Chapter 47

  The Blood Demon is dead, and everyone let out a sigh of relief.

  Su Xuan turned around and asked: "Xu Dao You, this person's figure is fleeting, seemingly non-human, I don't know..."

  Before he could finish speaking, a white shadow flashed before his eyes, and his mind went blank for an instant.

  Xu Ziqing was at a loss for words when he saw his good friend flash in front of Su Xun, extend a finger to lightly tap between his eyebrows. After flashing again, he returned to the storage ring.

  At this time, Su Xun slightly furrowed his brow, with a hint of confusion in his eyes. He glanced at Jiao Tu's corpse and said, "The Blood Demon has been vanquished, so it wasn't a wasted trip after all."

  Xu Ziqing suddenly realized. Looking at this situation, Su Xuan had clearly already forgotten where Yun Liao was. He then smiled and said: "Thanks to Brother Su for joining hands with me, otherwise it would have been difficult to succeed."

  Su Xuan also felt a bit proud: "Xu Daoyou's cultivation is profound, and it's also something that makes people willingly admit defeat."

  Two of them said two sentences, and then Xu Ziqing walked to the front of Dongli brothers. He saw that Dong Lixi's eyes were dazed, and his tone was involuntarily soft: "Your Highness, the evil demon has been subdued, what about the aftermath, it still needs you to make a decision."

  Dong Li Xi slowly shifted his gaze back, closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, he had returned to being the composed and calm Crown Prince of Cheng Huang. He said: "I, Hui, am grateful for the assistance of the two venerable sages. Please wait a moment, I will prepare a wine feast to treat my esteemed teachers."

  Xu Ziqing shook his head secretly and turned back to look at Su Xun, asking: "Su Daoist friend, what do you think?"

  Su Xun was originally going to frown, but suddenly his eyes gleamed and he said: "Let's give the prince some face. Xu Daoyou, just now the situation was urgent, you and I joined forces to slay the demon, now we can talk and get to know each other."

  Xu Ziqing let out a faint sigh. This Su Xun was indeed straightforward and had a violent temper, but he wasn't a cunning person. His impression of him wasn't bad either. However, now that Su Xun had restrained his temper, who knew what thoughts were in his mind... It was all just trouble.

  However, he couldn't refuse the kindness, so he nodded and said: "Since that's the case, Suo Dao friend, please?"

  Su Xuan smiled and said: "Please!"

  Dong Li Xi saw that the two had finished speaking, and then instructed Dong Li Zhao: "Zhao'er, please lead the two immortals to rest for a moment first. Once they are settled, come back and help me."

  Dong Li Zhao originally felt distressed by his brother's severe injury, but he also understood the situation and said: "Yes, I'll go." He then went to fetch those two monks, thinking that if they could act quickly, they might be able to come and assist his brother as soon as possible.

  Xu Ziqing and Su Xun followed Dong Li Zhao away, but Dong Lixi slowly walked to the front of Jiao Tu's corpse and stared at him.

  After a long time, he smiled softly: "Brother Jiao's kindness, Xi has remembered it in his heart. Xi is foolish and didn't know Brother's intention until now, what to do..."

  Dong Lixi stood there for a while, then took out a dagger from his waist and slowly dug the ground under that towering emerald tree in the courtyard. He dug one scoop at a time, and after an unknown amount of time had passed, he finally dug out a pit.

  Then he stood up and returned to the body of Jiao Tu. Although Jiao Tu's death was tragic, Dong Li Xi didn't show any disgust, stretched out his hand and picked him up. Due to the force exerted, the wound on his chest tore open, causing a heart-wrenching pain, yet he seemed to be unaware of it, placing Jiao Tu's body in the pit. Then, scoop by scoop, he filled it up.

  After filling up the pit, Dong Li Zhao had already returned. He saw his imperial brother's desolate expression and couldn't help but feel worried: "Big Brother, you..."

  "He has suffered greatly for me, I clearly know his nature, but I didn't have the slightest doubt, instead I hated him, really treating him as a wolf-hearted traitor."

  Dong Li Zhao said at this time: "It's all because of evil spirits' mischief, big brother was deceived, what fault is there!"

  Dong Li Xi smiled faintly and shook her head: "No matter how many reasons there are, I have indeed wronged him."

  Dong Li heard this and also paused for a moment: "Big brother, General Jiao was willing to sacrifice himself. If his spirit is still with us, he would not want to see you like this..."

