Chapter 349: Chapter Nine: Four Kingdoms

The lamps and candles blazed brilliantly, and the guards stood in stern formation.

Gazing out, one saw only rows of imposing palace eaves and scales of roof tiles.

Their golden and jade brilliance indeed resembled the appearance of a wealthy mortal world.

After alighting and exiting the palace hall, Jin Jin Shanxin paid no heed to the cluster of eunuchs and palace maids kowtowing and bowing to him; instead, he rode a streak of colored mist straight toward the high void, heading for a small jade-green observatory surrounded by gale-force winds and turbid tides.

Two Yanmo Great Generals guarded the gate of the observatory, each holding a talisman tablet, with copper chains coiled around their waists; miasma and resentful qi surged from them to the heavens, making them appear utterly ferocious and possessing immense momentum.

Seeing that the visitor was Jin Jin Shanxin, the two Yanmo Great Generals did not block him; they shifted aside to open a narrow path for passage, allowing him to enter the observatory.

"Many thanks to you two Divine Generals."

Though he knew clearly that the status of these two Yanmo Great Generals was merely that of doorkeeping servants, Jin Jin Shanxin did not dare to act too arrogantly; after a slight nod, he delayed no further.

Straightening his robe and sash, adjusting the tall crown atop his head, and taking a deep breath, he entered with a solemn expression and spoke respectfully to the interior:

"Disciple Jin Jin Shanxin kowtows to greet Master."

After this statement, there was not half a sound of response from within the observatory, only cold silence.

Jin Jin Shanxin did not dare to become impatient; he waited patiently for a while, then kowtowed heavily again, his demeanor even more respectful, and spoke once more.

And this time.

Still, no sound came.

Thus, after waiting through three attempts, Jin Jin Shanxin could not help but feel astonished.

Boldly raising his head, he saw that the pure jade statue on the offering table in the distance, which stood as tall as a person, currently showed no radiance, its eyes held no spirit, revealing not a shred of divinity.

"Has His Reverence suddenly entered closed-door cultivation, or has his spirit wandered off? How could this happen at such a critical juncture..."

Seeing this, Jin Jin Shanxin felt quite helpless in his heart, yet he still bowed respectfully toward the jade statue on the offering table.

Only then did he carefully withdraw from the observatory gate, standing amidst the cloudy sky.

And after pondering for a long time.

With the expression on his face changing several times.

Jin Jin Shanxin secretly made up his mind; flicking his sleeve, he summoned the colored mist again and shot straight toward the main palace.

Those imperial guards stationed at the palace gates had long been replaced by Jin Jin Shanxin and Jin De's own people.

Seeing that it was Jin Jin Shanxin himself arriving, they naturally did not block him, and soon allowed him to reach the resting quarters within the inner hall.

There, Jin De, with graying temples, wearing a sky-piercing crown and clad in a great robe embroidered with coiling dragons, was consuming medicinal soup under the service of several palace attendants.

Upon seeing Jin Jin Shanxin suddenly enter, a smile inevitably floated onto Jin De's face.

He waved his hand to dismiss the surrounding palace attendants, turned to face Jin Jin Shanxin, and said:

"Why does my son have leisure to come here today? Come, sit with your father for a while."

Jin Jin Shanxin had come here originally intending to speak of the urgent matter that the Turbid Fiend Ghost Bandit Dao Lian Tianfa had triggered the formation gate, indicating that Yu Yu Yuchen was dispatching troops to attack.

Because he held the talisman tablet, even though separated by a great distance.

He could vaguely sense that the qi signature of that contingent of Yu Yu Yuchen's troops was extremely powerful.

There must be a true expert presiding over them; absolutely not something their side could resist; it seemed the Yu Yu Yuchen faction was about to get serious.

In such a situation.

Only by withdrawing as soon as possible.

Could that be the proper course...

And Jin Jin Shanxin's purpose in coming here now was precisely to persuade Jin De to abandon the foundation of the Yu Yang Kingdom and temporarily avoid the enemy's sharp edge.

However, when he entered the inner hall and saw his own old father in this state of terminal illness, with deathly qi swirling between his brows.

It was evident that his primordial truth had been depleted for a long time, and his final limit was approaching...

After hesitating for several moments.

Jin Jin Shanxin still held back the words he had originally intended to speak, smiled, sat down before the table, and said:

"Today's cultivation tasks are finished, and I happen to be free; I wonder how Father King's noble health is?"

"A weak and decaying body, what is there good to speak of? Just the same old condition as always."

Hearing this, Jin De silently shook his head, then turned his gaze to look around, his sight sweeping across this inner hall where generations of former monarchs of the Yu Yang Kingdom had lived and renovated.

