I come to see Bai Yujing today

Chapter 261 Two Divine Appearances—Lu Wu, the King of Slaughter
Chen Zhian looked calmly at He Guan, who was standing right in front of him.

silence.

silence.

After a dozen or so breaths, the hysteria and anger on He Guan's face finally changed.

First, he became indignant, then powerless, and finally expressionless.

"People in the world are of different social statuses. When a person of high status makes a mistake, even a person of even higher status will have to consider whether the mistake is big or small."

He Guan said: "The governance of our Great Yu Kingdom does not rely on these ordinary people, but on the many powerful figures of Great Yu, on countless aristocratic families, and on the many Xuanbing!"

Chen Zhian, since you've imprisoned me today because of this mere woman from Guanmin, then I'll go with you!
Let me just tell you... I am a fourth-rank official, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review! I possess the cultivation level of the Xuanfu Realm! And standing behind me is the Lu Clan of Shangyuan!

If I were to summon thousands of people, or if I were to disregard the law and kill indiscriminately, I might die in prison.

But she's just a mere woman from Guanmin; she can't take my life.

He Guan slowly began to speak.

Wang Lingzhu looked down at Chen Zhian and He Guan.

Chen Zhian stood up. Not far behind him... Lu Dingshan had already arrived with his men.

Chen Zhian smiled and waved his hand gently.

Lu Dingshan immediately sent men forward to escort He Guan away.

Wang Lingzhu, the prefect of the capital, remained expressionless, coldly observing everything.

Only after He Guan was sent away did Wang Lingzhu sneer, "Absurd."

Chen Zhian finally looked up at this high-ranking official of the third rank in the court and suddenly asked, "Speaking of which, Lord Wang is the prefect of the capital, yet he allows his subordinates to commit violence in the yamen."

Moreover… He Guan and Lord Wang were very close friends, so Lord Wang is probably also involved in this wrongful execution.”

Wang Lingzhu was slightly taken aback, and the sense of absurdity in her heart grew stronger.

"So Lord Chen wants to take me down with him?" Wang Lingzhu asked, sitting upright in the carriage. "Why would a mere commoner like me be involved with both the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and me?"

Even the Ministry of Justice was involved in this matter… Is Lord Chen also going to take down the Minister of War and the Vice Minister of War as well?”

Chen Zhian shook his head very seriously and said with a smile: "I know that there are rules in the court. When I first took charge of Lu Wujian, I took down He Guan because of this matter, which was already outside the rules."

Neither Lord Wang nor the Ministry of Justice need to make a trip to that prison.

Wang Lingzhu gave Chen Zhian a cold look, and his men turned the carriage around to leave Longmen Street.

Just then, he suddenly heard Chen Zhian's voice: "However... I, Chen Zhian, am not bound by trivialities. I do not need to rely solely on the laws of the Great Yu Dynasty or the rules of the court to achieve my goals."

Lord Wang, the road ahead is still long.

Wang Lingzhu was stunned...

Is Chen Zhian threatening him?
Without relying on the laws of the Great Yu Dynasty or the rules of the imperial court? Are you planning to kill him in secret?
Wang Lingzhu found it increasingly absurd. He turned his head and gave Chen Zhian a cold look, saying, "Lord Chen, as you said, the road ahead is still long."

You achieved early success and were a genius who overshadowed the Great Yu Dynasty. Now, your power and talent have gradually made you arrogant and have led you astray.

Now you only need to hope that the Great Yu Dynasty will remain prosperous and that chaos will not break out. Only in this way will the power in your hands truly be power, and only then will the Sage and Prime Minister Song be able to protect you.

Once the world descends into chaos, and the powerful clans that uphold the Great Yu Dynasty bare their fangs, you will be the first to die.

The divine essence flowed like water past Chen Zhian's ears.

Chen Zhian maintained his smile as he watched Wang Lingzhu leave.

