I'm modifying myself into the ultimate demon.

Chapter 220 Killing Xu Fu, Bai Yujing Descends the Mountain!!!

One of the guards with a knife looked Chen Mo up and down, clearly unaware of the truth, and his attitude became less than friendly.

"Who are you? Whose son are you? Or which department do you work in? Is there anything urgent?"

The guards, who had served here for many years, naturally knew that some officials had urgent matters to report to the palace. However, most of them were high-ranking and influential figures. Even after identifying themselves, the guards still had to report.

They couldn't afford the consequences if things went wrong because they didn't report it.

Chen Mo didn't waste any words and went straight to the point: "Seven days ago, Empress Dowager Xiao wrote me a letter, asking me to enter the palace today. You can go to Shou Kang Palace to report this. I wouldn't dare to joke about the Empress Dowager's words."

The guard with the sword took these words to heart. "You wait here, I'll go to Shou Kang Palace right away."

After saying that, the guard with the knife hurriedly left.

The other guards also looked at Chen Mo with curiosity, probably not believing that Chen Mo could be related to Empress Dowager Xiao.

Chen Mo ignored them and stood quietly at the gate. Watching the sun set and the afterglow fall on him, he felt a mix of emotions.

Time passes minute by minute.

After an unknown amount of time, the guard with the sword returned, this time with a eunuch by his side, Xu Fu.

Upon seeing Chen Mo, the guard with the sword introduced him, "This is Eunuch Xu, a favorite of the Empress Dowager. Please follow Eunuch Xu to Shou Kang Palace."

Chen Mo nodded and then followed Xu Fu into the palace gate.

The palace gates were incredibly tall and thick.

As Chen Mo walked through the archways of the stone walls, he instinctively felt an indescribable sense of oppression.

Throughout history, the imperial palace has been the most terrifying place. Countless princes, ministers, and regional officials who were away from the capital were summoned back to the capital and killed within its walls.

You have to come here, otherwise you'll be disobeying the imperial decree.

Once you're here, you're no longer in control of your own destiny.

However, Chen Mo had made thorough preparations before coming, so he wasn't flustered at all.

Xu Fu, dressed in a robe embroidered with precious patterns and holding a whisk in his hand, said with a beaming smile, "Young Master Mo is indeed a man of his word. He has come to the palace as promised. The Empress Dowager was very pleased when she heard about it. She has already prepared wine and dishes in Shou Kang Palace and is waiting for Young Master Mo to come in for a chat."

Chen Mo politely cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for leading the way, Eunuch Xu."

Throughout the journey, Chen Mo displayed a great curiosity about the palace. Every time they passed a palace, he couldn't help but ask about its origins and who lived there.

Xu Fu, however, assumed Chen Mo was visiting the palace for the first time and was unfamiliar with the world, so he happily introduced him, his words brimming with undisguised superiority.

This is understandable; people who live in the palace year-round inevitably develop a sense of superiority over it.

As they passed the Hall of Diligent Governance, Chen Mo stopped and asked curiously, "Is this the Hall of Diligent Governance?"

Xu Fu said, “That’s right, this is where His Majesty usually reviews memorials. Our Emperor is always diligent and a role model for all his ministers. He is a rare wise and virtuous ruler. He rarely goes to the inner palace and spends most of his time in the Hall of Diligent Governance, staying up late to review memorials. The Empress Dowager is very fond of His Majesty.”

Chen Mo sneered inwardly, but said aloud, "Everyone in the world longs for a wise and virtuous ruler. This is a blessing for our Great Qian."

Xu Fu chuckled and said, "That's right."

Chen Mo followed Xu Fu, and as they passed through the Hall of Diligent Governance, he glanced back towards its entrance, where he could vaguely see lights shining inside. He figured the Jingtai Emperor was probably reviewing memorials there.

Although it was Chen Mo's first time here, he had memories of Jiang Hongyue and knew many secrets of the palace, including that Emperor Jingtai harbored rebellious intentions and was by no means an emperor willing to be a puppet.

All that we see now is merely a deliberate act by the Jingtai Emperor.

Soon, after passing the Hall of Diligent Governance, they arrived at the inner palace.

The palaces were where the emperor received his officials and held court assemblies. Therefore, the courtyards were very grand and spacious, without any trees.

Once inside the palace, one sees courtyards everywhere, with lush trees and a leisurely, elegant atmosphere. Each courtyard is exquisitely laid out.

There are fewer patrolling guards now.

There were more maids and eunuchs.

As Chen Mo passed by an elegant and secluded villa, he deliberately slowed down.

