In this world, the clash of minds is highly valued, and cultivation demands a high level of mental strength. However, there is no systematic method for utilizing mental strength, nor any precise method for mental cultivation.
Therefore, for martial artists in the Tang Dynasty world, mental cultivation techniques that are common in the main world are priceless here.
This is one of the things the Chosen Ones often do—they act as interdimensional transporters. Through the Chosen Ones, different worlds can communicate with each other, promoting each other and thus upgrading the world. It is said that this is the main reason for the existence of the Land of Reincarnation.
Watching Lin Yang and the other two flattering each other, Cai Yan shook her head impatiently and then asked, "By the way, where is Yuwen Huaji? When will he arrive? And how are the follow-up plans going?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Yang and the others all looked at Shi Long. Seeing this, Shi Long smiled slightly. If it were before, he would have been somewhat worried. After all, back then, he was probably no match for Yuwen Huaji. But now, the situation was quite different.
Upon hearing this, Shi Long confidently said, "Miss Cai, there's no need to worry. Three days ago, I sent people to keep a close eye on the Governor of Yangzhou. Sure enough, he quietly left Yangzhou this morning."
After a pause, Shi Long continued, "When they returned, they were accompanied by dozens of strong and muscular men. These men were tall and strong, and judging from their accents, they were from the Guanzhong Plain in the north. If nothing unexpected happens, Yuwen Huaji will make his move this afternoon."
Seeing this, Lin Yang couldn't help but nod. Shi Long was already prepared and had even reached the Grandmaster realm. If Yuwen Huaji really dared to come, he would be in deep trouble.
“That’s right. Once this person is dealt with, you can raise an army in rebellion and become the ruler of Yangzhou. At that time, you only need to wait for a wise ruler to emerge and then pledge allegiance to him. You will still be guaranteed a hereditary dukedom.” Lin Yang said with a smile.
"But why wait until the afternoon?"
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Chapter Ten: A Plot Twist, Grandmaster? Grandmaster!
The Yangzhou City General's Mansion, the residence of Yuchi Sheng, the General of Yangzhou. At this time, Yuwen Huaji's arrival was still a secret; his army would take three more days to reach the city. The purpose of this secret arrival was, in fact, a surprise attack. Otherwise, if Shi Long couldn't win, surely he could escape?
"What exactly is the purpose of the general's visit? Could it be the work of that tyrannical emperor?" Yuchi Sheng asked.
To be fair, the Yuwen family was part of the Northern Zhou royal family, though their relationship to the imperial court was quite distant, perhaps only a few miles apart. Otherwise, if they were truly direct descendants of the Yuwen family of the Northern Zhou royal family, would they really think Yang Jian was such a benevolent man who, after usurping the throne, didn't even understand basic purges?
As for Yuchi Sheng, his uncle had rebelled after Yang Jian usurped the throne. Therefore, to put it bluntly, both of them were staunch rebels. Consequently, they spoke without any restraint.
Upon hearing this, Yuwen Huaji laughed and said, "Hehe, even that tyrant is afraid. Long after the three campaigns against Goguryeo, that tyrant had already parted ways with the Guanzhong nobility. His imperial edicts are sometimes effective and sometimes not in Guanzhong. So, in fear and trepidation, he wanted to go south."
"Oh, isn't he afraid of opposition from the court officials?" Yu Chisheng asked curiously.
"So, they made up an excuse, saying they wanted to find the secret to immortality and seek the path to eternal life. Then, I was sent here to pave the way. Moreover, they said the secret to immortality was in Shi Long's hands. I think this is clearly just an excuse. An excuse to purge the local forces in Yangzhou," Yuwen Huaji said calmly.
To be honest, even he had to admit that this tyrant was quite talented. He could come up with such a clever excuse.
“Yes, whether we find it or not, Shi Long is finished. And his Shi Long Taoist Temple is the most powerful force in Yangzhou City. Once we get rid of him, we can use the excuse of searching for the Longevity Formula to attack the Bamboo Flower Gang. At that time, the Bamboo Flower Gang will definitely be caught off guard. This tyrant is really quite capable,” Yu Chisheng said with emotion.
However, at that moment, Yu Chisheng, for some unknown reason, suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "Hmm, perhaps the secret of immortality really is with him. In recent years, this person has been living in seclusion in a small courtyard. I didn't think so before, but now, this is too much of a coincidence."
"Oh, that's interesting." Yuwen Huaji nodded slowly.
Clap clap clap... Accompanied by the sound of applause, the study door opened directly. Then, Shi Long and Yin Kaishan, the leader of the Bamboo Flower Gang, entered one after the other.
"The plan is excellent, truly excellent. If I hadn't overheard it by accident, it would have been even better," Shi Long said with a cold laugh. At the same time, an undisguised killing intent swept towards the two of them.
