The First Sage of Military Strategists

Beijing.

The Han family mansion.

In the study, Han Yi suddenly unleashed an astonishing aura, causing many bookshelves around him to shatter and pages to fly everywhere. The maids and servants, unaware of what had happened, knelt down, their foreheads pressed tightly to the floor, their bodies trembling.

"Master, what happened? Why are you so angry?"

Mrs. Luo happened to be passing by the study door when she heard the noise. She entered the study and saw that the room was in a mess, with writing brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, incense burners, and paintings scattered all over the floor. She felt a sense of dread.

Han Yi, dressed in black and wearing a crimson-gold crown, walked silently to the window, put his hands behind his back, and gazed at the distant horizon, exuding a deep and cold killing intent.

Madam Luo didn't dare to ask any more questions. She instructed the maids and servants beside her to get up and tidy up the room. Before long, all the items scattered on the ground were placed back in their original positions.

Han Yi turned around, his gaze deep, and said slowly, "That child back then was none other than Han Qing, the prodigy of Shu."

Mrs. Luo was startled, and a look of disgust and regret appeared in her eyes.

"Master, you should have listened to me back then and personally killed him in the capital. Now look what's happened. This little beast has such terrifying martial arts talent, and he has already become a force to be reckoned with. Killing him now is many times more difficult."

Back then, she insisted on killing Han Qing to prevent future troubles, but Han Yi disagreed. So she had to mobilize the Luo family's resources to plan a robbery, but it ultimately failed. If Han Yi had been willing to go there in person, she believed no one could have protected Han Qing.

Han Yi picked up his brush and slowly wrote a single character on the clean white Xuan paper on the table: "Law." His mind had completely calmed down.

"Back then, I promised Su Jin that I would spare his life. How could I go back on my word? Otherwise, Su Jin would have fought to the death, and who knows how many more people in the court would have died. But it doesn't matter. So what if he's a half-saint? In my eyes, he's just a slightly larger ant, and I can kill him with a flick of my hand," Han Yi said in a deep voice.

"Master, are you going to make the trip yourself?" Roland was overjoyed.

"No rush. Recently, the rebels in Chu have become very powerful. Xiang Ying controls thirty-six cities. The experts of the Chu court have either been killed or simply surrendered to him. There are rumors that he has also secretly joined forces with the Mohists. Compared to Han Qing, this villain is the biggest threat to the court. I will go to Chu first and find a way to eliminate him before dealing with Han Qing." Han Yi said unhurriedly, showing an air of complete control.

Roland nodded slightly; she had recently heard some news about Xiang Ying from various sources.

The situation in Chu is indeed very bad. After Xiang Ying returned from the icy plains of the north, his strength increased greatly. He quickly defeated the Chu court forces, and now Chu is almost completely in his hands. The whole court and the public are quite shocked.

...

the other side.

Han Qing was flying at top speed, chasing after Yan Qiuling and her group.

As he flew, he kept an eye on the boundary markers.

Inside the Boundless Monument, the Heavenly Cloud Vine Puppet became completely quiet after being taken in.

This is another incredible ability of the Boundless Monument: it can capture enemy magical artifacts and sever the connection between the artifacts and their owners.

Han Qing activated the Ceasefire Sutra, releasing a stream of magical energy that probed into the puppet, where it merged with the magical energy remaining inside.

"In seven days at most, I will be able to gain a basic grasp of this magic weapon," Han Qingxin said.

He has now personally refined many magical artifacts and accumulated a wealth of experience.

Each magical artifact requires a long time to refine, but he only needs to use his magical senses to probe within them to get a sense of their quality.

This magical artifact contains a vast amount of agricultural magical energy, and its difficulty in refining is only lower than that of the Boundless Stele.

Seven days is only enough to gain initial control; to unleash its full combat power, it will take much longer.

"Now that I've destroyed Han Yi's clone, Han Yi's desire to kill me will likely intensify, and he might even come to Shu in person."

"Now I am strong enough to deal with ordinary half-saints, or even saints at the first level of incense offering, but I am still not enough to deal with Han Yi in his true form."

Han Qing felt an intense sense of urgency.

"I must become stronger as soon as possible—in terms of realm, magical treasures, and spells, I must strive to become stronger in every aspect!"

"This Heavenly Cloud Vine Puppet can further enhance my combat power. Although I am still no match for Han Yi, every little bit helps."

Half a day later.

Han Qing caught up with Yan Qiuling and the others on a mountain path. Upon learning that Han Yi's clone had been killed, everyone was both happy and worried. They were happy that such a powerful clone had been killed, and that the main body would inevitably suffer a backlash and its combat power would drop significantly. They were worried that the retaliation from the Han family and even the imperial court would be even more ferocious.

However, Han Qing was fearless. After all, this was Shu, and the imperial court did not have enough control over the area. If Han Yi dared to enter Shu alone and was surrounded and killed by many experts, he would still die.

