As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 307 Great Immortal Qingyan
While Xiao Xinyue was peacefully asleep, on the other side...

"Lord Liu, it's been a pleasure working with you!"

"Why don't you stay in Bailing City for a couple more days?"

It seemed to be a response to Mingchen's guess.

The heroic woman, nurtured by the sea, tossed her long hair, her bright and beautiful eyes reflecting the image of the person before her, and said with a smile.

She is flamboyant and cunning; no one can fathom what she is thinking.

She was the leader of that crude and rude bandit-like group.

Today, this cheerful and generous heroine is also her.

Liu Zhonggu was momentarily stunned, speechless.

This woman is a monster; she won't budge an inch, no matter what you say.

Seemingly unrestrained and wild, he is actually shrewd and unpredictable; his laughter, anger, and curses are all for the purpose of achieving his goal.

As if he could see into people's hearts, he stepped on the line and reached a cooperation agreement with Bei Lie.

Her request was exactly Qin Lou's bottom line.

Any more and the peace talks will fall apart.

However, that's exactly the point.

Although he achieved his goal, he, as the envoy, did not gain much benefit for Bei Lie. He just barely completed his mission. Perhaps an ordinary person could have achieved the same cooperation, which made him somewhat dejected.

"His Majesty is waiting for news from me, so I will not stay any longer. I hope the Alliance Leader will forgive me."

He composed himself and bowed to Hong Ling Shuang and the other ministers of the alliance: "The alliance has been established. Qian Yuan is cunning and tyrannical, bringing disaster to the country and its people. He is guilty of a great crime. If we ever go to war with Bei Lie in the future, I hope that the alliance leader will not forget the good relations between our two countries and will send troops to join me in attacking the evil Qian Yuan."

That was just a polite remark.

But we still have to go through the motions and say something.

"sure!"

"If there is anything the Northern Emperor needs from me, please just say so."

"We're family!"

Hong Ling Shuang wore a cheerful smile and waved her hand lightly: "Qian Yuan? Not familiar at all~"

Promises, even when written down, cannot be kept, let alone spoken.

Heroes and righteous men keep their word and are willing to die for it.

But she is a leader, and the interests of the country are behind her. She can uphold her principles when they are in their best interest. But to rigidly adhere to principles would be foolish.

This peace talk is nothing more than an exchange of interests.

Bei Lie wanted the three passes of the northern border of Qian Yuan, while Hong Ling Shuang wanted to instigate a war between the two countries and exchange what she had for the benefits she desired.

Apart from that, there were no emotional factors involved.

She is not close to Qian Yuan, nor could she be close to Bei Lie.

How things develop in the future is simply a matter of waiting for the right opportunity.

Both Hong Ling Shuang and Liu Zhong Gu knew that these words were just nonsense.

"May the Alliance Leader be well. This humble subject takes his leave."

Liu Zhonggu glanced at Hong Ling Shuang, then bowed respectfully.

After Liu Zhonggu and the delegation of envoys left.

Hong Ling Shuang's smile gradually faded.

"Bei Lie... Qian Yuan ah~"

She looked at the clear sky and murmured softly, her thoughts seemingly drifting away.

With the completion of the Beilie Canal, Qian Yuan also moved eastward.

In the blink of an eye, the world has taken on a completely new form.

A storm is brewing, times are changing, who will emerge victorious in this fierce competition, and who will be crushed to pieces by the torrent of history?
Strive, strive, strive...

Her eyes were somewhat vacant.

This world is truly mesmerizing.

……

Time flowed slowly as the army escorted the vital group of people forward.

Crossing mountains and rivers, experiencing poverty and wealth.

Gradually, we had already covered most of the distance.

"Your Majesty, cheer up."

Sitting on the white wolf, Mingchen smiled faintly and said to Xiao Xinyue beside him, "When we get to Yueyang City, you don't want the people to see you with a worried look on your face, do you?"

In the new dynasty, only Mingchen dared to speak to Xiao Xinyue like that.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Xinyue swayed slightly and glared at him, saying, "When have I ever looked so gloomy!"

"Don't talk nonsense!"

She was very good at maintaining her composure, and few people could detect her emotional changes.

Unfortunately, this person is like a tapeworm in your stomach.

