After chatting for a while, Chen Jingchou walked to Zhang Lie's side and said,""Big Brother Zhang…"
"Brother Chou, how have you been?" Zhang Lie asked. Why don't I see Miss Xiaoxue?"
Chen Jingchou's heart ached and he didn't know what to say. "Brother Chou, why do you look so pale?" Zhang Lie asked.”
"Big Brother Zhang…I have a few words to say to you. Shall we go to the side?" Chen Jingchou said.”Zhang Lie was puzzled. He followed Chen Jingchou out of the study and into the corridor.
"Big Brother Zhang, I'm sorry…Sister Yu 'er…She, she has already passed away!" Chen Jingchou said. I…I'm really sorry!”
When Zhang Lie heard this, he was shocked and said,"What? Yu 'Er?"
" I didn't protect her well," Chen Jingchou said with his head lowered." I let Big Brother Zhang down. Please punish me, Big Brother Zhang…"
Zhang Lie sighed, turned around, and patted the railing."What exactly is going on…Tell me from the beginning.”Chen Jingchou recounted everything. When Zhang Lie heard this, he looked up at the distant mountains and pondered for a while before saying,"I see…Actually, this isn't your fault. It's Grand Tutor Yuwen and Miss Xiaoxue's fault. Don't blame yourself.”
"But I…I didn't protect Sister Yu 'er properly," Chen Jingchou said. "That's why she…she…" The voice could not help but choke.
Zhang Lie turned around and said,"Brother Qiu, don't be too sad. Yu 'Er is a strong-willed child. She's prone to causing trouble. Since it has already happened and you've done your best, you don't have to blame yourself too much."”
"En…" Chen Jingchou nodded.
The two of them stood for a while before Chen Jingchou calmed down a little. He asked,""Big Brother Zhang, since you've come here, what about the Tuoba tribe?”
"I've already settled them in a place with more water and grass. After they settle down, I'll hand over the tribe to their new leader."”
"So that's how it is," said Chen Jingchou.”
"This time, I came because Brother Li Chunfeng said that Taiyuan has the aura of the Son of Heaven. He asked me to come with them."”
"Immortal Li, are you talking about Big Brother Li Shimin?" Chen Jingchou asked.”
Zhang Lie nodded and said," That's right. In fact, I've been planning to rule the Central Plains for a long time. How could there be such a Young Master Li in the world? It's really better than God's plan!"”He sighed and said," When we were playing chess just now, Brother Chunfeng saw that Young Master Li was not yet twenty years old, but his True Dragon Qi was incomparable. That was why he hinted to me that I don't have to fight for the world anymore."”
"Then what plans does Big Brother Zhang have in the future?" Chen Jingchou asked after a moment of silence.”
Zhang Lie said," I have nothing to do at the moment. I plan to return to Luoyang first and accompany you. I'll do my best to stop Grand Tutor Yuwen's ambitions."”
Zhang Lie heard from Chen Jingchou that Yuwen Tuo had arrived in the Eastern Capital and felt that the matter was urgent. The two of them had discussed and decided to immediately set off for Luoyang. He walked back to the study and wanted to bid farewell to Li Shimin, but he had not returned. Zhang Lie walked to Li Jing's side and instructed,"Brother Li, I need to go back to the Eastern Capital first. When Young Master Li returns, please thank him on my behalf!”Li Jing agreed.
Just as Zhang Lie turned around, he suddenly turned back and said,"I almost forgot-I still have one more thing I need your help with.”
Li Jing bowed and said," Don't say that, Big Brother Zhang. I've been deeply indebted to you. I've long hoped to repay you with my life!" No matter what it is, please tell me!”Zhang Lie said politely," I would like to trouble you to find a few important things. Please meet me in Luoyang after you find them!"”She whispered in his ear.
"Yes, I understand!" Li Jing nodded. Then I'll bid Young Master Li farewell and immediately set off to find him. After he found it, he quickly brought his wife and the item to the Eastern Capital to meet his brother.”
"Be careful, brother. I'll be going back first."”After bidding farewell to Chen Jingchou and Chen Fu, they left the Tang Public House and headed south.
Along the way, the two of them talked about what happened after they parted ways and how to deal with Grand Tutor Yuwen.
Chen Jingchou said," Big Brother Zhang, I've fought with Grand Tutor Yuwen before. He only used a few moves to defeat me. I wonder if Big Brother Zhang has any brilliant ideas to deal with him?"”
"Brother Chou, have you forgotten that this foolish brother asked you about the Phantom Valley's Daoist technique?" Zhang Lie laughed.”
"Yeah!" Chen Jingchou said. Big Brother Zhang did ask." Zhang Lie laughed and explained the whole story in detail.
It turned out that Zhang Lie had bid farewell to Chen Jingchou in the broken house by the river that day. He was afraid that something would happen to the Tuoba tribe, so he hurried north at full speed. In a few days, he had returned to the tribe. Fortunately, everything was fine and nothing happened. Zhang Lie planned for a few days to lead the Tuoba tribe to the west in order to avoid the soldiers. After more than a month, they finally found an uninhabited area near the Hetao, at the northern foot of the Yin Mountain. Zhang Lie rode his horse to the top of the mountain and looked carefully. He saw that this piece of land was hundreds of miles in circumference and surrounded by dangerous peaks on three sides. It was not easy for ordinary people to find it. Moreover, the water and grass were abundant and the climate was suitable. Zhang Lie discussed with the Tuoba tribe leader and settled them down. At the same time, he returned the position of tribe leader to the tribe members.
A few days later, after everything was settled, Zhang Lie looked around and thought that he couldn't deal with the soldiers who used demonic spells alone. He also had the ambition to save the country and fight for the Central Plains. He made up his mind and bid farewell to his wife, Yue 'er, and set off for the south.
In half a month, he had already reached the shore of Lei Xia Ze. He had originally planned to find Gongshan Tie and take him as his master. Who knew that after searching for nearly ten days, he still couldn't find Gongshan Tie's old house. Disappointed, Zhang Lie reined in his horse and prepared to return to Luoyang to continue his reign. However, things just happened to be so coincidental. He didn't expect that he wouldn't have the chance to meet Gongshan Tie. Before he left, he met a white-haired fish priest by the lake who was singing while striking bamboo.
