"Die!"
The old man thrust out his sword, its light like a mountain splitting axe. With this single strike, the Snow Region Heavenly Lake would likely be torn in two.
...
Tang Guangjun gritted his teeth. Before Fu Zhi, Chen Ben, and Chu Yu could arrive, he was the only one qualified to resist this thirteen-realm great sword immortal from the Ghost Realm. The moment Tang Guangjun drew his sword, wisps of military aura emerged from his body, making him appear as if forged from gold. He raised his sword and unleashed a strike against his opponent.
In the wind, two sword energies collided. In the next instant, the victor was clear. The old man's sword intent was more profound, his sword energy more blazing, surpassing Tang Guangjun. A sliver of the sword energy then broke off, heading straight for Tang Guangjun's head.
"..."
Tang Guangjun flipped his wrist. A flying sword shot out from the Sword Lake, about to be damaged to protect him. But at that moment, a figure streaked in from the teleportation array. It was Lin Zhao. His flying sword, Hao Ran, surged out of the Sword Lake, creating a small, square dimension that separated the old man from the natural world of the Snow Region Heavenly Lake.
"Boom!"
With a deafening roar, Lin Zhao, along with his flying sword, was thrown out of the Hao Ran dimension. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and he was unable to move. Hao Ran spun in the wind before falling back into the Sword Lake. Although it had blocked the old man's strike, it seemed as though it hadn't, leaving him in a sorry state.
"Oh?!"
The old man smiled faintly, his sword intent surging to the heavens. He laughed, "I will take that woman. Those who block me shall die!"
"Is that so?"
From the direction of the Mountain Peak Villa, Fu Zhi appeared, clad in white. Her sword light flashed, sending a blazing sword energy directly towards the old man's chest. Simultaneously, just as the old man was about to attack, a sword light descended from the southeast. Immediately, a figure clad in snow-white appeared in the air. It was Lin Wan Hua, the mistress of Fusang Great Wall. She stomped down, and a blazing white sword energy descended from the heavens, forcefully suppressing the old man's sword intent. Coupled with Fu Zhi's strike, the thirteen-realm sword cultivator elder staggered back several steps, his face slightly pale.
"It seems I have underestimated the human realm today."
The old man narrowed his eyes and smiled. "Tsk tsk, on a mere broken mountain top, one thirteen-realm and two twelve-realm cultivators. Are the top five-realm sword cultivators of the human realm so cheap?"
Lin Wan Hua hovered in the air and chuckled calmly, "Senior was once a sword cultivator of the human realm. Unfortunately, you have been blinded by greed."
"Perhaps."
The old man looked up and sneered, "Lin Wan Hua, you are too sharp. Do you truly intend to oppose me?"
"Otherwise?"
Lin Wan Hua's expression was calm. "Allow the old sword immortal to abduct my only disciple?"
"Oh~~~"
The old man laughed, "So the young girl who refines swords on the Mountain Peak Villa is your disciple, Lin Wan Hua? That explains it. In that case, I shall leave. I still owe Fusang Great Wall some respect."
With that, he stomped the ground and leaped backward, instantly becoming one with his sword, transforming into a streak of sword light that shot towards the western horizon.
"Old Sword Immortal, won't you spar?"
Lin Wan Hua twisted her body, also becoming one with her sword, and transformed into a streak of sword light that pursued the old man's direction directly.
"Can you handle it?"
Lin Zhao frowned.
Lin Wan Hua's voice echoed in his heart, "Don't worry. I might not be able to kill him, but he definitely won't be able to harm me. This old fellow, who cherishes his life the most, would never trade his life for mine."
"That's good then. Know when to quit. Your safety comes first."
"Mm!"
...
In the blink of an eye, Lin Wan Hua and the old sword immortal had vanished from sight. Lin Zhao took a deep breath and said, "Tell me, who is this person?"
"Not entirely clear."
Tang Guangjun frowned. "This person's name is Qin Hong. He was already a thirteen-realm sword cultivator thousands of years ago, and he still is. It is said that he has been lurking in some corner of the Ghost Realm. I met him once when I was young. I was still a Golden Core sword cultivator then, and this senior from the Ghost Realm didn't even spare me a second glance. I never expected to exchange sword strikes with him at the Snow Region Heavenly Lake today."
Fu Zhi said, "My lord, Qin Hong has a nickname: 'The One Who Cherishes Life the Most in the World.' It is said he is the longest-living thirteen-realm sword cultivator in the human realm. He has never been able to break through, nor is he willing to disband his soul for reincarnation, so he has remained in the mortal world. He appears in the human realm once every few years. According to legends, some have seen Qin Hong abduct sword-talented geniuses from mountain sects, after which they vanish without a trace."
"Is that so..."
Lin Zhao frowned. "What does he do with the abducted sword-talented geniuses? Is he taking them as disciples?"
"Impossible."
Tang Guangjun shook his head. "The people Qin Hong abducted share two common characteristics: first, they are potential sword immortals; second, they are virgin boys and girls. Therefore, I suspect this old fellow is using virgin sword cultivators as cauldrons to cultivate some evil art in order to prolong his lifespan."
"Prolong his lifespan?"
Lin Zhao was taken aback. "Thirteen-realm cultivators should live for a very long time, shouldn't they? Does he still think his lifespan isn't enough?"
"My lord, you may not know."
Fu Zhi said, "Since the beginning of recorded history, Qin Hong has lived for over nine thousand years. The lifespan limit for the Ascension Realm is only ten thousand years. If one cannot reach the fourteenth realm by ten thousand years, they can only die of old age."
"Specifically, it's 9999 years."
Tang Guangjun crossed his arms. "He only has one year left to live. He will die of old age next year. A thirteen-realm cultivator facing death from old age must be extremely unwilling, wouldn't he?"