A trace of genuine satisfaction flashed across his face, and his complexion became slightly ruddier.

"However, to be able to expel the false king and ascend the great throne before my lifespan ends and I sit in meditation to pass away, means my life's rushing and toil has not been in vain..."

Jin De looked at Jin Jin Shanxin and said with emotion:

"My son truly possesses the bearing of a celestial being! Without you, how could your father ever return to Yu Yang in this life and sit upon this position?

The late Emperor was deceived by treacherous men in the court back then and did not transmit the throne to me; this has always been a bitter matter in your father's heart! Now that my wish is finally fulfilled, I feel as if drinking sweet dew, my heart and body both at ease!"

"Father King truly overstates it; I merely borrowed Master's power to mobilize the troops of Snake Longshan, Form-Splitting Observatory, and Five Yin Palace."

Jin Jin Shanxin sighed inwardly and spoke slowly:

"Without Master's nod of approval, even if I had the heart to assist Father King, I fear I would not possess such strength..."

Jin De smiled and said:

"This is also because my son's bone structure is superb; otherwise, how would your Master, True Person Tao, assist you with such full effort?"

The two chatted idly for a while longer.

During this time, it was mostly Jin De speaking while Jin Jin Shanxin listened.

Seeing that his old father's words were filled mostly with feelings of relief and satisfaction, appearing as though his obsession had vanished and he could close his eyes in death without regret.

Jin Jin Shanxin secretly bittered his heart, finding it difficult to bring up the matter of Yu Yu Yuchen dispatching troops to attack; after sitting absent-mindedly for a while, he took an excuse to take his leave.

And when he walked out of the hall, before his mind had time to think much of anything.

He saw the light and shadow before his eyes shift, and his vision blurred.

When he opened his eyes again, he had already arrived at that small jade-green observatory in the void, and before him came the sound of an old, laughing voice:

"Jin Shanxin, you are indeed a man of pure filial piety; however, the reason I took you as my disciple back then was not only because your root and bone truly align with my sect's Dao methods, but also because your temperament aligns perfectly with my own wishes.

Rest assured, although Yu Yu Yuchen has now dispatched troops to attack, with old man me here,

who will win and who will lose, and whether we must truly hand over this corner of Yang Kingdom,

can only be known after a genuine battle is fought!"

"Master?!"

Upon hearing these words, Jin Jin Shanxin felt both shock and joy.

……

……

At this moment, the Guanzhong Hall blazed with brilliant light, like a crescent moon breaking through the dusk, radiating ten thousand strands of pure brightness that made it impossible to look directly or discern the situation within.

It was only after several breaths of Xi Gong had passed that a single bell toll suddenly drifted out.

In an instant, the radiant light fully retracted, and vision returned to clarity.

Jin Jin Shanxin raised his head to look, seeing only that the jade statue on the offering table now possessed features indistinguishable from a living person.

His master, Tao Zhen, sat cross-legged in mid-air, surrounded by translucent watery light coiling like dragons and snakes, circling his body ceaselessly and emitting a dazzling brilliance that was striking to behold.

"The people Yu Yu Yuchen sent today certainly make quite a spectacle; surprisingly, they have ordered Yu Yu Shitong to personally take the field and serve as their leader.

Although that Turbid Poison Ghost Army's Linked Heaven Formation was personally arranged by old man me, I fear it will not be able to stop him for more than a few days."

Before Jin Jin Shanxin could bow low to pay respects or speak any words,

Tao Zhen waved his hand and interrupted, saying:

"However, if we were to retreat now, it would merely make it appear as though old man me fears him, Yu Yu Shitong, and would invite mockery from those few old ghosts as well.

Although he is Zhang Zhang Taichu's trusted confidant and enjoys considerable fame in Dongmi, how could old man me be considered nameless? This mere corner of Yang Kingdom is nothing but a tiny speck of land.

But since he, Yu Yu Shitong, wishes to resort to armed conflict over this and does not even save face for old man me, then old man me shall test the quality of his metal!"

……

Ever since Jin Jin Shanxin borrowed the power of the three Huzhao Sect Dao lines to expel the ruler of Yang Kingdom and help his father, Jin De, regain the throne,

Jin Jin Shanxin had wisely softened his stance, specifically ordering Snake Longshan, Form-Splitting Temple, and Five Yin Palace to withdraw from the Eastern Region, while voluntarily submitting documents and various precious treasures and materials.

All in the hope of gaining a nod from Yu Yu Yuchen, tacitly approving his father Jin De's position as the kingdom's ruler.

These maneuvers

were all accomplished by Jin Jin Shanxin under Tao Zhen's guidance...

However, Yu Yu Yuchen's subsequent reaction regarding the situation in Yang Kingdom truly exceeded Jin Jin Shanxin's expectations.

