Chapter 109 : Xuan Gong and Chu Jing

Chapter 109: Xuan Gong and Chu Jing

Autumn passed and winter arrived, with snow swirling across the heavens.

Li Qingqiu stood atop a cliff, overlooking the magnificent snowy scenery.

To him, this year had gone by quickly — the development plan he had proposed at the start of the year had already been completed ahead of schedule.

This put him in an excellent mood, and today he decided to take a rare break, doing nothing but enjoying the snow.

Unfortunately, even when he wished to be left alone, someone would still find him.

Zhu Yan approached from behind, wrapped in a thick white fur robe.

Her makeup was exquisite, her long hair coiled atop her head, and her hands were clasped before her with a composed posture.

“Master, regarding Xuan Gong, my clan has gathered some information.”

Zhu Yan stepped beside Li Qingqiu and spoke softly.

Ever since Jiang Zhaoxia and Xu Ning had mentioned Xuan Gong, Li Qingqiu had grown interested in the man, so he had Zhu Yan send her people to investigate him.

Even while residing on Clear Sky Mountain, Zhu Yan could still observe the world below — that was the power of the noble clans.

“Speak.”

Li Qingqiu gazed into the endless snow and responded calmly.

Zhu Yan said, “This person, Xuan Gong, is extremely mysterious. His true name and origin are both unknown. Even before His Majesty ascended the throne, Xuan Gong was already serving him. It’s said that he secretly eliminated many of His Majesty’s enemies. Most of the martial experts raised by the former Crown Prince Zhao Yan were killed by him. After Zhao Zhi took the throne, he adopted the alias ‘Xuan Gong’ and hid in the shadows. Most of the experts in the Forbidden Martial Guards were trained by him.”

“The martial prowess of Xuan Gong is unmatched in this era. He once single-handedly broke into the Three Founding Sects of the Great Dynasty. Since then, those three sects bowed to Zhao Zhi, following his lead.”

“When Zhao Zhi had just ascended the throne, the Northern Barbarians invaded southward. Our army was forced to retreat again and again, until the Northern Barbarian general was assassinated — only then was the tide of battle reversed. It is said that the one who made that move was none other than Xuan Gong.”

Listening to Zhu Yan’s words, Li Qingqiu couldn’t help but think of Chu Jing.

A martial master of unfathomable skill, advanced in age, and holding a position within the court…

Even if Chu Jing wasn’t Xuan Gong himself, he must be closely connected to him.

Chu Jing carried the fate of a traitor and usurper.

Thinking carefully, back then, Crown Prince Zhao Yan had been the one most expected to inherit the throne, yet Zhao Zhi rose suddenly and seized it.

Could it have been Chu Jing manipulating events from behind the scenes — his goal being to throw the imperial court into chaos?

Could it even be that the Demonic Cult was founded by Chu Jing’s own hand?

If that were the case, then Li Qingqiu would have to kill Chu Jing, even if Chu Jing’s loyalty continued to rise.

It wasn’t for the so-called righteousness of the world that he would kill him — but for vengeance.

For his Master, and for Lin Chuan.

His junior brothers and sisters had become orphans, and perhaps Chu Jing was tied to that tragedy.

“It sounds as if, without this Xuan Gong, His Majesty’s throne would not be stable. Could His Majesty’s pursuit of the Elixir of Immortality be related to this Xuan Gong?” Li Qingqiu asked.

Zhu Yan replied, “That’s unclear. However, my clan discovered that Xuan Gong and His Majesty have quarreled several times precisely because of that Elixir of Immortality. The Forbidden Martial Guards secretly executed several alchemists, which greatly angered His Majesty.”

Li Qingqiu pondered deeply upon hearing this.

Could it be that Xuan Gong wasn’t directly involved in His Majesty’s evil deeds, but was merely carrying out orders?

It was possible.

If Xuan Gong truly was Chu Jing, then his reason for becoming a ‘traitor’ might have been to restore the former Wei Dynasty.

