Bitter Realm: A Happy Person Traveling Across China

Chapter 75 When the tiger is away, the chicken becomes king.

Having finished explaining to the Myriad Treasures of the Universe, Bei Chen Yuan Huang once again fell into deep thought.

Now that the Otherworldly Demon Realm has withdrawn from the stage, Bei Chen Yuan Huang can no longer suppress his desire to dominate. Therefore, he is preparing to use the gimmick of the Ghost River Treasure to meet with the leaders of other forces.

In the Crystal Wonderland, the Crystal Pavilion is filled with the aroma of tea.

Su Huanzhen and Ye Jinming's tentative exchanges continued.

At first, Su Huanzhen thought that Ye Jinming's repeated use of "Su Xianren" in a natural and fluent tone was unintentional or just a habit, and he didn't think much of it.

But as the conversation deepened, this form of address appeared more and more frequently, and it was especially clear when it was used in teasing or witty remarks. Even with Su Huanzhen's composure, he gradually realized that something was amiss.

He put down his teacup, looked at Ye Jinming across from him who couldn't hide his smile, shook his head helplessly with a wry smile, and said with a hint of accusation that was both funny and exasperating: "Jinming, Jinming, I sincerely wanted to communicate with you and deepen my impression of you, but you actually secretly insulted me with your way of addressing me, playing this kind of pun and teasing trick. It's really not very fair."

Ye Jinming immediately feigned surprise, blinked, and retorted sincerely, "Huh? How could you look at me like that, Sage Su? I have always treated people with sincerity. This title comes from the bottom of my heart, and there is absolutely no disrespect in it! A sage is a capable person. Su Huanzhen, you possess both virtue and talent, and your wisdom is outstanding. You are a pillar of the righteous path in the Bitter Realm. What's wrong with calling me a sage?"

Su Huanzhen was no ordinary person. Hearing this, he did not get angry. Instead, he calmly picked up his teacup, gently stirred the foam with the lid, and looked up at Ye Jinming with a half-smile: "Oh? Sincere respect? Then may I ask, Jinming, is the 'virtuous' you speak of the sage?"

"Of course!" Ye Jinming answered decisively, his eyes clear and unwavering.

Acting alongside a movie star, you naturally need to act more naturally.

"Then do you swear that what you say is truly the virtue of a sage, and not the leisure of a sage?" Su Huanzhen asked slowly, his tone gentle, yet carrying an unyielding force.

Ye Jinming's calm expression froze for a moment, his eyes darted around slightly, and then he gave a slightly shy smile, drawing out his words: "Of course it is—"

He paused deliberately, observing Su Huanzhen's reaction, then suddenly slumped his shoulders as if deflated, spread his hands, and laughed, "—I wouldn't dare!"

"Ha!" Su Huanzhen was amused by the stark contrast in his performance and finally burst out laughing. He pointed at him and shook his head repeatedly, "Well, you, Ye Jinming! You really are a little rascal!"

Ye Jinming chuckled and raised his teacup to Su Huanzhen, gesturing, "Just kidding, just kidding! Sage Su is as magnanimous as the sea; he certainly won't hold a grudge against a junior like me, right?"

"Of course I don't mind." Su Huanzhen smiled and raised his cup in return, his tone returning to its previous gentle and composed manner, yet concealing a sharp edge. "If I were to take even this joke to heart, I should have served you tea and escorted you out of the Glazed Wonderland."

The two smiled at each other, seemingly more familiar and relaxed with one another.

However, the world of martial arts is never at peace for long.

Just as the two were talking—

On the path at the entrance to the Crystal Wonderland, a nobody dressed in the Yiliu Black Sect's attire strode through the wonderland and came straight to the Crystal Pavilion, where he respectfully stopped.

"Respectfully informing you, sir, I, Beichen Yuanhuang, leader of the Yiliu Black Sect, have sent you a personal letter, stating that it must be opened by you in person." The messenger presented a letter sealed with black wax and embroidered with dark gold Yiliu patterns on the edges, his voice flat and emotionless.

The relaxed atmosphere inside the pavilion suddenly froze.

Su Huanzhen nodded slightly to Ye Jinming, stood up, took the letter, and opened it to read.

Although Ye Jinming did not see the letter, he saw that when Su Huanzhen read it, his spiral eyebrows furrowed almost imperceptibly. Although they relaxed instantly and returned to normal, that fleeting pause indicated that the contents of the letter were extraordinary.

As expected, after Su Huanzhen finished reading the letter, he gently folded it and put it into his sleeve. When he looked up at Ye Jinming, his face was calm and composed, but a barely perceptible trace of solemnity flashed deep in his eyes.

"It seems," Su Huanzhen's voice remained gentle, yet tinged with a hint of regret, "that our tea gathering today must come to a temporary end. The leader of the Yiliu Sect has invited me to discuss some matters in person."

Ye Jinming raised an eyebrow, put down his teacup, and said with a hint of understanding and amusement, "Oh?"

It seems that Bei Chen Yuan Huang couldn't stand the loneliness and was thinking about becoming the person in charge so early.

