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Xiangyang City.

Xiangyang stands majestically on the banks of the Han River, overlooking the Jianghan Plain to the south and controlling the vital passage to the Central Plains to the north. It has long been known as the "waist and spine of the world." Since its establishment as a garrison town in the northern part of the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn Period, it has endured the baptism of war for thousands of years.

The city walls are majestic, with crenellations like teeth. The Han River, like a ribbon, winds around the city, with boats shuttling back and forth, the sound of oars echoing through the air.

A brand-new flag, black with a pattern of stars surrounding a sword, fluttered atop the city wall. The city gate guards, alert and in gleaming armor, rigorously but not harshly checked the flow of people entering the city, maintaining order and giving this strategically vital location a semblance of a place where no one would steal anything.

The city streets were wide and paved with bluestone slabs. Although it was the dead of winter, they were swept clean and there was no snow or ice. Shops lined both sides of the streets, with banners fluttering in the wind. The taverns and teahouses were bustling with people, and vendors were calling out their wares. Most of the passersby had a kind of peace and contentment that was rare in such chaotic times.

Since the Heavenly Alliance took over, it has vigorously rectified officialdom, reduced taxes, encouraged commerce, and built water conservancy projects. In a short period of time, this important town, which had been ravaged by war, has been revitalized with far greater vitality than before.

The atmosphere in Xiangyang today is different from its usual orderly and peaceful state. A mixture of curiosity and resentment is surging like an invisible undercurrent, and almost everyone is converging in the same direction—the city center square.

The square is located in the very center of Xiangyang City. It was originally the place where the Heavenly Alliance issued notices and held celebrations. It is extremely spacious and can accommodate tens of thousands of people.

At this moment, the layout of the square had changed dramatically. The most eye-catching feature was the execution platform in the very center of the square, which had been temporarily erected but was exceptionally sturdy and over ten feet high.

The execution platform was built on a massive log base, covered with thick planks, and surrounded by a fence made of round logs as thick as a bowl, leaving an exit facing south. The entire platform was painted a dark red, as if soaked in blood, and under the winter sun, it exuded a chilling aura.

The platform was surrounded by guards every five steps and sentries every ten steps, all clad in black armor and wielding halberds or powerful crossbows—soldiers of the Heavenly Dao Alliance. These soldiers differed greatly from the city gate guards; their eyes were cold as iron, their faces solemn, and they exuded a battle-hardened aura. They stood as immovable as statues cast in bronze and iron, completely isolating the execution platform from the surrounding populace. The weapons in their hands gleamed coldly in the sunlight, silently warning against any possible disturbance. Dozens of law enforcement officers, dressed in tight black suits and with long, narrow curved swords at their waists, patrolled the area, their eyes like hawks, scanning the dense crowd below. The security was so tight that it was virtually impenetrable.

In the very center of that high execution platform, a figure knelt.

That was none other than the Turkic national advisor, "Demon Commander" Zhao Deyan, who once held immense power over the grasslands and struck fear into the hearts of countless generals from the Central Plains!

Where was any trace of his former imposing manner? He wore a dirty, tattered gray prison uniform, stained with dirt and dark brown bloodstains. His hair hung down like withered straw, covering most of his face, and the exposed skin was a sickly sallow and ashen.

He knelt there, his body hunched over, his hands bound behind his back with thick, dark iron chains. His feet were also locked in heavy iron shackles, the other ends of which were connected to iron rings driven deep into the table, rendering him completely immobile. A thick, barbed metal hook pierced under his shoulder blades, suspending him in an extremely painful kneeling position. His blood had already congealed, leaving large dark red patches on his prison uniform.

Zhao Deyan's head was bowed, obscuring his expression. Only the occasional slight tremor caused by excruciating pain proved he was still alive. His wolf-like, eerie green eyes were hidden behind his disheveled hair, filled with a deathly stillness.

The area around the execution platform was already packed with people who had come from Xiangyang City and even nearby towns. The crowd was immense, numbering in the tens of thousands. Men and women, young and old, scholars, farmers, artisans and merchants—all sorts of people were there. They craned their necks and stood on tiptoe, trying to get a clear look at the "Demon Commander" who had once been high above them but was now a prisoner.

Amidst the crowd, whispers, curses, and sighs mingled together, creating a buzzing sound wave.

"Look! That's Zhao Deyan, the Turkic national teacher!"

"Bah! Traitorous dog! You aided and abetted the evildoers, helping the Turks kill us Han people! You deserve it!"