  Dong Li Xi smiled: "I understand what Zhao Er said."

  No matter how clear it is, it can't be forgotten and always on one's mind.

  In the past, he and Jiao Tu could be called close friends. Originally, they thought that one would ascend to the throne, while the other would help him secure the country and its borders. With their hearts as one, they would surely make the Cheng Huang nation prosperous and strong, with its people living in peace and happiness.

  But now, after this disaster, everything has changed...

  Dong Li Zhao also felt somewhat downcast.

  Although he suffered in the heavenly prison, he knew that Jiao Tu had protected his brother's life and struggled with the evil demon Zhou, which was even more unbearable. Moreover, now that Cheng Huang's country is preserved, but Jiao Tu can't even get a complete corpse.

  Moreover, he didn't even dare to imagine whether General Jiao's soul had been preserved or not.

  Dong Li Xi's face was as calm as water, she went to cut off a branch, peeled off the bark, and made a very simple tombstone. Her tone was also calm: "General Jiao died for me, but I couldn't clear his name... After failing to repay his kindness, I still have to tarnish his reputation. He was loyal and devoted, but could only be known as a 'treacherous minister and traitorous son'."

  The affairs of the immortals and demons cannot be told in detail to the citizens. As princes, they can only keep it a secret.

  Insert the tombstone into the soil mound, inscribe "Dong Li Xi Nu Li" five characters, nothing else.

  "Dong Li Xi said: 'Zhao Er, take my token, mobilize the Dong Li clan's dead soldiers, and dispose of all the corpses in the East Palace cleanly. To the outside, it will be announced..."

  He closed his eyes: "Jiao Tu's great rebellion is unjust, forcibly detaining the crown prince and plotting to usurp the throne. However, heaven's way is just, this person... has already been punished."

  Dong Li Zhao received the token and bowed: "...... Your younger brother has accepted the order."

  Dong Li Xi set up a banquet to entertain the two monks. Due to the busy national affairs and the need to gather more manpower, he did not accompany them. Dong Li Zhao was still young, so after paying his respects, he also left. Su Xun was not fond of interacting with southerners, so he was happy with this arrangement.

  At the banquet, there were only Su Xun and Xu Ziqing present.

  He picked up a cup of wine, touched it to his lips, and raised an eyebrow: "Ordinary wine is just ordinary wine. Although it's pungent, it lacks spirit, and the mouthfeel is also inadequate."

  Xu Ziqing knew he was opening a conversation, so he smiled and said: "Of course, the wine of the Upper Nine Continents is still better."

  Su Xun's face was beautiful, and he drank a whole cup of wine in one gulp, but his expression didn't change: "That's also true." After putting down the wine cup, he entered the main topic. "Xu Daoyou, you and I join hands to fight against our enemies. I see that your cultivation is profound, but I haven't asked which sect or family's descendant you are?" He thought for a moment and guessed, "You're surnamed Xu, aren't you a descendant of the Xu family from Shangzhou?"

  Xu Ziqing paused, shaking his head: "I'm just coincidentally surnamed Xu, and have no relation to the Xu family of Upper Continent."

  Su Xun saw his expression unchanged, secretly thinking and said: "Is Xu Dao a loose cultivator?"

  Xu Ziqing smiled and said: "It's just a lone wanderer. In the past, I hid in the mountains and forests to cultivate myself, and this time I coincidentally met Zhao'er, so I encountered this matter."

  Su Xun suddenly enlightened, but then somewhat disagreed: "Xu Daoyou, you are already a man of the world outside, and should not be so entangled with the southerners."

  Xu Ziqing knew his good intentions and nodded: "I saw Zhao'er as a child, but he was covered in scars, and I couldn't help but feel pity..."

  Su Xuan felt that he was too kind, but he didn't mind at all. He raised his cup: "Xu Dao friend, just be more careful in the future. Let's not talk about this, since Xu Dao friend is also a loose cultivator, and I've taken a liking to you, why don't you follow me to the Scattered Cultivators' Alliance for a visit? Everyone in the alliance is a loose cultivator, we help each other out, and we're not much inferior to those big sects' disciples!"

  Xu Ziqing didn't expect Su Xuan to be inviting him, and he couldn't help but hesitate. He paused for a moment before saying: "To be honest with Fellow Daoist Su, I've heard that the Xu and Tian families, among the five great aristocratic families, have recently had some disagreements, which might involve several continents. I was thinking of staying in this Lower Nine Continents for a while to avoid those storms..."

