Chapter 212: The Immortal Court

Chapter 212: The Immortal Court

September 25, 2024

"The Ten Thousand Souls Sect has been destroyed!?"

Zhen's face was a mixture of shock and disbelief when he received this news.

He had just received an order from Kuang Yang to lead troops to wipe out the Ten Thousand Souls Sect, but before he could make a move, the sect had already been annihilated.

A scout respectfully reported, "General, we have received word that on that day, a heavenly divine blade descended from the sky, not only destroying the Ten Thousand Souls Sect but also shattering their mountain stronghold."

"Heavenly divine blade—"

Upon hearing his subordinate's words, Zhen's expression shifted slightly, as if a thought had struck him.

At that moment, the Sword Daoist said, "If that's the case, it sounds like the work of Senior Kuang Qingfeng. No one else in this world has the strength to destroy a top-tier sect in an instant."

"Senior Sword is right!"

Zhen nodded in agreement with the Sword Daoist's assessment.

From what he knew, this incident did indeed seem to be the work of Kuang Qingfeng.

However, to confirm this, Zhen decided to visit the ruins of the Ten Thousand Souls Sect himself.

What he saw was a wasteland. The mountains had crumbled, and the ground was marked with terrifying, ominous blade scars, emitting a chilling and formidable blade aura.

"The residual aura here is indeed very similar to Senior Kuang's."

The Sword Daoist confirmed his suspicions at the first glance of the blade scars.

The one who destroyed the Ten Thousand Souls Sect was Kuang Qingfeng.

Upon further reflection, the Sword Daoist found it reasonable.

The assassination attempt on the prince of the Wang Manor had undoubtedly touched a nerve with the senior, so it made sense that Kuang Qingfeng would personally destroy the Ten Thousand Souls Sect.

This also indirectly indicated that the senior held the prince of the Wang Manor in high regard.

Otherwise, why would Kuang Qingfeng personally take action against the Ten Thousand Souls Sect?

After all, according to the Sword Daoist's understanding, Kuang Qingfeng spent most of his time at the Kuang Family Manor and rarely interfered in the affairs of the world.

Each time he acted, it was always in relation to the future of the Kuang Family and the Guangyang Wang.

Afterward, Zhen relayed this news back to Kuang Yang.

Upon learning that Kuang Qingfeng had personally destroyed the Ten Thousand Souls Sect, Kuang Yang felt a sense of relief and smiled.

"It seems Father holds Xing'er and the others in high regard!"

"Yes!"

Zhong Li also smiled warmly.

She was happy that Kuang Qingfeng valued her children.

After all, Kuang Qingfeng had many offspring, not just Kuang Yang.

As a princess, Zhong Li understood Kuang Qingfeng's status and influence even more clearly.

Though he was ostensibly the head of the Kuang Family Manor, he was, in fact, the strongest person in the world. If he were to favor someone, it would bring numerous benefits.

At this moment, Kuang Yang said, "In a year or two, when Xing'er and the others are older and ready to start training, I plan to send them to the Kuang Family Manor for Father to personally guide and teach them."

"If Father is willing, that would be best."

Zhong Li nodded, with no intention of refusing.

Kuang Yang smiled, "Don't worry, Father wouldn’t refuse."

Kuang Yang had seen his daughter, Kuang Shengnan, train under Kuang Qingfeng over the years. Despite her young age, her cultivation was already on par with many renowned martial artists. Even Kuang Yang had to admit that at her age, his cultivation was far inferior to hers.

Kuang Yang had no doubt that if given more time, Kuang Shengnan's cultivation might surpass his own.

In Kuang Yang's view, this was due not only to Kuang Shengnan's innate talent but also to the guidance of Kuang Qingfeng.

---

"Did you complete the task?"

"Your subordinate did not fail!"

Kuang Peng handed the Evil-Slaying Blade back to Kuang Qingfeng, who waved his sleeve, and the blade returned to the Blade Refining Hall.

He had ordered Kuang Peng to carry the Evil-Slaying Blade to destroy the Ten Thousand Souls Sect, and he had anticipated this outcome.

