Chapter 275 - Rank 4, Temujin's Regret, Wu Zhao's Caution, Ambushed Kill Attempt

[Confucian Immortal Ranking – Rank 4]

[Cai Yan]

[Force: Endless Sea of Learning Academy of Ming Dynasty]

[Cultivation: Late Mythical Realm Land Immortal]

[Technique: Zither Book Literature Classic (a self-created fusion of Confucian Dao and Zither Dao Cultivation Technique)]

[Reward: 10 wisps of Intermediate-Tier Grand Righteous Qi (enhances Confucian Cultivation Techniques), 1 Intermediate-Tier Confucian Skill, 1 Intermediate-Tier Confucian Divine Weapon]

==========

"Endless Sea of Learning Academy?!"

"Again with the Ming Dynasty?!"

Temujin grew increasingly agitated.

Especially after the recent internal schism within the Yuan Dynasty, he was beginning to suspect something.

There must be underhanded manipulations from the Ming Dynasty behind it all.

He absolutely refused to believe that his sons would suddenly and completely rebel on their own.

If not for the interference and instigation of another power, such a scenario would have never unfolded.

"Summon Phagpa back immediately!"

At this moment, Temujin finally recalled the value of his National Master, Phagpa.

Compared to Phagpa, the others were utterly useless.

And loyalty was a major concern.

By now, he had no one he could truly trust.

He immediately gave the order to the Golden Wolf Hall Vice-Master before him.

As for the former Golden Wolf Hall Master, upon discovering that he had colluded with Ogedei and was in fact his spy from the start, Temujin, in a furious rage, had him hacked into pieces.

Now, the entire Golden Wolf Hall was leaderless.

This once again reminded Temujin of Phagpa.

After circling around, he suddenly realized that while Phagpa had his minor flaws, he had never committed any grave mistakes.

"Yes, Khan!"

"And also, inform those people that I agree to their conditions."

"However, in exchange, they must kill several Land Immortals from the Ming Dynasty."

"Hmm, let the heads of the ones who just ranked on the Confucian Immortal Ranking serve as their pledge of allegiance!"

"The more people they kill, the greater the rewards I will bestow."

Temujin's eyes gleamed with vicious intent.

At the same time, his heart burned with suppressed anger toward "those people".

In the future, once he unified the entire Nine Provinces, he would ensure that "those people" would be completely annihilated, without even a burial ground.

To have dared to humiliate the Yuan Emperor, utterly unforgivable!

However, for now, they still had their uses.

So he would tolerate them temporarily!

When the Golden Wolf Hall Vice-Master heard Temujin mention "those people", his whole body involuntarily trembled.

His face showed extreme fear.

Clearly, "those people" were far from ordinary.

Even a ruthless figure like the Golden Wolf Hall Vice-Master wore such an expression. That alone spoke volumes.

"Yes, your servant shall deliver the Khan's orders at once!"

==========

Ming Dynasty.

Imperial Harem.

The Empress Chambers.

Empress Wu Zhao looked at the ranking and the name Cai Yan, her heart sank slightly.

She had met this Cai Yan once before.

Not speaking of cultivation strength, just in terms of appearance, temperament, virtue, and talent, she was undoubtedly among the top in all of Nine Provinces.

Although this woman was not part of the Imperial Harem, Wu Zhao had never once underestimated her.

Moreover, to her knowledge, the Emperor had a unique affection toward this famed talent.

In fact, his regard for her was second only to that for Long Bixia.

It seemed that during the process of their acquaintance, the Emperor and Cai Yan had a history unknown to others.

No matter how hard she investigated, she found no trace of it.

Empress Wu Zhao might not do anything harmful to Cai Yan, but she had never let down her guard or lessened her caution toward her.

"Wan'er, has the Netherworld City found anything about the past between His Majesty and her?"

"Well... Your Majesty, it seems His Majesty deliberately erased all such information."

"No matter how the spies of the Netherworld City searched, they found nothing!"

"If Your Majesty truly wishes to know, the only way is to hear it from His Majesty himself."