"Lord Chen, a total of seventeen members of the Xie family, and twenty-three members from twelve other prominent families including the Wang family, Lu family, Cangding Zhou family, Tianshan Qi family, Heshang Yuan family, etc."

In one night, a total of forty people were arrested and imprisoned by Chen Zhian.

Moreover, these people were no ordinary individuals; they all came from prominent families and held official positions in the court, some more prestigious than others.

Among them were figures such as He Guan, Xie Hongqi, and Xie Huiqing.

The nobles on Longmen Street fell silent, unsure whether this was Chen Zhian acting on his own initiative after gaining power, or a plan devised by the Emperor and Prime Minister Song.

All they knew was that Chen Zhian, this young tiger, had finally bared his fangs.

Chen Zhian nodded slightly and instructed, "According to their crimes and the laws of the Great Yu Dynasty, notify the Court of Judicial Review, the Ministry of Justice, and the Censorate to conduct a joint trial."

Lu Dingshan hesitated for a moment and said, "Those arrested are all members of prominent families."

Many officials in the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice also come from prominent families; a joint trial by these three courts may face difficulties.

“Then we’ll investigate the officials who came for the joint trial in secret,” Chen Zhian said nonchalantly. “They’re all officials, who’s clean?”

If this case can't be resolved, then hold another meeting to review it, and change the focus to them.

Lu Dingshan was somewhat stunned, unsure whether Chen Zhian was joking or genuinely intended to do so.

"Isn't this a bit ridiculous?" Chen Zhian turned his head and asked Lu Dingshan with a smile.

Lu Dingshan didn't know how to answer either.

Chen Zhian laughed and said, "Young people who have gained power can't always be steady and cautious... Be a little arrogant and domineering, show off your power, take off the crowns of the officials of Da Yu, kick the stray dogs that pass by, leave some handles, and then the real people will have room to play their part."

Lu Dingshan nodded somewhat absentmindedly and left.

Chen Zhian did not return to Qinglian County, but leisurely walked out of Longmen Street and went to Song Xiangyuan's residence on East Street.

The Prime Minister of Song was old and spent his days resting in front of the stove, rarely attending court.

When he saw Chen Zhian arrive, he took out a few oranges from his sleeve and placed them on the stove.

"If you want tea, pour it yourself. This winter's weariness is getting heavier and heavier, and I can hardly get up."

The Songxi Canal opened.

Chen Zhian poured himself a cup of tea and suddenly asked Song Xiqu, "Am I making too much of a fuss?"

"It's not a big deal, but it's not a small one either." Song Xiqu said, "He Guan's imprisonment will probably surprise many people. In the next few days, the memorials impeaching you will probably flood several government offices."

Chen Zhian sipped his tea and said, "The Sage's willingness to let me hold the seal of office must mean he hopes I can cause some trouble..."

Song Xiqu nodded: "You are now surrounded by many halos, and are the number one young genius of Dayu. It is only right that you are a little arrogant... The crimes of these people have been weighing on the Inspectorate for a long time... Blood sacrifice to the Dao will defile the dragon vein, which is not fair to innocent people."

Now that you've gained momentum, it's time to give them a warning.

Chen Zhian nodded, his eyes darting around, and then asked, "You told me before that the six surnames of Dayu also have many powerful families that control numerous dragon veins."

The dragon veins are of paramount importance to the fate of the nation. Of the 146 dragon veins in the Great Yu Dynasty, only 92 are under the control of the imperial court… but what exactly is the purpose of these dragon veins?

Song Xiqu picked up an orange from the stove, peeled it himself, and handed it to Chen Zhian.

The oranges, roasted by the stove, were quite hot to the touch.

"Dragon veins give birth to spiritual energy, nurturing the world. If one can control a dragon vein, its wondrous uses are countless."

Unfortunately, many aristocratic families in my Great Yu Dynasty, or sects like Dao Xuan Sect and Su Shen Mountain, have never been able to fully control or manage the dragon vein.

