Chapter 211: No Precedent! Shameless!

During the Tianchi decisive battle years ago, Gu Santong was already at the Grandmaster realm, then he was detained in a secret prison for nearly twenty years, his Qi and blood deteriorated, his oil ran out and the lamp went out, and his realm kept falling.

At the brink of death he was saved by Chu Yang; his martial cultivation was shattered then rebuilt, only a final step away from breakthrough, and this pill became the opportunity for his breakthrough.

The Grandmaster realm! The pinnacle countless warriors dream of!

In this age where immortals and deities are merely legends, the Grandmaster stands as a deity above all beings.

"Gu Santong, he broke through?!" Cao Zhengchun stared dumbfounded at Gu Santong, seeing his Qi and blood thick as a long dragon coiling around him, finally turning into rolling red clouds that Gu Santong inhaled into his abdomen.

"This… this pill is actually real!"

Zheng Dongliu's hand clutching his beard trembled so much he almost tore his beard off; he has passed the age of knowing his destiny, soon to be a seventy‑year‑old elder, and without a breakthrough his Qi and blood will decline year by year.

He is the one among them most in need of Qi and blood replenishment, and couldn't help turning to Chu Yang, his gaze blazing intensely.

Zheng Dongliu is very confident in his own accumulation; as long as he obtains the pill, he is sure he can become the next Grandmaster.

Gu Santong opened his eyes, the boiling true essence gradually calming, the sharp light in his eyes subdued, occasional golden afterglow flickering; the Golden Light Unbreakable Divine Art seemed to have completed another metamorphosis.

"Drink!"

His arms quivered, Gu Santong's whole body shimmered with golden light, in an instant becoming a tiny golden figure, the thudding of his chest sounding like drums.

The drumbeats roared like thunder, reverberating incessantly in everyone's ears.

At this moment, Zhuge Zhengwo's face finally changed color, and he couldn't help saying, "What a Diamond Unbreakable Divine Art, Brother Gu's mortal body is so strong it rivals a demon king…"

Chu Yang nodded; Gu Santong's mortal strength at this moment, across the entire Ming Empire, might be surpassed by only himself.

"Cool your temper, old comrade."

Chu Yang slapped Gu Santong's shoulder, instantly returning him to his original form, the sky‑filled golden light vanishing in an instant.

It had to be slapped; it was too dazzling, more irritating than a flashlight in the eyes.

Originally beaming with a spring smile, Gu Santong's grin quickly hardened, sinking into deep self‑doubt.

"Is my Grandmaster just paper‑thin?"

"How can I not even withstand a single slap..."

Seeing this, everyone felt a chill in their hearts.

So the Grandmaster‑level Gu Santong was broken by the Emperor's slap? What realm does the Emperor actually occupy?

"The pill has been tested, you have seen its effect; what do you think? The Blood-and-Flesh Alchemy method is feasible, right?"

Chu Yang smiled gently at them.

The first to respond was Zhuge Zhengwo, the Divine Marquis; his excited body trembled as he clasped his hands and said, "With this, in demon‑slaying, the Human Race can finally work together, and those wandering sects can willingly descend to slay demons."

Under normal circumstances, demon‑slaying is very risky, and not every demon's flesh can be forged into weapons or armor; therefore, unless a sect encounters a demon passively, most sects strictly forbid disciples from "subduing demons and suppressing demons".

Especially for exceptionally talented disciples, senior sect members repeatedly caution them to prevent impulsiveness.

In the eyes of some major sects, if the heavens were to collapse, the Divine Marquis Residence would bear it; any demon threatening the common folk's safety is handled by the Divine Marquis Residence, unrelated to them.

Of course, there are "heretical" disciples who cannot tolerate this approach, insisting on descending to slay demons and exorcise evils, often ending in death and disappearance, becoming cautionary tales for sect education.

Even masters of the Buddhist and Taoist schools require heavy incentives before the court can enlist their aid.

Only a few Buddhist masters, such as Yichan Temple Yun Que Master, who are close friends with Zhuge Zhengwo, exist.

Now that demon‑slaying can forge pills that boost cultivation, this matter holds value for major sects; they will actively send disciples into the world to slay demons, greatly helping the Divine Marquis Residence alleviate pressure.

Speaking of wandering sects, Chu Yang's expression grew slightly cold; heroes like Yan Nantian and Guo Bugjing are few, while most are profit‑driven, petty scoundrels.

"Those sects should have been disciplined long ago; there are countless warmongers like Xi Men Chui Xue and Ye Gucheng who disregard the Human Race's righteousness. Previously the court lacked the strength; after we finish dealing with the southern rebels, we will settle accounts with them properly."

Yu Huatian's face was as cold as frost, a relentless sneer; one of his reasons for craving power is to suppress the ambitions of sects across the world.

"The situation has just shown signs of improvement; now clashing with those sects is not the right path, just as the Divine Marquis said earlier, we should work together."

