Chapter 269: Prologue (A reluctant two-in-one long chapter, *cough cough*.)

Yusu is the noble Holy Empress, the most esteemed person in the world today.

Her appearance, while perhaps not peerless or city-toppling, is absolutely beautiful and moving.

Coupled with her status, there are extremely many people in this world who covet her.

Those who admire her, just as Xu Xiaojing said, are countless.

Just like the Chang Sheng General Su Yuchun, just like the Jinyi Division Deputy Commander Liu Yang.

Does Chang Sheng Sanren have feelings of admiration for her?

Yusu has not felt it.

To her, it is nothing more than a false rumor.

"How could it be a false rumor!" Xu Xiaojing's eyes held a smile, "I manage the Jinyi Division; I know clearly which officials in Jingcheng have visited brothels and which women have served them in bed.

Regarding the news that Chang Sheng Sanren Zhuang Meng admires you, one can find a whole heap of it just by checking.

That Martial Scholar Huang Ke even joked with Zhuang Meng, saying he wanted to see Zhuang Meng forcibly kiss you before he died.

It is a pity, Huang Ke likely won't last until this winter, nor will he see Zhuang Meng forcibly kiss you.

If Zhuang Meng really were to forcibly kiss Sister Yusu, I would admire him as a talent!"

A smile appeared on Yusu's face; snowflakes drifted down, and her shoulders were covered in white.

"These jokes cannot be taken seriously."

Yusu said this, yet she found it somewhat hard to remember the face of Chang Sheng Sanren.

On the other hand, the face of Xu Ye was deeply etched in her memory.

Alas, how much longer could she remember Xu Ye?

"How is the latest research going?" At this moment, Yusu asked from the side.

"The cannon is already in the experimental stage; the finished product currently created has very little power and is prone to accidents." Speaking of official business, Xu Xiaojing's expression became grave.

"How is the power?"

"The power is very weak; it can only injure Martial Masters and those below. Martial artists at the Refining Strength level can dodge it."

"That is not bad." Yusu nodded.

She had never intended to use this kind of weapon to deal with the strong.

The strong naturally have stronger people to deal with them.

For a weapon like a cannon, being able to deal with ordinary people is enough.

"Sister Yusu, the two Innate experts of the Taiyi Sect have been making big moves recently; they seem to have connections with the remnants of the Great Xing." Mentioning this, Xu Xiaojing gritted her teeth somewhat.

Ever since the Holy Dynasty was established, the Taiyi Sect has always harbored ulterior motives.

However, the two Innate experts of the Taiyi Sect have extremely strong power, comparable to a General of Heavenly Strategy.

Even if Yusu were to take action, it would be difficult to fend them off.

"They are also continuing to contact the Foreign Lands." Snowflakes landed in Yusu's hand, melting into Water.

"Yes, the contact has been constant." Xu Xiaojing nodded, a grave expression on her face, "The Jinyi have bought off some informants in the Foreign Lands; recently, the Foreign Lands have been very active, seemingly gathering troops and preparing to invade our Holy Dynasty."

"How many strong individuals do the Foreign Lands have?"

"There are currently nine known individuals comparable to Innate experts.

It seems some problems have occurred in the territory of the Foreign Lands, making it unsuitable for living beings, so the high-level figures of the Foreign Lands have unanimously decided to wage war against our Holy Dynasty and occupy our territory."

"Nearly ten?" Yusu murmured.

This is about the same as what her master said.

Ten, compared to the current Holy Dynasty, can barely be considered evenly matched.

However, the Innate experts of the Holy Dynasty are somewhat stronger.

If they are of one mind, they can steadily suppress the Foreign Lands.

……

The heavy snow had not yet melted when Lao Huangtou passed away; in the end, he did not see the warm sun of early spring, nor did he see Lin Chao forcibly kiss Empress Yusu.

Watching the sobbing of the young man and woman in the courtyard, Lin Chao let out a sigh in his heart.

