Chapter 340: The Demon Sect Moves South into the Imperial City

Chapter 340: The Demon Sect Moves South into the Imperial City

Han Fu cracked open the box slightly, and a dazzling Nine-Colored Mystic Light spilled out, accompanied by a refreshing medicinal aroma that filled the entire Council Hall.

It was truly the legendary Great Earth Solemnity Pill—and not just any ordinary one. Its medicinal energy was far more potent, with radiant nine-colored light and swirling Vast Misty Smoke, resembling a spiritual pearl suspended within the box.

Han Fu’s eyes widened, his fingers trembling as he closed the box. Overwhelmed with emotion, he knelt to the ground and declared, "Thank you, Manor Lord, for this generous reward. Your subordinate pledges to shed blood and sacrifice his life for the Ghost Manor and for you, without hesitation!"

With this Great Earth Solemnity Pill, Han Fu was certain he could reach the Earthly Venerable Realm in an extremely short time, becoming a revered "Martial Venerable."

The other Martial Artists present were equally stirred, their eyes filled with envy and longing. If they possessed such a pill, they too believed they could ascend to the Earthly Venerable Realm.

Though the Transcendent Realm and the Earthly Venerable Realm were only one level apart, the difference in Martial Path cultivation, status, and prestige was like night and day.

Finally, someone could no longer hold back.

Wan Xue, the Hall Master of the Flying Eagle Hall, stood up and said, "Since the Law Enforcement Hall Master arrived at the Ghost Manor, he has accomplished nothing of note. Yet the Manor Lord rewards him with a treasure like the Great Earth Solemnity Pill. I fear many will find this unfair."

Han Fu roared, "How dare you! The Manor Lord bestowed this pill upon me because he expects greater contributions from me. Hall Master Wan, do you question the Manor Lord’s judgment? Do you presume to teach him how to rule?"

"Your subordinate wouldn’t dare!" Wan Xue’s expression changed, and she immediately knelt.

Ning Xiaochuan waved his hand. "Rise, all of you. It’s just a Great Earth Solemnity Pill. Today, any Martial Artist who has reached the Ninth Level of the Transcendent Realm will receive one."

Boom!

Everyone was stunned. The Manor Lord still had more Great Earth Solemnity Pills?

Even among Advanced Pills, the Great Earth Solemnity Pill was considered rare. The appearance of a single one could cause a sensation—let alone multiple!

It was precisely because of its scarcity that reaching the Martial Venerable Realm was so difficult.

Only an outlier like Ning Xiaochuan could refine several at once.

He had crafted seven in total. The first was given to Qiu Xinghui, the Grand Elder of the Heavenly Annihilation Dao. The second was awarded to Han Fu. That left five remaining.

Ning Xiaochuan said, "The Great Earth Solemnity Pill is a supreme treasure of the Martial Path. Even I possess only a few, so none can be wasted. If one lacks the confidence to break through to the Earthly Venerable Realm in a short time, they will not receive one."

"Your subordinate is confident of breaking through within three days. I beg the Manor Lord to grant me a pill." Meng Ying’s graceful figure resembled mist-shrouded blossoms as she knelt on one knee, her beautiful eyes burning with conviction.

Ning Xiaochuan smiled faintly. "Good. That’s the confidence I want to see. This Great Earth Solemnity Pill is yours." He handed her one.

Murong Hua could no longer remain seated either. Dropping to one knee, he said, "Your subordinate is also confident of breaking through within three days. I beseech the Manor Lord for a pill."

"Senior Murong, please rise. Even if you hadn’t asked, I would have reserved a Great Earth Solemnity Pill for you," Ning Xiaochuan said as he handed the fourth pill to Murong Hua.

The Flying Eagle Hall Master, Wan Xue, hesitated slightly before kneeling once more. "This subordinate is confident in breaking through to the Earthly Venerable Realm within half a month. I beg the Manor Lord to grant me the pill. If I fail, I will sever my Heart Meridian."

