The more you believe me, the more real it becomes.

Chapter 273 Seems Familiar (5k)

Du Yuan and Mo Yi Ke walked slowly through the mountains and fields.

Suddenly, the man in black stopped in his tracks. He could sense several powerful cultivators approaching.

If he still had his sword and his spirit had not been broken back then, even if these people surrounded and killed him, he would only treat it as swatting flies and dust, and would not take it seriously at all.

But in his current state, let alone a group of people coming together, even if he came alone, it would be enough to make him look miserable and lose all his former glory.

After all, he no longer had the sword, and even less the heart to wield it.

Seeing that Du Yuan had not stopped, he was about to speak when he suddenly realized something.

If he already knows something, how could this person not know it?

It seems that this person probably doesn't care at all.

After shaking his head and smiling, he slowly followed.

After the two walked a few steps forward, Du Yuan vaguely realized that someone seemed to be approaching.

Looking up, I was surprised to see three streaks of light flying towards me from the sky.

Just as they were about to stop, they heard three figures from the sky shouting with great magical power towards the surrounding area:

"We know we have committed grave sins and have come here specifically to beg for forgiveness, sir. We beg you to show leniency!"

The sound was clearly made using considerable skill; for a moment, Du Yuan could hear it clearly.

The same applies to the area surrounding Hexi.

The ordinary people working in the fields, the spirits lurking in the deep valleys, and the immortals guarding the mountaintops all heard it clearly.

The people looked around in bewilderment, not knowing what the voice from the sky meant. They assumed it was a divine being descending to earth and hurriedly dropped their farming tools, kneeling and bowing in the direction of the flowing light in the clouds.

All the immortals, gods, ghosts and monsters were shocked and full of surprise. The three of them were all famous cultivators who were arrogant and rarely showed courtesy even to those of the same realm. Why were they so humble now, even going so far as to use their great magic to apologize to people in public?

Did they not know that this was tantamount to handing Tianxian a knife?

Just as the immortals and gods were about to ponder the reason, the voice from the clouds rang out again, making their hearts leap:
“In the past, Zen Master Yunzi had an epiphany in the deep mountains and decided to lay down his butcher’s knife. He traveled 30,000 miles to Biyong Academy to plead guilty. The Grand Master of the Academy, seeing his sincere repentance, used magic in a dream to cut off his head and seal his soul, ordering him to guard Fengdu for 3,000 years with his headless body to atone for his past sins.”

"Three thousand years passed in the blink of an eye. Zen Yunzi finally woke up from that 'dream of being beheaded.' Looking down, he saw that his head and body were perfectly intact! After this ordeal, he truly had a great awakening and completely let go of his past obsessions. After that, he went to Fengdu on his own initiative and never left until the great calamity ended."

“We know that we are far inferior to Chan Yunzi in both cultivation and character. But we dare not compare the sins we have committed with his. Since you are a graduate of Biyong Academy, we hope that you can remember the benevolence of the academy's master and give us a chance to atone for our sins!”

Zen Yunzi was once a notorious demonic cultivator, even the butcher seemed gentle and amiable in comparison. Yet, this very person, for some unknown reason, had an epiphany in the mountains one day, and thus laid down his butcher's knife, and went to the Biyong Academy to apologize to the Grand Master of the Confucian Temple.

This also gave rise to the famous story of being beheaded in a dream and atoning for his sins in Fengdu.

This is nothing special, as it's common knowledge in the cultivation world. No matter how powerful the person involved is, they're just a legendary figure, not someone you can easily fall into.

The problem now is that these three people actually said that the Confucian scholar came from the Biyong Academy.

This is a huge problem!

Within the territory of the Confucian Temple, who would dare to act recklessly when people from the academy come?

For a time, all the gods and immortals were filled with dread, fearing that this Confucian scholar might suddenly use the name of the Confucian Temple to attack them.

At the same time, they finally understood why these three reckless individuals acted in this way.

It seems they know they've run into a brick wall, and they're trying to use their 'benevolence and virtue' to shield them!

At this moment, the old beggar slowly stuffed his wine gourd shut, then frowned and said:

"Biyong Academy? That can't be right. Even if this child is from some academy, it can't be Biyong Academy!"

He had actually seen Du Yuan in person and had interacted with her. Most importantly, he had been to the Biyong Academy many times. He knew very well what the Confucian scholars born there were like in terms of their conduct.

