137: A new landscape for the martial arts world

The night was as dark as ink. The tolling of the bells at Vajra Temple ceased abruptly, replaced by the muffled thud of a monk's staff shattering bluestone and the roar of the Dragon-Subduing Palm technique crushing beams and pillars.

Lu Zhishen swept his staff, snapping the eaves of the Scripture Pavilion. Tiles fell like a torrential rain, smashing onto the martial monks who had surrounded them.

Qiao Feng, meanwhile, moved as if in an empty land. His palms flew, unleashing "Seeing Dragon in the Field" and "Soaring Dragon in the Sky" in rapid succession. The Vajra Temple's mountain-protecting array was torn open by a massive gap from his palm wind.

"Qiao Feng! How dare you destroy the pure land of my Buddha!" The Abbot of Vajra Temple held the purple gold alms bowl, golden light swirling upon it as he hooded it over Qiao Feng.

This alms bowl was the temple's supreme treasure, capable of absorbing weapons and specifically countering rigid and fierce Cultivation Techniques.

Qiao Feng neither dodged nor evaded. His left hand transformed from a palm into a claw, forcefully gripping the edge of the alms bowl, while his right hand prepared the "Vast Dragon Regrets" strike: "Indulging evil villains and slaughtering fellow practitioners—does this place deserve to be called a pure land?"

The palm wind collided with the golden light, and the purple gold alms bowl instantly became covered in cracks. The Abbot was sent flying backward, crashing into the Buddha statue in the Great Hall, spitting blood.

The Fire-Gong Head Monk, hiding in a secret compartment of the Scripture Pavilion, saw this and wanted to escape through a secret passage, but was blocked by a green shadow—Linghu Chong's Nine Swords of Dugu were already pointed at his throat, the sword wind slicing his neck painfully.

"Was it you who killed the entire Hengshan Sect three years ago?" Linghu Chong lowered his sword tip slightly, his rusty iron sword exuding a chilling Killing Intent.

The Fire-Gong Head Monk was frightened to the point of Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering, begging repeatedly: "It was the Abbot who forced me! He made me do it all!"

Lu Zhishen smashed the secret compartment with his monk's staff and said in a muffled voice: "Who cares who forced whom? Just kill him!"

Qiao Feng raised a hand to stop him, his gaze sweeping over the martial monks in the temple: "Those who surrender will be spared. Those who resist will suffer the same fate as this villain!"

Seeing the Abbot captured and the Fire-Gong Head Monk subdued, the martial monks had long lost their will to fight and one after another threw down their weapons, kneeling in surrender. Qiao Feng had the Abbot and the Fire-Gong Head Monk escorted into The Net's prison carriage, then turned to Lu Zhishen and said: "Let's go to Xuantian Sect and see the 'excitement' over there."

Outside the mountain gate of Xuantian Sect, the white haze of smoke bombs had not yet dissipated. Lin Pingzhi's Evil-Warding Sword Technique wove through the air like a ghost. Wherever the sword light flashed, a Holy Land Disciple would fall, clutching their throat. Shi Qian, hidden in the shadows, continuously threw bone-piercing nails, specifically targeting experts attempting to break through, coordinating with The Net's "Heavenly Net Array" to surround the entire mountain gate tightly.

"Lin Pingzhi! You traitor!" The Grand Elder of Xuantian Sect held his whisk, the strands stabbing toward Lin Pingzhi like steel needles. "If our Xuantian Sect hadn't taken you in back then, you would have long died under the blades of your enemies!"

Lin Pingzhi did not stop his sword technique, his voice cold as frost: "Taken in? You only coveted my family's inherited 'Evil-Warding Sword Manual'! If it weren't for the Young Lord taking me in, I would have already become your Cauldron!" His sword moves changed abruptly, "Meteor Chasing the Moon" thrusting straight at the Grand Elder's heart, the blade glinting with a pale blue light—it was the "Bone-Eroding Poison" refined by Cheng Lingsu.

The Grand Elder retreated in a panic, his whisk entangling the sword blade, but it was corroded by the poison, the strands turning black instantly. Lin Pingzhi seized the opportunity, twisting his wrist, and the blade slashed across the opponent's lower abdomen. The Grand Elder let out a miserable scream and fell to the ground.