The Golden Jade Hall Master, Yu Manlou, also knelt and declared, "This subordinate shares the same conviction as Hall Master Wan. If the Manor Lord bestows the Great Earth Solemnity Pill upon me, I vow to brave fire and water for the Ghost Manor once I attain the Martial Venerable Realm."

Both Wan Xue and Yu Manlou were at the Ninth Level of the Transcendent Realm, having stagnated there for over a decade. Without the Great Earth Solemnity Pill, they would never advance to the Earthly Venerable Realm in their lifetimes.

Thus, they had to seize this opportunity—even if it meant risking their lives.

Ning Xiaochuan studied them intently before speaking. "Though your talents are modest, your determination proves your Martial Path will surpass the ordinary. You are worthy of the Manor Lord’s investment—two Great Earth Solemnity Pills shall be yours."

The pills materialized in Wan Xue and Yu Manlou’s hands, sending them into ecstatic gratitude. They kowtowed repeatedly, treating Ning Xiaochuan as if he were their savior.

The deputy hall masters of the Mystic Armory Hall and the Assassin Hall also coveted the Great Earth Solemnity Pill. However, their cultivation was only at the Seventh Level of the Transcendent Realm. Even with the pill, they couldn’t break through to the Earthly Venerable Realm in a short time, so they dared not ask for it.

By now, five individuals in the Council Hall had received the Great Earth Solemnity Pill.

Ning Xiaochuan then retrieved several Frost Jade Bottles from his Heaven and Earth Bag and instructed, "Sword Attendant Shiyin, distribute these bottles—one to each person present. The three Sword Attendants may also receive one."

Huo Shiyin bowed slightly and asked respectfully, "Manor Lord, what is inside?"

"Nine-Colored Profound Water," Ning Xiaochuan replied.

The Nine-Colored Profound Water was another supreme treasure of the Martial Path. A single drop was comparable to a mystic stone, making an entire bottle priceless.

Wan Xue and Yu Manlou grew even more exhilarated upon receiving it. "With the aid of the Nine-Colored Profound Water, I am now absolutely certain of breaking through to the Earthly Venerable Realm!"

The assembly marveled at the Manor Lord’s prowess—how could he produce such treasures in bulk? He was nothing short of divine!

"In half a month, the Ghost Manor will gain five new Martial Venerables, bringing our total to eight. The world will tremble before us!" Han Fu laughed heartily.

Eight Martial Venerables was indeed a terrifying prospect, one that would shake the Imperial Court and horrify the Marquis Houses within the Imperial City.

Murong Hua chuckled. "The Dark Emperor City seeks to use the Ghost Manor against the Demon Sect, but they’ve miscalculated. Once our wings are fully grown, it will be time to settle scores with them."

The Ghost Manor’s conquest of 217 Border Markets within a year had only been possible due to the Dark Emperor City’s covert support.

The Dark Emperor City aims to cultivate the Ghost Manor as a tool to counter the Demon Sect.

Ning Xiaochuan asked, "Has the Demon Sect's influence already infiltrated the Imperial City?"

Murong Hua replied, "Recently, high-ranking figures from the Demon Sect have frequently appeared in the Imperial City, including those at the Daoist Master-level. According to intelligence reports, the Demon Sect is likely targeting the Jian Pavilion Marquis House."

While others might not know Ning Xiaochuan's identity, Murong Hua did. His words were clearly a warning to Ning Xiaochuan.

Ning Xiaochuan frowned slightly and sneered, "The Demon Sect has quite the audacity. The Jian Pavilion Marquis House is a hereditary marquis house with deep foundations. If they dare to attack it, they’ll inevitably provoke a united backlash from the other marquis houses in the Imperial City. By then, they’ll have no place left to stand."

Murong Hua shook his head lightly. "The world knows the Jian Pavilion Marquis House is at odds with the Jade Emperor. Three years ago, the Minor Marquis of the Jian Pavilion Marquis House, Ning Xiaochuan, openly slandered imperial authority and disrespected the Emperor, causing a massive uproar. Shortly after, the second son of the Jian Pavilion Marquis, Ning Qiancheng, nearly led an army to storm the Imperial City. Many speculate in private that the Jian Pavilion Marquis House harbors treasonous intentions and may raise arms in rebellion."