Zheng Dongliu slowly shook his head, directly rebutting Yu Huatian's words; the two have always been at odds.

"Lord Zheng's thinking is overly naive; if those sects were reliable, the southern situation wouldn't have degenerated into its current state."

Yu Huatian narrowed his eyes at Zheng Dongliu, a murderous intent flickering.

Zheng Dongliu sneered, "The cause of the southern decay hasn't lacked the Two Factories pulling strings behind the scenes; Old Lord Yu, don't throw every piece of crap onto the heads of major sects!"

Yu Huatian's face turned sour; just as he was about to retort, he heard Cao Zhengchun's exasperated voice.

"Zheng, stop slandering!"

"When did our family ever meddle with the south? Such a charge of exterminating nine clans cannot be casually fabricated."

"If you have the guts, come face to face with us today, and prove yourself!"

"Our family is loyal to the Ming Empire, please, Your Majesty, see through this!"

It's clear that Cao Gonggong is truly frantic, ignoring etiquette, leaping and bounding before Chu Yang, as if he could bite Zheng Dongliu to death.

"Enough, I know you're innocent; you can't even navigate the capital, how could you have the time to reach out to the south?"

Chu Yang waved his hand, looking disdainfully at Cao Zhengchun, "If you keep hopping around in front of me, watch out I'll beat you."

"I acknowledge my crime," Cao Zhengchun retreated plaintively to the side, still giving Zheng Dongliu a fierce glare.

Chu Yang then turned to Zheng Dongliu, saying, "Lord Zheng, your words have gone too far; Yu Huatian's methods are harsh, everyone knows that, and that's one reason I reclaimed the Two Factories' authority."

"If he truly has no bottom line, then it's more than just reclaiming the Two Factories' power."

"Zhu can be killed even if I ignore him; what about Yu Huatian?"

Hearing Chu Yang's tone grow unfriendly, Zheng Dongliu's body trembled as he clasped his hands and said, "I was momentarily angry and spoke indiscriminately; I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."

Chu Yang still gave no reply, staring at him coldly.

An intangible pressure spread; not only Zheng Dongliu but everyone else was suffocated by Chu Yang's aura.

As Grandmasters, Zhuge Zhengwo and Gu Santong are no different.

Zheng Dongliu's face turned sour, gritting his teeth; just as he was about to kneel and kowtow, Chu Yang's voice rang out.

"Lord Zheng, this shall not be set as a precedent."

As soon as "this shall not be set as a precedent" was spoken, everyone felt the oppressive aura vanish; looking again at Chu Yang, he returned to his usual pleasant demeanor.

Even so, the group kept their heads down and said nothing, and even the most rakish Lu Xiaofeng dared not crack jokes as before. "I really hate that party‑line of silencing dissent."

"If you can't achieve it, at least don't put the conflict out in the open."

"Also, now that you're older, stop constantly talking about shit and pee; it's so disgusting."

Chu Yang said it lightly, yet no one present dared to echo a word.

Zheng Dongliu is a loyal minister, capable of teaching Li Ge's master, so he naturally wouldn't be lacking, yet he truly cannot let go of the past; the Factory‑Guard conflict has taken up too many chapters of his life.

His subconscious resistance against Yu Huatian became a sort of "old ailment" for Zheng Dongliu; before he could react, the other side was no longer the Western Factory Director.

Putting aside personal grudges, Zheng Dongliu actually agrees with Yu Huatian: the major sects are indeed unreliable, and the South's current state is inseparably linked to those people.

As the saying goes, hide in a small tower and claim unity, regardless of spring, summer, autumn, or winter; those major sects hide in their own territories, watching humanity's suffering with cold eyes.

"I acknowledge my mistake."

Zheng Dongliu, aware his reasoning was flawed, willingly admitted his fault.

"As the saying goes, no one is perfect; Lord Zheng inevitably harbors grudges over past trivialities. Yet the past is past—since Lord Zheng knows his error, Your Majesty need not be angry."

Zhuge Zhengwo sensed the atmosphere easing and immediately began to counsel.

Chu Yang shook his head: "It's not so much anger, but if this continues, even if Lord Zheng obtains the pill, he will find it hard to break through to Grandmaster."

Zheng Dongliu was startled by the words.

Chu Yang said: "You see Gu Santong broke through so easily; you're oversimplifying the Grandmaster level. Simply stacking power does nothing; mindset is equally crucial."

Zhuge Zhengwo nodded: "Your Majesty's words are spot on; with a flawless mindset, the true essence can circulate as one wishes."

Gu Santong then laughed cheerfully: "I was long trapped in a cage; the moment I gained freedom, my heart swelled with great joy. After emerging, I also gained a son—joy upon joy. Though my wife lies sleeping in Tianshan, there is now a cure; I only need to devote myself to rescuing her. Thus, I bear no great regret and will press forward without hesitation."

