Please be my partner.

Page 512

Chapter 645 Usurping the Nest and Setting Off Again

In just one month, Shen Tu Xuan and Shen Tu Cheng successively completed the tasks of pacifying and suppressing Bangya City and Xiangshan City. In the process, the two young masters demonstrated their respective methods of handling affairs.

The eldest son, Shen Tu Cheng, adopted a policy of appeasement. He listened carefully to the opinions of all parties in Xiangshan City and solved the problems step by step, winning unanimous praise from all sides.

The second young master, Shen Tu Xuan, was much more domineering. He found a good balance between kindness and severity, and thus earned the respect of Bangya City.

In addition to serving the two princes, the School Guards also had the responsibility of monitoring their actions and reporting them to the king.

After learning about his two sons' behavior, the King of Qi fell into deep thought.

Several days later, Shen Tu Xuan and Shen Tu Cheng returned to Lianfu City one after the other. However, the former was accompanied by a girl with a veil covering her face but exuding a charming temperament, while the latter was accompanied by a lazy young man.

After settling in, the King of Qi couldn't wait to summon his two sons to the palace for questioning.

In Shen Tu Xuan's mansion, in the arena area, Liang Si Cun was meditating alone with her eyes closed.

"Da da da da!~"

Light footsteps approached, accompanied by a cheerful, clear voice: "Little mistress, you're still the same as ever!"

Liang Sicun opened her eyes, looked at the stunningly beautiful young woman who had walked up to her, and said, "Big sister, has it already progressed to this stage?"

Wan'er said with a smile, "That's right. Now we have control over the entire Qi Kingdom. All that's missing is the empty shell of a Qi Kingdom ruler. We plan to put a new Qi Kingdom ruler on the throne as a cover."

Liang Sicun remained silent for a moment, her gaze lingering on an ancient scroll placed in front of her, and said softly, "Who is Eldest Sister planning to choose?"

Wan'er had only come to see her younger brother, and she didn't expect him to ask such a question. She looked at Liang Sicun with some surprise and then said, "Shen Tu Cheng, after all, we are not really going to choose a ruler. If he has too much ambition, it will be inconvenient to control him. It would be unnecessary to play any games of open and covert confrontation later."

Liang Sicun did not speak, but simply nodded slightly to indicate that she understood.

Wan'er said with a smile, "What, aren't you going to try to help that second young master? Although he's just a temporary puppet, he is still the ruler of Qi. This must be his long-cherished wish."

Liang Sicun shook his head and said, "When we come out of the shadows, the position of the king may not be a good thing. Rather than that, it's better to let him be an ordinary person from the beginning."

Wan'er feigned dissatisfaction and said, "Third brother, you think too badly of us. They will definitely be rich and powerful in the future."

Seeing that Liang Sicun was like a silent gourd, Wan'er pouted and said, "Alright, I won't delay your cultivation anymore. Among all of us fellow disciples, you are the most diligent. Maybe you will achieve the most in the future and be able to help Master share some of the burden."

Liang Sicun shook her head and said, "My eldest sister has a naturally strong spiritual power, and my second brother has a pure heart. In terms of talent, you are both above me..."

Before she could finish speaking, Wan'er stepped to Liang Sicun's side, gently stroked his head, and said tenderly, "Little San, you're amazing, even more amazing than any of us. Don't underestimate yourself! And..."

Suddenly, Wan'er grabbed Liang Sicun's cheeks with both hands and pulled out a smile: "Remember to smile more!"

After chatting for a while, Wan'er slowly left.

Liang Sicun touched the head that Wan'er had stroked, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

In the backyard of the mansion, a servant walked hurriedly with his head down, his eyes still flashing with shock. Suddenly, he stopped, his shock turning into terror, and he stammered, "Young Master Liang... I..."

A sword light as smooth as water flashed by, and the servant slowly collapsed to the ground, lifeless.

Liang Sicun sheathed his sword and muttered to himself, "The School Affairs Guard? They're not bad, but it doesn't really matter."

After Liang Sicun left, the two burly men in black quickly cleaned up the body and bloodstains.

