Chapter 202: The True Objective! The Severely Struck Xi Men Chui Xue!

202. Chapter 202: The True Objective! The Severely Struck Xi Men Chui Xue!

"The Demon Race is very likely to head for the northern border pass, but the Jian Nu and the Wokou are different; they have their own beliefs and will not easily ally with the Demon Race."

"Both sides are highly likely to engage in a war that won't settle for a while, which gives us a perfect opportunity."

Zhuge Zhengwo, after hearing the news, immediately offered his opinion.

Chu Yang then asked, "Are there any experts in the Jian Nu tribes capable of resisting the Demon King?"

"That's hard to say; we haven't fought them for many years, and Jian Nu warriors evolve rapidly—one generation can produce two or three generations of fighters."

Zhuge Zhengwo explained, "Although the Northern Icefield sees few demon traces, it harbors a monster called the Snow Beast, which is scarier than ordinary great demons."

"Because monsters frequently raid the area, the people of the Northern Icefield are fierce, and almost everyone practices a life‑risking secret art; most Jian Nu warriors suffer severe hidden ailments."

"Their living conditions are actually terrible, which is why they constantly contemplate invading the Central Plains."

Chu Yang mused, "In other words, under desperate circumstances, the Jian Nu tribes can inflict some losses on the Demon Race and possibly prolong the war."

Zhuge Zhengwo nodded, "Your Majesty understands well; therefore, in my view, it is a very foolish decision for the Demon Race to advance two fronts simultaneously after losing two Demon Kings."

"They either aim to achieve everything in a single battle, or they are simply arrogantly reckless."

Zheng Dongliu continued, "The far north is, after all, Jian Nu territory, and its environment differs completely from the Ten Thousand Demon Nation; the South barely sees any snow all year, so those beasts will likely suffer heavy losses there."

After speaking, Zheng Dongliu stroked his beard and stood up, and Zhuge Zhengwo did the same.

Chu Yang said, "So the Northern situation isn't as dangerous as imagined, but even so we must prepare early. We won't execute that fellow Li Chengliang; release him from the Imperial Prison and give him a chance to atone with merit."

"Your Majesty is wise," Zhuge Zhengwo nodded slightly. If other emperors faced a siege, they would never spare the enemy's great generals, yet Chu Yang showed extraordinary leniency.

That leniency stemmed from extreme self‑confidence; he even believed Chu Yang had despised the emperor's schemes from the start.

"Li Chengliang's personal troops were decimated by last night's incident; if he returns like this, I fear he'll be unable to hold the northern situation alone," Guo Bukeng suddenly warned.

Chu Yang waved his hand, "Then allocate a portion of the Imperial Guard to him. Decide the exact numbers yourselves; we must have him defend the Northern border pass's Ten‑Thousand‑Mile Mystic Ice City so we can buy time to reorganize the South."

Clack‑clack‑clack— the wheels rolled, and Sheng Yayu slowly approached Chu Yang. Unable to stand, she remained seated in her wheelchair, bowing her head, "Your… Majesty, merely providing troops isn't enough; to hold the Mystic Ice City we must also borrow the Qi Family Army's armaments."

The Qi Family Army's armaments are best known for the Demon‑Slaying Crossbow, which earned many merits in the war against the Demon Race and is indeed an unrivaled weapon for city defense.

"The situation in the South is worse, and we'll have to fight hard battles ahead; we need powerful armaments to steady the troops," Zheng Dongliu opposed.

Sheng Yayu argued logically, "Just suppressing warlords doesn't require that many armaments, unless we intend to strike the East Sea, then it might make sense…"

She stopped mid‑sentence, shocked, looking at Chu Yang, thinking, "He can't really intend to attack the East Sea, can he? The East Sea is now the Demon Race's new stronghold, and Chu Yang's plan to strike at this critical moment seems overly bold."

Sheng Yayu grew increasingly uneasy and turned to Zhuge Zhengwo, "Master, you don't really intend to do that, do you? If we launch a cross‑sea campaign, it will be us who suffer."

Zhuge Zhengwo gave a wry smile, "Girl, whether we fight isn't up to the Master; it depends on Your Majesty's will. If he wants to fight, we as subjects can't just tuck our heads back in."

He had just come to understand what Chu Yang meant by 'reorganizing the South'…

It isn't about stabilizing the South's chaotic situation at all, but about permanently eliminating the Demon Race entrenched in the East Sea.

The plan is so bold that Zhuge Zhengwo dares not even contemplate that direction.

"What does achieving everything in a single battle mean? This is it. Our emperor is the exact opposite of his brother—his daring is terrifying."

Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian whispered beside them.

He suddenly thought that guarding the gate at home wasn't bad; at least he wouldn't have to follow Chu Yang to raid the Demon Race's home—such a reckless act, he wondered who would dare.

Yu Huatian, however, was eager to try; unlike Cao Zhengchun, his pursuit of power was solely to obtain greater authority for his deeds.

