Chapter 352: Confrontation at the Sect

government office Runners cleared the way, the honor guard followed behind, attendants and escorts flanked the sides, and an eight-bearer great sedan carried him — this was the procession of a Dayun Wang Hou setting out.

Yan Yan Chunyang arrived by sedan, and through the gap in the curtain he swept a glance, seeing the common folk all around watching, yet none kneeling to greet him, and a flicker of displeasure crossed his face.

In the provinces under the Dragon and Ten-Thousand Dragon Dao, wherever he traveled, the common folk on both sides were required to kneel in welcome — who would dare merely stand and gawk, making a racket?

"Dao Sect..."

Yan Yan Chunyang idly turned the prayer beads in his palm; when the sedan touched down, two guards flipped down from their horses and called out in loud voices:

"By decree of the Martial-Suppression King, Marquis Marquis Jingxiao has come to pay his respects at the mountain!"

Those two guards were brimming with inner breath, and with true Qi surging through them their voices carried for over a dozen 【units】, seeming to drown out the murmuring and clamor inside and outside the long street.

Before the mountain gate it suddenly fell silent, and all eyes turned to those two guards clad in silver armor.

"Organ-Refining-level guards?"

From more than eighty meters away, a faint Longhu Longhu Dandan flash of green-blue had already crossed Li Yuan's eyes — the armor those guards wore was all Named Weapon grade, and their blades were upper-grade Named Weapons.

【Dayun Imperial Guard Silver Armor (Tier 4)】

【Imperial Guard Long Saber (Tier 5)】

【Imperial Guard Qi-Breaking Pill (Tier 4)】

Named Weapon-grade standard-issue equipment — Li Yuan's gaze tightened slightly:

"Dayun Imperial Guards?"

The Dayun Imperial Guards belonged to one of the three great enforcement organs, charged with garrisoning the Divine Capital and protecting the imperial house; their number stood at only thirty thousand, the most elite army of Dayun.

Li Yuan had heard of them before, but only now, seeing them with his own eyes, did he grasp how terrifying they were.

For him at this moment, a single Named Weapon was nothing remarkable, but standard-issue Named Weapons were a different matter — it meant the imperial court's weapon-forging methods exceeded those of the Divine Weapon Valley and the Longhu Temple by more than one order of magnitude.

"Mass-produced Named Weapons..."

Li Yuan was somewhat shaken, yet on reflection he found it not at all unexpected.

Dayun and the sects shared rule over the world; of the realm's taxes, seven-tenths went to Dao-, province-, and prefecture-level sects, and the imperial court claimed only three-tenths — but that was three-tenths of the entire realm.

Not to mention that the imperial house and the imperial court each separately held sway over the Dragon and Ten-Thousand Dragon Dao, and those two Dao's nine provinces were the imperial court's own private domain.

In terms of wealth and power, the Dayun imperial court remained indisputably the foremost under heaven.

Only the imperial court could manage the mass production of Named Weapon-grade arms and armor.

"We did not know Marquis Marquis Jingxiao was coming — forgive us for failing to greet you from afar."

Dou Yue and Han Tong cupped their fists in greeting, speaking stiffly and to the letter — proper in courtesy, utterly devoid of warmth.

Those two guards did not mind either; with a wave of the hand, the host of guards all dismounted and lined up in two ranks alongside the government office Runners and the honor guard.

"My lord."

Those two old servants flipped down from their horses and drew back the sedan curtain:

"We've reached Longhu Temple."

"Mm."

Yan Yan Chunyang acknowledged, and only then stepped down from the sedan.

He wore a deep black brocade robe embroidered with dragon and phoenix motifs, on his head a Jin Xian Cap studded with gems of every color, at his waist a fine jade belt, with a jade pendant and a golden fish pouch hanging on one side.

On the other side hung a long saber, jet-black from end to end without a single blemish, and on his feet a pair of dark-patterned dragon boots.

"This marquis has come bearing a decree; for any disturbance caused, I ask you all to bear with me."

Yan Yan Chunyang toyed lightly with the prayer beads in his hand, his steps measured and unhurried, every inch the picture of dignity, stirring a great commotion among the onlookers — many of those present had never in their entire lives seen such attire.

"That look — not bad at all."

Li Yuan clicked his tongue in wonder; this outfit was, in all his years, the finest he had ever laid eyes on — bar none.

