I come to see Bai Yujing today

Chapter 270 The Shrine Sacrifice to the World-Shocking General
Princess Linglong was no stranger to this voice.

Even when she was alone in the Jade Lotus Palace, lying on the chaise longue, she would always think of the owner of that voice.

Over the past few months, Chen Zhian has traveled to the Southern Nine Provinces to compete for the position of Seal of Authority. Princess Linglong waits for news of Chen Zhian every day, and is delighted because Chen Zhian is invincible in the Southern Nine Provinces, and the six families of the Great Yu dare not even provoke him.

She restrainedly hoped that Chen Zhian would return soon.

But when Chen Zhian actually returned and obtained the position of the seal of office, becoming the most powerful young genius in Xuantianjing, Princess Linglong became even more restrained.

Wei Liyang is in Xuantianjing.

The three thousand Zhenlong Army were stationed in the northern suburbs outside Xuantianjing.

The Sage personally ordered her to accompany Wei Liyang to the Dragon Palace.

Even if there is still a chance for things to turn around, in Princess Linglong's eyes, it is still a huge problem.

She understood Wei Liyang, she understood the Duke of Anguo, and she understood the court of Dayu.

So, ever since Chen Zhian returned to Xuantianjing, Princess Linglong, who had been eagerly anticipating seeing him, never summoned him. Even today, when she disguised herself as a man and left the palace, she only caught a glimpse of Chen Zhian from afar...

Just a few days later, when the twenty-fourth year of the Dazhi era arrives, she will truly be leaving Xuantianjing with Wei Liyang.

Even if Princess Linglong had her own schemes and wanted to consult the Taoist priest of Wuliu Mountain to find out which mountain it was, no matter the outcome... her connection with this Xuantianjing was probably over.

If she can seize the opportunity on the mountain and escape from Zhenlong Army and Wei Liyang, she will have no choice but to leave Dayu.

If they cannot ascend the mountain and obtain the opportunity, they can only go to Youlong Mansion with Wei Liyang to seek another chance, or wait for their mysterious mother.

So just now, as Chen Zhian's carriage slowly drove by, Princess Linglong stood on this pavilion, silently bidding farewell to Chen Zhian in her heart, and secretly whispering, "We are about to part, but I don't know if we will ever meet again."

However, unexpected things always happen in the world.

For the young master Linglong, today's unexpected event was the Qionghua Dew on a table not far away, and Chen Zhian sitting at the table.

Chen Zhian had a smile on his face, a smile that was quite easygoing and carefree.

He was making a gesture of invitation as he said to her, “I have heard that His Majesty has decreed that the princess will accompany General Jianlong to the Youlong Mansion. Today, I am fortunate to meet the princess in this restaurant. I have many identities today, but upon closer reflection, I am still a painter in the Jade Lotus Palace.”

"Princess, this Qionghua Dew is a dew-infused wine with a mild effect. Even a woman could drink a whole jar without any problem. However, because of this wine, it leaves a lingering fragrance on the palate, just like the blooming of Qionghua flowers."

"But I wonder if I might invite the princess to share a drink with me?"

He then spoke, his tone sincere.

Princess Linglong, dressed in white, looked just like a handsome young man.

A few months ago, Princess Linglong left the palace in this very attire to find Chen Zhian and travel with him.

But today, she seemed a little hesitant. She pondered for a few moments, glanced at Chen Zhian again, and seeing his eyes as deep as the ocean, she finally nodded and took her seat.

Chen Zhian poured a cup of wine for Princess Linglong. As soon as the wine was poured out of the pot, its fragrance filled the air, truly like the blooming of magnolia flowers.

Princess Linglong sipped her drink slowly. Night had fallen, and it was a rare sunny day with no clouds in the sky.

The stars in the sky appeared and disappeared, and the moon cast its clear light, which was like a layer of white frost, complementing the lights in the capital city.

Chen Zhian remained silent.

Princess Linglong took a few sips of wine. Although the Qionghua Dew was extremely mild, two blushes appeared on her face.

This time, Princess Linglong took the initiative to speak, saying, "Chen Zhian, do you still remember when I once sought your advice?"

You wrote a line for me on a piece of paper back then.

Chen Zhian nodded slightly.

Princess Linglong recited: "I have struggled with myself for so long, I would rather be myself."

"Just nine words, yet they always make me ponder."

When will I truly be myself? Where will I truly be myself?

Princess Linglong squinted her eyes: "Since birth, I have lived in the deep palace of the imperial city, occasionally venturing out to stroll around Xuantianjing."

It was the same when I was young, it was the same when I was a teenager, and it is still the same now... I am married, even if it is in name only, it is still the same.

For a moment, I didn't know when I was truly myself.

“I often lie on the bench in the Jade Hibiscus Palace and often dream.”

In my dream, I also became a chivalrous knight-errant who soared high above the ground, and an immortal who roamed freely in the air.

Ascend to the heavens to view the moon, and weave through the clouds.

He descended the mountain in search of immortals, living on the wind and drinking the dew.

"When I wake up, I can never tell whether the person in my dream is me, or the person who has lived in the deep palace and relied on the emperor, or the person who relied on the Duke of Anguo is me."

