Chapter Seventy-Ninth: Mighty and Upright Qi

  "Heaven and earth have a proper energy, which is distributed and flows to form shapes. Below it becomes rivers and mountains, above it becomes the sun and stars. In humans, it is called magnanimity, overflowing and filling the vastness of the universe." A loud, clear voice suddenly appeared, with crisp words revealing a straightforward, unyielding, and unashamed spirit that matches heaven and earth.

  As soon as the sound fell, the wind and clouds changed, and the sky and earth changed color. A majestic and upright energy seemed to be summoned from above, gathering between heaven and earth with a loud noise, like waves of rivers and seas, filling the entire sky and earth.

  Rumbling, countless majestic and righteous energies are pouring in from all directions.

  Then, a large palm composed of black fog brought down a wave of air, but was instantly eliminated by the mighty righteous energy and dissipated into thin air.

  "Hao Ran Zheng Qi! Go!" The man in the dark fog let out a startled voice, his large hand grasped the burning sand under his feet, and he was about to escape into the fog.

  "It's too late to leave!" A voice came from the foot of the mountain, revealing a majestic and stern aura.

  "Cheers!" The mighty and majestic energy transformed into a magnificent, wide river. Pieces of sparkling public will turned into streams, the river thundered forward, crashing against the dark fog.

  "Ah!"

  A mournful cry echoed through the black fog, and the thick black fog was suddenly swept away by a mighty river of air. The man inside finally revealed his true face. He saw that this man, who had been hiding in the black fog, had disheveled hair, wore a black robe, and had green light flashing in his eyes, with an aura that was oppressive and intimidating.

  "It hurts me too!"

  A man's voice let out a painful cry, and with a loud bang, the man's body burst open, as if corroded by sulfuric acid. His right hand was left with only a skeleton, his thigh skin cracked open, and his back emitted a ghostly aura, covered in scars.

  "Ah!"

  Bang!

  Yan Sha let out a miserable cry as he fell from the man's grasp, his internal energy suppressed by the overwhelming righteous energy, unable to muster any lightness skill, and crashed to the ground with a loud thud, turning into a bloody pulp, dying on the spot.

  "What a thick and majestic aura!" Pan Hao couldn't help but take in a breath of cold air as he witnessed this scene, the power of the Sage was terrifying.

  "Monster, bring chaos to the world, should be executed!"

  A cold and stern voice rang out.

  "Wait!"

  The man was terrified and wanted to say something.

  Boom! The majestic river of air swept towards the man with a grand and magnificent aura, completely disregarding his intentions.

  "Ah!"

  Boom!

  The man let out a miserable cry, and with a "whoosh" sound, he turned into ashes, scattering down from the void. A powerful cultivator was unexpectedly powerless to resist, turning into ashes in the majestic righteous energy.

  "Is this the aura of a Saintly Expert?" Pan Hao muttered to himself. Pan Hao's heart was slightly puzzled, this power was even more upright and grand than what he had seen last time, carrying a great momentum of righteousness.

  "Of course, it's the power of saints and sages. This is the essence of Confucianism, carrying the righteous energy of the world, and is the nemesis of evil paths." A clear and bright voice echoed through the mountains and fields.

  "I, Li Bai, thank you for saving my life just now!" A figure in white robes appeared out of the darkness, walking closer and closer, and it was none other than the man who had almost been killed by Yan Sha earlier. The lifesaving favor, of course, referred to Pan Hao's timely assistance with his broken sword, blocking Yan Sha's pursuit.

  Pan Hao turned around and asked Li Bai with great interest, "It's just a matter of lifting one's hand, but I've seen Song Yu before. May I ask how this saintly power is calculated?"

  "Haha, it's Brother Song after all." Li Bai's white clothes fluttered in the wind, carefree and natural. "Among the many sages of Confucianism, Mencius is one of them. The majestic air in the classics of Meng's school must be cultivated with uprightness, matching benevolence, righteousness, and morality, without shame to heaven and earth. Only then can it be nurtured, and as the breath grows stronger, it can also stir up the righteous energy that fills every corner of heaven and earth, sweeping away evil spirits and punishing wickedness."

  "Anyone who can cultivate a majestic aura is not an ordinary scholar, just like Mr. Han Yang, who has just made his move." Li Bai's hand rested on the hilt of his long sword, which he had just retrieved from his waist, and his mouth was filled with emotion.

  "So that's how it is!" Pan Hao nodded involuntarily. The power of the saints also has different categories, depending on which branch of thought one inherits, and what kind of essence they can obtain.

  The sound of neat footsteps echoed, and a group of torches rose from the mountain wilderness, forming a winding dragon that marched towards the Mountain God Temple. Among them, a general holding a crimson long spear and wearing armor led the way on horseback, leading his soldiers to come and inspect.

  "Who are you!" The man holding a long spear had eyes like lightning, shining brightly, staring at the two people in front of the Mountain God Temple.

  "My humble name is Li Bai, a gentleman from Shu County. I was passing through this place and saw that there were evil spirits causing chaos. I didn't think I would be no match for them." Li Bai said with a bitter smile to the man holding the gun.

  "Hmm, then you!" The man in armor saw Pan Hao and the other two wearing Confucian robes, with a scholarly air about them, and both looking quite handsome. He raised an eyebrow slightly, but still turned his head to look at Pan Hao.

  Pan Hao's expression was solemn, with a hint of sadness: "I am from the countryside, and I came to this place with my cousin to have some fun. Unexpectedly, we encountered bandits, and in the midst of the emergency, a demon appeared, but instead it saved my life. However, my cousin unfortunately fell into trouble."

  "Hmm! You two can't leave Yong County for the time being. Once the truth is clarified, there will be no problem." The man's eyes swept over Pan Hao and the other person, saying in a low voice.

  "Naturally, my father Song Wen lives in the east of the city. You can send someone to find me anytime!" Pan Hao said nonchalantly.

  "This time I came to visit Mr. Han, so I will stay for a few more days." Li Bai said with a wave of his hand, seemingly nonchalant.

  The man heard Pan Hao mention Song Wen, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. However, he quickly regained his composure and said to Li Bai: "Mr. Han is just down the mountain, you can go see him now!"

  "It's just right, my father also has a letter for Mr. Han!" Li Bai didn't get too excited, he had already guessed who it was when Han Yang first made his move, after all, the great scholars of this generation were too scarce, if not sitting and discussing, it would be impossible to appear in the same place.

  "Ah, here comes someone, take them down to find Old Man Han!"

  "Yes, sir!"

  Two soldiers stepped out of the ranks and saluted the man before leading Pan Hao away.

  On the mountain road, a post road winds its way to Yongzhou. Two tall and handsome horses are pulling an ancient and unadorned carriage, which is standing quietly on the post road. On both sides of the carriage, two teams of soldiers are guarding closely.

  "Mr. Han, someone is looking for you!" A soldier stepped forward, bowing his head and reporting respectfully.

  "Ah, who is it?" The curtain was lifted, and inside sat an old man with a wide robe and a gentle face. His complexion was pale, but his eyes were exceptionally pure, as if he had seen through the principles of all things in the world.

  "Mr. Han, this is a letter from my father for you!" Li Bai, although carefree by nature, couldn't help but turn serious upon seeing Han Yang, and respectfully handed over a letter to the soldier beside him, asking him to pass it on.

  Han Yang looked up and glanced at Pan Hao, then lowered his head to look at the letter, seeing the familiar handwriting made his heart warm.