Chapter 267: Shaking in the Wind and Rain (Combined Chapter)

Looking at the towering Palace, a sense of indescribable loneliness arose in Yusu's heart.

"Cough, cough." The Holy Emperor coughed, his face somewhat pale.

"Master..." Yusu was somewhat worried.

Last time, Master went to Kyoto and fought five Innate Realm experts, killing two and wounding three.

The pillars of the Great Xing state, the remaining two Heavenly Strategy Generals, died in battle.

However, Master did not come out unscathed, suffering heavy injuries.

"It is nothing, I can still hold on for a while." A cold smile flashed in the Holy Emperor's eyes. "The Holy Dynasty is not yet stable, so how could I leave... cough, cough."

Yusu looked at the Holy Emperor, her eyes filled with deep anxiety.

"Go in," the Holy Emperor said.

Yusu bowed and entered Weiyang Palace.

Weiyang Palace was very large; besides more than thirty martial scholars, there were dozens of maids serving there.

At this moment, Lin Chao and the other martial scholars were all standing to the side.

"Greetings, Sacred Maiden."

Everyone shouted in unison, and many still carried a look of excitement in their hearts.

The Sacred Maiden held a noble status and was the future master of the world.

More importantly, the Sacred Maiden was an expert of the Innate Realm.

Although these martial scholars were mostly famous figures in the pugilistic world, most were only at the Refining Strength realm, and few had reached the flawless state.

As for the Innate Realm, who would not yearn for it?

Yusu looked at the crowd, her expression cold, and she asked softly, "Among you, whose mastery of martial arts is the highest?"

This martial arts mastery did not refer to strength, but to the study of martial arts.

Yusu wanted to quickly understand the cultivation techniques, and it would be best to have someone familiar with the martial arts of Weiyang Palace guide her.

"Wang Qingfeng of the Taiyi Sect is best at deducing cultivation techniques; Feng Lin of Fengyun Valley practices six martial arts simultaneously and is highly knowledgeable.

These two are the ones with the highest martial arts mastery among us, and they have made the most contributions in Weiyang Palace," an old man said slowly.

Wang Qingfeng and Feng Lin stepped out, their eyes filled with self-satisfaction.

They came to Weiyang Palace partly to see more martial arts and partly to gain a higher status.

The Sacred Maiden looking for the person with the highest martial arts mastery was their chance to shine.

"Not bad, reward them with one hundred taels of Gold," Yusu said, her voice cold and carrying a faint sense of detachment.

Joy appeared on the faces of Wang Qingfeng and Feng Lin: "Many thanks, Sacred Maiden."

"I will be studying the world's martial arts in Weiyang Palace and will stay for a period of time; I lack someone by my side who is familiar with Weiyang Palace."

Beside them, the excitement on the faces of Wang Qingfeng and Feng Lin grew even more intense.

The Sacred Maiden was going to let the two of them guide her in understanding Weiyang Palace and various martial arts.

Being able to stay by the side of such an expert as the Sacred Maiden was of great benefit to them, and if they gained the Sacred Maiden's trust, their future would be even brighter.

At this moment, Yusu raised a fair finger and pointed into the crowd: "Who is this person?"

Everyone's gaze immediately turned to the person the Sacred Maiden was pointing at.

"Reporting to the Sacred Maiden, this person is the Chang Sheng Sanren, Zhuang Meng."

"Chang Sheng Sanren?" Yusu murmured. "That title certainly has a grand tone. You shall be the one to guide me in studying the various martial arts.

Zhuang Meng, are you willing?"

Lin Chao accepted calmly: "I am willing to serve the Sacred Maiden."

Since he was here, he would settle in.

It was just that things could no longer be as peaceful as before.

Lin Chao stepped out and walked behind Yusu.

The many martial scholars present looked at Lin Chao with eyes full of envy.

"You may disperse."

Yusu spoke, and the other martial scholars bowed and dispersed.

In front of the main hall, only Lin Chao and Yusu remained.

Lin Chao glanced at Yusu; this old acquaintance, once delicate and fragile, had vanished, replaced by someone increasingly noble and cold.

People change, especially in times like these.

Yusu walked in front; Weiyang Palace was large, with one main hall and two side halls.

"Are you not curious why I chose you?" Yusu parted her red lips slightly, her voice indifferent.

"I do not know." Lin Chao had already used disguise, and he was confident that no one could recognize him.

"The temperament you carry is very similar to an old acquaintance of mine," Yusu sighed slightly.

"I see," Lin Chao replied.

Although he was disguised, his personality and temperament had not changed at all.

"As if everything in the world is not in your eyes," Yusu said. She walked in front, lonely as a cold moon.

Lin Chao was slightly stunned.

Was he like that?

"The Sacred Maiden is mistaken; everything in the world is in my eyes," Lin Chao replied.

