I am about to die of old age, and I have awakened the character of longevity.

Chapter 131: Show your trump card, the power of the Grandmaster!

When leaving Cuiweiju, everyone hung their heads and looked dejected.

He was completely different from the fierce and majestic person he was when he came.

As a person who lived two lives, Xie An was fine. After all, he was familiar with the history of thousands of years of feudal dynasties in his previous life and knew that the feudal bureaucracy was like that.

However, when Xie An looked at Wen Zaiqing, he suddenly felt that this young and clear-minded person seemed to have aged ten years, and even walked with a trembling manner.

The one who was hit the hardest was Chen Qinglang.

The leader of the Tiger and Wolf Sect, who had accumulated decades of courage and pride, was crushed in an instant.

He clutched his broken arm, letting the cut bleed, and pushed away everyone's support, stumbling away. Under the astonished gazes of countless villagers, he walked step by step, like a wanderer who had lost his way.

Xie An stood at the dock, quietly watching the desolate figure walking away.

……

Chen Qinglang left.

Taking Avi and Xiaoqing, they got on a carriage and left Shuideng Town.

When Xie An went to see him off, Chen Qinglang only left one sentence, "I wish you good luck."

That night, Xie An received the news: Chen Qinglang resigned from the position of leader of the Tiger and Wolf Sect and left Qingwu County with Xiaoqing and Awei.

No one knew where they went.

However, Xie An knew that a great hero of Qingwu County had come to an end.

After the news spread, the entire Baiyu Hall was in an uproar and people were in panic.

Zhang Lin, Lin Yun, Wang Xiang, Liang Zhi and others hurried to the hall to find Xie An.

"Master, what should we do?"

Except for Liang Zhi, the others were all people who had experienced Cuiweiju firsthand, and their minds and spirits were greatly shaken.

Even the sect leader was slapped in the face and had to cut off his arm to survive; even the county magistrate knelt down and bowed his head.

Such a corpse refining hall... is so powerful that it's suffocating.

They were on the front line of the resistance against the Corpse Refining Hall, so naturally they were in turmoil and knew that they were like throwing an egg against a rock.

Xie An said, "I'm going to the county town. You... go to the county town first and buy a house as a retreat. Inform your family members to move to the county town as soon as possible. I'll tell you about the rest after I come back. Remember, you must not escape without the order from the Tiger and Wolf Sect. Also, be quiet and don't let your men know."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

They were all the incense masters and great stewards of the Tiger and Wolf Sect. If they fled rashly, the Tiger and Wolf Sect would not spare them before the Corpse Refining Hall.

drive!
Xie An led the horse and galloped out of the hall.

Before heading to the county town, Xie An visited the Chen Clan Martial Arts School and found his two beloved disciples. He gave Han Li two hundred taels of silver and asked him to buy him a large house in the county town. The two disciples planned to move there in the future. He also notified Chen Lei and Chen He.

Afterwards, Xie An went to Li's house to find Chunlan and asked Chunlan to inform Madam Li.

After completing all this, Xie An rushed to the county town.

Even Chen Qinglang and Wen Zaiqing are in this situation, what can a mere hall master like me do?

I have to prepare a way out.

……

"Brother, I respect you."

Tangjiabao, living room dining table.

Xie An toasted Tang Zhengyang.

Xiao Hongtang sat on Xie An's lap, eating the braised pork with a smile on her face. Tang Linshi, who was standing by, used a "fierce" look to warn Xiao Hongtang to get off Xie An's lap several times, but Xiao Hongtang pretended not to see it.

Tang Lin had no choice but to give up.

Tang Qingyun and Tang Qingfeng didn't care much about this detail and talked and ate freely.

After the meal, Tang Qingfeng forcibly picked up Xiao Hongtang and handed her to Tang Linshi to take away.

The atmosphere in the living room suddenly became much more solemn.