He wishes to reshape the world, expel the demon beasts within the Ming Empire, and slaughter every ineffective official.

If judged by purpose alone, Yu Huatian isn't a treacherous minister; he simply chose any means to achieve his ultimate goal.

"I, the servant, wish to go South and beg Your Majesty to keep me by your side. Since the two Depots are destined to merge, there can no longer be two supervisors."

Yu Huatian knelt respectfully before Chu Yang.

"Are you willing to abandon the entire Western Depot? That's the territory you've painstakingly managed for years—can you really let it go without regret?"

Chu Yang asked with keen interest.

"Your Majesty, as long as I can stay by your side, I'm willing to give up anything."

"My life's two wishes are: to annihilate the Demon Race and to reach the pinnacle of the martial path, and both can only be fulfilled by staying at your side."

For the first time, Yu Huatian spoke his heart sincerely, without idle talk of his loyalty to Chu Yang.

Precisely because of this, Chu Yang sensed his sincerity and believed he was speaking truthfully.

"From now on, the Western Depot, under its supervisor, will be fully merged into the Eastern Depot, and the Eastern Depot will no longer exercise supervision of the Hundred Officials nor the Brocade Guard, focusing solely on guarding the Palace Gate."

"Supervisor Cao, congratulations; from now on no one will contest these…"

Chu Yang looked at Cao Zhengchun with a half‑smile.

"Your Majesty… the old servant also wishes to stay by your side, unwilling to serve as any supervisor; for you, the old servant can likewise abandon everything."

Cao Zhengchun wept bitterly while muttering curses at Yu Huatian, calling him a chicken thief; the flattery was so over‑the‑top it was like an antelope with antlers, bordering on transcendence.

"Fine then, if you refuse to remain a supervisor, go to the Court of Ceremonial Affairs. In a couple of days, after I eliminate Wei Zhongxian, you can take over as the seal‑holding eunuch. How does that sound?"

"Your Majesty, may I retract what I just said?"

"Lord Cao, the crime of deceiving the sovereign warrants beheading; do you want to test the blade?"

Seeing that Chu Yang was not joking, Cao Zhengchun felt as if he wanted to cry without tears, his heart as cold as ash.

This fellow is fickle and rebellious; how could Chu Yang continue to keep him as Eastern Depot Supervisor?

He had intended to eliminate him last night, but never expected Cao Zhengchun to surrender so readily, leaving Chu Yang a bit unsettled.

Since he can't be killed nor employed, he must be placed somewhere powerless.

Given the current court structure, even civil officials can only sip broth, while the Court of Ceremonial Affairs can't even get a sip.

Cao Zhengchun kept slapping his own mouth, his idle chatter causing trouble; a former emperor would have at least argued a few words.

But now it's impossible, because Chu Yang will truly kill him; compared with others, Cao Zhengchun is truly treading on thin ice.

"Thus, in the future only one Marquis, one gate, one depot, one guard will remain; the structure will gradually clarify, and conflicts will lessen considerably."

Zhang Juzheng and Hai Rui both wore pleased expressions; they both understood that, at this rate, the future court would become ever clearer.

"Since the discussion has come this far, changes must also be made between the Divine Marquis Residence and the Six Gates." "The Divine Marquis Residence has become accustomed to acting with impunity, often clashing with the common people, so the populace is full of grievances; over time, the conflict will only deepen."

"The Divine Marquis Residence itself must reform, and moreover, from now on any great demon or demon person appearing in the city will be dealt with by the Six Gates."

"The Demon Race is the same."

"At present, the Divine Marquis Residence is unsuitable for continuing activities in densely populated areas; the chaos they cause is no less than that of the Demon Race."

"In contrast, under the leadership of Guo Bujing, the Six Gates enjoys a good reputation both among the common folk and among the martial sects."

"It's not that Zhuge Zhengwo is inactive; rather, he has too many worries because he knows more than others."

"Compared with the damage caused by the Demon Race's unrest, the minor conflicts between the Divine Marquis Residence and the common people are truly negligible."

"As for the Divine Marquis Residence's own problems, Zhuge Zhengwo and Sheng Yayu are both aware, yet they have no good solution and can only agree to Chu Yang's arrangement."

"It has been more than half a day since Li Zhu ignored his demonic transformation and was beheaded; standing before the ruins of the Taihe Hall, everyone has basically covered what needed to be said, and any omissions can only be discussed after Chu Yang formally ascends the throne."

"Given the current situation, the emperor's funeral must be simplified; there is no time for a grand burial, and any great grievances on the road to the Yellow Springs must be swallowed."

"After all, compared with the whole world, he is nothing."

"Having finished, Chu Yang should also leave; he doesn't want to stay to tend the emperor's spirit, but before departing he said something."

"'Yan Ge Lao is too old to handle matters; we must replace him quickly. It should have taken a few days, but I can't wait any longer…'"

"With those words, everyone understood that Yan Song was doomed; now not only the emperor's funeral but the Yan family must also be handled."