Princess Linglong squinted and whispered slowly.

"So... when I saw the poem you wrote... 'When will the moon be clear and bright? I raise my cup to ask the blue sky. I long to ride the wind and return, yet I fear the jade palaces and crystal towers...'"

Those few lines, though few, made me feel as if I were in another world, as if the bright moon in the sky was me, the person climbing the tall building was me, and the immortals in the heavens were me.

Princess Linglong spoke slowly, seemingly to Chen Zhian, yet also seemingly to herself.

"And that colorful painting, so vibrant and different from me in my dreams, and so different from me in the mirror, yet it is me nonetheless."

Princess Linglong murmured softly.

A few moments later, Princess Linglong drank another cup of wine...

At this moment, a cold wind swept in from the sky, bringing with it several clouds that obscured the bright moon and the scattered stars.

Princess Linglong's eyes regained some clarity, and she gazed at Chen Zhian: "It was because of that seven-colored painting, because of that poem about the bright moon, and because of that line of words."

I decided to follow Wei Liyang on his journey to find my true self.

Chen Zhian, do you think I can succeed in this endeavor?

Princess Linglong spoke at length.

It's all murky and unclear; it's not explained very well.

Chen Zhian didn't seem to understand very well either, but he still nodded: "It's all up to people. Once the princess has made up her mind, she will eventually find some results."

He paused for a few moments after speaking, and then personally poured a full cup of wine for Princess Linglong.

"Although Chen Zhian is young, he knows how to write the words 'kindness, virtue, benevolence, and righteousness'."

Regardless, I will never forget the princess's repeated assistance to me.

As he spoke, he pulled a paper crane from his sleeve.

Chen Zhian unfolded the paper crane, took out a pen, and carefully wrote words.

"If the princess wants to visit the Youlong Mansion, Chen Zhian will not stop her and hopes that the princess will be well."

But if the princess encounters any difficulties, she can write something on this piece of paper, and I will see it.

"Currently, Chen Zhian's cultivation level is not considered strong, and his Duanyu Army does not obey my orders."

However, if the princess makes a request, Chen Zhi'an will do his best to fulfill it.

Chen Zhian wrote a few lines on the paper. When he stopped writing, the paper floated up, folded into a paper crane, flapped its wings, and hung in front of Princess Linglong.

Princess Linglong looked at the young man before her, and a strong feeling welled up in her heart. She wanted to unfold the paper crane and see what Chen Zhian had written on it, but she held back in the end.

She feared that if she read those words, she wouldn't want to leave Xuantianjing anymore.

Princess Linglong then reached out her hand, letting the paper crane land on her fair hand.

Chen Zhian toasted Princess Linglong, drank it all in one gulp, and then got up to leave.

Princess Linglong gazed at Chen Zhian's retreating figure. Moonlight poured down like water onto Princess Linglong's knuckles, which held the paper crane, making them gleam with a pure white light.

As Chen Zhian walked further and further away, Princess Linglong seemed to see many scenes again.

Painting in the palace.

He bowed his head and wrote poetry.

And strolling through the red-light district with her...

The seed in her heart seemed to have sprouted and grown into a towering tree.

"Let's pick a few magnolia blossoms and go."

Princess Linglong said, "Bring some Qionghua Dew as well."

Yu Xunu responded softly through the gauze curtain.

-

Chen Zhian bid farewell to Princess Linglong and returned to Qinglian County.

In the house in Qinglian County, 465 men are still diligently practicing their spiritual cultivation.

The continuous supply of Heavenly Elixir allowed them to cultivate almost day and night without rest.

With the help of the Zen-Generating Elixir to enhance their talents and physical constitution, there is no need to worry about overexerting their physical bodies or causing excessive energy to damage their foundation.

Just as Chen Zhian had thought...

The Zen-Generating Pill was truly extraordinary. Each of the 465 men swallowed the Zen-Generating Pill, resulting in an immense improvement in their innate talents and physical attributes. Coupled with the profound and extraordinary Heavenly Net Heavenly Technique they were cultivating, their cultivation speed was incredibly fast.

In just one month, many people at the True Essence Realm are about to break through to the Divine Essence Realm.

That night, Yun Ting, Bai Jian, and Yu Li Ke looked at the flower petals in Chen Zhi'an's hand with increasing astonishment.

"These petals are from the Five Zen Flower. Consuming the Five Zen Flower is quite beneficial for concentrating one's spiritual energy."

"Since we have cultivated the Heavenly Net Heavenly Technique and are about to form the Heavenly Net Dragon Binding Formation, it would be inappropriate for our Divine Essence Realm to only condense seven strands of Divine Essence."

Chen Zhian said, "Each person has two petals of the Five Zen Flower, which will increase their spiritual energy and make their Niwan Palace solid and vast. They may be able to condense the eighth or even the ninth spiritual energy."

The group stared at the petals of the Five Zen Flower in Chen Zhian's hand, all remaining silent.

They had seen the petals of the Five Zen Flower before, but they never expected that Chen Zhian would have so many of them.

After a long while, Yun Ting sighed and said, "General, your fortune is too profound."