  Su Xuan heard that, and burst out laughing: "Xu Daoyou, Xu Daoyou, you are unaware of something. Those five great families may have a deep foundation, but they can't touch the loose cultivators' alliance." He said as he leaned in closer, his beautiful eyes shining brightly, "Xu Daoyou, do you know where the loose cultivators' alliance is rooted?"

  Xu Ziqing shook his head: "I still need to ask Su Dao friend to teach me."

  Su Xuan blinked and had a mischievous look: "In Luzhou."

  Xu Ziqing thought for a moment and also burst out laughing.

  Oceania is the most isolated, with a considerable distance from the other eight continents, and can be called an independent continent. If there are storms in other continents such as Eurasia, they will not affect that place.

  However, Xu Ziqing still had some doubts. If he followed Su Xuan to the Scattered Cultivation Alliance, wouldn't he be restricted again? So he politely declined: "I'm used to being free and easygoing, I'm afraid I won't be able to handle things properly..."

  As soon as Su Xun heard his words, he knew what he was thinking. With a wave of his hand, "If you're so polite and still can't get things done, then I'm not the chaotic king of the world? Don't mention this!" He said directly, "We are loose cultivators, if we don't let the Loose Cultivator Alliance protect us a little, it would be a waste to be killed for nothing. Xu Dao friend has such talent, wherever he goes, people will hold him up, I think he also doesn't want to be bound, that's why he didn't enter those sects and aristocratic families. But my Loose Cultivator Alliance is different from those famous big sects!"

  Xu Ziqing saw him get excited and smiled humbly: "How is it different?"

  Xu Xun smiled and said, "We loose cultivators have entered the Loose Cultivator Alliance, which is divided into two categories. One category is nominal members. If this type of loose cultivator obtains any resources that do not match their own attributes, they can sell them within the alliance in exchange for contributions. The alliance also has a trading hall where contributions can be exchanged for needed resources. This type of member makes up the majority of the alliance and does not need to do anything for our Loose Cultivator Alliance on ordinary days. They only need to lend a helping hand when encountering great difficulties within the alliance."

  Xu Ziqing came over and asked: "What about the other kind?"

  "This time, Su Xuan's expression turned solemn: 'Another type is the core person within the alliance, whose life and death are closely related to the Loose Cultivation Alliance, but it is similar to the famous sects.'"

  "This type of cultivator is often a family member, child, or disciple who has an extremely deep relationship with the alliance, or someone who has undergone a test of loyalty to the scattered repair alliance. This second type of cultivator can receive a monthly allowance distributed within the alliance, and their requirements are also greatly different from those of the first type of cultivator."

  Xu Ziqing thought for a moment: "The intention of Su Dao's friend is, can I make this the first category?"

  Su Xun smiled and said: "That's right. Come and go freely, and also get some protection, isn't it a good deal?"

  Xu Ziqing thought to herself, and indeed felt that it was quite good.

  Su Xun saw his intention move, and added fuel to the fire: "Xu Daoyou, since the words have been said to this point, I don't want to deceive you anymore. I invite you to disperse the repair alliance, also with my own private heart."

  Xu Ziqing said with a smile: "Please speak, fellow Taoist."

  Su Xuan said, "Xu Daoyou has always been carefree and idle, but I suppose you also know that the Upper Nine Continents where we reside are just one of the countless small worlds. Above this, there are nine thousand great worlds, which is truly breathtaking."

  Xu Ziqing became increasingly cautious. This Su Xuan seemed to want to tell him some extremely secretive things.

  As expected, Su Xun said: "But does Xu Daoyou know that every ten years, the major sects of the vast world will recruit disciples from our small worlds?"

  Xu Ziqing was shocked and frightened!

  Originally, there was not a complete lack of communication between the Big World and the Small World. Every ten years, those with foundation-building or higher cultivation could enter the Inverted Heaven Great World through the Ascending Dragon Gate, where they would be selected by various sects in the Great World. If they were lucky enough to be taken in, their value would increase exponentially, and they would have access to countless resources and spiritual energy, as well as guidance from famous masters. It was truly like leaping through the dragon gate, and from then on, their identity would be as different as heaven and earth compared to before.

