I became a Sword Emperor in the Martial Arts World

Chapter 224 I was surrounded by my beautiful stepmother and stepsisters

Things change with time, and today's royalty and nobles are no longer the protectors of the common people.

The sharp blades in the hands of the powerful, capable of splitting mountains, no longer fell only on the kingdom's enemies, but also more often on the people of the Rakshasa Kingdom.

Any resistance to injustice will eventually be met with ruthless suppression, while the crimes committed by royalty and nobility will never be held accountable.

In those pairs of desperate and numb eyes, Lian Hongying seemed to see endless anger and hatred, and she felt an immense fear in her heart.

When this overwhelming public opinion can no longer be suppressed, perhaps all it takes is a single fire to ignite the people's emotions and burn the entire Rakshasa Kingdom to ashes.

That horrific scene left Lian Hongying unable to eat or sleep, and unable to find peace at night.

"You want to change the Kingdom of Rakshasa Women?"

Seeing this, Ye Qingzhou couldn't help but remind Lian Hongying, "This path is not easy. In the end, you might find yourself surrounded by enemies. Countless people will jump out to criticize you, stop you, and even unite to destroy you."

"It is precisely because it is difficult that it must be done."

Lian Hongying's gaze hardened: "If I don't do this, who will?"

"Perhaps you can choose to believe in the wisdom of future generations."

"My mother said the same thing as you. She always said that being born into royalty meant you had no choice in what you did. But in this world, what is there to be helpless about? Tomorrow's people do tomorrow's work, and today's people do today's work. If you always wait for others to do things, in the end, often no one will do anything."

Lian Hongying's eyes snapped out of her past memories, and her tone became firm: "The so-called lack of control over one's own destiny is nothing more than finding excuses for one's cowardice and retreat. I don't want to become that kind of person."

At this moment, in Ye Qingzhou's Heavenly Eye, deep within Lian Hongying's spiritual platform, a dazzling divine light suddenly burst forth.

"This is... the martial will transforming into the martial spirit?"

Ye Qingzhou was astonished. The primordial spirit is the ultimate form of a martial artist's mind and will. Once the primordial spirit is condensed, the martial artist can form his own world, invulnerable to all laws.

The key point is that the power of the primordial spirit is a divine ability that only the Heavenly King Martial God at the eleventh level of the Ascension Realm can cultivate. Lian Hongying has only just entered the Martial God Realm a few days ago, and her martial will has already begun to transform into the Martial Primordial Spirit.

What kind of extraordinary talent is this?

However, Ye Qingzhou soon sensed, through the symbolic and numerical thinking techniques in "Qimen Dunjia," that Lian Hongying possessed a certain inexplicable destiny trajectory.

Heaven has favored us!

Good fortune is upon you!

These two peculiar states are often only possessed by earthly kings who have gained the recognition of heaven and earth.

Ye Qingzhou pondered, "Did the collective subconscious of the Rakshasa clan choose Lian Hongying as their chosen one? That's why she was able to begin condensing her primordial spirit as soon as she entered the Martial God realm. It's as if even the heavens are helping her."

What is the collective unconscious?

The formation of a group often stems from shared experiences, perceptions, and beliefs. Bound by culture and faith, they unite and come together.

Humans, in the end, are social animals.

The collective consciousness, emanating from the same group, will inevitably converge and collide to form a massive chaotic will, which is the so-called collective unconscious.

It is formless and without appearance, yet it truly exists.

When it was first born, it was very weak and had no divine qualities whatsoever.

However, once it receives the sustenance of faith over the years, it will immediately grow and become an indestructible high-dimensional consciousness life form.

The Pure Land school refers to it as "Alaya-vijnana".

The ancient sages of the Eastern Kingdom referred to it as "Azure Sky".

This is an unimaginably vast database, much like a computer "cloud" capable of recording everything, including memories, experiences, knowledge, technology, and even the mysteries of the universe.

However, this chaotic will has no self and will only instinctively choose a "chosen one" who can lead the race to prosperity, so that it can continue to grow and strengthen itself.

"It seems that the Rakshasa clan's 'destiny' has chosen to refine the Crimson Tassel..."

Ye Qingzhou was quite envious of this.

