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The soldier formed from the pale golden flow of Qi representing Liuyu charged fiercely toward the translucent white soldier.
The path of martial artists is divided into three aspects: law, technique, and momentum.
Law refers to the four major schools: Confucianism, Daoism, the School of Military Strategy, and Legalism.
Technique is the unique set of methods and styles comprehended by practitioners within their respective schools.
Momentum refers to the field of energy transformed from the martial artist’s Qi Sea, creating a powerful aura.
In practical combat, momentum is an auxiliary force, and technique is the main focus, but when discussing philosophy and theory, momentum takes precedence, and technique is secondary.
The two sides battle by using five techniques of qi manipulation: Refining, Releasing, Controlling, Transforming, and Condensing. The victor is the one who shatters the opponent’s warrior figure.
The winner remains as still as a mountain, while the loser’s qi sea is in turmoil. When the philosophical discussion ends, both sides bow in respectful acknowledgment—this is the elegant way.
— But at this moment, the two warriors battling on the mystical board show no elegance, only killing intent.
The crystal-white warrior holds a long sword formed of condensed qi, blocking the golden warrior’s descending heavy punch. The qi sword emits a faint cracking sound, and after a brief stalemate of two breaths, it shatters with a loud crash.
Seizing the opening from the shattered qi sword, Jiufang Zhanghua uses the momentum to send the golden warrior flying, then retreats to create distance.
He condenses dozens of qi swords and switches from defense to offense. The qi swords shoot forward like arrows, aiming straight for the golden warrior!
The surrounding spectators gasp in amazement.
Though it seems long, this counterattack actually happens in the blink of an eye.
And to do this on such a small mystical board, manipulating the warriors and forming qi swords—this level of difficulty is like performing a ritual in a snail’s shell, perhaps even harder than actual combat.
Jiufang Zhanghua’s control over the flow of qi and his precision are of the highest caliber, which explains his considerable fame among the noble families.
…Eh?
The noble spectators follow the trajectory of the ten or so qi swords heading toward the golden warrior. The swords are arranged in a surrounding formation, and they thought they would at least break off some limbs of the opponent’s warrior.
But unexpectedly, the golden warrior intercepts several of the swords with his bare hands, opening a gap in the swords, and with a clench of his fingers, he crushes the qi swords with his bare hands!
Jiufang Zhanghua narrows his eyes, focusing on the golden figure.
What terrifying qi refining ability.
He is well aware of his elder brother’s qi refining skills. When a qi sword comes at him with force, no matter the momentum or condensed qi attached to it, it shouldn’t be so easily crushed.
This person is not only able to condense qi into the warrior figure, but during the battle, he can also continually refine this figure.
The warrior of the same size that she has refined—its strength is three or five times that of an ordinary person?
Unless the golden warrior is shattered, no one can determine where this Ji Mo Gui’s limits lie.
The noble spectators are stunned, and Xiang Li Ju feels a cold chill in his heart.
When he sought help from the Jiufang and Shentu families on behalf of the Xiang Li family of Longduo City, he never expected that this low-profile small family would have such an extraordinary genius hidden within.
He looks up and meets the gaze of Xiang Li Hualian, who is seated behind Liuyu. When their eyes meet, Xiang Li Ju can’t help but think—
Did he bully this distant cousin when they were young?
Did he make the wrong choice today? Will Ji Mo’s family swallow Longduo City, and will he be the first to be eliminated?
Xiang Li Hualian studies this unfamiliar cousin, her thoughts drifting to—
He has a rather handsome, refined appearance; perhaps he should be sent to Ji Mo’s side?
“—This is what the noble families’ discussions are all about.”
Lan Zhu has been watching for a long time and sees that Liuyu hasn’t been outdone yet, so he speaks up:
“Two little warriors fighting on the board, but it’s nothing like actual combat. Even if one wins, what’s the use?”
Several of the nearby nobles, about to mock him, meet the sharp, bright gaze of the ghostly woman.
What are you looking at!?