"His Majesty is in the Great Perfection God Demon Realm. If he personally erased all traces, even someone of the same realm might not be able to recover a single clue!"

"Let alone the spies of the Netherworld City!"

Shangguan Wan'er said helplessly.

"In any case, continue the investigation!"

"I have a strong feeling that Cai Yan is far from simple. She might pose a threat to my position in the future."

"Even Murong Qiudi, Xue Yuan, Long Bixia, or those outside the palace like Murong Xisheng, Mei Yinxue, Fei Yan, or Li Hanyi have never given me this kind of feeling."

"Your Majesty, could it be a misunderstanding?"

"According to our intel, over the years His Majesty has not met this Cai Yan that many times?"

"I don't know the reason either. Just do as I say!"

One day, the secret would be revealed.

However, as long as she kept improving herself, her position would remain unshakable.

==========

Ming Dynasty.

Outside the capital.

A carriage moved slowly forward.

"Big Sister Cai Yan, you made the ranking!"

"And not just that, you got Rank 4, and are already at the Late Mythical Realm!"

"That's incredible!"

Li Qingzhao looked at Cai Yan with disbelief.

She was very aware that Cai Yan was stronger than her, and superior in Confucian studies as well.

Perhaps only in the art of poetry could she claim an advantage.

In other aspects, she was slightly inferior.

But she never expected Cai Yan to be this extraordinary.

"Qingzhao, I only met His Majesty earlier than you."

"If you had encountered His Majesty when I did, you too would have reached this level."

"Still, you shouldn't underestimate yourself."

"With time, the Mythical Realm won't be a challenge for you."

"Given His Majesty's affection for you, he will definitely help you break through at any time."

Cai Yan smiled softly, without the slightest hint of arrogance.

Only she knew how much effort Zhu Houzhao had contributed to her current accomplishments.

Back in the Han Dynasty, she had merely been an ordinary and frail woman.

Perhaps she was a bit more well-read than most, slightly more accomplished in literature, music, and calligraphy.

But even then, she was just a little above average compared to a normal Confucian scholar.

Across the whole of Nine Provinces, she hardly counted.

Not only that, her fate had never been in her own hands.

But ever since she met His Majesty, everything had changed from the ground up.

He had not only taught her Cultivation Techniques but also showed her how to change her destiny.

How to take control of her fate with her own hands.

No longer to be a pawn manipulated by others.

Since then, after years of diligent cultivation, she had undergone a complete transformation inside and out.

She now possessed extraordinary skills and a refined temperament.

A serene, intellectual, and elegant demeanor.

Her entire being radiated vitality.

It was a leap on the level of life itself, as though she had transcended ordinary womanhood.

With her cultivation advancement, her comprehension had also undergone a dramatic metamorphosis.

Even in Confucian studies, literature, music, calligraphy, and zither arts, she had made astonishing progress.

Her talents surpassed even the top-tier Confucian scholars of Nine Provinces.

As for those so-called pedantic scholars, they were not even qualified to be compared to her.

She was worthy of being called a true literary talent.

At the same time, she understood propriety and the ways of the world.

She strove to be the one woman in Zhu Houzhao's heart he could never part with.

She was very satisfied with her current state.

Her destiny was now firmly in her own hands.

No one could control her future.

Not even her father, Cai Yong.

However, with Cai Yong's current condition, under Zhu Houzhao's "gentle persuasion", his mindset had undergone a shift as well.

He no longer harbored any thoughts of controlling his daughter's fate.

Otherwise, with Zhu Houzhao's petty nature, it wouldn't be surprising if he made things difficult for him behind the scenes.

Along the way, the two women chatted and laughed.

They had spent a long time studying at the Endless Sea of Learning Academy.

It had been a while since they last ventured out.

This was a great chance to enjoy the scenic mountains and rivers nearby.

To relax their minds.

Unfortunately...

The absence of that certain someone made both of them a little disappointed.

"Hmm?"

As the carriage entered a remote area surrounded by green mountains and clear waters...

Cai Yan's brows furrowed slightly.