He had long been mentally prepared for such things.

If he were to return to Liu Family Village, there would likely be even fewer old friends left.

"Uncle Zhuang, this is my father's sword.

This sword was the proudest creation of his life; before he passed, he instructed me to give this sword to Uncle Zhuang."

The young man's face was flushed as he handed a sword to Lin Chao.

Lin Chao looked at the sword; the blade was light and revealed a cold glint—it was a good sword.

Lin Chao knew that Lao Huangtou was once a blacksmith, and it was only after his wife was defiled by a martial artist that he embarked on the path of Martial Arts.

Now, Lao Huangtou did not give the sword to him personally, but instead had his son give it to him; the meaning behind this could not be more obvious.

"There are still vacancies for Martial Scholars in Weiyang Palace; are you willing to enter Weiyang Palace and become a new Martial Scholar?" Lin Chao spoke, his voice carrying an intent to promote.

If Lao Huangtou's son were willing to enter Weiyang Palace, he would naturally help him out, at least to get him to the Refining Strength level.

"In Weiyang Palace... it is too idle, I... I..." The young man stammered, clearly not wanting to enter Weiyang Palace.

"How about in the military?" Lin Chao asked.

At least on the surface, he was a martial artist at the peak of Refining Strength, and he also studied various Martial Arts.

Most importantly, he was still very young; in the eyes of outsiders, he was only thirty years old.

Not to mention stepping into the Innate realm, there was a ninety-nine percent probability of stepping into the No Leak Realm.

The No Leak Realm, placed in the military, could be considered a great general.

Therefore, as a fellow Martial Scholar, the dignitaries who associated with Lin Chao were more numerous than those who associated with Lao Huangtou.

Helping Lao Huangtou's son enter the army and become a small officer with real power is absolutely no problem.

"Many thanks, Uncle Zhuang." A look of excitement appeared on the young man's face.

To him, although it is very dangerous to fight against the Foreign Lands in the army now, it is the easiest way to achieve success and establish a career.

"What is the name of this sword?" Lin Chao asked.

"Huangdao." The young man was still immersed in joy.

"A quite auspicious name."

Lin Chao sighed leisurely, took the sword, and left the courtyard.

……

Early spring arrived, the rivers thawed, and all things recovered.

In Kyoto, it was quiet and peaceful.

Lin Chao basked in the Sun, feeling a trace of vitality.

Ever since Lao Huangtou left, only two Martial Scholars remained in Weiyang Palace.

The other Martial Scholar only held a nominal title in Weiyang Palace and almost never appeared.

It could be said that in the vast Weiyang Palace, Lin Chao was the only Martial Scholar.

Of course, there were also some cleaning maids.

"Another martial art has stepped into the Innate Realm."

Lin Chao was slightly happy.

After so many years, he had once again had a martial art step into the Innate.

As of now, he already had three martial arts that had stepped into the Innate.

Taking it slow, he would eventually be able to have all his martial arts step into the Innate Realm.

However, what surprised Lin Chao was that the Qi-blood technique representing him still had no progress.

"Could it be that I need to cultivate other martial arts to the Innate before I can walk the path representing my own Qi-blood?"

Lin Chao had also consulted ancient books; among all martial arts and all Innate experts, those who achieved success all believed in other gods.

Only one who believed in him did not exist.

The martial arts of this world originated from Innate Gods, and all techniques were also slightly modified based on what these Innate Gods left behind, becoming new martial arts.

Therefore, perhaps because he had never left behind any martial arts, no one believed in him.

What exactly was the martial art that represented him?

Lin Chao sat in the courtyard, thinking slowly.

He was not anxious.

Time passed slowly.

In Kyoto, all kinds of voices permeated and spread through the marketplace.

For example, a scholar wrote a poem for You Wei, the top courtesan of Xiyu Lou, and made a bold claim that after becoming an official, he would definitely redeem You Wei and take her as a concubine.

