Chapter 460: Journey to the Central Region, Shaking the World! (6k2)

Chapter 460: Journey to the Central Region, Shaking the World! (6k2)



Seven Mystic Town.

In the bustling town, Chen Mu and Yuan Hong strolled side by side, walking through the streets without attracting any attention. Despite being among the bustling crowds, they seemed to exist in a world apart, clearly distinct from the ordinary people around them.

Yuan Hong took a few steps forward, observing the lively streets, and suddenly spoke with a hint of nostalgia, "In the past, when the world was still stable, I was the Crown Prince of the Northern Defense King. I had a passion for martial arts and mingled with the commoners, interacting with people from all walks of life. I once led a group to eradicate bandits, and I also ventured alone into the lair of thieves to rescue people from danger. At that time, my father scolded me, saying that as the son of a wealthy family, I should not engage in such risky endeavors. But I argued that in martial arts, courage comes first. My father then said that if that was the case, I should pursue the path of the Hundred Schools of Thought."

"Later, I was appointed as the Chief of the City Guard Command, overseeing a region. Then, I was transferred to the Northern Defense Army, serving as a Military Commander, fighting against the foreign tribes beyond the pass. After that, I was assigned as the Inspector General, overseeing the conduct of officials..."

Chen Mu and Yuan Hong walked side by side, strolling casually as Yuan Hong narrated his story. Chen Mu's expression remained unchanged as he listened. The rise of the Northern Defense King and his life experiences were well-known throughout the Cold North.

Initially, Yuan Hong mingled with the commoners, and later, he served in various government offices. The first half of his journey was similar to Chen Mu's, but the difference was that Yuan Hong was the Crown Prince of the Northern Defense King. No matter how he interacted with the commoners, there were always people secretly protecting him in the shadows. However, during his first two years in this world, he was cautious and fearful, walking on thin ice. The slightest misstep could have led to irreversible consequences.

Yuan Hong continued, "I have conversed with performers, befriended law enforcement officers, witnessed the life-and-death struggles of bandits, and seen the warmth and coldness of the rich and poor. Ultimately, I questioned the heavens and earth through the path of humanity, striving for the unity of heaven and humanity, and reaching the pinnacle of martial arts."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mu finally spoke, "Most martial arts in the world revolve around comprehending the essence of heaven and earth. I never imagined that Your Highness would take the opposite approach, questioning the heavens and earth through the path of humanity. This is indeed a rare path."

Yuan Hong maintained his usual demeanor, without any arrogance, and replied, "The Dao is the path to all truths. Regardless of the cultivation method or path, they all lead to the same destination. Whether it's from heaven and earth to humanity, or from humanity to heaven and earth, they are all paths of cultivation. It's not surprising."

Chen Mu nodded slightly and said, "Indeed, that's true."

Every heaven and man master has their own beliefs and convictions. Only by maintaining that belief and will can one preserve their own determination during the process of unity with heaven and man, preventing themselves from being assimilated by heaven and earth and returning to the heavens.

Some believe in martial arts, while others hold onto their heritage as their will. There are also those like Yuan Hong, who believe in the path of humanity.

Yuan Hong's words seemed scattered and disjointed, but Chen Mu understood them clearly. Yuan Hong was openly explaining his own path of heaven and humanity. On one hand, he was discussing martial arts with Chen Mu, and on the other, he was clarifying his own pursuit—believing in the path of humanity.

With this belief, the pursuit of a stable world was not just empty words or a means to gain power for oneself. Moreover, it could be a desire for the prosperity of the world, a flourishing society, and the empowerment of all people.

"Does Your Highness aspire to become the Supreme Sovereign?"

Chen Mu thought for a moment and then asked straightforwardly without beating around the bush.

Yuan Hong's gaze swept across the bustling and lively streets, and he shook his head, saying, "It doesn't matter who sits on that throne. I only wish for the prosperity of the world and the well-being of the common people. I desire the flourishing of humanity."

After hearing this, Chen Mu spoke in a relaxed tone, "Your Highness has the ability to question heaven and man, and it's not by chance. The members of the Ji family have been vying for power for decades, all for that position. However, in terms of mindset, they fall far short, and it's no wonder they have not achieved much."

Any heaven and man master would not care about power. When Yuan Hong said this, it was not an exaggeration. Just like Chen Mu, he had no interest in the so-called imperial throne or secular power.

Chen Mu believed in his own talent and will, and he had faith in himself. He was certain that he would transcend this world in the future. On the other hand, Yuan Hong believed that humanity could overcome heaven, and he had faith in the entire human race and the path of humanity. From the humble beginnings in ancient times to the present rule over the rivers and mountains, humanity would undoubtedly surpass this world in the future.

