My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult Chapter 349

Chapter 349: Chapter 349: One Man Alone Breaks the Houjin Chapter 349: Chapter 349: One Man Alone Breaks the Houjin After North Field, comes the Royal Court of Houjin.

Because the Great Army of Houjin had assembled and invaded Beihuang Dao, there were only two hundred thousand of the Houjin forces left guarding the Royal Court, and together with the troops gathered from all the tribes, the number had reached a total of five hundred thousand.

However, the three hundred thousand conscripted from the tribes were mostly ordinary Houjin civilians, who, in their haste, had hardly formed any fighting force.

Not long after the battle at Yulong Snow Mountain, the Pingyang Guard began to assemble in large numbers, marching continuously towards the Royal Court of Houjin.

A battle of the ages was about to begin at the Royal Court of Houjin.

Since Houjin had adopted a defensive stance, Pingyang faced no obstacles on their march northward and swept through the Houjin territories like a brisk autumn breeze, taking all of their cities.

When they captured Black Stone City, Qiu Lun became exceptionally excited, for just two hundred miles ahead lay the Royal Court of Houjin.

Houjin, that was a top-tier dynasty of the present age.

When it flourished, it was no weaker than the Great Yan Dynasty. Under its banner, the army was strong and the horses robust; they had even boldly declared their intent to venture south to graze their horses. Who would have thought that Qiu Lun, leading the Pingyang Guard, was now on the verge of attacking the gates of the Royal Court of Houjin.

Immortality in the annals of history lay just before his eyes, how could Qiu Lun not be excited?

An Jing gazed into the distance, silent.

“This is my first time at the Royal Court of Houjin,” said Ouyang Ping, also looking into the distance in a quiet voice. “The Great Elder once came to this place and managed to kill two Grandmaster experts from Great Snow Mountain and then returned unscathed. Now it seems he is here for the second time, and this time we are to bring him back home.”

Jun Qinglin was the Great Elder of the Sealing Demon Platform, once the top expert in the world, also known as the being of 'Three Feet of pristine whiteness.' Now his corpse was hung on the walls of the Royal Court of Houjin, which was an utter insult.

In the eyes of the barbarians of Houjin, perhaps they truly harbored no fear in their hearts for real experts; their hearts revered savagery and brutishness.

An Jing's face was calm as a lake, but inside, a storm of thunder roiled.

The moment Jun Qinglin died, An Jing vowed in secret to kill Zongzheng Huachun to avenge him.

Zongzheng Huachun, a veteran Five Qi Grandmaster, had already reached an extremely profound state of Heavenly Human Communication, and now that the Earth Vein Spirit had merged a thread of its consciousness into him, his power was surely unfathomable. Even if he wasn't a Great Grandmaster yet, he wasn't far from it.

If he were given time, he well might become the fourth Great Grandmaster in this world.

Therefore, An Jing would certainly not give him that time.

An Jing thought of something and asked, “How is Zongzheng Yue now?”

“Once she realized we had no intention of killing her, she ate and drank without a worry and then would just sleep. She doesn't seem to exhibit any abnormalities, nor does she seem to have considered escaping,” replied Ouyang Ping.

An Jing responded indifferently, “She is indeed a smart woman.”

Ouyang Ping thought of something and said, “By the way, An Tributor, now in various places around the world, there are beings tainted by Evil Blood. Even within our Demon Sect, there are a few. As they absorb more Evil Blood, it might eventually enable Middle Third Grade experts to…”

An Jing furrowed his brow tightly, as he too was greatly troubled by the spread of the Evil Blood. After all, he possessed the 'Nameless Heart Scripture,' but others did not know such a mental method. This Evil Blood infiltrated silently alongside nature's spiritual energy, and even ordinary Grandmasters couldn't avoid it.

As the Evil Blood gathered more and more, that's when the real trouble would start.

However, with the world on the brink of great change, the warnings had already been sounded.

Just then, a member of the Pingyang Guard hurried over. “Disaster has struck, the General has fallen…”
Upon hearing this, An Jing's brow furrowed and he asked, “What happened?”

Qiu Lun was a cultivator of the First Grade Earth Flower Realm, and after An Jing gave him a thread of the Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence, his cultivation had even reached the First Grade Heavenly Flower Realm. Such a status in Jianghu was considered highly skilled, so how could he suddenly collapse?

The reporting member of the Pingyang Guard hastily said, “The General was just attacked by an assassin. The assassin has been executed, but the dagger struck the General's arm, and that dagger was coated with a potent poison.”

“Lead me to him,” commanded An Jing.

“Yes!”

The Pingyang Guard saluted with a fist.