If the Great Li Dynasty were to be conquered by foreign powers, how could Chu Jing ever hope to revive the Wei?

Of course, all of this was only speculation — he still needed more proof.

“Have your clan investigate the connection between Xuan Gong and the Demonic Cult,” Li Qingqiu said thoughtfully.

“Understood.”

Zhu Yan responded softly.

Li Qingqiu continued admiring the snow, while Zhu Yan remained standing quietly.

“If you have something to say, speak plainly. We’ve worked together long enough — no need for formality,” Li Qingqiu said again.

Zhu Yan had served diligently in the Heavenly Works Hall and, using her clan’s influence, had gathered much valuable intelligence for the Clear Sky Sect.

Even Zhang Yuchun often sought her help in his planning.

Li Qingqiu was quite satisfied with her and didn’t mind granting her certain requests.

More importantly, Zhu Yan’s loyalty had already surpassed ninety.

Strangely enough, despite their limited personal interaction and shallow friendship, her loyalty kept increasing.

Whatever the reason, rising loyalty was always a good thing.

Zhu Yan bit her lip lightly, her eyes filled with hesitation.

After a pause, she said, “My father wishes to ask you for a favor. He hopes to send some members of the Zhu Family to study martial arts in the Clear Sky Sect. Master, please think this through carefully. I cannot fully control my clan — there are always internal struggles. By telling you this openly, I’ve done my part. Whether you agree or not, the decision is yours.”

“Then let him send them. We can’t have the Zhu Family working for us without return. Even gathering intelligence about Xuan Gong within the court carries risk.”

Li Qingqiu agreed readily.

There were already many disciples from noble families within the sect — it was impossible to prevent it.

He couldn’t only recruit commoners and orphans forever.

Besides, noble families had their advantages — families like the Qin and Zhu Clans could accomplish things the sect alone could not.

Zhu Yan hadn’t expected Li Qingqiu to agree so readily.

A faint smile appeared on her face as she asked, “How many places will you grant our Zhu Family?”

“Thirty for now. You’ll handle the selection. I only care about two things — aptitude and character. Excelling in either one will suffice.”

“Understood. I’ll make sure to select carefully.”

“Good. You may go.”

Zhu Yan saluted, then turned and left.

Li Qingqiu’s thoughts drifted once more — back to the matter of Xuan Gong.

He was deeply envious of Chu Jing’s talent and fate, and had always intended to bring him under his control.

If Chu Jing truly was Xuan Gong, and if he had any direct ties to the Demonic Cult, Li Qingqiu would kill him without hesitation — better to slay the tiger before it grew.

Li Qingqiu watched the snow for a full hour before leaving.

He then went to the Free Spirit Hall to chat with Zhang Yuchun, who told him that Chu Jing still hadn’t returned — the man had been away for over a month.

He relayed Zhu Yan’s report to Zhang Yuchun, and after hearing it, Zhang Yuchun shared his opinion.

Chu Jing was most likely Xuan Gong!

“Judging from his conduct in the Clear Sky Sect, he doesn’t seem like a bloodthirsty man,” Zhang Yuchun mused.

Li Qingqiu, seated opposite him, replied, “Everyone has many sides. So does he, and so do we. We shouldn’t judge too hastily.”

“True enough.”

Zhang Yuchun nodded.

One couldn’t rely solely on appearances.

Then, Li Qingqiu asked about Zhang Ping’s situation.

“That kid works diligently, though he’s rather timid. Senior Brother, you seem quite fond of him — you recommended him for the Free Spirit Hall and have asked about him several times. Why don’t you let me tell him of your attention?”

Zhang Yuchun asked curiously.

He honestly couldn’t see what was so special about Zhang Ping.

Li Qingqiu smiled.

“I simply find him pleasing to the eye. I have a feeling he’ll bring the Clear Sky Sect a surprise someday.”

