Chapter 186 Peak of the Mountain-Shaking Realm, Nine Blessed Lands
γ host: Yan Chu γ
γ Cultivation: Ninth Realm Mountain Shaking Late Stage γ
γ Cultivation Technique: Three Points Returning to Origin Qi (Ninth Layer 565366 / 1000000), Indestructible Vajra Divine Art (Ninth Layer 61631 / 900000) γ
γ Martial Skill: Stunning Shot (Perfection), Six Arts of Arrogant Cold (subtle realm 5368 / 50000), Little Lis Flying Dagger (subtle realm 780 / 45000), Immortal Flying from Beyond the Heavens (Minor Achievement 2239 / 7000), Eight Methods in the Well (Major Achievement 11360 / 18000), Unrestrained Ascension Step (Minor Achievement 9862 / 15000), Seven Forms of Saber Intent (Major Achievement 17881 / 35000) γ
γ Experience Points: 250000 γ
Inside the main hall of the World Society, Yan Chu sat cross-legged in silence.
The outside world was buzzing with discussion about him; the battle two days ago had completely solidified his status as the number one person in Cangzhou Prefecture.
According to Tong Zhiyuan's estimation, the palace would likely issue an imperial decree soon, appointing him as the Governor of Cangzhou.
By then, whether in the Jianghu or official circles, his status as the number one person would be completely cemented and even more secure.
His subordinates had reported not long ago that the Marquis of Annans Estate was now empty.
Only some unimportant servants remained behind.
It seemed Sima Tao had prepared well in advance, leaving a retreat path for his son.
Shen Zuirong was not very happy when she found out.
It was Sima Yutang who had given the order to exterminate the Shen Family.
Because the Shen Family had defied the Marquis of Annans Estate, Sima Yutang had acted ruthlessly to establish his authority.
Eager for revenge, she would not rest until the Sima Family was completely wiped out.
She had already arranged for people to track down where Sima Yutang had escaped to, and once found, they would certainly be exterminated.
Yan Chu temporarily put those matters to the back of his mind.
Looking at the complex data on the panel, he muttered to himself, "Add all experience points to Three Points Returning to Origin Qi!"
Boom!
All experience points were cleared, and Yan Chu's aura surged violently.
His Niwan palace shone brilliantly, and the power of his Primordial Spirit overflowed, distorting the air in the entire hall. True energy formed three-colored light and shadows around his body, layering and flickering uncertainly.
At this level, Three Points Returning to Origin Qi was nearing its highest level.
Adding even a single point of experience was extremely difficult.
However, this was nothing to Yan Chu; he just needed to keep adding.
When his aura stabilized, Yan Chu opened his eyes. Divine light bloomed in them, and the dim hall suddenly brightened as if struck by lightning.
γ Cultivation: Ninth Realm Mountain Shaking Peak γ
γ Cultivation Technique: Three Points Returning to Origin Qi (Ninth Layer 815366 / 1000000), Indestructible Vajra Divine Art (Ninth Layer 91037 / 900000) γ
"Hoo..."
With a breath of inner energy exhaled, the hall doors were blown open, blowing into the outside world and causing the weather above the World Society to change drastically. Clouds deepened, cold winds howled, and snow drifted down.
"Ah! It's snowing!"
A delicate voice rang out from afar. Yan Chu walked out of the hall and smiled knowingly.
Su Zhirou was playing in the snow, accompanied by a maid.
Now that it was winter, this was the first snow of the year.
Because of Yan Chu's breath of inner energy, the snow fell even harder within a radius of ten miles, quickly covering the ground in a thick layer.
Tree branches, rooftops, and the ice were all white, wrapped in silver.
"Husband Yan, you've come out of seclusion?"
Han Yunlu, having received news from a maid, appeared outside the hall with a pleasant surprise.
She was plump and curvaceous, her eyes filled with affection, and she was dressed in snow-white sable fur, which added to her beauty.
Ignoring the several maids nearby, Han Yunlu flew directly into Yan Chu's arms.
