325: Dugu's sword astounds the world

The purple glow of the Hanyue Valley Underground Palace had not yet dissipated when Never Seeking Defeat's figure stood in the center of the summoning array.

He wore coarse, faded linen clothes, with an old sword sheath hanging at his waist. There was no sword in the sheath, yet it exuded an arrogant Sword Intent that overshadowed even the luminous pearls at the top of the underground palace.

Jun Xiaoyao lightly tapped the armrest of the black iron chair with his fingertips, his gaze fixed on this Sword Dao Supreme.

【Character Panel: Never Seeking Defeat】

【Realm: Early Stage of Void Shattering Realm】

【Martial Skill: Nine Swords of Dugu (Perfection), No Sword is Better Than a Sword (Transcendent)】

【Specialty: Breaking all martial arts in the world, Sword Intent can cut through illusions】

【Loyalty: 90%】

【Current Thoughts: This child possesses great Luck; perhaps he can witness a higher Sword Dao】

“Senior Dugu.” Jun Xiaoyao rose, a hint of approval in his tone, “The Foundation of Duke Zhenguos Residence should be completely uprooted.”

Never Seeking Defeat nodded slightly, his voice as calm as autumn water: “One who draws a sword must cut the root.” His figure flickered, and he stepped into the teleportation array. “Three days from now, there will be no Duke Zhenguos Residence in the Imperial City.”

The colorful glow receded with his departure, and Jun Xiaoyao looked back at the water mirror. In the image, Duke Zhenguos Residence was in chaos—the news of the deaths of Prince Zhennan and Elder Mo had spread, causing panic among everyone in the residence. Duke Zhenguo Li Ao, dressed in sackcloth and filial attire, sat in the center of the mourning hall, tightly clutching a tiger tally, the token for mobilizing the Imperial Guards.

【Character Panel: Li Ao】

【Realm: Early Earthly Immortal Realm】

【Martial Skill: Duke Zhenguo's Divine Skill (Major Achievement)】

【Status: Frenzied】

【Current Thoughts: Even if I am completely destroyed, I will drag Jun Xiaoyao down with me】

“Young Lord,” Zhao Gao handed over a secret report, “Li Ao has ordered the Imperial Guards to seal off the Imperial City and has also gathered all aristocratic families affiliated with Duke Zhenguos Residence, declaring that he will publicly execute the captive Zhao Lin at noon tomorrow on Zhuque Avenue, forcing us to appear.”

Jun Xiaoyao looked at Zhao Lin, chained to a torture rack in the water mirror. Though his face was pale, he was still cursing: “Jun Xiaoyao, you cowardly turtle! If you have the guts, come out and fight me one-on-one!”

“He does have some backbone.” Jun Xiaoyao chuckled, “Too bad he joined the wrong side.” He spoke into the message talisman, “Yang Guo, go to Zhuque Avenue, bring Zhao Lin back, and tell Li Ao—his stage should be dismantled.”

In the water mirror image of Zhuque Avenue, Yang Guo's figure appeared like a ghost beside the torture rack. The Imperial Guards' archers were about to fire arrows, but they were shaken away by the Qi wave stirred up by his mysterious iron sword. With one outstretched arm, the chains snapped, and he grabbed Zhao Lin, preparing to leave.

“Leave him!” Li Ao's voice came from the city tower. He personally led a hundred retainers rushing down, his Duke Zhenguo's Divine Skill operating at its peak, his palm wind blocking Yang Guo like a wall.

Yang Guo frowned slightly, sweeping out his mysterious iron sword: “With you?”

The moment sword and palm clashed, Li Ao was actually forced back three steps. He was both shocked and enraged: “Peak Heaven-Human Realm? Impossible!”

Yang Guo couldn't be bothered to entangle with him. He carried Zhao Lin and leaped onto the rooftops, disappearing into the depths of the streets after a few bounds. Li Ao watched his retreating figure, spewing a mouthful of fresh blood, and roared: “Give the order, search! Dig three feet deep and find them!”

At this moment, the spiritual energy of the summoning array, boosted by Never Seeking Defeat's deterrence, surged to 75%. As runes circulated, a new figure appeared.

