254: Departure (Finale)

Having slain two Peak Dao Realm Martial Artists, Jiang Mingyue's coldness remained undiminished; even her own people approaching her now would likely feel a bone-chilling cold.

For this day, Jiang Mingyue had prepared for many years. What did it matter to fight two Dao Realm Martial Artists alone? From the moment she decided to annihilate the entire Zhao Family to honor her parents' spirits in heaven, everything was predestined.

Slowly descending to the ground, Jiang Mingyue came before Lu Ming and looked down at Zhao Xiaotian lying on the ground.

"This guy is yours," Lu Ming said, putting away his long saber. Although he had a grudge against the Zhao Family, it was nowhere near as intense as Jiang Mingyue's hatred.

Moreover, even if he personally slew the opponent, it wouldn't benefit him much, as Zhao Xiaotian was not a demon, so his panel would not gain his lifespan.

Therefore, rather than that, it was better to help a friend.

Jiang Mingyue's extremely cold and beautiful face softened slightly. She nodded slightly in acknowledgment and then walked past Lu Ming.

"I..." Zhao Xiaotian began to beg for mercy. Even if hope was slim, he was unwilling to let go of any chance of survival.

However, Jiang Mingyue clearly did not want to hear his nonsense. With a wave of her arm, a chilling gleam swept across Zhao Xiaotian's neck.

A bloodstain quickly expanded, and with a clang, the head, with wide, despairing eyes, rolled down.

"Zhao Xiaotian is dead. Put down your weapons and await the Demon Suppression Division's judgment. This is your only chance. This is the fate of those who resist," Lu Ming declared loudly, withdrawing his gaze.

His voice, amplified by True Qi, gradually spread, and soon, all Martial Artists on both sides fighting in the Zhao Family Courtyard learned of the news.

Those high-ranking Zhao Family members who knew they couldn't escape still incited the surrounding courtyard guards to continue fighting. After all, no one was a fool, especially now that the tide had turned and escape was impossible.

But many still directly put down their weapons, allowing the Demon Slayer Guards who rushed over to bind them with iron chains. Some clever ones even turned their weapons, striking down the high-ranking Zhao Family members, hoping to atone for their sins.

"It's over, it's all over," Zhao Zhengping collapsed to the ground, looking at the corpses everywhere. He seemed unable to accept any of it, crying with a mournful face, muttering to himself.

The battle to invade the Zhao Family Courtyard lasted only half an hour, ending with the deaths of three Dao Realm Martial Artists. Upon learning of the Zhao Family's destruction, it caused quite a stir throughout Silver Feather City.

And not long after the Zhao Family was overthrown, news of their attempted rebellion spread, which completely ignited the common people of Silver Feather City.

For a time, the Zhao Family and everyone associated with them became objects of scorn. Large numbers of people connected to the Zhao Family were escorted to the Demon Suppression Division dungeon, their scale so vast that it could even be compared to the Hundred Weapons Sect's escort scale in the past.

Although the Zhao Family was overthrown, the liquidation of their city properties and resources within the Zhao Family Courtyard was not something that could be cleared up in a short time. Of course, none of this concerned Lu Ming anymore... Silver Feather City Demon Suppression Division, study.

Dai Mingfu looked at the brief, a hint of admiration in his eyes, especially after learning that Zhao Xiaotian was defeated by Lu Ming personally, he praised him endlessly.

"You've done very well. You've quelled the demon chaos on the border and achieved this merit. This year's Martial Pool cleansing is definitely for you," Dai Mingfu said slowly.

Upon hearing the words "Martial Pool cleansing," Jiang Mingyue asked somewhat surprised, "It's only September. Is the Imperial Capital's Martial Pool going to open early?"

Dai Mingfu nodded, saying meaningfully, "With the Qi Country's army approaching, given the current situation, the Martial Pool opening early is not something to be surprised about."

As he spoke, Dai Mingfu glanced at Lu Ming again.

"This might be an opportunity, who knows. After all, even I'm not entirely sure if the court's power can stabilize the situation in Yunzhou. But if, through the Martial Pool cleansing, you two can gain the recognition of the Martial Extreme Sect, then everything will be different."

Lu Ming listened to their conversation, feeling a bit confused, especially since he had never heard of the so-called Martial Pool or the Martial Extreme Sect.

As if knowing Lu Ming's confusion, Dai Mingfu explained, "You should know that above the Dynasty, there are many Immortal Sects, and this Martial Extreme Sect is one of them. Its scope is vast, not only covering the Great Liang Kingdom, but also more than ten surrounding countries have Martial Extreme Sect forces stationed."

"And the so-called Martial Pool is where the Martial Extreme Sect selects talents. Those who perform exceptionally well in the Martial Pool can enter the Martial Extreme Sect and become Inner Sect Disciples. Do not underestimate these Inner Sect Disciples; countless kings and nobles in the Great Liang Kingdom would be willing to pay anything for such a spot, because once you enter an Immortal Sect, you are clearly different from mortals."

After this explanation, Lu Ming's eyes showed understanding, and he also realized the other party's good intentions.

"When does the Martial Pool open?" Lu Ming asked in a deep voice.

"In ten days. You could say you've arrived at a good time. A Martial Pool cleansing will be personally presided over by a Martial Extreme Sect Elder. If you can catch his Dharma Eye, it can be said to be a meteoric rise," Dai Mingfu said with a smile.

Lu Ming nodded slightly. He naturally had no objections to getting benefits.

"Master, will you also go then?" Jiang Mingyue suddenly asked, as if she had thought of something.

Dai Mingfu nodded. The Martial Pool was only effective for Martial Artists below the Dan Realm, so he naturally could not use it. However, he had other purposes for this trip.

After all, during the Martial Pool cleansing, not only the Geniuses from Yunzhou would gather there; various forces and even the Imperial Family would send people.

To stabilize the situation in Yunzhou, he would definitely have to take action before the army arrived. The more support he could get from different forces, the greater the chance of Yunzhou being preserved.

After the three of them conversed in the study, they planned to depart the next day for the location of the Martial Pool.

The next day, as the morning sun rose, its gentle light dispelled the darkness covering the land, illuminating the entire Silver Feather City.

After a night's rest, Lu Ming, invigorated and full of spirit, went with Jiang Mingyue to find Dai Mingfu. Knowing the significance of this journey filled Lu Ming with anticipation.

He knew that whether for the sake of stabilizing the situation in Yunzhou or for himself, he had to keep moving forward.

That night, he thought of many things, from his soul body's arrival in this world to his subsequent life of slaying demons and devils. As his understanding of the world grew, Lu Ming's pursuit became increasingly clear.

To become stronger, only then could he reach the Peak and see different sights.

Setting off for the Martial Pool, bathed in the sunlight, three figures flew through the air, quickly turning into black dots and disappearing into the distance.

(End of Full Text)