20demayo Page 41
Page 41
[Identity: Founder of the Strategists of the Qin Dynasty.]
Guiguzi, whose original name was Wang Xu, was the founder of the School of Diplomacy in the Qin Dynasty. Because he lived in seclusion in Guigu Valley, he called himself Master Guigu.
He was a renowned but unassuming master in the martial arts world of Qin, well-versed in the art of diplomacy and possessing expertise in military strategy, divination, astronomy, and geography.
His strategic skills are particularly astounding; one man alone can withstand an army of a million!
To draw the sword horizontally to gain advantage, using strategy for offense, is called "Bai"; to draw the sword vertically to gain momentum, using substance for defense, is called "He".
The art of opening and closing (or maneuvering) aligns with the principles of Yin and Yang in the universe, and its variations are endless. Opening represents Yang, closing represents Yin; the art of diplomacy and strategic maneuvering is contained within it!
However, few people know that thirty years ago, Ximen Yu, the leader of the Green Dragon Society, personally visited him to try to recruit him to serve.
He resolutely refused, but was severely injured by Ximen Yu's sword and nearly lost his life. He eventually escaped by using a secret technique.
To avoid Ximen Yu, he faked his death at the hands of his apprentice Wei Zhuang, and from then on lived in anonymity, never daring to show his true face.
Furthermore, due to the damage to his foundation, his cultivation level became difficult to improve and stagnated.
Heaven's assessment: A person of unparalleled talent and extraordinary comprehension, destined to ascend to the realm of mythology!
Heavenly Rewards: Root Bone Reshaping Pill (can reshape root bones and improve aptitude after consumption), Profound Strategies of Vertical and Horizontal Strategies (contains the true essence of vertical and horizontal strategies; the higher one's comprehension, the deeper one's understanding).
Wha...what?
A bone and joint reshaping pill?!
A pill that can improve one's physical constitution and aptitude?!
In an instant, the entire land trembled, and the world was in uproar!
Those who witnessed the Heavenly Ranking were all shocked and stood frozen in place.
His face showed disbelief, along with insane jealousy and greed!
His eyes burned with desire, as if he couldn't wait to seize the treasure!
If it weren't for the vast difference in strength, they would have already rushed forward and replaced Guiguzi!
There's no other reason than that the Bone Reshaping Pill is simply too powerful!
As we all know, one's innate physical attributes and aptitude are predetermined and cannot be changed.
Throughout the Great Zhou Dynasty and even ancient legends, there has never been any known substance that could enhance one's physical constitution!
With such a miraculous elixir, who could resist its allure?
Not to mention ordinary people and wandering cultivators, even the eight great dynasties and the top sects of the nine provinces have now developed the idea of seizing it!
Chapter 064 - Is He the Chosen One?! (Please Subscribe)
Da Qin, Xianyang Palace.
"Even a heaven-defying pill like the Bone Reshaping Pill exists?"
"Perhaps the elixir of immortality that I seek is not an illusion after all?!"
Ying Zheng's gaze suddenly sharpened, and his breathing became slightly rapid.
A smile slowly appeared on his dignified face.
Although the Longevity Pill had already satisfied him quite a bit,
But if there really were an elixir of immortality, who wouldn't yearn for eternal life?
In comparison, the Longevity Pill, which extends life by hundreds of years, seems quite ordinary!
Of course, this is just speculation.
As long as the elixir of immortality has not appeared in the world...
Longevity Elixir remains his top choice.
However, after this incident,
His desire for the Longevity Pill was no longer as urgent as it had been at the beginning.
"Your Majesty, Xunzi, a Confucian scholar, requests an audience."
Zhao Gao reported in a low voice, his posture respectful.
"Oh? They arrived even faster than I expected."
Ying Zheng raised an eyebrow slightly, and understood after a moment's thought.
This person must have set off immediately after receiving the blessing from Heaven.
Otherwise, it would have been impossible to be so fast!
Thinking of this, a hint of amusement flashed in his eyes.
Xunzi's actions undoubtedly demonstrated the Confucian school's willingness to submit.
He naturally did not hesitate to display the magnanimity of an emperor.
"His Majesty has decreed that Xunzi be summoned to an audience!"
Zhao Gao stood outside the hall and loudly summoned the attendants.
A moment later, Xunzi arrived in a hurry.
"Xunzi, a Confucian scholar, pays his respects to Your Majesty!"
He bowed slightly as he entered the hall with Zhao Gao.
Ying Zheng raised his hand in a gesture of greeting, scrutinizing him with a deep gaze.
If it weren't for the Heavenly Ranking revealing this...
Who would have thought that this seemingly ordinary old man was actually the supreme master of Confucianism?
Finding this amusing, he feigned ignorance and asked:
"What brings Xunzi here today?"
Upon hearing this, Xunzi remained calm, as if he had expected it.
Xunzi smiled and respectfully cupped his hands, saying, "This old man is of mediocre talent, but by the grace of Heaven, I have been fortunate enough to be listed on the Golden List and bestowed with longevity elixirs."
"Knowing my own meager fortune and shallow virtue, I dare not keep this item to myself. Therefore, I have traveled day and night to present it to Your Majesty, humbly requesting that Your Majesty accept it."
After speaking, he carefully took out a small celadon bottle from his sleeve and handed it to Zhao Gao, who was standing to the side.
After carefully checking and confirming that everything was correct, Zhao Gao presented it to the First Emperor with both hands.