【Summonable Character: Linghu Chong】

【From: “the smiling, proud wanderer” World】

【Realm: Late Grandmaster Realm】

【Martial Skill: Nine Swords of Dugu (Minor Achievement), Star Absorbing Great Technique (Major Achievement)】

【Specialty: Agile sword moves, good at breaking stalemates】

【Summon Cost: 60% Spiritual Energy】

“How coincidental.” Jun Xiaoyao nodded, “Let him assist Yue Fei in training the Liangzhou cavalry.”

The summoning array lit up with a green glow, and Linghu Chong's figure, carrying a hint of alcohol, materialized. The wine gourd at his waist clinked as he saw Jun Xiaoyao, cupping his hands with a smile: “I am Linghu Chong, greetings, Young Lord. Is there good wine here?”

【Character Panel: Linghu Chong】

【Status: Unrestrained】

【Loyalty: 75%】

【Current Thoughts: This Young Lord looks quite agreeable, much better than Yue Buqun】

Jun Xiaoyao pointed to the teleportation array: “There's strong liquor at the Liangzhou Horse Farm. Go find Yue Fei there; he will entertain you.”

Linghu Chong's eyes lit up, and he jumped in with his wine gourd: “Thank you, Young Lord!”

The water mirror scene switched. Never Seeking Defeat had already appeared at the foot of the Imperial City. He looked up at the plaque of Duke Zhenguos Residence, his fingertips moving slightly, and an invisible Sword Intent spread like silk. The stone lions in front of the mansion gate suddenly split in half, turning into scattered stones—the sword of no sword had arrived first.

“Li Ao, come out and face death.”

The voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone in the mansion. Li Ao's hand, gripping the tiger tally, trembled slightly. He knew this was the pressure of the Void Shattering Realm.

“Jun Xiaoyao! How dare you send a master to sneak attack!” Li Ao ascended the city tower, roaring at the outside of the city, “If you have the guts, come and fight openly!”

Never Seeking Defeat slowly walked towards the mansion gate. The Imperial Guards along the way were struck by an invisible heavy blow, flying backward one after another, yet none were injured or killed; their spiritual energy was merely dispersed by the Sword Intent.

“I, Never Seeking Defeat.” He stopped in front of the mansion gate, his gaze sweeping over the city tower, “To fight you is your honor.”

As his voice fell, he pointed his fingers like a sword and lightly swiped at the plaque. The four golden characters “Duke Zhenguos Residence” inexplicably disappeared, leaving only a smooth wooden mark.

Li Ao's pupils contracted sharply. He finally understood what kind of existence he was facing, and his legs went soft, collapsing on the city tower.

In front of the water mirror, Jun Xiaoyao said to Zhao Gao: “Have The Net's 'Shadow' group act to take over Duke Zhenguos Residence's assets, especially the mysterious iron and provisions in the storeroom. Don't leave a single bit for Li Ao.”

“Yes.”

At this moment, another panel of the water mirror lit up. Yue Fei was training the Liangzhou cavalry at Black Wind Pass. Linghu Chong sat on the hillside, drinking and instructing the cavalry's sword techniques: “Hey! Your spear technique is too rigid; it needs to be like flowing water...”

Yue Fei heard this, pondered, and then adjusted the formation. The cavalry's charge indeed gained a touch of agility.

Jun Xiaoyao watched this scene, a slight smile playing on his lips. Although Linghu Chong's sword philosophy was not as profound as Never Seeking Defeat's, it perfectly compensated for the rigidity of cavalry tactics.

Three days later, the Imperial City.

The plaque of Duke Zhenguos Residence had been replaced with “Beyond Heaven Imperial City Office.” Li Ao was imprisoned in the mansion's dungeon, and the aristocratic families that once relied on him had all defected, offering lavish gifts to protect themselves. Never Seeking Defeat's single sword not only shattered the Foundation of Duke Zhenguos Residence but also the entire balance of power in the Imperial City.

In the water mirror, Never Seeking Defeat stood at the pinnacle of the Imperial City, gazing at the common people below. Yang Guo walked up to him, cupping his fists: “Senior's Sword Intent, Yang Guo admires.”

Never Seeking Defeat glanced sideways: “Your mysterious iron sword is too heavy.”

