Boom, boom, boom.

The Life Spirit Stele felt like a heavy stone gate being pushed open.

The base of the stone stele clumsily plowed the loosened soil, as if anticipating next year’s vitality.

Jiang Wang led the way, with Zhao Ru Cheng, Wang Chang Ji, Zhu Wei Wo, Bai Yu Xia, and Lin Xian following behind, filing out one by one.

Fenglin City, still trapped in the gap between the underworld and the present world, had, after five years and two months of natural growth, become one of the boundary fragments that depended on the present world for existence.

Perhaps after some years, wild grass would grow here, moss would spread, and travelers would stop.

But at least for now, it was still silent, deadly silent.

Everything seemed unchanged.

Except that the emperor of Zhuang Guo… had lost his life within it.

This truly felt like a massive tomb, the tombstone simply standing here.

In the boundary between Wangjiang City and Sanshan City, it existed in solitude.

Jiang Wang silently looked at the Life Spirit Stele, reaching out to wipe off the characters on it. He wiped away this shame for the former people of Fenglin City.

Then, with his finger as a knife, he carved four characters onto the stone stele:

“Underworld hometown forever remember.”

There was no way to forget it.

The night curtain hung low, the evening wind was gentle, and people were silent.

And Jiang Wang stood in front of the Life Spirit Stele, gazing at the distant sky. At the edge of the starlight and moonlight, he could still see the blood rain, just thin as mist.

Heaven and earth mourned, actually falling from within the forever-sunk Fenglin City all the way to the outside?

A Taoist wearing a black robe, holding a black oil-paper umbrella, walked out of the blood mist just like that. One step brought him into view, another step brought him near. The blood did not stain him, the wind did not approach, heaven and earth kept their distance.

He saw the famous Jiang Wang, standing very calmly in front of the stele. Although his body was covered in bloodstains and dirt, his eyes were very clean, like the night sky washed by this blood rain.

He saw the person named “Wang Chang Ji,” holding a volume of old books, slightly lifting his eyes, and looking at him from a distance.

He saw the descendant of Qin Huai Emperor, with a cold expression, holding a sword and standing by Jiang Wang’s side.

He also saw Zhu Wei Wo, originally from Zhuang Guo, one hand covering his heart, the other lifting the grounded long spear half an inch.

His gaze swept over Bai Yu Xia from Yue Guo and Lin Xian from Rong Guo, a quick glance passing over them.

These people facing him actually all had no intention of retreating.

These people… were all actually eager to try.

The black-robed Taoist, in a kind of absurd and wrong feeling, shook his head. It was as if only now he suddenly realized—

It was precisely these people in front of him who had just experienced the siege of the Long River, a thousand-mile chase, pursuing Zhuang Gao Xian all the way here, and in a frontal fight, killed a legitimate country lord who had ruled for decades, a contemporary True Person!

The Cave True realm held no deterrent force in front of these young god approaches.

They were the killers of True Persons.

The black-robed Taoist, who appeared middle-aged, had quite deep wrinkles around his eyes. He was not a person who loved to laugh, but also not as serious as the handsome Gan Cao Dao Zhang.

Holding an umbrella in one hand, his jaw slightly lifted, assuming the posture of a True Person from a major country, he spoke with perfect pronunciation: “My name is Ban Xia, a True Person guarding the Jing Tian Fu of the Great Jing Empire. I observed the Long River at night and was shocked to hear of the changes in a Dao subordinate country, so I came to look. You all—”

“Ban Xia Dao Zhang, one of the Jing Tian Six Friends, right?” Jiang Wang interrupted him. “Zhuang Gao Xian mentioned you all before he died. A True Person can speak the truth, no need to pretend you just arrived.”

Ban Xia was slightly silent.

Of course, he knew he was pretending to have just arrived. Of course, he also knew that these people all knew he was pretending to have just arrived— but weren’t procedures still followed? Weren’t steps still needed?

If these people today had just made up some reason, even just said they were passing by, he would have held his nose and let them go.

Must you, Jiang Wang, tear off the face, force us to admit that Jing Guo abandoned Zhuang Gao Xian?

Too ignorant of affairs.

Too lacking in decorum!

Zhuang Cheng Qian made a mistake in his cultivation and died on the spot.

Zhuang Ming Qi caught a severe illness and could not be cured.

Zhuang Gao Xian was congenitally deficient, and his old illness relapsed… Wasn’t this good?

Three generations echoing each other, was it not a funeral song?

Iron pen carvings can be wiped off.

What people hear can be an illusion.

So people don’t report, and officials don’t investigate. Zhuang Guo remains the same, just establishes a new monarch. You all disperse and from now on are not blamed.

Isn’t it beautiful in both ways?

Perhaps some people by nature just don’t understand beauty, but instead like ugliness.