Tang Zhengyang handed the gift Xie An brought to Tang Qingfeng and said, "Fifth brother, from now on, you can just come here in person. There's no need to prepare these gifts. It would be awkward."

Xie An said: "Brother, you have taken care of me for many years. I am grateful to you and I still want to show my appreciation."

Tang Zhengyang smiled and let it go. "Just this morning, Chen Qinglang came to say goodbye to me. I saw that he had a broken arm and looked depressed. I've heard a little about the situation in Shuideng Town. What exactly happened?"

Xie An explained the situation in detail, not hiding anything at the end. "To be honest, big brother, I came here today for this matter. I am honored to be the leader of the Baiyu Hall, and I have taken on the tasks of the Tiger and Wolf Sect and the government office to help defend against the demons in Dayin Mountain. But now... a young master Li has suppressed Chen Qinglang and County Magistrate Wen to this point. I really have to prepare a way out."

Xie An did not consider himself a fearless chivalrous knight, and he had nothing to hide in front of Big Brother.

Tang Zhengyang glanced at Tang Qingyun and then said, "Qingyun told me everything about you. In the past two years, you have governed well. You did a great job. You immediately thought about resolving Chen Qing's situation. It's obvious that Fifth Brother also wants to do things well. But at this point, we really can't be pedantic and ignorant. We must do everything within our capabilities. You are right to consider your options."

Xie An breathed a sigh of relief after receiving Tang Zhengyang's approval. "Thank you for your understanding, big brother. In my opinion, the Corpse Refining Hall has begun to show its true colors, and the situation will only get worse. Big brother, I'm... worried that the entire Qingwu County will be lost."

Eh.

Tang Zhengyang sighed, "After all, the Changsheng Sect was the state religion of the previous dynasty, and its power is immense. Even if it were just a few remnants, if they were placed in Qingwu County... they would be enough to cause a catastrophe. If the Corpse Refining Hall really came out in full force, even I... wouldn't be able to withstand it."

By the way, you said that young man's surname is Li?"

Xie An said, "Yes."

Tang Qingfeng said, "Wen Zaiqing was a Jinshi (civil and military) in the 96th year of the Jingtai reign. He studied under the Nanyang prefect. His teacher was a fourth-rank official. He was originally assigned to Qingwu County as magistrate at the prefect's request. Is this Mr. Li above the fourth rank?"

Tang Zhengyang said, "I know Magistrate Wen's character. He's upright and honest, a well-known scholar. Plus, he has a fourth-rank prefect as his teacher. Even facing ordinary fourth-rank officials, or even third-rank officials, he wouldn't easily bow down. This Mr. Li's background is probably even greater than you think."

Bigger than the third rank?
Xie An couldn't help but ask, "How big is it?"

Tang Zhengyang said: "The former governor of Nanzhou, now the King of Huainan, has the surname Li."

hiss!
Xie An took a deep breath.

According to Daqian's custom, a provincial governor was usually of the second rank, but if he held other titles, he would be of the first rank. If he served as the governor of several provinces concurrently, he would be of the first rank.

The one with the title of king is given the nine gifts and the fake yellow axe, which is a super product!
What's more, the king of the opposite sex only obeys the emperor's orders in name, but in fact has relatively independent power to collect taxes and appoint and dismiss officials in his jurisdiction, which is equivalent to a country within a country.

No wonder...

Wen Zaiqing will collapse, and Chen Qinglang will flee Qingwu County... He has no choice but to flee!
No matter how big a martial arts sect is, it is nothing but an ant in front of the imperial court.

"Brother, are you saying that this Mr. Li... is the son of the King of Huainan?"

Tang Zhengyang said, "It's highly likely. Otherwise, Wen Zaiqing wouldn't have acted this way. Because whether it's Wen Zaiqing or the Nanyang prefect, their positions were all appointed by the King of Huainan. The King of Huainan has half the power over taxation, appointment and dismissal of officials, and military power. To Wen Zaiqing, the King of Huainan is half the king."

