356: remnants of Luoyang

On the Ice Desk in the Hanyue Valley Underground Palace, a stack of dossiers was neatly piled. The cover of the top dossier was printed with the words “Remaining Forces of Luoyang's Seven Great Families,” and its corners were still stained with some wet ink.

Jun Xiaoyao traced the dossier with his fingertip, his gaze falling upon the water mirror—in an abandoned courtyard west of Luoyang City, several figures were gathering secretively. The leader was Jin Kui, a collateral Disciple of the Jin Family.

"Young Lord, Jin Kui has gathered the remnants of the Seven Great Families, totaling over three hundred people. Among them are fifteen Peak Grandmaster Realm experts, with the rest mostly being Innate Realm experts."

Zhao Gao's voice came from the shadows. In his hand, he held a token just searched from Jin Kui; the token was engraved with the character “ middle” (Zhong), marking it as the Central Plains Alliance's pledge. "They are secretly stockpiling weapons, seemingly planning to raid our medicinal herb warehouse in Luoyang tonight."

Jun Xiaoyao looked up, and the water mirror immediately reflected the scene of the medicinal herb warehouse. The warehouse was located south of Luoyang City, guarded by twenty assassins from The Net's "Di" Character Group.

The medicinal herbs stockpiled inside, such as "Spring Revival Grass" and "Spirit Concentration Flower," were enough to sustain The Net for half a year. If they were burned, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"What is Jin Kui relying on?" Jun Xiaoyao asked. He remembered Jin Kui was only in the Innate Realm Late Stage; without a powerful expert backing him, he would never dare to be so presumptuous.

"He hired Xiahou Shang, the Sect Head of the 'Fading Sun Sword Sect'." Zhao Gao pulled up Xiahou Shang's profile. "Xiahou Shang is an Initial Heaven Human Realm expert. His 'Fading Sun Sword Technique' is vicious and deadly, rumored to be able to corrode an opponent's internal Qi with Sword Qi. Three years ago, he was pursued by the Righteous Path for massacring the entire Family of the Cangzhou Escort Agency, and has been in hiding ever since. We didn't expect him to take refuge with Jin Kui."

In the water mirror, Xiahou Shang was sitting in the main seat of the courtyard, playing with a Blood-Colored Longsword in his hand. The blade glowed with an eerie red light. Jin Kui stood beside him, bowing and scraping: “Sect Head Xiahou, as long as we burn down Beyond Heaven's medicinal herb warehouse, the Central Plains Alliance will certainly reward you heavily. At that time, the resurgence of the 'Fading Sun Sword Sect' will be just around the corner!"

Xiahou Shang sneered: “Beyond Heaven produces countless talents. Li Xunhuan and Fu Hongxue are both tough opponents. Do you really think we can succeed with just this many people?"

"Don't worry, Sect Head," Jin Kui said fawningly. "I have already set up the 'Spirit Transformation Formation' around the warehouse. This Formation can absorb a Martial Artist's internal Qi. Even a Heavenly Human Realm expert will be crippled inside! And..." He lowered his voice, "Headmaster Kong promised to send Haoran Academy's 'Literary Heart Guards' to secretly provide backup, ensuring nothing goes wrong."

Jun Xiaoyao watched this scene, lightly tapping the Ice Desk with his fingertip: "Literary Heart Guards? Kong Qiuming is certainly willing to spend heavily." He recalled that the Literary Heart Guards were Haoran Academy's secret bodyguards, all Peak Grandmaster Realm experts, skilled in using literature as a martial art, employing Writing Brush, Ink, Paper, and Inkstone as weapons, which was quite bizarre.

"Where is Di Renjie?" Jun Xiaoyao asked.

"Lord Di is drinking tea at a teahouse outside the Luoyang Prefectural Yamen, saying he's waiting for 'the big fish'." Zhao Gao brought up the water mirror image. In the teahouse, Di Renjie held a Folding Fan, slowly sipping his tea, his gaze occasionally sweeping across the Haoran Academy Branch Campus opposite.

[Character Panel: Di Renjie]

[Source: The world recorded in 'Di Gong An']

[Realm: Peak Grandmaster Realm (Martial Dao), Divine Detective (Specialty)]

[Martial Skill: Dragon Subduing Mace Technique (Major Achievement)]

[Current Status: Planning]

[Loyalty: 90%]

Jun Xiaoyao looked at Di Renjie's composed figure in the image and instructed Zhao Gao: "Have him proceed according to plan. Also, notify Li Xunhuan to wait outside the medicinal herb warehouse perimeter. There's no need to rush into action; wait until the Spirit Transformation Formation is activated."

"Understood."

Outside the medicinal herb warehouse south of Luoyang City, the night deepened. Jin Kui led his three hundred remnants, lurking in the surrounding dense forest. Xiahou Shang stood beside him, his Blood-Colored Longsword already unsheathed, the blade gleaming coldly under the moonlight.

"The time has come." Jin Kui glanced at the sky and signaled to his subordinates behind him. "Activate the Formation!"

