Qin Shi Ambitious

Page 261

'So they've finally appeared?' Mi Lian's smile faded considerably. She didn't speak but led Lian Xin into the main hall first. After handing her sister over to the guards to be taken away, she sat down in the seat that usually belonged to Ji Yan: 'Did they find the Xiang family, or did the Xiang family contact you?'

Mi Lian didn't want her younger sister to know about matters related to the State of Chu so early; the more she knew, the more dangerous it would be for her.

"We found the Xiang family with the help of the farmers, but I followed my superior's orders and did not contact them," Ji Bu replied. He noticed that the princess's slender fingers unconsciously began to tap lightly on the table. Did this mean that finding the Xiang family was a troublesome matter for the princess...?

"The Xiang clan is the soul of the Chu army. Joining forces with the Xiang clan can greatly enhance our strength."

Puzzled, Ji Bu continued to explain his thoughts.

Ying Bu remained silent throughout. Although his Thunder Leopard Legion had once been under the command of the Xiang clan, Ying Bu was one of the few royal supporters in the Chu army. He respected the Xiang clan, but the princess's orders were more important than those of the Xiang clan.

Contrary to his views, Ji Bu's actions have already shown that he would be more supportive of the Xiang clan militarily.

As time passed and perspectives changed, in Mi Lian's eyes, this was probably also the reason why the former general Xiang Yan sent Ji Bu to his father's side as a personal guard!

“We’re already attracting attention as farmers. If we contact the Xiang family at this time, and one side’s identity is exposed, the other could be implicated.” Mi Lian shook her head and decisively rejected Ji Bu’s suggestion, her reasoning receiving immediate agreement from Ying Bu:

"What the supervisor said is correct. The Xiang family is safe now, and we are also safe. But once the two sides make contact, it may attract the Qin army."

Ingbu believed that his duty was to protect the royal family, and he would not do anything that would bring harm to the two princesses.

"Yes..." Ji Bu did not insist further, but then Mi Lian changed the subject again: "However, the Xiang family will face even greater pressure. In order to support the Xiang family, Ji Bu, you should help the young master of the Xiang family in your personal capacity."

Since Ji Bu supported the Xiang family, Mi Lian simply banished him, leaving only his sister Hua Ying as a hostage.

Otherwise, keeping them around could very well bring trouble, and once he decides to leave, he might even take other former Chu troops who remained with him with him.

The name of the State of Chu became history the moment it was destroyed, and I myself had already given myself to Lord Xia Kui yesterday. Now, the Farmer's Family has become my and my sister's new support.

However, for Ji Bu and many of the former Chu officials, they might have preferred that they or their sister Lianxin marry the young master of the Xiang clan, so that after the male members of the Xiong clan died out, the Xiang clan could naturally take over the banner of the legitimate Chu kingship.

In particular, Mi Lian also knew that Ji Bu had been looking for an opportunity to get close to her, and that the commander of the Shadow Tiger Legion harbored feelings of love for her.

This is an even bigger hidden danger. Mi Lian cannot allow everything he has worked so hard for to be destroyed!

"This..." Ji Bu looked at the princess's delicate face, flushed with a faint blush today, as if kissed by the sun, and hesitated, "The Xiang family... and the supervisor also needs someone to protect them..."

"It's alright. With Ying Bu here, and being in a farmhouse with the protection of Master Ji and Lu Xiaokui, I won't be in any danger!"

Mi Lian's chin was slightly upturned, and her tone carried a sweet arrogance that was polite but kept people at a distance.

------

The princess tastes really good.

Although Mi Lian was unfamiliar with Lu Wei last night, her efforts to please him were in line with her status, which pleased Lu Wei.

This is the daughter of Lord Changping and the King of Chu, now mine. This is the reward that Mr. Lu, who used to only be able to eat dry rabbit meat in the deep snowy mountains, has earned after nearly twenty years of hard work.

Once the taste of power has been experienced, it will continue to attract people to covet it, and then they will need to seize even greater power!