Furthermore, he knew most of the people in the Biyong Academy to some extent. The other party also knew him, so their previous encounter should not have been that of complete strangers!
After much deliberation, the old beggar decided to go and take a look.

Compared to those filthy things, he found this doll much more pleasing to the eye.

If nothing's wrong, that's naturally the best.

If something goes wrong, he can lend a hand.

Besides, if we achieve a good outcome today, it will be easier for both of us to communicate if we meet his husband in the future.

For both public and private reasons, we should go and take a look.
-
Du Yuan, who had stopped in front of him, saw the three streaks of light utter this long passage.

It landed on its own initiative.

All three were filled with trepidation, and upon seeing Du Yuan, they hurriedly bowed and knelt down:

"Please, sir, be lenient with me!"

"We are truly repentant!"

As they spoke, they glanced furtively at the man in black behind Du Yuan.

Spring Breeze Sword Master is one of the great sword immortals of the sword cultivation lineage.

Putting aside everything else, all three of them standing side by side were definitely courting death.

Unexpectedly, this person was following behind this gentleman.

Judging from his appearance, he really is a teacher from the academy. Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence?
Previously on the plains, the man in black had caused quite a commotion, but the people here basically only knew that it happened, but did not know who had caused it.

Du Yuan looked at the three people in front of her with great interest.

The leader was a man dressed as a butcher, with an incredibly beautiful woman to his right and a man in black to his left.

All three were filled with fear and trepidation, and prostrated themselves in worship.

These three guys clearly got themselves into the wrong place, scaring themselves into coming to apologize.

This is actually kind of funny.

After thinking for a moment, Du Yuan spoke:

"You've got one thing wrong."

"what?"

A sense of unease flashed through the minds of both the butcher and the alluring woman as they looked up in bewilderment.

The man in black did not look up, but simply lay prostrate on the ground behind him.

Du Yuan looked at them and said:
"You've come to plead guilty, hoping for leniency, which is certainly possible, both morally and logically. But, heh heh, you probably think I'm from the Biyong Academy, right?"

The butcher's eyelids twitched wildly as he spoke:

"Isn't it?"

At the same time, he slowly came to his senses from what Wu Yike had said.

Those three points, seemingly impeccable, are actually all dubious.

Du Yuan shook her head and smiled:

"No."

At that moment, the butcher and the alluring woman almost gasped in shock. Then, a surge of fury erupted from them.

They made such a big fuss just to find a way to survive.

I never imagined it would turn into such a huge joke!

Even at this point, the two could barely suppress their anger, because this Confucian scholar did indeed seem to have impeccable credentials. Even if he wasn't a teacher at the Biyong Academy.

As long as he is truly a Confucian orthodox believer, then it's still impossible to offend him.

Especially when such a large-scale operation is being carried out.

Otherwise, I'd really have to explain to the teachers at the Biyong Academy whether I'm being unreasonable.

"Then, were you sent by the Temple of Literature?"

Du Yuan shook her head slightly, her tone calm and even: "No, none of that. I am indeed from a Confucian background, but I don't have any orthodox lineage; I'm more of a self-taught person."

At this moment, both the butcher and the alluring woman turned ashen-faced.

Their reputation will likely be completely ruined after today.

Yet, a sense of dread still lingered in his heart. The title of the Spring Breeze Sword Master was truly terrifying; he was a genuine great sword immortal!

Not to mention that if they're not mistaken, the Immortal Sword Spring Breeze is probably hidden nearby, ready to be drawn at any time to protect its master.

This sense of intimidation is likely the reason why this Confucian scholar dared to act so casually.

Just as the two were filled with agonizing uncertainty, the butcher, who had finally taken a good look, suddenly narrowed his eyes, then felt a surge of wild joy, his gaze fixed on the man in black. He... he seemed unable to wield a sword?
Others might not realize it, but he was different; he was the top clerk at Tiannanzhai. He might not be good at other things, but his eyesight was exceptional—he had never suffered a loss!
He had seen countless sword cultivators. He knew exactly what they looked like at any given time.

Furthermore, this great swordsman made no attempt to hide his intentions; he openly told everyone that he could no longer wield a sword!

Immediately, the butcher transmitted a message to the alluring woman and the man in black: 'Make your move! Kill him immediately!'

The alluring woman's heart skipped a beat, a sense of fear rising within her: 'Is the Spring Breeze Sword Master still alive? What if…?'

