It was precisely because of the existence of the Heavenly Emperor, the Dao Ancestor, and the Demon Lord that the imperial court did not discard them after they had served their purpose. Instead, it vigorously developed martial arts and continuously advanced towards the South Seas, Lingnan, and the North.
The initial goal was simply to kill these three people. However, as large amounts of gold, silver, jade, and jewels flowed into the Central Plains from these places, more and more martial arts practitioners headed overseas to amass great fortunes.
The martial arts world flourished as a result. However, this prosperity had nothing to do with ordinary people. Everything was still under the control of the imperial court. Therefore, the initial task of suppressing the martial arts world was successfully completed.
Decades later, in a nameless town in a remote borderland, Lu Xiaofeng, with his white hair, looked at the Martial Arts Monthly in his hand and couldn't help but sigh: "Alas, I'm old, I'm old. Thinking back on my life, in my youth, I roamed the martial world, enjoying fine wine and beautiful women every day. How carefree I was! But ever since I met the Supreme One, the entire martial world has become unrecognizable."
Then, looking at the sharp-featured and resolute little boy beside him, Lu Xiaofeng said calmly, "Zhongtang, come with me to the borderlands. These imperial henchmen are getting more and more sensitive. Perhaps this will be the last time I see the Central Plains. Take a good look at it too."
Then, with some anticipation, he said, "Your personality is very resolute, which is very suitable for this metal-attribute Martial Ancestor's Secret Scroll. I wonder what kind of skill you can master by practicing it."
High atop Mount Tianshan lies the headquarters of the Western Demonic Sect, home to countless high-ranking members.
At this moment, the Demon Lord Jade Rakshasa, with her white hair, was watching the sunrise with a young child.
“Nurhaci, I observed the stars last night and learned that the Ming Dynasty is facing a calamity. This is a calamity that signifies the inevitable decline after reaching its peak. After this calamity is overcome, the Ming Dynasty will live for another five hundred years. At that time, with the strength of the Ming Dynasty, it will truly be a case of ‘all under heaven is the king’s land, and all within the borders are the king’s subjects.’”
"However, I am not reconciled, I am not reconciled. So, in the midst of the white mountains and black waters, I found you by following the dragon vein. From this day forward, I will teach you properly."
The summit of the sacred mountain of Japan.
"Hideyoshi, what do you see here?" the old man asked with a smile.
At this moment, he still looked like an old man who hadn't died yet; his appearance hadn't changed at all over the years.
The boy he was questioning had a full forehead and a square jaw, clearly indicating that he was either rich or noble.
"What I see in the world is the Nine Provinces, Luoyang, the entire world. In the future, I will surely ascend to Luoyang and become a citizen of the world!" the child declared loudly.
"Not enough, far from enough. Your horizons need to be broadened. What are Kyushu and Luoyang in the Eastern Lands compared to this? But that's not your fault; after all, a true dragon cannot be raised in shallow waters. Next, I will take you to tour the Central Plains and the world, so you will know what the world truly is!"
In Lingnan, the Taoist priest, holding an infant in his arms, beamed with joy as he learned: "The three stars of Seven Killings, Seven Killings, Seven Killings, Seven Killings, and Seven Killings will cause chaos throughout the world once they converge. Seven Killings is the thief who stirs up trouble in the world. Seven Killings is the general who roams the world. Seven Killings is the treacherous and cunning man."
"Now that the Seven Killings have appeared, let me personally teach you. What should your name be? Let's call you Zicheng."
------------
Chapter Thirty-Nine: Is Someone Trying to Scheme Against Me?
"Young Master, another scholar has arrived at the gate. He claims to be a student of the Imperial Academy and wishes to see you," Hu Feng said, bowing slightly.
Upon hearing this, Lin Yang subconsciously frowned. Logically speaking, it should be a happy thing for a student from the Imperial Academy to come and seek refuge.
But what actually happened? In reality, those who were truly capable, those with the talent of a prefect, mostly went to serve under Yuan Shao and Cao Cao. The next level up, the students at the Imperial Academy who possessed the talent of a county magistrate, would generally remain at the academy to continue their studies, waiting for an opportunity to enter officialdom.
Basically, those who come to Lin Yang's place are all misfits or people that nobody wants.
In truth, this is all Lin Yang's own doing. He insisted on taking an unconventional path, going south to develop territory. As a result, many people who originally intended to join Lin Yang have now been scared away.
It can only be said that the South in the original owner's memories, which was rich in resources and minerals and was like a paradise, is a completely different concept from the desolate South now.
After all, these students from the Imperial Academy had many choices. If they were honest and introverted, they could become officials in the imperial court. If they were lively and adventurous, they could go and join the ranks of Yuan Shao or Cao Cao.