After all, the current Evil-Slaying Blade was no longer the same as it once was.

Nurtured by Kuang Qingfeng's blade cultivation techniques, the blade could now slay even a mid-level Transformation Realm expert, let alone a sect like the Ten Thousand Souls Sect.

One could say that the Evil-Slaying Blade was no longer just a divine weapon but had transcended the realm of ordinary divine weapons.

At this moment, Kuang Peng handed a black ancient banner to Kuang Qingfeng.

"This is the Ten Thousand Souls Sect's greatest treasure, the Ten Thousand Souls Banner. Please, Lord Manor, inspect it."

"Ten Thousand Souls Banner..."

Kuang Qingfeng took the black ancient banner, and as soon as he touched it, a strange, cold aura emanated from it. For ordinary people, this force would freeze their blood, but for him, it was like a mere illusion.

The moment he grasped the Ten Thousand Souls Banner, Kuang Qingfeng sensed its profound mysteries.

Even though the evil within had been largely eradicated by the Evil-Slaying Blade, a few remnants still remained.

When Kuang Qingfeng's consciousness entered the Ten Thousand Souls Banner, he seemed to 'ee' a space filled with black mist, where terrifying and ominous entities appeared before him.

These entities varied in strength.

The weaker ones were comparable to Bone Strengthening Realm martial artists, while the stronger ones were on par with Viscera Strengthening Realm experts.

Moreover, Kuang Qingfeng keenly discovered that these eerie entities had a certain connection with the Ten Thousand Souls Banner, allowing the latter to easily manipulate the strong ones.

“Your handling of this matter was excellent. You may now rest.”

“Yes, Lord of the Manor!”

Once Gu Peng had left, Gu Qingfeng resumed his study of the Ten Thousand Souls Banner.

This supreme treasure revealed something extraordinary to him.

“Ten Thousand Souls Banner!”

“Manipulating sinister spirits!”

“Such a technique is far beyond the realm of ordinary martial arts. Even many sorcerers have not mastered such abilities. I wonder how the Ten Thousand Souls Sect obtained the method to create such a supreme treasure—”

Gu Qingfeng murmured to himself, his eyes flickering as he stared at the Ten Thousand Souls Banner.

In the world, martial artists and sorcerers coexist, but in a strict sense, they are quite similar in many ways.

The techniques used by sorcerers are often derived from martial arts.

The difference lies in the fact that sorcerers harness spiritual energy, while martial artists focus on true qi and blood.

When it comes to offensive techniques, however, there is little distinction between the two.

Yet, the Ten Thousand Souls Banner showed Gu Qingfeng something truly unique.

He could have destroyed the Ten Thousand Souls Banner, but he decided to keep it and study it further.

He had a feeling that the Ten Thousand Souls Banner was far from ordinary.

Although such a treasure, which harbors and manipulates sinister spirits, might seem to defy the natural order, Gu Qingfeng was not a man of rigid principles. The nature of a treasure, whether it defies the natural order or not, depends on who wields it.

Moreover, Gu Qingfeng did not consider himself a righteous person.

His actions were guided by a clear and unobstructed mindset.

The concepts of right and wrong were not of paramount importance to him.

He did not deliberately purge the sinister spirits sealed within the Ten Thousand Souls Banner. These spirits, trapped within the banner, were powerless to cause any significant trouble.

Then, Gu Qingfeng casually placed the Ten Thousand Souls Banner in the Blade Tempering Hall.

The next moment, the Ten Thousand Souls Banner trembled, and a black mist began to seep out.

But the divine weapons in the Blade Tempering Hall immediately responded, emitting a multitude of blade intents that suppressed the black mist.

In an instant, the black mist dissipated as if it had encountered something terrifying.

Shortly after, the Evil Slayer Sword emitted a light hum, causing the Ten Thousand Souls Banner to instinctively tremble and cease all movement.

Gu Qingfeng's expression remained cold. A few sinister spirits trying to rebel was nothing more than a joke to him.