Zhang Lie was puzzled and went forward to ask for advice. After asking, he found out that Gongshan Tie had already passed away! The white-haired old man was Yuwen Tuo's adoptive father, surnamed Yang. Zhang Lie was shocked. He bowed and asked. He learned that Yang Yichen was a general in the court and was upright. Because he saw Yang Guang fatuous and unreasonable, he repeatedly risked his life to remonstrate. However, Yang Guang was headstrong and estranged from loyal officials. In a few years, the people's resentment boiled and hungry people everywhere rose up. Yang Yichen saw this and felt deep regret in his heart, often sighing to the heavens. As an elder of the two dynasties, he had been loyal to the country his entire life. He had worked tirelessly and experienced hundreds of battles. He was over 50 years old, but his family was desolate. Once, by chance, he went to Hebei to patrol, suddenly heard the sound of crying beside the road, Yang Yichen then pushed aside the grass, picked up a son, heart pity, so adopted at home, treat each other as parents and children, hope, teach poetry and books.
The child was talented and intelligent, and Yang Yichen was delighted. Unexpectedly, the child was only six years old and suddenly fell ill. Yang Yichen looked for a famous doctor, but he could not cure him. Seeing that he was about to die, Yang Yichen was anxious. He took the risk alone and brought Yang Tuo across the ocean to Immortal Mountain Island to beg Gu Yue for treatment. Gu Yue saw his sincerity and could not bear to go against his wishes, so she readily agreed.
After returning to the capital, Yang Yichen taught Yang Tuo martial arts in order to keep him away from illness and strengthen his body. Yang Tuo was also quite talented in martial arts, and he had achieved a small success in a few years. When he was ten years old, Yang Yichen made him acknowledge Yang Su as his master. Yang Su was proud of this disciple. Seeing his outstanding talent, he was secretly happy and taught him all his martial arts. When Yang Tuo was 16 years old, there were only a handful of people in the world who could match him. Yang Susui also passed the Xuanyuan Sword to him and asked him to follow him in the army. Coincides with the rebellion of the Southern Dynasty's survivors and the uprising in Jiangnan. Emperor Yang of Sui sent Yang Su to suppress them. Yang Su then brought his beloved disciple and led the army south. On the day of the decisive battle, Yang Su ordered Yang Tuo to face the enemy alone in order to test his disciple's strength. He reined in his horse on the hill and watched quietly. With the power of the Xuanyuan Sword, Yang Tuo rushed into the enemy's formation. Golden light shot out and instantly scattered the rebel soldiers. Blood flowed like a river, and the dead filled the ditches. Yang Su was overjoyed and commanded the army to clear out the enemy once more. He then returned to the court and immediately reported to the court.
Emperor Yang was overjoyed and granted Yang Tuo an official position. A few years later, Yang Su died of illness. When Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty saw that the world had been pacified, he indulged in pleasure, so that the people could not bear it, and war raged everywhere. Yang Tuo had made great contributions in suppressing the civil unrest. At a young age, he was worshiped as the Grand Tutor of the Country. Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty was confident that his throne would last forever because he had Yang Tuo by his side, so he built a large number of buildings and became dissolute. When Yang Yichen saw this, he was heartbroken and resentful. He was even more indignant about his adopted son's misdeeds. In addition to being disheartened, he pretended to be ill, abandoned his official position, left the court, and returned to the mountains and forests. Yang Tuo walked all over the river, but he couldn't find it, so he had to stop. A few years later, he found out about his background and restored his Yuwen surname.
Although Yang Yichen lived in seclusion, he often heard people talk about his adopted son suppressing the people, and he often blamed himself. Later on, when he found out that Gongshan Tie was injured and died, he was shocked. When he found out that the murderer was Yuwen Tuo, he was even more furious.
Zhang Lie explained his intentions. Once Yang Yichen knew that it was to fight against Yuwen Tuo, he immediately accepted Zhang Lie as his disciple. He had taught Zhang Lie for more than half a year, and every move he made was aimed at Yuwen Tuo! With Yang Yichen's guidance, Zhang Lie concentrated on his thoughts and his martial arts improved at an amazing speed. After completing his studies, he resigned from Yang Yichen and returned to Luoyang. Not long ago, Li Chunfeng and the others came to visit, so they came to Taiyuan together.
Although Chen Fu had already learned from Chen Jingchou that his Senior Brother Gongshan Tie had passed away due to a sword wound, he could not help but sigh when he heard Zhang Lie's words. Chen Jingchou also said,"I see…" The few of them did not dare to slack off and rushed to Luoyang without stopping.
Luoyang had been managed by the emperors of the past dynasties, especially since Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty ascended the throne. They had built a large number of buildings and built the eastern capital. It had become one of the most prosperous places in the Central Plains. When the three of them entered the city, they saw that the streets were full of flowers, especially peonies. The road was wide, and pedestrians were crowded. There were many shops on the side of the road, and business was booming. From time to time, he could see the mansions of the nobles. After walking for a while, they passed by an inn. Chen Jingchou saw a woman standing by the door. After carefully recognizing her, he said in surprise,""Ah, aren't you a little girl?”
Shan Xiaoxiao was also shocked and recognized him. She bowed and said,"Young Master Chen! Why did you come to the East Capital?" "I have some matters to settle in the Eastern Capital with a friend," Chen Jingchou said as he walked forward.”Shan Xiaoxiao said," It's great to see Young Master Chen here. The princess has also come to the East Capital. If you have nothing urgent to do, please come upstairs and sit down!"”Chen Jingchou glanced at Zhang Lie, who nodded. Xiao Xiao hurriedly invited the three of them upstairs. The inn was empty, probably because all the guests had been driven away.
Xiao Xiao invited the three of them to sit down by a few tables by the railing. Dugu Ningke hurriedly came out of the room to welcome him. Chen Jingchou introduced Zhang Lie, and Yanhong served him tea. Everyone exchanged a few pleasantries.