“Still remember Zhao Xuan Yang?” Ban Xia looked at Jiang Wang, his gaze somewhat cold.

“Never forget,” Jiang Wang said.

“Remembering him is very good,” the black-robed Taoist gently nodded. “This trip was originally meant for Cang Shen Old Dao, his temper is always bad, so I stopped him, fearing he would be impulsive and beat you to death.”

Jiang Wang’s expression was emotionless. Similar threats, he had experienced them countless times, and they were fundamentally not worth reacting to.

But Zhao Ru Cheng beside him suddenly took a step forward, his eyebrows instantly raised like knives: “What crime did my third brother commit that you all want to beat him to death? You, Jing Guo, truly cover the sky with one hand, regardless of right or wrong, black or white, not fearing the murmur of the multitude?”

With his emperor sword in hand, killing intent in his eyes: “If this Old Daoist does not explain himself clearly today, I will come to challenge you after I become Cave True!”

“Cough!” Bai Yu Xia coughed once, casually receiving the comet tail, and strolled forward: “This Jing Guo Jing Tian Fu town guard True Person, I have long admired your great name! The one standing in front of you now is a human race prodigy who bathed in the light of humanity on Guan He Tai, and is even a human race hero who brought back Shen Xiao’s intelligence from nine deaths and one life. Please, I must have heard wrong—does he have a death sentence? Is the crime because of Cang Shen True Person’s bad temper?”

Jiang Wang opened both hands, pulling them both back, standing alone in front, facing Ban Xia True Person, and slowly said: “In previous years, Du Ru Hui falsely accused me of communicating with demons, Zhuang Gao Xian forged evidence, and the Tai Shou of Mirror World, Fu Dong Xu, was deceived and arbitrarily issued an arrest order for demons. Zhao Xuan Yang, a disciple of the Jing Tian Six Friends, came to arrest me according to the order, but unexpectedly disappeared and has not returned to this day. I think, it must be because of this matter that Ban Xia True Person is dissatisfied with me?”

He dared to mention this matter again!

Ban Xia silently looked at him, finding not the slightest hint of retreat in those eyes.

He thought, if Cang Shen had come today, it would have been very difficult to bear.

Witnessing Zhuang Gao Xian’s death, Zhao Xuan Yang was initially killed by Jiang Wang… it wasn’t entirely impossible.

“So that’s how it is!” Although Zhao Ru Cheng was blocked behind Jiang Wang, his anger had not subsided, and at this moment, he raised his voice even higher: “The matter of communicating with demons has already been made clear that Du Ru Hui was making a false accusation. Then the arrest order from Mirror World Tai was an evil order, and Zhao Xuan Yang’s actions were evil actions. How is the world so unfair, that people from Jing Guo who committed evil disappeared, but the victim is still to blame?!”

Ban Xia faintly looked at him, his gaze falling back to Jiang Wang’s body, his voice calm: “Regarding Zhao Xuan Yang’s disappearance, as his master, I will certainly investigate the truth clearly. But today, within this Zhuang border, this True Person represents Jing Guo and has come to arrange the future of Zhuang Guo. A dignified Dao Gate sealed True Person, a legitimate emperor, died unnaturally overnight. Aren’t you all going to give the people of the world an explanation?”

The Seal of Nine Dragons Holding the Sun to Forever Town Mountains and Rivers smoothed the waves of the Long River, indeed covering the movements of that great battle and isolating the gaze of spies. But Zhuang Gao Xian’s escape back to the west border provoked how many gazes, and Jing Guo was of course not completely unaware.

Especially the few True Persons who had a tacit understanding with Zhuang Gao Xian on Jiang Wang’s matter—it was a pity that their tacit understanding was limited to killing Jiang Wang, not protecting Zhuang Gao Xian’s life.

Having been deceived so many times by these emperors with the surname Zhuang, wasn’t it only right to deceive them back once?

This lineage of the Zhuang surname imperial family, starting from Zhuang Cheng Qian, had rebellious bones from the beginning and was not easy to control.

As for Zhuang Gao Xian, it was even more exaggerated. While snatching resources within the Dao Gate, he was secretly flirting with the Mo family, and even hooked up with Yi Zhen Dao!

Although he came late to the matter, arriving a bit late, he did arrive in time to save Zhuang Gao Xian. Today, observing from the side, he was originally waiting for Jiang Wang and the others to kill Zhuang Gao Xian before coming out to justly capture and kill.

Zhao Xuan Yang had been missing for many years, likely dead, and they still did not know the truth until now!

Qi Gong Hou could not move, and a human race hero was not easy to deal with.

Wasn’t the time just right now?

What a pity…

From the appearance of that five-colored, ten-light heart, it was destined that his teacher would come out without a name.

Since the last incident in the demon world, Wu Bing of the Three Punishments Palace had been constantly staring at this place, and Jing Guo could not cover the sky with one hand.