  It's just that the location of the Ascending Dragon Gate is very dangerous, and ordinary cultivators can't reach it. Moreover, there are fierce winds within the Ascending Dragon Gate. Without a sect or family with powerful artifacts to protect them, sending them into the gate would be tantamount to sending them to their deaths, unable to withstand the fierce winds. Or they might emerge in a sorry state, and even if they successfully enter the Great World, they would still be looked down upon by those various sects, only able to become a lone cultivator in the Great World.

  In three more years, it will be the end of this decade. Su Xuan invited Xu Ziqing together, looking at his age and cultivation reaching the 7th layer of Lianqi, which can be said to be progressing rapidly. In the scattered repair alliance, there are also cultivators who have the hope of building a foundation, either older or inferior in talent, but in all aspects, there is not one person who surpasses Xu Ziqing.

  Su Xun was a man of great talent, but in the past three years, he had not been able to establish a foundation. Xu Zi Qing, on the other hand, had a slightly better chance of success. Su Xun thought that if he could successfully establish a foundation, it would be best; if he failed and Xu Zi Qing succeeded, then he could ask Xu Zi Qing to bring him along.

  As for this statement, it is also due to some concessions given by the great world.

  All cultivators above the foundation-building period can bring one person with them to enter the Ascending Dragon Gate, but this person still needs to be protected by the cultivator themselves. If they die, don't blame anyone else.

  Xu Ziqing just nodded and agreed to take Su Xun with him. With Xu Ziqing's protection, Su Xun would naturally be safe.

  Even if Su Xun and Xu Ziqing both successfully built their foundation, it wouldn't be a waste of effort. Su Xun was just providing this information to Xu Ziqing, leading him into the Scattered Cultivators' Alliance. Being able to get along with Xu Ziqing because of this and going together to the Grand World could be considered as having some good karma, which would be beneficial without any harm.

  After saying these secret things, Su Xun's eyes shone brightly, like a fierce fire, and his ambition was stirred: "Xu Daoyou doesn't need to worry either. If Daoyou can't lay the foundation, I can also give this quota to Daoyou. At that time, unless you and I are not lucky in our cultivation, we will both be able to go to the Great World. At that time, the vastness of the world will be at our disposal, and we can roam freely!"

  At this moment, Xu Ziqing had no choice but to admit that he was thoroughly convinced by Su Xun's words.

  In the early days in Baicao Garden, he initially wanted to cultivate immortality. Given the vastness of heaven and earth and the broadness of the world, now that there is a path that can directly reach the heavens, why doesn't he dare to take a chance?

  Cultivate immortality! Cultivate immortality!

  He had long made up his mind to take this strange and wonderful road, a great opportunity was in front of him, even if Xu Ziqing's mood was calm and waveless, he couldn't refuse this huge temptation.

  Taking a deep breath, Xu Ziqing opened his eyes, his gaze firm: "Fellow Daoist Su, I'll go with you."

  The next day, in front of the Crown Prince's East Palace.

  Dong Li Xi wore a dark-colored robe, with the crown of the prince on his head, standing upright and solemn. Beside him, Dong Li Zhao had also regained most of his imperial son's demeanor, although he was still young in years, but his expression was firm and resolute, already having a few points of dignified bearing.

  This pair of brothers are both dragon-like in appearance and phoenix-like in bearing, with a body full of golden dragon energy that shoots straight up to the clouds, dignified and imposing.

  Su Xun did not want to have much conversation with the southerners and had already walked ahead, waiting for Xu Ziqing to bid farewell to the two men.

  Xu Ziqing then looked at Dong Li Zhao and said, "Zhao Er, this time we will not meet again in this life. You must support your imperial brother and consolidate the Jiangshan."

  Dong Li's eyes were filled with tears as he respectfully said: "Yes, sir. I understand."

  Xu Ziqing also had a few regrets, Dong Li Zhao was young and had already experienced hardships, making him feel sorry for him: "As the emperor's younger brother, you should share your older brother's worries and take good care of yourself. A sword can protect oneself, but it can also kill people. Yun brother once said that if one can wield a sword three thousand times every day, without any bias or leaning, then one can make their heart upright and immune to evil influences."

  Dong Li Zhao nodded vigorously: "Yes, Zhao'er understands! Zhao'er will follow Mr.'s instructions!"