Both Chen Mu and Yuan Hong had reached a realm where they were challenging the heavens.

However, figures like the Han King and the Jin King were still entangled in power struggles, fighting against others. Their realms were far inferior, and it was no wonder that among the six princes, only one, Prince Hanzhao, had entered the Blood Transformation Realm, and that was after ascending to the throne.

"What is Chen Supreme Elder's view on the current situation of the world?"

Seeing that Chen Mu spoke casually without any hint of testing or roundabout, Yuan Hong stopped walking and looked at him.

Chen Mu gazed into the distant horizon and said, "I am merely a martial artist in the mortal world. What does the world have to do with me? I only seek to follow my heart and act freely."

If it were in his previous life or when he first arrived in this world, he would have naturally harbored the desire to rule as the Supreme and Esteemed Emperor. However, after experiencing countless hardships and using martial power to challenge heaven and earth, his desire for secular power had long faded.

Secular matters were merely distractions.

Now that he had risen above the secular world and was revered as a saint, how could he still have the desire to immerse himself in mundane affairs?

"That's a carefree attitude indeed."

Upon hearing Chen Mu's words, Yuan Hong couldn't help but sigh, not feeling surprised in the slightest.

Such a mindset was rare among ordinary people, but for the top martial artists of this era, it was a common occurrence. At least half of the Heaven and Man Masters had this kind of open-mindedness, not particularly concerned with power.

Even those who coveted secular authority, like Yang Qingshan of the South Marsh Wu God Sect, who supported Prince Hanzhao's plot for the throne, did so to utilize the Great Xuan Court's heritage to fulfill his other ambitions.

After his words fell, Yuan Hong continued striding forward, slightly quickening his pace. After a few steps, he had already left Seven Mystic Town behind, and Chen Mu followed suit, their silhouettes like ethereal shadows, disappearing into the vastness of Jade State's capital city in the blink of an eye.

After years of absence, Chen Mu's gaze casually swept over the capital city of Jade State, and he noticed that the entire city had undergone a complete transformation. Compared to the past, the chaos in the outer city had vanished, and order prevailed in the streets and alleys, with patrols regularly maintaining peace.

"The ebb and flow of unity and division is the grand trend of the world. Currently, the Great Xuan is divided into nine parts, but for the common folk, it's not necessarily a bad thing."

Standing atop the walls of Jade State's capital, Yuan Hong overlooked the city below, his voice calm as he spoke, "The Northern Defense Commandery has been governing the various states and counties, and its efforts are bearing fruit. As far as I know, aside from the Western Border Region, the other regions are more or less the same. After decades of turmoil, it's time for the nation to recuperate and flourish."

Chen Mu's gaze swept across the capital city, and after hearing Yuan Hong's words, he finally understood the Northern Defense King's intentions—he wanted to maintain the current state of affairs.

Unifying the world under one rule in the current era was an extremely challenging endeavor.

Whether it was Yuan Hong or Prince Jin, even Emperor Xuan, Ji Xuanfei, faced the same challenge. With nine parts of the world divided, it was no easy task for any party to purify the eight directions and reunify the realm. Once war broke out, the world would be in turmoil, and chaos would reign.

In Yuan Hong's opinion, the only person capable of reestablishing Heaven and Earth in this era was not him, nor the Six Princes, nor the Six Paths Alliance, and certainly not Ji Xuanfei. It was Chen Mu who held the potential to pacify the realm and redefine its order.

That's why he came to Jade State.

He wanted to know Chen Mu's intentions.

If Chen Mu was determined to reshape the world, after testing his strength, Yuan Hong would offer the full support of the Northern Defense Commandery, striving to pacify the four seas in the shortest time possible and restore unity to the realm.

However, if Chen Mu had no interest in power, Yuan Hong would maintain the current status quo, ensuring temporary stability.

"If that's the case, it's indeed a good thing."

Chen Mu's gaze drifted into the distance.

He knew Yuan Hong's words were not empty. If the current situation was as described, it was indeed bearable, and the Northern Defense King's plan aligned with his intentions, providing a rare moment of temporary peace.

Hearing Chen Mu's response, Yuan Hong's tense nerves finally relaxed.

Chen Mu's acknowledgment of the current state of the world was the best possible outcome.

After all, with the realm divided into nine parts, each ruled by a different power, it was difficult to initiate a war. Moreover, with Chen Mu's watchful eye over the world, conflicts would find it hard to arise. It could be said that as long as Chen Mu lived, the world would enjoy peace for at least a day. Today's words from Chen Mu might just lay the foundation for the world's peace and prosperity for the next two to three hundred years.