Afterward, a group of them arrived at the central camp of the Pingyang Guard, where the Central Army's camp was already tightly sealed off.

The Pingyang Guard was indeed the core force of the Marquis of Pingyang, and the troops within had followed Qiu Heng into battle for many years. Seeing the son of Marquis of Pingyang, Qiu Lun, seriously injured, how could they not worry?

An Jing made his way through the crowd to Qiu Lun's side.

At this moment, Qiu Lun was clad in armor, his complexion deathly pale, his breathing faint. There was a slash on his arm from which black blood bubbled out relentlessly.

“This must be a long-lost peculiar poison, 'Blood Seal Throat.'
“In the 'Hundred Poison Record,' this poison is also ranked among the top three.”

“If it were not for General Qiu's profound cultivation, he might have already turned into a skeleton by now.”

Several court physicians furrowed their brows deeply, their faces full of difficulty, clearly at a loss in dealing with this severe poison.

If it were not for being inside the Central Army camp, their diagnosis might not have been so conservative.

Despite this, several generals of the Pingyang Guard clenched their fists upon hearing this, one could see anger surging in their eyes.

An Jing said, “Let me take a look.”

Hearing this, the generals of the Pingyang Guard quickly stepped aside.

An Jing placed his fingers on Qiu Lun's pulse, which seemed almost imperceptible, his breath had weakened to such an extent.

One must know that Qiu Lun also had First Grade Heavenly Flower cultivation, which shows just how fierce and formidable this 'Blood Seal Throat' poison is.

An Jing thought to himself, “Let's see if the 'Nameless Heart Scripture' combined with my acupuncture can break this severe poison.”

He then extended his palm, and dozens of flying needles appeared and inserted into Qiu Lun's head.

As the saying goes, laymen watch for excitement; professionals watch for the technique. The physicians watching An Jing's actions were all moved.

To act so swiftly and still maintain such accuracy is not something an ordinary person could achieve, and the acupuncture points where the silver needles were inserted were extremely critical points on the human body.

Along with the insertion of the silver needles, a faint true qi also entered into the body.

After absorbing the True Dragon Essence Blood, An Jing's true qi within his body was enhanced once again.

The moment that true qi surged in, the 'Blood Seal Throat' poison began to converge on the silver needles, gradually being absorbed by them.

Other onlookers could almost visibly see the poison fading from Qiu Lun's body.

Ouyang Ping's mouth curled into a slight smile, “Houjin has chosen the wrong approach if they want to use poison.”

One should know that even the Poison King had to admit defeat to An Jing's medical skills. Although the Poison King is now dead, as long as An Jing is present, what does Houjin's poison technique amount to?

Soon, black blood congregated on the silver needles, and Qiu Lun's complexion also started to recover gradually.

The true qi within An Jing's body gathered and the black blood was directly vaporized into a puff of black air and dispersed.

“Today I am fortunate to witness a Divine Doctor in this world!”

“Miraculous, it's truly too miraculous.”

The court physicians looked at An Jing, each one of them extremely excited.

In their eyes, An Jing had undone the 'Blood Seal Throat' poison with just a few silver needles, completely overturning their understanding.

The generals of the Pingyang Guard were also filled with excitement, continuously bowing to An Jing.

An Jing glanced at Qiu Lun and said, “Although the toxins in Qiu Lun's body have been removed, this 'Blood Seal Throat' has already harmed his internal foundation. He cannot go to the Houjin Royal Court this time.”

Ouyang Ping frowned upon hearing this. Without Qiu Lun's Pingyang Guard, this expedition might encounter some difficulties.

After all, the Imperial Jade Seal contains yin soldiers, which cannot stay in The Mortal World for too long. If the Pingyang Guard does not lead the way, it would still be a very troublesome matter.

A general of the Pingyang Guard raised his fist and said, “Lord An, how about we wait for General Qiu's injury to heal before we attack the Houjin Royal Court?”

An Jing waved his hand and said, “The more Houjin tries to obstruct us, it shows that Zongzheng Huachun needs more time, so I certainly won't grant Zongzheng Huachun any.”

If Zongzheng Huachun achieves Great Grandmaster status, not only would this campaign against Houjin fall short, but the entire world's situation could undergo a massive change.

“But…” The generals of the Pingyang Guard looked at each other, showing a bit of difficulty. They also knew this was a great opportunity, but Qiu Lun's life was even more important.

No one knew whether Houjin would continue to send masters to assassinate Qiu Lun. If the Pingyang Guard followed An Jing to Houjin, and Qiu Lun was assassinated and killed, that would be a grave matter.

“There's no need.”

