Martial God Development Plan

Afterwards, the two of them headed north, all the way to Fenglin City... Thanks to the Order of Martial Arts, they were able to switch between means of transportation smoothly. Regardless of whether it was the post station's commander who said that the post station had few horses left, or the merchant ship that nominally did not want to carry more people, after seeing the Order of Martial Arts, they all chose to open the door to convenience.

This is the Order of Martial Arts. No matter who you are, you have to give this token some respect.

During the Yan Dynasty, most of the warriors who obtained the Order of Martial Arts by relying on their own strength and did not die young eventually became masters of their generation who were famous all over the world!

Relying on this token, the two of them had a smooth journey, even when passing through some areas rampant with war and banditry, they did not encounter any trouble, which enabled them to move at an astonishing speed.

......

That night, Ji Zhao and Han Gongqiu were in such a hurry to travel that they got lost after leaving the previous town. They could not reach the next town and had to sleep in the wild. The sky was not good, and an annoying drizzle fell from the sky. After searching for a while, the two finally found a cave to shelter from the rain.

After several months of training, Ji Zhao's body was in much better shape than when he first came through. But he was unlucky. In just a few months, he had gone through three bloody battles in which he almost lost his life. Adding insult to injury, he now had no internal energy to suppress his health and many of his health problems were revealed. He kept coughing in the cave.

"Cough...cough!"

Perhaps it was a recurrence of an old injury, or perhaps it was because he had practiced too hard before and hurt his body, coupled with the fatigue from traveling a lot in recent days, and the evil energy entered his body, Ji Zhao suddenly coughed up blood for no apparent reason.

"Alas..." In the dim cave, Han Gongqiu reached out and gently stroked Ji Zhao's back, "I told you long ago, don't be so anxious, you need to take care of your body... If only Yunxiao were here, his special internal strength could help you take care of yourself. But I, a girl, am a bit helpless without rice. Little Ji Zhao, little Ji Zhao, why are you so anxious? You should understand the principle that more haste makes waste."

"...I was too anxious." Ji Zhao did not deny it. He gasped twice and felt a choking smell of rust in his throat.

Han Gongqiu sighed softly, and said in a gloomy tone: "Is it just because you are too anxious?"

Ji Zhao was slightly startled: "Master Qiu, what does this mean?"

Han Gongqiu looked outside the cave, his voice a little hazy: "As the saying goes, a bystander sees more clearly. Because my physical strength is fine, the pace of walking along the way was set by you, Xiao Jizhao. When to go fast and when to go slow, I, an outsider, can see it clearly... Ask yourself, do you really not feel anything at all?"

Ji Zhao frowned slightly, thought carefully for a while, and finally shook his head: "I don't know."

"Really?" Han Gongqiu couldn't help but smile bitterly, "As expected, human eyes can't see their own eyes."

She paused and continued, "The pace of this journey is actually very obvious... If a region is rich, then your speed will be slower, but if a place is poor, with frequent wars and people displaced, then you will be much faster."

"I originally thought that you couldn't stand the harsh environment, but that's not the case. You slept on the finest cotton quilt in the inn, but now you're pillowing on this cold, hard stone, but you didn't complain at all... In other words, you decided your speed because of the disaster victims and refugees. You didn't want to, didn't want to, or couldn't bear to see them."

Ji Zhao was startled, then burst out laughing and said, "How could that be..."

However, Han Gongqiu did not speak. She sighed softly and said, "The ancients said: A gentleman, seeing animals alive, cannot bear to see them die; hearing their cries, cannot bear to eat their meat, so a gentleman stays away from the kitchen... For things that cannot be changed, a gentleman can only turn a blind eye, which is actually a kind of pity. Xiao Jizhao, this is not something shameful, but you seem to be resisting this matter in your heart. Otherwise, with your usual insight, how could you not feel the connection between your speed and the surrounding environment?"

