Embers of Sword

Chapter 108 A Gentleman Does Not Get Angry

The chariot was broken into pieces and the dragon and horse were frightened.

The two Yin God protectors fell and sat down in the stream, their clothes were soaked, their faces were pale, and they wanted to get up, but found a powerful pressure hanging over their heads, and they could not move.

So they could only watch helplessly as the most famous vegetarian master in the world walked away leisurely with his female disciple.

After a while.

Xie Sheng sighed and said, "Thank you for accompanying me."

The two Yinshen masters had grim expressions on their faces until Tang Fengshu completely disappeared from their sight. Only then did the majestic aura pressing down on their heads slowly dissipate.

Wow…

The two protectors stood up awkwardly from the stream.

"Your Highness, how do we deal with Xilin?"

A guardian took a deep breath, looked back at the small forest, and said, "Could it be that they really have been staying here forever?"

"Of course I'll keep it."

Xie Sheng dusted off her clothes and smiled faintly, "Didn't you hear what Master Tang said just now? If anyone dares to move...she will really take action."

The two protectors looked at each other.

"You two should go back home first."

Xie Sheng walked out from the dust of the collapsed carriage.

He reached out and patted the two dragon horses that had been kneeling for a long time, and said softly: "Don't publicize what happened today."

The two Yin Gods said nothing more and left silently.

Xie Sheng was still standing here.

The stream was the only thing that clearly separated the two sides. He stood on this side of the stream, quietly watching the swaying leaves in the distance.

The large formation set up by Tang Fengshu enveloped the forest.

The slightest disturbance will not be a hindrance.

Even ordinary people would not be blocked from entering by the formation.

But if a cultivator steps in, this great formation will immediately sense it... The murderous intent of the great formation will burst out instantly when the external vitality invades.

"Come out, they've all gone far away."

Xie Sheng stood in front of the stream, brushed off the dust, and spoke softly.

Behind Xie Sheng, the light twisted and a bright green line of fire burned out, outlining a square portal in the void. Then a Taoist in black slowly walked out with an umbrella.

"His Royal Highness."

The Taoist priest came to the side of Prince Jiangning and they stopped together in front of the stream.

He smiled and said, "I said before that Tang Fengshu is an unreasonable woman and cannot be judged by common sense. Do you believe it now?"

“Seeing is worth hearing a hundred times.”

Xie Sheng smiled and said, "That Master Tang... is indeed a little different."

The Xie family of Jiangning is not as powerful as the Taoist family.

But they are also a first-rate wealthy and powerful family.

A picture of sword energy striking a bell is not a difficult task for any vegetarian master in the world. With a little effort, one can establish a good relationship with Jiang Ning.

But it's just such a small thing.

Tang Fengshu refused directly, and his refusal was very rude.

"The world's fasting does not care about good karma, nor does it care about the incense outside the mountain."

The Taoist said leisurely: "Tang Fengshu and Xie Xuanyi are close friends. If you come here like this, you will definitely be rejected."

"Master Tang is unreliable, isn't there another master?"

Xie Sheng shrugged, not caring at all: "It is a blessing to be able to contact you through Fangyuanfang."

"Ask yourself, in terms of cultivation level and fighting skills, I am no match for Tang Fengshu."

The Taoist sighed softly, "It is true that the young are formidable. Tang Fengshu killed the Half-Step Yang God King You Haiwang in Qingzhou. From this point of view, there are only a handful of people in Da Chu who can fight with her at the same level."

Xie Sheng narrowed his eyes slightly when he heard that.

"But when it comes to the art of talismans, it's not certain who will win or lose."

The Taoist bowed slightly, saluted, and said: "The Tianxia Zhai is the best at attacking and killing, but the Xianghuo Zhai is a little different. Our Zhai is pure-hearted and has few desires. We practice meditation in seclusion. We can be said to be the branch of Taoism that is best at drawing talismans."

Xie Sheng took two steps back and bowed politely: "Then I'll trouble you to take care of the formation diagram."