Besides, people are only ever killed, never scared to death.

Han Qing is not afraid of death, so why would he be afraid of Han Yi?
Several days later, Hengshan City was almost in sight.

The group entered the city discreetly. Han Qing knew that his current identity was special and did not want to attract too much attention.

He bought a house in the city and settled Lin Yueqiu and the others in first.

"Qi Wufeng gifted me a manor outside the city before. When I left the city, I entrusted the manor to Li Tai for management. I wonder how it is now?"

into the night.

Inside the courtyard.

Han Qing sat cross-legged on the bed, with an incense burner burning beside him. Wisps of purple smoke drifted out from the burner, filling the room and calming the mind.

"Li Tai is a steady and reliable person, and with the Qi family secretly protecting him, he should be fine."

"Arrange for Lin Yueqiu to return to the manor tomorrow," Han Qingxin said.

He had other things to do. This afternoon, he sent Yue Xiaobiao to the Qi residence with a letter informing Qi Yan that he had returned to Hengshan City. Qi Yan then asked Yue Xiaobiao to bring back a message, telling him to go to the Qi residence early tomorrow morning, where Qi Wufeng would be.

At this moment, Han Qing sat cross-legged on the bed, meditating until late at night, for a full two and a half hours.

He glanced at the panel; the proficiency level of the seventh chapter of the Zhige Jing remained almost unchanged.

"After entering the realm of a semi-saint, it would take an unknown amount of time to improve one's realm through meditation."

Han Qing shook his head. This situation was normal; otherwise, how could there be so few semi-saints and saints in the world?

Without the Seven Killings Stele, it would take at least 30 to 50 years to become a half-saint, let alone 30 to 50 years.

"We still need to rely on the Seven Killings Stele."

With a thought, Han Qing noticed that there were no fewer than a hundred soul light spots floating around the Seven Killings Stele, but these soul light spots were of average quality.

"The only way to grow stronger quickly is to hunt down powerful opponents."

Han Qing pondered for a moment, then turned over and went to sleep.

...

The next day.

As dawn broke, Han Qing got up. A light rain was falling from the sky. He prepared to go to the Qi residence.

As soon as Han Qing stepped out of the courtyard gate, Yue Xiaobiao was already waiting at the door. As soon as he saw Han Qing come out, a fawning smile immediately appeared on his face.

“Young master, I was very worried when I heard that you were going to take me to the Qi residence for a banquet. I was afraid that I would be late, so I waited here at midnight today.”

"Let's go to the Qi residence," Han Qing said calmly.

"Yes, Xiao Biao will follow your orders, young master!" Yue Xiao Biao nodded and bowed, following Han Qing with a grin as they headed straight for the Qi residence.

The rain fell like silk threads, and there were few pedestrians on the street.

Han Qingmai walked in the rain, and the raindrops seemed to automatically avoid his body.

Not a single raindrop fell within a three-zhang radius around him, much to the astonishment of Yue Xiaobiao behind him.

"Young master's abilities have broadened my horizons. Even my master would give way to you."

As Yue Xiaobiao walked forward, he kept muttering something to himself, not missing any opportunity to praise Han Qing.

Han Qing was already used to it and simply continued on his way in silence.

Before long, the two arrived at the gate of the Qi residence, where the scene was familiar.

There was a row of guards dressed in black, carrying steel knives, with straight postures and bright eyes at the entrance, as well as a pair of gray and white stone lions as tall as two people, and a large red lacquered paulownia wood door with palm-sized shiny copper nails on it.

Just as Han Qing arrived at the opposite side of the mansion gate, an old man rushed out and quickly approached Han Qing.

"The old servant's surname is Wang. He is the steward of the manor. He was ordered by Lord Qi to welcome the young master into the manor."

The old man had a kind face and a gentle smile, making it easy for him to gain the trust of others.

"Let's go."

Han Qing then followed Steward Wang into the mansion, walked through a winding corridor, turned left and right, and soon entered a seven-story pavilion.

The two were led by Steward Wang to a side room on the third floor of the pavilion. The room was furnished with tables and chairs, as well as landscape paintings, bronze animal-head incense burners, and other items.

"Please wait a moment, young master, Miss will be here soon!" Butler Wang instructed. A maid stepped forward and served each of them a cup of tea. The tea was reddish-brown and had a refreshing aroma. There was also a plate of delicate bean paste pastries in the center of the table.

Han Qing picked up his teacup and took three or four sips at a leisurely pace. Just then, a loud shout came from outside the door.

"Han Qing, I've missed you so much! Let your sister see you! My father said your martial arts have improved greatly in the North. I want to see just how strong you are now!"

The loud voice belonged to Qi Yan. She pushed open the door and entered, carrying a jar of wine in her right hand. She was wearing a bright light blue robe, which was not very neat, and she smelled of alcohol. She did not have the demeanor of a lady from a noble family, but rather looked like a chivalrous hero from the martial arts world.