It was a style utterly unlike that of the jianghu folk; just standing there he radiated an overpowering noble air, putting Dou Yue and Han Tong — in their kasaya and martial robes respectively — completely in the shade.

"Every inch a Named Weapon — dazzling treasure-light."

This outfit Yan Yan Chunyang wore was clearly far superior to his previous one; Li Yuan swept a glance and saw a blaze of treasure-light, and for the first time caught sight of boots reaching as high as Tier 5.

Apart from the 【Lesser Dragon God Saber (Tier 7)】 and 【Lesser Dragon God Armor (Tier 8)】, what interested him most was naturally that pair of 【Cloud-Pattern Dragon-Sole Boots (Tier 5)】.

"Dragon-Stride, Tiger-Step — a Tier 6 enhancement effect."

Those boots had only a single mastery effect, yet it stirred Li Yuan's heart considerably.

"Please, my lord — our Dao Master is waiting in the great hall."

Han Tong, being a touch more tactful than Dou Yue, cupped his fists slightly and invited him into the Ru Sect.

"Mm."

Yan Yan Chunyang appeared every inch the gentleman, answering softly — yet suddenly he halted his steps, looked toward the towering memorial archway before the mountain gate, and said with a light smile:

"I have heard the Longhu Temple archway has quite remarkable properties; this marquis would like to try it out — you two have no objection, I trust?"

Dou Yue's brow furrowed slightly, but Han Tong had already spoken first: "The Dao Master is waiting in the great hall; if the marquis wishes to try, I shall personally accompany you afterward — how would that be?"

Before the words had even landed, Han Tong's expression changed as well.

"Then we shall trouble Dao Master Long to wait a while longer."

Yan Yan Chunyang had never been asking their opinion in the first place — it was purely a notification; the words were barely out of his mouth before he was already beneath the archway.

"He comes with no good intent."

Li Yuan frowned slightly, sidled a few steps toward the archway as well, and then activated the Rift-Sea Mysterious Whale Hammer.

Hum!

Li Yuan heard a faint cry, then stepped back, severing his resonance with the archway; the will of the ancestors within the stone tablet, which had just begun to stir, settled back down.

After several dealings, Li Yuan knew that the will left behind by those two ancestors was very pure — in essence, it was meant to select genius disciples capable of triggering the Yangsheng Gate true-inheritance trial.

Whether inner or outer disciples, or disciples of other sects, so long as one's talent reached the absolute peak, they would be stirred.

If both appear, it is a Millennium Grade.

"This person's talent is very high, no less than Elder Brother Long."

Feeling the faint fluctuations, Li Yuan understood in his heart, yet couldn't help but think inwardly: If an Unrivaled Grade talent is this arrogant, and you were a Daoist, wouldn't you fly to the heavens?

"Hmm?"

Passing through the archway, Yan Yan Chunyang's expression changed slightly, then he let out a dry laugh:

"It seems the rumors were wrong."

"If the Marquis says so, then so be it."

Han Tong's brows relaxed, a smile appearing on his face. With a glance from the corner of his eye, he saw that although there were many people watching the spectacle inside and outside the mountain gate, they were now all discussing it.

"Marquis, the important matter comes first."

Yan Yan Chunyang's eyes grew cold. The two old servants had already approached, transmitting their voices softly.

"Marquis, please."

Dou Yue stepped forward, his voice heavy and solid. Behind the two of them, Li Yuan and Xin Xin Wenhua also followed.

"~"

Yan Yan Chunyang glanced at the archway, then swept his sleeve and turned around.

"Is this surname Yan person being deliberate, or does he truly lack any scheming?"

In the crowd, Li Yuan felt somewhat strange in his heart. Does the imperial court award Marquis titles based solely on martial arts talent?

'The quality of the imperial court is also worrying.'

Muttering inwardly, Li Yuan's gaze occasionally swept around. He discovered that among Yan Yan Chunyang's entourage were no few experts, especially those two old servants, who were likely experts with perfected Blood Replacement.

"Ah!"

Before the crowd reached the inner gate, they suddenly heard a high-pitched dragon roar come from behind.

"Hmm?"

Li Yuan turned back and saw that at the mountain gate archway, layers of cloud qi were spreading, obscuring the light and shadow. A shadow of a green dragon roamed within the clouds and mist, emitting a dragon roar that resounded through the mountain gate and the city district.

"The green dragon shadow has appeared?"