"It's alright, Your Majesty. It's not a bad thing to show concern for the country and its people."

Mingchen simply smiled at her: "But don't overthink it, don't get caught up in it. This is just a world ruined by traitors and corrupt officials, it has nothing to do with you. Think about the people of Jiqu, think about the people under your rule."

Along the way, His Majesty, who was initially resting peacefully and easily in Mingchen's arms, thinking about their sweet future, has changed his mindset and no longer smiles.

After all, the eastern territory had not yet been recovered, and the road they were taking was merely a route hastily opened up by the Qian Yuan regular army. With a large army protecting them, their safety was not a problem.

However, what she saw and heard along the way could not be concealed and appeared before her eyes in an unstoppable way.

It's so tragic, so sad, so hopeless.

But along the way, her understanding has been constantly being refreshed.

Starving people were scattered for miles, and people even exchanged their own children to eat.

The grass roots and tree bark were all eaten clean, and the people were fighting over the bones like ghouls.

The cold words on paper can never compare to the shock of seeing it with your own eyes.

The land is shattered, bandits roam freely, and the world is no longer the same.

The order in the east has completely collapsed.

A world without regulation and without order.

The victor is king, the strong are respected.

Unruly bandits and roving brigands were impossible to control, and separatist forces fought each other, engaging in repeated killings and oppression, leaving ordinary people with no peace.

The stored food and property would only be plundered, and after being affected by wars, and even a little bit of natural disasters and plagues, the fragile lives would be completely ended.

Along the way, Xiao Xinyue saw countless people who had lost hope, whose mental world had collapsed and who lived like zombies.

Some who believe in ghosts sing and dance, laughing foolishly as they journey to the underworld.

After being successively ravaged by the corrupt Qian Yuan, the Chen Kingdom, and the Blood-Clad Army, the land has become like this.

Xiao Xinyue's journey has not been easy; she has faced life-or-death situations and experienced hardship and displacement.

But no matter how difficult things were, she still managed to get food.

This is Qian Yuan!
This is her country!
She was a wise and benevolent ruler who swore a blood oath before her people.

She couldn't bear to see this.

Xiao Xinyue gently shook her head: "Mingchen, I'm not as fragile as you think."

She clenched her fists, stared straight ahead, her eyes burning: "That's precisely why I'm needed all the more to change all of this."

It is precisely because this land is shattered, and because these people suffer so much.

This is why she needs to rise up even more, and why she needs to raise a banner in this chaotic world to save this world from collapse.

This is the responsibility she has given herself.

Xiao Xinyue has her own unique charm.

She has a strong sense of responsibility, which may not be a good thing, as it makes her prone to taking on responsibilities that are not hers.

Just like when Bei Lie and Qian Yuan went to war, it made her depressed for three years, and she always felt that she was the fuse that ignited everything.

However, at the same time, this sense of responsibility also urged her to stand up, to try to take on everything, and to change everything.

It was as dazzling as the bright sun.

This is the spirit of a king.

Even Mingchen didn't have it.

"it is good!"

Mingchen looked at the king he had nurtured with a smile, and couldn't help but smile as well: "I'll help you~"

The group moved slowly forward and arrived at a village.

"This place is actually quite nice."

Xiao Xinyue looked around and nodded slightly.

At least there are some people and life there, and the farmland is being cultivated properly.

It was much better than the ravaged and chaotic villages I had seen before.

"Your Majesty, scouts ahead report that a group of villagers have gathered, seemingly for some kind of ceremony or gathering."

"I fear there may be assassins plotting against me."

"Should we disperse them?"

Just then, Xiao Ling rode in from the east, interrupting Ming Chen and Xiao Ling's conversation.

"kindness?"

Come to think of it, this place seems somewhat familiar to Mingchen.

……

"The time has come, the Great Immortal Qingyan is going to hold a lecture!"

"May the Great Immortal Qingyan bless us, may we have a good harvest this year..."

"They're here! So many people, so many soldiers!"

"Run!"

"That character, is it Qian? A few days ago, soldiers came to clear the way..." "It's alright, the Great Immortal Qingyan will protect us."

"Why are there so many people?"

……

Normally, the Qian Yuan army would not harass villages; they would not enter villages but would only travel quickly along the main roads.