An Jing waved his hand and said, “Now that we are at the front door of the Houjin Royal Court, I alone am sufficient.”

“`
Huah!

As An Jing's voice faded, the Pingyang Guard Generals and Imperial Physicians were all profoundly shaken to their cores.

One must realize that this was the Houjin Royal Court, and at this moment, various tribes were continuously converging there. By now, there were already five hundred thousand Houjin soldiers within the royal court, and it was also the place where the second most formidable expert in the world was stationed.

To think that the Ghost Swordsman intended to go alone to the Houjin Royal Court was a testament to just how immense his self-confidence was.

Pingyang Guard Generals came forward, one after another, to earnestly dissuade him.

Ouyang Ping couldn't help but speak up, “An Tributor, this is simply too dangerous.”

Facing an army of five hundred thousand along with an expert like Zongzheng Huachun, and especially since Xi Hafu might still be in Houjin–a bonafide Great Grandmaster–if Xi Hafu was indeed in the Houjin Royal Court, it would be a dragon's lair and a tiger's den for anyone.

An Jing, however, appeared serene and unruffled. “A mere speck of a city poses no danger to me; five hundred thousand troops cannot trap me.”

Taking a deep breath, Ouyang Ping said, “I'm concerned about Xi Hafu…”

Last time, with Nangong Weiping's interference, An Jing managed to scare him off with the Imperial Jade Seal, but what about this time?

An Jing casually replied, “I have my own measure of things.”

Xi Hafu had not yet shown himself, and no one knew if he would appear in the Houjin Royal Court, but this time, An Jing also had his own plans in place.

The Pingyang Guard Generals exchanged glances, but no more words were spoken.

Seeing the aura of composure and confidence radiating from An Jing, Ouyang Ping's hanging heart gradually settled.

In this young man, there was always something that inspired belief.

Zhao Country, Cloud Tower.

The frontlines between Yan and Zhao were ablaze with warfare, chaos surging like a storm inside the Cloud Tower as well.

Since the battle at Yujing City, Black Ice Platform had suffered grievous losses; the Five Qi Grandmaster Qin Shan, who possessed innate true qi, fell in battle, and the Stage Master of Black Ice Platform, Qi Zuan Dao, was also seriously injured and had yet to recover fully.

Qi Zuan Dao stood on the top floor of the Cloud Tower, gazing at the drifting clouds in the distance.

The signs of Evil Blood stirring were becoming evident, harbingers of great chaos unfolding in the world.

By now, even ordinary citizens knew that a significant change was underway in the world, an unprecedented transformation.

Was this a chance or did it herald disaster?

Even Qi Zuan Dao's heart held no certainty.

It was at this moment that he heard a faint sound of footsteps behind him.

“Master!”

Qi Zuan Dao quickly turned around and greeted the newcomer with a fist and palm salute.

The person was none other than his master, the Elder of Ten Directions.

The Elder of Ten Directions took a few leisurely steps forward and asked, “What are you thinking about?”

After a moment of contemplation, Qi Zuan Dao responded, “I was just recalling the past.”

The Elder of Ten Directions inquired, “Lately, you have been dwelling on the past frequently. Do you know what that signifies?”

Qi Zuan Dao replied, “My thoughts are a jumble, and thus I indulge in wild imaginations.”

The Elder of Ten Directions shook his head, “It merely indicates that you are not faring well these days.”

“Not faring well these days…”

Qi Zuan Dao muttered to himself without a word further.

He was reminded of the days when he first joined the Black Ice Platform. Back then, several fellow disciples were all there, learning together under the Elder of Ten Directions. Time flew by, and all of those fellow disciples were now gone.

The real Qi Zuan Dao had died last year fighting against the Russell Clan, Qu Renlin at Blue Sky Island, and Qin Shan in Yujing City.

It seemed as if everyone would die–if not in Jianghu, then in the tumult of the world–ultimately ending up as a handful of dust.

And what about him?

“`
And where will death occur again?

The Elder of the Ten Directions said softly, “No matter what you do, there will always be people standing in your way. Only by clearing all the obstacles ahead of you, will you then be not far from what you desire.”

Qi Xuan Dao sighed, “Before clearing all the obstacles, will I first suffer many injuries?”

The Elder of the Ten Directions glanced at Qi Xuan Dao, “What? Are you afraid?”

Qi Xuan Dao shook his head, “Teacher, everything is still within your control, how could I possibly be afraid?”

The Elder of the Ten Directions said, “It's just the beginning. The Earth Vein Spirit will soon be completely eroded by the evil energy. When that happens, it will be truly like the sun and moon giving way to a new heaven. For now, it's just letting them fuss for a few more days.”