Not convinced?
If you’re not convinced, defeat them first and then talk!
Xiang Li Hualian explains:
“Among the noble families qualified to attend such discussions, how many really need actual combat? They just need to sit back and strategize, ponder the profound Dao, while real combat—this laborious task—is left to the servants. —Why stare at me like that? It’s not like I made the rules!”
Lan Zhu scoffs coldly, unconcerned.
They may talk big now, but when they’re slapped by their leaders, they’ll quickly quiet down.
“Miss Ji Mo’s theoretical skills are truly impressive.”
Although temporarily suppressed by Liuyu, Jiufang Zhanghua’s expression remains calm and composed. He gently sways a white jade ivory tassel in his hand, maintaining a steady rhythm, showing no sign of panic.
“With such talent, I wonder what kind of person can be worthy of being Miss Ji Mo’s husband? Why didn’t he come along today?”
Liuyu leans casually against the table, changing her sitting posture.
A golden ornament swings in her black hair, glistening in the sunlight.
“I am the best among people, why would I need anyone else to add glory to my name?”
Jiufang Zhanghua understands why his younger brother felt that this person resembled Liuyu.
The same pride, the same protectiveness—perhaps geniuses always share certain traits.
But she could never be Liuyu.
He grew up alongside Liuyu and knew her temperament well. She was someone raised in luxury, unaware of the hardships of the world. Even if she didn’t mean to look down on others, she often overlooked their feelings.
Things she didn’t want to do, food she didn’t want to eat, people she disliked—no matter what, even if a knife were at her throat, she would never yield.
She was born into a seemingly perfect family and would never pretend, only living as her true self.
But the Ji Mo Gui in front of him has traces of a poor upbringing carved into her every action.
Before she ambushed the Xiang Li family, she had lived with demons and ghosts, eating the same simple food and living in the same thatched houses.
The first time she met him, her disdain was obvious, yet she still smiled and praised his looks, pretending to be kind, maintaining a delicate balance between them.
She surrounded herself with demons and ghosts, with subordinates from Jiufang, Yinshan, and Xiang Li families—most rulers would not have the courage to keep such a mixed group around them.
What Ji Mo Gui does, Liuyu could do, but she wouldn’t.
That is the difference between them.
“Now I understand.”
Jiufang Zhanghua lowered his gaze to look at the chess pieces on the Xuanpan. The white-glowing figure holding a sword, though continuously being outplayed, showed no sign of losing its composure.
“I thought the one leading fifty iron cavalry to guard outside Longduo City was Miss Jimo’s husband,” he remarked.
The atmosphere in the inner room froze for a moment, then rapidly shifted.
Everyone knew that this was finally the main issue of the day.
Liuyu’s voice was calm:
“Whether it’s true or not, it doesn’t seem to concern the Jiufang family, does it?”
Jiufang Zhanghua smiled gently: “My younger brother was gravely injured in the Xiangli family. The young master of the Xiangli family in Longduo City also hopes that the Jiufang family can offer help. Both emotionally and logically, it seems I cannot ignore this.”
Liuyu glanced briefly in the direction of Xiangli Ju.
The latter’s back stiffened, sweat dripping from his forehead, and he didn’t dare to meet Liuyu’s eyes.
“Help?” Liuyu asked. “I’ve heard that although Master Zhanghua is the legitimate eldest son, you’re rarely seen handling serious matters of the Jiufang family other than attending school and engaging in polite conversation. Does the eldest son have the qualifications to handle such a major issue?”
The sword array made of Qi was shattered again, and the golden soldier’s fist flew toward the opponent’s face.
Jiufang Zhanghua’s waist fan slowly swayed, the jade pendant hanging from his attire catching the light and reflecting softly as it brushed against his embroidered garments.
Jiufang Zhanghua said nothing, but his younger brother, Jiufang Shaogeng, spoke up coldly:
“He’s my brother. If I say he has the qualifications, then he does…”
“So, the two sons of the Jiufang family have such a good relationship?” Liuyu blinked and asked with curiosity.