However, it seemed that the village was holding some kind of gathering. Many villagers were not staying in the village, but instead gathered in front of an open space outside the village, sitting neatly with their hands clasped together in prayer, looking expectantly at the person on the stage, praying for good things.

Of course, some people noticed the mighty Qian Yuan army coming from the west, and they were filled with panic, wanting to retreat.

When had they ever seen such a spectacle?
Sitting on the high platform was a middle-aged man with a long beard, dressed in a blue robe. Seeing this scene, he couldn't help but frown.

It can't be such a coincidence, right?
……

When the world collapses, the people will find their own way out.

Unable to survive in reality, they turn to faith and pray for the protection of gods beyond their comprehension of reality.

This village had previously been attacked by bandits, and many women and children had been kidnapped.

However, at night, green flames suddenly appeared and burned out of thin air, causing several bandits to flee in terror.

After a few terrified screams, everything returned to calm.

As dawn broke, only a few terrified corpses remained.

The captured women and children survived in a daze.

After that, the legend of the Azure Flame Immortal began to circulate here.

People believed that the green flames were the work of a god who had descended to earth to save them.

Time flew by, and the rumors grew increasingly bizarre.

Later, the traitor Dong Zhuo usurped the throne, and his blood-stained robes led him north, ushering in a chaotic era.

Some bandits, defying all warnings, attacked, intending to plunder the village.

However, at this moment, a middle-aged man in blue robes appeared. With a wave of his hand, he threw out a cloud of smoke that surrounded him.

He then slapped his cheeks, his face turning bright red, his eyes wide with anger, and suddenly spat out a mouthful of flames, which startled the bandits.

Immediately afterwards, he declared loudly, "I am the Azure Flame Daoist. Burn my incense here and receive my protection."

"I am unwilling to commit unnecessary killings, so please leave."

"One more step forward leads to the path to the underworld."

"Whether you live or die is up to you!"

The loud voice echoed through the empty wilderness, reverberating in the bandits' ears.

As luck would have it, these bandits had also heard of this strange occurrence. They knew that some bandits had died here because green flames had mysteriously appeared at night, and the legend had already spread throughout the area.

This middle-aged man, with his otherworldly demeanor and extraordinary bearing, happened to appear at this moment and used these methods that were beyond the comprehension of the common people, which naturally stunned everyone.

The more someone oppresses and exploits others, the less they want to die, and the less courage they have to confront things beyond their wildest imaginations.

These bandits lacked the courage to gamble their lives on the gambling table.

Seeing that this strange man was confident and imposing, they were frightened away.

The people were fortunate to have survived and cheered with joy.

The name of the Azure Flame Immortal became even more renowned, and even his image became more concrete. So this is what the immortal looks like!
This place is protected by gods and immortals, so naturally evil spirits and bandits do not dare to invade.

Order has collapsed, and there are no officials above to oppress people.

In this era of competing to be the worst, the people here lived a much more stable life than in other places. This attracted many refugees from other areas to seek refuge here, and the number of people grew and grew, and the area actually developed quite well.

On the seventh day of each month, the sage would hold a sermon in an open space outside the village, imparting doctrines and faith to believers and helping them live better lives.

The people would also spontaneously offer sacrifices to express their devout faith.

Unfortunately, today is the day the master gives his lecture.

……

"You are the Azure Flame Immortal?"

Mingchen raised an eyebrow, looking at the person in front of him with great interest.

Why does this story seem so familiar to him?
Li Kui has met a fake.

“Young master, he is not a cultivator and does not know magic, but... it’s strange, he seems to have magical power.”

The little bird landed on Mingchen's shoulder, tilting its head to look at the middle-aged man with a long beard dressed in blue.

The black cat sat by the roadside, its heterochromatic eyes silently observing the changing situation.

A pungent odor filled the air.

The Taoist priest in blue robes made a rather flamboyant entrance, with smoke billowing around him, making him look ethereal and otherworldly.

Even amidst a vast army, he remained calm and composed, standing tall and serene, exuding an air of otherworldly grace.

He does have the aura of a wise and enlightened person.

He was not afraid to meet Mingchen's gaze, but simply nodded slightly: "This humble Taoist is Qingyan. May I ask what brings you here, sir?"