Ten Jin Family Disciples holding Formation Flags immediately rushed out and planted the Formation Flags around the warehouse. The moment the Formation Flags hit the ground, a faint yellow light appeared on the surface, and an invisible suction force emanated from the Formation—the Spirit Transformation Formation was activated!

The Luowang Assassinss inside the warehouse immediately felt their internal Qi become chaotic, and their expressions changed drastically: "Not good, it's the Spirit Transformation Formation!"

"Attack!" Jin Kui commanded. The three hundred remnants rushed towards the warehouse like a tide, the glint of blades and swords flashing in the night.

Just then, a white figure leaped down from the warehouse roof—it was Li Xunhuan. He looked at the charging enemies, and instead of retreating, he smiled and went to meet them: "Gentlemen, visiting so late, what gifts have you brought?"

Seeing this, Xiahou Shang swung his Blood-Colored Longsword, and a streak of Sword Qi resembling the setting sun shot straight for Li Xunhuan's heart: "Little Lis Flying Dagger? Today, I'll let you taste the power of my Fading Sun Sword Technique!"

Li Xunhuan calmly sidestepped the Sword Qi, while at the same time, a Flying Dagger left his hand, aiming straight for Xiahou Shang's sword-wielding wrist. Xiahou Shang didn't expect the Flying Dagger to be so fast. He hastily brought his sword back to block. With a crisp "clang," the Flying Dagger was deflected, but his wrist was left numb from the impact.

"Interesting." A hint of viciousness flashed in Xiahou Shang's eyes. He unleashed the Fading Sun Sword Technique with full power; Sword Qi covered the sky like a sunset glow, completely surrounding Li Xunhuan.

Li Xunhuan's figure darted through the Sword Qi, his movement technique nimble and graceful. Flying Daggers shot out from his hand occasionally, forcing Xiahou Shang to retreat repeatedly. While the two were locked in fierce combat, Jin Kui and his remnants had already rushed to the warehouse door, looking ready to break in.

Just then, dozens of lanterns suddenly lit up around the warehouse, illuminating dense crowds of figures—they were the constables of the Luoyang Prefect! The leader, holding a Dragon Subduing Mace, was Di Renjie.

"Jin Kui, you colluded with Jianghu scoundrels, intending to burn down a medicinal herb warehouse registered by the Imperial Court. Do you admit your crime?" Di Renjie's voice was loud, spreading across the entire battlefield through the night.

Jin Kui's face instantly changed: "Di Renjie? How are you here?"

"I have been waiting here for a long time." Di Renjie waved his hand, and the constables immediately stepped forward, surrounding Jin Kui's remnants. "Caught red-handed, what more do you have to say?"

Jin Kui looked toward the depths of the dense forest, where the Literary Heart Guards should have been waiting for backup, but it was empty. Little did he know that the Literary Heart Guards had already been trapped by Di Renjie's scheme—just half an hour ago, the Haoran Academy Branch Campus suddenly "caught fire," forcing the Literary Heart Guards to rush back. By the time they arrived, it was too late.

"Sect Head Xiahou, save me!" Jin Kui shouted at Xiahou Shang.

Seeing this, Xiahou Shang knew the momentum was lost. Why would he continue fighting? He swung his Blood-Colored Longsword, forcing Li Xunhuan back, and turned to flee.

How could Li Xunhuan give him a chance? The last Flying Dagger in his hand tore through the air, accurately piercing Xiahou Shang's left leg. Xiahou Shang screamed, fell to the ground, and was firmly pinned down by the charging constables.

Seeing their commander captured, Jin Kui and the three hundred remnants immediately fell into chaos. Some threw down their weapons and surrendered, while others tried to resist futilely but were subdued by the joint efforts of the constables and Luowang Assassinss.

In front of the water mirror, Jun Xiaoyao watched the scene and told Zhao Gao: "Have Di Renjie compile Jin Kui's and Xiahou Shang's confessions and send them to the various Families in the Central Plains. I want them to see the consequences of cooperating with the Central Plains Alliance."

"Understood." Zhao Gao handed over another secret report. "Additionally, the 'Ying' Character Group found that Kong Qiuming, upon learning of the plan's failure, has already sent people overnight to transfer Haoran Academy's collection of books and Disciples to Kaifeng, seemingly intending to consolidate his defenses."

Jun Xiaoyao looked up, and Kong Qiuming's figure was immediately reflected in the water mirror. The old man was standing in front of the ruins of the Haoran Academy Branch Campus, his face livid, the scroll in his hand crumpled out of shape: "Di Renjie... Beyond Heaven... If I don't avenge this, I, Kong Qiuming, swear I am not a man!"

Jun Xiaoyao looked at Kong Qiuming's venomous glare in the image and told Zhao Gao: "It seems he still hasn't given up." He looked at the summoning array in the center of the underground palace. The Spiritual Energy in the Formation eye had risen to 85% due to the security of the Luoyang medicinal herb warehouse, and a Book Shadow actually appeared as the Runes circulated.

[System Notification: Hostility from a Confucian Dao expert detected, triggering Counter-Type Summoning.]

