The First Sage of Military Strategists

Han Qing also sensed the anxiety in Liu Yue's words and said slowly, "Lord Liu, I see that your body has a bluish-gray aura, which is an ominous sign. I wonder what has happened to you recently?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Liu Yue's eyes: "Han Qing, your eyes are sharp; you truly can't hide anything from me. Recently, in order to improve my strength, I've been practicing an ancient forbidden technique—drawing evil energy into my body to forcefully raise my cultivation level. The gray aura you saw should be that evil energy."

This malevolent energy torments my soul and body day and night. I've come here hoping to seek your help.

With a thought, Han Qing swept his thoughts over Liu Yue.

"The malevolent energy seeps into your internal organs and continues to erode your soul. Once your soul is completely eroded, you will die instantly unless you can reach the Rainbow Transformation Realm before that."

Liu Yue was shocked; he hadn't expected the forbidden technique to come at such a high price.

Is there a way to eradicate it completely?

"There is a way, but the process may be somewhat painful," Han Qing said.

"It's alright, just go ahead and do it." Liu Yue nodded; pain meant nothing to him.

Han Qing immediately reached out and placed one palm on Liu Yue's shoulder. A powerful surge of magical energy flowed into Liu Yue's body, transforming into wisps of energy that swirled around like fish, frantically chasing and capturing the malevolent energy.

This malevolent aura permeated Liu Yue's entire body, extremely subtle, appearing and disappearing intermittently. Only those with exceptional insight and control over their magical powers could eradicate it.
After a few breaths, Han Qing slowly raised his palm to a foot away from his shoulder. Wisps of gray energy were drawn from his body and converged into a gray ball under his palm.

During this process, Liu Yue felt as if his whole body was being torn apart and shattered, and the pain was unbearable.

However, as the leader of a local rebel army, he was resolute, though he only frowned slightly and did not utter a sound.

After a while, more and more malevolent energy was drawn away, eventually condensing into a long gray snake under the palm of the hand, which was thrashing about, trying to fly into the sky.

However, Han Qing's hand was like a cage, locking him firmly inside and preventing him from moving.

"Destroy!"

With a low shout from Han Qing, the gray snake suddenly twisted and collapsed, turning into a cloud of mist that dissipated into the world.

"Okay."

Liu Yue's tense body relaxed slightly, and he slowly exhaled a breath of fresh air. He felt incredibly relaxed, and his physical strength increased dramatically, as if he had been reborn.

"Han Qing, thanks to your help, I feel that my strength has reached a new level."

"Lord Liu, once the murderous aura is gone, it's as if your body has been freed from its shackles, and your strength will naturally increase greatly. However, there are still hidden injuries remaining in your body and soul. You need to repair these injuries to avoid damaging your foundation," Han Qing added.

“Okay, I’ll stay at the academy for now and leave once my injuries have healed.” Liu Yue nodded.

"Yes, the situation is currently turbulent, with top experts from the upper realms descending from time to time. I will forge you a supreme armor to enhance your ability to survive," Han Qing added.

"Good, Han Qing, with your help, I am full of confidence in the future." Liu Yue laughed heartily.

...

Several days later, Liu Yue left, now wearing a golden Taoist robe.

This robe was personally crafted by Han Qing, incorporating no fewer than twelve pieces of armor, all of which he had recently seized from people in the upper realm. With these twelve pieces of armor combined, Liu Yue's ability to protect himself was further enhanced.

Han Qing did not stay at the academy for long, but instead took Yan Qiuling straight to the capital.

Emperor Yu had not possessed the Primordial Seal for very long and needed time to break the magic array.

Although the rumors of him gathering a large number of beauties into the palace gave people the feeling that he had obtained the inheritance of the Demon of Lust, it was still just speculation. Han Qing decided to go there himself. If it had not been activated yet, he would take action to snatch it.

He didn't have the ability to venture into the capital alone before, but now everything is different.

He has the courage and strength to face anyone directly, and dares to enter any forbidden area in the world, even the imperial palace.

…Whoosh whoosh whoosh!
The cold wind howled.

Han Qing soared into the sky, flying at an extremely fast speed towards the North Pole.

Halfway there, he scanned the area with his mind and saw a long line of refugees crawling forward on an official road below.

These people were dressed in tattered clothes and were emaciated. Among them were many elderly people and children. Their eyes were lifeless as they endured hunger and cold.

Every minute, every second, someone might suddenly fall down on the road and never wake up again.

Han Qing frowned. He had seen this scene many times before. Today, the world was in chaos, the court was corrupt, and many officials were desperately exploiting the people, causing them to live in poverty and misery.

After a moment's thought, he activated the power of heaven and earth with his Dharma thought.

In an instant, the weather changed drastically. Black fog covered the sky, and rain fell from the sky, sprinkling on the refugees. However, it did not wet their clothes; instead, it silently seeped into their bodies.

Suddenly, all the refugees felt a surge of power within them. Their hunger vanished, and they became energetic and lively, jumping and skipping around.

"God has intervened! God has intervened!"

Large numbers of refugees knelt on the ground, shouting and worshipping towards the sky.

Han Qing had already fled thousands of miles away in an instant.

It was just a small favor, and since he saw it, he couldn't just stand by and watch someone die.

Of course, he also understood that this was only a temporary solution. As long as the world remained in chaos, there would be a continuous stream of refugees and rioters. Even if one group was saved, countless others would follow.

Han Qing secretly made up his mind that he must become stronger, overthrow the corrupt court, end the chaos, and bring peace and prosperity to the people.

Several days later, Han Qing arrived in Kyoto. No matter how chaotic things were outside, Kyoto remained prosperous, peaceful, and stable.

The streets were bustling with people, and restaurants and shops lined both sides.

Han Qing walked through the crowd and soon entered a teahouse on the street. The teahouse was five stories high and bustling with people coming and going.

In the corner, Han Qing sat alone at a table, holding a cup of hot tea in his hand. The tea was reddish, and wisps of steam rose and swirled up like smoke and mist.

He took a small sip, his gaze passing through the window to a magnificent mansion directly opposite—the Luo family residence.

As soon as he entered the capital, he heard news that the patriarch of the Luo family was going to hold a grand banquet to celebrate his two hundredth birthday, and many powerful figures would be present.

This gave him an idea. He had initially felt at a loss, but this banquet gave him an opportunity.

There must be important figures at this banquet. If we just kill a few and absorb their soul points, we can quickly find information related to the Demon of Lust.

As he sipped his tea, he calmly calculated the fortunes of his journey.

Inside the teahouse, many tea drinkers were chatting.

"Second Sick Boy, are you going on a long journey dressed like that?"

"Uncle Liu, you have a good eye! I want to go to Sichuan, I want to study at Yuelu Academy!" a young man shouted.

"Go ahead, go ahead! I heard that Yuelu Academy recruits children from poor families. They not only teach them to read and write, but also martial arts, and even secret methods to become a saint. This is a great opportunity. If you can be selected, your life will be secure." Grandpa Liu chuckled, revealing a mouthful of black molars.

"I've heard things aren't going well in Sichuan, Erbingzi, you'd better be careful."

"What's there to be afraid of? A true man's ambition lies in all corners of the world. I'm not afraid of anything!"

Han Qing listened from the sidelines, a thought suddenly striking him. He hadn't expected Yuelu Academy's influence to be so great, extending even to the capital. (End of Chapter)