  Xu Ziqing smiled and gently stroked his hair. Then, he looked at Dong Lixi: "Your Highness, you are wise and intelligent, with a mind that surpasses others. This is a good thing. However, because of this, there is also a bad side, making you think too much, I'm afraid... He wanted to say "it will harm your lifespan", but still spoke euphemistically, "I'm afraid it's not quite right."

  Dong Li Xi's body has already shown imperial majesty, and his words are still respectful: "Sir, what you said is clear in my heart. Sir, your journey to the immortal realm is long and distant, I hope you will take care of yourself. I will pray day and night, wishing you to turn misfortune into good fortune, and may you have a smooth and safe journey."

  Xu Ziqing smiled slightly and said: "I humbly accept the Crown Prince's good intentions."

  It's pointless to say more than this.

  The Dongli brothers exchanged a glance, both bowed their heads and gave a deep bow: "Farewell, sir!"

  Xu Ziqing looked at the two of them again, and sighed softly: "You two should also cherish each other. It's uncertain when we'll meet again."

  He finished speaking and turned around to walk away, then suddenly appeared beside Su Xin.

  Su Xuan raised his hand and threw out a piece of equipment, which transformed into a small boat in mid-air. He leaped aboard.

  Xu Ziqing slightly shifted his body and was already standing beside him.

  A bird in mid-air let out a loud screech, its sharp claws like hooks, landed on Xu Zi Qing's shoulder.

  The small boat then emitted a radiant light and rose into the air, disappearing in an instant without a trace.

  Cheng Huang Guo's great general Jiao Tu rebelled and was eventually killed by Crown Prince Dong Li Xuan.

  In the same year, the Crown Prince ascended to the throne. He said that he was injured by Jiao Tu and it would hinder his descendants, so he did not seal the imperial harem, but instead established his younger brother Dong Li Xiang as the new Crown Prince.

  Dong Lixi reigned for ten years, exhausting his mind and thoughts, enriching the country and strengthening the people, making the Xiongnu state's national power greatly prosperous, looking down on other countries.

  Ten years later, Dong Li Xi Yuan's life will end, and he will pass on the throne to Dong Li Zhao before his sickbed.

  The Emperor's Bedroom.

  Dong Li Xi lay on the dragon bed, his head full of white hair, thin and withered like a piece of firewood.

  For many years he worked hard for national affairs, his mind was heavy with worry, and finally he exhausted his energy and died.

  Dong Li Zhao sat on the edge of the bed, grasping his elder brother's right hand, with eyes turning red: "Imperial Brother."

  Dong Li Xi smiled calmly: "Everyone has one death, Zhao Er, no need to act like a daughter."

  "Dong Li Xi wiped away her tears and trembled as she said: 'Yes, Zhao Er understands.'"

  Dong Li Xi said: "All these years, all the knowledge I have taught you, you have never let me down. Handing over the country to you makes me feel at ease." As he spoke, his voice gradually lowered, "In order for the country of Cheng Huang to continue its lineage, Zhao Er must take in many concubines. The emperor's position is a lonely one... Even so, I still hope that Zhao Er can find someone who truly cares for him, to alleviate his loneliness."

  "Don't be like brothers in general, only to lose and then realize the feelings have been there for a long time. Alas, deep emotions but shallow fate... leaving only regret..."

  Dong Li Zhao replied with a sob, "Yes."

  Then he felt a looseness in his hand, and Dong Li Xi's palm had fallen powerlessly.

  "Older brother!" he exclaimed involuntarily.

  Rites and music arise, the ruler of the Eastern Zhou dynasty inherits the legacy of the state.

  After this, Donglai Zhao succeeded and changed the name of the country.

  On the Lingzhou, Xu Ziqing's consciousness sank into his meditation, muttering to himself: "Yun brother, last night I finally stained my hands with human blood. Although it was for the Blood Demon, it was also a desperate move."

  "Jiao Tu will not die, and Xue Mo will not be destroyed."

  Xu Ziqing sighed: "It's just like this, but I still feel uneasy in my heart."

  The clouds are cold and silent.

  After a long time, Yun Liao said: "Jiao Tu's soul is still there."

  Xu Ziqing smiled and said: "So... I can rest assured."

  The author has something to say: First of all, thank you for s52keigobl's hand grenade, and hug Mua's mouth.

  Then, the ending of General and Taizhi has come out, so the beautiful picture of Niuniang also came! The soulful general and the tired Taizhi... Pfft.