Chapter 3: Matters of the Jianghu, Observing the Internal Traitors

The autumn leaves in Longqi Pavilion are covered by white snow, and after nearly a hundred cycles of the sun and moon, the snow melts, heralding the arrival of spring.

He recalled the memories from twelve years ago, and among the influential figures he had heard of, there was indeed no one with the surname Chen

Are there spies within the Longqi Temple?

In the last murder case, he merely showcased his martial arts talent, which attracted the actions of spies. The techniques of Shadow Leg, Diamond Roar, and the Natural Way of Dao must never be revealed.

At the age of thirteen, one can wield power; this little rascal has some ability

It turns out that in this world, besides the wicked, there are also those who speak of him

The cost of practicing martial arts in this world is not high, and there are many sects that generate income. However, practicing martial arts requires talent, just as studying does. In comparison, commoners find it easier to excel in martial arts.

Jiang Changsheng, seeing that he could admit his mistakes, had a changed impression of him, and then curiously asked: "Why did Xue Hai want to kill you?"

Jiang Changsheng curiously asked: "How is Her Majesty the Empress now? Is she still... still the Empress?"

Descending the mountain

Upon seeing this line of prompt, Jiang Changsheng was taken aback, nearly letting out a curse.

Although his own true energy had not improved, he could clearly sense that the true energy was subtly changing, perhaps trending towards a transformation into spiritual power

Jiang Changsheng recalled that he indeed had a fleeting feeling of being watched, but it was momentary, and he did not actually see the other party, so he did not take it to heart

Chen Li expressed his sentiments, his words filled with admiration for the Crown Prince

Jiang Changsheng felt no sympathy; after all, you are the first scholar, and the gun shoots the bird that stands out.

Fortunately, he rarely boasts in his daily life

He has refused to descend the mountain, so the spy should still be on the mountain

Practicing the Vajra Howl does not require one to shout loudly; it only necessitates unblocking the hidden meridians in the throat. When the true energy resonates, one can gauge the power of the roar. In the past, it was quite difficult to activate those invisible meridians. After the breakthrough in the cultivation method, he discovered that the process of true energy flowing into the invisible meridians became smooth, and the previous pain was also alleviated

... ...

After all, if his identity were to be exposed, it would mean losing his head; the true dragon would be greatly enraged, and no matter how high-ranking the official, they would have to step down

In the twelfth year of Kaiyuan, a treacherous spy persuaded the second senior brother, intending to lure you down the mountain. You refused, thus avoiding a deadly disaster and receiving a survival reward—Miscellaneous Arts: Alchemy.

Longqi Temple is a Taoist temple established by the emperor's direct order, and the Chen family cannot dare to directly associate with Daoist Master Qingxu, as it may easily arouse the emperor's suspicion

Jiang Changsheng inquired, his eyes fixed on Chen Li

This day

These individuals all have the potential

I too am inexperienced in the ways of the world, misled by Xue Hai's few words, and I foolishly believed myself to be clever, having seen through the truth. Chen Li sighed, his expression quite ashamed

Was that incident at the age of two not a mistake, but rather intentional?

Wait a moment

The saintess of Xuan Yin Tower was robbed, and the thief infiltrated her chamber, stealing valuables

Cultivating immortality is indeed superior

This matter involves the previous dynasty. My family, the Chen family, was originally officials of the previous dynasty, but later we realized our mistakes and returned to the right path. Xue Hai is merely a remnant of the previous dynasty. By killing me, he only seeks to frame the current dynasty, making those clans who have defected realize that the court is not friendly towards families that have allied with the previous dynasty. Unfortunately, he has failed.

Chen Li began to speak about the murder case. It turned out that Xue Hai intended to assassinate him, but he had been with Daoist Qingxu, seeking Daoist teachings. Xue Hai was caught in the act by the deceased, and driven by a mindset that prioritized official matters over commercial ones, he pressed Xue Hai with a series of questions. Frustrated, Xue Hai killed him. As for Jiang Changsheng, he was completely framed; it turned out that Xue Hai had seen Jiang Changsheng practicing leg techniques from a distance at night.

In the evening, Qingku returned to the house

Could it be the senior master brother

Jiang Changsheng began to think about who might have been looking at him with an unusual gaze on a daily basis, even suspecting Qingku.

The martial arts master single-handedly battled the eight major sects, commanding great respect in the martial world

He felt a twinge of bitterness in his heart

Jiang Changsheng nodded and said: "Then I shall accept it. As a humble Taoist priest, I cannot slight the honor of your status as a top scholar."

Qingku urged him a few more times, but he simply refused to go, leaving Qingku with no choice but to give up

Jiang Changsheng compared and felt that killing Xue Hai was not difficult for him, thanks to the Dao Fa Natural Skill. Having only mastered the second level, the true energy within him was sufficient for him to lavishly use the Divine Shadow Leg and the Nine Seeking Heavenly Dragon Step

There are no immortals in this world; those evil spirits are merely transformed from strange creatures. Your Majesty, in pursuit of immortality, has neglected state affairs. Fortunately, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is naturally intelligent, well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics, and has already begun to assist in handling some governmental matters

Impossible

Jiang Changsheng shook his head and said, "I will not go."

Regardless, she is at least living quite well

Chen Li cast a glance at Qing Ku, who was momentarily taken aback, and then, understanding the situation, stepped out and closed the door behind him

After thinking for a long time, he still could not understand

Hearing this, Jiang Changsheng could not help but recall his mother in this life, who often spoke to herself while in the womb, expressing how she would treat him well in the future and criticizing the emperor's reckless actions.