In fact, at first, she had been conflicted about how to address Yan Chu.
In private, she had various ways of calling him, but those were intimate endearments that certainly couldn't be used in public.
Later, she followed Su Zhirou's example and called him "Husband Yan."
However, since she had been a married woman before, she always felt a bit ashamed to address Yan Chu like that in front of others.
With her fragrant body in his arms, Yan Chu patted Han Yunlu's round buttocks; they were still as firm and elastic as ever.
"Any news from the past two days?"
"Yes!"
Han Yunlu twisted her delicate body coquettishly and said, "The imperial decree from the court has arrived, and they have also sent a new Governor of Cangzhou."
"Oh?" Yan Chu was somewhat surprised. "A new Governor of Cangzhou?"
"Yes!" Han Yunlu nodded, her red lips parting slightly. "They are waiting outside to see you now. I heard from the eunuch delivering the decree that the new Governor of Cangzhou comes from the Imperial Guard and is an expert at the Early Stage of the Mountain Shaking Realm."
"Heh!" Yan Chu shook his head. "Since they appointed a new Governor of Cangzhou, why send me an imperial decree? Why do they want to see me?"
Yan Chu had originally thought the court would directly appoint him as the Governor of Cangzhou.
He didn't expect them to play outside the rules and send a newcomer.
It seemed they didn't want him to be the sole power in Cangzhou and wanted to find someone to check him?
If that was really the case, one could only say their thinking was too naive.
"You should still see them!" Han Yunlu advised in a soft voice. "I think the new Governor of Cangzhou has a very polite attitude. He has kept a low profile and has been waiting outside for half a day."
"Moreover, it is not appropriate for us to sour our relationship with the court at this moment."
"Otherwise, not only will it look bad, but those hidden forces will also become restless."
"You are right!" Yan Chu pondered for a moment and nodded.
"I am Lin Nanhu, greetings to Brother Yan!"
Inside the reception hall of the World Society, Yan Chu met the person sent by the court.
Lin Nanhu was a former commander of the Imperial Guard, tall and fierce-looking with tiger eyes and a bushy beard, but his attitude towards Yan Chu was quite respectful.
This was not only because the Empress Dowager valued Yan Chu now.
It was even more because Yan Chu's battle with Sima Tao had once again caused a sensation in the Jianghu, shocking even the imperial court.
After the Empress Dowager and the court officials debated, he was sent to serve as the Governor of Cangzhou.
He was not only an Imperial Guard commander but also a member of the Lin Family, one of the top noble families of the Great Jin Dynasty, whose ancestor was one of the founding fathers of the Great Jin.
"Lord Lin is too polite! Please, everyone, take a seat!"
Yan Chu returned the salute, and both sides sat down as host and guest.
"Brother Yan's battle shocked the world. Now the whole Great Jin is spreading Brother Yan's name. Even Northern Mang and Southern Wei know that our Great Jin has produced a top-tier Prodigy not seen in a thousand years, giving our Great Jin much Face."
As soon as he started, Lin Nanhu flattered Yan Chu. It had to be said that the other party was worthy of someone who had been in officialdom for many years; he knew how to speak well.
"Brother Lin is too kind; this is all thanks to the support of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor."
"Now that you are the Governor of Cangzhou and I am the cangzhou assistant administrator, we must cooperate sincerely in the future and not fail the trust of the court!"
Hearing Yan Chu's words, Lin Nanhu felt a slight relief.
It seemed the other party was not as difficult to talk to as Eunuch Sun had said.
Mainly, the other party's cultivation was several layers higher than his, and his combat power was even more exaggerated.
As a member of a noble family, Lin Nanhu couldn't be arrogant in front of Yan Chu at all.
"Good! With Brother Yan's words, I am relieved!"
"In the future, the affairs of the Cangzhou government will be discussed between Brother Yan and me. As for the Jianghu affairs, I will have to trouble Sect Master Han to take care of them!"
The last sentence was directed at Han Yunlu, who was beside Yan Chu.
He knew how to handle people!
Yan Chu couldn't help but give him a mental thumbs-up.