Speaking fairly, a place like Yang Kingdom, being such a tiny speck of land, is as numerous as the stars under Yu Yu Yuchen's rule in the Eastern Region, countless and not worth mentioning in the slightest.

If not for the obsession in Jin De's heart being difficult to dispel, nearly transforming into a Dao obstacle,

then with Jin Jin Shanxin's current status, even within the Ye Ye Xiyu under Huzhao Sect's rule, finding a territory larger than Yang for Jin De to rule as king would be no difficult task.

Moreover, the value of the various treasures and materials he sent clearly far exceeded that of an entire Yang Kingdom.

Yet Yu Yu Yuchen refused to let the matter rest, instead making a grand display to come and launch a punitive expedition.

After all, Jin Jin Shanxin was still young, having been favored by True Person Tao Zhen since childhood and brought into the Huzhao Lower Court for cultivation, so his experience in the world was ultimately shallow.

With his level of understanding,

he could only feel that this move was indeed quite incomprehensible and puzzling...

"Just for a mere Yang Kingdom, the two sects are about to start a conflict; isn't this going too far?"

After pondering this in his mind for a while,

Jin Jin Shanxin ultimately dared not bear such a heavy responsibility as Ci Deng Zhong, let out a bitter smile, and said:

"Master, perhaps it would be better to withdraw; in any case—"

"Conflict? How can this be called a conflict? It is nothing but a minor skirmish!

That Zhang Zhang Taichu of Yu Yu Yuchen clearly intends to use this opportunity to strike a warning against the border sects, making them aware of Yu Yu Yuchen's majesty, but on another level, he also wishes to temper the disciples and the Dao lines beneath them.

Coincidentally, several Upper Truths of our sect also have this very intention."

Tao Zhen laughed, interrupting Jin Jin Shanxin, and said:

"Since both sides implicitly share this intention, it is merely using your family's Yang Kingdom as a pretext to test each other's quality; why are you panicking? What does this have to do with you!"

Upon hearing this, Jin Jin Shanxin's pupils contracted slightly, as if he had gained some realization.

Before he could fully comprehend the matter,

Tao Zhen gently stroked his long beard and spoke again:

"My true body has already personally set out and will arrive within the borders of Yang Kingdom in a few days.

At that time, several true Huzhao disciples will also arrive, including the rather famous Gu Yi; disciple, you should make some preparations in advance.

Aside from other matters, if you can establish a good relationship with Gu Yi, it will bring great benefits for your future entry into Rushang Sect."

"Gu Yi?"

Jin Jin Shanxin asked in surprise:

"The Gu Yi who ranks only below Wu Yin Wuji of Wenhuang Sect? Why would she come here?"

"Old man me does not know this either; she volunteered herself, likely because stillness bred a desire for movement."

Tao Zhen shook his head, and after giving Jin Jin Shanxin a few more instructions,

another beam of brilliant light shot up from the room, spreading like quicksilver pouring over the ground, penetrating every crack.

When the radiance faded, the jade statue on the offering table was once again motionless, clearly indicating that Tao Zhen had withdrawn his divine will, causing the object to lose its spirituality.

"Countless Dao lines from both sects are involved, not only Refiners of the Cave-Mystic Realm but even True Persons of the Jin Dan.

With such a grand spectacle, is it truly just to temper the disciples and Dao lines slightly and test their quality?"

After walking out of the temple gate and gazing upon the scene of pale blue sky and clouds, Jin Jin Shanxin indeed felt complex emotions, unsure of what to say.

He had mobilized forces from three Daoist lineages, but his original intent was merely to allow his own father, Jin De, to fulfill a lifelong wish before his lifespan ended and he passed away in seated meditation.

As for whether they could truly possess this land after conquering Yu Yang Kingdom, Jin Jin Shanxin himself held no absolute certainty.

If matters went awry, he could simply withdraw; he would not dare to stubbornly resist to the bitter end.

After all, it was merely a tiny, pellet-sized kingdom.

Yet Yu Yu Yuchen had actually dispatched the renowned Yu Yu Shitong to take action.

In response, the Huzhao Sect also required his teacher, the True Person Tao Zhen, to personally station himself in Yu Yang.

Such a massive deployment.

Indeed, this truly exceeded Jin Jin Shanxin's expectations...

"Had I known this earlier, I should not have come to attack Yu Yang; although my teacher said this was merely a minor skirmish, casualties are inevitably unavoidable during such affairs.

If these deaths are counted against me, it will ultimately become a small trouble..."

At this moment, Jin Jin Shanxin felt a slight helplessness in his heart, but since the wood had already been shaped into a boat, even excessive pondering would be of no benefit.