For a true chosen one like Lian Hongying, who is favored by Heaven, as long as the mandate of Heaven is not lost, the heavens and earth will work together to help him, and whatever he does will often be successful.

Even when faced with danger, they can turn misfortune into good fortune and adversity into auspiciousness.

Of course, what Ye Qingzhou envied most was the power of the primordial spirit.

According to the *Qimen Dunjia* (a form of divination), the sixth sense is called extrasensory perception, a kind of telepathy that transcends the five senses. The seventh sense is called the sense of time, which allows one to foresee the future to varying degrees. As for the eighth sense, it is hailed as omniscience, enabling one to understand all existing knowledge and mysteries from ancient times to the present.

Ye Qingzhou didn't quite understand how such supernatural powers were achieved, because in "Qimen Dunjia," the two supernatural powers of "Time Awareness" and "Omniscience" were only described, without any actual cultivation methods.

Now, Ye Qingzhou found inspiration in Lian Hongying, and a realization dawned on him: 'So that's how it is. So-called foresight and omniscience are actually just connecting one's own consciousness with the collective subconscious of the clan, thereby achieving a certain degree of information sharing.'

"No wonder a Martial God who has cultivated the power of the Primordial Spirit is called a 'Heavenly King.' Bearing a destiny from heaven and possessing the two great supernatural powers of foresight and omniscience, wouldn't they easily crush any Martial God who hasn't received the blessing of the Primordial Spirit?"

Ye Qingzhou was no stranger to the horrors of information warfare, especially various beyond-visual-range strikes.

The power of the primordial spirit can be an absolute dimensional reduction attack for any martial artist who has not cultivated a martial primordial spirit, leaving the latter with no chance of winning whatsoever.

Without a primordial spirit, you can't even see where your opponent is, let alone launch a counterattack.

"Ye Jun, what are you thinking about?"

Seeing Ye Qingzhou lost in thought for a long time, Lian Hongying couldn't help but ask him a question out of curiosity.

"It's nothing, I'm just admiring your lofty ambitions and concern for the people, that even the heavens favor you. Unlike me, I'm selfish, lack vision, and only think about my own enlightenment and ascension."

Ye Qingzhou said sincerely.

Although he disliked being a savior, he greatly admired those great men who were willing to risk their lives to save the people and remained steadfast in their commitment, daring to change the world.

Most people in this world are mediocre. They find that they cannot change the world, so they choose to compromise and adapt to the times by changing themselves.

Ye Qingzhou, however, was unconventional, having no intention of changing the world or himself.

If he hadn't embarked on the path of martial arts and cultivated supernatural powers, he would probably have been labeled with all sorts of chuunibyou (delusional) and stubbornness long ago.

All I can say is that this world is a mess. The weak don't even have the right to be themselves and can only try their best to mold themselves into qualified oxen or horses.

Otherwise, countless people will point fingers at you and make you take off your long gown.

Hearing Ye Qingzhou's self-deprecating humor, Lian Hongying chuckled, "Who talks about themselves like that? You are the descendant of Emperor Yan, and you might even become the savior who stops the final calamity from descending in the future."

"Who knows why he chose me as his successor? Maybe he's blind."

Ye Qingzhou sighed helplessly, knowing he would never be a savior.

I will not go to hell; let whoever wants to go, go.

…………

In front of the palace gate, the magnificent carriage slowly came to a stop.

"Greetings, Your Highness Chan Wang."

As Lian Hongying and Ye Qingzhou stepped out of the carriage, the golden-sword guards in front of the palace gate bowed in salute.

After passing through the triple fortress-like gates, the two arrived safely at the front hall of the palace.

At this moment, the front hall was brightly lit and resplendent with gold.

The entire banquet hall was filled with learned scholars and commoners; each nobleman of high status was dressed in a magnificent silk robe, looking elegant and composed.

Who could have imagined that behind these well-spoken nobles and gentry were the flesh and bones of tens of thousands of Rakshasa people?

Even a man-eating demon must humble itself and learn diligently here to see what true evil and wickedness truly is, devouring people without spitting out their bones.

"The Queen Chan has arrived!"

"It's His Highness, the Chan King!"

"Your Highness, Your Highness, I am..."