"The Heavenly Alliance is truly remarkable! They were able to capture even someone like this alive!"

"Lingchi execution... My God, I heard it involves 3,600 cuts!"

"That's right! That's exactly what should be done! Let him taste the pain of being torn to pieces! To atone for the deaths of those villagers under the Turkic swords!"

"No, didn't you see those soldiers forbidding us from throwing things?"

Indeed, despite the surging emotions of the crowd, with countless people pointing and spitting as they cursed Zhao Deyan on the stage, no one dared to throw stones, rotten vegetable leaves, or other filth at the stage under the cold gaze of the armored soldiers and the silent deterrent of the law enforcement officers. The rules of the Heavenly Dao Alliance were clearly extremely strict. But this orderly public display, rather than a chaotic outburst, created a more solemn, authoritative, and law-abiding sense of oppression.

Some elderly men, leaning on canes, stared at Zhao Deyan on the platform with cloudy eyes, muttering incantations as if offering solace to the souls of their loved ones who had perished under the Turkic iron heel. The young men clenched their fists, their faces displaying both the satisfaction of revenge and an instinctive awe and horror at the impending bloody punishment. Most of the women covered their mouths and noses, their expressions complex. Children, held in the arms of adults or carried on their shoulders, peered curiously, not yet fully comprehending the meaning of the scene before them, only feeling a sense of fear from the locked figure on the platform and the chilling atmosphere surrounding them.

...............

Just one street away from the execution ground, a three-story restaurant still stands open for business. However, today, only the wealthy and powerful can afford to dine there, especially in the private rooms facing the square.

On the third floor, facing the street, is a private room called "Guanlan Pavilion".

Outside the window was a square teeming with people, and the dark red execution platform and the kneeling figures on it were clearly visible.

Inside, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood, and the decor was elegant and refined.

Seated at the head of the table was a middle-aged man of about forty years old. He had a thin face, a high nose, and tightly pursed lips. He wore a simple, moon-white Goryeo robe with a silver sash around his waist. Most striking of all was a sheathed longsword resting on his lap.

The scabbard was simple and unadorned, yet it exuded a chilling sword aura, making the air in the room seem to solidify. This man was none other than Kim Jeong-jong, the head of the Goryeo Sword Pavilion, the eldest disciple of Grandmaster Chae-rim, and the Goryeo royal swordsmanship instructor.

Behind him stood two young disciples, also dressed as Goryeo warriors, with respectful expressions but sharp eyes that constantly scanned their surroundings warily.

Kim Jeongjong's gaze did not linger on the execution platform outside the window, but rather wandered more over the street scenes of Xiangyang, the guards, and the faces of the common people.

Turning his gaze away, Kim Jung-jong picked up the celadon teacup in front of him, took a sip of tea, and slowly spoke:
"The city of Xiangyang is quite different from the one I passed through with the mission several years ago."

A slightly older disciple behind him bowed and said, “Your Excellency is wise. I have inquired and learned that since the Heavenly Dao Alliance took over this place, they have vigorously reformed the oppressive policies left by the former Sui Dynasty and various warlords, reduced taxes and levies, rectified military discipline, repaired city defenses, and constructed water conservancy projects. They have also severely suppressed the powerful local magnates and bandits inside and outside the city. In just over half a year, this strategically important place has been transformed into a place of peace and prosperity that only a well-governed era could offer. It is truly astonishing.”

Jin Zhengzong nodded slightly, his gaze once again turning to the orderly yet turbulent square outside the window: "In chaotic times, it is already difficult to allow the people to rest and recuperate. To be able to organize the army, enforce orders, and win the hearts of the people... this Heavenly Alliance is far beyond the reach of ordinary separatist forces."

His fingers tapped unconsciously on the scabbard as he continued, "What's even more alarming is that they managed to capture Zhao Deyan alive. This man is top-notch in both martial arts and strategy, and he also has a special identity as the Turkic national advisor. Capturing him is ten times more difficult than killing him. This requires not only exceptional martial prowess, but also meticulous planning and the courage to face the wrath of the Turks."

