Martial arts ascend to the gods

Chapter 559 Red Sun
Outside the capital, in front of the Zhao Palace.

Zhao Cong got out of the carriage and glanced at the golden door studs on the vermilion gate, which ran in nine directions.

Above the main gate is a large plaque with nine red and gold dragons on a blue background, bearing the two characters "Zhao Gong".

Zhao Cong entered the room and saw the main hall.

On either side of the main hall entrance stands a wooden plaque.

One side reads: "The jewels on the seat shine as brightly as the sun and moon."

One side reads: "The hall is adorned with embroidered robes amidst the rosy clouds."

Above the main hall entrance is a large plaque resembling a red gold plaque with nine dragons on a blue background.

The inscription reads: "Upright, just, and benevolent."

Looking through the gate, one sees gold bricks paving the floor and red pillars embracing a dragon.

In the main hall, there are seven rosewood chairs arranged on the left and right, totaling fourteen.

Behind the large dragon-carved chair at the deepest part of the main hall hangs a huge painting that covers the entire wall.

On the giant painting, the blue sky and red sun, nine dragons emerging from the sea, create a magnificent scene.

The red sun hung high in the sky, its light shining brightly, its flames blazing fiercely, scorching the eyes and burning the heart with anxiety.

Zhao Cong felt as if he had been scalded by the red sun. He caught a glimpse of it out of the corner of his eye, then turned his head away, not daring to look again.

After navigating the winding covered walkway, we entered the second courtyard.

The two-courtyard complex is a confluence of nine mountains and nine waters, where the water is influenced by the mountains and the mountains are combined with the water, creating a beautiful yet grand and elegant space.

This small courtyard seems to hold the entire world at its fingertips.

Zhao Cong continued walking inside, winding his way through the streets, until he arrived at the study of the family head, Zhao Hao.

He knocked on the door three times, slowly and deliberately, and said, "Father, I'm back."

Despite his high position and status as a grandmaster of martial arts, Zhao Cong was surrounded by a retinue of admirers and lavish gifts outside the palace, but at the gate, he acted like a student and subject, showing utmost respect.

He pushed open the door and entered.

The study is divided into two rooms, one inside and one outside.

The inner room is lined with bookshelves, while the outer room serves as a reception room.

A middle-aged man with slightly graying temples sat on a burgundy leather sofa, his trousers rolled up, and his feet soaking in a basin of water.

A young, beautiful woman knelt on the red carpet, head bowed, gently rubbing Zhao Hao's left foot.

She was wearing a knee-length skirt, black stockings, and high heels.

The beautiful woman looked up at Zhao Cong, her face full of tenderness, and smiled, "Brother, you're back."

“Tianfeng is here too.” Zhao Cong smiled and nodded, his gaze sweeping over her low-cut dress.

Gao Tianfeng immediately lowered her head and zipped up her clothes.

Zhao Hao looked at Gao Tianfeng with affection and said to Zhao Cong, "Tianfeng has been a filial child since she was little. While you guys are never home, she comes every few days to keep this old man company."

Gao Tianfeng laughed and said, "Uncle, you are in your prime, not an old man at all. The two of you standing together look like brothers. Next time we go out, if someone asks who you are, I will say you are my brother."

Zhao Hao couldn't help but laugh, and pointed at Gao Tianfeng, saying to Zhao Cong, "Look at her mouth, she's been saying all these years, and she still dares to spout all sorts of nonsense."

Zhao Cong laughed and said, "My cousin has been eloquent since she was little. Apart from Nan Di, no one can out-argue her. Luckily, she comes over often, otherwise when we're busy, there will always be someone to keep us company at home."

“You are all very capable people. I am not good at martial arts or literature, so it is only right that I come to visit you more often when I am not busy.” Gao Tianfeng lowered her head, her long, black hair cascading down like a waterfall to cover her face, and gently massaged Zhao Hao’s feet.

The three chatted like family, occasionally touching on current events but never going too far.

A short while later, Gao Tianfeng took a towel from the side, carefully wiped Zhao Hao's feet clean, and carried the water out.