He sighed inwardly, waved his sleeve, and descended from the clouds, fleeing toward Lin Li's palace.

Three days later.

Ziming Mountain, Yu Jing Yujing Feigong.

Brilliant lights flashed chaotically in the air, resembling thousands of silver snakes shuttling back and forth endlessly, accompanied by various booming and rumbling sounds, creating a magnificent momentum.

Under such a fierce assault, the Turbid Fiend Ghost Thief Connecting Heaven Dharma had already been broken by eighty percent; its total collapse differed by merely a single thread.

Meanwhile, inside the main hall of the Yu Jing Yujing Feigong, Chen Heng and the others paid no attention to external affairs, merely watching a Jin Dan True Person named Duan Duan Chuhou, who, after being summoned, held a map and spoke cautiously within the hall.

Only after Duan Duan Chuhou finished his speech and stood respectfully with hands clasped at the side.

Did Yu Yu Shitong, seated in the primary position, slowly open his eyes and address the various cultivators:

"True Person Duan belongs to the Six Ding Observatory; the Ye Kingdom where he resides is separated from Yu Yang Kingdom by Ziming Mountain, so more or less, he can be considered familiar with the geography.

Regarding the situation he just described, I wonder what insightful opinions my fellow junior brothers may have?"

Wang Sen remained silent in contemplation.

Deng Deng Yunji shook his head slightly.

"What about Chen Chen Shidi? What is your opinion?"

Yu Yu Shitong's gaze shifted, turning toward Chen Heng at the lower seat, and he smiled as he spoke.

"True Person Duan just stated that behind Ziming Mountain, including Yu Yang, there are altogether three other small kingdoms, all under our sect's governance?"

Chen Heng rose, first bowing to Yu Yu Shitong, then turning to look at that Duan Duan Chuhou from the Six Ding Observatory, and spoke.

"Elder Chen's insight is correct; indeed, it is so!"

Seeing the conversation turn toward him, Duan Duan Chuhou hurriedly bowed to Chen Heng and spoke respectfully:

"Yu Yang, Xianyin, Weiyong, Bai Sha... these four small kingdoms are all under the governance of the Upper Sect, serving as vassals and affiliates of Yu Yu Yuchen; they have offered tribute incessantly over the years and are extremely respectful.

However, the strength of the Daoist lineages within the three kingdoms of Xianyin, Weiyong, and Bai Sha is all feeble; they do not even possess a single Jin Dan True Person, falling short even compared to Yu Yang."

"Xiao Xiao Shixiong, barring any unexpected developments, I suspect that the four kingdoms behind Ziming Mountain have likely already fallen entirely into the hands of the Xiantian Mo Zong."

After listening, Chen Heng nodded slightly and addressed Yu Yu Shitong:

"Judging solely from this demonic formation blocking our path, it is evident that the Huzhao side has already made preparations; their previous order for the subordinate Daoist lineages to withdraw from Yu Yang was merely intended to temporarily ease the situation.

Now that our side has dispatched troops to attack, the Huzhao Sect certainly will not sit idly by and allow the remaining three kingdoms to coordinate with us; they must integrate the battlefront before they can effectively maneuver."

"This statement is indeed quite plausible."

Yu Yu Shitong contemplated briefly, then smiled and said:

"I specifically came this time to provide my fellow junior brothers and the subordinate Daoist lineages with some practical experience; it seems the Huzhao side also harbors this same intention.

In that case, this matter promises to be quite lively."

"The Daoist methods of the Huzhao Sect are nothing special; when I traveled far to the western Erzhou to gather herbs in the past, I encountered two disciples of the Huzhao Sect who, overestimating their own strength, actually attempted to seize the Tianyou Clay from my hands.

And the result? Did they not all perish beneath my thunder techniques!"

At this moment, Deng Deng Yunji laughed loudly and declared:

"Xiao Xiao Shixiong Yu, just watch; if they insist on stubborn resistance, I will certainly be the first to request the honor of leading the charge and secure a Da Gong!"

"Then we shall witness Chen Chen Shidi's divine might."

Yu Yu Shitong smiled faintly.

And amidst their conversation.

The Turbid Fiend Ghost Thief Connecting Heaven Dharma was also completely shattered.

With the obstruction removed, the Yujing Feigong continued forward and soon approached Weiyong Kingdom, the one among the four kingdoms closest to Ziming Mountain.

At this moment, gazing upon the scene below the clouds where turbid fiends connected to the sky and yin energy boiled fiercely.

Yu Yu Shitong raised his eyebrows slightly and pondered:

"It seems Chen Chen Shidi was indeed correct; the four kingdoms have already fallen entirely into the hands of the Xiantian Mo Zong."

Combined

(End of Chapter)