"Don't be afraid. What's the difference between a swordsman who can't wield a sword and a stray dog ​​on the roadside?!"

In an instant, the butcher suddenly launched an attack.

"You dare to do this!"

He planned to kill Du Yuan directly and settle the matter. As for the Spring Breeze Sword Master, to prevent the immortal sword from protecting its master, he intended to deal with him casually and then retreat immediately.

But just as he took half a step forward, a thunderous shout suddenly came from behind him: "You vicious scoundrel! Since you have come to beg for forgiveness, you should accept whatever punishment the master may give you, and whatever your background may be. How dare you try to kill me in secret!"

It's the Black-Clad Strangers!

Although it wasn't these two who realized it on their own, it didn't matter. What he wanted was for these two to come over without any preparation.

He desperately wanted to live! He wanted it so badly!
Realizing he was no match for Du Yuan and had been tricked by that bitch, leaving him unable to escape, he found himself with only one option left—to sell out those two bastards!
Take their heads to save your own life!
Of course, he absolutely cannot act rashly, because even if he were not injured, he would not be a match for these two guys.

Then we must create a perfect opportunity that they will inevitably leave their backs to.

After much thought, he came up with the idea of ​​luring those two scoundrels here on their own initiative.

There are two reasons why he deliberately did not reveal Du Yuan's strength and why he did not say that this person was far beyond the three of them to defeat.

Firstly, he was afraid that if he revealed the truth, the two of them would immediately abandon him and run away, leaving him alone to face Du Yuan; secondly, he was even more afraid that the two of them would realize something was wrong and join forces to kill him, the "insider," to sever the cause and effect.

After all, if you encounter a powerful cultivator of unknown origin, you can escape if you can't afford to offend him; but if it's a teacher sent by the Confucian Temple, you have no choice but to obediently apologize.

The situation he has painstakingly built up is now excellent!
With the powerful figure who shattered the demonic sword pressing forward, and him then launching a sneak attack from behind, there was no reason for him to fail when attacked from both sides.

Golden light cascaded from his palm like molten gold, and he was only three inches from the butcher's back. This long-awaited, all-out strike was about to land—

But at that moment, the man in black suddenly froze, as if he had been frozen in place. A metallic taste surged in his throat, and a mouthful of dark purple blood spurted out with a "pfft".

When it splashed onto the open ground in front of him, it instantly scalded deep pits like hot water melting snow.

The unreleased magical power, like a rushing river crashing against a cliff, instantly surged back, causing the Qi Sea to churn and shatter, the Golden Core to tremble violently, and then exploded in an instant.

He staggered, his face ashen, his eyes filled with disbelief: "How...how could this be?"

He had examined his injuries and carefully considered the circumstances of that secret technique, concluding that the bitch should no longer be able to harm him with it.

But what is it now?

Just then, the man in black finally came to his senses and stared blankly at the butcher.

Ah, he was too busy guarding against that bitch!

But when exactly did this bastard scheme against you?
The man in black couldn't understand it, and all he could do was stare into darkness amidst endless bewilderment.

The butcher merely sneered, then wielded his blade with all his might to kill Du Yuan.

What just happened happened in the blink of an eye; even the man in black hadn't completely collapsed.

Seeing that his excessive speed had slowed everything down, the Butcher glanced at Du Yuan and then focused his attention entirely on the man in black.

The other party was a renowned sword immortal. In the past, whether it was the Grand Master of Tiannanzhai or himself now, they could only be obsequious and timid like mice when they saw him.

But now, he could see a look of utter astonishment on the other person's face!
For him, the sight of "even those in positions of power losing their composure" was an immense pleasure.

If it weren't for the fact that Xianjian Chunfeng was probably nearby, he would have loved to go up to this great swordsman he used to only look up to and beat him up like a drowning dog.

But as he watched, the smile on the butcher's face gradually froze.

The astonishment of the man in black was not what he had expected—he had thought that astonishment would be mixed with the rage of "How dare you lay a hand on me," or the disbelief of "How dare you do this?"

Beneath his surface, he should ideally harbor a barely concealed sense of terror. After all, he'd discover he wasn't the great swordsman he once was! He'd discover that no one feared him anymore!
But right now, the look in the black-clad man's eyes was clearly one of bewilderment at "Why are you courting death?" and a sense of absurdity at "Are you out of your mind?"