Her gaze turned toward the forest several hundred meters ahead.

In the next moment.

Her eyes turned cold.

"Those who hide their heads and show their tails, there's no need to keep hiding. Come out now!"

A soft shout rang out, and the calm words echoed through the surroundings.

Cai Yan spoke with a gentle tone.

Yet her voice could be clearly heard within several kilometers.

This was a testament to Cai Yan's exquisite control over her strength.

"Big Sister Cai Yan, is someone really trying to ambush us?"

"Are we really their target?"

"It doesn't seem like we have any enemies!"

Li Qingzhao asked with some confusion.

"Maybe not before, but now it's different."

"To some people, appearing on the Confucian Immortal Ranking is an unforgivable crime."

"Ah? Could it be... these people are from other dynasties?"

"They want to kill us to weaken the strength of the Ming Dynasty?"

"Their target is His Majesty?"

"Whether they are or not, we'll know soon enough."

In the next moment.

Cai Yan gently brushed the strings of the zither in front of her.

Immediately, a wave of sound spread out.

It carried an invisible yet terrifying profundity.

Those hiding in the dark, ready to ambush at any moment, suddenly trembled all over.

One after another, they shouted involuntarily.

Then, they rushed forward swiftly.

They directly surrounded Cai Yan and Li Qingzhao.

They pointed their curved blades at the two women, radiating a chilling cold light.

"Monks?"

Cai Yan's eyes narrowed.

"Judging from your attire, are you people from the Tantric Sect?"

"I have no grudge against you. Why ambush us here?"

There were more than thirty people, with nearly ten of them being Great Grandmasters.

The rest were all Grandmasters.

A massive formation indeed.

Unfortunately.

If they were targeting someone else, they might have had a chance.

But trying to kill them? That was a fool's dream.

However, these people clearly knew their identities.

Which meant they must also know that one of them was at the Mythical Realm, the other at the Heavenly Human Realm.

Grandmasters and Great Grandmasters were mere ants before them.

And yet they dared to show up?

With that thought, Cai Yan's heart stirred.

Her eyes scanned the surroundings.

The next moment.

Cai Yan plucked a string lightly.

A wave of energy fiercely shot toward a dark corner up ahead.

Boom!

A terrifying shockwave erupted.

Three disheveled figures appeared.

Cai Yan and Li Qingzhao's pupils contracted sharply.

One Mythical Realm cultivator, two Heavenly Human Realm cultivators!

It seemed these people had indeed come prepared.

"As expected of Miss Cai!"

"Rank 4 on the Confucian Immortal Ranking, you truly live up to your reputation!"

"This humble monk tried to estimate your strength, but even so, I still severely underestimated you!"

The leading Tantric monk clasped his hands together, looking solemn and composed.

But his words were filled with intense killing intent.

"Tantric Sect?"

"Are you from the Yuan Dynasty? Or the Sui Dynasty? Or perhaps the Tang Dynasty?"

"Amitabha, this humble monk was merely passing by. What talk is there of besieging the two ladies?"

"Hmph, the Buddhist sect is indeed like this!"

Cai Yan had heard Zhu Houzhao mention the various sects of the Nine Provinces many times, such as the Buddhist, Daoist, Confucian, and Demon Dao.

He had explained the traits of each in detail.

Naturally, Cai Yan had a deep understanding of the true nature of these people.

There was no need for wasted words with such individuals.

Everything was based on power.

If one was weak, even if they were right, they would be painted as irredeemably evil.

On the other hand, if one was strong, even if their words were wrong, others would treat them as unquestionably correct.

These Tantric monks spoke lies with open eyes.

How could Cai Yan let them gloat?

"Qingzhao, the surrounding Grandmasters and Great Grandmasters are yours to handle."

"As for the three Land Immortals, leave them to me."

"Big Sister Cai Yan, be careful!"

"You too!"

==========

"Ding... ding... dong... dong..."

Beautiful notes from the zither echoed throughout the area.

Everyone present suddenly felt as if they had entered another space.