"I'll go to the kitchen and prepare a midnight snack," Gao Tianfeng said.

Gao Tianfeng walked out, and Zhao Cong waved his hand, a gentle breeze swept by, and the door closed.

The kind smile on Zhao Hao's face faded, and he asked, "How's the investigation into the second son's matter going?"

Zhao Cong sighed and said, "Rao Mingxian from the Rao family followed the second son all the way, but later stayed behind and only saw the second son leave with the Heavenly Calamity Envoy and others. In the end, only the Heavenly Calamity Envoy, the Blasphemous Codex, and the Dark Wrath returned."

"The strange thing is that, according to Zhang Xinglie's report, Tianhuoshi, Shen'an Zhifu, Biemo Mogami, and Lao Er were all alive at the time."

"We both know the second brother's character; he would never risk his life. According to Rao Mingxian and other members of the Demon Worship Cult, the second brother wants the White Lake Mother Fruit, but the Heavenly Calamity Envoy won't allow it. Given the Heavenly Calamity Envoy's temper, if the second brother repeatedly demands it..."

Zhao Cong didn't continue, only looking helpless.

Zhao Hao, who was originally radiant, now looked ashen, with fine wrinkles appearing on his face, as if he had aged more than ten years in just a few minutes.

"The third son was murdered, and then the second son..."

Zhao Hao stopped halfway through his sentence. A long silence fell over the study.

After a long while, Zhao Cong said, "Perhaps the second brother still has a chance. Xu Ming met He Pengfei in Tian Gu City."

"He's still alive?" Zhao Hao asked.

Zhao Cong said, "Being unable to return to Earth is no different from being dead."

He didn't mention anything about you, did he?

"No."

Zhao Hao pondered for a long time before saying, "Forget it, the success of one general is built on the bones of ten thousand. The second brother didn't have that kind of luck, so he can't blame others. Could it be that Huang Meng sent someone to do it?"

Zhao Cong said, "I personally asked Rao Mingxian and the others. The second brother's methods and strength are not weak. He wiped out the Huang Meng faction. They can't do anything to the second brother."

“That’s true… Regarding the Corpse King’s Throne, you need to be prepared and not repeat the mistakes of the third and second brothers,” Zhao Hao said.

"Yes, father."

Zhao Hao glanced at the door and asked, "What are the sixteen families making a fuss about?"

Zhao Cong said, "The trouble left behind by Ma Xingkong back then was caused by his nephew, Zhou Leng, who was originally being secretly monitored by the Sixteen Families. Later, somehow, he became a Grandmaster and entered the Great Battlefield. The Sixteen Families couldn't sit still and wanted to get rid of him. So they found a girl, threatened her with loans and used the promise of postgraduate admission as bait, and falsely accused Zhou Leng of raping her."

Zhao Hao thought for a while and said, "Ma Xingkong... I vaguely remember that a small matter led to the downfall of the Lou family. I stepped in and said a few words, which saved the Lou family. These sixteen families are getting worse and worse. How come they won't even spare someone's nephew and have to resort to such despicable means?"

Zhao Cong said, "Small families always like to fight to the death over petty gains, which is not respectable. Zhou Leng is extremely famous in the Divine Script World. I haven't paid much attention to what kind of master he is, but he has a very high position in the civil service."

What is his current administrative rank?

“Just promoted to Yangtze River Scholar, in his early twenties, which is quite impressive for a civilian position. Even Nan Di is far superior.”

"A pillar of the nation!" Zhao Hao exclaimed.

"Yes, it is said that the people from the Divine Script Academy reported it to the Supreme Court, and only then did the sixteen families temporarily cease their activities."

"temporary?"

"Once the arrow is released, there's no turning back. They dare not resort to drastic measures, but they will continue to use public opinion to manipulate the situation."

Zhao Hao shook his head and said, "On one hand, they're making a huge fuss over trivial matters, while on the other hand, they're using a big name to intimidate others. Let alone Yangtze River Scholars, even if they were alternate academicians, the Supreme Court wouldn't care about these things. Has Tianfeng gotten involved in this?"