"With the world in turmoil, everyone seeks self-preservation. At this critical juncture, the marquis houses in the Imperial City dare not associate too closely with the Jian Pavilion Marquis House."

"Now that the Demon Sect seeks to target the Jian Pavilion Marquis House, those who interpret the Emperor’s will likely believe the Jade Emperor intends to use the Demon Sect to eliminate them. Thus, no one would dare to aid the Jian Pavilion Marquis House."

Ning Xiaochuan’s gaze darkened, his fingers tightening into fists.

The Flying Eagle Hall Master interjected, "The world knows the Jian Pavilion Marquis House poses no threat to the Jade Emperor’s throne. His greatest threat is his elder brother, the Great Golden Roc King. Only the Golden Roc Prince’s Manor possesses the power to seize the empire. Over the past year, from the marquises in the imperial court to the State Preceptors of the provinces, all have secretly chosen sides—some aligning with the Jade Emperor to uphold imperial authority, others supporting the Great Golden Roc King."

"The Jian Pavilion Marquis House holds significant military power but remains neutral. In truth, the Jade Emperor may be using the Demon Sect to force them into alignment. Rumor has it that the Jade Emperor’s daughter, Princess Lanfei, once requested the Emperor to arrange a marriage—with none other than the Minor Marquis of the Jian Pavilion Marquis House, Ning Xiaochuan."

"This caused quite a stir in the court, though its veracity remains unclear."

Ning Xiaochuan’s expression grew even graver.

......

After the meeting concluded, everyone dispersed to prepare for secluded cultivation, aiming to break through to the Earthly Venerable Realm in the coming days.

Ning Xiaochuan strolled through the Purple Qi Garden with his hands clasped behind his back.

"Whoosh!"

Six strands of black smoke coalesced into the figure of an alluring woman—her curves voluptuous, legs slender and straight, her skirt fluttering to reveal glimpses of snow-white skin, exuding an intoxicating allure.

Meng Ying wore no mask, her enchanting face fully visible—bright eyes, dark brows, and silky hair dancing in the wind.

She coiled around Ning Xiaochuan like a seductive serpent, pressing against his chest and whispering, "The Manor Lord loves her so deeply, yet she leads the Demon Sect's experts against the Jian Pavilion Marquis House. Such a woman isn’t worthy of his devotion."

The "she" she referred to was, of course, the Demon Sect Saintess.

Ning Xiaochuan replied, "I believe this isn’t her intention. The Demon Sect’s factions are complex. Even as the Saintess, she can’t single-handedly dictate everything. Why aren’t you focusing on your cultivation?"

Meng Ying let out a soft laugh, tilting her snow-white chin up as her bright eyes fixed on him. "I know the Manor Lord must be troubled, so I wanted to keep you company tonight..."

Her robe hung loosely open, and with just the slightest downward glance, Ning Xiaochuan could glimpse the soft curves of her fair, flawless skin.

"No need. Tonight, I have other matters to attend to. You should return to your cultivation. I suspect a great upheaval is coming soon, and its source will likely be the Imperial City."

Ning Xiaochuan entered the Imperial City that very night but did not immediately return to the Jian Pavilion Marquis House. Instead, he went to the Jade Viewing Tower.

This time, as he arrived, he could distinctly sense numerous Martial Path experts hidden in the shadows—clearly, they were all Demon Sect elites.

Yu Ningsheng sat in a pavilion, a zither placed on the stone table before her. Her slender jade fingers danced across the strings, each movement graceful and ethereal, her aura transcendent.

In the bamboo grove, emerald-green leaves fluttered down—some landing on the pavilion, others drifting to her feet, a few even brushing past her cheeks. A gentle breeze lifted the corner of her veil, revealing a glimpse of her radiant, jade-like beauty, as if an immortal maiden had descended to play the zither.

"Rustle..."

Ning Xiaochuan stepped into the courtyard and stood outside the pavilion, closing his eyes to listen to her music.

...

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