However, Chen Mu's tone shifted slightly as he continued, "But in my conduct, I've always been clear about grievances and debts. Some old grudges still need to be settled one by one."

Yuan Hong naturally understood what Chen Mu meant by "old grudges." He pondered for a moment before replying, "Prince Han has already ascended to the Supreme Sovereign, presiding over the imperial court and the thousand-year heritage of the royal family. He won't be an easy opponent."

With the Mystic Pavilion and the Blood Concealment Tower having relocated to the Central Region, if Chen Mu wanted to take action against the two sects, he would need to travel to the Central Region, entering their territory. Additionally, with Ji Xuanfei now in the Blood Transformation Realm and in control of the Great Xuan's foundation, he was no longer as easy to deal with as before. Even with Chen Mu's formidable martial prowess, he might not be able to do much in the Central Region.

Unless it was an assassination attempt.

That would indeed make Ji Xuanfei, the Mystic Pavilion, and the Blood Concealment Tower, among others, extremely cautious, forcing them to constantly exercise restraint and vigilance. But as long as the root cause wasn't eliminated, this conflict would only lead to further turmoil.

Chen Mu listened to Yuan Hong's words, his expression calm and unmoved.

Suddenly, he turned his gaze in a certain direction.

Yuan Hong had noticed it even earlier, and he, too, shifted his gaze.

In their line of sight, a figure was hurrying along, over a dozen miles away, bypassing the capital city of Jade State and heading straight for the mountain gate of the Seven Mysteries Sect.

Although the figure was concealing their aura and body, under the watchful eyes of Chen Mu and Yuan Hong, there was nowhere to hide. Both men needed only a glance to discern the person's background—a pale-faced, mustached man with a gentle aura, undoubtedly someone from the imperial court!

A court official coming to the Seven Mysteries Sect at this time could only mean one thing.

Without even thinking, they knew the purpose of this visit was to deal with Chen Mu, either to confer a title, win him over, or incite discord.

Chen Mu turned his head towards Yuan Hong, offering a faint smile.

Yuan Hong stood with his hands behind his back, his expression calm. "It's nothing more than conferring titles, winning favors, or inciting discord."

In their focused gaze, they watched as the court eunuch hurried along, quickly disappearing into the distance. Chen Mu and Yuan Hong exchanged a glance, saying nothing, and then they, too, moved forward, vanishing from the walls of Jade State's capital city.

……

The Seven Mysteries Sect.

Outside the mountain gate.

Court Eunuch Zhao Quan stood with a calm demeanor, having arrived at the path leading to the mountain.

"Who are you?!"

Yu Cheng, the guardian of the mountain gate, furrowed his brows upon seeing Zhao Quan approach. Although he could identify Zhao Quan's status as a court eunuch by his attire, he still couldn't help but question the intruder.

Compared to Prince Zhenbei Yuanhong, the court eunuch was insignificant. In the past, Yu Cheng would have been wary, but now, with the world divided into nine regions, the court had no authority over the Cold North, and eunuchs held little power.

However, as soon as Zhao Quan heard Yu Cheng's questioning tone, he frowned, and a surge of aura suddenly filled the air, causing Yu Cheng's expression to change. He took a few steps back, feeling a sense of stagnation.

The aura belonged to a Grandmaster among the court eunuchs!

Seeing Yu Cheng's retreat, Zhao Quan's eyes flashed with a hint of arrogance. As the Grandmaster of the Inner Court, he wouldn't tolerate being rebuked by a mere guardian of a sect. He had come with an Imperial Edict, and whether it was a guardian or even the Sect Leader Qi Ziyuan, they should all show respect and receive the edict.

"Zhao Quan, Director of the Central Palace, bearing the Emperor's command, has come to deliver the edict."

Zhao Quan stood tall before the gate of the Seven Mysteries Sect, not entering but instead speaking in a soft yet powerful voice that reverberated throughout the sect, causing countless disciples to look up.

His voice echoed through the valley, stirring commotion within the sect.

Whoosh!

Almost immediately, the figure of Qi Ziyuan, the Sect Leader, appeared on the path leading to the mountain.

He turned towards Zhao Quan, bowed respectfully, and said, "The Sect Leader of the Seven Mysteries Sect is here. Please, Zhao Quan, deliver the edict."

Zhao Quan glanced at Qi Ziyuan and then looked towards Yu Cheng and some of the sect's executives standing nearby, all frozen in place. A hint of dissatisfaction flashed in his eyes.