" Young Master Chen…" Dugu Ningke said happily." You're finally here!"”
"I was too depressed before, but luckily, I met Big Brother Zhang, which gave me a lot of confidence! I've decided that no matter what difficulties we encounter, I will continue to stop Grand Tutor Yuwen's plot!”
Dugu Ningke smiled." That's great, Hero Zhang. Thank you both for stepping forward at this time to stop Grand Tutor Yuwen. You'll definitely be able to save the world from fire and water!"”
" Lady Dugu, Young Master Chen has told me many things about how you helped him so enthusiastically," Zhang Lie said." I really admire you!"”
Dugu Ningke humbly changed the topic and said,""Things are not good now. Grand Tutor Yuwen has already brought five Primordial Divine Artifacts into the Heaven Ascension Tower. I wanted to risk my life to go in and stop him, but I was stopped by the raging fire outside!”
"Lady Dugu, you don't have to worry. I do know how to deal with this Earth Dragon Yin Fire."”
"Really?" Dugu Ningke asked happily. That's great! Thank you, Hero Zhang!”
" Before that, we still have some other things to do," Chen Jingchou said." I wonder if Grand Tutor Yuwen had already executed the array formation?"”
" The Nine-Five Array will only work when the Heavenly Dog appears in the sky," Dugu Ningke said." Grand Tutor Yuwen is hiding in the tower, waiting for this moment!"”
When Chen Fu heard this, he said angrily," Hmph…Evil spirits run rampant in troubled times. No wonder there would be a phenomenon to show that the world is uneasy and that the heavens are angry!"”
Dugu Ningke's face trembled when he heard that. He hurriedly covered it up and smiled." I thought that I could no longer stop Grand Tutor Yuwen, but I didn't expect to meet Hero Zhang and Childe Chen here. God has opened his eyes and pity the people of the world..." Everyone chatted for a while more. Zhang Lie had something to do, so he got up and left with Chen Jingchou and Chen Fu.
Zhang Lie led the two of them to the northwest. An hour later, Chen Jingchou saw a forest in front of him, and the tip of an ancient pagoda could be seen in the forest. Everyone turned around the forest and came to the front of the big house by the forest. When the disciples saw Zhang Lie, they quickly came out and bowed to welcome him."Third Master, you're back!"
Zhang Lie nodded and led Chen Jingchou and Chen Fu inside. Only then did Chen Jingchou know that this was Zhang Lie's home in Luoyang. The house was located in a remote area in the suburbs and occupied a large area. The few of them passed through several doors and walked around several corridors. After walking for half a day, they finally arrived at the back hall. Zhang Lie invited Chen Fu and Chen Jingchou to sit down, and a servant brought tea over. "Is Madam at home?" Zhang Lie asked his attendant. Invite her out to meet the guests." The attendant replied and turned to leave. Not long after, footsteps sounded. A person came out from behind the screen and greeted Zhang Lie. Zhang Lie introduced Chen Fu. Tuoba Yue 'er went forward and bowed to Chen Fu. Chen Fu said politely. Everyone exchanged pleasantries.
Chen Jingchou stood up and said,"Madam…" He hesitated and hesitated.
"Childe Chen, we're all on the same side. If you have anything to say, just say it."”
Chen Jingchou said," Madam, I'm sorry…" Zhang Lie gestured for Chen Jingchou to sit down. Then, he personally told Tuoba Yue 'er about Tuoba Yu' er. Tuoba Yue 'er heard this and tears welled up in her eyes. She sighed and said,""Sigh, Young Master Chen…I feel honored that Yu 'er can be so loyal. As her sister, please don't blame yourself!”
"Furen, don't be too sad," Chen Jingchou said.”Tuoba Yue Er took out a handkerchief and wiped the corner of her eyes. She suppressed her sadness and said,"I only hope that Young Master Chen can avenge Yu 'Er! Defeat that Grand Tutor Yuwen and comfort Yu 'er's parents in heaven..."
Chen Jingchou cupped his hands." Madam, don't worry. I swear to the heavens that I will definitely seek revenge from Grand Tutor Yuwen!"”
Chen Fu said," Very good, Jingchou. I'm so happy that you've come out of your depression and rekindled your fighting spirit!”
Just as they were talking, a disciple came to report that Li Jing had arrived. Zhang Lie hurriedly invited him into the back hall. Li Jing and his wife walked into the hall and bowed. Zhang Lie quickly invited them to sit down. "Big brother told me to find a few items to deal with Grand Tutor Yuwen, and this little brother has already found them for big brother!"”
Zhang Lie said happily,"Brother is indeed extraordinary. In such a short period of time, you were able to help me accomplish these difficult things. I am really grateful!"”
Li Jing stood up and said,"Big Brother, don't say that. It's killing me."”Zhang Lie asked about the search for treasures.
It turned out that Zhang Lie lived in Luoyang and had long known that Yuwen Tuo was building a Tongtian Tower hundreds of miles south of the city. When the disciples reported back, they said that Yuwen Tuo had sealed the bottom of the tower with dragon yin fire. Zhang Lie thought that his master, Yang Yichen, had once taught him the method to break this spell. However, he needed a treasure called the Cloud Dragon Jade. This jade was currently in the secret chamber of Dragon Gate Grotto. So he told Li Jing to go and get it.
That day, Li Jing came out of the Tang Public House and mounted his horse. He rode to Dragon Gate Grotto overnight and arrived in front of the Grotto in a few days. On the mountain wall, there was a thick fog, and thousands of Buddha statues were faintly discernible. Li Jing sneaked into the stone cave and used the Tathagata Jade that Zhang Lie had given him to open the maze door before he found the secret chamber. As expected, he gained a lot and took the treasures in the stone chamber. However, he was unexpectedly discovered by the guardian monks and surrounded. Li Jing blocked and ran for dozens of miles before shaking off the monks. According to Zhang Lie's instructions, he quickly went home to take his wife and rushed to Luoyang.
Zhang Lie paused for a moment before saying,"Actually…this time, I invited you to Luoyang not just for these things, but for something more important-"
"If Big Brother has any instructions, please let me know!" Li Jing said.”