"Your Highness, you are welcome."

The head of the Xianghuo Zhai said in a gentle voice: "I don't care about the ninth-grade magic sword. I have seen the scenery of Xuanshui Cave many years ago."

"Oh?"

Xie Sheng pretended to be surprised: "The gentleman came from afar to come to Jiangning to help me with this great favor..."

"The word 'incense' means long-lasting and continuous."

The head of the incense hall said meaningfully, "I have heard that His Highness, the Crown Prince of Jiangning, has extraordinary talent and the appearance of a 'celestial dragon'. Now that I see him, he is indeed extraordinary. I have no other request this time, I just want to make friends with His Highness."

"You traveled thousands of miles just for the sake of good karma?"

Xie Sheng sighed and said, "Master, aren't you being too polite?"

The head of the Xianghuo Zhai said with a smile: "If the prince does not mind, I would also like to climb the Lotus Peak with you, stand at the highest point, and see the future direction of the Sword Palace's fortune."

"I don't mind."

Xie Sheng thought for a moment and asked with a smile, "But Taoist priest, you are the head of the Taoist sect. Would it be unworthy of you to observe the aura of his sect from the Lotus Peak?"

The whole Jiangning, the whole Da Chu, all knew about it.

This is the opening of the Sword Palace.

His son Xie Sheng was going to go straight to Lotus Peak and become the new master of Xuanshui Cave Heaven.

"Why would Xiang Huo Zhai care about these?"

The Taoist bowed again and said softly, "If His Royal Highness nods, this good relationship will be established."

Xie Sheng stared at the incense master for a long while, then nodded slowly and uttered a word with a smile.

"good."

……

……

There was heavy snow in the imperial city for several days, followed by several days of heavy rain.

Such weather is unpredictable and annoying.

Jiang Qihu folded his paper umbrella, stood under the eaves of the library, gently tapped the ground with the tip of the umbrella, and looked at the ceiling with some fear. The flowing water gathered and fell from the eaves, spread from the tip of the umbrella, and finally formed a winding stream in front of his feet. After waiting for half an hour, this stupid tiger still did not have the courage to push the door and face the gentleman in the library.

It still has to be Chen Jingxuan who gives the orders.

"What are you standing outside for? Come in!"

The last two words.

Like a thunderclap.

Jiang Qihu gritted his teeth, pushed the door open, and what caught his eye was the charcoal stove bonfire, which was not big but warmed the entire library.

Chen Jingxuan was sitting in front of the jade desk, reviewing documents.

"gentlemen……"

Jiang Qihu sighed deeply, looking depressed. It had been a month since the Qingzhou incident ended before he dared to return to the imperial city.

The first thing to do after returning to the imperial city.

Naturally, I would apologize to the gentleman.

"sit."

Chen Jingxuan did not raise his eyes, and his tone was as calm as always.

But Jiang Qihu smelled something wrong. He sat obediently under the jade table, not in his usual seat, but moved back very consciously.

"How come?"

Chen Jingxuan glanced at Benhu.

"Something happened at home..."

Jiang Qihu stuttered, unable to finish his words: "My father is old, Qihu has been serving him for a while, and Dasui happened to be opening up the mountains, and my sister also sent a Ruyi order, arranging for me to do some hard labor..."

Chen Jingxuan just glanced and then looked away.

He shook his head.

Some people are just not suited to lying.

Jiang Qihu's acting is really hard to be convincing.

"Mr. Jiang sent me a message a few days ago."

Chen Jingxuan said calmly, "He said that you stayed in Qingzhou and refused to leave. Most likely you got into trouble. He asked me not to blame you too much. The old man is in good health. Why does he need you to serve him?"

Jiang Qihu was stunned for a moment.

"As for Miss Miaoyin, if I'm not mistaken, she probably just sent a letter home, right?"

