140: Chapter 140 How can something personally bestowed by the master be easily handed over?

The name 'Net of Heaven' was enough to make one's blood run cold.

But fortunately, this was the capital of Northern Li, right under the Emperor's nose. Even those ruthless assassins who killed without blinking dared not act too brazenly.

"Speaking of which, have you heard about that giant bird from a few days ago?" Duanmu Rong suddenly brought up.

"Yes. It's said to be a supreme martial technique displayed by a peerless master. Even the State Preceptor, Qi Tianchen, couldn't withstand it and was blasted back to the ground with a single strike," Xue Nü responded.

There were too many witnesses to that scene; it couldn't be hidden.

Compared to The Five Grand Eunuchs, the State Preceptor's defeat was even more eye-catching.

"It's just a pity this person's identity is a mystery. However, rumors say he seems to have some connection with the Pillar of the State General."

As the two were speaking, they suddenly heard waves of startled cries from outside.

They swiftly moved to the window, quietly pushing open a crack to peer out.

They saw countless people on the streets and in the alleys looking up and exclaiming in shock.

Lifting their eyes to the sky, their breaths hitched, pupils constricting violently as a towering wave of shock crashed over their hearts.

A colossal bird hovered high in the air, its feathers distinct, body solidified, diving down at an alarming speed.

Its figure was so immense it seemed to blot out the entire Tianqi City, like a mountain collapsing and pressing down from the Nine Heavens.

Compared to the rumors, the sight before their eyes was terrifying beyond measure—ten times over at least.

As the saying goes: Seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times.

That sky-obscuring, earth-shadowing giant silhouette left Xue Nü and Duanmu Rong frozen in place, their Divine Souls shaken loose.

Even after the giant bird vanished in an instant, the lingering impression remained for a long time.

The shock of witnessing it firsthand was far beyond anything heard through the grapevine.

Everyone in the city felt the same, especially those who had witnessed the previous strange phenomenon—their hearts and minds were utterly shaken.

This time, Qi Tianchen and The Five Grand Eunuchs had learned their lesson. They remained utterly still, pretending not to see.

Upon hearing the report, Emperor Mingde, Xiao Ruojin, had a flicker in his eyes: "The Mo Cult army is about to arrive at Qingyun Terrace. For Su Rui to appear now, could it be he intends to intervene in the battle?"

Yet, no one could answer.

Invincible East had originally intended to set off, but upon seeing the reappearance of the Giant Roc in the sky, she halted her steps.

If the Mo Cult won, she could naturally reap the benefits.

But if this person intervened, the situation might completely reverse.

A warning bell rang in her heart: If this person stood on the opposite side of the Mo Cult, this eastern campaign might ultimately end in failure.

If that were truly the case, recklessly getting involved wouldn't just fail to bring benefits—it might even cost her her life.

In the Great Ming Dynasty she came from, imperial power was iron-clad. The Zhu family's successive Emperors were no mediocre rulers.

Under the suppression of the imperial court, the Jianghu forces could hardly accomplish anything.

Therefore, it was only because Ye Dingzhi had extended such a lucrative invitation this time that she had been tempted.

But temptation was one thing; ultimately, she had to weigh her own capabilities.

To knowingly attempt the impossible was never her style.

To lose one's life without gaining any benefit—wouldn't that be the height of foolishness?

...

The various forces lurking in the city, witnessing the Giant Roc Su Rui had transformed into return, all felt a chill in their hearts.

Such a figure could overturn heaven and earth with a wave of his hand.

The previously clear battle situation in Northern Li had now become chaotic and unpredictable.

Even the meticulously collected intelligence and deduced outcomes from before were rendered completely useless, having to be discarded and started over.

Was there resentment in their hearts?

Of course there was.

But who dared to go and question Su Rui?

No one dared.

If there was anyone in the city who was genuinely happy, it had to be Lei Mengsha.

His wife and child had safely departed for Sword Heart Tomb, escorted by a peerless powerhouse like Su Rui. He had no more worries.

Now, he too was preparing to set off for Qingyun Terrace to rendezvous with the Langya Army.

Troops mobilized from various regions were continuously converging on Qingyun Terrace; the battle was on the verge of breaking out.

The major Sects and top experts of the Jianghu had also begun to move.