Upon seeing Han Qing, Qi Yan's eyes lit up. She slammed the jar of wine in her hand onto the table with a thud, and then reached out to pinch Han Qing's shoulder.

If someone else had done this, Han Qing would have found it extremely offensive, but since it was Qi Yan who did it, he thought it was perfectly normal and let her do whatever she wanted.

Qi Yan pinched the object from left to right, a look of surprise and confusion flashing in her eyes.

"Han Qing, your body is as hard as a rock, like it's cast from bronze and iron. I can't even touch it. I've already undergone five transformations. By that logic, you've probably already undergone six transformations?"

Han Qing asked with a smile, "Didn't Uncle Qi tell you what my current strength is?"

"No, my father just said that your martial arts talent is one in a thousand years, and only Xiang Ying can compare to you in this world. Even Yue Bairu, the Holy Maiden of the Zongheng Dao Palace, is not as good as you."

"Since my father has given you such high praise, your growth rate must be astonishing. Let me guess, could you already be a Martial Saint?" Qi Yan sat down in the chair next to Han Qing and analyzed in a serious manner.

Han Qing downed the tea in his cup in one gulp and laughed, "You guessed right."

"What? It really is a Martial Saint?" Qi Yan stood up from her chair, her face full of astonishment.

Han Qing didn't waste any words. Suddenly, a sharp aura burst forth from his body. In an instant, Qi Yan felt as if a mountain was pressing down on her shoulders, and even her breathing became rapid. This sense of oppression was even greater than that given by her father, Qi Wufeng.

"How is it?" Han Qing asked with a smile.

"You, you're really something!" Qi Yan exclaimed, then asked curiously, "What exactly did you experience on this trip? How did you make such great progress?"

Han Qing then gave a brief account of the series of events that had occurred in the North.

When he mentioned that he and Yan Qiuling had become Daoist partners, Qi Yan was even more shocked.

"Han Qing, I never imagined that you would become a top expert in just two or three years. As expected of Madam Su's child, you are truly amazing!" Qi Yan exclaimed.

Just then, another set of footsteps sounded outside.

"Young master, please come with me. The master has been waiting for you for a long time." The person who came was none other than Steward Wang.

"good!"

Han Qing got up and walked outside. The jar of wine on the table next to him remained untouched. Qi Yan had originally wanted to have a good drink with Han Qing, but after learning that Han Qing was already a Martial Saint, she became somewhat restrained and forgot about the jar of wine for a moment. By the time she noticed it again, it was too late.

...

"Please come in, young master. The master is inside!"

Butler Wang gestured, and Han Qing stepped into the flower hall in front.

The flower hall was very spacious, with four large bronze cauldrons inside, burning smokeless animal charcoal. Underfoot were bright and smooth Yunzhou stone slabs, and in front of them was a screen with flowers and birds. Qi Wufeng, dressed in a brocade robe, sat on a chair in front of the screen, with a large group of people sitting on his left and right sides, each of them exuding a surging aura.

Before stepping into the flower hall, Han Qing had already put on the mask he had obtained from Zhou Xiaoru, changing his appearance and causing a slight alteration to his face.

On the way here, he overheard Butler Wang saying that there were many guests in the flower hall, so he had the idea of ​​disguising himself. Whether it would work or not, it was better to be careful.

At this moment, everyone's eyes in the room were focused on him.

However, most people only glanced at him before looking away.

In their eyes, Han Qing was unremarkable and lacked any imposing presence, so they assumed he was of average strength.

Han Qing's gaze swept across the group, taking in their inner thoughts.

He stepped forward to Qi Wufeng, bowed slightly, and said loudly, "Greetings, Lord Qi!"

He was quite grateful to Qi Wufeng. Although with his current strength, he no longer needed to address Qi Wufeng as "Master," he still did so. It was for no other reason than that Qi Wufeng had provided protection when he was weak, which was like sending charcoal in snowy weather. He kept this in mind and would always give Qi Wufeng the respect he deserved, no matter how much he grew in strength in the future. He would call Qi Wufeng "Master" in front of outsiders and "Uncle Qi" in private.

Qi Wufeng also scrutinized Han Qing. At first glance, he couldn't discern anything about Han Qing, only feeling that Han Qing was nothing special, just an ordinary boy next door. He couldn't help but feel a little surprised.

This shows that Han Qing's strength has reached a level that is even greater than his.

Han Qing was also sizing up Qi Wufeng. When he first entered the Qi family, he saw Qi Wufeng and felt that the other party was incredibly powerful, as if he could kill all living beings with a single breath. But now, his strength had increased, and his perspective had broadened considerably. With just one glance, he had judged that Qi Wufeng's strength was stronger than Yan Qiuling, but not by much. This matched the rumors; Qi Wufeng's strength ranked in the middle among the top ten experts. (End of Chapter)