At this point, Song Xiqu paused for a moment, then said with emotion, "I am known as an immortal by the people of the world, and as far as the eye can see, there are ninety-two dragon veins in the Great Yu Kingdom."

I understand the dragon veins better than anyone else in the world… but alas, the world is flawed and not perfect. If I wish to unleash the power of the dragon veins, I must pay with my life. I am already old and frail, and will not live much longer… nor can I use these dragon veins to create a prosperous era.”

Song Xiqu sighed, his eyes clouded and lifeless.

Chen Zhian fell silent. He really wanted to ask Song Xiqu why he didn't cultivate.

But then I thought... just as Song Xiqu said, everything in the world has a price.

This old man became a Great Yu Immortal, able to wield the power of the dragon vein. He knew that cultivation could extend his lifespan, yet he never did... Perhaps this was the price he paid.

Chen Zhian felt a pang of regret, but Song Xiqu peeled an orange for him as well.

The old man and the young man sat around the stove eating oranges, and a cup of tea passed by.

Chen Zhian said, "I once had the opportunity of the dragon vein from Li Bodu, which allowed me to draw the spiritual energy of the dragon vein into my body, thus enhancing my talent, cultivation, and physical strength!"
The spiritual energy of these dragon veins is indescribable. I always felt that for all people in the world… these dragon veins might be the true path to enlightenment.”

Song Xiqu shook his head and said, "Only those at the Creation Realm can control spiritual energy without restraint and draw it into their bodies."

And your genius is different from the vast majority of people in the world.

The dragon vein's spiritual energy permeates the heavens and earth, transforming into ordinary spiritual energy... which is precisely why it has no relation to the vast majority of cultivators in the world.

The spiritual energy is precious and its effects are indeed outstanding, but unfortunately, cultivators throughout the world cannot refine or benefit from it.

"Moreover..." A glint of light suddenly appeared in Song Xiqu's cloudy eyes: "Moreover, whether the dragon vein's spiritual energy is truly the Dao is another matter entirely..."

Perhaps since the beginning of this world, it has been confined by various rules, and dragon veins, spiritual energy, and the Dao are also within these rules.

I cannot escape these rules, therefore even though I possess the power to control the dragon vein, I will ultimately die.

Song Xiqu is speaking in riddles.

Chen Zhian wanted to ask more questions, but Song Xiqu waved his hand and said, "If you think the dragon vein still has a wonderful use, I will point you in a direction."

"In the Great Qian Kingdom, there was a Taoist priest who was known as a demon by the world. He lived alone on Heqiu Mountain in Jietian County."

He is one of the few people who, despite being in the Great Qian Kingdom, can refuse to be driven by the Great Qian court.

When you have the chance in the future, you can visit him... He devoted his entire life to researching countless subjects.

He once took a dead dragon vein from me, and perhaps he figured out something about it.

"This person's name is Nong Xingye, and his Taoist name is [Wo Xingdaoren]."

Chen Zhian carefully noted down the person's name, nodded, and said, "I will visit this person whenever I have the chance in the future."

Song Xiqu then reminded him: "This man is obsessed with research and has no temperament to speak of. It is not unreasonable for him to be called a demon by the world. You need to be cautious and careful when you go to see him."

Chen Zhian laughed and said, "I will say that I am Song Xiang's disciple, and Song Xiang gave me a dragon vein. I suppose there is some favor involved."

Song Xiqu remained expressionless and shook his head, saying, "I advise you not to do this... He is a powerful figure in the Great Qian Dynasty. I fear that he might be used by the Great Qian Lord. There is a hidden secret in the dragon vein I gave him."

He has become increasingly stubborn and indifferent, and that dragon vein is also a reason for it.

Perhaps he harbors resentment towards me. You said you were my disciple; I'm afraid he'll devour you.