Zhao Cong said, "Tianfeng has a media company, right? She was involved too. She was probably deceived and thought that the girl was really raped by Zhou Leng, so she was indignant. You know Tianfeng, she has been somewhat chivalrous since she was a child."

Zhao Cong knew his father well. People at their level only cared about important matters and wouldn't care about someone like Zhou Leng. In their eyes, their own children were always good, and everyone else was always wrong. Even if he said Gao Tianfeng wasn't someone to be trifled with, his father wouldn't believe him.

Zhao Hao nodded and said, "I'm still relieved about Tianfeng. It's just that Tianlong seems clueless. I heard he went to Rucheng?"

Zhao Cong said helplessly, "Originally, it was supposed to be the second and third sons who went, but there was really no one else at home, so we had to let him go."

"Tianlong acts rashly, so send someone to keep an eye on him."

"Yes." Zhao Cong thought to himself that it was too late; Gao Tianlong had already killed a large number of people in Rucheng.

Zhao Hao pondered for a moment and said, "Now that the second and third brothers are gone, there are fewer and fewer people in our Zhao family. Of the remaining few, apart from Nan Di and Tian Feng, none of them are easy to deal with. As for the others, they are fine. Tian Feng and Nan Di are good kids. I can't usually take care of them, so you should help them out when you have time. Don't let them get involved in things they shouldn't touch."

Zhao Cong said, "Father, please rest assured. I grew up listening to your teachings. I cannot stand idly by if my brothers and sisters are in trouble."

"That's good." Zhao Hao glanced at the packaging bag on the side of the coffee table and said, "These are local specialties from Tianfeng's hometown. Take a bag back with you."

"Yes."

After a long while, Gao Tianfeng brought out a late-night snack. The three of them finished eating, and then Zhao Cong and Gao Tianfeng left.

Zhao Cong got into the car carrying the bag, and Gao Tianfeng followed him in, opening the partition and soundproofing in the car.

Gao Tianfeng smiled and asked, "Big brother, what have you been busy with lately?"

Seeing her shameless attitude, Zhao Cong wanted to put on a stern face, but couldn't help shaking his head and saying, "You don't need to probe me. There have been one big thing after another lately, and nobody cares about these trivial matters. However, you're usually quite smart, so why are you doing such foolish things now? Sixteen people are supporting you, and you personally get involved? Don't you understand the principle of catching a thief red-handed or catching an adulterer in the act?"

Gao Tianfeng said innocently, "In the past, when doing this kind of thing, we didn't need any evidence. As long as we filed a complaint, we didn't even need to bribe anyone; they would proactively make it an ironclad case. Once it was done, they were on a pirate ship and could only keep pressing the issue, without exception. Who knew that this time, even though he was crippled and had lost his martial arts, the Divine Script Academy would still protect him. It was just a small accident. Brother, what would you do if you were in his shoes?"

Zhao Cong pondered for a moment and said, "In times of great importance, one should remain calm and not personally get involved."

Gao Tianfeng's eyes darted around, her body went limp, and she leaned over, covering Zhao Cong's ears with her hand, whispering, "Zhou Leng is on the Demon Prison's kill list."

Zhao Cong's face turned cold, his eyes darkening, and he snapped, "Why are you saying this!"

Gao Tianfeng was stunned for a moment, then said aggrievedly, "I just wanted to share some of the pressure with you and your uncle."

After saying that, she lowered her head, tears welling up in her eyes.

Zhao Cong immediately felt a headache coming on. His father had just told him to help his siblings, but Gao Tianfeng started acting spoiled and unreasonable. He had never been able to do anything about this cousin since she was a child.

Zhao Cong pondered for a long time before saying, "Tell the sixteen families to give the Divine Script Academy some face, compromise a little, and not go too far. If you really anger those old guys, they might actually dare to file a complaint with the Supreme Court. As for what to do, you can figure it out yourselves. Our Zhao family doesn't get involved in such trivial matters."

"I'm relieved to hear you say that," Gao Tianfeng said sweetly as she sat closer to Zhao Cong.

(End of this chapter)