Another young disciple couldn't help but whisper, "Master, aren't they afraid of provoking a furious retaliation from the Turks by handling Zhao Deyan so openly and issuing such a harsh proclamation? The Tang dynasty is currently entangled with Wang Shichong and Dou Jiande in the north. If the Turks launch a large-scale southward invasion..." A glint of light flashed in Jin Zhengzong's eyes: "This is the brilliance of the Heavenly Dao Alliance, and the source of their confidence. They chose this time and place, and executed Zhao Deyan in such a brutal manner, to declare to the world that they are not afraid of the Turks, and to use this opportunity to unite the hearts and minds of the Han people. Look at those people below the stage... their eyes, besides resentment, also reveal a long-suppressed sense of satisfaction, and support for the Heavenly Dao Alliance's actions. After this incident, the Heavenly Dao Alliance's position in the hearts of the Han people in the south will be unshakeable."

"As for the Turks' retaliation... I'm afraid this is exactly what the Heavenly Dao Alliance hopes for. They have been consolidating the South and recuperating for a long time, and they need a victory of sufficient significance to establish their qualifications to contend for the world's supremacy. And that mysterious leader of the Heavenly Dao Alliance... No one knows his background to this day, yet he can control the Yin Kui Sect, consolidate the South, and capture Zhao Deyan alive... This person's abilities are probably far beyond our imagination."

Gently stroking the scabbard of the longsword resting on his lap, as if sensing the principles of swordsmanship contained within it, Kim Jeong-jong sighed:

"A glimpse reveals the whole picture. The clean streets and peaceful city indicate that the administration is efficient, the laws are effectively enforced, and the grassroots are well-controlled. The guards are in high spirits and their armor is gleaming, indicating that the military is disciplined, well-supplied, and highly motivated. And the ability to capture and kill someone like Zhao Deyan... suggests that there must be extraordinary individuals under their command who possess both top-notch martial arts skills and strategic acumen, and there may even be more than one."

"Master once said that the Central Plains is a land of outstanding people and abundant resources, a place where hidden talents abound and should not be underestimated."

King Jeongjong gazed out the window at the black-and-white star-patterned sword banner fluttering in the wind atop the city wall, his eyes deep and thoughtful.
"Now it seems that the Heavenly Dao Alliance, which has suddenly risen to prominence, is probably one of the true dragons that have emerged in this chaotic world. Its ambition is by no means limited to merely maintaining peace in the south."

“Master, then we…” a warrior asked tentatively.

Kim Jeong-jong waved his hand slightly, interrupting him: "Let's wait and see. The more chaotic the situation in the Central Plains, the better it may not be for Goryeo. But we must be cautious about the rise of such a powerful neighbor. This execution is the Heavenly Alliance flexing its muscles to the world. We just need to watch and see how this play ends. Give the order that everyone in Xiangyang be careful in their words and actions, only bring their eyes and ears, and do not cause any trouble. What we need to see is not only this execution, but also how many more trump cards the Heavenly Alliance has up its sleeve."

"Yes, Chief!" the two disciples replied respectfully.

Jin Zhengzong's gaze returned to the square, landing on Zhao Deyan's humble figure, his heart churning with turmoil. The Heavenly Alliance's actions were not merely to establish its authority, but also to unite the Han people and strike a blow against the Turks' arrogance. The underlying meaning and ambition were chilling.

Meanwhile, in another private room next to "Guanlan Pavilion" called "Zuixianju", the atmosphere was completely different.

The private room was decorated quite elegantly, with rosewood tables and chairs, ancient landscape paintings hanging on the walls, and fine sandalwood burning in a bronze animal-head incense burner in the corner, its smoke curling upwards. However, the demeanor of the people sitting there at this moment was completely out of place with this elegance.

Seated at the head of the table was a man who appeared to be around forty years old. He wore a dark blue close-fitting outfit, over which was a feather robe embroidered with eerie dark red patterns. The man had a thin face with high cheekbones, and his narrow eyes held a restrained glint of light. His hands, resting on the table, had large knuckles, and a faint dark red hue emanated from between his fingers, as if they had been soaked in blood for many years.

This man was none other than Chao Gongcuo, a master of the "Seven Killings Style" from Japan, nominally a descendant of the envoy to Sui, but in reality a spy from Japan lurking in the Central Plains.

Two attendants dressed as warriors from the Central Plains sat below him, but their posture and eyes revealed a strange and submissive air that was quite different from that of the martial arts practitioners from the Central Plains.

Chao Gongcuo did not look out the window at the execution platform that everyone was watching, but instead slowly sipped his tea. However, the way he slightly tilted his ear to listen to the sounds outside the window, and the fleeting glint in his eyes, revealed that he was not truly indifferent.

"Excellent methods, impressive courage."