Unless someone has an unusually eccentric way of thinking or some kind of hidden agenda, they would never pledge allegiance to Lin Yang. Therefore, in recent days, the total number of scholars who have voluntarily submitted to Lin Yang is only about twenty. Among them are the old and the young, men and women. In short, they are a motley crew.
What can twenty-odd bureaucrats do? Even if everyone became a village head, there would only be twenty-odd villages, which would just be a slightly larger township. Lin Yang isn't going to be a township head; he's going to be a duke!
"A miscalculation, a miscalculation. Alright, go and invite this student in," Lin Yang said, shaking his head.
Soon, a haughty, unkempt scholar, reeking of alcohol, approached Lin Yang. A quick glance from Lin Yang's Divine Eye revealed his destiny to be only at the second tier, his fortune merely pure white with a hint of red. In other words, with proper training, he could be a capable county magistrate.
In addition, with the arrival of this person, a wisp of black mist appeared above Lin Yang's head, which was quite interesting.
"Duke of Wu, I have a plan that can resolve this predicament. Otherwise, it will be too late to regret it later," the man with his nostrils pointing to the sky said proudly. After speaking, he turned his head away with a very distinctive air, as if to say, "I am a great sage, come and ask me."
Seeing this, Lin Yang's brows furrowed even more. Where did this idiot come from? This isn't wartime; you're acting arrogantly, and then for the sake of the bigger picture, I have no choice but to cooperate. Then, a tale of harmonious ruler and subject will spread. In this way, everyone's happy.
This is peacetime, and I'm not like Liu Bei, cornered and forced into a corner. And this guy, Chaotian, isn't a top-tier talent like Zhuge Liang. Is this how you talk to your future boss? Are you here to find a job or to cause trouble?
Combined with the wisp of black mist above his head, it seems this person came prepared. Or rather, deliberately. So, what is his purpose?
"Ahem, so, brother, what are your thoughts?" Lin Yang said calmly, deliberately revealing a hint of impatience in his words.
"It's very simple. In Luoyang today, the only ones who can help Your Highness are the aristocratic families. If Your Highness is willing to marry a daughter of one of these families, I believe everything will be resolved. At that time, you'll have both money and talent," Brother Chaotian said, shaking his head. It seemed as if this plan would solve all the problems.
However, listening to his words, Su Qing'er's expression grew increasingly grim. Her hands even unconsciously rested on the hilt of her sword. Even Lin Yang's face turned ashen. However, Brother Chaotian seemed completely oblivious to all this, or rather, even if he had, he wouldn't have cared. He continued explaining his method with unabated enthusiasm.
"Of course, Your Highness should be careful, as top-tier aristocratic families probably won't be interested in you. So, look for a first-rate family. Of course, just in case, it's best to find a concubine's daughter. And, if Your Highness is willing to marry into the family, that would be even better. You should know that in that case, you'll be family..."
"By the way, I don't ask for too much in terms of salary, ten thousand taels a month will do. You know, the South is quite barren, there are a lot of things to be careful about. Besides that, I also need various subsidies each month, not much, seven or eight thousand taels will be fine. Also, for maids and such, they should be pretty, preferably..."
"Get out!" Lin Yang said angrily. It could only be said that if this person's goal was to provoke him, then he had succeeded.
"What did you say? Say it again?" Brother Chaotian asked, seemingly incredulous. He apparently thought that as a student of the Imperial Academy seeking refuge, Lin Yang, a peasant, should be grateful and obliging. But now, things seemed to have changed.
"I said get out, Hu Feng, beat him out of here with sticks. Don't let people like him in again," Lin Yang said.
"That's great, young master. I've disliked this guy for a long time," Su Qing'er said with a smile.
After saying that, he took a step and came to Brother Chaotian. With a gentle lift, he lifted Brother Chaotian up and threw him outside.
"You, you'll regret this. When I get back, I'll definitely spread this around. Then, let's see who'll still want to come here!" Brother Chaotian said angrily.
Upon hearing this, Su Qing'er, who had initially felt relieved after personally throwing Chaotian away, couldn't help but worry. She said, "Young Master, won't this have any negative consequences? What if this guy spreads this around? It could seriously damage your reputation. How about we give him some money?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Yang shook his head: "No need. I suspect this guy has someone backing him; he's probably being instructed. Someone wants to see me make a fool of myself. It seems these aristocratic families really don't learn their lesson. Are their memories all that bad?"
"Hu Feng, go and investigate this guy. Find out his background and where he went. If you really can't figure it out, go ask Shi A for help. Find out who's behind him."