Zhang Lie pondered for a while and made up his mind. He stood up and said,"Brother Li, I invited you here today to give you and my sister everything here. With this as a foundation, I can help Young Master Li and build a great foundation!”
"How…how can this be?" Li Jing hurriedly stood up. Big Brother had been operating in the Central Plains for more than ten years before he had the results he had today. We have already received a lot of kindness from big brother, how can this little brother…"
"Brother, please don't decline. This is just a small token of my appreciation!" Zhang Lie interrupted. I originally saw Yang Guang fatuous and the people's lives in misery, so I wanted to take this opportunity to compete with the heroes of the four directions for the Central Plains and fight for the world. But now, I know that Li Shimin is a man of great achievements and has the potential to be the Son of Heaven-so I will give up and ask you to focus on assisting him!”
"But, Big Brother Zhang, what about your long-cherished wish?" Li Jing asked.”
Zhang Lie laughed out loud." A true hero should make a living for the people. How can he involve the people in the endless flames of war for his own selfishness?"”He said seriously," Brother Li, please focus on assisting Young Master Li, so that we can establish a peaceful world and let the people live and work in peace. If Young Master Li becomes Yang Guang's second brother in ten years, then I will rise again and punish Young Master Li and Brother Li!”
Li Jingwu had no choice but to accept it. He bowed and thanked him,"I understand. Thank you for your help, big brother!”He took out an arrow from the quiver, raised his head, bent his hands slightly, and snapped the arrow shaft. He said sternly,""I, Li Jing, hereby swear that I will wholeheartedly assist Young Master Li to become a wise ruler of this generation. If I go against this wish, I will shoot an arrow like this.”
"Very good!" Zhang Lie said. He ordered his subordinates to gather and stand in the hall. Zhang Lie stood on the stage in the hall and said,"Everyone, listen up! From now on, Young Master Li Jing will be your new master. You must be loyal to him. If you violate this order, I will punish you severely. Do you understand?”"Yes, Third Master!" Everyone bowed and said in unison.”Li Jing and his wife quickly returned the greeting.
Everyone was discussing how to deal with Grand Tutor Yuwen in the hall. " We don't have much time," Zhang Lie said." Since we've already obtained the Cloud Dragon Jade, let's rest for a while. We'll set off tonight and rush to the Tong Tian Tower in the south of the city to stop Grand Tutor Yuwen!"”"I'll listen to Big Brother's arrangements." Chen Jingchou nodded.”Zhang Lie prepared a feast for everyone. They rested until midnight. Zhang Lie asked his subordinates to bring three good horses and mounted them with Chen Jingchou and Chen Fu. Under the moonlight, they rode along the path to the Tong Tian Tower.
At dawn, they had already arrived at the tower. When the few of them raised their heads to look at the pagoda, it was indeed incomparably tall, piercing straight into the clouds. The top of the pagoda had actually been submerged in the clouds. The construction of this pagoda had consumed the blood and sweat of countless commoners. The heroes from all directions gathered at the bottom of the tower, but they were blocked by a circle of blue flames under the tower. They were at their wits 'end. Zhang Lie took a few steps forward and took out the Cloud Dragon Jade. A gust of wind blew, sending sand and stones flying. Everyone couldn't open their eyes. In a moment, the Earth Dragon Yin Flame had disappeared. There was a clamor of voices, and the heroes were all shouting. They were quite shocked. They looked around and spoke one after another, not knowing how the fire had disappeared.
"Big Brother Zhang, your master, Old Mister Yang, is truly formidable. He easily broke Grand Tutor Yuwen's fire array!" Chen Jingchou said.”
Zhang Lie smiled and said," The moves I learned this time are all aimed at Yuwen's weakness. Teacher Yang's father has taught me all his skills."”Suddenly, a man shouted," Yuwen Tuo's fate is over. Everyone, rush in and snatch the Emperor's divine weapon!"”As soon as he said this, the crowd burst into an uproar and immediately became a mess. They flocked to the tower, regretting that the tower's door was too small and the body was too wide. Everyone trampled on each other and rushed towards it, afraid that the treasure would be snatched by others first.
Chen Jingchou frowned slightly. The three of them waited outside for a while until all the heroes had entered the pagoda. Zhang Lie said,"Alright, let's go up too. Everyone, be careful!" The few of them followed behind the heroes and entered the tower.
In the Tong Tian Tower, Yuwen Tuo was in the hall near the top of the tower. Seeing that the weather was approaching, he got up and walked to the top of the tower with Yu Xiaoxue and Han Teng. As soon as he stepped onto the steps, a guard rushed over from the tower and reported,""Lord Yuwen, something bad has happened!”
"What's wrong?" Yuwen Tuo turned around and asked.”
The guard said," The Earth Dragon Fire Formation that Lord…Lord of the Tower personally set up has been broken by someone. The rebels and bandits have all swarmed up the tower!”Yuwen Tuo was shocked and said,""Where are the guards downstairs?"
"There are many bandits. The soldiers have scattered. They are about to attack!"”Han Teng replied," Lord Yuwen, they're just rats. Don't worry. Let me deal with them!"”
" No, General Han," Yuwen Tuo waved his hand." You will protect Miss Xiaoxue. I will personally go down and deal with them."
"Lord Yuwen, this?" Han Teng hesitated.……”
Yuwen Tuo said," The enemy has a large number of people. In addition, the time to implement the array is approaching. We have to be careful. I don't want to make any more mistakes at this juncture!”"Miss Xiaoxue, are you in good health?" he asked.”
"Yes, Lord Yuwen." Yu Xiaoxue nodded.”
Yuwen Tuo said," That's good. The Lost Formation will consume a large amount of our vitality. If we fail halfway, all our efforts will be lost!"”
"I understand, Lord Yuwen!" Yu Xiaoxue said.”
Yuwen Tuo nodded slightly and said,"General Han, please bring Miss Xiaoxue to the top of the tower first. Remember to protect Miss Xiaoxue's safety!"”"Yes, sir!" Han Teng bowed.”He led Yu Xiaoxue to the top of the tower.