Yang Guo was startled, then gave a bitter smile: “It is Junior's obsession that is too deep.”

“The sword is born from the heart.” Never Seeking Defeat turned, “The path of Beyond Heaven is still long; your sword should be lighter.”

Yang Guo watched his retreating figure, seemingly enlightened, and the malevolence on his mysterious iron sword faded a bit.

In the Hanyue Valley Underground Palace, Jun Xiaoyao put away the water mirror and said to Zhao Gao: “Tabulate the gains from this venture.”

Zhao Gao held the ledger and read: “Thirty-seven properties of Duke Zhenguos Residence taken over, five thousand catties of mysterious iron, two hundred thousand piculs of provisions, five million taels of silver in gold and silver, and countless beauties and treasures offered by affiliated aristocratic families...”

“Distribute the beauties and treasures to those in The Net who have rendered meritorious service.” Jun Xiaoyao interrupted him, “Send the mysterious iron to Liangzhou, to Yue Fei, for forging cavalry armor; the provisions go into the Jiangnan granary, managed by Huang Rong.”

“Yes.”

At this time, the spiritual energy of the summoning array had risen to 80%, and another name appeared on the light screen.

【Summonable Character: Qiao Feng】

【From: “demi-gods and semi-devils” World】

【Realm: Early Earthly Immortal Realm】

【Martial Skill: Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms (Perfection), Dragon Capturing Skill (Major Achievement)】

【Specialty: Unrivaled bravery in battle, talent for command】

【Summon Cost: 75% Spiritual Energy】

“Qiao Feng...” Jun Xiaoyao's eyes flickered, “Perfect. Let him go to the Northern Territory to guard against barbarian movements.”

The summoning array glowed gold, and Qiao Feng's figure, emanating righteous aura, materialized. He cupped his fists and said loudly: “Qiao Feng, greetings, Young Lord!”

【Character Panel: Qiao Feng】

【Status: Resolute】

【Current Thoughts: If I can protect the peace of a region, Qiao Feng will not flinch from death】

Jun Xiaoyao pointed to the Northern Territory map in the water mirror: “The barbarians colluded with Duke Zhenguos Residence and may have ulterior motives. Go guard Yanmen Pass; no one is to cross the border.”

Qiao Feng's gaze sharpened: “Qiao will obey! I will not let the barbarians cross Yanmen Pass by a single step!”

He turned and stepped into the teleportation array. In the golden light, the roar of a thousand armies seemed to be heard.

The underground palace returned to silence. Jun Xiaoyao leaned back in the black iron chair, looking at the map on the stone wall—from the Jiangnan Salt Route to the Liangzhou Horse Farm, from the Imperial City's assets to the Northern Territory defense line, Beyond Heaven's influence had spread like a spiderweb.

The wind of Hanyue Valley passed through the underground palace, carrying the dust of the Imperial City and the sand of the Northern Territory. Jun Xiaoyao knew that the downfall of Duke Zhenguos Residence was just the beginning. Next, it would be the turn of those forces hidden in the shadows, such as Xuanji Pavilion, and the East Sea Dragon Palace.

He looked at the summoning array. 80% spiritual energy was enough to summon another master, but he made no move. Never Seeking Defeat's appearance had already made the continental powers re-evaluate Beyond Heaven. What was needed now was not expansion, but consolidation.

“Zhao Gao,” Jun Xiaoyao said indifferently, “Pass down the order: The Net will temporarily suspend taking assassination missions and focus all efforts on integrating the newly acquired assets.”

“Yes.”

In the last panel of the water mirror, Never Seeking Defeat stood on the beacon tower of Yanmen Pass. A dry branch had appeared in his hand at some point. With a casual swipe, a sword mark, several feet deep, appeared on the cliff face. The barbarian scouts in the distance, seeing this, were scared out of their wits and scrambled back to the grassland.

The deterrence of Beyond Heaven had quietly spread throughout the world. And Jun Xiaoyao knew that his chess game had just entered the mid-game.

Those forces that once underestimated Beyond Heaven would eventually, under Never Seeking Defeat's sword and in the shadows of The Net, understand what it truly meant to be untouchable.