On the arena, Liang Sicun sat cross-legged and once again began to peruse the ancient scroll that recorded the "Peerless Sword Technique".

In the Qi royal palace, the Qi king first praised his two sons, then subtly relieved them of their military command before sending them away.

For the ruler of Qi, considering the successor to the throne was important, but not urgent. He was in his prime, and even if he were to pass on the throne, it would be a matter of ten or twenty years from now.

However, based on his two sons' performance this time, he will need to make some adjustments to his approach to avoid any unforeseen changes if he becomes too powerful.

However, the development of events is often beyond the control of an individual's will; at least, the ruler of Qi could not control it.

A few days later, the second prince suddenly launched a coup and stormed into the palace with unstoppable momentum. The king of Qi died on the spot. Immediately afterwards, the eldest prince also led his army into the palace. After a chaotic battle, the second prince was finally captured.

With the consent of the officials, the eldest son was appointed to succeed as king in a time of crisis.

This dazzling palace drama took a series of unexpected turns in a short period of time, and the usual turmoil was quelled before it even began.

The common people of Lianfu City, and even many high-ranking officials and nobles, hadn't even figured out the cause and effect before the matter was already settled.

After becoming the ruler, the eldest son appeased the nobles and officials, issued a series of decrees, and handled all matters in an orderly manner, thus completing the transition smoothly.

As for the rebellious second son, he was quickly forgotten by everyone due to deliberate downplaying. Even when someone brought it up occasionally, the eldest son would dismiss it with a cold tone. After several such incidents, the officials naturally understood the emperor's intentions.

With the eldest prince in charge, the State of Qi embarked on a period of rapid development.

Domestically, efforts were made to ensure the smooth flow of government orders, implement an official performance evaluation system, and conduct rigorous rectification.

Externally, we actively engage in exchanges with the Song and Nian states to pursue greater cooperation and development.

Promote education to break the monopoly of the aristocracy over the bureaucracy, introduce people from poor families and even ordinary people, and open up channels between the upper and lower classes.

We will vigorously improve people's livelihoods, unify grain tax rates, increase farmers' income slightly, and expand the scale of planting.

……

To be honest, governing a country is a very complicated matter. Implementing these reforms has offended almost every vested interest group in Qi. If Da Yu dared to do this, it would be heading towards the end of its dynasty in no time.

Even in the former state of Qi, the ruler would most likely be forced to his death by his subordinates.

However, to the shock of Song and Nian, Qi's reckless actions not only did not lead to any trouble, but instead began to develop in a positive direction.

What puzzled them even more was that those nobles and local tyrants were actually willing to sacrifice their own interests?!

That year, various tribes in the southern rainforest gradually came together under the constraint of a mysterious force.

That year, the "Youjian" series of taverns, inns, and restaurants gradually spread to various towns in the states of Qi, Song, and Nian.

That year, spies from the Song and Nian kingdoms sensed something was amiss. It seemed as if an invisible hand was stirring up trouble on the borderlands, but they couldn't see it clearly or figure it out.

That year, the changes in the border regions were placed on the desks of certain important figures in Dayu and Dayong. These important figures glanced at them casually and then tossed them aside, ignoring them.

……

Two years have passed quickly, and Bangya City is much more prosperous than when Melen first came here.

A carriage, carrying several servants and maids, drove out of the suburban manor and headed towards Dayong.

Inside the carriage, Mellen casually flipped through an ancient scroll, while Cai Die'er sat beside him, occasionally lifting the corner of the curtain to peek outside.

After a while, Cai Die'er finally couldn't help but say, "Master, if we leave like this, what about the children..."

Mellen couldn't help but laugh and said, "Children? My disciples are not children. They are all in high positions of power and have remarkable abilities. They were all personally trained by me."

In just three years, Mellen's disciples had achieved actual control over the border regions. Although they still held the names of Qi, Song, and Nian, it was Mellen's disciples who were truly behind the scenes.

During this process, apart from intervening a few times at the very beginning and in the middle, everything else was done by the disciples themselves. He was only responsible for passing on his knowledge and ideas to them.