Seeing this, Yuchi Sheng couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Because of the need for secrecy, only he and Yuwen Huaji were present. And the conversation was taking place in the study. So the question was, how had these two gotten here?
"Where's Wang Liang? Where is he? Why did they let you in?" Yu Chisheng asked instinctively.
Wang Liang was his top general, not only a general but also a master of innate martial arts. His Thunderbolt Eighteen Techniques were exceptionally exquisite, earning him a place on the list of extraordinary skills and techniques.
"Oh, you mean him?" As he spoke, Shi Long produced a human head. It was clearly fresh; blood still clung to the neck, and the face was utterly horrifying, its mouth agape in terror.
"You, you actually killed him! Are you trying to kill an official and rebel? Aren't you afraid of the imperial army?" Yuchi Sheng asked in surprise.
Upon hearing this, Shi Long gave Yuchi Sheng a very careful look. This was probably what Lin Yang and the others meant by "brain-dead." Given the current situation, was there any other way but to rebel? Since they had already rebelled, why bother with the imperial court?
Then, Shi Long ignored him completely and said directly, "Brother Yin, everything is already very clear. The tyrant wants to go south, or more precisely, he wants to come to Yangzhou City. In any case, we have no way out. Unless you and I are willing to abandon our possessions, leave our hometown, and live in anonymity."
“That’s impossible. The Bamboo Flower Gang is the culmination of my life’s work. Even if the Heavenly King himself came, we’d have to fight him first, let alone a tyrannical ruler!” Yin Kaishan said resolutely.
"What about the dozens of heroes under General Yuwen's command?" Yuchi Sheng asked, puzzled.
Upon hearing this, Yuwen Huaji couldn't help but prick up his ears. After all, Yuwen CD and Yuwen Wudi had come with him this time. Moreover, they were already innate masters, so how could they have made no sound at all?
"Ah, those men from Guanzhong are mostly forthright and fond of fine wine. It just so happens that I once saved one of Chief Steward Yuchi's cooks. So..."
"Make your move!" As soon as he finished speaking, Shi Long threw the severed head in his hand as a hidden weapon, and the target was Yu Chi Sheng.
Compared to the incessantly verbose Yuchi Sheng, Yuwen Huaji acted decisively and without hesitation. The situation was now clear: Shi Long was about to rebel. But how did he know that his target was him? Could it be that Yang Guang had told him?
Thinking of this, Yuwen Huaji couldn't help but shudder. Could it be that Yang Guang had already discovered the fact that his family was preparing to rebel, and therefore wanted to eliminate him first? However, just as Yuwen Huaji was making wild guesses, Shi Long arrived.
Shi Long clenched his right fist, and at the same time, a domineering and frenzied aura emanated from him. Even before his fist arrived, this intent firmly locked onto Yuwen Huaji. Stimulated by this intent, Yuwen Huaji felt a jolt run through his entire body.
"Grandmaster? When did you become a Grandmaster?" Ignoring the current situation, Yuwen Huaji asked excitedly. Although there is only a fine line between Grandmaster and peak Innate Realm, this gap is like an insurmountable chasm, blocking countless experts.
If a master of the Innate Realm is merely renowned in one region, belonging to the category of regional experts, then a Grandmaster Realm expert is enough to be famous throughout the martial arts world and discussed by people all over the country. Even he, one of the most outstanding scions of the Yuwen Clan among the four great clans, is only at the peak of the Innate Realm at this time.
At the same time, an extremely cold true energy was released. Centered on Yuwen Huaji, within a radius of several feet, a white, cold aura spread outwards at a visible speed.
These white, chilling wisps were actually just tiny ice crystals. Even the tea on the table was frozen solid.
"What a powerful Ice Profound Force! Truly domineering," Shi Long said with a smile. If he were still at the Innate level, even with his deeper skill, he probably wouldn't be a match for him. But now, having entered the Grandmaster level, things are completely different.
As a grandmaster, his spiritual power has been integrated into his physical strength. Even a casual strike carries the domineering force of a mountain-pushing hand.
boom
No match for him, absolutely no match for him—that was Yuwen Huaji's first thought. If it were just Shi Long alone, even if he couldn't win, he could still escape. But now, the outside was filled with Shi Long's men. Therefore, remaining here would be unwise.
After his initial strike, Yuwen Huaji flew directly towards the rooftop. Simultaneously, a surge of pure internal energy gathered in his right hand, which he aimed at the roof and punched. With a loud bang, a large hole appeared. Then, in a flash, he was on the rooftop.
Then, Yuwen Huaji lowered his head, carefully examined the stone dragon inside the room, and laughed loudly, "Haha, thank you very much for your hospitality today, Master Shi. I really didn't expect that there would be a grandmaster like Master Shi in Yangzhou City." As soon as he finished speaking, the world-renowned Yuwen Huaji turned around and fled without looking back.