As long as he didn't make trouble for him in the future or hinder the World Society's expansion, Yan Chu didn't mind giving him a way out.
Standing on the high platform, watching Lin Nanhu and the others leave, Yan Chu pondered slightly.
This time, besides paying his respects, the other party also brought an imperial decree from the Empress Dowager.
The situation in the Great Jin was not looking good.
In the northwest, the rebel army of Heavenly King Xue was causing trouble, and in the south, Southern Wei was also constantly making small moves. The Holy Lotus Sect had colluded with Southern Wei, causing two provinces of the Great Jin to slip out of their actual control.
What gave the Great Jin court the biggest headache, in fact, was still Northern Mang.
In recent years, the northern grassland tribes had been unified by that ambitious Khan, who eyed the Great Jin covetously and frequently raided the northern borders.
The two sides had always maintained a posture of Northern attack and Southern defense.
Now, taking advantage of the internal chaos in the Great Jin, Northern Mang was restless again. Not long ago, they had amassed a million troops at the border, almost invading the south to swallow the Great Jin whole.
Had the Prince of Zhenbei not guarded the border and thwarted Northern Mang's first wave of attacks, the north might already be in ruins.
However, although Northern Mang had temporarily retreated, the north remained unsettled, with frequent raids by small groups of cavalry, always looking for opportunities.
Now, after discussions by many court officials, they had unanimously agreed to temporarily seek peace with Northern Mang to free up hands to suppress the rebels and the south first.
As for the bargaining chip for peace...
It was the sixth-ranked beauty on the beauties ranking list, "Peerless Beauty," the Emperor's sixth daughter, Princess Yunshu.
Princess Yunshu was to be married to that Khan of Beiman as a concubine.
In addition to the princess, the Great Jin also had to cede thirteen cities on the northern border as a dowry.
Yan Chu shook his head.
The country was weak now, and they could only use women for marriage alliances. How similar was this to those dynasties in his previous life?
But there was a saying.
Serving Qin with land is like carrying firewood to put out a fire; the firewood will never be exhausted, and the fire will never be extinguished.
Once Northern Mang tasted the benefits, how could they just stop?
Originally, this matter had nothing to do with Yan Chu.
After all, no matter how unbearable the Great Jin was, that was the ruler's business.
His main goal now was to increase his strength and manage his own territory well.
As long as he broke through to the Peak of the current era, invincible and peerless, any emperor or Khan would have to become a ghost under his blade.
The Empress Dowager's decree this time was precisely related to Princess Yunshu's marriage alliance.
The princess's marriage alliance was a major event.
To escort the princess to Northern Mang, the court wanted to select ten powerful Supreme Grandmasters to escort the princess north. The Empress Dowager requested Yan Chu to go along.
As for the reward, it was a spot in a Blessed Land.
As for what a Blessed Land was, Yan Chu had only learned about it from Zhu Qingluan.
More than three thousand years ago, the world was not like it is today, with the Great Jin, Southern Wei, and Northern Mang side by side.
At that time, there was only one unified Dynasty, the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Northern Mang was just hundreds of small tribes in the north, living in a bitter and cold land.
The Great Zhou was incomparably strong, with Celestial Being Experts emerging one after another, suppressing the four seas, and all nations coming to pay homage.
But just when the Great Zhou was at its Peak, it collapsed suddenly for unknown reasons, and the whole world fell into an era of warlords and contention among heroes.
More than a thousand years ago, the Great Jin Founding Emperor set out with his sword.
He used ruthless means to pacify the nineteen northern provinces, creating a millennium Imperial Dynasty that dominated the world.
There were many opinions about the reason for the Great Zhou's demise.
But the most widely circulated one was the theory of Blessed Lands.
There were records stating that during the Great Zhou era, the world was filled with abundant Origin Qi, there were many Cultivation Techniques, and Earth And Earth Treasures emerged one after another.
Therefore, in that era, cultivation was far easier than it is now.