Ye Dingzhi's fearsome reputation had long since swept across the entire Northern Li, striking terror into hearts.

Faced with such a situation, although the Northern Li court knew their chances of victory were slim, they couldn't just sit and wait for death.

On the surface, only two were truly fit for the great task: one was the State Preceptor, Qi Tianchen; the other was the Head of the Five Grand Eunuchs, Jin Xuan. In the shadows, there was also a former head of the eunuchs, Zhu Qing, who had retired many years ago.

Emperor Mingde made a promise: if there was merit in this battle, Zhu Qing could be exempted from his fate of guarding the imperial mausoleum until old age.

This condition, he could not refuse.

According to ancestral custom, after each Emperor passed away, the members of The Five Grand Eunuchs he had selected had to enter the imperial mausoleum to serve and worship, never to leave for life.

But Zhu Qing was unwilling, disinclined to be buried in the secluded palace just like that.

Emperor Mingde, discerning his intent, used this as bait to lure him back to the court.

Both Jin Xuan and Zhu Qing cultivated the Void Thought Skill, but Zhu Qing's cultivation surpassed hers, having reached the Half-Step Divine Roaming Realm. Jianghu rumors said: "Within six palms, none below the Divine Roaming Realm can withstand him." This glimpse revealed his strength.

With these three deployed together, even if they couldn't kill Ye Dingzhi, they could at least hold him off for a while.

As long as they could delay this man, once the great army annihilated the main force of the Mo Cult, Ye Dingzhi, no matter how strong, would find it difficult to turn the tide without his Foundation.

This was the true reason Emperor Mingde, upon hearing of Su Rui's arrival, did not urgently request his intervention.

...

Within the Pillar of the State General's mansion, the courtyard was tranquil.

"My precious daughter, what brings you here again?"

Lei Mengsha smiled warmly, his tone doting.

"Father knows perfectly well why I've come."

Li Hanyi's expression was cool, her voice carrying not a trace of anger.

Lei Mengsha looked somewhat awkward. The man who commanded awe on the battlefield found himself lacking confidence when faced with his own daughter.

His gaze shifted, landing on Su Rui.

He saw several women clustered around him, each possessing peerless beauty, like a hundred flowers vying for splendor in a spring garden.

Lei Mengsha couldn't help but swallow, sneaking a glance at his daughter's expression.

Good heavens, this son-in-law of his was truly extraordinary.

Even his own stubborn daughter had silently accepted it, showing no sign of minding.

"Take this. If you're in danger, just channel your True Qi into it."

Li Hanyi hesitated for a moment, then took out the Talisman Su Rui had given her from her sachet and offered it.

The women around her were all startled.

That was something personally bestowed by the Master. How could it be lightly handed over? What if she encountered danger in the future and lacked a life-saving means?

After she quietly explained the Talisman's wondrous use, Lei Mengsha hurriedly waved his hands in refusal, wanting to return it as it was.

"Your father, after all, is a figure of the Carefree Heaven Realm. What need do I have for such a treasure?"

So saying, he made to take it out.

"Father should still take it. Otherwise, if anything were to happen, Mother would surely be heartbroken."

With that single sentence, Lei Mengsha's movements halted.

"I will remain by Teacher's side. Nothing will happen to me."

Li Hanyi's tone was firm, her eyes filled with unreserved trust in Su Rui.

She did not believe that under that person's watchful eye, anyone would dare to lay a finger on her.

"Fine then..."

Lei Mengsha let out a soft sigh and finally nodded in acceptance.

"I must set off for Qingyun Terrace now. Would you care to travel together?"

As he spoke, his gaze fell on Su Rui.

The other women also looked over quietly.

"Let's go."

Su Rui gave a slight nod.

This time, he did not manifest the Kunpeng form to travel through the air.

Lei Mengsha had long prepared several luxurious carriages. The group slowly left the city, heading straight for Qingyun Terrace.

"Your Majesty, that person has left the city with General Lei. Several young women are accompanying him, each as beautiful as a Heavenly Immortal."

Jin Xian reported in a low voice.

"He actually went... It seems it's out of consideration for Lei Mengsha's sake."

Emperor Mingde smiled wryly and shook his head.

"Your Majesty, this is a good thing.