The Main God Realm is the realization of life and death.

Perhaps it is the life and death of others, or perhaps it is one's own life and death.

Or perhaps, it is the annihilation of the world.

If everything in the world does not enter his eyes, how could he break through to the Main God Realm?

"You didn't look at me properly when I arrived here just now," Yusu chuckled.

"Isn't that looking at Her Highness the Sacred Maiden now?" Lin Chao said, looking at Yusu.

"No," Yusu shook her head.

The two entered the main hall, and Yusu grabbed a scroll of books and continued, "What does a person with your personality want to pursue?"

"Your Highness should know my name."

"Chang Sheng Sanren? You have quite the nerve," Yusu said, her voice carrying a trace of disappointment.

Perhaps, what that person pursued was also the true peak of Martial Arts.

Therefore, in his heart, she was merely scenery along the path.

"Chang Sheng, do you think it exists?" Yusu asked, holding a cultivation manual and slowly flipping through it.

"If one is strong enough, perhaps it exists," Lin Chao replied.

As he was now, he could barely be considered to have long life.

"Strong enough?" Yusu chuckled, "The Innate Realm is the limit."

Lin Chao was silent and did not reply.

For this world, the Innate Realm was indeed the limit.

"However..." Yusu changed the subject, "A thousand years ago, an Outsider once came to our world."

"What?" Lin Chao was slightly stunned.

An Outsider, which meant, not a person of this world.

This world had actually been visited by an Outsider.

"This is a secret of our Holy Light Sect," Yusu said, "but it doesn't count as much of a secret."

"That Outsider once said that there are Immortals in the world who can live for a thousand years."

"A thousand years, it is indeed something to yearn for," Lin Chao tried hard to show a look of shock on his face.

After all, his current persona was a martial artist pursuing long life.

"Unfortunately, before that Outsider died, he said that in this world, the human body has restrictions and cannot step onto the path of becoming an Immortal."

"Restrictions?" Lin Chao expressed his confusion appropriately.

"Yes, you should know that the Innate Realm represents the worship of Innate Gods?"

"I know," Lin Chao nodded.

Yusu did not say anything more.

But Lin Chao understood that she meant it was precisely the Innate Gods they worshipped who had placed restrictions on their bodies.

Of course, these words could not be stated clearly.

"How many types of martial arts that activate the Qi and blood in the abdomen are there in Weiyang Palace?" Yusu began to get straight to the point.

"Eighty-three types," Lin Chao replied.

Yusu took an extra look at Lin Chao: "I didn't expect you to remember so clearly; organize these eighty-three types and give them to me tomorrow."

"Understood," Lin Chao was very much in character.

In the days that followed, he had Yusu by his side.

To him, it was no different from the past.

It was just that before, Yusu served him, and now he was the one serving Yusu.

In the end, Yusu still did not recognize him.

Half a month later, Lin Chao unexpectedly saw Xu Xiaojing.

Nowadays, Xu Xiaojing commanded the Holy Dynasty's Huochong Battalion, and could be considered one of the most powerful figures among the new generation of generals.

After all, she was the Sacred Maiden's direct subordinate.

When those of the Innate Realm did not appear, the Huochong Battalion was nearly invincible; no martial artist could compare to it.

Three months passed.

Lin Chao had recorded many more cultivation techniques while constantly practicing.

Among them, he had already practiced one technique to the perfection of No-Leak, and one step further would be the Innate Realm again.

Lin Chao was very expectant; he had already worshipped an Innate God, could he worship other gods?

Would other gods be willing to accept a turncoat like him?

One day, Yusu was flipping through books and glanced sideways at Lin Chao beside her: "You look quite happy today; have you encountered a joyous event?"

"My martial arts cultivation has improved slightly," Lin Chao replied.

"I thought you were happy that I was finally leaving."

"I wouldn't dare."

"You are really like him," Yusu suddenly stared at Lin Chao, the aura belonging to the Innate Realm permeating the air, but then, this aura disappeared, and she let out a sigh.

Yusu left, and it was unknown when she would return to Weiyang Palace.

In the room, Lin Chao's slightly closed eyes opened again: "It succeeded."

He felt neither sadness nor joy.

This time, he chose to worship an Innate God again, and the result was still a success.

By now, he already had two techniques at the Innate level.

"Going all out to practice one technique takes about five years, and I can become an Innate."

Lin Chao estimated.

This meant that he would need to spend over a thousand years to cultivate all the techniques to the Innate level.

I do not know what changes will occur at that time.

"My strength has more than doubled, but it is still a long way from the realm of the gods."

Between the Seventh Tier and the Eighth Rank lies a natural chasm.

Time flies like a shuttle; Lin Chao reads books, studies martial arts, or cultivates every day.

Ever since Yusu left, she has not come to Weiyang Palace again.

Lin Chao is also happy to have the peace and quiet.