Thus, it was relatively easier for Martial Artists to break through from the Ninth Realm to the Heavenly Human Realm than it is today, which created the constant stream of Celestial Being Experts in the Great Zhou era.
But the Great Zhou court at that time committed a grave offense against the world, gathering all the geomancers and officials of the Imperial Observatory to measure the world's ley lines and forcibly change the feng shui of the ley lines, creating the Nine Great Blessed Lands and draining the world's Spiritual Qi.
The reason they did this was to cut off the path for anyone in the world to break through to the Heavenly Human Realm.
By holding the Nine Great Blessed Lands in their own hands, only those who entered the Blessed Lands possessed enough Heaven And Earth Origin Qi and resources to break through Realms.
It must be said that this idea was very good.
By controlling the path of martial arts advancement in their own hands, the world would naturally be stable, and the Dynasty could last for ten thousand years.
However, the harm also lay here.
Ley lines are naturally born and nurtured; the Great Zhou changing them by human power was an act of defying Heaven.
Although they finally created the Nine Great Blessed Lands, it triggered divine punishment.
The Luck of the Great Zhou began to collapse, natural and man-made disasters occurred one after another, and many powerful experts of the Zhou royal family died overnight, causing the powerful Dynasty to fall apart instantly.
As time passed, although the Great Zhou Dynasty had vanished into the mists of history, the Blessed Lands they created remained.
Currently, except for the Heavenly Pillar Mountain Blessed Land, which was missing, the other eight Blessed Lands were controlled by various top forces.
The Blessed Land controlled by the Great Jin royal family was called Jiaowozhou.
This was a complete, undamaged Blessed Land, ranking among the top of the eight known Blessed Lands.
Jiaowozhou opened once every five years, and each time it could accommodate twenty people, with an opening duration of one month.
Every time it opened, in addition to royal family members, the Great Jin court would also take out some spots to reward or win over meritorious officials and Jianghu experts.
In the current situation of sparse Origin Qi and a flawed world, wanting to break through to the Heavenly Human Realm in the outside world was not 100% impossible, but it was extremely difficult.
But entering the Blessed Land, the probability of breaking through was much greater than in the outside world.
So almost no one could refuse this temptation.
Of course, it didn't mean that just entering the Blessed Land would allow you to break through to the Heavenly Human Realm.
To break through to the Heavenly Human Realm, the Blessed Land was only a prerequisite; one's own Aptitude, talent, state of mind, insights, and Luck were equally important.
Many people entered the Blessed Land each time, but not even one in ten might successfully break through to the Heavenly Human Realm.
But this would not dampen the enthusiasm of Jianghu people for the Blessed Lands.
Although entering the Blessed Land did not guarantee a Breakthrough, it was a hundred times harder in the outside world than within the Blessed Land.
There were not a few Supreme Grandmasters in the Jianghu.
For a Supreme Grandmaster whose Lifespan reached two hundred years, breaking through to the Heavenly Human Realm was almost the only goal.
The Great Jin court used this to recruit a large number of Ninth Realm experts to serve them.
"Blessed Land... it's far worse than the System..."
Yan Chu muttered to himself, but he temporarily agreed.
The Empress Dowager had sent him many good things before, and this time it wasn't work without pay. If he didn't accept the other party's decree, it wouldn't look good for anyone.
Moreover, the day of Princess Yunshu's marriage alliance was after the New Year, more than a month away, so there was no need to be in such a hurry.
He could take this time to improve his strength.
At the very least, he had to raise his strength to the top tier of the Earth Ranking.
He heard that those on the Earth Ranking had polished their strength to a level where there was no further room for improvement.
Whether it was cultivation or martial arts, they far exceeded ordinary Supreme Grandmasters.
Although he had some strength now, he didn't dare say he could compare with those on the Earth Ranking.
At this moment, Han Yunlu on the side mentioned another matter.
"Sister Zuirong is currently in Cangzhou City. She said that an Elder of the Holy Lotus Sect has summoned Yao Chuan and Zhu Qiming."
"Oh?"
Yan Chu felt happy; wasn't experience coming right to him?
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