It's true what they say: when the cat's away, the mice will play.

"What's meant to happen will happen." Su Huanzhen lightly brushed his sleeves, as if brushing away non-existent dust, his demeanor still as calm as a mountain. "Since the other party has extended an invitation, regardless of whether the banquet is good or bad, or whether they have other motives, I should attend and find out the truth."

He looked at Ye Jinming and said sincerely, "Jinming, we had a very pleasant conversation today. You are welcome to visit the Glazed Wonderland often when you have time. I still have many things I would like to ask you."

"I wouldn't presume to ask for your guidance; let's learn from each other." Ye Jinming also stood up, stretched, and loosened his shoulders, which had become slightly stiff from sitting for so long. His relaxed smile returned. "Since Master Suxian has important matters to attend to, I won't linger any longer and will only bother you further."

Su Huanzhen was somewhat surprised: "Oh, Jinming, what brings you here?"

Ye Jinming joked, "Of course it's Kuanglong's side. Su Xianren, you don't have time to deal with it, but I should make preparations earlier."

Su Huanzhen understood the deeper meaning in his words, but didn't point it out. He simply smiled and nodded, "Then, take care, please!"

"please!"

Ye Jinming bowed to Su Huanzhen and nodded to Qu Shitu, who was standing to the side. Then, without lingering, he turned around, took a step forward, and disappeared, leaving only the spatial rift slowly dissipating.

Su Huanzhen also got up at the same time, told Qu Shitu, and prepared to go to the appointment.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Gui Liang Tianxia from the Gui Liang Military Bureau also received an invitation from Bei Chen Yuanhuang.

This old silver coin, on the surface, remained unmoved.

His adopted son, Gui Liangfei, was quite worried. "Father, Bei Chen Yuanhuang's invitation seems aggressive; I'm afraid he has ulterior motives."

Gui Liang Tianxia said calmly, "Don't worry, Yu'er, he wouldn't dare to make trouble for our Military Bureau."

Meanwhile, in the Sin Pit, Ji Xiaoshuang, dressed as a woman, was sent to deliver the letter.

(This one is also a sword saint.)

Kuanglong, who was in a bad mood, took advantage of the situation.

As a result, Ji Xiaoshuang's statement that the main culprit liked men disgusted Kuanglong, but he didn't show it on the surface. Instead, he joked that he was a woman, his main point being that he wouldn't be taken advantage of.

At Sifangtai, heroes and villains gather and debate.

This place is within the territory of the Yiliu Black Faction. The high platform stands out in all directions, overlooking the surrounding terrain and symbolizing the convergence of forces from all sides.

Su Huanzhen and Gui Liangtianxia arrived together, their steps composed and their demeanor extraordinary.

Ji Xiaoshuang, one of the Four Sages of Yiliu, had been waiting for some time. She stepped forward, bowed, and said in a clear voice, "Welcome Lord Guiliang and Venerable Su to the Four Directions Platform!"

Su Huanzhen lightly swept his whisk and said gently, "No need for formalities."

His gaze, however, had already swept to both sides of the platform.

In the shadows by the wall, a crazed figure crouched on the ground, exuding a dangerous aura—it was the Mad Thief.

He sniffed, his eyes fixed on Su Huanzhen and Gui Liangtianxia, ​​letting out a strange, cackling laugh: "The scent of masters—"

My favorite scent, hee hee hee ————

Before the words were even finished, a wild laugh suddenly ripped through the air from the other side: "Hahaha! I like you too!"

As soon as the voice arrived, a green figure swept onto the high platform like a whirlwind, his braid flying – it was none other than Kuanglong Yishengxiao.

Ignoring everyone present, he jumped straight to the side of the madman thief, and the two looked at each other and laughed strangely as if they were kindred spirits, their madness complementing each other.

Su Huanzhen remained expressionless and said calmly, "Mad Dragon."

With a laugh, Kuanglong turned around, hands on his hips, and surveyed the entire arena: "How could such a grand event be complete without me, Kuanglong?"

Gui Liangtianxia stroked his beard and pondered, "All sides have arrived; now we are only waiting for the main character to appear."

Just then, from behind the tightly closed doors at the center of the stage, came a low, ambitious, cold laugh: "Hahaha—"

""

Amidst laughter, the door slowly opened.

A man stepped out of the gate, dressed in a magnificent red robe and wearing a crown. His face was handsome, yet it carried the vicissitudes of life and an undeniable imperial aura.

It was none other than Bei Chen Yuan Huang, the leader of the Yi Liu Cult who, after experiencing ups and downs, intended to regain control of the world.

His gaze swept over the three people present like lightning. He waved for Ji Xiaoshuang and his madman bandits to step back, then laughed loudly, "Sage Su, it's been a long time."

Su Huanzhen nodded slightly: "My old friend's charm remains undiminished. It's been a long time."

Bei Chen Yuanhuang then looked at the other two: "Lord Gui Liang and Lord Kuanglong of the Pit of Sin. All three of you are worthy of being called powerful figures in your respective regions. It is an honor for Bei Chen Yuanhuang to grace the Four Directions Platform with your presence today."