"Yan Ge Lao, being so loyal to the sovereign and patriotic, would presumably agree gladly."

"Li Ge Xiao followed Chu Yang out of the palace; the two brothers neither rode a sedan chair nor a horse, but walked out of the imperial palace as if strolling from their own backyard."

"'Prince… thank you.'"

"Li Ge Xiao originally intended to address the emperor, but for some reason, a mischievous impulse made him call out 'Prince'."

"'Don't thank me; I didn't expect the emperor to be so impatient—once he said to act, he acted. I originally intended to let you handle it yourself.'"

"'Since the emperor is dead, how to deal with Yan Song is irrelevant now.'"

"Chu Yang smiled; he noticed that Li Ge Xiao behind him was no longer the same as before—neither the Jinyi Guard officer who pleaded for the people nor the drunkard who slept in the streets."

"Cleansed of all pretension, reborn anew."

"'Are you about to breakthrough?' Chu Yang was somewhat surprised."

"Li Ge Xiao nodded, tapped his chest with a fist, and said, 'The knots of stagnation have dispersed; the light boat has already passed ten‑thousand mountains.'"

"Chu Yang said, 'Your original sword technique had a good concept; try not to abandon it. Once you master the Divine Sword Decision passed down by Yan Nantian, you can attempt to fuse the two.'"

"'However, both martial arts are too rigid; they need a gentle skill to balance them, such as the Bright Jade Skill from Yi Hua Palace.'"

"Li Ge Xiao dryly replied, 'Prince, stop joking. If I go to Yi Hua Palace to demand the Bright Jade Skill, isn't that courting death?'"

"'You saw it last time—the master of the Great Palace has a short temper and already suffered a loss at our hands; I'm afraid before I even speak, she'll freeze me into ten‑thousand‑year mysterious ice.'"

"Chu Yang glared at Li Ge Xiao with a look as hard as iron that hadn't become steel, 'We're all masters; why are you already backing down before the fight even starts?'"

"But then again, even among masters there are hierarchies; Yao Yue herself has remarkable talent and practices the extraordinary Bright Jade Skill, and among those at the master level, few can defeat her."

"'When the time comes, I'll accompany you, fetch something to trade with her, and be sure she'll agree.'"

"'That's too troublesome, Prince; just give me the item, and I'll go exchange it myself.'"

"'I fear you'll be detained there and not return.'"

"'Umm, then let's forget it.'"

"Li Ge Xiao thought that if the item could be exchanged for the Bright Jade Skill, he indeed couldn't protect it."

"The two returned to the Prince's residence, where Lu Xiaofeng and Xi Men Chui Xue had long been waiting, eager to know whether there was a plan regarding the Demon Race's northward movement."

"After Li Ge Xiao explained the situation to them, they finally breathed a sigh of relief."

"Chu Yang was surprised that Xi Men Chui Xue cared about such matters; a sword god who drifts aloof from the world should have only the sword in his heart."

"Lu Xiaofeng gave the answer to the question."

"'He became a father.'"

"Xi Men Chui Xue and his wife Sun Xiuqing recently gave birth to a son; he is now a father."

"Perhaps the fate of this world has little to do with Xi Men Chui Xue, but it is closely tied to his child and wife."

"Which father does not wish his child to live in a peaceful world?"

"Whether it's Lord Ye Gucheng of Baiyun City or Sword God Xi Men Chui Xue, both fell from the heavens to the mortal realm—one due to power and greed, the other because of love."

"Their obsessions differ, and the sword in their hearts has changed accordingly, yielding different outcomes."

"'May I ask, Prince, was the sword that slew the demon this morning yours?'"

"In Xi Men Chui Xue's eyes there was a light—a swordsman's yearning for supreme swordsmanship."

"Chu Yang nodded."

"'Xi Men Chui Xue daringly asks another question: why did that sword carry the "Heavenly Fairy" sword intent?'"

"When Xi Men Chui Xue asked that, Lu Xiaofeng subtly tugged his sleeve, signaling him to stop there."

"'I watched your duel last night; when I drew my sword today, I thought of Ye Gucheng's sword—it was an inspired feeling.'"

"Chu Yang's tone was calm, yet it stirred a storm in Xi Men Chui Xue's heart."

"Just by watching once, he could fully comprehend the 'Heavenly Fairy' sword intent; such talent is truly monstrous."

"Xi Men Chui Xue, who boasts of being beyond even a genius, sat despondently on a stone bench; since he first grasped a sword in childhood, this was his first time feeling so lost."

"'I told you not to ask…'"

"Lu Xiaofeng gave a wry smile and shook his head; having been hurt before, he didn't want his good friend to repeat the same mistake."

"In his view, even when the world's most astonishing geniuses gather, before Chu Yang they all end up with the same fate as ordinary beings."

"Between genius and genius there is also an insurmountable chasm. (End of chapter)"