Embers of Sword

Chapter 753 Flower Master
"I don't know why, but the checks at Xuanbei Pass are getting stricter and stricter..."

"This short stretch of road will probably take another half an hour before we can enter the city..."

"Shh, be quiet! Someone's coming!"

Beneath the iron walls of the Northern Pass, carriages lined up in long queues, taking turns to undergo martial law inspections.

The sound of horses' hooves grew louder as they approached.

The already hushed conversation was shattered by the trampling of horses' hooves.

The situation at Xuanbei Pass is tense now...

Everyone knew that Generals Chen Chong and Han Li harbored resentment towards each other. These conflicts should have been resolved through concerted efforts, but with the machinations of various factions, Xuanbei Pass became an arena for power struggles. Martial law was enforced daily, and numerous regulations were constantly changing, causing immense suffering to the common people.

Xie Xuanyi, wearing a cloak, lowered his gaze and waited silently in the middle of the group.

He did not release his divine sense.

This Xuanbei Pass... is guarded by a Yang God!
Chen Chong was in the city.

Releasing your divine sense rashly might attract attention.

"The martial law at the northern pass doesn't seem to be unfounded."

Xie Xuanyi looked ahead.

Nearly a hundred horse-drawn carriages were lined up in a long queue, each undergoing inspection.

The guards first checked the travel documents, then searched the carriages... Xie Xuanyi observed for half an hour. Although the inspection procedures were cumbersome, they were still "peaceful." At least he didn't see anyone being refused entry by the guards.

This thought just came to mind.

Then a scream rang out from not far ahead!
"what……"

That was the scream of a young child.

The lead carriage about to enter the city was stopped by armored soldiers. The lead patrolman drew his longsword and plunged it into the carriage. The carriage was full of grain and fodder, but as soon as the sword pierced it, screams and wails rang out... and then a emaciated, young boy was dragged out!
Blood was spilled, soaking the grain and fodder.

The child's face was covered in tears, his expression was pale, and he looked extremely weak.

His abdomen was pierced by a sword, and it looked like he was unlikely to survive.

"My lord! My lord!"

The coachman immediately knelt down and pleaded, "We have no connection with Buddhism. I was ordered by the Prefect of Yongning County in Yuanzhou to enter the pass and deliver provisions. This is my son... He is seriously ill. I heard that there are doctors in Xuanbei Pass who can save his life, so I brought him along! Sir, please, have mercy..."

The sound was not finished.

A crisp click.

The child's wailing stopped abruptly.

Without the slightest hesitation, the lead inspector snapped the child's neck, frowning and scolding, "What an incurable fool! You're infected with the plague and still want to enter the city... You don't want to die alone, you want to drag a few more people down with you?"

Having said that, he stepped forward and drew his sword!

A cold light flashed.

The groom's head fell to the ground with a thud.

Blood was splattered.

The city gate of Xuanbei Pass was deathly silent, and everyone who saw this scene felt a chill run down their spines.

"You, go and bury these two bodies. Bury them far away."

"You, deliver these provisions to Lord Jian."

The inspector remained expressionless and dispatched two of his men to handle the trouble.

He waved his hand, signaling for the inspection to continue.

"..."

Xie Xuanyi remained expressionless upon witnessing this scene, but a slight ripple stirred within his heart.

The coachman just now begged for mercy, immediately distancing himself from Buddhism...

So these inspections are actually checking on "Buddhist monks"?
The Crown Prince is currently carrying out a large-scale persecution of Buddhism within the country. Buddhist cultivators from all over the country are flocking to the main sect of Fanyin Temple. Even if there are still some independent cultivators, how dare they step into a military stronghold like Xuanbei Pass?
Both Han Li and Chen Chong were staunch supporters of the "suppression of Buddhism".

Entering the pass at this moment would be tantamount to courting death.

"Unrelated persons, make way immediately!"

As I was pondering this, a rapid, drum-like sound of horses' hooves and the whistling of whips cracking through the air suddenly rang out behind me.

The crowd was dispersed.

Three grapplers, dressed in bright red silk robes, rode swiftly to clear the way.

behind him.

It was a rather magnificent, even somewhat gaudy and dazzling carriage, with a strange petal as enchanting as a lotus flower engraved on it.

This is certainly not a lotus flower.

This flower is called "Xuanwei"... As the name suggests, it only blooms on Xuanwei Island.

"Nalan Xuance's men have arrived."

Xie Xuanyi's expression hardened, and he subconsciously adjusted his bamboo hat, making way for him.

A bright red carriage was parked at the city gate.

The previously arrogant inspector now appeared quite respectful. A young woman in a crimson robe alighted from the carriage. She wore a half-mask to conceal her face, but Xie Xuanyi recognized her at a glance…

This is Nalan Qiutong, a disciple personally taught by Nalan Xuance.

Last time I traveled to the east.

The two then met face to face.

