Embers of Sword

Chapter 127: Sword Cultivation: Be Honest and aboveboard
"Your Highness, Huang Su went to Xie Zhen's residence."

"Your Highness, Huang Su has left."

"Your Highness, Qi Lie will lead everyone from Jin'ao Peak to go..."

Prince Jiangning sat in a quiet room in the mansion, casually tapping chess pieces and listening to lamplight. Servants kept coming to report, calling out softly through the door and then leaving.

The abbot of the incense hall, who was sitting opposite the chessboard, smiled without saying a word.

This time, there was no movement outside the quiet room for a long time.

The incense master looked at the edge of the chessboard and said with emotion: "Your Highness's move was unexpected. I am impressed by it."

"Surprised?"

Xie Sheng continued to play chess and said self-deprecatingly, "Master Zhai was too euphemistic. Shouldn't he be greatly disappointed?"

“Those who achieve great things don’t stick to trivial matters.”

The incense master said in a deep voice: "If you want to win, you must use any means necessary."

Xie Sheng looked up in surprise and looked at the Taoist priest from Xianghuozhai, whom he had only known for a few days.

Taoism has always been pure and simple.

He was caught off guard by Xianghuozhai's initiative to surrender.

The host's style of doing things surprised Prince Jiangning even more... What he just said didn't sound like something a Taoist would say.

"However, Your Highness has directed your spearhead at Xie Zhen, which is a waste of time and effort, but it is not worth it."

The incense master smiled and stretched out his finger, pointing at a few places on the chessboard, and said meaningfully: "In my opinion, the outcome of the overall situation does not depend on Xie Zhen. This person has a short luck and is not to be feared... Your Highness does not need to pay any attention to him."

"Do you think I'm really afraid of Xie Zhen?"

Prince Jiangning sneered.

Of course he read the Qingzhou case file, but he just glanced at it casually and then discarded it.

The real reason why Xie Sheng was fearful was the half-sentence of prophecy left by the head of Chunyang Sect and the sense of danger brought by the sword cultivator's heart.

When he met Xie Zhen for the first time, his heart was calm, but there was a slight disturbance.

This is also the reason why Xie Sheng invited Xie Zhen to join Jiangning at the mountain gate.

But later, when the two separated, the uneasy turmoil in their hearts grew bigger and gradually got out of control.

"He is a secret agent of the library, hiding for more than ten years. What is he doing in Dasui Sword Palace for no reason?"

Xie Sheng said coldly, "If he really had no desires, there wouldn't have been that misunderstanding in front of the mountain gate. This Xie Zhen visited the forbidden Yuping Peak less than an hour after entering the Sword Palace, and then stayed at the foot of the Lotus Peak. Then the next day, he 'swaggered' to the library to read the papers with the Lotus Jade Card. Did he treat himself as a disciple of the Sword Palace? The Sword Palace has some complaints about me, and I know it very well. But in order to suppress Jiang Ning, they have forced this person to this point. Do I have to continue to give in and continue to endure?"

After parting at the mountain gate.

He sent out several secret agents from the delegation, who dispersed throughout the Sword Palace to keep a close eye on Xie Zhen's movements. The latter's every move was under control.

The incense master watched this scene quietly, silently feeling the resentment of the Prince of Jiangning in front of him.

Xie Sheng, you are still too young.

"Your Highness, we don't actually want to be enemies with him."

The Taoist said slowly: "With Jiangning's power, perhaps we can win him over."

Xie Sheng still sneered and waved his sleeves.

The meaning couldn't be clearer.

Is Xie Zhen worthy?

He had already tried to win him over once when they first met at the mountain gate, but in front of the whole world, Xie Zhen rejected him cleanly and neatly.

Xie Sheng can do this trick of respecting the wise and humble once.

But I will never do it a second time.

"It is said that Dasui is in charge of law and is very strict about rules. Since Qi Lie is the future master of Jin'ao Peak, he must not show favoritism or cover up for others."

Prince Jiangning said expressionlessly: "This Sword Qi Ceremony is handled according to the rules, so let's deal with it according to the rules. Xie Zhen is backed by Chen Jingxuan from the library, so he can't extend his hands to Dasui. Don't you think... this makes sense?"

"It's just a jade token, why are you so obsessed with it?"

The incense master still sighed and shook his head.

The violence of young people.

He couldn't quite understand.

But the next moment, he squinted and looked at the general trend of the chessboard.

"A jade token is nothing. It doesn't matter if Xie Zhen holds it in his hand."

Xie Sheng spoke quietly, "I said before that what I care about is not Xie Zhen, but the attitude of the Sword Palace. Since Jin Ao Peak has repeatedly stated that this Sword Qi Ceremony requires fairness and justice, then I will demand fairness and justice... Xie Zhen should participate in the ceremony, should stand opposite me, and should personally duel with me!"

At this moment, the incense master understood Xie Sheng's intention.

"The case files compiled by Fangyuanfang have spread like wildfire. The so-called genius swordsmen are actually just a 'rabble'."

Prince Jiang Ning sneered and said, "The highest level of cultivation is the third level of the Cave Heaven. Is it possible that I have to play chess with the daughter of the Xu family in Bingzhou in this sword energy ceremony? Even if I win, what glory will it have?"

He stood up.

There was a bang.

Behind him, a magnificent golden cave appeared in the quiet room!

This is a huge red sun.

Twelve flying swords revolve around the huge red sun.

This cave is close to perfection. Bursts of thunder and the sound of bells and drums are spreading in the sun. A vague and majestic figure of a god can be seen sitting in front of the sun.

The candlelight in the quiet room was dispersed by the sword energy. Under the cover of this majestic vision, the incense master looked up and stood in awe.

This cave.

It was the first time he had seen it in decades of walking in the mountains.