Chen Jingxuan said helplessly: "After all, the Dasui Sword Palace has already lifted the ban on the mountain, and the news of opening the mountain has long been widely spread. How can the Jiang family help?"

Jiang Qihu smiled awkwardly and said, "... As expected of you, sir, I have never lied to you."

Chen Jingxuan put down the book, frowned and said, "Qi Hu, what do I usually teach you? Be upright in conduct and work. How can you be so timid?"

Jiang Qihu opened his mouth, but hesitated to speak.

After a long time, he said honestly: "Sir, I came here this time to apologize to you."

"Why are you asking for forgiveness?"

This question made Jiang Qihu stunned.

Why plead guilty?

Previously in Lichao City, he deliberately reserved an entire floor of the Tide Viewing Pavilion. However, the gentleman, who rarely left the imperial city, not only did not honor him with a visit, but instead asked Ye Qinglian to pass on a message, confining him to his room for a day and a night.

Since then.

Chen Jingxuan never sent any message to Jiang Qihu.

Obviously, I did something wrong... which led to this.

"Because Qi Hu was incompetent during the Qingzhou Rebellion?"

Jiang Qihu spoke carefully, "If Qihu had been on the Po Lu and could have held on for a little longer, perhaps the situation wouldn't have been so bad."

"..."

Chen Jingxuan remained silent.

Jiang Qihu scratched his head and said, "So something went wrong with Qihu's connection with the Demon Country, and he accidentally cut off the connection with the Eclipse Lake?"

The Qingzhou Rebellion ended.

The demon country never contacted him again.

obviously.

Venerable Longmu has already understood the "truth" of the situation in Lichao City. The tide festival has failed, King Youhai has died, and Eclipse Lake has temporarily given up its plan for Qingzhou North County.

Regardless, this is sad news.

"You tried your best in the battle of Po Lu. How can I blame you?"

"As for the Eclipse Marsh... I never expected you to convince the Demon Nation and catch a big fish."

Chen Jingxuan shook his head, sighed, and said, "Jiang Qihu, you really don't know why I'm angry?" "What did Qihu do wrong? Please tell me clearly, sir."

Jiang Qihu's face was full of sincerity.

He vaguely recalled that he and Ye Qinglian drank a lot of wine on the night when he was confined to the Guanchao Pavilion.

At that time, Miss Ye analyzed the situation with me.

only……

He had too many worries that night, and he drank a little too much without using his energy, so he fell into a deep sleep.

When I woke up, Miss Ye had left, and the gentleman had also left.

Later on, it became what it is now.

Chen Jingxuan picked up the pen and raised his sleeve to write a word.

"Don."

After Jiang Qihu saw clearly, his expression suddenly changed.

He begged for mercy quickly, "Sir, this is unfair! I didn't leak those rumors about Master Tang! It was all Qin Baihuang's fault. I'm going to skin this bastard alive!"

Chen Jingxuan slowly put down his pen.

His expression was complicated, and he sighed and said, "Miss Tang is the head of the Taoist sect, and Tianxiazhai has a great reputation in the world... How should this matter end after it has become like this?"

Jiang Qihu raised his head and said with determination, "Sir, how about I ask for marriage from the Taoist sect on your behalf?"

"???"

Chen Jingxuan looked stunned.

"The old man mentioned this to me. He said that scholars are thin-skinned and that if a girl pursues a boy, it's hard to tell them apart. You two probably have feelings for each other, so it's hard to point it out."

Jiang Qihu patted his chest and said seriously, "My old man has spoken. The Jiang family owes you a huge favor. We will go through fire and water for you. As long as you give the order, Qihu will lead his men to the Taoist sect and take Miss Tang back to the imperial city in a sedan chair!"

"you……"

Chen Jingxuan was completely speechless.

He rubbed his brows. The more he thought about it, the more his head hurt. He quickly waved his hand, signaling Jiang Qihu to get out: "Go... Go do your work."

When Jiang Qihu saw the gentleman's appearance, he felt as if he had been pardoned.

It seems that the gentleman does not blame himself.