With elixirs like the Zen-Generating Elixir and precious medicines like the petals of the Five Zen Flowers, there's no need to waste them on these rough and uncouth men under my command.

All that is needed is to impart the wonders of this elixir and its petals, to teach the general his alchemy skills, and to convey his generosity.

There will inevitably be many people of exceptional talent coming to join us.

Lu Zhujun and Zheng Xuanze both nodded in agreement.

The reason why the six surnames of Dayu and many other aristocratic families were able to attract so many innate masters and even Jade Palace disciples was simply because of the mysterious inheritance of supernatural powers and the valuable resources for cultivation.

Chen Zhian's alchemy method is extremely profound. The pills he produces are comparable to third-grade celestial pills. With medicinal materials such as the petals of the Five Zen Flower, he is bound to attract many powerful individuals.

However, Chen Zhian shook his head when he heard Yun Ting's words.

"My position as the holder of this seal... is still not firmly established."

He had no strong army under his command and could hardly intimidate the world.

In this situation, if I were to lure them with the resources for cultivation, some would surely come to seek refuge.

However, this cannot be described as loyalty, and it is highly likely that it will become a burden in the future.

“But the men under General Ke Yunting are different.”

Yun Ting asked, "What's the difference?"

Chen Zhian handed the flower petals in his hand to Yun Ting: "Because I trust General Yun Ting."

He only said this one sentence, and then instructed everyone: "You should cultivate diligently and not be negligent."

I'm going on a trip; I'll be back in less than ten days.

Zheng Xuanze immediately became worried: "Where is the general going?"
Before the turmoil in Xuantianjing has subsided, those powerful figures from various clans will all be beheaded tomorrow.

Now, countless people in Dayu hate you to the bone, wishing they could devour your flesh and blood.

"If you leave Xuantianjing now, unexpected things are bound to happen."

Chen Zhian smiled and said, "It's alright. When opportunity knocks, if you don't seize it and instead hesitate, you'll never reach the top."

"Moreover... if I want to travel far away, ordinary people cannot find my trace."

As he spoke, a gentle breeze swept across the night sky, and mist rose.

Yun Ting and the others were immediately taken aback.

They could clearly see Chen Zhian standing right in front of them.

However, their primordial spirit, divine essence, and true essence were completely unable to capture Chen Zhian's location, as if Chen Zhian's true form before them was merely an illusory image.

"When Senior Yang Heyin's [My Cocoon of Self] is combined with my Heavenly Gate cultivation, it becomes even more profound."

The first layer of the Heaven and Earth Cocoon is so mysterious.

If one could enter the "Cocoon of Form," one wonders what that would be like.

After bidding farewell to everyone, Chen Zhian activated the Heaven and Earth Cocoon, merging with the world.

Once again shrouded in mist, we left Qinglian County and headed far away to Heshangzhou.

Heshang Prefecture is not far from Xuantian Capital. After leaving the Jingji Prefecture and crossing the Qijing Mountain, you will arrive at Heshang Prefecture.

Chen Zhian was no stranger to the Seven Classics Mountain.

Long ago, he killed Chu Xiubai at the foot of this mountain and proclaimed himself the World-Shocking General of Mount Taibai.

Now, having returned to this familiar place, Chen Zhian's spirit surged, and he suddenly caught a glimpse of a mysterious golden light on the Seven Classics Mountain!

Chen Zhian walked through the clouds and followed the mysterious golden light, and finally saw a new shrine on a mountain path.

The shrine was made of wood and could not be described as brand new, but judging from the freshness of the cracks in the wood carving, it could be known that the shrine had been recently carved.

Chen Zhian had seen many shrines before, so he wasn't particularly surprised.

What truly surprised Chen Zhian was... the statue enshrined in the shrine.

But all that could be seen inside the shrine was a wooden knife.

Beneath the wooden knife, there was also a plaque.

"A tribute to the world-renowned general."

The front of the plaque has only five characters.

However, when Chen Zhian scanned the plaque with his divine sense, he clearly sensed that there was a memorial text on the back of the plaque.

[General, your divine might is awe-inspiring, your righteous spirit shines forth. In the past, treacherous officials ran rampant, wolves held sway, and aristocratic sons, claiming military merit, slaughtered innocent civilians to fill enemy ranks. The innocent wept blood in the wilderness, and wronged souls wailed in the netherworld. General, you rose with your sword drawn, your hair standing on end in fury, slaying scoundrels beneath the mountains and demons above the dust and mist. With your cold blade drawn, the corrupt world is cleansed; with your thunderous strike, all evil vanquished!]

With heartfelt devotion, we offer this sacrifice to praise the General's upright character and unparalleled courage. May his divine light shine eternally, protecting all people from the calamities of the pen; may his heroic spirit dwell forever, deterring the wicked from committing deceitful acts. We humbly hope that the General will recognize this humble sincerity and forever enjoy the offerings of humankind; we further pray that his divine might will be vast and everlasting, forever ensuring peace and prosperity for our land.

Chen Zhian took a deep breath.

"Just because I killed the evil demon, people erected a monument for me and offered sacrifices to me!"

(End of this chapter)