Such a leisurely life is quite good.

Two years passed in a flash; Lin Chao sat in the courtyard, diligently studying a newly acquired cultivation technique.

Suddenly, a heavy bell toll rang out.

Clang.

Sorrowful, solemn, one toll after another.

In Weiyang Palace, all the martial scholars looked up at the sky or silently counted the tolls of the bell.

Clang.

Clang.

The bell rang forty-five times before finally stopping.

Forty-five tolls of the bell contain the implication of the Nine-Five Supreme.

In Weiyang Palace, someone cried out loudly: "The Holy Emperor has passed away."

Lin Chao sighed slightly.

He did not expect that Sheng Guang Laozu, whom he had met once before, had finally reached the end of her life.

This woman was a remarkable woman of her time.

To overthrow the Great Xing and establish the Holy Dynasty as a woman—how difficult that must have been.

Yet she still succeeded.

Over the next few days, Lin Chao saw that the imperial palace was becoming increasingly under martial law.

The Huochong Battalion led by Xu Xiaojing replaced the previous palace guards to stand watch over the palace's defenses.

Lin Chao and the other martial scholars were no different than usual, except they could not drink alcohol, eat meat, or engage in entertainment.

Lin Chao holed up in the large courtyard, reading books on cultivation techniques, and did not feel bored at all.

All around, these martial scholars were whispering, seemingly discussing something.

Lin Chao did not need to listen to know what they were discussing.

At this moment, an old man leaned over with a gossipy look on his face: "Chang Sheng Sanren, do you think the Sacred Maiden will be able to successfully ascend to the throne?"

In the past, with the Holy Emperor present, it was enough to suppress the remaining five Innate Realm experts of the Great Xing.

The four Innate Realm experts from the Taiyi Sect and Dragon King Mountain also followed the Holy Emperor's orders.

Only then could the entire Holy Dynasty maintain a delicate balance.

But now, with the Holy Emperor gone, whether the Sacred Maiden can command respect and suppress the other nine Innate Realm experts is the point that the major forces of the Holy Dynasty are most concerned about today.

"This... you should ask Wang Qingfeng; he might know more," Lin Chao replied casually.

Wang Qingfeng comes from the Taiyi Sect and has a noble status.

Behind the Taiyi Sect are two experts of the Innate Realm.

They are enough to shake the situation of the entire Holy Dynasty.

"Haha, that guy Wang Qingfeng is very tight-lipped and unwilling to say anything," the old man laughed. "However, whoever becomes the Holy Emperor has little to do with us; I just hope the world does not fall into turmoil."

The newly established Holy Dynasty also has many shortcomings, but it is far better than the Great Xing of the past.

Lin Chao sighed softly: "The destiny of the Holy Dynasty will not be so short-lived."

A figure like Sheng Guang Laozu must have anticipated such a situation and made many preparations.

At the very worst, isn't there still him, Lin Chao?

Although he considers himself a mere passerby in the mortal world, he cannot escape the mundane after all.

When it is time to act, he will still act.

After all, she was an old acquaintance.

In the days that followed, the entire Kyoto felt as if a storm were coming.

The atmosphere inside the imperial palace also gradually became tense.

Seven days later, a small incident occurred in Weiyang Palace.

Wang Qingfeng carried his bundle and left Weiyang Palace.

Many pieces of news came from within the palace.

It is rumored that the eldest disciple taken in by the Holy Emperor did not die at the hands of the General of Heavenly Strategy, but survived and achieved the Innate Realm.

This Qian Shengnyu sits in the imperial city and supports the Sacred Maiden Yusu.

The two Innate Realm experts from Dragon King Mountain, who had a deep relationship with the old Holy Emperor, also stood by the side of the Sacred Maiden Yusu.

The Sacred Maiden Yusu became the new emperor of the Holy Dynasty.

A snow fell, and the entire Weiyang Palace was covered in silver; Lin Chao looked at the vast whiteness before him, his inner thoughts inexplicable: "The little girl from back then has become an empress."

The vicissitudes of life are nothing more than this.

A year passed, and Lin Chao remained in Weiyang Palace every day as he had in the past.

Drinking wine, reading books, and practicing martial arts—the days were much more interesting than hanging in the sky.

Yusu never came to Weiyang Palace again, and the martial scholars in Weiyang Palace also left one by one, as if everyone had forgotten about Weiyang Palace.

Only four martial scholars remained in the entire Weiyang Palace.

Among them was Lin Chao.

That Lao Huangtou, who walked closely with Lin Chao, also remained in Weiyang Palace.

"His Imperial Majesty should be nearly thirty, right? Why is she still unmarried? I wonder what kind of man could catch her eye."

"Twenty-eight," Lin Chao replied softly.

Xiao Jing is now also over twenty years old.