"Then Qi Hu will take his leave first..."

He let out a long sigh, turned around and left, but the moment he pushed open the door of the library, the smile on Jiang Qihu's face suddenly disappeared.

The whole person's momentum suddenly changed -

From the original simple and honest.

Become cold and murderous.

"What a coincidence, Brother Qi Hu."

Outside the door of the library, there was a wet figure standing. The man was wearing a light armor specially made by the Imperial City Bureau and had no umbrella. He came here alone and was about to reach out to push the door. His action coincided with Jiang Qihu's action of opening the door.

"Coincidence? I don't think it's a coincidence."

Jiang Qihu stood there without giving way, and said expressionlessly: "I came to the library to visit my teacher. Sir Yuan, what are you doing here?"

"Of course it's also a visit..."

Yuan Jimo brushed off the rain on his shoulders and said with a smile: "The little imperial master's library is inside the imperial city. Anyone in the world can knock on the door and visit. Isn't this a coincidence?"

"What a coincidence."

Jiang Qihu said coldly: "My master doesn't want to see guests today."

After saying that, he was about to close the door.

Yuan Jimo pressed the door of the library, and the two of them exerted their strength, their vital energies collided, and vibrated out an invisible energy.

The entire library building trembled slightly.

Yuan Jimo smiled and said, "Jiang Qihu, I call you 'Brother Qihu' to give face to Mr. Jiang. Do you dare to stop me? This visit... I came with an order from the palace."

Jiang Qihu looked gloomy.

Now he is the second in command of the Imperial City Division, and his status in the Imperial City Division is lower than that of the first in command.

But in the entire imperial city, who does he hate the most?

It was Yuan Jimo, the head of the Imperial City Department, who was most qualified to take on the responsibility.

"Master Yuan, the door to the library is not cheap."

At this moment.

A mellow and gentle voice sounded.

At the same time, Chen Jingxuan, who was sitting behind the jade table, gently waved his sleeves.

The two forces entangled and fought against each other, and the winner was immediately determined.

Jiang Qihu didn't move at all.

Yuan Jimo groaned and took a step back uncontrollably. This step didn't seem to be far, but the raindrops on his black armor were shaken and flew back several feet.

"Ah……"

When Jiang Qihu saw this scene, he sneered and raised his eyebrows.

Although it made my husband unhappy.

But in front of outsiders, the gentleman still protects himself.

"Qi Hu, go ahead and let Lord Yuan in."

After Chen Jingxuan gave this order, Jiang Qihu responded obediently and honestly. He held up a paper umbrella and cast a contemptuous look at Yuan Jimo before leaving.

Yuan Jimo took a deep breath and walked into the library silently.

He was not treated the same as Jiang Qihu.

Chen Jingxuan did not invite him to sit down.

However... Yuan Jimo had no intention of taking a seat.

He came here wearing the black armor of the Imperial City Bureau and had no intention of staying in the library for long.

"Mr. Jingxuan, congratulations."

Yuan Jimo bowed and said slowly, "You will be conferred the title of Imperial Master soon. Your Majesty is selecting an auspicious day, and I hope you will be conferred the title soon."

"It's okay without this title."

Chen Jingxuan said calmly: "Teacher is seriously ill, and as a disciple, I naturally have to share the heavy responsibility. As a lineage of Tianjianzhe, I am very lucky to be able to make some contributions to Da Chu. I don't care about these empty names."

"Since you are the owner of the library, you must have a certain status."

Yuan Jimo smiled and said, "Your Excellency's plan for the Qingzhou Rebellion a while ago was really brilliant. The Queen praised it more than once, saying that it is a blessing for the world to have Chen Jingxuan in Da Chu."

"only."

Yuan Jimo sighed, "Over the years, the fortune of Da Chu has declined and it is in chaos. It is not enough for you to appear alone."

"The North Sea tide brings with it the accumulated national destiny."