More than a year later, upon meeting again, Xie Xuanyi realized that this woman truly lived up to her reputation as a prodigy who had reached the top of the Heavenly Pride Ranking… How long had it been? Nalan Qiutong had not only successfully condensed her Dao Realm and advanced to the Yin God realm, but she had also reached the middle stage of the Yin God realm and condensed her Dharma Image. Her red robe swayed in the wind, faintly emanating a chilling aura in the void, imperceptible to ordinary cultivators, but in Xie Xuanyi's eyes, a vibrant flower bud bloomed behind Nalan Qiutong's head.

"Nalan Qiutong's Dharma form... is the Xuanwei Flower?"

This scene amused Xie Xuanyi.

The Dharma forms of cultivators are mostly related to their Dao realm, temperament, cultivation methods, and natal artifacts.

Jiang Qihu's Dharma form is a fierce tiger.

He specializes in swordsmanship, and his attacks are fierce and ruthless, with no one returning.

Ye Qinglian's Dharma form is the Heavenly Vine.

Her swordsmanship is like this vine; its power is limited in a short burst, but it is powerful and enduring.

The Mysterious Flower is known as the Demon Flower.

Some say that the mystic flower has miraculous effects on spiritual cultivation when used in medicine.

Some say it's a deadly poison that will cause one to lose their true self and go insane after ingesting it.

"Hmm... there's one more person..."

Xie Xuanyi's gaze sharpened.

At that moment, although only one person came out of the carriage, he clearly sensed a sense of "danger".

There was another person sitting in the carriage.

The person did not appear or show their face; they were simply sitting in the car.

But it made Xie Xuanyi feel uneasy.

"Yin Spirit Realm... but only a tiny bit away from Yang Spirit Realm..."

"Dzogchen?"

Xie Xuanyi frowned.

Where in this world can you find so many perfect moments?

Before the arrival of the great tide of fortune, there were only three Great Perfection cultivators in the Chu Kingdom.

Fire Master, Zhou, Tang Fengshu.

Logically speaking, since the martial arts fortune of the country is slightly weaker, the number of people at the Great Perfection level should be less.

But looking at it now...

Chen Chong, Han Li, and "that person" in the carriage—these powerful figures from outside the country are quite unexpected and not to be underestimated.

"Master Chen."

After Nalan Qiutong appeared, he showed a decree to the head patrolman and then said softly, "The Imperial Preceptor has ordered that the south gate of Xuanbei Pass be inspected by the 'Hook and Pincer Masters' for the next few days."

"……Yes."

How could the inspector dare to voice any objections?

There is no one in Xuanbei Pass now... but both Han Li and Chen Chong must obey the orders of the Crown Prince and Nalan Xuance.

This imperial edict was revealed.

The patrolmen, armed with armor, quickly departed.

The handover of power at the North Gate took only a few breaths.

"The Hook Pliers Master has taken over Xuanbei Pass..." Xie Xuanyi frowned.

What's going on here? What anomaly did Nalan Xuance detect through the Iron Curtain?
Will the upcoming checks be more stringent?
He subconsciously squeezed the travel documents in his palm, wondering what impact this turn of events would have on his entry into the country.

"There is no need for you to worry."

"To enter the city, there is no need to linger. Simply take out your travel document and hang it beside you."

After taking over Xuanbeiguan.

Nalan Qiutong stood with his hands behind his back in front of the city gate. Beside him, a hook-and-pincher took out a magical artifact and suspended it. It was a small, golden mirror, hanging high above the city wall, emitting a faint golden light... To Xie Xuanyi's surprise, these hook-and-pinchers did not check the carriages of those entering the city at all. They seemed not to care whether these people were carrying "contraband" or harboring any unauthorized persons who should not have entered the city.

The three hook-and-pinchers, one on the left, one on the right, and one in the center, stood at the entrance of the city gate, like stone sculptures.

Horse-drawn carriages have resumed operation.

This inspection is several times faster than before!
"Pity."

Xie Xuanyi heard someone sigh softly beside him: "If Old Feng had been a little later... perhaps he wouldn't have died..."

He looked at the headless corpse being dragged away by armored soldiers not far away.

Old Feng?

The deceased coachman must have been Old Feng... Judging from the current situation, this poor man was indeed unlucky. Nalan Qiutong didn't seem to care about the identity of the person entering the pass, but the mirror caught Xie Xuanyi's attention.

This doesn't seem to be a special magical artifact of the Hook Pliers Master, nor does it seem to be a treasure crafted from Xuanwei Island.

This golden mirror...

It seems to exude a faint Buddhist quality.

As they approached the Xuanbeiguan city gate, the convoy moved quickly, and soon it was Xie Xuanyi's turn.

"and many more."

At that moment, Nalan Qiutong suddenly spoke.

This was the first time the hook-and-pliers technician had spoken since taking over the Xuanbeiguan City Procuratorate, and also the first time she had called for a halt.

hum!
The three hook-and-pincher masters immediately took action, sending out an invisible layer of energy that transformed into a barrier.

"..."

I was stopped.

Xie Xuanyi frowned slightly. He pressed down his bamboo hat and took the opportunity to look up to confirm.