Using his internal energy to dry his damp clothes from the previous night, Lord Xia Kui walked past the blushing maidservant guarding the door and returned to Xiaogeng Manor.

Although a study was prepared exclusively for Xia Kui at the hot spring resort, he still had to work at Xiaogeng Manor, where most of the farm's documents were kept.

The manor is too comfortable and too close to the Four Mountains Hall, which is not conducive to showcasing his chivalrous spirit of frugality and fairness. He can only stay there occasionally.

At least three forces—the Luo Wang, the Mo family, and the Nong family—helped and fueled Gai Nie's defection from Guanzhong. After Gai Nie escaped from Guanzhong, the Liu Sha, which had been dormant for three years, would also join him.

There are many secrets in the city of government offices, and Lu Wei plans to go there in person, but before that, he needs to go to Sanghai first.

This trip to Sanghai wasn't for Confucianism, but rather to meet with Moon Goddess, Eastern Lord, and Star Soul to discuss the preparations for the Mirage Project.

Soon after the city of the mechanical palace, the mirage was tested and the First Emperor made his eastern tour.

They must precisely time their actions against the Yin-Yang School and Ying Zheng to minimize the possibility of mistakes.

Although Lu Wei had worked diligently for the past twenty years in his rebellion, the probability of success was very high from a strategic perspective.

However, this does not mean we should not prepare any contingency plans for failure. It is two different things to waste something if we don't need it and to have none at all!

At the Mirage Shipyard south of Sanghai City, the work of Hebo and Shangui has been taken over by the Moon God Dongjun. These two old guys will definitely return to the Ji clan's territory to transport the Zhou royal treasures that the Ji Dynasty hid three hundred years ago to Sanghai.

The nation's fortunes are visibly declining, and the Eastern Emperor will not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He will invest all the power of the Yin-Yang School and all the hidden power of the Ji Clan into the Mirage Ship to find the overseas immortal mountains and, with the help of the immortals, realize the plan to restore the Zhou Dynasty.

As the person in charge of the mirage, the Moon God Dongjun now has unlimited power to make minor modifications to the Yin-Yang magic arrangement on the mirage.

However, the two wisely refrained from taking action, as they needed to ensure that when Donghuang Taiyi arrived in the future, he could confidently ascend the mirage.

This is a large ship at sea, a ladder to find the immortal mountain, and also a coffin, a giant egg waiting to hatch...

Chapter 305 The Prelude to the Anti-Qin Campaign

Xinghun met Lu Wei at a small tavern in Sanghai City. It was a farmhouse, but it had never been advertised as a farmhouse and was only used as a secret meeting place.

There are too many people and eyes at the Mirage Shipyard, so Lu Wei can't go there for the time being. He can take advantage of the influence of the sun, moon and stars to go up and take a look after the Mirage Shipyard has completed its trial voyage.

"Is the plan finally about to begin?" Xinghun stroked his chin, his almost sickly pale skin appearing even more eerie against the backdrop of purple patterns.

“Not bad, your revenge can begin.” As he poured two cups of tea and tossed one to Xinghun, a strange, eerie light flickered in the latter’s deep eyes.

Lu Wei had teased the other party with tea during their first meeting, but now that they were business partners, he naturally wouldn't play those testing tricks again.

However, when Xinghun caught the glass and found that it contained very ordinary tea instead of ice, he was surprised.

Lu Wei smiled in response and drank the tea in one gulp in front of Xing Hun.

Not to be outdone, Xinghun quickly finished his tea as well.

Perhaps Xinghun himself didn't realize it, but Lu Wei clearly noticed that his personality was becoming increasingly obsessive.

Xinghun knew that Lu Wei had a highly concealed poison, and he also knew that this place was farmland and all preparations could be made in advance, but he was still caught off guard by Lu Wei's casual provocation and drank the tea he poured.

All of this is for one reason: He, Xinghun, is qualified to drink Lu Wei's tea!

Although he didn't tamper with the tea, Lu Wei did have a purpose in pouring tea for the Yin Yang School's Left Protector: he wanted to evoke in Xinghun the memory of their first meeting, the memory of his mother and family before they were killed, and the burning feeling he had as Gan Luo as he was trying to rescue his family.