As a result, Murren lived a very comfortable life, basically spending most of his time in seclusion.

Cai Die'er shook Mellen's arm and said softly, "Before, with the master in charge, those children could do whatever they wanted without restraint. But now that the master is gone, what if they get bullied?!"

Mellen was speechless. He understood Cai Die'er's mindset. After all, when she first took those disciples under her wing, they were all just little kids, orphans or refugees, pitiful little ones. Jiang Ling was even more so, being one of the first to stay by their side. Cai Die'er basically raised them as her own sons and daughters.

As the saying goes, a mother worries when her son travels a thousand miles. Even though Cai Die'er knew the children's abilities, she still couldn't help but feel a little worried.

Instead of heading to the border fortress, Mellen and his group entered the Dayong region via a rugged path.

After three years of seclusion, Mellen no longer needed to choose specific opponents to fight as he had at the beginning. He was now confident in facing any Martial Saint, so intelligence was no longer an issue. He could simply follow the route and visit the famous sects with Martial Saints along the way.

Sects are divided into first-class and second-class. First-class sects can produce martial saints in every generation. Even if there is a break in the lineage, they have a means to replace them and can fight against martial saint enemies. Second-class sects have the lineage of martial saints, but lack the foundation of martial saints. If they are lucky enough to meet a disciple with outstanding talent in a certain generation, a martial saint can be born. Otherwise, the lineage may be broken.

The True Sword Sect, which Mellen is about to visit, is one of the top sects among the second-rate sects. This generation of the True Sword Sect has produced two Martial Saints, which can at least ensure the prosperity of the True Sword Sect for hundreds of years.

They parked the carriage in a village at the foot of the mountain, and Melon and Caidie walked up the mountain.

To make climbing easier, Cai Die'er didn't wear silk or brocade, but instead dressed in a men's long gown, yet her beauty was still undeniable.

After Mellen explained his purpose, the disciples of the True Sword Sect did not dare to delay and immediately reported it. Soon, a Martial Saint emerged under the aura that Mellen deliberately released.

Mellen's purpose was simple... to discuss and exchange ideas.

Three days later, amidst the admiring gazes of the two martial saints of the True Sword Sect, Mellen drifted away.

Several days later, at Huanglong Pavilion.

Rather than calling Huanglong Pavilion a sect, it's more like an academy that teaches the way of the gentleman, and martial arts are included in the Six Arts of the Gentleman.

What Mellen gained most from Huanglong Pavilion was the wisdom that settled there.

More than ten days later, at Cuiying Mansion...

Light Cloud Sect...

Cold Moon Valley...

Hengyang City...

……

Throughout his journey, Mellen met with various factions and powerful families. Those who were willing to be received were met with mutually beneficial discussions and brief exchanges. However, for those who were arrogant and unreasonable, Mellen was not lacking in decisive measures to make them understand whose rules were the real rules.

Because he had kept a low profile all the way, Murren's reputation did not spread at first, and it only circulated in a small circle. It was only after he met more influential people that Murren began to be known by more people.

A month after Mellen appeared in Dayong, the Prince Jing's Mansion also received news of his reappearance.

King Jing laughed to his attendants, "I knew this young brother Meilun wasn't one to be content with solitude. His three years of silence must have been spent in seclusion, cultivating diligently. Now, he's ready to make a name for himself!"

They traveled for three months, visiting more than a dozen martial arts masters, including several hidden old men. Mellen also benefited greatly from this process.

On the carriage, Mellen closed his eyes and concentrated, his spirit and energy in perfect harmony. If one could see into his body, one would find that three hundred and sixty halos of light were spreading throughout his body, shimmering with brilliant light, and forming a unified whole under the unifying influence of the boundless realm.

This is clearly the sign of the tenfold perfection of the Wudang Holy Body.

At this very moment, the 361st divine treasure is slowly pulsating, and with each vibration, it resonates with the previous 360 divine treasures.

The final five divine treasures of the Wudang Holy Body are the true essence of the Wudang Holy Body. Opening each one is an integration and strengthening of the previous three hundred and sixty divine treasures.