Just then, a long whistle came from afar, and the figures of Qiao Feng and Lu Zhishen appeared at the end of the mountain path. Lu Zhishen smashed his monk's staff against the Xuantian Sect's mountain-protecting array, the array patterns shattering upon impact. Qiao Feng, meanwhile, struck out with both palms, blasting back the Ziyang Sect envoy who was attempting to break through from the flank.

"The Seven Great Sacred Lands, nothing more than this." Qiao Feng looked at the Disciples wailing on the ground, his tone carrying a hint of disdain.

Tianwaitian Headquarters, study. Jun Xiaoyao stood by the window, toying with a Buddhist prayer bead seized from Vajra Temple, a faint scent of blood still lingering on it.

Zhao Gao stood to the side, reporting the latest battle results: "Young Lord, Vajra Temple and Xuantian Sect have been completely controlled. We have seized over three hundred volumes of Cultivation Techniques and Secret Manuals, and over fifty Heaven And Earth Treasures. The Hundred Flowers Valley Master led the remnants to flee toward the Western Regions, but was caught up to by Dark Blade and all have been captured. The Ziyang Sect, seeing the situation was unfavorable, voluntarily offered a letter of surrender, willing to submit to Beyond Heaven..."

"Submit?" Jun Xiaoyao chuckled lightly, tossing the prayer bead onto the table. "Tell Daoist Master Ziyang, if he wants to submit, he can, but first he must hand over the secret letters of contact with the Quanzhen Sect."

"Yes." Zhao Gao added, "System notification: For this annihilation of the five Holy Lands, the Host has obtained excess summoning points and can perform one designated-range summon—you may choose the 'Imperial Court Official' category."

A glimmer of interest flashed in Jun Xiaoyao's eyes. Beyond Heaven now had a massive influence in Jianghu, but lacked a Foundation in the imperial court. If he could summon an imperial official skilled in political maneuvering, it would perfectly fill this gap. "Initiate summoning, lock range to 'Northern Song'."

【System Notification: Designated-range summoning in progress... Match successful!】

The summoning array in the center of the study lit up, and a figure dressed in purple robes emerged from the light. He had a handsome face, held a folding fan, and his eyes revealed a sharpness that could see through people's hearts. When the light faded, he bowed to Jun Xiaoyao, his demeanor carrying the composure of a scion of a noble family and the capability of an official.

【Character panel expanded automatically: Name: Kou Zhun; From World: "Chronicles of Famous Officials of Northern Song"; Realm: Acquired Realm (no martial arts cultivation); Expertise: 1. Political Maneuvering: Profoundly understands the way of imperial court checks and balances, skilled in laying out plans to win over and divide hostile forces. 2. God-like Case Solving: Once cracked strange cases like "The Civet Cat for the Crown Prince," logical and meticulous, skilled at finding flaws from details. 3. Eloquence: Articulate and persuasive, once refuted Liao envoys during the Chanyuan Alliance, upholding the dignity of the Great Song. Additional Items: One volume of "Imperial Court Policy Discourse," Shangfang Sword (replica, can intimidate petty villains); Loyalty: 100% (System forced binding)】

Kou Zhun bowed and said: "Kou Zhun greets the Young Lord." He glanced at the battle report on the table and smiled slightly: "The Young Lord's annihilation of the Seven Great Sacred Lands, with such thunderous methods, is truly a wise move. However, although the Jianghu forces are pacified, there are likely already undercurrents surging within the imperial court."

Jun Xiaoyao gestured for him to sit: "Oh? What high opinion does Master Kou have?"

"The Great Qian Dynasty appears stable, but in reality, feudal lords are carving up territory, and the struggle for succession between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince has reached a fever pitch." Kou Zhun gently shook his folding fan. "As the Prince of Zhenbei, the Young Lord holds military power and controls most of the Jianghu forces, making you an object of fear for all parties. This annihilation of the Holy Lands, while intimidating Jianghu, will also make the imperial court believe that the Young Lord has rebellious intentions."

Jun Xiaoyao tapped his fingertips lightly on the table: "What do you mean?"