"Not good, everyone be careful, it's an illusion!"

"Focus your mind, do not be deceived by the zither's sound!"

All the monks fell into the trap.

Even the two Heavenly Human Realm ones had dazed looks in their eyes.

Only the Mythical Realm monk noticed something was wrong right away.

He tried to warn the others.

But it was already too late.

After all, Cai Yan was a genuine Mythical Realm cultivator.

These zither sounds were manifestations of her Zither Dao Cultivation Technique.

How could ordinary ants resist them?

Even a Heavenly Human Realm cultivator was nothing in front of a Late Mythical Realm cultivator.

"Qingzhao, strike now!"

"Yes, Big Sister Cai Yan!"

"Watch this!"

Li Qingzhao nodded, her expression solemn.

She then took out a jade-colored book from her sleeve and gently opened it.

At the same time, she infused her true essence into the book.

This jade book was the Low-Tier Confucian Dao Divine Weapon she had received earlier as Heaven Dao Reward.

It suited her perfectly.

As for its power, now was finally the time to test it.

In the next moment.

"Heaven meets the waves of clouds and morning mist, the galaxy turns, a thousand sails dance."

"Reveal!"

As Li Qingzhao's voice fell.

In an instant.

Before everyone's eyes.

A galaxy emitting endless starlight appeared.

Bathed in the starlight of the galaxy.

They felt all of the true qi and true essence within their bodies rapidly diminishing at a rate visible to the naked eye.

Only the Mythical Realm monk could resist it.

The others, including the two Heavenly Human Realm cultivators, looked at Li Qingzhao with fear.

This delicate young woman, when she truly acted, was actually this strange and terrifying.

Even more unpredictable than cold steel.

So this was the means of a Confucian Immortal?

How could it be like this?

"Ahhhhhh!"

"Master, save me!"

"No! My true qi is completely gone!"

"Ah! What is this light? Why are my internal organs all deteriorating?"

All the monks were filled with terror.

They never imagined that the starlight emitted by the "galaxy" would be so fearsome.

They hadn't even fought yet!

They were already inexplicably defeated.

And death was not far off.

Everyone looked to the Mythical Realm monk in terror, pleading for help.

Even the two Heavenly Human Realm cultivators were no exception.

Cai Yan, who stood to the side, also looked at Li Qingzhao with surprise.

As expected.

The women that man had his eyes on were never simple.

This Li Qingzhao, who usually seemed weak and gentle, was terrifying when she truly acted.

"You witch, stop now!"

"What kind of sorcery are you using?"

The Mythical Realm monk was furious and finally lost his composure.

He no longer held back and swung his staff toward Li Qingzhao.

Naturally, Cai Yan would not allow that to happen.

Her slender fingers plucked the zither strings once more.

A terrifying wave of energy, accompanied by the sound of the zither, shot forward.

Its target was the Mythical Realm monk.

Boom!

The energy collided with the monk's staff.

A terrifying shockwave burst forth.

Several Grandmaster Realm monks nearby, who had already lost their combat ability, were caught in it.

Before they could even scream.

They were struck directly.

The residual energy tore through their organs.

They died on the spot.

Utterly pathetic.

Cai Yan seized the opportunity.

She quickly plucked the strings again.

This time, the zither sound transformed into dozens of terrifying sword auras that shot toward everyone present.

Puff puff puff puff!!

A Mythical Realm cultivator's attack.

How could it be something that Heavenly Human Realm or those below could withstand?

The sword auras pierced through the chests of the monks.

Their bodies were flung backward.

Blood sprayed wildly.

There was no longer any trace of their previous ferocity.

Except for the Mythical Realm monk, everyone else lay paralyzed on the ground.

Barely breathing.

Death was near.

Pfft!

Even the Mythical Realm monk was wounded in the heart and lungs by the sword aura.

His face turned pale, his blood surged.

A line of blood dripped from the corner of his mouth.

His eyes were filled with madness.

"How could you be this strong?"

"You and I are both in the Mythical Realm. How could this humble monk not withstand even a single move from you?"

"Impossible!"