For example, Master Fan, a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites in Kyoto, was afraid of his wife; he was caught red-handed by his wife while visiting a brothel and was dragged out by his ear.

Among them, what attracted the most attention and caused many people to discuss was the threat from the Foreign Lands.

A month ago, the Foreign Lands issued a letter of challenge, requesting a national war.

It mentioned that if the Foreign Lands won, the Holy Dynasty would need to cede the land of two prefectures for the people of the Foreign Lands to recuperate and build up their strength.

If they lost, then there would be no future.

This caused a huge uproar in Kyoto.

Many scholars and martial artists were filled with righteous indignation in teahouses and restaurants.

"The people of the Foreign Lands are asking for a beating, actually wanting to have a national war with our Holy Dynasty.

The Saint Emperor is wise, with achievements covering the world; how could he fear these Foreign Lands?"

In previous years, Saint Emperor Yusu led the army in a personal expedition and wiped out the Foreign Lands; his prestige had already reached an Ultimate level, like the Sun at high noon.

In the hearts of the people, the Saint Emperor was invincible.

"This time, the Saint Emperor leading the expedition in person will definitely let these people of the Foreign Lands see the power of our Holy Dynasty!"

"Right, whatever monsters and demons there are, once the Saint Emperor appears, who can compete?"

In Kyoto, news about the Saint Emperor leading the expedition in person spread once again, just like the last time.

In Weiyang Palace, it was no different from before, only quieter and filled with a sense of decay.

Lin Chao was the same as in the past, cultivating and killing time.

But today, an uninvited guest arrived at Weiyang Palace.

"You are Chang Sheng Sanren Zhuang Meng?" A mighty man in a purple robe appeared, carrying an otherworldly aura.

"Greetings, my lord."

Lin Chao recognized the visitor, Mu Xu of the Taiyi Sect, an Innate Expert.

Mu Xu swept a glance over Weiyang Palace, his gaze calm; he did not put a small character like Zhuang Meng in his eyes at all: "Many years ago, His Majesty the Saint Emperor stayed here for three months; were you the one serving by his side?"

Now, the plan was imminent, and everything was ready, only lacking the east wind.

He had nothing to do, so he came to Weiyang Palace to take a look.

"That is correct." Lin Chao replied; this was not a secret.

"Tell me, what was the Saint Emperor's purpose in building Weiyang Palace?" Mu Xu glanced at Lin Chao and asked casually.

Although the implementation of the plan was very smooth and only the last step was missing to succeed.

Yet he always had doubts in his heart; the Saint Emperor had entered the trap too easily.

Perhaps there was something he had missed.

This Weiyang Palace is quite suspicious.

When she was the Sacred Maiden, the Holy Emperor stayed in Weiyang Palace for three months.

If it were just to study martial arts, it would be a bit too far-fetched.

"I dare not speculate on the Holy Will," Lin Chao refused indifferently.

At this moment, Mu Xu's expression changed slightly: "I told you to speak, so speak."

A powerful aura emanated from Mu Xu's body.

The more he wanted to succeed, the less patience he had, which was different from his older brother.

His older brother had very good patience.

An aura belonging to an Innate Expert permeated from Mu Xu; Lin Chao, this Refining Strength Martial Artist, could not resist it at all.

Just then, however, a cold, clear voice came from afar.

"Why does Daoist Master Mu have time to come to my Weiyang Palace?"

The pressure weighing on Lin Chao instantly dissipated.

A surging aura pressed toward Mu Xu, causing Mu Xu to step back twice, his face pale.

"Greetings, Holy Emperor."

Yusu wore a bright red ornate robe, the upright silk collar framing that cold and beautiful face, making her appear exceptionally cold and detached.

A look of wariness flashed in Mu Xu's eyes: "Weiyang Palace holds the martial art 'Taiyi Wind Walk' that my Taiyi Sect lost; I intend to take a copy back."

"Zhuang Meng, help Daoist Master Mu fetch the copy of Taiyi Wind Walk."