"We need to show weakness, but also establish might." Kou Zhun pointed his folding fan to the "Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun" on the map. "The northern barbarian tribes have been restless recently. The Young Lord can proactively request to lead the Northern Expedition, both to show loyalty to the imperial court and to use the war to consolidate military power. Once the Northern Expedition is successful, holding both the border armies and Jianghu forces, no one in the imperial court will dare to speak against you again."

Zhao Gao added from the side: "The barbarian Khan is in the Mid-stage Terrestrial Immortal Realm, and under his command are three Heavenly Human Realm experts. Their strength cannot be underestimated."

"Just right to let Qiao Feng and Guo Jing practice." A cold light flashed in Jun Xiaoyao's eyes. "Kou Zhun, you are responsible for drafting the Northern Expedition memorial. It must be written 'sincerely and earnestly' so that His Majesty cannot refuse."

"Subordinate obeys." Kou Zhun bowed and responded, feeling increasingly in awe of this Young Lord—seemingly young, yet able to instantly grasp the key, acting decisively, far exceeding ordinary feudal lords.

Three days later, the capital, the imperial palace. The Emperor looked at the memorial in his hand, his brows tightly locked. The memorial was from Prince of Zhenbei Jun Xiaoyao, the words sincere and earnest, expressing a desire to lead the Zhenbei Army on a Northern Expedition against the barbarians to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, the lines exuding sentiments of loyalty to the monarch and patriotism.

"Your Majesty, this move by Jun Xiaoyao likely has a deeper meaning." The Prime Minister said with worry, "He has just annihilated the Seven Great Sacred Lands of Jianghu, and his power is at its zenith. If we let him hold the military power of the Northern Expedition as well, I fear he will become too powerful to control."

The Second Prince stepped out and said: "Father, I believe we can grant his request. The barbarians are fierce. If the Zhenbei Army is defeated, it will be the perfect time to strip him of his military power; if they win, it is a blessing for our Great Qian. Father only needs to send an army monitor to accompany him, and you will be able to keep him in check."

The Emperor pondered for a moment and finally nodded: "Request granted. Appoint Jun Xiaoyao as the Grand Marshal of the Northern Expedition, leading fifty thousand Zhenbei Army troops and thirty thousand Imperial Guard troops on the expedition. Appoint the Prime Minister's son, Li Xiuyuan, as the army monitor. Prepare immediately, and depart in three days."

The news reached Tianwaitian Headquarters. Jun Xiaoyao watched the back of the departing eunuch who delivered the imperial decree, a faint smile curling at the corners of his mouth.

"Young Lord, Li Xiuyuan is the Prime Minister's confidant, and this person is vindictive. Letting him be the army monitor will likely lead to constant obstruction." Zhao Gao said worriedly.

"Obstruction is exactly what I want." Jun Xiaoyao looked at Kou Zhun, "Master Kou, it is time for you to make an appearance."

Kou Zhun smiled slightly and took a scroll from his sleeve: "Subordinate has already investigated. Three years ago, Li Xiuyuan embezzled two hundred thousand taels of disaster relief funds, and there is conclusive evidence of this matter. If he behaves, let him live; if he dares to cause trouble, this document will appear in the Censorate."

Qiao Feng was rubbing his hands together on the side: "Who cares about some army monitor? If he dares to block our path, I'll just punch him away!"

"Absolutely not." Jun Xiaoyao shook his head. "The Northern Expedition is a major affair; we must not let small issues ruin the big picture. Hero Guo, you and Qiao Feng go together and be responsible for military affairs; Kou Zhun, you accompany me to sit in the central army and handle administrative affairs; Dark Blade and Linghu Chong will lead The Net's elites and be responsible for reconnaissance and assassination."

Everyone responded in unison, their eyes flashing with excitement—the territory of Beyond Heaven was about to expand from Jianghu to the imperial court, and even to the far-off Northern Territory.

Outside the window, the morning sun rose, golden light spilling over the headquarters, as if heralding the arrival of a new era. Jun Xiaoyao gazed into the distance, clear in his heart that the Northern Expedition was only the beginning. What he wanted was the resources and the right to speak for the entire world. Anyone who blocked his path, whether it be a Jianghu Holy Land or an imperial feudal lord, would be crushed under the iron cavalry of Beyond Heaven.