He hadn’t told Zhang Ping this, lest the boy overthink it.

If Zhang Ping mistook his intentions and ran away, that would be troublesome.

“In the future, perhaps. But are there any geniuses in the sect now like Zhao Zhen, Li Yang, or Ji Ya — talents who could rise rapidly if given the chance?” Zhang Yuchun asked expectantly.

Recently, he’d been handling more affairs and felt increasingly short-handed.

If the Sword Sect weren’t under separate management, he would’ve already gone to borrow people.

But he knew why his Senior Brother had founded the Sword Sect, so he restrained himself — he would not overstep.

The Sword Sect was meant to guard the Clear Sky Sect, not serve as its weapon for profit.

“Such geniuses are rare. How about I let you borrow Ji Ya for a while? He can gain some experience following you,” Li Qingqiu offered with a smile.

“Really?” Zhang Yuchun’s eyes lit up.

He wasn’t like Jiang Zhaoxia, who sought disciples that could surpass Li Qingqiu’s.

To him, his disciples were simply disciples of the sect — he cared only for the sect’s strength.

“Of course. I’ll have Ji Ya come find you tomorrow.”

“That’s wonderful. That kid’s already reached the Fourth Layer of the Nourishing Vital Energy Realm — his progress is astonishing. I bet within half a year he’ll reach the Fifth Layer. Even at his young age, he’ll become a key force by then.”

“Well, he is my disciple — how could his cultivation speed be slow?”

“Haha! Then what about Yuan Li? After all these years, he’s still stuck at the Second Layer. The resources you’ve given him would’ve pushed any mediocre disciple to the Third Layer by now.”

“That’s where you’re blind, my friend. Haven’t you thought — the less progress he seems to make, the more extraordinary his talent must be?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“You’ll see in time. One day, Yuan Li will become the greatest pride of the Clear Sky Sect — no one will outshine him.”

“Senior Brother, do you really expect that much from him?”

“You’ll understand in the future.”

Li Qingqiu rose, spoke those words, and turned to leave.

Zhang Yuchun sat in his chair, deep in thought.

He decided he should build a closer relationship with Yuan Li — especially now, when Yuan Li’s prospects seemed bleak.

Offering encouragement at such a time would be a true kindness.

It wasn’t often that his Senior Brother spoke with such certainty.

He couldn’t miss this opportunity.

Indeed, he felt that his Senior Brother had deliberately revealed this secret to him, hinting for him to win Yuan Li’s favor.

For that, he was deeply grateful.

The Clear Sky Sect was growing larger — no longer the small sect where the two brothers could decide everything on a whim.

Winning hearts now mattered greatly, especially for Zhang Yuchun as the Hall Master of the Free Spirit Hall.

…

The assassination of the Inspector-General of Guzhou and the ensuing rebellion in the state capital soon spread to the Clear Sky Sect, stirring widespread discussion among disciples and patrons alike.

As the year’s end approached, seven of the nine provinces across the realm had declared rebellion against His Majesty, amassing their forces to march on the Zhenyang Imperial City — to force His Majesty’s abdication.

After half a year away from the mountain, Li Sifeng finally returned.

The seven True Transmission Disciples accompanying him were all safe and sound, much to Zhang Yuchun’s relief.

True Transmission Disciples of the Third Layer of the Nourishing Vital Energy Realm were precious — losing even one would be a painful blow.

Li Sifeng waited for Li Qingqiu in the Lingxiao Courtyard, waiting until evening.

Li Qingqiu finally returned, bringing Xu Ning with him.

Today, he had sparred with her — she had gained much, though also suffered a few blows.

“Senior Brother! Come quickly — I must report to you about the Pei Clan!”

Li Sifeng waved to Li Qingqiu.

Seeing this, Xu Ning turned and went inside, leaving them to speak privately.

Li Qingqiu sat down and gestured for Li Sifeng to pour him a bowl of wine.

After draining it in one go, he nodded for him to begin.