Only at this moment did the butcher look at Du Yuan in horror.

One glance was enough to strike him like lightning; the hairs on his body stood on end instantly, and a chill ran from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head!

He noticed that Du Yuan still had that nonchalant look on her face, and even a hint of amusement in her eyes, as if the life-or-death struggle before her was nothing more than an insignificant farce.

Terrified and knowing there was no way out, he could only unleash his power even more fiercely and thrust it towards Du Yuan's heart.

As long as you can penetrate it and shatter the opponent's spiritual veins and sea of ​​qi, even if the opponent is a great cultivator, they will become a fish to be slaughtered!

But at this moment, Du Yuan, who had been watching the show, finally made her move.

Looking at the butcher's knife, which seemed as slow as child's play in her eyes, Du Yuan thought for a moment and decided to imitate that coolest pose!

With a clang, the butcher was horrified to see that the butcher's knife, which was filled with magic power and was almost one with him, was actually held in the other's hand by two fingers!
What's even more terrifying is that no matter how hard he tried, it wouldn't budge. It was as if he were a child trying to uproot a tree, which only made people laugh.

Before he could react, Du Yuan said to him:
"Have you had enough trouble?"

The butcher looked up in a panic and saw that although the other person was smiling, there was no warmth in his eyes.

He had barely opened his mouth when he heard the sound of thin ice breaking from his hand.

Upon closer inspection, he realized that the other party had crushed the butcher's knife in his hand with just two fingers, and the force of the crushing had even traveled from the knife to his hand!
In an instant, all his magical power was completely useless, and he could only watch helplessly as his arm shattered like ice.

Amidst excruciating pain and even greater terror, he finally uttered:
"Aren't you a self-taught amateur?!"

How could a self-taught Confucian scholar be so capable?

Du Yuan laughed:

"I may be self-taught, but who said that self-taught people can't deal with you bunch of bastards?"

The butcher quickly smashed the shoulder bone with a palm strike, which finally stopped the collapsing motion.

Taking advantage of the momentum, it flew backwards and then dared not linger for even a moment, turning into a streak of light as it fled.

No wonder, no wonder that man in black went to such lengths to trick them into betraying him.

It turns out he had already realized that they were no match for each other!
It's infuriating that I, who pride myself on being so clever, didn't even realize this.

The butcher felt nothing but regret.

What surprised him even more was that he froze halfway through the air and then turned back the way he came, landing in front of Du Yuan.

"Stop them! Stop them even if it kills you!"

The alluring woman's voice suddenly rang out, and the butcher's back was covered in twisted, dark lines, like a withered tree.

Just as the man in black realized before his death that he had unknowingly fallen into the butcher's trap.

He finally realized that he had fallen into that scoundrel's trap, but he was a little better off than the Black-Clad Swordsman, as he knew when he had been tricked.

If nothing unexpected happens, it will surely be time for them to consummate their union!
What a despicable person!
After cursing inwardly, the butcher could only watch helplessly as 'himself' mustered his last remaining magical power and charged fiercely towards Du Yuan.

This is a dead end, a dead end like an egg hitting a rock.

However, before he died, the butcher said something amusing to the fleeing scoundrel:
"You think you can escape?!"

In an instant, the poison backfired. The alluring woman fell from the sky.

Then, like the Black-Clad Swordsman, he vomited blood continuously, causing wisps of smoke to rise from the ground in front of him, and his internal energy sea to churn wildly.

The alluring woman, whose vocal cords were completely burned, also struggled to say something to the butcher:
"You lied to me about the erysipelas?!"

The butcher's body was completely shattered, and he was no longer able to answer her.

But the object, caught in the throes of castration, flew down onto her head, its trajectory radiating endless mockery.

You hurt me, do you think you can get away with it?

Looking at her disgusting face, the glamorous woman was clearly extremely agitated.

However, the poison was too potent; she struggled for only a few moments before collapsing and everything went black.

They arrived with great fanfare, only to immediately create chaos.

Du Yuan couldn't help but chuckle and shake her head. How come this kind of evil path has never changed?

The southwest is, and so is this place.

Just as I was about to say something, I heard a strange cry. Looking up, I saw a man in a straw raincoat come running out of the mountains in a panic.

"Sir, spare me! Sir, spare me! I... I meant no harm! I just wanted to see what was wrong!"

(End of this chapter)