Chao Gongcuo put down his teacup, his voice a little hoarse, with a peculiar, metallic tone: "The Heavenly Alliance has been silent for half a year, and now it strikes with overwhelming force. They captured Zhao Deyan, publicly executed him by slow slicing, and announced it to the world... Heh heh, this is to make an example of him, and more importantly, to win over the hearts of the Han people."

A cold, mocking smile played on his lips, tinged with both disdain and apprehension. As a spy who had been operating undercover for years, he knew all too well the terrifying power that could be unleashed when such a hardline stance combined with a call for nationalism. This would undoubtedly greatly increase the difficulty for these foreign forces to infiltrate and destabilize the Central Plains.

A follower chimed in with a low voice, “What the leader says is absolutely right. The Heavenly Dao Alliance has risen too quickly, yet its foundation seems exceptionally solid. Baling, Lingnan, Jiangling, Jingling, Xiangyang, and now Bozhou in the north, most of the south has fallen into their hands. They control the Yangtze River and are eyeing the Central Plains. Now they have taken this earth-shattering move; their ambitions are no small matter.”

Another follower was more practical: "Lord Liu, with Zhao Deyan dead, the Turkic Khan Jieli will surely be furious. The steppe wolves are vengeful and will probably not let this go easily."

"The Turks certainly wouldn't let this go easily."

Chao Gongcuo narrowed his long, narrow eyes and said with a sneer, "Zhao Deyan is Jieli's trusted strategist and a crucial part of their southward strategy. Now that he has fallen here, it's like cutting off one of his arms. If Jieli could swallow this insult, he wouldn't be the wolf king who once roamed the grasslands."

He paused, a calculating glint in his eyes: "This may not be a bad thing for us. The more chaotic the Central Plains become, the fiercer the fighting between the various forces, the more advantageous it will be for us, the 'Seven Killings School,' to operate in the shadows and seize profits."

As he spoke, his gaze turned to one of his attendants, and his tone became serious and cold: "Give the order to keep a close eye on the movements in the north! Especially the Turkic envoys and those Central Plains people who are in league with them! See how Jieli will react, whether he will immediately launch a military campaign to retaliate, or whether he has some other conspiracy."

"Yes, Lord Liu!" The attendant bowed and accepted the order.

Chao Gongcuo pondered for a moment, a sharp glint in his eyes, and added, "Also, find a way to contact them proactively!"

Upon hearing this, both attendants were slightly startled. To proactively contact the enraged Turks? This was undoubtedly dancing on a knife's edge.

Chao Gongcuo explained in a sinister tone, “The enemy of my enemy is not necessarily my friend, but at least he is a pawn that can be used. The Heavenly Dao Alliance is currently riding high, claiming to be the protectors of the Han people, and is a huge obstacle to our ‘Seven Killings Stream’ and even the future conquest of the Central Plains by our Yamato people! The Turks are powerful and have a blood feud with the Heavenly Dao Alliance, so they are a knife that we can use to our advantage!”

"Tell the Turks that we, the 'Seven Killings School,' are willing to provide them with the intelligence they need—the Heavenly Dao Alliance's troop deployments, internal situation, and even the geography and defenses of various cities in the south! We can even act as a go-between, connecting them with those powerful figures and local officials in the south who are dissatisfied with the Heavenly Dao Alliance or who are loyal to us! The conditions are..."

Chao Gongcuo revealed a greedy smile: "It's very simple. First, when the Turks invade the south, my 'Seven Killings Stream' will get a share of the wealth and people they gain! Second, they must recognize and support our establishment of strongholds in the coastal areas and grant us special privileges! Third... if possible, I hope to obtain some secrets about the Demonic Sect from the Turks' collection, especially about the fragments of the 'Heavenly Demon Strategy'."

Chao Gongcuo's ambition for the supreme martial arts manual of the Central Plains, "The Heavenly Demon Strategy," is blatantly obvious. The demonic sect's techniques are bizarre and ruthless, and they have much in common with his "Seven Killings Style." If he could learn from them, his martial arts would surely reach a new level.

"remember,"

Chao Gongcuo's tone was chilling: "Contact must be secretive. We must never reveal our true identities or ultimate goals. In the eyes of the Turks, we are merely a group of righteous men from the Central Plains who are dissatisfied with the Heavenly Alliance and yearn to profit from the chaos. Understand?"

"Yes, sir! Understood!"

The two attendants obeyed without hesitation. It was a risky move, but if successful, the rewards would be immense.

"Wow..."

Just then, the sounds from the square outside the window suddenly quieted down for a moment, followed by a very imposing thud of horses' hooves entering the room. (End of Chapter)