"Master Qiu." Ji Zhao denied Han Gongqiu this time, "You think too much. Maybe I just can't stand such a bad environment. I don't say it, but it doesn't mean that I don't think so in my heart."

Han Gongqiu looked at Ji Zhao with a sad gaze, as if she wanted to see through the heart of this sixteen-year-old boy.

"You...are you scared?"

This sentence was incoherent, so Ji Zhao asked, "What is Master Qiu referring to?"

"You are afraid of having pity on them." Han Gongqiu frowned slightly, but his tone was a little uncertain, "But why would anyone be afraid of this? Even if you want to do something earth-shattering, you don't want to expose any weaknesses. How can this little bit of pity be considered a weakness? It's just human nature."

"Cough cough... cough cough cough!" Ji Zhao started coughing again. Blood splattered on the ground, which was shocking. He spoke with difficulty, his voice a little hoarse, "Master Qiu, you think too much."

"... Maybe." Perhaps because Ji Zhao's situation was a bit tragic, or perhaps because he felt that his guess was too far-fetched to stand up, Han Gongqiu did not insist, "However, your speed is indeed determined by the factors I just mentioned... Little Ji Zhao, I don't know what's hidden in your heart, but a heart full of benevolence will never become an obstacle to anything."

In the dim cave, Ji Zhao's eyes were shining with a faint light.

"Well... Master Qiu should also rest early."

Han Gongqiu didn't say anything else. He sat cross-legged and began to practice his internal energy.

Ji Zhao leaned against the rock wall and slowly closed his eyes.

【“Are you afraid of pity…?”】

Volume 4: The Counting of Talents: Chapter 39: Wind Coming to the City

In mid-May, Ji Zhao and Han Gongqiu crossed the Feng River and finally arrived at Fenglin City. This place was the front line of the anti-Ning movement. Looking from afar, one could feel a breathtaking murderous atmosphere. The soldiers in front of the city wall were wearing iron armor and had sharp eyes.

After entering the city, the two went straight to the Weiwu Marquis Mansion and were received thanks to Wu Zhiling. It happened that Lie Yufei was in the mansion at that time, and Ji Zhao met him smoothly.

"Have you made up your mind?"

Ji Zhao had just arrived in the living room and sat down, and before the chair had even warmed up, Lie Yufei walked in with brisk steps.

"I pay my respects to the Marquis of Weiwu."

"No need to be polite." Lie Yufei came to the main seat and sat down, then went straight to the point and repeated what he had just said, "Have you thought it through?"

Over the past two months, rumors about Wei Huo's reincarnation have not only not stopped, but have intensified, even though the imperial court has not yet taken any action... The people really hope that Wei Huo can be reincarnated to put an end to it all.

"I've thought about it." Ji Zhao responded.

"What's going on?" Lie Yufei looked at Ji Zhao, his eyes deep and calm, "Is it going to work or not?"

Ji Zhao did not answer Lie Yufei directly. Instead, he reached out and took out the paper with the medicinal materials recorded on it from his arms and handed it to Lie Yufei.

Lie Yufei took the paper and glanced at it. For a martial artist at his level, it was basically impossible for him to not know medicine. He frowned slightly after taking a look. Speaking of which, given Lie Yufei's status and attitude, he shouldn't have any expression at this moment, but the things on this piece of paper were really ridiculously expensive. Not only expensive, but also hard to find. He was simply insatiable.

"......Do you want these?" Lie Yufei asked. This was obvious, otherwise Ji Zhao would not have taken this out at this time.

"Yes." Ji Zhao nodded. "These are the materials needed to repair my meridians. I must get them no matter what."

"Do you know how much these herbs cost?"

"I know."

"I know. You actually dare to speak up." Lie Yufei sneered, not knowing whether it was a sincere compliment or a sarcastic remark, "Great."

"You don't have to stab me like this, sir." Ji Zhao looked calm. "If the reincarnation of Lord Wu'an is a useless person without even inner energy, wouldn't it be a joke? I am doing this for the sake of the court's reputation."