"If you let so many past events trip you up and refuse to face them properly, eventually you'll spin a cocoon and bind yourself."

"The heart demon is the greatest foe."

Zheng Dongliu fell into a prolonged silence; indeed, he finds it hard to abandon his hatred toward the two factories, for the power struggle between the factories and the guards has claimed countless lives, each weight unbearably heavy.

Shaking hands in reconciliation with Yu Huatian and Cao Zhengchun is tantamount to betraying those who sacrificed themselves.

Zheng Dongliu cannot do it.

Chu Yang also understood his difficulty, which is why he told him not to lay the conflict bare; if the two haven't pledged allegiance, that's fine—just find any excuse to eliminate a not‑too‑troublesome matter.

But after all, they knelt and kowtowed; if Chu Yang truly strikes, it would be somewhat unchivalrous.

If he can kill the pledged Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian today, he can kill you, Zheng Dongliu, tomorrow; with Chu Yang's martial cultivation, anyone can be slain if he wishes.

Over time, does anyone remain by Chu Yang's side?

That would be the true solitary ruler.

This is the situation Chu Yang strives to avoid; all he can do is erase the two factories from history, bind Cao Zhengchun in the palace as a watchdog, tether Yu Huatian to his side as a hawk‑dog, thereby giving the Jinyiwei an answer.

If even that isn't appreciated, what more does Zheng Dongliu expect? Should I hand you the throne?

Given Zheng Dongliu's nature, if Chu Yang questions him like this, he would probably slam his head against a pillar, dying to prove his resolve.

"Take the pill, go home and think it over; if you feel your heart's barrier has passed, then swallow it."

Chu Yang tossed a Demon King Flesh Pill to Zheng Dongliu; given his two‑plus decades of foundation in the Grandmaster Realm, this pill is enough to promote him.

"I thank Your Majesty for the grace; I have no way to repay, ashamed before Your Majesty."

Zheng Dongliu's eyes glistened with moisture; he cursed, yet Chu Yang still gave him the crucial item.

"If you can successfully ascend to Grandmaster, bolstering the Ming Empire's confidence, that is the greatest return to the world."

Chu Yang waved his hand, signaling him to hurry home and close his cultivation.

Zheng Dongliu knelt, bowed in gratitude for the imperial favor, and dragged his heavy silhouette into the night.

"Your Majesty, I shall depart first," Li Ge laughed, stepped forward with a bow, then whispered beside Chu Yang, "I'm a bit worried about the master; I'll head back tonight, sorry."

"I intended to celebrate you, but it seems we'll have to wait for next time," Chu Yang said helplessly. "After you return, guide Lord Zheng well, so he need not worry about wasting the pill and watch his mindset."

"One burst of momentum, then decline, then exhaustion; the heart demon will arise."

Li Ge smiled, nodded, and kept Chu Yang's words in his heart.

Before leaving, he suddenly hugged Chu Yang, and Chu Yang patted his shoulder.

Zhuge Zhengwo watched Zheng Dongliu's departing silhouette and shook his head.

No matter how amiable, a dragon remains a dragon.

A dragon's reverse scale, when touched, guarantees death.

After a small turmoil, the outer palace grew somewhat silent.

Cao Zhengchun dared not speak much; for some reason, he constantly felt the Emperor harbored murderous intent toward him.

Yu Huatian dared even less; causing such a commotion, he bore at least half the responsibility.

"Master Guo, take a pill as well."

Chu Yang teased, calling out Gu Bujing, then handed over another Demon King Pill.

Gu Bujing didn't take it immediately; instead, he gazed deeply, clasped his fists, and said, "Your Majesty, I decline this pill."

Chu Yang was somewhat surprised, "Why?"

"Divine Marquis managed to break through to Grandmaster on his own, so I also wish to try," Gu Bujing laughed heartily. He is in his prime, confident and capable.

Zhuge Zhengwo slightly nodded, his eyes full of admiration for Gu Bujing; had he been young, he probably would have made the same choice.

"Then I'll keep this pill for you," Chu Yang put the pill away, turned to Zhuge Zhengwo and said, "A pill refined from Demon King flesh works even for Grandmaster; as for whether it can break through, or how many are needed, I haven't tested it yet."

Zhuge Zhengwo stroked his beard and laughed aloud, "At my age, I lack the youthful hubris; Your Majesty may shove as many pills at me as he wishes; I'll see just how good the effect is."

Chu Yang gave him a withering glance, muttering, "Old man, you're shameless—how many pills can you even swallow?"

Zhuge Zhengwo was unfazed by Chu Yang's scolding, smiling, "The capable bear more burden; we can't let Gu Santong, who just became Grandmaster, eat them all—that would be a waste."

Chu Yang, his eyes opened, laughed, "I've never seen someone so brazen!" (End of Chapter)