After Xie Xuanyi died.

The Xie family in Jiangning has produced another genius.

King Xie Zhisui of Jiangning spent countless natural treasures to strengthen his son's muscles and bones, strengthen his soul, and activate his blood... Xie Sheng was a lucky man who was born with a golden key. Not only was he gifted, but he also had a wealthy family. He had received the best resources since he was young, with countless elixirs that were inexhaustible. Whenever he encountered difficulties in his practice, the great swordsman of the imperial city would come to guide him personally and cultivate him carefully.

When he travels on weekdays, the Venerable Yinshen protects him and ensures that he will not encounter any danger.

So many people came to support him. He lived up to Jiang Ning's expectations and made smooth progress in his cultivation, breaking one record after another in the cultivation world.

Such a person.

A person who stands at the forefront of secular opinion.

Carrying such a great reputation, it is inevitable that people will have a preconceived idea that perhaps he is not as strong as everyone imagines. After all, he is young and a sword cultivator. It is very likely that his blood and qi are deficient, or it is possible that his strength has increased too quickly, resulting in an unstable foundation.

But when he saw this Red Sun Cave today, the incense master knew clearly...

Those people outside who look down on Xie Sheng may be disappointed.

The air and blood in this cave are so thick that it makes people shudder.

He is indeed the son of destiny who bears the appearance of a dragon.

"Boom, boom, boom."

The thunder gradually died down and Prince Jiangning sat down again. He regained his composure, raised the teacup and took a sip casually.

"So... letting Jin Aofeng take back the Xie Zhen jade token was just to allow him to participate in the Sword Qi Ceremony."

Xie Sheng said coldly: "I want to see how capable Xie Zhen is!"

The host of the incense and fire vegetarian restaurant wanted to speak.

At this moment, the voice of reporting was heard again from outside the quiet room.

"Your Highness, Qi Lie from Jin'ao Peak has left."

Xie Sheng raised his eyebrows.

"and then?"

"Then……"

The servant paused with some fear, and his voice became complicated: "Xie Zhen is still living in the mansion, and it seems that nothing has happened."

"???"

The incense master's expression became interesting.

Xie Sheng looked outside the door of the quiet room in disbelief and asked in a deep voice, "What did you say?"

"Qi Lie left, and Xie Zhen personally saw him off... and even hung the lotus jade token in a prominent place around his waist."

The servant whispered, "I saw it with my own eyes, and every word is true."

The Lotus Jade Card was not taken away?!
The head of the Xianghuo Zhai said softly, "What happened after Qi Lie went to Xie Zhen's residence? Can you tell us in detail?"

“It’s actually quite simple.”

The servant calmed down a bit, recalled the scene, and murmured: "Qi Lie led a group of people to Xie Zhen's residence... and then the other disciples of Jin Ao Peak were 'invited' out."

"Please come out?" The head of Xianghuozhai raised his eyebrows.

"Yes. There are only Qi Lie and Xie Zhen in the mansion."

The servant said seriously: "In a moment, Xie Zhen will personally escort Qi Lie away... He seems to know that someone is watching this mansion."

"nonsense!"

Prince Jiang Ning scolded, "Jin Aofeng has brought people to collect the jade token. He is not a fool, how could he not know that someone is watching him?"

The incense master smiled and asked, "Did you see clearly what Qi Lie looked like when he left?"

"Qi Lie usually has a cold and stern expression, and there is almost no change."

The servant was in a dilemma. He thought for a long time and said uncertainly, "But when he left, his expression seemed to be a little calmer than when he came?"

Upon hearing this, the incense master nodded.

Prince Jiangning was about to stand up.

A big hand slowly stretched out.

The incense master gently pressed the shoulders of Prince Jiangning from a distance and said with a smile: "Your Highness, the appearance of a dragon is a sign of great wealth and honor, but you must control your temper. Such a small matter is nothing but a cloud of smoke. If you get angry, it is really not worth it... There must be a reason for everything, so you might as well think a few steps ahead."

A light slap.

For no reason, most of Xie Sheng's anger dissipated.

He sat back down.

Today, after the spy saw Xie Zhen going to the library, he not only met with Qi Lie, but also spread the news...

Now, many people are discussing this in Dasui Sword Palace.

Who exactly is this Xie Zhen?

How did Lianhua Peak get a "back door"?
"Qi Lie is an upright person. Since he investigated Xie Zhen in front of so many people, there will definitely be some results."

The incense master stretched out his finger, gently pointed at the ceiling, and said softly: "He must be worthy of the worshippers of Dasui Sword Palace, worthy of Jin'ao Peak, and most importantly... he must be worthy of the 'Tongtian Palm Law' who temporarily holds the Dasui Sword Palace."

Xie Sheng seemed to be lost in thought, and his heart gradually calmed down.

He looked at the servant outside the door and asked coldly, "Besides this, is there anything else?"

"Yes... there is more."

The servant said timidly: "I just don't know, should I tell you?"

Xie Sheng took a deep breath and said, "Go ahead."

"The spy sent by His Highness to monitor the mansion may have been caught by Xie Zhen."

The servant laughed bitterly, "After the law enforcer from Jin'ao Peak left, Xie Zhen did not return to the mansion, but sent a message to our 'hiding place'."

Xie Sheng frowned: "What did he say?"

"He said……"

The servant said cautiously, "He said... Your Highness doesn't need to hide and use his skills. Sword practice should be open and aboveboard. If Your Highness really wants to duel, you can come to the Lotus Mansion at any time."

"???"

Xie Sheng's heart, which had finally calmed down, was suddenly stirred again.

He stood up suddenly.

A powerful sword energy descended from nowhere and covered the entire courtyard in an instant.

　The second update should be before 10 o'clock~
　　
　
(End of this chapter)