"Half-baked is worse than having nothing." Lie Yufei shook his head. "You don't have inner energy, so other people won't be able to tell. Instead, they will think you are unfathomable. But if you have inner energy, even if you have a first-rate level and appear outstanding at your age, people will lose their awe."

Lie Yufei looks big and strong, but he can see through people's hearts... That's right, the reincarnation of Wu'an Gong must be mysterious enough. He may not even have internal energy, and he cannot have the "first-class master level" that can be seen through by others - besides, Ji Zhao doesn't even have the first-class level.

Of course, if it was the real reincarnation of Duke Wu'an, it wouldn't matter what happened, but Ji Zhao was fake.

Ji Zhao did not dwell on this and instead talked about his own achievements.

To do this by himself, in modern terms, is very low, so low that he has no shame at all, but Ji Zhao still did it, without any shame on his face, and said calmly: "I have found green mountains for the State of Yan that will never change..."

"If we convert it into one third of the floating wealth, maybe we can get it." Lie Yufei's expression did not change at all. "Now that Yan and Ning have been at war for years, elixirs, medicinal materials, and magic weapons and armor are valuable. For these medicines, even if a few first-class masters who have been famous for a long time are willing to sacrifice their lives, that would be enough."

He paused, and then said, "Just a few words of gossip for you to listen to... Our emperor has never believed in ghosts and gods. Although there are many civil and military officials in the court who are interested in you, the reincarnation of Lord Wu'an, the emperor is not very interested. Today I dare to guess what the emperor is thinking... The emperor will not give this price."

Ji Zhao asked: "Even if I sell myself to the court to become the 'reincarnation of Wei Huo'?"

Lie Yufei said: "If you sell it, it will be even more difficult to repair your meridians."

"......" Ji Zhao was silent for a moment, then said, "Could you please ask Marquis Weiwu to report this to the emperor? As long as I can get these medicinal herbs, I will accept anything, whether it is to become the incarnation of Marquis Wu'an at the request of the court, or to take the initiative to create momentum for others and transfer this reputation to others, I will never hesitate."

Lie Yufei was a little stunned for a moment: "...You didn't hear anything I said just now?"

Not to mention Lie Yufei, even Han Gongqiu was a little surprised. Lie Yufei had made it so clear just now, but Ji Zhao actually wanted to make such a self-humiliating request?

"You..." Lie Yufei's voice became low, and an invisible pressure spread. Han Gongqiu beside him felt that it was difficult to breathe, "Do you really want to do this?"

"Yes." However, Ji Zhao was not affected at all. He looked normal and answered Lie Yufei without hesitation.

"......Okay." What was even more unexpected to Han Gongqiu was that Lie Yufei actually agreed. He looked at her with a gloomy look and said, "I will pass this message on to you, but whether it will succeed or not, you'd better not have too many expectations."

"Thank you, sir."

Lie Yufei waved his hand and said, "You can stay in the Marquis' Mansion for the next two days."

After saying this, he took out the piece of paper and went out.

After he left, Han Gongqiu couldn't help but look at Ji Zhao. After more than a month of contact, she found that she had never understood Ji Zhao from beginning to end. She had countless doubts in her heart, and the most core question had never changed.

["Why do you crave power so much......?"]

------

After getting permission, Lie Yufei walked into the yard. Sitting at the stone table inside was a thin young man who looked gentle and refined. Just by looking at his face, no one could imagine that this man was Qi Su, who was called the 'Mad Dog Emperor' by the people of Ning because he insisted on fighting and refused to seek peace. Some people praised him and some scolded him, but the highest praise and the most vicious insult to him were the same sentence, which was 'not like a member of the Qi family at all'.

————The praise was because he was not like his father who only knew how to cede land and pay compensation. As for the insult, it was because of some dirty rumors about his bloodline, so it’s better not to talk about it.

"Greetings, Your Majesty." Lieyu saluted.