Zhuang Guo was a Dao country, and the tens of thousands of innocent common people in Fenglin City were also people of the Dao lineage. Looking at the clear residual thoughts within that heart, how could he say that the revenge of these dead souls was not a righteous act? How could he say that Jiang Wang, born in Fenglin City, had no right to revenge?

So he appeared holding an umbrella, not a law sword.

“I have nothing to confess,” Jiang Wang said. “But as long as your eyes are willing to look, and your ears are willing to listen, by this time, everyone should know the truth.”

Having wandered north and south, drifting for so many years, how could he “not understand matters”?

He naturally knew that Ban Xia True Person had no intention of acting, and naturally knew that by just building a step today, he could leave quietly and without a sound.

But Ling He told him when he left that he was doing the right thing.

Tens of thousands of dead people were using their last residual thoughts to support him, to give him justice and principle.

How could he leave quietly and without a sound?

Fenglin City needed the truth!

Furthermore, Yin Guan was indifferent to fame and did not speak… Chao, Bai Yu Xia, Lin Xian, these people risked strange dangers to help him kill the monarch, how could he let them leave unclearly and without explanation?

In case, after many years, Jing Guo would pursue the matter again?

Although Zhuang Gao Xian was dead, the coffin must be covered and the matter concluded!

Killing the monarch today was not for being a thief.

This incapable monarch was pulled down from the dragon chair, punished and died, dying in a just revenge.

Not some accident! Sudden death!

Ban Xia was silent for a moment, slowly nodding, and only said the word “Good.”

This matter was originally beyond dispute.

It was nothing more than the residual thoughts of tens of thousands of dead souls being more forceful, the evidence clearer.

It was nothing more than Ban Xia wanting face, and Jiang Wang not giving it.

Ban Xia threw out a threat, and Jiang Wang accepted it.

He killed Zhuang Gao Xian today, and after stepping over Zhuang Gao Xian’s corpse, he was still firm, still unyielding.

At this time, a loud voice echoed from afar.

“I, Du Ye Hu of the Jiujiang Xuan Jia, hold the Great Zhuang Guo book, with the seals of the Water Monarch, the Prime Minister, and the Pass Country Jade Seal, decree the heroic spirits to retreat. Zhuang Guo is the Zhuang Guo of the people of the world, not the Zhuang Guo of Zhuang Gao Xian alone! Protecting the country means protecting the people. The grief of the tens of thousands of common people in Fenglin City has not ended. Today, grievances are washed away and debts are repaid, leaving no remaining hatred!”

Yet another vertical evil tiger, killing out from the night, flying quickly.

His voice was close to a roar, like rolling thunder.

That black face covered with thick beard was all black mixed with red, showing that he was indeed desperately rushing here… and once again, he was late.

He saw Jiang Wang, saw Zhao Ru Cheng, and before he had time to be joyful, he pulled out the Funeral Mace with his backhand, angrily confronting Ban Xia True Person!

There was nothing more to say. The enemy of old three and little five was the enemy of Du Tiger!

Ban Xia’s anger this time was truly uncontrollable.

Too arrogant!

A small general from a Dao subordinate country actually dared to openly confront him, a True Person from a Dao sect country!

“Tiger Brother!” Yet it was Jiang Wang who suddenly turned around, walked in front of Du Ye Hu, dissolving the tense atmosphere, and punched him in the chest, making a thudding sound: “That speech you just roared like thunder might not be in your handwriting.”

Although Du Ye Hu didn’t know what had happened, he keenly received the signal to stop fighting from old three. He conveniently lifted the Funeral Mace upwards, then used this heavy mace to scratch his head, and said in a simple voice: “Li Jian Qiu’s words.”

Ban Xia True Person had no place to vent his anger for a while, so he just went with the flow and sighed: “When Zhuang Cheng Qian was still here, I led him to join the Dao subordinate country, and he immediately turned around and worshipped Jade Capital Mountain… Now he is extinct, it truly makes people sigh!”

The Jing Tian Six Friends were stationed in the Jing Tian Upper Mansion, naturally belonging to the orthodox emperor’s party.

And Zhuang Cheng Qian, having just been led into a Dao country by the Jing Tian Six Friends, immediately went up to Jade Capital Mountain and recorded his name in the Jade Clear Gold Book. To put it harshly, it was almost a form of betrayal.

Of course, being in the same Dao lineage and belonging to the same Dao country, these words could not be said publicly.

Zhuang Cheng Qian had deceived too many people, and Ban Xia was just one of them.

He was also in a state of mind where he hadn’t gotten along with Zhuang Cheng Qian that year, and now he wouldn’t bother with Zhuang Gao Xian’s afterlife or reputation. Only one thing mattered—Zhuang Guo was the Zhuang Guo of the Dao lineage. Zhuang Gao Xian’s life or death did not change this matter.