It was the actions of the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven) and the Yin Yang School that prevented him from returning to Xianyang in time. It was the emperor in Xianyang who personally ordered the execution of his family.

Rekindling the poisonous fire of hatred will make Star Soul even more determined to do what he wants.

"The curse Donghuang cast on us is an absolute secret of the Yin-Yang School, a forbidden technique. In terms of secrecy, it surpasses even the Eight Curses of the Yang Meridians and the Eight Curses of the Yin Meridians. I, Yue Shen, and Dongjun have studied it separately for a long time without any results." Xinghun's sharp eyes narrowed, and he coldly brought up the issue of casting the curse that Lu Wei had hinted at for them three years ago:

"Even after we exchanged information, we could only think of using our Yin-Yang techniques to gradually wear down Donghuang's forbidden spell, which would take a very long time."

"So, in other words, the three of you can't take action against Donghuang?" Lu Wei went straight to the heart of the matter.

“We can help you deal with Hebo and Shangui, as well as Yunzhongjun, the elders like Da Siming, and the other Yin-Yang disciples on the Mirage.” Xinghun’s evasive reply confirmed Lu Wei’s guess.

"How strong is Donghuang?" It wasn't the worst outcome, and Lu Wei thought it was acceptable. His strength hadn't improved very quickly over the years, but his speed hadn't decreased compared to when he first started learning, which was enough to explain a lot.

"Those of us who practice Yin-Yang arts find it difficult to see through him. Only a swordsman like you has a chance of defeating him." Xinghun suppressed his pride, his tone becoming quite conservative, before quickly changing the subject: "However, considering that you fought Wei Zhuang of the Ghost Valley School and won decisively..."

"Even if Donghuang's martial arts level is higher, he will definitely not be your match in a life-or-death battle in actual combat."

Xinghun is arrogant and shows signs of becoming disdainful of everyone, but his judgment has always been good: three years ago, when he went into a state of demonic possession, he actually fought against Donghuang. Even though Donghuang defeated him in one move by using the resonance of the curse within his body, Xinghun still truly sensed a part of Donghuang's reality.

Although he had never met Wei Zhuang, he knew very well the martial arts level of the disciples of Guigu throughout the ages when he was still Gan Luo.

It must be admitted that the saying of Guigu disciples, "When they are angry, the princes tremble; when they live in peace, the world is at ease," has been passed down to this day. Apart from their political acumen, their martial arts skills are also among the best in the martial arts world.

Facing a disciple of Guigu Valley who was in his thirties and in the prime of his life, no martial artist in the world dared to say that he could definitely win. If Lu Wei could win by a large margin, then his actual combat strength was the best in the martial arts world of this generation.

Unless Wei Zhuang is far inferior to his predecessors.

“It’s not safe enough to just guess.” Lu Wei shook his head, then nodded. “But I have absolutely reliable helpers in this regard, and fighting against Donghuang is not something to be afraid of.”

"I heard that Yun Zhongjun is currently in Sanghai. Do you have a chance to sprinkle poison into the ingredients of the elixir he is preparing for Ying Zheng?"

“Yun Zhongjun’s stay in Sanghai is only temporary. Once the alchemy facilities on the Mirage Tower are completed, he will return to Xianyang. That will be my chance to make my move!” Xinghun stretched out his palm, and the translucent blue puppet threads floating between his fingertips seemed to have a life of their own, dancing rhythmically: “You’ve already planned for the Empire and the Yin Yang School. What do you plan to do about the Luo Wang?”

The pale lips on that eerie face curled slightly: "I can continue to help you."

"I will contact you if needed. The lifespan of the Net is also nearing its end, so you can rest assured."

"Great, it would be even better if we didn't have to wait too long~"

After concluding her conversation with Star Soul, the Moon Goddess arrived more discreetly a little later.

The information provided by Xinghun was basically correct, but in some parts, Yueshen concealed information from Dongjun and Xinghun, so this part of the information could only be described by Yueshen herself.