Shouts of shock came from outside the mountain gate. Li Yuan glanced from the corner of his eye and saw that the Marquis Yan's face had already turned somewhat black, and his eyes had become dangerous.

This fellow has unstable emotions.

Li Yuan turned to look. The clouds and mist spread, the dragon roar intensified, and the city district where the mountain gate was located dimmed, just as it had when he entered the Sect back then.

Then, under everyone's gaze, a giant of about eight feet tall stepped forward, with broad shoulders and a thick back, his face covered in curly beard like straw.

His momentum was vigorous, his blood qi steaming, as if a furnace were burning Xiong Xiong; with each step, rolling waves of heat spread out.

"Brother Zhongli Wang Luan!"

Dou Yue's expression changed, recognizing this old rival.

And this Brother Zhongli Wang Luan, far more than twenty-nine years ago,

was much more formidable, his momentum intense like the blazing sun. From far away, he felt an involuntary chill in his heart.

"Is this person Brother Zhongli Wang Luan?"

Li Yuan took a look. During the Night Pursuit, he hadn't had time to look at people's faces. Now, upon inspection, he felt this person was indeed rough and rugged, and indeed fierce.

In terms of momentum, he was already no less than the true disciple trial of the Health Preservation Sect, that large man whom he had defeated with lightness skill.

"Yan Yan Chunyang!"

Brother Zhongli Wang Luan stepped forward, his gaze landing on Yan Yan Chunyang's head. With a casual flick, an old man covered in blood was thrown heavily in front of everyone.

"Hall Master Ding?"

In the crowd, someone recognized the old man and couldn't help but cry out in shock.

That person, covered in fresh blood and breathing faintly, was none other than the Hall Master of Wutang in Mount Hengshan, Ding Xiu!

Yan Yan Chunyang's gaze darkened. The two old servants at his side immediately shouted in reprimand: "Bold Brother Zhongli Wang Luan, in broad daylight, you dare assassinate an imperial court official!"

The other person looked at Dou Yue:

"Private fighting, killing, and assassinating an imperial court official within Mount Hengshan City—does your Longhu Temple not care?!"

The Great Yun and the Sects govern the world, dividing the rights to levy taxes and station troops. Naturally, there are also some open constraints, or rather, rules.

Longhu Temple, governing the Hengshan Circuit, has the responsibility to suppress the martial arts forces within the territory and quell lawlessness.

These two old fellows reacted so quickly?

Li Yuan had just identified the person on the ground as Ding Xiu. Hearing the two old servants' reprimands like a string of bullets, he immediately sensed something amiss.

"Brother Zhongli Wang Luan, what is your intention?!"

A group of Longhu Temple disciples had already scattered. Dou Yue stepped forward to meet him, Han Tong pressed his sword and swept his gaze, and behind the crowd, some people had already rushed toward the main peak of Dragon Gate.

Patrol soldiers not far away were also attracted, drawing their swords and approaching.

"Longhu Temple has truly declined. People in the city are raping and killing women, yet you know nothing."

Brother Zhongli Wang Luan's body radiated killing intent. He paid no attention to the expressions of the Longhu Temple crowd, coldly glanced at Ding Xiu on the ground, and fixed his gaze on Yan Yan Chunyang:

"Wan Wan Zhuliu was also a hero of his time, yet he actually took you as a disciple. This truly leaves Brother Zhongli puzzled!"

"Nonsense!"

The two old servants shouted in anger: "Brother Zhongli Wang Luan, you are too presumptuous, daring to slander our Marquis!"

"Raping and killing women?"

Dou Yue frowned deeply. Regarding Brother Zhongli Wang Luan's character, he knew something of it, but...

Glancing at the expressionless Yan Yan Chunyang, he said in a deep voice:

"Do you have evidence?"

"Ding Xiu is the evidence."

This...

Dou Yue's face turned ugly; Han Tong also looked at Yan Yan Chunyang. The latter's expression did not change, he merely let out a cold sneer:

"Killing women is good? With my status as a Marquis, would I need to rape and kill women?"

Woosh~

He looked at Brother Zhongli Wang Luan with cold eyes. Even with a Grandmaster of Yizun Sect before him, he felt no fear at all; his aura surged, confronting Brother Zhongli Wang Luan.

"Does Brother Zhongli Wang Luan's words mean that Yan Yan Chunyang privately raped and killed women?"