Lian Hongying and Ye Qingzhou, a handsome couple, instantly ignited the atmosphere in the hall upon their arrival. Countless people came forward to greet them warmly, especially some men of Rakshasa noble birth, who all cast envious and jealous glances at Ye Qingzhou.

If thoughts could kill, Ye Qingzhou would probably be dead with ten thousand arrows piercing his heart by now.

However, he was already used to the feeling of being the center of attention, so he simply ignored the hostile and envious gazes and continued to leisurely let Lian Hongying hold his hand as they paraded through the city.

This angered the others even more, to the point that their faces contorted and they nearly suffered a complete physical breakdown.

They plucked the most beautiful flower from our Rakshasa Kingdom, and they're still so arrogant!

"Ewang has arrived!"

A beautiful and gentle woman, dressed in a pink dress, gracefully arrived. Her expression was so charming that it was easy to feel a sense of goodwill upon seeing her.

She was none other than Ewang Lian Lingxiao, a woman of great virtue and reputation throughout the northern border of the kingdom. She had extensive connections among the nobles and a high level of influence, making her a key figure that Lian Qixia had been trying to win over.

Following closely behind, two more martial gods who had been crowned kings made their appearances.

The first was Dao Yuzhi, the national guardian general of the Rakshasa Kingdom, also known as the Jade Orchid Fairy. She came from a family of generals. She was tall and voluptuous, and even at the banquet, she wore a military uniform. Her expression was solemn, her face was unsmiling, and her temperament was extremely cold and beautiful.

The second was the first princess of the Rakshasa Kingdom, Queen Yao, Lian Qixia.

She was naturally fierce and domineering. Today, she attended the banquet wearing a set of golden armor, her gaze arrogant and disdainful of all living beings.

This move immediately caused an uproar in the audience.

According to the rules of the Rakshasa Kingdom, all those who come to the royal palace for a banquet, regardless of their status, must remove their armor and weapons.

Only the king and the princess who has been granted the right of succession are exempt.

Lian Qixia's move was undoubtedly a declaration to everyone that she was the first in line to inherit the throne.

Suddenly, the atmosphere in the banquet hall became eerie. The room fell silent, as if an invisible storm was brewing.

The power struggle between the sisters Lian Qixia and Lian Hongying was no secret in the capital, especially after Lian Hongying broke through to the tenth level of the Martial God realm, which brought it to a fever pitch.

Although Lian Qixia, as the eldest sister of the king, has the upper hand in terms of the overall situation, Lian Hongying is deeply favored by the king, Lian Huozhi, and it is not impossible for her to ascend to the throne.

Therefore, with the current situation unclear, apart from the noble forces that have already bet on Lian Qixia, everyone is observing and not in a hurry to take sides.

Lian Qixia's eyes were domineering. Her gaze first fell on Ye Qingzhou, and then she cast a provocative look at Lian Hongying.

Lian Hongying also subconsciously gripped Ye Qingzhou's arm, meeting Lian Qixia's gaze without backing down.

The sisters' mental battle quickly made the atmosphere even more oppressive, so much so that everyone was afraid to breathe and felt a sense of suffocation.

The mental pressure from the Martial God was as heavy as a mountain. Even the nobles with slightly weaker cultivation were almost unable to withstand the aftershocks of the mental impact. Their whole bodies trembled, and cold sweat frequently appeared on their foreheads.

The tense atmosphere, on the verge of war, only came to an abrupt end with the arrival of Lian Huozhi.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

"Very good!"

"His Majesty has arrived!"

The secret rivalry between the two sisters finally came to an end, much to the relief of everyone present. They were glad that the two sisters hadn't started fighting, otherwise the entire magnificent palace would probably have been razed to the ground.

Lian Huozhi was dressed in exquisite finery, covered with magnificent golden armor, and the crown on her head was inlaid with five rare and precious gems of the highest quality, shining brightly and exuding nobility.

But none of these external things can compare to her stunningly beautiful face that could topple kingdoms.

Lian Huozhi, the queen, possessed not only unparalleled beauty but also the dignified and noble bearing of royalty. With such a combination of beauty and status, few men in the world could resist her charm.

However, Ye Qingzhou's gaze did not linger on Lian Huozhi for even a moment, but instead bypassed her and landed on a figure behind her.