"No need to be polite, Lord Lie." Qi Su's expression was calm, not as heroic as the rumors said. Because of his thin figure, he really didn't look like a heroic leader. "Why did Lord Lie rush to see me in such a bad weather today?"

Lie Yufei said: "Good instructor, I know that it was the kid from Luohe Pavilion who awakened Qingshan Bugei that day who came north."

"Oh?" Qi Su seemed to be thinking about something. "Luohe Pavilion is in Wuling City, Lizhou. I remember Lie Qing said that he was seriously injured... It seems that he went north as soon as he recovered from his injury. I think he has made a decision."

Volume 4: Chapter 40: No Choice But Success

"The emperor is right." Lie Yufei said, "He visited me today."

"how."

"He is willing to accept any arrangement made by the imperial court," Lie Yufei said. "Whether he becomes the substitute of Duke Wu'an or voluntarily gives up this identity and transfers the glory to someone else, he has no objection."

Qi Su nodded: "But he has a condition."

"Yes." This was obvious, so Lie Yufei continued speaking naturally, "His meridians are damaged, but Luohe Pavilion has infinite means. I don't know where they found a master who can help him rebuild his meridians, but it requires a lot of precious medicinal materials... Please have a look."

Lie Yufei said as he handed over the note, but Qi Su obviously didn't understand it, so Lie Yufei explained the approximate value of these herbs to him...

As an emperor, Qi Su was famous for his frugality in private life among all the monarchs of Yan State. He tightened his belt to fight the war. When he heard the price of these medicinal herbs, he was dumbfounded for a moment: "Why are they so expensive?!"

————Lie Yufei can be considered as his confidant who was promoted by him. If in front of outsiders, Qi Su probably would not have such rich changes in facial expressions.

Lie Yufei said: "Go back to the emperor, these medicinal herbs are basically impossible to cultivate artificially. They all need to grow in various dangerous places for a hundred years before they can take shape. As for this hundred-year-old unicorn blood jade branch, the jade branch grows on the Panluo tree, which is only found deep in the Jiuyin Mountain. The jade branches are divided into dirty blood, beast blood, black blood, fairy blood, and unicorn blood according to their colors. Among them..."

"Lie Qing, you don't need to talk." Qi Su obviously didn't want to be taught such a long piece of knowledge that was useless. He immediately waved his hand to stop Lie Yufei. Lie Yufei rubbed his temple and sighed softly, "Does he want these herbs, or all of them?"

"Yes."

"Lie Qing has been with me for so long, you should know my character."

"Yes."

"If that's the case, why did Lord Lie come to see me?"

Lie Yufei said solemnly: "Sir, this man is a genius."

"Genius?" Qi Susu knew that Lie Yufei, as the leader of the Young Heroes Conference, had a very high vision. Now, he was a little surprised to hear him praise someone like this, "Because he can activate Qingshan Bugai?"

"Not only that, I am not talking about talent." Perhaps thinking there was something wrong with what he said, Lie Yufei immediately added, "Of course, since this boy can activate Qingshan Bu Gai at that age, his talent must be no problem."

Qi Su asked: "If it's not about talent, then what is Lie Qing referring to?"

Lie Yufei said: "Some things I don't know how to express... May I ask your Majesty, what was in your mind when you saw this note?"

Qi Su said: "He is greedy and doesn't know whether to live or die."

"That's right." Lie Yufei said, "I think so too... But when I went to Luohe Pavilion, the Pavilion Master Liu Hanying said that this boy always knows the big picture and knows when to advance and retreat. He is too mature for someone his age. When I went to see him later, the response he showed was indeed worthy of Pavilion Master Liu's praise."

Qi Su said: "But, he sent this thing up."

"I had already told him clearly at the time, but he still insisted that I send this thing up." Lie Yufei said, "This was not an easy thing to do, because he said it under my authority."

Lie Yufei is a veteran of the time who has experienced countless battlefields. His crushing and martial power far surpass those of ordinary martial artists. I am afraid that there are very few people who can withstand this pressure.