"Perhaps there are other reasons."
Lin Zhao took a deep breath. "If you have time, inquire more about this Qin Hong. Since he has set his sights on Tong Yu, he will likely return if he gets the chance. Although Miss Lin is guarding her, we should at least know Qin Hong's objective. Otherwise, remaining in the dark is not a long-term solution."
"Mm!"
Fu Zhi nodded. "Understood. I will send people to investigate."
...
Afternoon.
Lin Zhao flew on his sword to the area around Bronze Mirror Lake. Finally, his mountain and military affairs were finished, and he finally had some time for himself. It was time to visit Zhang Xi Cheng and Han Yu Rou. Riding his flying sword, Hong Ye, he flew to Ziyun Mountain. He saw that a brand new Mountain God Temple had been completed and already had some incense offerings.
Lin Zhao descended gracefully and cupped his fists with a smile, "I am Lin Zhao, an old friend of Mountain Lord Zhang Xi Cheng. I am here to seek an audience with the Mountain Lord!"
"It's Young Master Lin!"
A temple caretaker, whose body was coated with a thin golden glow, walked out, bowed respectfully, and smiled, "Mountain Lord Zhang has gone to Bronze Mirror Lake. If Young Master Lin wishes to see him, you can go directly to Bronze Mirror Lake!"
"Alright, thank you!"
Lin Zhao smiled faintly and turned to fly on his sword towards Bronze Mirror Lake. As he landed on the lake's surface, several figures emerged from the bronze mirror: Han Yu Rou, clad in a pink dress, and Mountain Lord Zhang Xi Cheng, in golden armor, walked out side-by-side. They were now together, a picture of deep marital affection that was enviable.
"Young Master!"
Zhang Xi Cheng and Han Yu Rou knelt simultaneously on the surface of the mirror-like lake, their eyes red. "Young Master, you're finally here... If it weren't for Young Master, we would never have been reunited in this lifetime. Your kindness is as vast as the sea..."
"Alright."
Lin Zhao stepped forward and helped them up with a hand on each of them. He smiled, "It's good that we can meet again. I have also fulfilled a wish. Xi Cheng, your golden body seems quite stable."
Zhang Xi Cheng looked a bit embarrassed. "Thank you, Young Master, for requesting the position of Mountain Lord of Ziyun Mountain from Princess Royal on my behalf. Otherwise... Zhang Xi Cheng would still be a wandering ghost by the roadside."
"You have rendered many great services to the human realm. This merit is rightfully yours."
Lin Zhao looked at Han Yu Rou and said, "Xi Cheng, Miss Han has waited for you for years. You must cherish her well. Hmph, how many cultivators on the mountain envy your good fortune!"
Zhang Xi Cheng took Han Yu Rou's hand, his eyes slightly moist. "I fought alone in Luoxia Valley for hundreds of years, and Yu Rou waited for me for hundreds of years. Although Zhang Xi Cheng is no longer flesh and blood, my heart and soul are still warm. I will naturally remember your words. In this life, and in the lives to come, for all eternity, I will never fail Yu Rou!"
"Oh dear..."
Lin Zhao pinched his nose, feeling inexplicably stuffed with dog food. How infuriating!
Lu Hua smiled, "Young Master, Young Master, since you're here, why not come to the manor and sit down for a chat? I'll stir-fry a few small dishes, and you, Miss, and the son-in-law can have a drink?"
"Alright!"
Zhang Xi Cheng and Han Yu Rou earnestly invited him, and Lin Zhao, unable to refuse, since there was nothing pressing, happily followed them back into the bronze mirror. Then, he drank with Zhang Xi Cheng and his wife. This was their first meal together with Lin Zhao since they had become a couple. Even a fierce general and mountain lord like Zhang Xi Cheng drank until his face was red, while Han Yu Rou poured wine for the one she loved and respected the most, a smile on her beautiful face. This day was undoubtedly the happiest of her life.
...
Early morning. Bai Di City.
Amidst the sound of horse hooves, Princess Royal Zhao Shu Tong, clad in armor, led ten thousand White Deer Cavalry out of the city's main road and headed straight for the imperial palace. It was currently the time of the morning court. The Princess Royal led her cavalry all the way to the entrance of the Hall of Diligent Governance. Ten thousand White Deer Cavalry formed a formidable line outside the hall. Only then did she dismount, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword, and step onto the imperial court.
"The Princess Royal has arrived!"
Following the announcement by the guards, Zhao Shu Tong strode onto the red carpet in the center of the court. Her beautiful eyes widened, filled with fury. "Who ordered the Panshi Army and the Jihan Legion to march north to engage the enemy?"
Everyone was dumbfounded. It was clear to all that the Princess Royal had arrived with both anger and killing intent.
"The Ministry of War!"
Zhao Shu Tong walked forward step by step and sneered, "Lin Ruo's two golden edicts were issued by you, the Minister of War, weren't they?"
The Minister of War gritted his teeth, nodded, and clasped his fists. "It was me, Your Highness..."
"Slap!"
Zhao Shu Tong stepped forward and delivered a resounding slap. A slap from an eleven-realm cultivator was not ordinary. The mediocre Minister of War, holding his jade tablet, flew out sideways, losing several teeth and spitting blood.
Zhao Shu Tong strode onto the emperor's golden steps and walked before the young Human Emperor Zhao Jing Heng. She then turned to face the assembled officials and said, "With over a million elite troops from the demon and fiend races deployed in the northern region, you dared to send the Panshi Army and the Jihan Legion north alone? Anyone who ordered the northward march, every single one of them, are they not traitors?!"
For a moment, the faces of the officials became extremely unsightly.