu Ruoyan; a few days ago, Li Chen analyzed it for Chu Ruoyan and felt that her constitution was special and the upper limit was estimated to be very high, as long as she cultivated well.

Outside the palace, there is also Lin Yue; she is already a local genius and can even graduate from the Battle Academy; there is no need to mention her talent.

Li Sining can cultivate to the top because she has the system's feeding, but don't forget, Li Chen is Lin Yue's "system."

Whatever Lin Yue lacks and whatever she needs, Li Chen can arrange it.

Most importantly, Li Chen, this system, can also communicate with Lin Yue.

Unlike the system on Li Chen's body, he is too lazy to even complain about it.

Not only that, Li Chen has also snatched quite a few "main accounts" like Lady Youlan and the Holy Tiger.

Added to the Master Wu who recently defected to him, and if Zi Xiao Tiangong is cleaned up, the several Sage Realm powerhouses of the Nine Abyss Holy Domain will also listen to his command.

Li Chen is even thinking, with this lineup of his, let alone who dares to fight him, he can't even think of anyone qualified to fight him.

Perhaps when the Son of Fortune of this world develops, he will discover that more than half of the powerhouses in the world are Li Chen's subordinates.

What kind of nightmare-level difficulty world is this?

After finishing the memorial, Li Chen stretched, and he could clock out from work again.

Arriving at the rear palace, he heard the sound of weapons clashing.

Walking closer, he realized it was Chu Ruoyan and Pei Wanyu sparring.

Their sword moves were sharp, their sword Qi whistling, fighting back and forth.

Beside them, Wu Nanzhi and Li Sining were clapping and cheering continuously.

In their eyes, both Chu Ruoyan and Pei Wanyu were very powerful.

Even Xia Qing, who came out of a sect, felt that these two women of Li Chen had good foundations.

Seeing Li Chen come over, the two stopped their sparring.

The reason they were sparring was because Pei Wanyu had gained some insights after experiencing the attack of the Eight-Armed Demon Bear, her strength had improved, and she wanted to find someone to test it.

It just so happened that Chu Ruoyan had also achieved success in her cultivation recently, so the two hit it off and started sparring.

Seeing Pei Wanyu gain improvement, Chu Ruoyan was so envious.

For a cultivator with a solid foundation to gain a certain breakthrough, they must have greater insights, that kind of test of life and death.

Every cultivator who has experienced life-and-death training can know their own shortcomings, thereby introspecting and improving their own strength.

Therefore, encountering danger and not dying is a kind of opportunity for a cultivator.

Chu Ruoyan came to Li Chen's side and pleaded, "Your Majesty, I want to go out for training with Wanyu, to seek great opportunities."

In order to be able to improve, she was very serious! Because things like opportunities are too metaphysical; sometimes you won't encounter one in a lifetime.

Just like in the past, when she was cultivating, she also went to various dangerous places to experience life and death, only then having her current cultivation base.

The Imperial Palace is too safe; she always feels that she is missing that feeling that allows her to have insights.

Hearing her say this, Li Chen replied with a serious face, "Seeking opportunities is not that troublesome; am I not the greatest opportunity you can encounter?"

In Li Chen's view, the opportunities you speak of are danger, and I am the most dangerous person in this world.

You want to experience a life-and-death test; find me, isn't that it? There's no need to go to too troublesome places.

Because, as long as I want to, I can beat you to death at any time!

You go out wanting to know the height of the sky and the depth of the earth, and the Heaven of this world is right before you!

The sudden aura of dominance left all the women present stunned on the spot.

This kind of arrogance of standing alone above the world is not something anyone can radiate!

Wu Nanzhi even felt that before she had even reacted, Li Chen had finished showing off!

Seeming to feel that these women didn't quite believe it, Li Chen let them stand in front of him together.

!

Li Chen casually picked up a sword.

The next second, a snow-white sword light flashed; this sword was so fast it made people terrified.

Hundreds of sword lights shook between Heaven and Earth, forming an extremely terrifying pressure.

Each sword light brandished an incomparably powerful sword Qi.

When brandishing the long sword, the whistling sound of the sword body was like a dragon's roar.

The sword Qi turned into golden giant dragons, and Heaven and Earth trembled because of it.

It can be said that each sword Qi could make any one of them turn into ashes.

And these terrifying sword Qi all brushed past them.

The aura of death instantly enveloped Chu Ruoyan and the others.

The moment Li Chen brandished the sword, they felt that life and death were all in Li Chen's grasp.

In their eyes, Li Chen was a terrifying existence capable of destroying all things.

That extremely strong impact of death scared their hearts into beating wildly, and their bodies were trembling uncontrollably.

Wu Nanzhi and Li Sining, whose strength was relatively weak, even sat on the ground.

Pei Wanyu had heard that Li Chen's strength was terrifying and had originally been somewhat skeptical; now she knew that she had still underestimated Li Chen, or rather, Li Chen could not be estimated.

Xia Qing had also seen her father make a move; that was a sword cultivator at the Sage Realm level, but seeing this move by Li Chen, she felt that her own father might not be able to handle it.

Chu Ruoyan didn't even need to be mentioned; she was even wet.

Even though Li Chen had put away this sword for a long time, the fear in their hearts had not dissipated.

Seeing their expressions, Li Chen was very satisfied; if I don't show you a move, you won't know what is meant by the height of the sky and the depth of the earth.

Still wanting to go out for training; don't you know how many heaven-favored geniuses want to find me for training?

I am here; you all should cherish it well.

After recovering, the women indeed had some insights; they had just really walked through the gates of hell.