Qi Ziyuan was a revered Sect Leader and a Grandmaster. According to the regulations of the Great Xuan Dynasty, Grandmasters were not required to kneel and receive edicts. However, Yu Cheng and the other guardians stood idly by, showing no intention of kneeling to listen to the edict. This was the height of rudeness.

Nevertheless, in this version, one six, one nine, one book, and one bar, there was no mistake!

This was, after all, the mountain gate of the Seven Mysteries Sect. Zhao Quan was well aware that the sect was no ordinary organization, especially with the presence of Chen Mu, who was feared by the masters of the Mystic Pavilion and the Blood Concealment Tower. He suppressed his displeasure, reaching into his robe and producing a yellow silk scroll embroidered with golden dragon patterns, rolled around a white jade cylinder.

"...Now, Chen Mu of Jade State, having previously struck the Heavenly Demon Sect in Ice State and repelled the invasion of foreign tribes from beyond the pass, protecting the millions of commoners in Ice State, and further, in the lands beyond the outer sea, he has shaken foreign nations and enhanced the prestige of the Great Xuan Dynasty. For these exceptional contributions, he is bestowed the title of King of Beihan, with the right to pass on the title to his descendants, and is exempt from the control of the Dao Governorates, surpassing the Northern Defense Governorate in the Cold North Region."

Although Zhao Quan was already aware of the content, reciting it still stirred emotions within him. After all, this was a royal title passed down through generations, and there had been only a few such titles since the founding of the Great Xuan Dynasty.

In the current world, divided into nine regions, there were only four such titles: the King of Northern Defense, the King of Southern Defense, the King of Western Defense, and the King of Eastern Defense, all with the right of hereditary succession. Later, the King of Eastern Defense lost his title due to rebellion, leaving only three.

Now, another title, the King of Beihan, with the same hereditary rights, was being bestowed.

Of course, Chen Mu's exceptional martial prowess was indeed worthy of such a title. He was the second person in a thousand years to cultivate the Heaven and Earth Doctrine, and had previously made enemies with the Mystic Pavilion, the Blood Concealment Tower, and others. This royal title could be seen as an attempt to ease tensions and resolve grudges, and it also granted him authority above the Northern Defense Governorate in the Cold North Region.

After the edict was read, Zhao Quan held the edict before him, but Qi Ziyuan remained standing in his original position, his brows furrowed, showing no intention of receiving it. Zhao Quan spoke slowly, "Since the King of Beihan is not at the mountain gate, I, as the Sect Leader, will receive the edict on his behalf."

Qi Ziyuan's brows furrowed.

The bestowal of the title of King of Beihan to Chen Mu... In the past, during the Great Xuan Dynasty's peak, such a title would have been an utmost honor. But now, with the world divided, it was merely a nominal gesture.

Moreover, Chen Mu had longstanding grudges with the Mystic Pavilion, the Blood Concealment Tower, and even Emperor Xuan. It was unlikely that Chen Mu himself would want to accept a nominal royal title to resolve these old grudges. After all, such a title held little significance for Chen Mu.

Of course, from another perspective, this could be seen as Emperor Xuan's attempt to ease tensions and avoid further conflict with Chen Mu.

But this was ultimately Chen Mu's matter, and Qi Ziyuan couldn't receive the edict on his behalf.

Seeing Qi Ziyuan standing still, showing no signs of accepting the edict, Zhao Quan's gaze turned slightly stern. "Sect Leader Qi, if you don't receive the edict, are you intending to defy it?"

The edict didn't necessarily need to be delivered to Chen Mu personally; it just needed to reach the Seven Mysteries Sect. However, someone still needed to take it, and Qi Ziyuan's inaction was bordering on disrespect, even for a Sect Leader and Grandmaster.

Just as Qi Ziyuan furrowed his brows, unsure of how to handle the situation, a sudden footstep broke the silence on the quiet mountain path.

Tap, tap, tap.

Everyone paused, turning their heads to see Chen Mugui, dressed in a long robe, slowly walking up the mountain path.

Upon seeing Chen Mugui, Qi Ziyuan felt a sudden relief.

However, Zhao Quan immediately became tense, his body slightly stiffening. He could afford to be arrogant in front of Qi Ziyuan, but he dared not be disrespectful in front of Chen Mugui. He was well aware of how terrifying Chen Mugui was, one of the few individuals in the world who truly had the audacity to defy imperial authority!

The atmosphere became oppressive, and the quiet mountain path was filled only with the sound of Chen Mugui's footsteps.