At this point, Song Xiqu reminded Chen Zhian, "The cultivators of the Great Qian Kingdom are truly capable of cannibalism."

Chen Zhian remained silent.

He glanced at Song Xiqu and found the old man to be quite kind and seemingly easygoing, but unexpectedly, he harbored murderous intent.

But then again...

He was able to become a Great Qian Immortal, and even proposed the establishment of the Seal-Holding position to limit the power of aristocratic families and punish their members... The six powerful families of the Great Yu Dynasty were not lacking in talented individuals, but none of them ever wanted to make a move against Song Xiqu.

The reason for this is probably not the benevolence of the six clans of the Great Yu.

"The evidence against those who have been imprisoned in the Censorate is conclusive. I will write to the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review."

Song Xiqu added, "As for He Guan... perhaps the sage will summon you."

Chen Zhian nodded slightly, stood up, and took his leave.

He left the Song Prime Minister's residence and returned to Qinglian County.

In that house in Liushouyuan, Qinglian County, many men who had taken the Zen Life Elixir had already achieved some results.

Chen Zhian gave instructions to several veterans, then returned to his room and sat cross-legged.

The true essence transformed into mist, gradually outlining the divine image of Lu Wu.

"Lu Wu Shen Xiang has two supernatural powers in his inheritance, one of which is a great supernatural power."

Supernatural powers and great supernatural powers have no grades; their power can increase as my cultivation level increases.

Take, for example, these "Nine Patrol Units."

The nine guards, through their inheritance, manifested as sword techniques. Lu Wu's nine heavenly tails, each tail like a blade, are ever-changing.

Chen Zhian's Heavenly Gate cultivation level is already comparable to that of a second-grade divine power.

"After the Nine Patrols, comes the supernatural power of the Lu Wu True Form, a body-refining technique that requires three strands of Dao True Qi to cultivate... which is to step into the Jade Palace Mysterious Tower."

"As for the great supernatural powers inherited from Lu Wu, they still require cultivation at the Heavenly Palace level."

Chen Zhian took a deep breath...

Lu Wu, the divine physiognomist, truly deserves his twenty-fourth place on the Divine Physiognomist Stele.

In the entire Great Yu Dynasty, among the many powerful beings, those whose divine appearance surpasses that of the twenty-fourth are extremely rare.

These two supernatural powers, one of which is a great supernatural power, are both mysterious and extremely powerful, far surpassing ordinary supernatural powers.

"The divine physiognomy and supernatural powers are indeed wondrous."

A glint flashed in Chen Zhian's eyes as he visualized Nan Liujing in his mind.

Nan Liujing shone brightly, first manifesting as a divine form of Lu Wu, roaring through the air with astonishing power.

But Chen Zhian's mind was not on the divine image of Lu Wu.

From the light emanating from Nanliujing, another white-robed Heavenly King with a blurred face slowly appeared.

The king, dressed in white, appeared as if a god had descended to earth.

However, when Nan Liujing's light shone on this Heavenly King, it vaguely revealed a green-faced, fanged, and murderous Heavenly King.

The Divine Physiognomy Stele is known as the most useless of the nine steles under the Dao, and it is also quite mysterious, rarely appearing in the world.

I wonder where this Killing King ranks on the Divine Physiognomy Stele.

Chen Zhian's mind was racing.

The brilliance of Nan Liujing in his mind grew even brighter, and the true essence on his body suddenly changed. The image of Lu Wu behind him disappeared, and a Heavenly King image was actually drawn!
“Two divine forms…” Chen Zhian’s eyes lit up as the Heavenly King’s inheritance flowed into his mind like water: “To cultivate two divine forms in one breath… in this world, that must be extremely rare.”

As Chen Zhian sensed the even more profound inheritance of the Heavenly King Divine Image, his thoughts fell upon Nan Liujing.

"Or perhaps... my true divine form is this Nan Liujing... or even Bai Yujing!"

(End of this chapter)