Xiao Xinyue brought many people with her when she returned this time, including some extraordinary people who came to seek refuge with her during Ji Qu's time.

It is used to deal with some supernatural things.

Buchen didn't want to go east to see the scenes of natural and man-made disasters again, so she didn't come.

However, Ji Wen, who was skilled in thunder magic, brought about ten people with him.

Right here at this moment, they are also observing this Taoist priest.

His gaze held a hint of amusement.

Mingchen smiled at him and said, "Immortal, you are a highly accomplished master. How could you not know who we are or what business you have with us?"

Qingyan stroked his beard, meeting the gazes of Mingchen and his group with a calm expression, showing no sign of nervousness: "A few days ago, soldiers came here to clear the way, so it seems... that His Majesty the Emperor intends to go east."

He is a virtuous and talented person, and it is only natural for a talented person to act this way.

This person is not bad; he's bold and intelligent.

He is indeed a talented person.

Xiao Xinyue showed no arrogance as a monarch, but simply smiled and asked him, "I have long admired your great name, Immortal. I would also like to see your art of protecting the people. Could you demonstrate it to me?"

Upon hearing this, Qingyan nodded: "Since it is His Majesty's request, this humble Taoist will naturally not refuse."

He knew this was an opportunity.

An opportunity to reach the sky in one step.

With a casual wave of his hand, a series of irritating fumes emanated from him, and countless plumes of smoke dissipated into the air.

"This humble Taoist priest knows the art of swallowing knives and breathing fire."

"It can swallow knives and breathe fire."

He wiped his mouth with his long sleeve, puffed out his cheeks, and suddenly spewed a mouthful of flames into the air.

"Good~"

Seeing how skillfully he performed.

Xiao Xinyue clapped her hands and cheered.

In recent years, she has been living in the palace handling affairs, and apart from cultivators performing magic, she hasn't seen any magic tricks for a long time.

As if he had done something insignificant, Qingyan cupped his hands towards Xiao Xinyue and said, "Your Majesty, I also know the art of disemboweling and removing hearts, and the art of retrieving objects from a distance."

Seeing Xiao Xinyue cheering for him, he felt even more confident.

However, Mingchen, who was next to Xiao Xinyue, looked at him with a smile and said, "I suppose you have never been to big cities like Yueyang or Jiqu."

It felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over me.

Qingyan paused upon hearing this, "Hmm? What do you mean, layman?"

Mingchen chuckled and said, "I happen to know a little bit of those spells of yours, Immortal Master."

As soon as he finished speaking, the little bird on his shoulder blinked, casually created a ball of fire, and suddenly flew towards the blue flames.

It landed right at his feet, scorching the ground black.

Since he had no props, he naturally had to use real ones.

The scorching heat of the flames rushed towards him, causing Qingyan's beard and hair to flutter.

"..."

He shuddered, his eyes flashing with an uncontrollable panic.

"Crack!"

Flashes of electricity crackled.

Ji Wen, who was standing to the side, casually waved his hand and conjured a bolt of lightning.

Qingyan's eyes widened in disbelief.

Mingchen stared at him intently and asked again, "I'll ask you one more question, Immortal Master: are you truly Qingyan?"

"..."

Mingchen is very young, but he has a strong aura and deep eyes that seem to be able to see into people's hearts.

Qingyan fell silent upon hearing this.

He knew that his answer might determine his fate.

The crime of deceiving the emperor is one with no way out.

Perhaps today, the so-called Azure Flame Immortal will perish here.

It seems he underestimated everyone. His magic tricks might fool the ignorant farmers in these remote villages, but in the eyes of these high and mighty people...

Deception and fraud are destined to be unworthy of respectability.

Perhaps he revealed his true colors the moment he took his first step.

He gritted his teeth and looked up at Ming Chen and his group: "Your Majesty, I am indeed Qing Yan, please take a look!"

His face flushed red, and he suddenly raised his index finger, his whole body trembling slightly as he muttered, "Hurry, hurry, hurry!"

A tiny green flame flickered and danced on the index finger as it swayed.

It was very small and weak, as if a gust of wind could blow it out, a stark contrast to the raging fire that had spewed out earlier.

However, the fire surprised everyone present.

"Young master, he used magic."

(End of this chapter)