He knows this place.

The place where the royal family watched plays and held banquets was usually deserted.

There is a large pond nearby.

It was here that Jiang Hongyue first clashed with Empress Xiao.

Now that he had witnessed the scene in person, Chen Mo was filled with emotion. He thought to himself: If it weren't for the Empress Dowager Xiao's ruthlessness, his godmother would probably still be alive and well, telling him stories every day.

Things are impermanent.

Seeing Chen Mo stop by the pond, Xu Fu approached and said, "Young Master Mo, why have you stopped? This is where the royal family holds banquets and plays. It's usually empty most of the time. There's nothing to see here. Please be considerate and don't keep the Empress Dowager waiting."

Chen Mo stood by the pond, hands behind his back, and asked softly, "Eunuch Xu, how far is it from here to Shou Kang Palace?"

Xu Fu didn't know why Chen Mo asked such a question, but he still upheld his professional ethics and said, "It's not far, about two miles away. Young Master Mo, please come with me to Shou Kang Palace. The Empress Dowager is very hospitable, and we can't be late."

Chen Mo said, "Then I'll have to trouble Eunuch Xu."

Xu Fu said softly, "I'm not aggrieved. I'm just doing my job for the Empress Dowager..."

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly saw Chen Mo appear in front of him.

Xu Fu was taken aback: "Young Master Mo, what do you intend to do..."

Chen Mo said calmly, "It's nothing, I just need to borrow something from Eunuch Xu. Please don't be alarmed, Eunuch Xu."

Xu Fu said, "I'm just a eunuch in my household, I don't have anything to borrow..."

"No, you still have something." Chen Mo suddenly clasped his hands together.

Blood Curse, erupt.

hiss!
Xu Fu gasped, feeling a strange power flow into his bloodstream and take control of his body. He immediately realized something was wrong and tried to shout, but found himself unable to make a sound.

His blood flowed backward, and an unimaginable power suddenly erupted.

Xu Fu was terrified and tried to distance himself from Chen Mo, but his body wouldn't obey him. He could only stare at Chen Mo with a horrified expression and hoarsely ask, "What, what have you done to our family?"

Chen Mo said coldly, "It's nothing. I just accidentally touched your body and injected a blood curse into your body."

Xu Fu stared wide-eyed, utterly incredulous.

Chen Mo said calmly, "I know that my father-in-law is a zombie. Ordinary ghosts' spiritual power can't affect you. But unfortunately, I have a secret technique. Then I won't be polite."

Xu Fu tried several times but found he was indeed unable to struggle, and finally collapsed limply to the ground, crying out, "You, you dare to have disloyal intentions towards the Empress."

Chen Mo: "I have never been one of the Empress Dowager's people, so what is there to talk about disloyalty? Eunuch Xu must be confused."

"You, what on earth are you going to do?"

"It's nothing, just borrowing your body for a bit." Chen Mo slowly raised his right hand and placed it on Xu Fu's head. In an instant, Xu Fu felt his mind and consciousness completely controlled, becoming Chen Mo's puppet.

They were completely powerless to resist.

This sight greatly surprised Xu Fu.

I am a martial arts master-level zombie who can't be melted down.

They didn't even know when they were afflicted by the blood curse.

The boy had them completely under his control.

The young man's skill level was terrifying.

Xu Fu didn't even dare to think about it.

However, something even more terrifying happened the next moment:
Xu Fu was horrified to discover that... some terrifying power had once again been injected into Chen Mo's hand, transforming Chen Mo's body into another Xu Fu.

The breath and the feeling were exactly the same.

How can it be?

Xu Fu felt an indescribable sense of panic.

He had never seen anything so bizarre in his life.

What... is this guy trying to do?

The next moment, Chen Mo transformed into Xu Fu.

Chen Mo shook his head. "So this is what it feels like to be a eunuch. But now that I've become you, you have no reason to exist."

After saying that, Chen Mo slapped Xu Fu on the head.

Xu Fu turned directly into a blood mist.

Gone.

call!
Chen Mo finally breathed a sigh of relief, looking at his new body and muttering to himself, "Being a eunuch is still a bit of an adjustment. But this is all I can do for now. With this body, I can do a lot of things in the palace. Even if I don't end up well, I absolutely cannot let Empress Dowager Xiao have an easy time. I will definitely turn this palace upside down."

Chen Mo took the whisk and then quietly left.

"Go to the Cold Palace first and release Su Hetu. Anyone can cause trouble, right?"

……

Shoukang Palace.