However, the final five divine treasures of the Wudang Holy Body are also extremely difficult. In some ways, any one of these five divine treasures is more difficult than all three hundred and sixty divine treasures combined!

During his three years of cultivation in the borderlands, Melon had already fully unlocked the 360 ​​divine treasures of the Wudang Holy Body. However, the 361st divine treasure was only vaguely emerging and could not be activated for a long time. Therefore, he was eager to start his journey to Dayong, hoping to use the foundation and wisdom of many martial saints to help him break through the illusion.

As Mellen had predicted, it was indeed effective.

Once the 361st divine treasure had completely stabilized, Mellen immediately felt his spirit begin to rise, and his thoughts seemed to vaguely touch something, but before he could seriously ponder it, he fell back down.

Clearly, this is because Mellen's current level of understanding is insufficient to reach that level.

Chapter 646 Sparring and Martial Arts Discussion

After a careful observation, Mellen realized that his affinity with this world had reached an extremely harmonious state. As long as he released his inner inspiration, he could vaguely touch the whole of this world.

Even more subtly, Mellen could sense that several gazes were being cast upon this world.

Mellen could sense that these gazes were not malicious, and he guessed that these might be the powerful figures from the five major sects in the outside world.

After quietly contemplating the changes in his essence, energy, and spirit for a while, especially the feeling of faintly touching upon yet quickly falling back when opening the 361st Divine Treasury, Mellen felt that it should be the barrier to the realm touched when reaching the ultimate first step of martial arts, which is the true upper limit of life.

To break through this limit, one must create one's own 'legend' in order to bear more power.

Of course, the fact that Mellen was able to briefly touch that barrier does not mean that he has reached it. Rather, it is because his spirit already possesses great volatility, which was temporarily amplified when he opened the 361st Divine Treasury.

At this point, Mellen's energy and spirit were still a long way from reaching the first step of his limit.

Containing all his power, Melen asked, "Where are we?"

Cai Die'er said, "We've arrived at Dingnan Prefecture, and we're not far from the Taibai Sword Sect."

Mellen nodded slightly. The Taibai Sword Sect is one of the five sects in the Upper Realm. Now that we have arrived in the Earthly Realm, we should naturally pay them a visit.

Moreover, Mellen was also somewhat curious about the disciples from the five sects of the Upper Realm undergoing training. With the idea of ​​'since we're already here,' he naturally wanted to have a spar with them and see what their true abilities were.

Like many sects of the time, the Taibai Sword Sect built its mountain gate on the top of a high mountain. As usual, Melon and his companions left their carriages, servants, and maids in the town at the foot of the mountain, while he and Cai Die'er leisurely climbed the mountain.

The disciples of the Taibai Sword Sect are quite distinctive. The men are handsome and the women are beautiful. They mostly wear white, occasionally mixed with other colors, but they are basically simple solid colors.

After introducing himself as a member of the Wudang Sect, Mellen was immediately treated with courtesy, seemingly as if he had been instructed by the elders of the Taibai Sword Sect beforehand.

Soon, Mellen met the sect leader and the Supreme Elder of the Taibai Sword Sect. Both of them were elegant young masters from noble families, with an air of otherworldly grace, as if they were immortals descending to earth. Their demeanor and appearance were unforgettable at first sight.

The Supreme Elder of the Taibai Sword Sect smiled gently and said, "I have long heard that Brother Wu has taken in a disciple with exceptional talent in this realm. Seeing him today, I can confirm that he is indeed extraordinary."

“I am of the same generation as Brother Wu. According to seniority, you should call me Uncle-Master.”

Mellen immediately bowed and said, "Uncle Qi."

When Mellen left the Wudang Sect, Uncle Wu had already given him a brief introduction to the Supreme Elders and experienced disciples of the five sects, so he wouldn't get them called out incorrectly.

The sect leader chuckled, "Junior Brother Mei, you've made quite a name for yourself lately. Are you planning to go it alone?"

The ultimate goal of the training is to leave a sufficient mark on this world, and naturally there are many routes to choose from.