Xie An sighed, "If the Corpse Refining Hall and the King of Huainan collude, then Qingwu County... these hundreds of thousands of people will be gone."

Although the common people in the feudal chaotic times were all lowly, Xie An still instinctively cared about human life.

Tang Zhengyang rubbed his temples. "This is illogical. The Corpse Refining Hall was suppressed like that back then. Master also left the Corpse Refining Hall. How could the Corpse Refining Hall have the bargaining chips to make a deal with the King of Huainan..."

Halfway through his speech, Tang Zhengyang suddenly remembered something terrible and his face turned pale.

Could it be that... Master is really not dead?
Mingyu has achieved great success?

This……

Although Old Master Tang was very powerful, he existed in the era after Li Changchun.

Tang Zhengyang has a clear understanding of this.

If the master hadn't died and had personally participated... that would definitely not be a level he could participate in.

Xie An knew Tang Zhengyang was under great pressure when he saw his expression, so he said, "Brother, the Corpse Refining Hall is very ambitious this time, and I'm afraid they are well prepared. I hope you will also make plans as soon as possible."

Tang Zhengyang nodded, dismissed the two men, and only left Xie An.

Xie An knew that Tang Zhengyang had something secret to tell him, so he stood up and offered to pour tea for Tang Zhengyang. "Brother, just say it."

Tang Zhengyang asked, "If we leave Qingwu County, what are your plans, Fifth Brother?"

Xie An shook his head. "Not yet. I've never been out of Qingwu County in my life, so I don't know what the outside world is like. If big brother also has this intention, I am willing to accompany big brother."

Tang Zhengyang was very pleased to hear this, "Fifth brother, you are thoughtful. But things haven't gotten that bad yet."

"how do I say this?"

Tang Zhengyang said, "Nearly a hundred years ago, the Nanyang Demon Suppression Office and the Corpse Refining Hall reached an agreement. It required the Corpse Refining Hall not to leave the mountain for a hundred years. But I don't know the rest of the agreement. Do you know who was the head of the Demon Suppression Office at the time?"

"who?"

"He Nanfeng, a Grandmaster of the Nanzhou Demon Suppression Division. He's nearly 150 years old now. He currently serves as an advisor to the King of Huainan. He was the one who signed the agreement. But twenty years ago, a new Chief of Staff arrived at the Nanyang Prefecture Division. She's a woman. Do you know her name?"

"Please explain clearly, brother."

"Su Yuqing."

Xie An was a little confused.

Tang Zhengyang said, "This General Su is different from He Nanfeng. He Nanfeng is all about profit and is very cunning. He doesn't care much about the lives of the people. But General Su is very understanding of the people's suffering. He even set up a demon suppression house in the county. Captain Liu Chun and I are quite familiar with each other. I went to see him this afternoon, and he said he knew about the situation in Shuideng Town."

Xie An understood, "Brother, do you think that General Su will not stand idly by?"

Tang Zhengyang nodded.

Xie An asked, "But this matter involves the King of Huainan. Even if General Su wanted to save the crumbling empire, I'm afraid he wouldn't be able to do anything, right?"

Tang Zhengyang asked, "Do you know the identity of General Su?"

"?"

"The eldest princess of the dynasty! A martial arts master, she's only in her fifties. Still very young."

Xie An sat there blankly. An unexpected turn of events?

"A princess like you came to Nanyang Prefecture?"

Tang Zhengyang said: "I don't know about that."

Xie An said: "If this General Su is willing to take action, then Qingwu County should be safe. But what if..."

Tang Zhengyang said: "Right now, we can only place our hopes on this woman."

……

Xie An left Tangjiabao.

My mind is full of thoughts.

He didn't like this unstable life, but the situation was right in front of him, forcing him to make a choice.

Since the crisis has spread to his hometown, Xie An also wants to do his part to protect his hometown.

It’s not that the Corpse Refining Hall is too perverted or not powerful enough.

