"Greetings, Dharma King!"
Representatives from the various branches in the back courtyard all saluted Han Miaozhen, who said, "Hmm, thank you all for your hard work. By the way, has there been any news from Longxing Prefecture these days?"
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately revealed the news that the Ruyang Royal Mansion was planning some sort of Treasure Book Glory Conference.
Han Miaozhen furrowed her brows and said, "Treasure Book Glory Conference, what exactly is Ruyang King planning?"
Upon hearing this, someone replied that Ruyang King intended to use Wu Muâs Legacy to suppress Jiangnan, seeking to flaunt his power.
Others suggested that Ruyang King aimed to attract talented individuals with the treasure book to join the court to suppress Jianghu.
However, at this moment, one personâs words caught Han Miaozhenâs attention.
"I believe Ruyang Kingâs actions are intended to provoke Jianghu people into killing each other, thereby weakening Jiangnan Martial Arts."
Hmm?
Han Miaozhen, hearing this, looked towards the speaker and asked, "Who are you?"
"I am Zhu Chongba from Haozhou, adopted son of Squad Leader Guo Zixing."
"Oh, so you are Old Guoâs adopted son. Hmm, you are insightful."
Han Miaozhen nodded gently and continued, "This conference is very likely meant to force us in Jiangnan Martial Arts to kill one another. But we have no choice. With Ruyang King having fifty thousand White Deer Army in Longxing Prefecture, he stands in an invincible position. We can only make choices within the rules he has set. Itâs unavoidable."
Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent. Indeed, Wu Muâs Legacy is in the hands of Ruyang King; giving up on the Sect Hierarchâs treasure book is not an option.
Furthermore, thereâs no way to persuade other martial artists not to fight over it and willingly hand it over. It is also impossible to unite the Jianghu people who harbor ulterior motives against Ruyang King, who ranks tenth on the Heavenly List and has fifty thousand troops, and Chaghan Timur.
Thus, there is no alternative but to play by their rules.
Han Miaozhen inquired about the conferenceâs rules, and Zhu Yuanzhang replied, "Currently, we donât know, but the Commandery Princess has already arranged for identity badges. It seems that Jiangnan Martial Arts participants will compete first; if one wins seven consecutive matches, they will have the opportunity to challenge a Prince Mansion master. If they can defeat three consecutively, they can take the treasure book!"
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded lightly, understanding the general rules of this event.
Han Miaozhen said, "Hmm, the Commandery Princess has returned, does that mean..."
Han Miaozhenâs gaze suddenly turned icy, and she looked up and said, "Everyone, during this conference, you may encounter someone."
The crowd was puzzled and looked at Han Miaozhen, wondering who could draw such attention from the Dharma King.
With this in mind, a few individuals looked at Han Miaozhen and asked, "Dharma King, who is this person that you are so focused on?"
"This person is named Chen Jiusi, from Mianshui County, Huangzhou. If you encounter him in the tournament, you must kill him!"
Hmm!
Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned. What grave mistake had this person committed that prompted Han Dharma King to issue a kill order.
Han Miaozhen added, "However, you also need to be cautious, as this individualâs skills are formidable; if you encounter him, be careful, for he has killed Elder Quan!"
"What!"
These words shocked all the Squad Leaders and their representatives from the Zoroastrian Sect; this person had actually killed Elder Quan, which was truly terrifying.
They understood Elder Quanâs strength well, immensely powerful. Being able to kill Elder Quan was by no means a simple feat.
Many individuals with average strength had already given up, while some powerful ones were frowning and calculating whether this person was worth risking their lives for.
Seeing this, Han Miaozhen said, "The Dharma King wonât say anything else, but whoever kills this individual, by any means necessary, I will report to the main sect and let them fill Elder Quanâs vacancy, becoming one of the Holy Sectâs Twelve Elders!"
Hmm!
Upon hearing this, a group of peopleâs eyes instantly widened.
Becoming one of the Twelve Elders holds a much higher position than their current status as Squad Leaders, with significantly more authority. Everyone here was ambitious, and now each one was eager to take action.
Han Miaozhen said, "Alright, thatâs all for now. The primary task is to seize Wu Muâs Legacy. If anyone manages to obtain it, Master Yushan Shangren has expressed willingness to take them as his gate disciple."
"The second task is to kill Chen Jiusi. Whoever manages to kill this person, Iâll recommend to the main sect to fill Elder Quanâs position as one of the Twelve Elders."
"Everyone, rest well. I wonât disturb you any further. Tomorrow, present your best spirit to me."
"Yes!"
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately responded, and after a while, Han Miaozhen departed.
The crowd engaged in lively discussions:
"Who is this Chen Jiusi anyway? How come weâve never heard of him?"
"Indeed, Mianshui County, I recall it used to be Zhong Guangâs territory."
"Yes, indeed, it was his!"
"Unexpectedly, such a capable person has appeared there. What do you all think of this person?"
Listening to this, one person said, "Not easy to handle. Anyone who can kill Elder Quan is surely not to be taken lightly."
"What are you talking about? I bet that person succeeded by relying on a surprise attack. Also, I heard that Elder Quan was injured in the last Huangzhou Prefecture battle, with his strength having declined, allowing that fellow to exploit a weakness."
"Just donât let me run into him. If I do, that elderâs position will be mine. Haha..."
These Squad Leaders were speaking excitedly, as if Chen Jiusi had already become prey to be hunted.
Meanwhile, nearby, a person dressed as a Confucian general approached the pondering Zhu Yuanzhang and said, "Big brother, what are you thinking about? That Chen Jiusi, shall we kill him?"
"Indeed, big brother, how about the three of us devise a plan to take down Chen Jiusi? Then we can get big brother one of the Twelve Elders positions, surpassing Guo Tianxu, and not be bullied by him!"
"Yes, big brother, this is an opportunity!"
Xu Da was also persuading nearby.
"Hmm, this can be done. However, tomorrow, if we encounter this person, donât act impulsively. Letâs first gauge the depth before deciding. I have a feeling that this person isnât simple!"
Zhu Yuanzhang spoke with deep meaning, for some reason, recalling the young man he encountered at the noodle shop that day.
Could it be you?