“We in the countryside don’t get the latest news. I heard that when the second young master was a child, relying on his exceptional talent, he was favored by his father and became arrogant. He didn’t even take his elder brother seriously. I thought that in a prestigious family like the Jiufang’s, there would be fierce competition for the inheritance, with brothers fighting to the death over the position.”
This topic was quite sensitive, and even Shentu Xiang, sitting nearby, raised his teacup to hide his expression.
This Miss Jimo really dared to say anything.
Jiufang Shaogeng stopped mid-sentence, clearly in disbelief that Liuyu had so boldly brought up such a topic. He instinctively glanced at his elder brother and, with a cold face, spoke to Liuyu:
“Stirring discord? The relationship between me and my brother is none of your business.”
“You’re overthinking it,” Liuyu said with a smirk, “With your abilities, I can play with you like a dog. Do you need me to stir anything?”
Her eyes were dark and calm, with a faint smile.
Jiufang Shaogeng found himself falling into her gaze, like falling into an abyss with no end in sight.
“…Is it funny?” he asked.
Jiufang Shaogeng turned to look at a young nobleman beside him who had been sneering. His gaze was as cold as if he were looking at a dead person.
“Where are you from? What’s your name?”
The noble youth who was questioned turned pale, trembling.
Shentu Xiang spoke up to refocus Liuyu’s attention.
“Miss Jimo, you won Taiping City by your own ability, and both our Shentu family and the Jiufang family acknowledge that. However, regarding the Xiangli family of Longduo City, which is now under the protection of the Jiufang family, I’m afraid they can’t be included under your rule.”
Liuyu waved her hand, and Xiangli Hualian, with graceful composure, stepped forward.
The woman, lifting her eyes, addressed Shentu Xiang:
“I am the head of the Xiangli family and hold the family seal. Why would I not know that the Xiangli family of Longduo City is under the protection of the Jiufang family?”
Jiufang Shaogeng kicked Xiangli Ju, who had been silent behind them, in the back.
Xiangli Ju regretted getting involved in this matter.
He only now realized that the Jiufang family didn’t actually want to protect them—they were trying to prevent the Jimo family from growing stronger. He was caught in the middle like a pawn. If the Jiufang family prevailed, it would be fine, but if they lost, he would certainly die.
But now, there was no way to back out. Xiangli Ju could only stammer:
“Longduo City’s Xiangli family… does not recognize you as the head of the family, Xiangli Hualian. For personal gain, you created Wulianghai, killing innocent people, murdering your own brother, and losing your mind… The Xiangli family does not acknowledge you as the head.”
Xiangli Hualian’s fingers tightened at the edge of her clothes.
Memories of the past flooded her mind.
She remembered entering the Xiangli family with the hope of rising to the top, her brother trying to stop her, but she impatiently interrupted him again and again.
She could accept everything else.
She was even ready to atone for Wulianghai.
But her brother…
“My brother isn’t me…”
Suddenly, a hand covered Xiangli Hualian’s hand.
It was a woman’s hand—long, warm, and soft, with a thin callus from the sword.
Xiangli Hualian, with misty eyes, turned to look at Liuyu beside her.
“You don’t need to explain to them.”
Liuyu glanced at Xiangli Ju with a smirk before her eyes shifted to Jiufang Zhanghua.
“You have no obligation to clarify the truth to them. Besides, here, the truth is the least important thing.”
She had once wanted to clarify the truth to the world, to clear the name of the Yinshan family.
But she soon realized it was all in vain.
The innocence of the defeated was like a beautiful corpse—something for others to admire and mourn, but with no power to fight back. The truth was written by the victors, who crowned their crimes as glory, visible to all but impossible to remove.
Jiufang Zhanghua gazed deeply into her eyes.
Those bright and deep eyes—an expression Liuyu would never have.
Jiufang Zhanghua spoke slowly, asking:
“So, Miss Jimo, what do you think is truly important?”