Empress Dowager Xiao sat in a chair reading a book, while Liu Momo instructed a group of maids to prepare a sumptuous dinner.

After making the arrangements, he dismissed the maids and then walked up to Empress Dowager Xiao, saying respectfully, "Your Majesty, the banquet is ready. We are just waiting for Xu Fu to bring Chen Mo over."

With a rustling sound, Empress Dowager Xiao calmly turned a page of her book. "Go and check at the door. According to the time, Xu Fu should be arriving soon with his men."

Liu Momo nodded in agreement, then said, "By the way, should we release Chen Wu, who's been locked up in the backyard?"

Empress Dowager Xiao said indifferently, "Why bother releasing it? Chen Wu is already dead."

Liu Momo was startled, but she stopped asking questions and hurriedly went to wait outside the gate of Shou Kang Palace.

Outside, guards, eunuchs, and maids walked by, all with their heads down, not daring to speak loudly, and even taking small steps, for fear of making too much noise and disturbing the ladies in the palace.

Liu Momo eagerly awaited Xu Fu's return, but after a long wait, he still hadn't come. She returned to the main hall to report, "Your Majesty, something's not right. According to the time, Xu Fu should have arrived with his men long ago. There's still no news. Could something have delayed him?"

Ok?
Empress Xiao was also taken aback, thinking to herself: Xu Fu was a martial arts master, and Chen Mo was only eighteen years old. What kind of trouble could he possibly cause?

After a pause, Empress Dowager Xiao said, "Go and see if the Empress intercepted us halfway, or if the Emperor has summoned us."

"Yes."

Liu Momo nodded in agreement, and then hurriedly left Shou Kang Palace.

Empress Dowager Xiao put down her book, unable to concentrate on it, feeling restless. She turned her head to look in the direction of the gate of Shou Kang Palace.

……

As the sun sets, it's a perfect time for dusk.

Because of its high altitude, the sunset at Yujing Mountain is slower.

Many of the white-clad swordsmen on the mountain stopped practicing their swordsmanship and stood on the mountaintop watching the sunset.

The personnel structure of Yujing Mountain is very simple.

There is only one master, and that is Bai Yujing.

Everyone else was a disciple.

Even if they're incredibly capable, it's still the same.

The most powerful among them is Fang Baiyu, the senior disciple of Yujing Mountain.

At this moment, Fang Baiyu stood atop the mountain, with sheer cliffs before him. He carried a long sword on his back and gazed at the setting sun in the west.

A short while later, a woman in white walked over and said with a smile, "Senior Brother, I was wondering where you'd been. Turns out you were watching the sunset here."

Fang Baiyu didn't turn around, recognizing the person from the voice, and said calmly, "It's Moyu. You need something from me?"

Cuttlefish, originally named Li Cuttlefish.

She is the second senior sister of the Sword Pavilion of Jade Capital Mountain.

Superior status.

Although these two are still disciples, their cultivation has actually reached an extremely abnormal level. It's just that they have the White Jade Palace on their heads, which is why they stay in the Sword Pavilion to focus on cultivation and stay out of worldly affairs.

Li Moyu said, "I'm fine. I just came to chat with Senior Brother. Hasn't Senior Brother noticed that something's been wrong with Sword Pavilion lately?"

Fang Baiyu said, "You mean Master is acting strangely?"

Li Moyu said, "Yes. I often see towering sword energy being released from the Sword Pavilion. Is Master about to emerge from seclusion?"

Fang Baiyu said, "Don't overthink it. Master is no ordinary person; he has dedicated his life to sword cultivation. As long as Master is here, the Great Qian will not be in chaos. If Master were to emerge from seclusion, it would surely mean that the Great Qian is facing a cataclysmic event."

I won't say much more about Li Moyu.

Just then——

when!
A clear and melodious bell suddenly rang out, echoing throughout the entire Yujing Mountain.

Li Moyu was taken aback: "It's the assembly bell. It hasn't rung for many years. Let's hurry to the square outside Jian Ge to meet up."

Fang Baiyu had no time to think about Xin Xiyang anymore. "Something terrible must have happened. Let's go to the assembly point quickly."

The two hurriedly ran towards the Sword Pavilion, seeing countless swordsmen converging on the Sword Pavilion Square along the way. When they arrived at the Sword Pavilion Square, they were astonished to see all five or six thousand swordsmen from Jade Capital Mountain present, each carrying a long sword and standing ramrod straight.

Everyone stood in neat rows, their eyes fixed intently on the gate of the Sword Pavilion.