Chen Jingchou and the others rushed into the tower and saw that the passages within the Heaven Connecting Tower were crisscrossed. The heroes were scattered everywhere, digging and tearing down walls, searching for treasures everywhere. The three of them found the stairs to the top of the tower. It took them quite some time to climb to the middle of the tower. After going up a few more levels, just as they reached the stone stairs, a stench assaulted their faces. The few of them looked over and could not help but be shocked. He saw a hall that was fifty to sixty feet wide. Blood was everywhere, and hundreds of corpses were piled up. There was no place to stand, and many people had their heads separated. It was a tragic sight.
Chen Jingchou's voice trembled as he said,""How tragic, so many people were killed!”
Chen Fu looked at the corpses and said,"These people were injured by the golden sword qi. It seems that it was indeed Grand Tutor Yuwen's vicious hand."?
"This villain!" Chen Jingchou said. He actually used a Primordial Divine Artifact to kill at will! That's too inhumane!"
Zhang Lie looked around and saw that there was no one alive. He said,"It seems that Yuwen Tuo has already gone up. We have to hurry up to the top of the tower!”
Just as he was about to walk up the marble stairs, a person suddenly appeared from the wooden door on the stairs and shouted,"Wait!"
Chen Jingchou was shocked. He looked up and recognized Han Teng. Han Teng carried the huge axe on his shoulder and looked down from above. He occupied the terrain and shouted,""What are you guys doing here? If you know what's good for you, quickly scram back. Otherwise, I won't be polite!”
"You must already know our purpose for coming here. Why do you need to consult us?" Chen Jingchou coldly asked.”Han Teng placed his giant axe in the middle of the stairs and shouted,""How dare you rebel! Don't even think about taking half a step forward unless you can get past me, Han Teng!”
"If that's the case, then we can only offend you!" Zhang Lie's face sank.”He lifted the iron pestle and used the Metal Spirit Swift Air. The wind whistled as he attacked first. Chen Jingchou raised his sword and joined the battle. The ladder was extremely narrow, only as wide as a person. Han Teng had the geographical advantage and firmly guarded the gate. Zhang Lie and Chen Jingchou found it difficult to attack. Zhang Lie used the Kanli Thunderbolt again. The iron pestle danced into a golden light and swept toward Han Teng's feet. Han Teng took a step back and swung his giant axe forward, forcing Zhang Lie back. The two of them exchanged dozens of moves. Stone chips flew everywhere, sparks flew, and the railings of the stone steps were broken. However, Zhang Lie still found it difficult to attack. "Big Brother, take a rest first. Let me deal with him." Chen Jingchou shouted.”Zhang Lie tilted his body to make way. Chen Jingchou shouted loudly and flew up. With a Silver Eagle Gallop, white light flashed as he stabbed at Han Teng. Han Teng sneered and brandished his giant axe like a wall. No matter which direction Chen Jingchou's sword came from, he would remain the same to deal with all changes. Chen Jingchou stabbed him dozens of times, but he could not do anything to him. Chen Jingchou saw that he couldn't do it, so he suddenly turned around to escape. His left palm secretly gathered strength and focused on his sword, revealing a flaw behind him, trying to lure Han Teng down the stairs. However, Han Teng was experienced and had already suffered a loss at Chen Jingchou's hands. He had long seen through this trick and only held the ladder tightly, not attacking.
Zhang Lie was furious. He raised his iron pestle high and used the Divine Yin Thunder. With a cold flash, he hacked at Han Teng's chest. Han Teng did not dare to be negligent and parried with all his might. The two of them fought again. Zhang Lie was on the ladder and was limited by space. Han Teng was not an ordinary person, so he could not use the power of the iron pestle. Chen Jingchou looked at the sky and couldn't help but feel anxious. But because the ladder was narrow, he could not step forward to help. The surrounding stone walls were as smooth as mirrors, and there was nothing to climb. There was only one door on the ladder that led to the top of the tower. Han Teng was strong, and he risked his life to block the door. He was truly a man who could hold off ten thousand people.
Chen Jingchou was walking down the stairs when he suddenly saw dust falling from the bottom of the stairs. He was delighted. He ran to the bottom of the ladder and saw where Han Teng was standing. He kicked down with both feet and jumped up. He held the sword with both hands and stabbed upward with all his strength. Han Teng was concentrating on exchanging blows with Zhang Lie, but who would have thought that someone would attack him from under his feet? Just as he was brandishing his axe to block Zhang Lie's iron pestle, a sword suddenly pierced through the stone steps with a swoosh, bringing up stone chips and stabbing upwards. Shocked, Han Teng hurriedly dodged, and the blade of the sword pierced through his feet. Han Teng slowed down and revealed his weakness.
Zhang Lie swung his iron pestle. With a crack, Han Teng's leg bone was broken and he sat down on the stairs. Han Teng endured the pain and raised his giant axe, trying his best to resist. However, he couldn't move his body and gradually couldn't take it anymore. After barely holding on for more than ten moves, his left side was hit by Zhang Lie's palm again. He spat out a large mouthful of blood and the steps turned red. Zhang Lie jumped back a few steps and stopped attacking. He said,"Old General, I really admire your perseverance. Please make way for us!”Han Teng's face was covered in blood, and his expression was tense. He endured the pain and said,""You guys are delusional! I, Han Teng, have been a general for decades. I only know how to serve my country. "As long as I, Han Teng, am still alive, I will protect Lord Yuwen even if I die…" He suddenly stretched out his arms and shouted. With a loud bang, stone fragments flew in all directions. Chen Jingchou was shocked and quickly jumped back with Zhang Lie. Fortunately, he reacted quickly and was almost injured. When the dust settled, the stone ladder had already collapsed. Han Teng's body had also been blown into thousands of pieces along with the ladder, scattered all over the hall.
When Chen Jingchou looked, he suddenly saw Chen Fu sitting on the ground. Shocked, he quickly ran over and shouted,""Master! Are you alright?"
"I'm fine…It's just that my foot…" Chen Fu said.