The Blade Tempering Hall was filled with divine weapons that were continuously refined by his true intent, making their blade intents and murderous auras far beyond what ordinary sinister spirits could withstand.

Moreover, the Evil Slayer Sword was stationed in the Blade Tempering Hall.

Thus, Gu Qingfeng was not concerned that the Ten Thousand Souls Banner would cause any significant trouble.

—

“Your son, Gu Yang, has annihilated the Tai Su Sect, bringing glory to Lingzhou!”

“Your son, Gu Yang, has gained a formidable reputation, and his army has brought the cities of Lingzhou to their knees!”

“Your son, Gu Yang, has subdued and suppressed numerous rebel forces in Lingzhou, greatly enhancing his power!”

“Your son, Gu Yang, has unexpectedly received the legacy of a mysterious powerful being, increasing his strength!”

“Your son, Gu Yang, has established treaties with various immortal sects and noble families!”

“Your son, Gu Yang, has received guidance from a grandmaster, slightly enhancing his strength!”

“Your son, Gu Yang, has received guidance from a grandmaster, slightly enhancing his strength!”

“Your son, Gu Yang...”

...

During Gu Qingfeng's seclusion, the world was in turmoil.

First, the Ten Thousand Souls Sect was destroyed.

Then, General Shi Zhen and his army easily crushed the entire Tai Su Sect.

Without the presence of Fu Zhao and Tai Xuan, the Tai Su Sect, despite its thousand-year legacy as an immortal sect, was no match for the Guangyang army.

The Heaven's Might Army alone, led by General Shi Zhen, was enough to bring the Tai Su Sect to its knees.

Not to mention, the Sword Daoist also participated in the battle.

A grandmaster of martial arts and an army of thirty-six thousand Heaven's Might soldiers completely sealed the fate of the Tai Su Sect.

In less than two days, the Tai Su Sect was utterly annihilated.

When the news of the Tai Su Sect's destruction spread, the world was once again shaken.

Although the fall of the Tai Su Sect was anticipated by many factions, the actual news still sent shockwaves through their hearts.

To be precise, including the previous Tianyang Sword Sect, two major immortal sects had now fallen at the hands of Gu Yang.

For a time, many factions were filled with fear and uncertainty.

Especially in Lingzhou, numerous self-proclaimed kings and rebel forces who had once dared to resist the Guangyang army now submitted, hoping to save their lives.

Gu Yang did not mercilessly slaughter these surrendering forces.

After all, if he wanted to quickly pacify the nine provinces, he needed to set an example.

If all those who surrendered were executed or punished later, the rebel forces in other provinces would never willingly submit.

If these rebels chose to fight to the death, even if they couldn't threaten Gu Yang himself, they would still be a significant nuisance.

Therefore, as long as they did not deliberately oppose him, Gu Yang showed leniency. He stripped them of their military power but did not resort to killing them once they were no longer useful.

As a result, more factions bowed their heads in submission.

In less than a month, the entire Spirit Province fell under Gu Yang's control.

At the same time, the situation in Central Province was progressing similarly.

One could say that Gu Yang now ruled over three provinces, commanding an army of millions.

His power was like a tiger devouring a thousand miles!

It was clear to anyone with eyes that this world would soon belong to the Gu family.

Even though six provinces still lay outside Gu Yang's grasp, it was only a matter of time.

After all, with three provinces and an army of millions, there was no one in the six provinces who could rival Gu Yang.

Since the downfall of the feudal lords supported by the immortal sects and noble families, the so-called feudal lords in the provinces were merely rebels who had taken advantage of the chaos to declare themselves kings. They were not to be taken seriously.

Such feudal lords rarely had more than a hundred thousand troops under their command.

Thus, the powerful figures from the immortal sects and noble families, led by the Ji family of Immortal Province, all went to Guangyang City to meet with Gu Yang.

It wasn't long before these powerful figures left with unhappy expressions.

No one knew what had been discussed, but within a few days, these forces publicly acknowledged Gu Yang's status.