The other party was also startled the moment they saw Ye Qingzhou.

The man had slightly graying temples, was handsome and dashing, and the vicissitudes and melancholy on his body made him exude the maturity and composure that only middle-aged men possess.

It must be said that there was a reason why this person was chosen as the king's consort by Lian Huozhi, despite opposition from many others.

Upon seeing Ye Qingzhou, the other party was initially puzzled, then became certain, and finally their emotions began to surge with excitement.

At this moment, Lian Huozhi walked with the stride of a dragon, as if a dragon were soaring in all directions, and calmly walked to the center of the banquet hall, like a sharp blade separating Lian Qixia and Lian Hongying.

Her gaze first fell on Lian Qixia, then glanced at the golden armor on her eldest daughter, but she didn't say anything more about this presumptuous act.

Lian Qixia was secretly delighted: 'It seems Mother has tacitly approved!'

Then, Lian Huozhi turned her gaze to Lian Hongying and Ye Qingzhou: "You are Ye Qingzhou?"

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

Ye Qingzhou stood tall and straight, neither humble nor arrogant, like a peerless sword with its sharp edge concealed, standing before Lian Huozhi.

"Your sword heart is pure and flawless, and your sword intent is unstoppable. You are indeed a rare talent in the world, with outstanding martial arts aptitude. You are worthy of Hongying."

Lian Huozhi was quite satisfied with Ye Qingzhou, and then jokingly said, "Your surname is Ye? What a coincidence, you share the same surname as Xiang Yang, and you both come from different places."

Ye Qingzhou murmured with a wry look, "It is indeed a coincidence. From a genetic point of view, he happens to be my biological father."

"A light boat..."

Ye Xiangyang suddenly didn't know how to face his son whom he hadn't seen in so long. In the end, he could only force himself to ask, "How have you been all these years?"

"not good."

Ye Qingzhou shook his head, then sighed: "The Ye Qingzhou of the past is dead."

It must be said that the original owner's mother, Cheng Yurong, was not a competent mother, and Ye Xiangyang was not a competent father either.

She abandoned her husband and children to fall in love with someone else.

The other one never returned and has been missing for many years.

This shows that the price of not requiring an exam for marriage is the emergence of many irresponsible parents.

Of course, everyone has their own ambitions. Ye Qingzhou wasn't the original owner of this body, and she didn't have any kinship with this problematic couple, so she couldn't be bothered with their messy affairs.

The reunion of father and son should have been a time for family bliss, but neither Ye Qingzhou nor Ye Xiangyang were clearly happy.

Facing Ye Xiangyang, her adoptive father, Ye Qingzhou had a cold face, while Ye Xiangyang was filled with guilt, and the atmosphere became awkward.

The nobles of the Rakshasa Kingdom around them were all dumbfounded. No one expected that such a grand show would take place at tonight's banquet!

Afterwards, many people looked at Ye Qingzhou with shining eyes, especially the female nobles.

Despite the fact that the Rakshasa Kingdom is a matriarchal society, Ye Qingzhou is the son of Ye Xiangyang, who is also the consort of the kingdom's ruler, Lian Huozhi. With this relationship, Ye Qingzhou immediately became a highly sought-after figure.

Especially after Lian Huozhi bestowed the title of "Prince" upon Ye Qingzhou on the spot, everyone understood Ye Xiangyang's position in Lian Huozhi's heart.

What's this called?

That's what they call "love me, love my dog"!

Ye Qingzhou was utterly speechless. He had only accompanied his client to the banquet, so how did he suddenly find his biological father and gain a stepmother?

No, besides the stepmother, there seem to be two more stepsisters with stunning beauty.

One of them was even eyeing him covetously.

Lian Qixia was looking at Ye Qingzhou with the eyes of someone sizing up prey. Her original intention was simply to take away her sister's beloved "toy" and win Ye Qingzhou over to make him her lover.

But now that Ye Qingzhou has obtained the identity of "prince" and become her younger brother, Lian Qixia is even more interested. She even licked her rosy lips, looking as if she wanted to devour him on the spot.

Meanwhile, Lian Hongying, her eyes crinkling with a smile, hooked her arm around his and said, "My dear brother, it seems we'll have to get along well from now on, won't we?"

(End of this chapter)