"You certainly remember the Emperor's age quite clearly." Lao Huangtou wore a lewd smile. "For the past few years, the Emperor has come to Weiyang Palace to study, and you have accompanied her for three months; have you felt moved?"

Lin Chao smiled and did not answer.

"I knew it, you are moved too." Lao Huangtou laughed heartily, appearing very smug, but then a look of frustration appeared on his face. "It's a pity, for small figures like us, even if we are moved, it is but a delusion. Old Zhuang, stop pining for the Empress and come with me to Mingyue Tower."

Lin Chao chuckled: "You go yourself."

"Old Zhuang, recently Mingyue Tower received a batch of... Otherworld goods, white skin, blue eyes, and Gold hair, especially that big lump on their chests... tsk tsk.

Let me tell you, the women of our Holy Dynasty cannot compare."

"Get lost." Lin Chao kicked Lao Huangtou in the backside.

"Those people from overseas have been harassing the seas of our Holy Dynasty; they are the enemies of our Holy Dynasty.

Now, if I go and sleep with their women, it can be considered serving the country!" Lao Huangtou was a Refining Strength Martial Artist, old but still vigorous; serving several women a night was nothing to him.

"Twisted logic," Lin Chao laughed.

"Ever since the Holy Emperor ascended the throne, these Foreign Lands people have been harassing our Holy Dynasty.

Hehe, wait until the day our Holy Dynasty's great army marches over and wipes them out; kill all the men, keep the women, and give one wife to every Holy Dynasty man who can't afford one." Lao Huangtou was fantasizing, drool dripping all over his mouth, looking extremely lewd.

"You are thinking too much; the strength of the Foreign Lands cannot be underestimated." Lin Chao spoke up, "And those Foreign Lands women will suck human blood; be careful not to be drained dry this time."

This Foreign Lands was of the same origin as the people in the circus Lin Chao had seen in Yangyue Prefecture, and they had displayed powerful strength.

Half a year ago, the Foreign Lands and the Holy Dynasty's armies clashed in the Nan'er Sea.

The Foreign Lands' fleet was shockingly made of iron ships, and these iron ships were equipped with cannons, which shocked the Holy Dynasty.

The Holy Dynasty's Huochong Battalion did not hold an advantage compared to the Foreign Lands.

The people from overseas possessed more advanced firearms.

Furthermore, it was rumored that among the Foreign Lands, there were also experts comparable to the Innate Realm.

"As long as the Holy Emperor leads the expedition herself, bringing a few of our Holy Dynasty's Innate experts, what can the Foreign Lands use to block us?" Lao Huangtou dismissed it.

Friction between the Holy Dynasty and the Foreign Lands had always existed and was constantly escalating.

In Kyoto, there were all sorts of rumors.

There were even rumors that the Foreign Lands had already assembled an army of one hundred thousand, preparing to launch a sneak attack to take the Nan'er Sea.

And in Kyoto, a voice had recently been circulating: that the Holy Emperor was preparing to lead the expedition herself to pacify the Foreign Lands.

These rumors came out of nowhere.

And just as the Holy Emperor ascended the throne, the overseas people repeatedly offended the Holy Dynasty; there was something fishy about it.

There were even rumors that in Kyoto, there were big figures colluding with the Foreign Lands, just to shake the Holy Emperor's throne.

Back then, the undercurrents during the Holy Emperor's ascension were briefly extinguished due to the appearance of the Holy Emperor's senior sister.

It seemed that those undercurrents had continued to this day, waiting for an appropriate moment to erupt.

A year passed.

The friction between overseas and the Holy Dynasty escalated once again.

In the Nan'er Sea, a hundred overseas warships were lined up.

Small groups of troops frequently raided the shore, burning, killing, and looting, stopping at nothing.

In the sixth month, the Dragon King Mountain Innate Expert Huang Longdao rushed to the Nan'er Sea, preparing to pacify the Nan'er Sea single-handedly, but he encountered a supreme expert from the Foreign Lands, was severely wounded, and fled; he lost an arm, but at least he preserved his life.

The threat of the Foreign Lands officially fell into the eyes of the people of the Holy Dynasty.

Public sentiment was indignant; in the taverns of Kyoto, scholars and martial artists cursed the Foreign Lands every day.

Many people said they were willing to go to the Nan'er Sea themselves to Slay the people of the Foreign Lands.

Others said they wished for the Holy Emperor to lead the expedition herself to pacify the Foreign Lands.

But others retorted: the strength of the Foreign Lands is unknown, how could the Holy Emperor be allowed to fall into a dangerous situation?

At this time, Lin Chao still stayed in Weiyang Palace, drinking tea and cultivating as he always had.

Only today, a guest came to his courtyard.

"Greetings, Holy Emperor."

Thanks to 【Baitou】 and 【sex huiyi】 for the tips, thank you!

(End of chapter)