This outcome only further boosted Gu Yang's reputation.

Soon after, Gu Yang personally visited the Gu Family Manor to see Gu Qingfeng.

...

"Father, I greet you!"

In the grand hall of the Gu Family Manor, Gu Yang, dressed in fine robes, exuded an air of nobility that was impossible to ignore. However, in front of Gu Qingfeng, he remained humble, reining in his regal aura.

Gu Qingfeng looked at the person before him, a touch of emotion in his eyes.

It felt like just yesterday when he had brought him home.

The little boy who used to follow him around had truly grown up and was destined to become the ruler of the Nine Provinces.

Shaking off his thoughts, Gu Qingfeng said, "Sit down and talk."

"Thank you, Father!"

Gu Yang bowed and took a seat at the lower end of the hall.

Gu Qingfeng asked, "I heard you made a treaty with those immortal sects and noble families?"

"That's right!"

Gu Yang admitted openly.

"Recently, the major forces led by the Ji family of Immortal Province came to the palace. Their initial intention was to ensure that my Guangyang Kingdom would not interfere with them.

They supported my ascension to the throne but also demanded privileges for their sects and noble families, maintaining their exalted status from the previous dynasty, free from any arbitrary oppression."

"And how did you respond?"

Gu Qingfeng nodded slightly and then asked.

Gu Qingfeng was not surprised by the demands of these sects and noble families.

After all, in past dynastic changes, these sects and noble families were always the ones pulling the strings.

The so-called rulers were merely their tools.

Therefore, these immortal sects and noble families had always been above the imperial power, enjoying a position of unparalleled influence.

However, the problem was that Gu Yang did not have the backing of any immortal sect or noble family. If he ascended to the throne, whether these forces could maintain their previous status was questionable.

So, it was only natural that they would come forward with such demands.

Gu Yang sneered and said, "When did it become their turn to dictate terms for the Gu family's world? And given the chaos caused by the warlocks, I have already shown great leniency by not uprooting all these noble families and sects.

Therefore, I did not agree to their demands."

"The main content of the treaty I made with them is that after the Gu family takes control of the world, these noble families and sects can retain their roots and traditions.

However, they must also stop wantonly slaughtering the people and using human blood and flesh to practice evil arts!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Qingfeng looked at the person before him and said calmly, "With such demands, I believe they will not dare to refuse while I am alive.

But if I am no longer around one day, these noble families and sects will be a significant threat."

"I am well aware of this, Father. But if I truly ascend to that position, I will not fear such minor forces.

Moreover, with the improvements you made to the martial path, the issue of the short lifespan of martial artists has been resolved.

As long as you give me time, the path of the warlocks will surely decline.

Perhaps in less than a hundred years, the martial path will flourish, and the warlocks will be completely eradicated!"

Gu Yang said confidently.

Of course, this approach also carried its own risks.

Martial artists, by nature, challenge authority.

If the martial path grows too strong, it might not be a good thing in the long run.

But times have changed.

To counter the warlocks, the only way is to strengthen the martial path. The root of the world's chaos lies in the evil spirits and the warlocks.

Once these issues are resolved, the rest will be much simpler.

Additionally, governing the world is like cooking a small fish—haste makes waste.

Gu Yang did not hide these thoughts from Gu Qingfeng, speaking openly about them.

As the current Guangyang King, Gu Yang often kept his deepest thoughts to himself, even from his closest confidants and loved ones.

Only in front of Gu Qingfeng could Gu Yang truly let down all his defenses and speak freely.

"I am very pleased to hear you think this way, my son!"

Gu Qingfeng’s eyes were filled with approval. When he had loosened his control over Gu Yang in the past, allowing him to grow on his own, it turned out to be the right decision. If he had kept Gu Yang confined within the Gu Family Manor, it would have been much harder for him to achieve what he has today.

Then, Gu Qingfeng continued, "The fact that those noble clans agreed to your terms is likely due to the limited lifespan of martial artists. While martial artists cannot achieve immortality, as long as I am alive, I will not allow them to cause chaos. If anyone dares to break the rules, they will be eliminated."