Liuyu watched the two opposing pieces on the chessboard. The golden soldier’s fist was blocked by the Qi sword, inch by inch advancing.
“Naturally, winning,” she said quietly, her gaze still fixed on the young man before her.
“That’s also what the eldest son thinks, isn’t it?”
At that moment, the jade slips at the waists of Shentu Xiang, Liuyu, and Jiufang Zhanghua lit up almost simultaneously.
Wuzhi: [Someone from the Shentu family has moved.]
Wuzhi: [Miss, there is a nine-realm cultivator on the opposite side. The master has gone to confront them, but in order to keep his identity hidden, he cannot fight with full strength. My subordinates are unable to deal with it. Should we retreat or hold our ground? Please give instructions.]
Liuyu stared at the four words “Nine Realms Cultivator” for a long time.
It was as if she could see the bloody storm happening outside Longdui City through these words.
“The Shentu family truly lives up to its reputation as the leading family in the area of the Demon and Ghost Wall. Their every move is exceptional.”
Shentu Xiang observed the girl in front of him and silently admired her.
He had heard that she was only in her teens. Perhaps it was due to her background as a fallen noble family, which made her burden heavier than others. Despite such a great upheaval, she didn’t show a hint of panic, remaining so composed that one might almost believe she had a backup plan.
But she couldn’t possibly have a backup plan.
For the Jimo family to produce such a genius was already a rare achievement, but if she truly had the power to contend with a Nine Realms cultivator, then this Jimo family would be anything but ordinary.
Out of appreciation for talent, Shentu Xiang spoke up:
“Miss Jimo is young and impulsive, which is understandable. Today, we gather here by the waters of Luo River, seeking peace, not war. If everyone takes a step back, we can turn weapons into jade and silk, and in the future, we can even call each other friends.”
“To win without fighting, the best of the best. The Shentu family truly lives up to its reputation as masters of the military path.”
Liuyu smiled lightly:
“But the Xiangli family was destroyed by my Jimo family. The family seal was taken by my Jimo Gui. Taking over Longdui City from the Xiangli family was only natural. Why do you speak as if I am the one eager for war? And why should I hand over the benefits without a fight?”
Sheng Fang Shao Geng watched her speak so resolutely, her stance unwavering, and for a moment, he found himself lost in thought.
The noble families in the inner room were slightly delayed but had also received the news from outside Longdui City.
A Nine Realms cultivator…
The Shentu family had only two Nine Realms cultivators, one of whom was right here, Shentu Xiang.
With two Nine Realms cultivators, one inside and one outside, surrounding her, this Jimo Gui still dared to go against them without any sign of fear. It was hard to tell if she was simply naive or if she had some other trump card.
What possible trump card could a newly emerging fallen family have?
Sheng Fang Zhanghua also tried to read her face for any clue and spoke slowly:
“Miss Jimo’s husband is quite impressive and brave. He dared to face a Nine Realms cultivator alone. Even when injured, he still held the city gate. I have an issue that I would like to ask you, Miss Jimo, as there is no one else around to answer.”
The incense from the Boshan Furnace wafted gently, enveloping her jade-like features.
Perhaps because he felt confident of victory, his expression softened, appearing less stern and more serene than before.
“What’s it like to marry a demon or ghost?”
The noble families in the inner room erupted in discussions.
“A demon or ghost?”
“Her husband is a demon or ghost?”
“Heavens, how could a noble family marry a demon or ghost? How absurd!”
“Shh—” Someone realized, and hurriedly hushed them. “Didn’t the eldest daughter of the Yin Mountain family also marry the Lord of the Nine Nether demons? She and the eldest son have been childhood sweethearts. Everyone, be careful with your words.”
Liuyu could sense the clear murderous intent from Lanzu and Gui Nv behind her.
Even though his tone was friendly and his expression was not impolite, the question itself carried a mocking undertone, full of the superior’s scrutiny and examination of the inferior.
Lanzu’s hand on the hilt of his sword tightened, his veins bulging, wishing he could strike this person down on the spot.