Qi Su could understand this, but this alone was not enough to satisfy him: "Just because of this?"

"Not really." Lie Yufei said, "It's because of his eyes."

"Eye?"

"Yes." Lie Yufei took a deep breath and then spoke slowly, "I am ashamed... Your Majesty also knows that during the Xuande period, I was dismissed from office for advocating war. During that time, I was disheartened and confused. At that time, I thought that my life might just be wasted like this, so why bother with these things? It was only after your Majesty ascended the throne that I was reused and became the General Po Lu... I think that most of the heroes in ancient and modern times, both at home and abroad, are like me, created by the times."

"Who in the world is not like this... The civil and military officials in the court often praise me as a heroic ruler, but I know exactly what kind of person I am. I often toss and turn in the south at night, wondering if I can really force the Ning people to retreat, recover the old territory, return to the old capital, and complete the cause of Guangwu." Qi Su shook his head gently, "But since Lie Qing said so, I guess he is different?"

"Yes, he is different." Lie Yufei considered his words and spoke much slower. "He has a unique energy. Even in this situation where his meridians are disabled, I don't think he is too confused. It seems that he has identified the path of his life... He is eager to transform. He will do anything to achieve this, regardless of his face, and pursue every possibility. He can even withstand the pressure from me and present this piece of paper that can be called greedy and ignorant of life and death. He clearly knows that even if he wants some floating wealth, it will be enough for him to be a rich man for life, but he seems to have never considered it. It seems that for him, there is no choice but to succeed. He has never thought about living a mediocre life. With this persistence and this motivation, I dare say that even if he doesn't practice martial arts, he can definitely succeed, but the greatest achievement he can make in this world is definitely in martial arts! So, I want to save him."

Lie Yufei paused, and added: "If even a man like him can't accomplish anything, then I can't think of anyone else in this world who can accomplish anything?!"

Even Ji Zhao himself probably could not have imagined that Lie Yufei, who had only met him twice, would have such a high opinion of him.

Qi Su listened to the whole thing quietly. He did not give an immediate answer, but fell into long contemplation.

The treasury was empty, medicinal materials were scarce, and countless people in the south had to revolt because they could not afford to eat. This money was not something that he, the emperor, could allocate or invest as he pleased. If he was given the Great Yan of a hundred years ago, then with Lie Yufei's guarantee, Qi Su would not have to think too long. But the current Yan State was in too much trouble, and the entire country no longer had the spare capacity for high-risk and high-return investments.

After a long while, Qi Su slowly spoke: "Lie Qing, there are only you and me here, I will not hide it from you, now the civil and military officials in the court are very concerned about the reincarnation of Wei Huo, but I just don't like this... If those common people, who have never read books and don't know about the bloody battle physique, hope that it is the reincarnation of Wei Huo, that's fine, but these people who are full of knowledge are actually dreaming of such an unrealistic dream, thinking about letting a dead person return..."

As he spoke, his voice became a little louder, and there was even a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"When I ascended the throne, both the court and the people thought that the Ning people were extremely brave and invincible. They only wanted to cede land and pay compensation to ensure temporary safety. However, they did not know that using land to protect Ning is like adding fuel to a fire. If the fuel is not exhausted, the fire will not be extinguished... Now I have lived in Fenglin City for six years. The Ning people in the north call me the mad dog emperor. People who want to assassinate me come in waves, and some even try to curse me to death. Is all this because of the spirit of the previous Wu Angong in heaven?!"

Volume 4: The 41st Chapter: Curse

Qi Su has never believed in ghosts and gods... He has nothing to say if the common people believe in this, but he is heartbroken when the civil and military officials in the court also believe in this. When he ascended the throne, the situation in Yan State was so critical that it was on the verge of destruction. Who has survived all this and survived until now?

To this day, these people still want to pin their hopes on a fake reincarnation of Lord Wu An...

Qi Su had to break their fantasy. The future of Yan State must not be pinned on such illusory things.

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