Qi Xuan Dao thought of something and said with concern, “Teacher, Zhao Zhiwu is already running on fumes, but that Ghost Swordsman…”

The Ghost Swordsman is too young and has grown too quickly.

The Elder of the Ten Directions took out a chess piece and said, “Xi Hafu now possesses the strength of the Buddha. If he makes a move, he will surely be able to slay the Ghost Swordsman in Houjin.”

Qi Xuan Dao frowned, “Will Xi Hafu make a move?”

Xi Hafu was scared away by the Ghost Swordsman's Imperial Jade Seal, a fact known throughout the world. Will he really intervene in the great battle between the Ghost Swordsman and Houjin?

Considering that the Buddhist sect is now standing with Great Yan, Xi Hafu's actions would undoubtedly push the Buddhist sect into the ranks of those who break faith and abandon righteousness.

The Elder of the Ten Directions placed the chess piece on the stone table in front of him and said lightly, “He has absorbed the Evil Spirits' Blood and remains, completely turning into an evil spirit. His greatest wish is to release the evil energy and convert all beings into evil spirits.”

“Thus, the Ghost Swordsman must be killed, Zhao Zhiwu must also be killed. Only then can the seal of the Dragon Locking Well be broken, releasing the evil energy completely. This is the mission I have given him, and he must fulfill it.”

Qi Xuan Dao nodded slightly, then said, “Teacher, why is Xi Hafu able to become an evil spirit and still retain his wit?”

Becoming an evil spirit would result in the loss of all rationality, the mind filled only with ferocity, bloodlust, and all negative emotions. Yet Xi Hafu has preserved his complete wit undisturbed.

The Elder of the Ten Directions said softly, “This is what a true evil spirit is like.”

Qi Xuan Dao was somewhat surprised inside, “A true evil spirit?”

The Elder of the Ten Directions explained, “When the energy of an evil spirit floods into a body, those with the capability completely become evil spirits, those without are merely disturbed by the energy of evil spirits. Or to put it another way, they are just the failed result before becoming evil spirits.”

After hearing this, Qi Xuan Dao was greatly shocked, “Then, does this mean that becoming an evil spirit and absorbing evil energy is not entirely infeasible?”

He had always hoped to break the Forbidden Dragon Locking Well, borrow the short-term release of the Earth Vein Spirit for a massive infusion of nature's spiritual energy, and advance to a Great Grandmaster. Afterward, find a way to resist the evil energy. But now it seems absorbing evil energy isn't entirely bad.

And his teacher's plan seems to be about the Earth Vein Spirit, but he has never specifically told him what it exactly is.

Is the teacher going to open up his heart to him today?

The Elder of the Ten Directions took out another chess piece and asked, “Fengsheng, do you know why you're called Qiu Fengsheng?”

Qi Xuan Dao shook his head, “I do not know, teacher.”

“I have observed your life chart; a fortunate star descends, meet Fengsheng in your destiny. Do you know what that means? It signifies that you can truly witness the energy of evil spirits.”

The Elder of the Ten Directions turned away, his back facing, “And if one can control the energy of evil spirits, that can be a more dreadful existence than nature's spiritual energy.”

Whoosh! Whoosh!

After speaking, two chess pieces emitted black and white rays of light that shot straight up into the sky.

Even the surrounding clouds were dispersed, and the two rays of black and white light intertwined, forming a Taiji Eight Diagram Plate above.

Qi Xuan Dao raised his head to look at the Eight Diagram Plate intertwined above in the sky, his heart thumped erratically.

The energy of evil spirits is a more cunning and more terrifying existence than nature's spiritual energy, but so far, no one in the world has fully understood or mastered nature's spiritual energy. Can anyone truly master this evil spirit energy?

The Elder of the Ten Directions turned around and said, “And I wish to completely control this energy of evil spirits. When the Earth Vein Spirit is thoroughly tainted by the evil energy and becomes an evil Earth Vein, I can use this so-called energy of evil spirits to become a saint or even an ancestor.”

“To have this land utterly under my feet, I shall grant eternal life to whomever I choose, and this is the Dao.”

His figure grew taller, and then connected with the heavens and earth, his presence as imposing as a mountain weighed on Qi Xuan Dao's heart, making even his breath pause slightly.

At the same time, the Elder of the Ten Directions had a black and white glow in his eyes, as if they were one with the Taiji Eight Diagram above in the sky.

Qi Xuan Dao looked at the Elder of the Ten Directions in front of him, slightly widened his eyes and muttered to himself, “Teacher, today I have truly seen the Dao.”

Chapter end