Li Yuan sensed the flavor of the situation. Glancing over the two confronting each other, he couldn't help but feel somewhat surprised.

With Yan Yan Chunyang's background and status, and his appearance not being bad, if he truly wanted a woman, it would be a matter of a single word. Logically, there was no need to rape and kill.

Unless this person is a pervert, or... a ritual?

Li Yuan glanced at Brother Zhongli Wang Luan. This big-bearded man had robust yang energy; although he looked scruffy, he appeared far more pleasing to the eye than Yan Yan Chunyang.

"Zing!"

Brother Zhongli Wang Luan looked up.

A sword light arrived at extreme speed. Before the person arrived, the sword intent had already reached, blowing everyone present's clothes into wild dance, forcing them to retreat several steps.

"Junior Uncle (Sect Master)!"

Nie Xianshan strode over. As soon as he landed, his voice spread out, equally brimming with killing intent:

"Dare to use force at my mountain gate? Brother Zhongli Wang Luan, do you wish to die?!"

"If Junior Uncle Nie wishes to offer instruction, I, Zhong, will willingly accompany you later."

Brother Zhongli Wang Luan's aura

surged. Under the oppressive pressure of Nie Xianshan's momentum, he did not retreat half a step. He repeated his words, pointing at Ding Xiu:

"This person is the evidence."

"Oh?"

Nie Xianshan's killing intent dissipated slightly. He glanced at Yan Yan Chunyang in the crowd.

"Sect Master Nie, my Lord..."

Those two old servants were about to explain when suddenly they felt a chill in their hearts. Nie Xianshan coldly swept his gaze over the two, then pointed at Yan Yan Chunyang:

"You speak!"

"Sect Master Nie."

Yan Yan Chunyang's expression remained normal. After clasping his hands to pay respect, he looked at Ding Xiu, whose breath was faint:

"This scoundrel slandering my Lord will be explained later, but regarding his assassination of an imperial court official in Mount Hengshan City, does Longhu Longhu Dandan wish to dispose of it first..."

"Are you deaf?"

Nie Xianshan was in a terrible mood. Before he could finish, he raised his hand to interrupt, his eyes and voice very cold:

"I, the old man, am asking you a question!"

"You?!"

Yan Yan Chunyang was furious in his heart. Only by tightly gripping the bead bracelet in his palm did he suppress it; his voice was very cold:

"Absolutely not!"

"Very well. Both sides hold their own words."

Nie Xianshan nodded, looking at the stunned Dou Yue and Han Tong:

"What are you staring at? Bind them all!"

"Ah?"

Han Tong was stunned. Dou Yue had already reacted; he stepped forward, his large hand pushing through the crowd. Spreading his five fingers, he reached out to grab the ugly-faced Yan Yan Chunyang.

"Damn!"

Han Tong's eyelid jumped. He turned his head and saw Brother Zhongli Wang Luan, full of killing intent:

"..."

"You dare!"

Those two old servants shouted in anger and tried to resist. Only hearing two 'shish' sounds, they fell to the ground coughing blood in agony.

Those Great Yun Imperial Guards' expressions changed drastically, but they were utterly unable to draw their swords before Dou Yue knocked them to the ground, coughing blood repeatedly.

"Xianshan, do you dare to bind me?!"

Yan Yan Chunyang did not draw his sword. He let Dou Yue press down on his shoulder and arm, merely looking at Nie Xianshan with cold eyes.

"What if I bind you?"

Nie Xianshan's expression was indifferent. He only glanced at him, then looked at Brother Zhongli Wang Luan: "Not just you, Brother Zhongli Wang Luan, I will take you down as well!"

Overwhelming dominance leaking out!

Li Yuan praised in his heart. Although he felt Old Daoist Nie's temper was incredibly high today, he had to admit this disposition was truly very tyrannical.

Whether guilty or not, take them down first, then decide.

"Junior Uncle..."

Han Tong held his sword, his face full of a bitter smile.

Brother Zhongli Wang Luan's killing intent was too strong; he had absolutely no way to act. Twenty-nine years ago, when the former had completed his blood exchange, he had already defeated him badly. Let alone now?

"Trash!"

After Fa Huan Yi Tong vented, Nie Xianshan felt much better. He looked at Brother Zhongli Wang Luan indifferently, sword intents weaving behind him:

"Do you have an objection?"

Brother Zhongli Wang Luan's eyebrows relaxed:

"I have no objection."

Free to read.