Kuanglong laughed and immediately jumped up, pointing at Beichen Yuanhuang's nose and saying, "Hey, that's not how it is! I thought you were going to host a banquet for me, that's why I came!"

A hint of displeasure flashed in Bei Chen Yuan Huang's eyes, but she still smiled: "The Lord of the Pit of Sin still speaks without any mercy."

Mad Dragon scoffed, "Are we that close? Don't act like we're best friends!"

"Ha." Bei Chen Yuan Huang chuckled dryly, ignoring the madman.

Gui Liangtianxia spoke up at the opportune moment, steer the conversation back on track: "Well, let's get to the point. The Lord of Yiliu invited us here today not just to chat about trivial matters."

Bei Chen Yuanhuang straightened his expression, walked to the center of the stage, stood with his hands behind his back, displaying the demeanor of a ruthless hero: "With the Demon Lord dead, the current situation in the martial world has changed drastically. Without a leader, it is a time for the strong to prey on the weak, and also—a good opportunity to establish a completely new order in the martial world."

Gui Liangtianxia's eyes narrowed: "Oh? I'd like to hear the details."

Bei Chen Yuanhuang continued, "Turbulent times require a strong ruler. What do you think of a ruler who can unite the Central Plains, command all people, and resist future foreign enemies?"

Su Huanzhen had already seen through his meaning and calmly replied, "If there truly are capable people in the world who selflessly dedicate themselves and have the ability to lead the Central Plains, I would be happy for them. However, such people are extremely rare and hard to find!"

Bei Chen Yuanhuang said calmly, "Ability can be tested and recognized. As for selfless dedication—as long as a virtuous person is willing to assist them, why worry about not guiding them onto the right path? And looking at the present, besides the four of us, who else can shoulder this great responsibility?"

Gui Liang Tianxia was the first to express his opinion, adopting a humble attitude: "I am merely a wandering cultivator at the Spring Rain Realm. I have neither the desire nor the ability to compete for the position of the ruler of the world."

Kuanglong, however, became interested and stepped forward to ask, "You said a test? What kind of test?"

Bei Chen Yuanhuang continued, "Legend has it that a priceless treasure lies hidden within the Ghost River basin. Whoever can overcome countless obstacles to retrieve this treasure and display it publicly in the pavilion will be hailed as their master by all heroes under heaven! What do you all think of this plan?"

Upon hearing this, Kuanglong was first taken aback, then burst into exaggerated, maniacal laughter: "Hehehe—hahaha, cough cough—"

Hahaha! Do I look like an idiot? Otherwise, why would you treat me like one?

A flash of killing intent crossed Bei Chen Yuanhuang's eyes, but he restrained himself: "If you have no interest in this, Bei Chen Yuanhuang will not force you."

Mad Dragon held up three fingers and shook them: "I only have three 'no' policies: no refusal, no impossibility, and no admission. If you want me to become powerful, I won't refuse, but it's impossible for me to take the treasure. If you do get it, then I'll just have to... hehe, I won't admit it!"

Knowing that Kuanglong was a madman, Beichen Yuanhuang ignored him and turned to Su Huanzhen: "Sage Su, what are your thoughts?"

Su Huanzhen flicked his whisk, his tone turning cold: "In my opinion, today's meeting is utterly meaningless, as it involves unsuitable candidates raising unsuitable topics and making inappropriate decisions!"

Bei Chen Yuanhuang raised an eyebrow, somewhat displeased: "Oh? What do you mean by an unsuitable candidate, an unsuitable topic, or an inappropriate decision?"

Su Huanzhen surveyed the four men, commenting on each one: "The candidates are unsuitable. The sect leader is the master of Yiliu, the Ghost Liang Mansion Master is in charge of the Chunlin Realm, and although I am a commoner, I am still a worthy candidate. It is normal for us to be three in a row. But this gentleman, the Sin Pit is nothing but a place where villains live. How can he be called a master of a region?"

Speaking of Kuanglong, Su Huanzhen's tone was slightly sarcastic, showing he was quite the old Yin-Yang Master.

Mad Dragon flew into a rage: "What? What did you say? You said the Pit of Sin doesn't deserve to be called a lord? You mean I'm just a bandit leader?"

Su Huanzhen nodded: "That is exactly what I meant."

Kuanglong pointed at Su Huanzhen, Gui Liangtianxia, ​​and Beichen Yuanhuang, shouting angrily, "One of you owns a hospital, another is a rich man, and you're a temple keeper in the Glazed Immortal Realm—how much more noble are you than a bandit leader like me?"

Then Su Huanzhen continued to comment that Yi Liu had not contributed to the fight against Yanmo Hanmei and was therefore unqualified to be the ruler of the world.

These words were blunt, which reignited Bei Chen Yuan Huang's murderous intent.

Gui Liang Tianxia was cunning and declared that he would not participate in the competition.

In the end, this grand event initiated by Beichen Yuanhuang came to nothing.

He'd made a mental note of all the people who disrespected him, and he'd teach them a lesson they wouldn't forget.

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