Many people are discussing it excitedly.

"Is Master about to emerge from seclusion?"

"I have been practicing swordsmanship on Jade Capital Mountain for twenty years, but I have never seen my master's true face. I have long heard that my master is not only the Great Qian Sword Saint, but also a fairy-like beauty. Today I finally have the opportunity to see her."

"But Master always secluded himself for cultivation, why is he coming out today? Could it be that something terrible has happened in the Great Qian Dynasty?"

"I don't know either, we'll find out in a bit."

Fang Baiyu and Li Moyu, who were standing at the front of the crowd, also showed surprise.

Li Moyu said, "Senior Brother, could it be that something terrible has happened in the Great Qian Dynasty?"

Fang Baiyu's expression was solemn: "A hundred years ago, the late emperor had an accident at Dayin Mountain, and the empress at the time perished... Master didn't even come out of seclusion. It's clear that even if the emperor is in danger, Master won't come out of seclusion. I don't know what happened this time that made Master come out of seclusion. It's really strange."

Just then——

when!
The melodious chimes grew even louder.

Countless people dared not speak, staring intently at the gate of the Sword Pavilion.

finally--

Rumble.

The heavy gate of Jian Ge was slowly pushed open.

It was Ghost Sword Slave who stepped out from inside, walked up to the five or six thousand disciples, gave them a cold glance, and then bowed towards the gate, saying, "Welcome Sword Saint out of seclusion!"

As soon as these words came out.

The disciples present immediately understood what was happening and all said in unison, "Welcome back, Master!"

"Welcome back, Master, from seclusion!"

As the loud voice rang out, a crisp footstep sounded from ahead.

Da da da.

Amidst the astonished gazes of countless people, a woman in white slowly appeared in their sight.

She wore a white, fitted long dress, belted at the waist, its wide sleeves and hem fluttering in the wind. Long, silver-white hair cascaded down her back, moving with the breeze. A purple hairpin adorned her hair, and she held an ancient sword in her hand.

Step by step, I made it out.

Upon reaching the group, the woman in white paused briefly. "Fang Baiyu, I must go to the palace. If I do not return, you will become the next master of Yujing Mountain."

what?
Everyone was greatly surprised when they heard this.

Fang Baiyu was shocked. "Master, you have been in seclusion for a hundred years, your martial arts have dominated the world, and you have cleansed the demons. The Great Qian Dynasty cannot do without you, Master. You must not take any risks."

The woman in white spoke coldly, without any hesitation, "Having been entrusted with a task, I must be loyal to it. In this Great Qian Dynasty, talented people abound, and heroes are as numerous as carp crossing a river. I practice and hone my sword so that one day I can draw it."

"If I do not return, you may defend Jade Capital Mountain if you can, otherwise disperse. There is no need to force yourselves."

Fang Baiyu, unaware of what had happened, hurriedly asked, "May I ask, Master, what brings you to the palace this time?"

"Slay the Emperor, kill the Empress Dowager, and destroy the demons!"

Having said that, the woman in white took a step forward. The crowd in the square automatically parted to the sides, creating a wide passage.

The disciples stared wide-eyed at their master in disbelief.

Those nine words resonated in everyone's minds, impacting their values ​​and beliefs.

Slay the emperor, kill the empress dowager, and vanquish demons...

Is this something a person would dare to say?

Fang Baiyu knew that once his master made a decision, it could not be changed. So he immediately cupped his hands and said, "Respectfully seeing Master off down the mountain! We will await Master's return."

"Respectfully seeing off our master as he descends the mountain."

The woman in white did not reply, but walked forward step by step, crossing the square.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, he walked step by step onto the mountain path ahead, and followed the steps down the mountain.

The last rays of the setting sun fell upon the woman in white, casting a long shadow.

Da da da.

The woman in white had a cold expression and a resolute gaze. She didn't say a word, but simply followed the steps down the mountain in the setting sun.

For some time now, the woman in white has been drawing attention to Chen Mo.

Empress Xiao ignored his words.

Moreover, Chen Mo eventually entered the palace.

Therefore, the woman in white could not wait any longer.

After a hundred years of practicing swordsmanship, he thought his sword would be wielded against demons, but unexpectedly... it still pointed at the imperial palace.

All that talk of martial prowess and vanquishing demons... In the end, this one sword strike was for an eighteen-year-old boy...

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

P.S.: Updates have been a bit slow lately. I was working too hard before, and my body can't keep up. Also, the book is nearing completion, and I need to do a lot of outlining. Please forgive me!
(End of this chapter)