[Summonable Character: Zhu Xi]

[Source: The world recorded in 'History of Song: Biography of Zhu Xi']

[Realm: Middle Celestial Realm]

[Martial Skill: Investigation of Things Fist (Perfection), Tai Chi Sword Technique (Major Achievement)]

[Specialty: Proficient in the Dao of Confucius and Mencius, skilled in convincing people through reason, capable of breaking Confucian Dao evil arts, and has a counter effect against the Literary Heart Guards]

[Summoning Cost: Spiritual Energy 80%]

Jun Xiaoyao tapped the name "Zhu Xi" with his fingertip. The summoning array suddenly burst into golden light, the Runes flipping like book pages, and the figure of an old man dressed in a Scholar's Robe condensed in the light. Zhu Xi held the analects, his face refined, yet his eyes held a hint of sharpness. He was none other than the Great Neo-Confucian Scholar, Zhu Xi.

"Zhu Xi greets the Young Lord." Zhu Xi cupped his hands and bowed to Jun Xiaoyao, his voice gentle yet commanding. "I hear there are Confucian Sect scoundrels colluding with villains to endanger this region?"

Jun Xiaoyao nodded slightly: "Kong Qiuming is using the name of the Central Plains Alliance to pursue personal gain, even colluding with Jianghu scoundrels. Take a trip to Kaifeng and let him know what the true Confucian Dao is."

Zhu Xi opened the analects, his gaze falling on the sentence, “The gentleman understands righteousness; the small man understands profit.” A hint of coldness flashed in his eyes: “Young Lord, rest assured, this old subject will certainly make him understand what constitutes a gentleman and what constitutes a small man."

He turned and stepped into the Teleportation Array. When his figure appeared in front of the Haoran Academy Main Campus in Kaifeng, the analects in his hand had transformed into an ancient longsword.

In the water mirror, Kong Qiuming was gathering the Literary Heart Guards, preparing to retaliate against Beyond Heaven's Stronghold in Kaifeng. Suddenly, the academy gates were pushed open, and Zhu Xi, holding a longsword, slowly walked in: "Kong Qiuming, do you admit your crime?"

Kong Qiuming looked at the suddenly appearing Zhu Xi, his face changing drastically: "Zhu Xi? Weren't you lecturing at Yuelu Academy? Why are you here?"

"I specifically came to clean up the sect." Zhu Xi pointed his longsword, the tip aimed directly at Kong Qiuming. "You used the name of teaching and nurturing people to collude with villains, ruining the Confucian Sect's reputation. Today, I shall act on behalf of Heaven, cripple your martial arts, and expel you from the Confucian Sect!"

Kong Qiuming was both shocked and enraged: "Arrogant! You are merely Middle Celestial Realm, while I am at the Peak of the Middle Stage. By what right do you cripple my martial arts?" He waved the scroll in his hand, and a streak of Sword Qi composed of characters shot straight for Zhu Xi's chest—it was precisely the Literary Heart Guards' "Literary Heart Sword Qi."

Zhu Xi remained composed. He wielded his longsword, integrating the Fist Intent of Investigation of Things Fist into his sword technique, actually dispersing the Character Sword Qi one by one: "Your Literary Heart Sword Qi only captures the form but lacks the spirit. How can it contend with me?"

The two fought fiercely inside the academy. Fist winds and Sword Qi intertwined, and the books on the shelves were shaken and fell. Zhu Xi's sword technique seemed ordinary.

Yet, it contained the principle of "Investigation of Things to Attain Knowledge," with every move targeting Kong Qiuming's flaws. Although Kong Qiuming's Literary Heart Sword Qi was fierce, it was completely countered by Zhu Xi's sword technique, and he gradually fell into a disadvantage.

In front of the water mirror, Jun Xiaoyao watched the scene and told Zhao Gao: "It seems the Central Plains Alliance's destiny has run out."

Zhao Gao bowed and replied: "Young Lord is wise. With Kong Qiuming's defeat, the various Families in the Central Plains will surely be panicked. When that happens, we only need to send people to lobby them, and dissolving the Alliance will be as easy as turning over one's hand."

Jun Xiaoyao remained silent, merely watching the Spiritual Energy slowly rising in the summoning array. Zhu Xi's addition not only compensated for Beyond Heaven's weakness in the Confucian Dao aspect.

But also completely dismantled the spiritual backbone of the Central Plains Alliance—after all, if even the Confucian Sect itself did not approve of Kong Qiuming's actions, other Families naturally would no longer rely on him.

The moonlight outside Hanyue Valley shone through the Ice Window, casting dappled light and shadows on the ground.

Jun Xiaoyao picked up the dossier on the desk and gently closed it. The crisis in Luoyang was resolved, and Kong Qiuming in Kaifeng was no longer a threat. Next, it was time to deal with the remnants of the Xuantian Sect in the Western Regions.

The Spiritual Energy of the summoning array had recovered to 85%, and the Runes flickered, seemingly anticipating the next summoning.

Jun Xiaoyao knew that Beyond Heaven's journey was still ongoing. Every time a crisis was resolved, every time influence was expanded, it was accumulating strength for Beyond Heaven's rise.

And what he needed to do was sit deep within this underground palace, strategize decisively, and let the name of Beyond Heaven resonate throughout every corner of this continent.