"Very well, I accept it." Ying Zheng's gaze swept over the porcelain bottle, and he said calmly, "You must be tired from your journey. Go back to the inn to rest for now, and we will discuss the matter of rewards at the morning court tomorrow."
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. This old minister takes his leave." Xunzi bowed deeply and withdrew from the hall, a great weight finally lifted from his heart. These words signified that Confucianism had officially gained acceptance from the court.
Inside the Great Yuan Imperial Palace, Temujin clapped his hands and laughed: "Just as I predicted!" Seeing Ximen Yu's name reappear on the Heavenly Path Golden List, his eyes gleamed with a look of inquiry.
"Each time someone appears on the list, we get one step closer to uncovering their true colors." Recalling the intelligence sent by his spies, the steppe overlord muttered to himself, "On the day the list is revealed, I, the Khan, will witness your abilities firsthand."
As a powerful ruler, he saw further than most. Ximen Yu's repeated appearances on the list suggest that many more secrets remain to be revealed. What is this man's true purpose in shaping the world? It's far more than just playing around.
Meanwhile, in the Phoenix Pavilion of the Tang Dynasty, Wu Zetian gently waved her fan, lost in thought: "Even a disciple of the Ghost Valley School nearly lost his life to your sword... I'd like to see how many secrets you still harbor?"
Wu Zetian's face showed great interest.
Putting aside other factors, whenever the Heavenly Path Golden List announces a new ranking, Ximen Yu's figure always appears.
Each time, he overshadowed the main figures on the list.
Even she couldn't help but be curious about such behavior!
Just moments after she finished speaking, Shangguan Wan'er strode into the main hall.
"Your Majesty, a secret report has arrived from the Sui Dynasty."
“Besides our Great Tang, Great Qin, and Great Yuan, there is another force secretly spying on us, which is suspected to be the Azure Dragon Society.”
Wu Zetian raised an eyebrow slightly, a strange light flashing in her eyes.
A smile appeared on her lips.
"Finally couldn't resist surfacing? Interesting, very interesting."
Then, she looked up at Shangguan Wan'er.
"Pass down the order to have them investigate thoroughly and gather as much intelligence as possible about the Azure Dragon Society!"
Inside the Song Dynasty Imperial Palace.
"It's him again!"
"Could he be the chosen one of Heaven?"
"Otherwise, why would he be so favored by Heaven?"
Emperor Huizong withdrew his gaze from the sky, took a deep breath, and his eyes were filled with shock.
He admitted that Ximen Yu's strength was indeed amazing, but did he have to show up every time the rankings were updated?
Those who know, this is the ranking of the top combat power in the Nine Provinces; those who don't, might think it's Ximen Yu's exclusive ranking!
His ranking has not yet been released, but he has appeared on the list multiple times.
How could such favoritism not arouse suspicion?
After all, the life experiences of any strong person who can make it onto the list are so rich that even three days and three nights of detailed description would not be enough.
Why is he always there?
"Even someone as great as Guiguzi was forced to live in anonymity. I really want to witness the brilliance of that legend in person!"
Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but sigh, his tone filled with longing.
Of course, even so, he also knew in his heart—
Even if I were the true emperor of the Ming Dynasty, I would probably never be able to meet someone as taboo as Ximen Yu.
Nevertheless, this did not diminish his longing for such beings in the slightest!
After sighing twice, Zhu Houzhao composed himself, remembering the precarious situation of the Ming Dynasty, and asked, "Elder Wei, is there still no news from the Night Emperor?"
"Not at the moment," Wei Jinzhong shook his head helplessly.
Chu Liuxiang had been away from the capital for less than two days, and even if he had wings, he would hardly receive a reply.
As soon as he finished speaking, he seemed to realize something and added, "However, I have just received news that the Crown Prince of Xing and the Crown Prince of Taiping have been making preparations in secret after hearing rumors of Zhu Wushi's rebellion."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Houzhao frowned.
Since ascending the throne, he had always walked on thin ice. Now, suddenly learning of this, he couldn't help but feel suspicious—were they really here to support the emperor, or did they have other motives?
Wei Jinzhong noticed his concerns, smiled slightly, and reassured him, "Your Majesty, whether they are sincere or not, it is beneficial to us. Once a three-way balance of power is established, none of the parties will dare to act rashly, which will be enough to buy time."
Although the rest of the words were not explicitly stated, Zhu Houzhao already understood.
The most pressing issue right now is time. If we can hold out until the Night Emperor returns, all the problems will be easily solved. At that point, whether the Crown Prince of Xing and the Crown Prince of Taiping are loyal or treacherous will become secondary.
Thinking of this, a long-lost smile finally appeared on Zhu Houzhao's face.
Chapter 32 Secret Message
Inside the Dragon Guardian Manor.
"Two mere children dare to talk about serving the emperor? How laughable!" Zhu Wushi glanced at the contents of the secret letter, sneered, and his eyes were full of disdain.
With a slight exertion of force in his palm, the secret letter instantly turned to dust.
The hall fell silent for a moment.
After a long while, Zhu Wushi murmured softly, "Suxin, wait a little longer... You will soon be the most noble woman in the world."
The Great Han Dynasty, the Prime Minister's Mansion.
Inside the hall, singing and dancing filled the air, accompanied by melodious music.
Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the door.
A messenger rushed in and knelt on one knee.
"Reporting to the Chancellor, Lü Bu has openly rebelled with 50,000 Bingzhou cavalry and has formed an alliance with the eighteen warlords in Suanzao!"
Lü Bu dared to betray us?!