Since the King of Huainan is involved, it's impossible to expect Old Master Tang to step in and do anything. In front of the King of Huainan, my eldest brother is also an ant...

"We can't put all our hopes on a woman named Su. We need to make sure we have a way out."

Xie An shook his head, cleared away his distracting thoughts, jumped on his horse, and prepared to leave.

"But Xie An, the head of Baiyu Hall?"

A loud voice was heard. Xie An stopped his horse and looked back, only to see another bearded man on horseback hurrying towards him.

"Who is your Excellency?"

The bearded man was very respectful to Xie An and even dismounted. "I am Liu Chun, the captain of the Demon Suppression Office. My master invites you."

Xie An was stunned for a moment.

Isn’t the head of the Demon-Suppressing House the boss?
Master...that's someone from the Nanyang Demon Suppression Office.

Xie An was wary of meeting such a big shot.

Liu Chun seemed to see Xie An's hesitation. Liu Chun, who was not good at laughing, forced a smile that was uglier than crying. "My master has learned about the situation in Shuideng Town and specially asked you to discuss important matters."

It's like this, there's no way to refuse.

"Please lead the way, Liu Dutou."

Xie An came to the Demon-Suppressing House in the county town for the first time.

It was a very simple place, very low-key. Apart from the two majestic stone lions at the door, the furnishings inside were very old. However, all the necessary facilities were there.

For example, martial arts training grounds, sword and weapon racks, stone pillars, etc.

After passing through the back hall, they arrived at the gate of a separate courtyard. Liu Chun stood at the gate and pointed inside. "The master is waiting for you inside. Please come in."

"Thank you, Liu Dutou."

Xie An cupped his hands.

Although Liu Dutou was low-key, he was still a seventh-rank military officer, no less than Wen Zaiqing. Furthermore, he had the support of the Demon Suppression Division, a powerful figure that could not be underestimated.

The backyard is very simple, with two large camphor trees that have not been maintained and are growing very lushly.

The pond next to it was overgrown with weeds because no one had maintained it. There was a pavilion next to the pond with a desk in it. A young man in a light blue robe was sitting next to the desk reading a book, and he would pick up a wolf-hair brush to take notes from time to time.

Xie An came closer and saw the young man's appearance clearly. He was shocked. "Mr. Su."

Xie An was deeply impressed by Mr. Su.

I have been teaching at the county military academy for two years.

Xie An had seen Xiao Hongtang picking him up and dropping him off many times, often listening from outside. Although they didn't interact much, he had a good impression of Mr. Su and held him in high regard.

Mr. Su didn't look up, but glanced at the seat opposite him and said, "Sit down."

When Xie An sat down, he found that Mr. Su was very absorbed in writing, so he did not disturb him. He saw a stove boiling water next to him and tea sets and tea leaves on the table, so he made some tea. When the tea leaves were soaked, he took the initiative to bring a bowl of tea and placed it next to Mr. Su.

Then, Xie An looked at Mr. Su in front of him.

Very familiar.

Teacher, I came here two years ago...

Last name: Su.

Still Liu Chun's master...

Suddenly, a very bold idea popped up in Xie An's mind: No way...

Once the idea came to mind, I couldn't hold it back any longer.

The more I think about it, the more I feel that this is the case...

brush!
Xie An was so shocked that he suddenly stood up from his seat.

Ha ha.

Mr. Su smiled faintly, and said nothing. He continued to carefully write on the rice paper, then rolled it up and called out to the living room, "Yuhe."

Then, in Xie An's extremely shocked eyes, Yuhe walked out.

Yuhe giggled and bowed to Xie An, "Hello, Master."

Then, without waiting for Xie An's reply, he picked up the rolled-up rice paper and said, "Don't worry, Miss. I will send it to Nanyang Prefecture immediately."

When walking out of the pavilion, Yuhe bowed to Xie An again, then left with a smile.

The yard was quiet.