Du Ye Hu sensed something was off and couldn’t help but ask: “Upper True, since the Zhuang surname imperial family is extinct, what will become of the Zhuang land and people? What kind of governance will the sect country provide?”

This time he called him Upper True instead!

Ban Xia pointed and laughed: “See how arrogant those fellows were before, and how humble they are now!”

Zhao Ru Cheng retorted: “My second brother is arrogant for his friends, and humble for the people! Isn’t that admirable?”

Ban Xia was stunned for a moment, and actually bowed to Du Ye Hu: “General, you have a true temperament! This Poor Daoist was wrong.”

Du Ye Hu took a step back to avoid the courtesy.

Ban Xia True Person raised his head and said again: “Just now, the West Heavenly Master has already reached an agreement with the Mo family True Monarch Lu Mao Guan. The border army of Zhuang Guo will withdraw to Lock Dragon Pass, and Zhuang Yong will again be demarcated by the Qi Chang Mountain Range, returning to the situation before Dao Calendar three nine one eight. From now on, they will be good neighbors and not invade each other.”

Han Xu personally acted, fighting to consume Zhuang Gao Xian’s life, and then deploying a large army at the border, and then inviting the Mo family True Monarch Lu Mao Guan. Of course, it was impossible to gain nothing at all.

And Jing Guo’s West Heavenly Master Yu Xi came personally, and it was also absolutely impossible to lose Zhuang Guo’s Dao lineage.

So the result could actually be foreseen.

Ban Xia looked at Jiang Wang again this time: “I don’t like you, so I originally didn’t want to ask you this question. But the Heavenly Master has given an order, so I have to ask—in this time of broken mountains and rivers, when wind and rain are uncertain, are you willing to take responsibility and protect the common people of Zhuang Guo?”

It was unexpected!

Yu Xi actually had this intention.

Such a large Zhuang Guo, with the Zhuang surname imperial family’s three hundred years of foundation, actually fell into his hands just like this!

As long as he nodded, he could seize it.

This was truly the most thorough revenge, killing Zhuang Tai Zu, killing Zhuang Gao Xian, and finally seizing its foundation and occupying its state.

But Jiang Wang, with almost no thought process, shook his head: “I observe the areas around the Zhuang border, and only Han Xu counts as a capable monarch. He has held power for a few short years, and has already made Yong Guo shed its skin and change its bones, with a clear administration. I know my own talent is limited, and no matter what I do, I will not be better than him. If I were to decide, for the sake of the common people of Zhuang Guo, I would make Zhuang return to Yong, and mend the hundred years of good relations.”

Ban Xia was solemn: “Zhuang Guo must be Zhuang Guo.”

Jiang Wang said without any ripples: “My fate with Zhuang Guo sank with Fenglin City and died with Zhuang Gao Xian.”

Although Ban Xia’s hostility had not disappeared, he was also somewhat curious: “Are you really not tempted? Do you know that if you gain the state of Zhuang Guo and have the support of the country’s power, your cultivation will advance a thousand miles a day, and you will have the possibility of catching up with the youngest True Person in history, or even surpassing Tai Yu?”

If it were before today, Tai Yu True Person was still an insurmountable myth.

After witnessing Jiang Wang become a three-realm body, Ban Xia also had to admit that the young man in front of him had the qualifications to challenge this myth.

And Zhuang Guo, although its country lord, prime minister, and great general were all dead today, its common people and army were still there, not fundamentally harming the country’s body. If Jiang Wang could step in, take the rightful position as the lord of Zhuang Guo, his future was absolutely promising.

This should have been a win-win situation for Jing Guo and for Jiang Wang.

With such an unparalleled talent like Jiang Wang as the lord, the state of Zhuang Guo could stand firm against uncertainty. With Jing Guo’s protection, Jiang Wang would no longer need to run east and west, and could enjoy peaceful years, concentrating on advancing his realm.

Why was he not moved at all?

Ban Xia True Person looked at Jiang Wang.

And Jiang Wang only said: “Li Yi was never my goal.”

Li Yi was not even a goal?

Truly a madman!

Ban Xia could not describe his own mood. Was it mockery, ridicule, or envy…?

What a pity for the unfortunate Zhao Xuan Yang, unable to compete at this time!

His gaze beneath the black oil-paper umbrella gradually grew cold: “Then what is your goal?”

Jiang Wang’s sword hung at his waist, both hands held Ling He’s heart, and he turned to walk towards the outside of the Zhuang Guo border: “Before, it was to kill Zhuang Gao Xian. After…”

He paused for a moment: “To be myself.”

Qing Yun was like a bridge, and his determined steps walked towards the distant sky just like that.

In the opposite direction of Ling He’s five-colored, ten-light heart, at the position of his heart, the immortal red-gold light spread little by little.