Chen Jingxuan said calmly, "Soon, Da Chu's fortune will return to its peak. Da Sui Sword Palace has opened, and the Dao Sect is no longer secluded from the world. It won't be long... perhaps on the day of the Northern Hunt, Da Chu's geniuses will be as numerous as in the last heyday, or even more prosperous."

“Far water cannot quench near thirst.”

Yuan Jimo raised his head and said word by word: "Within five years, Da Chu will pacify southern Xinjiang."

"..."

Chen Jingxuan put down the book and looked at Yuan Jimo quietly.

Five years to pacify southern Xinjiang?

The silence between the two did not last long.

"I'm afraid this matter will require you to work hard."

Yuan Jimo took out the decree, presented it with both hands, and said respectfully: "Pacifying the southern border is a major matter... Your Majesty would like to borrow the 'Huanyuan Instrument' for use."

Outside the library.

Jiang Qihu, who had returned with caution, suddenly trembled when he heard this, leaning against the wall of the library.

Jiang Qihu had a complicated expression.

With the help of the Hunyuanyi, these four words seem light.

The Hunyuanyi is connected to the lifeline of those who monitor the sky.

Borrowing the Hunyuanyi is like borrowing the life span of the master.

"Pacifying Southern Xinjiang is indeed a big deal."

Chen Jingxuan lowered his eyes and said calmly, "It's just that this news comes a little too abruptly."

"This matter sounds a bit absurd..."

Yuan Jimo raised his head and said slowly: "However, Yinshan White Ghost and Taoist Mo of Tiangui Sect are willing to sign a soul contract and serve Da Chu for life. They are willing to bow down and serve as our subjects."

This news came even more unexpectedly.

Chen Jingxuan narrowed his eyes.

Whether it is Bai Gui or Mo Dao Ren, they are both examples of "aging and becoming spiritual"... Would old evil creatures of this level be willing to sign a contract of spirit and soul?
Recent situation in Southern Xinjiang.

He has been paying attention to it.

The three major sects were forced into a desperate situation by Paper Humanism... Are they going to borrow the power of Da Chu to go to war with Paper Humanism?
Yuan Jimo paused and said expressionlessly: "If we can pacify the southern border, we can take advantage of the tide of national fortune and march south to annex Dali in a short time."

He raised his hand again and held the decree above his head.

"Master Young Imperial Master, please give more consideration to the matter of the Hun Yuan Yi."

Say it.

Yuan Jimo loosened his hand.

The decree was suspended in the air.

Chen Jingxuan watched Yuan Jimo leave with a complicated expression.

Torrential rain.

The head of the Imperial City Division, dressed in black armor, pushed the door open and left, mounting his horse. He looked coldly at the paper umbrella held up not far away.

"Master Jiang."

Yuan Jimo said calmly: "Forgive me for being nosy. I don't know what disease the old man has. If it is serious and you need to stay in Qingzhou to recuperate for a while, why don't you just resign from the position of the second seat of the Imperial City Department and go back to inherit the position of the head of the family directly?"

"No worries."

Jiang Qihu raised his paper umbrella and stared at Yuan Jimo coldly, "My old man is in good health. Even if Lord Yuan is dead, he must still be alive."

Yuan Jimo looked towards the library and said with a smile: "It is a good thing that the old man has a long life. But there are always people in this world who die young."

After saying that, he rode away.

Jiang Qihu was trembling all over, his fists clenched tightly, and he watched Yuan Jimo leave his sight.

A golden thread passed through the doors and windows of the library and pressed on his shoulders, pinning him to the spot, unable to move. Otherwise, he would have rushed out early and smashed his fist hard into Yuan Jimo's face.

Chen Jingxuan, who was sitting in the library and reading the imperial edict, said four words calmly.

"A gentleman does not get angry."

……

……

(PS: I really want to write more, but to ensure the reading experience, I will stop here. I hope you can understand. I will continue writing tonight, but I probably won’t be able to finish it, so don’t wait.)
(End of this chapter)