Chu Ruoyan took the lead and asked, "Your Majesty, can you teach us that move just now? We want to learn!"

The women around were also looking at Li Chen with expectant eyes.

Li Chen said calmly, "Yes, come to my room tonight to discuss it in detail."

The other women didn't mind; they could even go in now; they knew what Li Chen meant.

It was just Xia Qing who left shyly.

There were also those who hadn't taken the first step, so they were relatively reserved and wanted to observe Li Chen more.

Like Pei Wanyu, who initially had all kinds of considerations in her mind, wanting to test Li Chen's character, but after doing it, her eyes were full of little stars when looking at Li Chen.

Character test or whatever can be talked about later; now she just wants it.

However, for Pei Wanyu, Li Chen could be considered to have saved her, even if it was by accident, she could indeed accept this situation.

Now the Imperial Capital is already preparing for the "Ten Thousand Nations Coming to Court" in a while; whether it is the streets or the city gates, they have already started to be decorated.

At that time, there will be many people coming to the Imperial Capital, a mix of fish and dragons.

The work of the Ministry of Justice is also very heavy; it needs to increase manpower to ensure that there are no accidents during the national celebration.

If anything happens, there will be no shortage of people wanting to impeach the Minister of Justice.

What made Li Chen feel somewhat surprised was that he originally thought the first to come to the Imperial Capital would be Lady Youlan and Lady Yuehua, but it was the Master of Zi Yun Immortal Mansion, Mu Qingrou, who arrived first.

It must be said that the treasure Li Chen gave to that plump Elder was really effective.

After Li Chen left that day, she tried all kinds of ways to persuade Mu Qingrou to come first.

Because she had a very good relationship with Mu Qingrou and knew that Mu Qingrou had thin skin, she said, "The people in the Immortal Mansion all know about this matter. As the Master, if you don't handle it properly, then what will the female disciples of the Immortal Mansion think? How will you establish authority in the future?"

"And the national celebration of the Tian Ce Dynasty has also notified you; you must definitely go."

"After all, last time you wanted Li Chen to spar with you, he didn't refuse, did he?"

Mu Qingrou was persuaded by this Elder until she was annoyed, so she could only say, "Fine, I will go to the Imperial Capital, just to attend the national celebration, and by the way, look for that legendary precious sword; there is no other meaning."

In the mansion, she had indeed been in a state of seclusion and not seeing anyone; coming out this time could be considered getting some fresh air.

The female Elder was afraid she would back out at the last minute, so she followed her all the way here.

They only arrived at the Imperial Capital today and passed the news to Li Chen; she could be considered to have completed Li Chen's task, and she took Li Chen's sword with peace of mind.

The Bai Lian Sect in the Imperial Capital is a workshop mainly focused on crafting weapons.

The He He Zongzhu, Bai Zhanfei, is even hailed as a weapon master in the circle, capable of crafting one Heavenly-Grade weapon on average every year.

This kind of record is enough to make his peers envious to the point of bleeding.

There are also quite a few people who have booked weapons with him; whether it is those great sects of the Tian Ce Dynasty or the powerful nobles within the Imperial Capital, they all take pride in being able to obtain a weapon crafted by him.

It is said that the precious sword of the Guardian Grand General, Guo Poyun, was crafted by him.

This is a true gold-lettered signboard in the industry.

The Bai Lian Sect has chain shops all over the country, and its reputation is very good; not only can they craft weapons, but they can also repair weapons.

For weapons bought here, the after-sales service can get a 20% discount.

The Bai Lian Sect doesn't focus on cultivation; they just have a special skill to make a living.

Many great sects even order weapons from them in batches; the business of the Bai Lian Sect has always been very good.

If one asks why the Bai Lian Sect has developed so big, why doesn't the Tian Ce Dynasty manage them? Because they pay taxes!

And many of their things have to be reported; they are under the jurisdiction of the Tian Ce officials, so they are just developing normally.

Today, two stunningly beautiful women came to the Bai Lian Sect.

One was flawless, the other was alluring and charming.

It was even He He Zongzhu Bai Zhanfei who received them personally.

This made quite a few nosy disciples come over to watch.

"I heard that the woman in the lead is a Sage Realm powerhouse from Zi Yun Immortal Mansion, Mu Qingrou, known as the Flawless Sword Venerable."

"It is said that back then she killed an extraterrestrial demon with one sword, shaking the world."

"I dream of marrying a female cultivator from Zi Yun Immortal Mansion; I heard that the female cultivators inside are not only beautiful but also excellent in all aspects."

"Isn't that so? I know an old client at the Six Realms Realm who married a female cultivator from Zi Yun Immortal Mansion; it made me so envious."

"Six Realms Realm, how long would that take to cultivate? I don't have such great ambition; when I save enough money, I will go back to the village and marry the village chief's daughter."

Mu Qingrou's prestige is very great in the Tian Ce Dynasty, especially for sword-casting sects like them, who have even more understanding.

No matter where she appears, she will become a topic of discussion.

Even many people's eyes only see her bright and beautiful appearance.

"He He Zongzhu Bai, long time no see. I heard you recently crafted a Thousand-Blade Divine Weapon; could you let me take a look?"

Mu Qingrou's purpose in coming here was very simple: she wanted to see the legendary divine weapon.

Bai Zhanfei sighed and said, "Master Mu, it is shameful to say, but these are all rumors."

"Oh? Does your sect not have a Thousand-Blade Divine Weapon?"

"That's not it either. We do have a Thousand-Blade Divine Weapon, but it wasn't crafted by a mortal like me; it was gifted to our sect by an unknown sword-casting god."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 149 =====