No wonder he looks familiar... This Mr. Su is the Miss Yuhe whom I met at the beginning.

Mr. Su sat down and glanced at Xie An for the first time. "Sit down and talk. I asked you to come here today because I felt the time had come and we could talk openly about some things. If you have any questions, feel free to ask directly."

Xie An sat down stiffly, sweat forming on his forehead. "Mr. Su is...Su Yuqing?"

Su Yuqing did not hide it, "That's right."

Xie An's heart was pounding.

Damn it.

Yuhe's background is too great. Her daughter is actually the eldest princess of the current dynasty and a martial arts master!

"General Su, I'm looking for you... What can I do for you?"

Su Yuqing whispered softly, "My predecessor, He Nanfeng, the former head of the Nanyang Demon Suppression Office, set up a century-long trap. I intend to break it. However, there are many things I cannot publicly discuss. I need a sharp sword to help me... split the Great Yin Mountain in one stroke. Are you willing to be this sharp sword?"

Xie An shook his head, gritted his teeth, and refused under pressure, "I don't want to."

If he had enough ability, or if Xie An Mingyu had achieved great success, he would certainly fight for this land. But now, Xie An knew that he did not have the strength to do so, so he was unwilling to do so.

Although rejecting Su Yuqing might make the grandmaster angry, compared to committing suicide... Xie An still felt it necessary to express his attitude.

I thought Su Yuqing would be angry when she heard this.

However, it does not.

The woman remained calm and collected as she took a sip of tea from her cup. "Unfortunately, you have no way out."

Xie An's heart sank.

Is this Grandmaster Su going to force himself?
Su Yuqing seemed to know Xie An's thoughts and said, "I'm not forcing you. You can refuse me. You just went to see Old Master Tang Tang and asked your disciple to buy a house in the county town. It's obvious that you are already planning a retreat. This is understandable. Anyone facing the Corpse Refining Hall is like an egg hitting a rock. It's okay to seek a retreat.

But everyone has a way out, except you."

Knowing that this woman had no intention of coercing him, Xie An breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Please give me some advice, General Su."

Su Yuqing said, "Li Changchun has mastered the Mingyu Gong and has regained his youth. The high priest of the Corpse Refining Hall has also regained his youth. They've set their sights on you. If I hadn't secretly attacked you twice, you would have been killed by Li Changchun."

"Targeting me?"

Su Yuqing raised her head, staring at Xie An with clear eyes. "You killed two bronze corpses in Gupo and absorbed two strands of corpse qi. When you killed a silver corpse at Village Chief Zhao's house and absorbed five strands of corpse qi, did you feel someone fighting with you for the corpse qi?"

hiss.

Xie An took a deep breath. This woman...how does she know everything?

Is this the skill of a martial arts master?

This is too scary.

This world is so terrible!

Su Yuqing continued, "The one who fought you for the corpse qi was the High Priestess of the Corpse Refining Hall. She was a corpse refiner and had collected eight thousand strands of corpse qi. Furthermore, if she could gather ten thousand strands of corpse qi, the Corpse Refining Hall's century-long plan would be complete.

Or, this corpse qi... is also called immortal qi!"

Xie An looked at the woman opposite him as if she were a monster.

Su Yuqing said softly, "You are so powerful that even the High Priest couldn't compete with you for the Undying Qi. Since then, the High Priest has sent Li Changchun down the mountain to find you. And, he has already found you. They regard you as the greatest threat, and they will not give up until you are dead."

Xie An had no doubts.

Because he knew that what Su Yuqing said was the truth.

Xie An, who has always pursued a stable development, was not only involved, but also pushed to the center of the storm.

Su Yuqing took a sip of tea. "As long as Li Changchun and the High Priest are targeting you, it won't matter even if you run to the ends of the earth. Wen Zaiqing can't protect you, the Tiger and Wolf Sect can't protect you, and Old Master Tang can't protect you either. But I can."

(End of this chapter)