Once on the battlefield, even if he only acts once, the tide of battle may turn because of it!"

Jin Xian felt joy in his heart.

That man would definitely not aid the Mo Cult. If he acted, he would inevitably be on their side.

"Mm. Keep watching."

Emperor Mingde nodded.

"Yes."

Jin Xian bowed to receive the order. As he straightened up, he stole a glance at the Emperor.

"Additionally, aside from the Great Song, the surrounding nations have all deployed troops to the borders."

"Pay them no mind.

Once the Mo Cult is defeated, these people will withdraw their troops of their own accord."

...

In a certain dark chamber within the city, Jing Ni and Black and White Profound Blade listened to the report from a Net of Heaven assassin and exchanged a look.

"He actually went to the battlefield, traveling with that Northern Li general... But then,"

Black and White Profound Blade narrowed his eyes, "with so many beauties accompanying him, for you, it's a heaven-sent opportunity."

Jing Ni's expression shifted slightly. After a moment of silence, she finally gave a light nod.

It was also a secret technique mastered by female assassins of the Net of Heaven.

If a Heaven-ranked assassin like Jing Ni were to employ this method, then the target must be extraordinary, worthy of such elaborate efforts.

And the person before them was precisely such a figure.

"Let's go. To Qingyun Terrace."

Shangguan Haitang spoke softly.

Matters had reached the critical point of revelation. First-hand information had to be witnessed personally and intelligence transmitted back immediately.

Shi Yao and the two Nine Heavens Holy Maidens exchanged a glance, their expressions shifting slightly.

"Why didn't you approach him earlier? That person doesn't seem averse to feminine charms."

Shi Yao's vermilion lips parted slightly, her tone gentle yet probing.

"Why don't you go, then? We certainly won't take that step."

The two responded coldly.

Once they approached, their lives would no longer be their own.

Moreover, according to spy reports, the women around Su Rui were each of stunning, city-toppling beauty.

Although the two Nine Heavens Holy Maidens believed their looks were not inferior, they were no longer pure and untouched.

Appearing rashly under such circumstances, they truly had no confidence.

"The Phantom Sound Workshop is indeed full of timid, hesitant types."

Shi Yao snorted coldly.

"Don't just criticize others. Think about your own mission first.

If we fail our task, at worst we'll get a few lashes from the Female Emperor upon returning. But if you fail, you'll probably be drained dry of your essence by your Marshal of the Unruly!"

The Nine Heavens Holy Maidens sneered repeatedly.

The fact that the Marshal of the Unruly drained women of their essence to prolong his Lifespan and enhance his cultivation was known to few outsiders. But before the Phantom Sound Workshop's sophisticated intelligence methods, it couldn't be hidden.

Shi Yao's face changed dramatically. She fell silent, then turned and left.

How could she not know about those things?

When she was by the Marshal of the Unruly's side, she was always trembling with fear, terrified that one day she would become a dried-up skeleton in a Cauldron.

Precisely because of this, she had always disguised herself as a man or as a plain-looking woman, just to avoid those sinister, predatory eyes.

Every time she recalled those women carried out of the rooms looking like desiccated corpses, her heart trembled.

"Enough. Going to Qingyun Terrace is the priority now."

She shook her head lightly, suppressing the chill in her heart, and murmured to herself.

Within the Mo Cult army, White-Haired Immortal stood respectfully outside a luxurious carriage, bowing his head to report:

"Cult Master, the Northern Li Langya Army has already set up camp near Qingyun Terrace. Several other Northern Li forces are also converging on that location."

Behind the carriage curtain, Ye Dingzhi slowly opened his eyes. A trace of golden light flashed in his pupils—a sign of the Void Thought Skill succumbing to demonic influence.

Previously, heavily injured by Zhao Guyan, the demonic thoughts within him had become restless and difficult to suppress. Only by constantly restraining them could he maintain clarity.

Otherwise, he would completely degenerate into a bloodthirsty demon, knowing only slaughter.

However, his obsessions ran deep, and coupled with his innate martial veins, he could still cling to a thread of rationality.

But violent, cruel impulses still surfaced frequently, requiring constant suppression.

"Continue the advance. Head straight for Qingyun Terrace and crush the Northern Li army head-on."

A low voice came from within the carriage.