But Liuyu simply met his gaze calmly, a faint smile curving her lips:
“Why should I answer your question?”
Sheng Fang Zhanghua saw that the golden soldier in the spiritual disk had already shown signs of vulnerability and was retreating steadily, his voice calm:
“Shentu’s master is right. I did not come to be an enemy of the Jimo family, nor do I wish to take Taiping City from your hands…”
“You do not wish to, you cannot take it.”
Liuyu coldly interrupted.
Sending a Nine Realms cultivator from the Shentu family was already a considerable gesture. To seize Taiping City for the Jiufang family would cost too many lives. The Shentu family would never engage in such a losing deal.
Sheng Fang Zhanghua remained unmoved, continuing:
“As long as Miss Jimo gives up Longdui City, I will order the army to retreat immediately and will not harm your husband.”
The golden soldier’s attacks grew more intense, and the openings in the formation became more apparent. Sheng Fang Zhanghua continued to hold his ground, steadily gaining the upper hand.
But his gaze still lingered on the jade slip.
Her demon husband… who exactly was he?
The onlookers had not yet figured out his level of cultivation but speculated that he was likely at the eighth realm.
But an eighth-realm demon, no matter how skilled in battle, would find it difficult to hold off a Nine Realms cultivator for long.
After a while, a message came from the jade slip, confirming that the demon was indeed at the eighth realm.
Only then did Sheng Fang Zhanghua look away, his gaze now focused on the cold-eyed girl across from him.
“Not going to harm him?” Liuyu fixed her gaze on him. “Hasn’t he already been harmed?”
Sheng Fang Zhanghua lowered his lashes slightly:
“I apologize. Blades and swords have no eyes, and matters on the battlefield are sometimes difficult to control… So, please, Miss Jimo, make your decision quickly.”
Xiangli Hua Lian clenched her fists, anxiously glancing at Liuyu.
Is there really no other way?
Think of something!
On the spiritual disk, the golden soldier was steadily retreating, showing obvious signs of fatigue. Finally, with a resounding crash, the soldier shattered under Sheng Fang Zhanghua’s sword.
Lanzu and Gui Nv’s expressions shifted slightly, immediately preparing to protect Liuyu and fight their way out if necessary.
“Fine then. If you want to know, I’ll tell you.”
Liuyu suddenly spoke, her expression unreadable as she said this.
The jade slip under Sheng Fang Zhanghua’s hand lit up again, and this time it was not a brief report, but a series of messages.
[A large group has appeared south of Longdui City, heading toward us!]
[An estimated five hundred cultivators, well-ordered and well-trained, currently investigating the strength of their leader.]
[One Nine Realms cultivator, ten at the eighth realm. They carry the family crest of the Yin Mountain family. Their leader is… Guanglu Xun, Nangong Yao!]
[The Yin Mountain family must be coming for Longdui City and Taiping City. With our current strength, it may not be enough to withstand them. The only option now is to ally with the Jimo family and face them together. Please, Long Public, make a decision quickly!]
…Nangong Yao, Liuyu’s maternal uncle, and Nangong Jing’s younger brother.
He was also the greatest master below the Grand Master, the top among the nine realms, and invincible in the world.
How could he be here?
Shentu Xiang, who had also received the news, furrowed his brows tightly and suddenly turned to Jiufang Zhanghua, his gaze filled with obvious seriousness.
Jiufang Zhanghua’s deep eyes, however, were fixed on the girl in front of him.
“Though the world holds humans in high regard and looks down on demons and ghosts, in reality, marrying a demon or ghost who truly cares for you is no different from marrying a human. If you happen to meet someone with a heart as cruel as a wolf or a dog, that would be akin to falling into hell, walking alongside evil spirits and monsters—”
Liuyu smiled gently, her dark eyes deep, casting a glance at the broken soldier on the mysterious disc.
She blinked slowly and said, “I’ve already admitted defeat, but Young Master, why is your heart… so disturbed?”