He said this with a casual tone, as if destroying an eternal clan was a simple matter for him.

In reality, it was indeed that simple. Gu Qingfeng was the undisputed number one in the world, a title he held with a significant gap from the rest. Even if these clans had divine realm experts, Gu Qingfeng could suppress them with his bare hands, leaving no room for them to cause trouble.

The reason he hadn’t acted directly was that these clans were deeply rooted, and a hasty move could lead to unforeseen chaos.

Therefore, since Gu Yang had a plan to boil the frog slowly, Gu Qingfeng naturally wouldn’t take direct action.

"There is another matter I wish to consult with you, Father."

At this moment, Gu Yang suddenly spoke, then took out a jade slip and handed it to Gu Qingfeng.

"This jade slip was obtained by me accidentally in Lingzhou. It contains some incredible information, and I find it difficult to determine its authenticity."

"Oh?"

Gu Qingfeng took the jade slip, his expression slightly surprised. With his keen eyes, he could tell that this jade slip was not ordinary, emitting a faint yet mysterious aura.

After examining the jade slip for a moment, Gu Qingfeng tried to infuse it with his true qi and blood energy, but it was like a stone sinking into the sea, causing no reaction.

At this point, Gu Yang said, "To obtain the information within, you need to press the jade slip against your forehead."

Hearing this, Gu Qingfeng followed the instructions.

As soon as he pressed the jade slip against his forehead, a surge of information flooded his mind.

After a moment, Gu Qingfeng had completely digested all the information.

...

"Founding the Immortal Court!"

Gu Qingfeng murmured to himself.

The information was a cultivation technique, more accurately, a secret method called "Founding the Immortal Court."

According to the records, the empires of the world were divided into nine ranks based on their fortune. The lowest were the kingdoms, followed by the empires, imperial dynasties, divine dynasties, immortal dynasties, and the highest, the Immortal Court.

This secret method detailed how to establish an Immortal Court.

Even with Gu Qingfeng’s extensive knowledge, he was slightly shocked when he saw this secret method.

Gu Yang said, "The method recorded in the jade slip is truly profound. This is the first time I have seen such a technique. I believe the method for founding the Immortal Court is at least seventy percent authentic."

"If the information is true, where did this secret method for founding the Immortal Court come from?"

"Furthermore, in the ancient times, did the Nine Provinces once have an ancient Immortal Court?"

"Additionally, if the Immortal Court truly existed, the current situation in the Nine Provinces would hardly support one. Does this mean there is a broader world beyond the Nine Provinces?"

Gu Yang spoke out all the long-held doubts in his heart.

He had some theories, but theories were just theories, and he couldn’t be certain of the truth.

He hadn’t mentioned these matters to anyone else.

The importance of the Immortal Court was too great. If the information were to leak, it could cause unpredictable chaos.

Therefore, Gu Yang came to meet Gu Qingfeng.

His purpose was not only to deal with the major immortal clans but also to verify the authenticity of the Immortal Court.

After a moment of contemplation, Gu Qingfeng slowly replied, "If I am not mistaken, the Immortal Court is real, and the world is not as simple as it appears. There may be a broader world beyond the Nine Provinces."

"However, these matters are not something you should consider for now. Even if there is a broader world beyond the Nine Provinces, that is a matter for the future. What you need to do now is unify the Nine Provinces."

"Furthermore, according to the method for founding the Immortal Court, consolidating the fortune of an empire would greatly benefit an emperor. When you eventually unify the Nine Provinces, you can follow this method."

"Some things will become clear once you reach a sufficient level of power. All problems will be resolved then."

Gu Qingfeng’s words relieved Gu Yang, dispelling the long-standing doubts and concerns in his heart.

If Gu Qingfeng said it was fine, it would surely be fine.

Thus, Gu Yang no longer needed to worry so much.

---

PS: I got a bit engrossed in reading novels today, so the update was a bit late. Sorry!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end