Zhang Lie looked at his injuries and treated Chen Fu. He said,"Old master's leg was injured by the old general's explosive force. Fortunately, it didn't hurt his bones.”Chen Jingchou helped Chen Fu to the side and made him lean against the wall to sit on the ground.
Chen Fu said," I'm fine…Time is of the essence. Don't worry about me. Go to the top of the tower and stop Yuwen Tuo immediately. Hurry!"”
"But, Master, you…" Chen Jingchou hesitated.
Chen Fu's face sank and he shouted,"What are you still nagging about? Hurry up and go!"”Chen Jingchou did not know what to do.
"Brother Chou, the old master understands giri. We respect his intentions. Hurry up and stop Yuwen Tuo from getting into formation!"”
Chen Jingchou gritted his teeth, resigned from his master, and walked to the stone stairs with Zhang Lie. Looking up, he couldn't help but be dumbfounded. He saw that the door was several feet high from the ground, and the wall was abnormally slippery, as if it was covered with a layer of oil. The light was shining, and it was impossible to climb up. Zhang Lie pondered for a while, then suddenly threw down the iron pestle, picked up the two corpses, and threw them under the corner of the wall. Chen Jingchou understood his intentions and put down his sword to help. An hour later, a human mountain had been piled up. The two of them took their weapons and flew up to the tower.
After climbing up for another hour, he walked up another flight of stairs. Suddenly, his eyes lit up as he reached the top of the tower. The top of the tower was actually a round platform paved with bluestone slabs. It was about four to five feet wide and was divided into three floors. Each floor was circular and surrounded by white jade railings, which looked like an altar. Chen Jingchou and Zhang Lie rushed up the stairs and arrived at the top of the altar. They saw that an unknown array had been set up on the ground, and the six Ten Thousand Spirit Blood Beads were arranged in six directions. Yuwen Tuo stood at the center of the formation with his back facing the two of them. He was ready to execute the formation and was waiting for the final moment to arrive.
Yu Xiaoxue stood at the far end. When she saw the two of them, she was shocked and cried out," Brother Chen-"
Chen Jingchou raised his iron sword and shouted,"Yuwen Tuo, you are here!"”
Yuwen Tuo suddenly turned around and said in surprise,""How did you get up here?"
"Your subordinates are all dead. Only the two of you are left!" Zhang Lie took a step forward and said.”
"What?!" Yuwen Tuo was shocked. Old General Han is also dead?"
"You bloody bastard! Today, not only will I avenge Sister Yu 'er, I will also stop your wild ambitions!" Chen Jingchou shouted.
Yuwen Tuo turned around and sneered,""Hmph, revenge, ambition, are your minds only filled with these narrow and boring things?”After a while, he said,"Alright, come on!" There isn't much time left. Last time, I showed you mercy, but this time, I won't!”
Zhang Lie and Chen Jingchou each wielded their weapons and used all their unique skills to fight Yuwen Tuo. Yuwen Tuo and Zhang Lie exchanged a move and his heart trembled. He didn't dare to be careless and used all his strength to face the enemy. He moved forward very quickly and only saw a human figure. Chen Jingchou was fully focused. He activated the Ghost Valley Taoist Technique and swung his sword into a white wall, blocking with all his might. Although he avoided Yuwen Tuo's attacks, he was still in danger, and his forehead was covered in cold sweat. Yuwen Tuo's figure swayed, like a green mist, floating towards Zhang Lie. Zhang Lie had a well-thought-out plan. He knew Yuwen Tuo's martial arts like the back of his hand. Although it was still quite difficult to deal with him, he could still break Yuwen Tuo's moves before he made a move. The few of them had exchanged dozens of moves in a row, but the scene was still evenly matched. No one could do anything to the other.
Yuwen Tuo couldn't attack for a long time. He looked up at the sun. The weather was coming. He couldn't help but feel anxious. He didn't move his feet, but his body had already moved back in an instant, like a ghost. Standing in the center of the formation, he said coldly,"Hmph, not bad. The two of you actually have such strength to contend with me?"”Chen Jingchou guarded the door and shouted," Cut the crap. You are heartless. Today will be the day you pay with blood!"”
Yuwen Tuo raised his head and said," Then I'll have to disappoint you. If I didn't conserve my strength for the sake of the lost formation, do you really think that you could have escaped death by luck?"”
Zhang Lie held the iron pestle horizontally and got into a stance. He said,"Then let me tell you by the way-your foster father, Yang Yichen, is very disappointed in you, so he specially asked me to stop your ambition!”
Yuwen Tuo was shocked when he heard that. His face twitched and he said," He immediately calmed down and said coldly,""Whatever you say…Godfather will know what I'm doing one day!”He suddenly raised the Xuanyuan Sword with his right hand and shouted,"Since the time of the Heavenly Dog Eclipse is approaching, I will borrow the power of the Xuanyuan Sword to clean you up and see if you are still my match.”
Suddenly, a golden light flashed, and like a bolt of lightning, the Xuanyuan Sword slashed forward with the force of a thunderbolt. Zhang Lie hurriedly dodged and raised the iron pestle with both hands to block, but how could he resist? With a clang, sparks flew and the iron pestle broke into two. The Xuanyuan Sword's momentum didn't falter. It swept up a gust of wind and slashed at Zhang Lie's head. Chen Jingchou quickly flew around and used the Jungle Fighting Stars. The tip of his sword was like a sky full of stars, flickering constantly. He struck out more than ten times in a row, stabbing at Yuwen Tuo's back with all his strength. Yuwen Tuo did not look back, and the Xuanyuan Sword suddenly pierced out from under his chest. Chen Jingchou lunged forward, but he couldn't pull back his sword in time. The tips of the two swords collided, and sparks flew out with a whoosh. Then, a sharp and ear-piercing sound rang out, like a sharp blade cutting through bamboo. Chen Jingchou had goosebumps all over his body. When he looked at the sword in his hand, he was even more terrified. The sword had actually been cut in half along the blade, and the crack quickly cut down to the hilt. Chen Jingchou quickly threw his sword and jumped away. At this moment, Zhang Lie was hit by a palm. He covered his chest and spat out a mouthful of blood. He didn't have time to see what move Yuwen Tuo had used. While Chen Jingchou was in midair, Yuwen Tuo arrived first and flashed over like a ghost. Chen Jingchou flipped in the air and tried to dodge. Yuwen Tuo's sleeves fluttered as he struck out with his palm. Chen Jingchou's lower abdomen was in great pain, and blood spurted out of his mouth. He somersaulted in the air and fell next to Zhang Lie with a bang. The stone tiles on the ground cracked, and blood dripped like plum blossoms. His injuries were not light.