"As you command." Lin Chao left the tense scene.

Not long after, Lin Chao returned holding the copy.

Mu Xu took the manual, his expression calm: "Holy Emperor, the danger from the Foreign Lands is imminent; I ask the Holy Emperor to make a decision soon."

After speaking, Mu Xu bowed and left.

Yusu glanced at Lin Chao beside her, suddenly remembering what Xiao Jing had said to her a few years ago.

Yusu could not help but say: "You are the only martial scholar left in Weiyang Palace; why do you still stay?"

"A place where I can eat and live for free—let me stay for another hundred years, and I would be willing," Lin Chao replied.

Indeed, having an iron rice bowl in Weiyang Palace, with food and clothing provided, is a life most Ordinary people would like.

Yusu could not help but think of something: "I heard you are an orphan, with no relatives left in the world.

While you are still young, you should leave the palace early, find a marriage, and settle down."

Yusu's eyes carried a trace of desolation.

She wondered what Kyoto would become upon her return this time.

What kind of scene would the world, which had enjoyed peace for so long, turn into?

Yusu left, and Lin Chao watched her back, his heart feeling complex.

"She has grown up after all."

"But what exactly does she want to do?"

Lin Chao did not understand.

May.

The news of the Holy Emperor leading the imperial army on a personal expedition spread throughout the world again.

This time, to deal with the national war, all Innate Experts would head to the Nan'er Sea, determined to annihilate all forces of the Foreign Lands.

The scale of this imperial expedition far exceeded the last one.

It could be said that all the powerful martial artists in the world were heading to the Nan'er Sea.

A great battle was about to unfold.

All eyes in the world were turned toward the Nan'er Sea.

Although the Foreign Lands were strong, they were still far behind the Holy Dynasty.

Especially in terms of top-tier combat power.

Therefore, this time, everyone was of one mind, and the people were united in their direction.

It was certain that the Holy Emperor would sweep through the Foreign Lands and return in triumph, just like a few years ago.

This time, Lin Chao could not let go of his worries, so he requested three months of leave.

In Linhai, various martial arts heroes gathered.

Inside the restaurants, the atmosphere was filled with joy.

Dozens of miles out at sea, there were thousands of iron ships from the Foreign Lands.

Yet, the martial artists and Ordinary commoners present showed no signs of fear.

This battle would surely be won; it was only a matter of when.

A trace of worry lingered on Lin Chao's brow.

Even he could see the ill intentions of the Taiyi Sect.

Yusu could naturally see it too.

This great battle would certainly not end as simply as the first one.

Yusu... what exactly does she want to do?

Lin Chao felt that he could not quite understand Yusu.

But thinking about it, this was also perfectly normal.

Everyone has their own thoughts and their own lives to experience.

On the Nan'er Sea, the Holy Dynasty and the Foreign Lands occasionally had friction, but no massive collision had occurred yet.

The greatest collision was when Mu Xu made a move and fought a battle against a powerhouse from the Foreign Lands.

As a result, Mu Xu gained the upper hand and returned in triumph.

This made the people of the Holy Dynasty even more excited; after all, the one who won was one of their own.

Only three days remained until the final Innate duel.

Lin Chao held a jar of wine, sitting in the tree he had sat in before.

His gaze was profound, his eyes indifferent.

Either enter the game, or, be a spectator.

Lin Chao only felt this state of mind to be inexplicable.

It seemed that it was also of immense help to his advancement to the Ninth Tier.

Lin Chao drank wine, but unfortunately, there were no old friends by his side.

On the third day, the national war began.

On the first day, a heaven-shaking battle erupted.

Yusu's senior sister, that Qian Shengnyu, died in battle.

The whole world was shocked.

Countless martial artists were terrified.

However, before there was even time to be shocked, suddenly, the Heavenly Vault turned pitch black in an instant, as if a carriage cover had shrouded the entire area of several dozen li.

(End of this chapter)