Chen Mugui approached Zhao Quan step by step, then calmly extended his hand and took the imperial edict.

The moment Chen Mugui received the edict, Zhao Quan felt a surge of joy.

But.

In the next instant, his eyes widened in shock as he saw Chen Mugui lightly pinch the scroll with his right hand, causing it to disintegrate into dust and scatter in the air.

"You..."

Zhao Quan's pupils contracted sharply, and he let out a choked cry.

Before he could finish his sentence, he found himself unable to speak. Instinctively, he looked down and saw his body beginning to crumble from the legs, turning to dust and disintegrating.

Zhao Quan's face showed a look of terror as he desperately tried to activate his martial body and primordial aura, but it was futile. His body continued to disintegrate from the bottom up, until he was completely reduced to dust, scattering on the mountain path of the Seven Mysteries Sect.

"Chen..."

Qi Ziyuan was also slightly startled, not expecting Chen Mugui to not only refuse the imperial edict but to destroy it with a wave of his hand. This meant that Chen Mugui had no intention of reconciling with the Mystic Pavilion, the Blood Concealment Tower, or Emperor Xuan Ji Non.

Of course, what caused even greater waves in his heart was that he couldn't understand how Zhao Quan had died.

Even though Zhao Quan's strength was inferior to his, he was still a respected Bone Marrow Washing Grandmaster. Yet, in front of Chen Mugui, he couldn't even put up a fight, and his entire body disintegrated into dust without any resistance.

Chen Mugui...

What level of strength had he reached now?

Thinking back to when Chen Mugui first joined the sect, he was just a true disciple with slightly outstanding talent. In just a decade, Chen Mugui had grown so powerful that even the current head of the Seven Mysteries Sect, Qi Ziyuan, couldn't comprehend his abilities.

After disposing of Zhao Quan, Chen Mugui turned to look behind him.

"Your Highness, what you mentioned earlier about maintaining the nine regions for the well-being of the common people aligns with my intentions. However, I need to deal with these trivial matters first."

"..."

Yuan Hong appeared quietly nearby, his eyes narrowing as he watched Zhao Quan's body disintegrate into yellow sand.

As a Heaven and Man Master, he was different from Qi Ziyuan. He could clearly see the technique Chen Mugui used, which was the ultimate control of Heaven and Earth Power, fundamentally disintegrating Zhao Quan.

This move seemed simple but was extremely terrifying. Even Yuan Hong felt a chill run down his spine.

In fact,

Even he wanted to know how strong Chen Mugui had become, but there was no opportunity to test it. Now, Chen Mugui had clearly shown that he had no intention of reconciling with Ji Non, and he would likely make his move soon.

However, Yuan Hong was thinking too far ahead. Chen Mugui indeed planned to act, but not later—now!

"Master, Senior Yin, please watch over the sect. I will be going to the Central Region."

Chen Mugui spoke to the entrance of the Seven Mysteries Sect, his voice cutting through the mountains and reaching the back cliff of the Great Mysterious Peak, where Qin Mengjun and Yin Heng stood.

Qin Mengjun and Yin Heng, who were both paying attention to the situation at the entrance, focused their eyes upon hearing Chen Mugui's message.

Chen Mugui spoke in a matter-of-fact tone.

But this journey to the Central Region would inevitably lead to a great battle, one that would draw the attention of the entire world. This would be Chen Mugui's first major action since reaching the Blood Transformation Realm, and the first time in a thousand years that someone would attempt to challenge the imperial court with personal martial power!

"Be careful."

Qin Mengjun knew Chen Mugui's temperament and wouldn't try to dissuade him. She only reminded him firmly.

Chen Mugui remained calm, replying, "Master, there's no need to worry. I'll be back soon, it won't take long."

With that,

He turned his gaze to the distance, then shot up into the sky, transforming into a long rainbow that sliced through the cold northern sky, heading straight for the Central Region!

At the entrance of the Seven Mysteries Sect, Qi Ziyuan and the others still stood in the distance, all looking in the direction Chen Mugui had disappeared. When they finally came to their senses, their hearts were filled with a torrent of shock!

...

In the year 1439 of the Great Xuan calendar, on the 8th day of the seventh month.

Chen Mugui, the Supreme Elder of the Seven Mysteries Sect, left the Cold North and headed to the Central Region.

In a single day,

the world was watching!

Most people were unaware of what exactly happened in the Central Region that day, but everyone knew that after that day, Chen Mugui's name struck fear into the hearts of the world, and he gradually came to be revered as... a Martial Saint!

...

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end