Chen Jingchou lay on the ground, enduring the pain as he cursed,""Yuwen dog thief, if you have the guts, kill me now!”
Yuwen Tuo stepped forward and slowly raised the Xuanyuan Sword.""Although I respect your strength and wanted to spare you, the time is tight now. Forgive me for offending you!”
The Xuanyuan Sword slashed out a golden light and was about to slash down. Suddenly, he heard a scream behind him. Yuwen Tuo forcefully retracted his sword and hurriedly turned around. He was shocked and said," Miss Xiaoxue..." Chen Jingchou and Zhang Lie also looked in the direction of the voice. They saw three people standing opposite the altar. When they looked closely, they saw Dugu Ningke and her two servant girls. Yanhong and Xiaoxiao had already caught Yu Xiaoxue. Yu Xiaoxue had her eyes closed and her head hung low, as if she had fainted.
" Hmph!" Dugu Ningke took a step forward and said," Grand Tutor Yuwen, if you want her life, please remove the array immediately!"”
"Dugu Ningke!" Yuwen Tuo said angrily. You-"
Dugu Ningke didn't answer. Instead, he turned around and said," Young Master Chen, we should attack Grand Tutor Yuwen together while we have the hostage!"”
Yuwen Tuo shouted," You despicable fellow. Don't think that I can't attack just because I have to conserve my strength today. I can still use the Xuanyuan Sword to cut you down!”
" Don't act rashly, Yuwen Tuo." Dugu Ningke sneered." If you dare to take a step forward, I'll make your Lost Array lose a divine weapon forever!"”Yuwen Tuo was so furious that his eyes were about to spit fire. He shouted and a bolt of lightning struck down from the sky, hitting the center of the altar. With a rumble, stone chips flew everywhere. Dugu Ningke was shocked. Yuwen Tuo picked up the Xuanyuan Sword, walked a few steps forward, and shouted,""Let her go, or I won't be polite!”
Dugu Ningke took a few steps back and raised his right hand. Yanhong and Xiaoxiao had already carried Yu Xiaoxue to the side of the tower's railing and raised her high. Outside the tower, clouds and mist swirled, and the wind whistled. Yu Xiaoxue's body swayed, and she could fall at any time. " You…" Dugu Ningke said." If you dare to come over, I'll throw her down!"”Yuwen Tuo hesitated for a moment, then stopped and glared at him. The strong wind at the top of the tower kicked up the mud and dust on the ground. The surroundings were dim yellow, and time seemed to have frozen.
"Yuwen Tuo!" Dugu Ningke suddenly shouted. Put down your sword!" Yuwen Tuo had no choice. After hesitating for a moment, he could only throw the Xuanyuan Sword aside. Zhang Lie and Chen Jingchou took this opportunity to endure the pain and suddenly rushed forward. Yuwen Tuo's mind was in a mess. He hurriedly blocked with his palm, throwing Zhang Lie far away. Just as he was about to turn around, Chen Jingchou had already picked up the broken sword on the ground. He suddenly chopped down. He felt a sharp pain in his right shoulder, and blood spurted out. His entire right arm was cut off from his shoulder and flew far away. Yuwen Tuo endured the pain, flew forward, and struck his left palm at Dugu Ningke. Dugu Ningke was startled. He raised his right hand, and a red light enveloped Yuwen Tuo. A moment later, the red light turned into a huge blood orchid, wrapping Yuwen Tuo in the center. Yuwen Tuo couldn't move and couldn't help but fall to the ground. He felt the force in his body rushing out like a broken dam. His entire body had been controlled by the demonic technique. Dugu Ningke walked to the side and glanced at the broken arm on the ground that was bleeding.
Yuwen Tuo gritted his teeth and said,"You…" Dugu Ningke bent down and slowly picked up the Xuanyuan Sword from the ground. He raised it high in his hand and walked back." Well done, Childe Chen, Hero Zhang-" He turned his head and said,""The victor has been decided, Lord Yuwen Tuo! When you first started collecting the Ten Thousand Spirit Blood and building the Heaven Ascension Tower, you probably never dreamed that the final victor would be a weak woman like me, right?”She giggled.
"Dugu Ningke, you…" Yuwen Tuo said.
Dugu Ningke looked up at the sky and was overjoyed."After waiting for seventeen years, I've finally waited for the day when the Demon Realm descends on the Central Plains!”
Chen Jingchou was astonished and did not know what was going on. Dugu Ningke walked up to Yuwen Tuo, lowered his head, and looked into his eyes. He smiled and said,""Lord Yuwen…Thank you so much for spending so much effort to open the door to the Demon World for me!”He raised his head and said," And Young Master Chen, thank you for helping me to restrain Grand Tutor Yuwen all the way. The King's merit book should really add two strokes to you!"”"Princess, what are you talking about?" Chen Jingchou endured the pain and asked.……”Dugu Ningke dropped her Xuanyuan Sword and walked to the side of the tower. She held onto the white jade railing and said,""The second Heavenly Dog Eclipse is about to begin…Everyone, raise your heads and enjoy how the sky of the Divine Prefecture was cut by the Scarlet Penetration!”