The mirror did not react.

Could it be that the Mystic Arts sensed something amiss?

"You came from the south?"

Nalan Qiutong looked at Xie Xuanyi.

The "travel permit" that the Fire Lord prepared for Xie Xuanyi was very simple; it was a common trade document. Xie Xuanyi was an unknown traveling merchant who was traveling north from Xining City to Xuanbei Pass. His carriage was filled with all sorts of rare antiques, fine tea, short-lived southern plants, and some calligraphy and paintings of varying quality.

That's why I have this identity.

On the one hand, trade documents are the least likely to arouse suspicion.

On the other hand, the goods of these traveling merchants are very easy to prepare. Just send a message and all the branches of Fangyuanfang across the country can quickly prepare a cart of "goods".

"...Yes, my lord."

Xie Xuanyi did not look up; he chose to play the role of a timid and honest man, his voice trembling as he spoke.

They did not make eye contact.

The straw hat obscured his vision.

"..."

Nalan Qiutong was silent for a moment, then said expressionlessly, "Look up and let me see your face."

Xie Xuanyi pretended to hesitate, and then did as instructed.

He slowly raised his head and took off his straw hat.

A face that was relatively young and handsome, but not clean, appeared before everyone.

Young traveling merchants, weary from their journeys, should naturally be like this.

Xie Xuanyi did not use the "Faces of All Beings" technique to create an ordinary face. Perhaps because he was wary, he deliberately created a rather attractive face that would attract attention.

After making eye contact.

The coldness in Nalan Qiutong's eyes visibly dissipated by a third.

"She's got a bit of 'good looks,' no wonder she wears a straw hat."

She stepped forward, stretched out her fingers, placed them on Xie Xuanyi's chin, and pinched it.

【The Faces of All Beings】is a top-tier magical artifact crafted by Qin Baihuang.

Now Xie Xuanyi is receiving divine blessing.

Even if the spirit himself were to arrive, he would not be able to discern anything without careful observation.

Nalan Qiutong... naturally couldn't see anything amiss, so no matter how much he pinched her, nothing would happen.

After playing with it for a moment, Nalan Qiutong withdrew his hand, chuckled softly, and said teasingly, "You do have a bit of cleverness; you're good material for business..."

"The adults are joking..."

Xie Xuanyi gave an awkward laugh and shrank his shoulders in a fawning manner.

"These flowers are nice."

Nalan Qiutong glanced at the carriage and said calmly, "I'll take it all, no matter the price."

"grown ups……"

Xie Xuanyi quickly replied, "If you like them, please take them all. How could I dare to accept your money?"

"Ha ha……"

Nalan Qiutong responded with a forced smile, took out a gold ingot from his sleeve, and tossed it to Xie Xuanyi.

"go."

She gave him a wink.

A pliers maker immediately stepped forward, took out a treasure bag, and filled the carriage with all the rare and exotic items.

"Thank you for the reward, sir!"

Xie Xuanyi accepted the gold ingot with both hands, his face full of joy.

"Go."

Nalan Qiutong nodded, indicating that Xie Xuanyi could leave.

"..."

Xie Xuanyi put his bamboo hat back on, his feelings complicated.

Is it really that much of a coincidence?
Did Nalan Qiutong specifically stop him just because he took a liking to the flowers in his carriage?
"Wait a moment……"

Nalan Qiutong hesitated for a moment, then instructed, "Geng Jiu, go and see him off."

"Yes!"

The hook and pincer maker in the carriage immediately responded. He had been bent over, ready to leave, but upon hearing the order, he sat up straight. It was as if the task of "inspecting the city gate" was no longer important or relevant to him. The hook and pincer maker, like an old monk in meditation, remained motionless, like a stone statue.

This guy showed no intention of leaving.

This is the "Songsong" that Nalan Qiutong mentioned?
"Thank you, sir, thank you, sir..."

Xie Xuanyi's expression was strange, but he still expressed his gratitude. He drove towards Xuanbei Pass and slightly turned his head as he entered the city gate.

Xie Xuanyi looked at the carriage that Nalan Qiutong had blocked in front of the city.

A gentle breeze blew.

The carriage curtains fluttered.

A woman dressed in a bright red robe, with skin as white as snow, sat in the carriage, gazing at him like a bride on her wedding day.

In the instant they brushed past each other, their eyes met.

Xie Xuanyi saw the other person's "face" clearly.

The woman wore a gorgeous mask covered with blood-red petal patterns. Although her real features were covered by the mask, it still gave people a sense of "amazing" beauty... It was a breathtaking beauty. Xie Xuanyi did not use his divine sense to investigate, but he was certain that there must be an extremely beautiful face growing under the mask.

At that moment, he understood the identity of the person in Nalan Qiu's stroller.

The four young masters of Fangyuanfang are all top-tier Yin God Realm experts.

Snow Lord, Fire Lord, Wood Lord...

There was another one I had never met before.

This fourth young shop owner is named "Flower Master".

(End of this chapter)