"The launch of the Mirage is still missing a key item." The Moon Goddess casually combed her hair in front of the bronze mirror in the tavern room, and said softly, "I have investigated the history of the Yin-Yang School and found that the item is likely in the Mohist School."

"The Illusionary Sound Box? It has the function of guiding at sea?" Lu Wei was still confused about the Seven Constellations of the Azure Dragon. He did not intend to use the power of this so-called deity to realize his ambitions, but because of the Yin-Yang School, these secrets would inevitably appear around him.

The Moon Goddess was used to this man knowing many secrets he shouldn't know, and she had no desire to investigate further: "The music of the Illusionary Sound Box has infinite possibilities, some of which may have the effect you described."

"More and more signs indicate that the Mechanized City will be a gathering place for the remnants of the six kingdoms. You won't miss what's happening there, will you?"

"I will go, but I will definitely not go as a remnant of the Six Kingdoms." Yan Dan and Xiaoyaozi, who have been hiding their identities, have visited Lu Wei several times in the past three years, but the talks have not yielded any results. Therefore, he will secretly infiltrate the Mechanized City as an observer.

"Dongjun has almost finished infiltrating the Mechanized City. If nothing unexpected happens, Donghuang will send her when he takes action against the Mechanized City. At that time, I may have to play the role of a covert agent. Since you are going, I will not go."

If the Moon Goddess doesn't go to the Mechanical City, then she must go to the Gonggong Hall in Daze Mountain. He has no objection to doing her a favor.

------

Tianming knew that the uncle who took him away was named Gai Nie. After being rescued from the butcher by Gai Nie, Tianming's initial attitude towards the uncle was not good.

But as the Qin assassins arrived, he had no choice but to flee westward with Gai Nie, for those assassins wanted both the uncle's and his own life.

During their escape, Gai Nie taught Tianming many principles that no one had ever taught him before, and gradually, Tianming began to accept Gai Nie in his heart.

For Tianming, a simple child, once acceptance is established, it will immediately grow into a towering tree with deep roots!

The further west they went, the more desolate the environment became. Tianming didn't understand geography; he didn't know that the further west they went, the further they were from the Central Plains. But Gai Nie knew that if they didn't find another way, they would never be able to leave Guanzhong with this child.

Even though they had tried to avoid the main roads and traveled through many remote areas along the way, they were still stopped by a group of Qin cavalry on a stone bridge in the Huangyangchuan Shimenxia Canyue Valley.

Theoretically, it would take at least 300 sword strikes to kill all 300 of Xianyang's most elite cavalry.

Even the empire's strongest swordsman couldn't possibly protect his own vitals while simultaneously protecting a child during a sword strike.

But looking at the man standing like a pine tree, sword in hand, the elite cavalry captain couldn't help but swallow hard, shouting in an attempt to negotiate with his target: "Gai Nie, if you're willing to turn back now..."

From a distant cliff top, watching the battle that suddenly erupted on the stone bridge due to an arrow accidentally released by a tense soldier, Yan Dan's eyes gleamed under his bamboo hat. Beside him, Master Ban stroked his beard, his eyebrows twitching, and said, "Grandmaster, shall we send someone to help?"

In Master Ban's eyes, Gai Nie had the blood of Jing Ke, a fellow member of the Mohist school, on his hands, so his death was no big deal. But the Grand Master had driven him all the way from the Central Plains to this Northwest region in the Vermilion Bird, and he certainly didn't do it just to watch Gai Nie die like that.

Moreover, that child possessed many secrets, enough to make Gai Nie betray the Qin Kingdom to take him away, indicating that his background must be extraordinary.

The Grandmaster has investigated this matter for a long time and should know many details, but since he doesn't say anything, Master Ban doesn't ask either.

"Wait a little longer. Revealing our identities rashly might only harm them," Yan Dancang said in a hoarse voice. He had already discovered that the child named Tianming was Jing Ke's son.

The Mohists—no, it should be Yan Dan himself—owed Jing Ke a favor, but he firmly believed that now was not the time for womanly kindness to repay a debt of gratitude.