As soon as he finished speaking, the sky gradually darkened, and the light of the sun was gradually blocked by a black shadow. Before long, the sky was completely dark, and the red sun had turned into a bronze color, leaving only a dim halo. Stars appeared. A huge blood-red comet with a long tail streaked across the sky from west to east. Wherever the comet passed, it left a huge scratch in the sky. The entire sky was almost torn into two. The red streak crossed the sky and suddenly turned into a ball of flames, falling straight down to the ground. Suddenly, there was a loud sound, and the mountains collapsed. The earth shook and the mountains shook. A blood-red fireball slowly rose from behind the mountains, almost the size of several mountains. The fireball rose into the air and turned into countless balls of fire that scattered in all directions. Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled in the sky. The Divine Great Land was covered in flames. The entire world was dyed red. The people of the world cried and fled in all directions. Corpses piled up like mountains and blood flowed like an ocean. The entire place was like a bloody hell. A great catastrophe had befallen the Divine Great Land. The Western Devil World's plan to invade the east had succeeded.
When Chen Jingchou and Zhang Lie saw this, they couldn't help but be dumbstruck. They couldn't say a word, and they were extremely terrified, as if they were in a nightmare. Suddenly, a golden light flashed in front of his eyes, and he felt dizzy.
After an unknown amount of time, Chen Jingchou slowly woke up and found himself lying in a cave. The blood in his chest was surging and his head was splitting. He turned over and sat up, only to see Zhang Lie and Yu Xiaoxue standing guard at the side. Yu Xiaoxue lowered her head and did not speak, feeling sad. Zhang Lie heard the voice and walked over." Brother Chou, you're awake..." Chen Jingchou struggled to stand up. Everything had happened too suddenly. He was confused and didn't know what had happened."Big Brother Zhang, what…what is going on?”
"Sigh…Don't say anymore!" Zhang Lie sighed. Even now, I still can't accept what's happening in front of me. It's like a nightmare!”
Chen Jingchou was silent. Zhang Lie said," When you were unconscious, I went out to take a look. The entire Divine Great Land has become a sea of blood. There are demons and monsters everywhere. They eat people. The human world has become a purgatory!" Sigh, Brother Chou…So we were all wrong. Yuwen Tuo was the true good person!”"What, what's going on?" Chen Jingchou asked.”"I can't explain the whole story. You should ask Miss Xiao Xue!"”
Chen Jingchou hesitated for a moment before walking to Yu Xiaoxue's side and asking,""Xiao Xue, what happened?”
Yu Xiaoxue's heart ached as she whispered," The Red Cross Star has split the sky. The Western Devil World has penetrated through the crack and is directly on the ground…The devils have come out in full force and are wreaking havoc on the ground, treating humans as food…"
"Then…then where are we now?" Chen Jingchou was confused.”
Zhang Lie walked over and replied," That day, we were trapped in Tong Tian Tower. It was all thanks to Miss Xiao Xue who seized the Xuanyuan Sword when they were unprepared and rescued us. In the end, we went through a lot of hardships before we found this small cave."”
"A small cave…" Chen Jingchou replied.
Yu Xiaoxue nodded." Yes, it's a small cave near Luoyang." Because Brother Chen had been unconscious for the past few days, and the outside world had become a hell, Brother Zhang thought that it was safer to hide here for the time being.”
"Is…is what you said true?" Chen Jingchou asked, clutching his forehead.”Yu Xiaoxue lowered her head and said nothing.
"Brother Chou, what Miss Xiaoxue said is true!" Zhang Lie said. Yuwen Tuo had not collected the Ten Thousand Spirit Blood and the Primordial Divine Artifact for his own ambitions. He had done so to prevent what had happened today!”"But because of our ignorance, we obstructed him in every way, causing him to fail at the last step…We are the true sinners!"”
Chen Jingchou listened and was silent for a while. He then raised his head and said,""Brother Zhang, I'm sorry! It's all my fault…"
"Brother Chou, you can't be blamed for this. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it!" Zhang Lie said. Moreover, you were also used by Dugu Ningke!”Chen Jingchou did not know what to say. After a while, Zhang Lie advised," You should apologize to Miss Xiaoxue. She has been suffering because she helped Yuwen Tuo.”Ever since Zhang Lie revealed the truth, Chen Jingchou felt extremely guilty and blamed himself. He walked to Yu Xiaoxue's side, bowed, and said softly,""Xiao Xue, I…I'm really sorry!”
"Brother Chen, it's all my fault…It's me…I didn't make things clear…" Yu Xiaoxue cried.
Chen Jingchou said," Little Xue, I've made you suffer. When you needed your friend's trust the most, not only did I not support you, but I even attacked you with my sword!" I-I'm really ashamed!" Yu Xiaoxue couldn't help but cover her face with her hands and cry. Chen Jingchou stood at the side, gently patting her back and comforting her in a gentle voice.
Zhang Lie and Xiao Xue calmed down a little. He called Chen Jingchou to the side and said,"Brother Chou, I have already told Miss Xiao Xue about Yu 'er's death yesterday. Miss Xiao Xue cried for a long time and told me everything she knew about that day.”
"Brother Zhang, could it be…could it be that the one who killed Sister Yu 'er wasn't Grand Tutor Yuwen?" Chen Jingchou was surprised.”
"It wasn't him at all," said Zhang Lie."We were all wrong!" When Miss Xiaoxue found Yu 'Er, Yu' Er was already on the verge of death. Fortunately, Miss Xiaoxue used her own strength to treat her, so Yu 'Er could hold on for a while. Later, Yuwen Tuo came and looked at the blood stains on the ground. He found that the person who killed Yu 'er was the one who used the demonic techniques of the Western Demon World.”
"The demonic arts of the Western Devil World?" Chen Jingchou asked in surprise. Could it be Princess Dugu?"
"According to my judgment, the one who killed Yu 'er that day should be Princess Dugu!" She first lured Yu 'er to the Grand Preceptor's residence and killed her before bringing you over. Then, she lured Miss Xiaoxue to Yu' er's side, causing a conflict between the two of you and making you irreconcilable! To be used by her!" Chen Jingchou recalled the scene from that day, and his mind gradually became clear.
" I heard from Miss Xiaoxue that the true identity of Princess Dugu is a female Demon General sent by the King of the Western Demon World. We were all used by her!" Zhang Lie said.”Chen Jingchou sighed. His thoughts were surging, and it was unknown whether it was sadness or anger. He had trusted Princess Dugu so much in the past, but the ending was like this. It was really unexpected, and it was too late to regret!
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]