Jiang Changsheng was very pleased; indeed, the cultivation method is fundamental, and in the future, most of his time will still need to be devoted to the cultivation method

Chen Li was taken aback. Although he had already experienced the extraordinary maturity of this young man, he was still surprised. He shook his head and laughed, saying: "What status does Longqi Temple hold? How could I possibly establish a connection with them alone? It is inappropriate in terms of etiquette and even more so in terms of sentiment. I merely wish to befriend the young Daoist. The young Daoist possesses such martial skills at a young age; he will undoubtedly become a leader in the martial world in the future, and may even become a champion in martial arts, serving the court of wwwhetushu.com." He shook his head and laughed, saying: "What status does Longqi Temple hold? How could I possibly establish a connection with them alone? It is inappropriate in terms of etiquette and even more so in terms of sentiment. I merely wish to befriend the young Daoist. The young Daoist possesses such martial skills at a young age; he will undoubtedly become a leader in the martial world in the future, and may even become a champion in martial arts, serving the court of wwwhetushu.com."

Jiang Changsheng rose and walked towards his courtyard. Along the way, his disciples greeted him, to which he responded with a smile, while silently making his judgments.

Until nightfall, Jiang Changsheng was just about to rise

Several hours later, he arrived in the courtyard, but the disciples had not yet returned; they were still in the Dao Hall listening to the teachings. He began to practice the Vajra Howl.

More importantly, although Jiang Changsheng accepted his fate, his mother was unwilling to comply. The false prince must be dealt with, and the powerful figures behind him cannot be spared either

spy

He wants to fully master the Diamond Howl before practicing the Qi Finger

"If Master Chen has the intention, he may directly bestow it upon Longqi Temple. Why bestow it solely upon me?"

Jiang Changsheng has finally reached the third level of the Dao Fa Natural Skill, significantly enhancing his senses. He can even hear the sounds of mosquitoes a hundred zhang away, and he can clearly discern the breathing of other disciples. This sensation is incredibly marvelous

When it comes to change, the most significant change is that Jiang Changsheng can practice openly and aboveboard even during the day. His true energy has been continuously increasing, and he has initially mastered the Vajra Howl, while he has yet to cultivate the Qi Finger.

... ...

Such things were listened to by Jiang Changsheng with great interest

After a full half an hour, Chen Li finally departed

Will this secret book be poisonous

Over the years, the emperor has purged factions, and it is unknown how many founding ministers of the dynasty have died

On the morning of the second day, Second Disciple Meng Qiuhé led a group of disciples down the mountain, among whom were Qing Ku and Jiang Changsheng, who did not go to bid farewell but practiced his skills in front of the Dao Bell Tower under the blazing sun

First, excluding the second brother Meng Qiuhé, he was nearly killed by the senior martial arts master when he was two years old, and it was Meng Qiuhé who saved him. Moreover, this time Meng Qiuhé was persuaded.

The Chen family is truly in a difficult position, facing awkwardness in the current regime while also contending with the retribution from the previous dynasty

In this year, the emperor became insane and began to pursue immortality, widely recruiting talented individuals from all over the world to assist him in alchemy

The Evil Eye King was captured by the court and imprisoned in the heavenly dungeon

Jiang Changsheng's current task is to strive for growth while concealing his abilities

Jiang Changsheng curiously asked, "Is His Highness the Crown Prince really that outstanding? Could you tell me more about him?"

Most of these disciples are orphans, and each time they undergo training, they bring back a new group of disciples

Jiang Changsheng believed that his words were reasonable; in life, merely avoiding challenges cannot ensure a stable existence. On the contrary, forming connections with influential individuals can also be beneficial.

"Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother plans to take fifteen disciples down the mountain for training and specifically asked me to ask you if you would like to go along?" Qing Ku expressed excitedly.

Chen Li also educated him about the ranks of martial artists, which are classified from low to high as third-rate, second-rate, first-rate, and True Essence Realm. Achieving the ability to use internal true energy to attack enemies through martial arts signifies entry into the True Essence Realm. Xue Hai is a master of the True Essence Realm, having practiced martial arts for nearly twenty years

In the thirteenth year of the Kaiyuan era, Jiang Changsheng was thirteen years old

As spring gives way to autumn, several months have passed since Chen Li's departure. The leaves on the trees at Longqi Temple have gradually turned yellow. Jiang Changsheng's days have returned to their former state, and his disciples are no longer curious about him. His fellow disciple Qingku also rarely disturbs him, as Qingku is deeply engrossed in martial arts and unable to extricate himself.

After ascending the mountain, Qingku had not yet descended, and was curious about everything below. Guests who had come before spoke of the imminent arrival of a prosperous era, where the chaos of war was no longer visible in the world.

Jiang Changsheng gazed at the secret manual on the table, lost in thought

Chen Li glared at him and said: "That is only natural. Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress share such deep affection; Heaven has shown mercy. Now that Her Majesty the Empress has regained her health and her relationship with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has been restored, the nation is prosperous and the people are at peace, and this is partly due to the efforts of Her Majesty the Empress"

From the perspective of Xue Hai, it is also reasonable to understand that traitors are far more detestable than enemies

Jiang Changsheng remained expressionless, yet felt somewhat displeased internally

The divine monk subdued the demon and was injured, tragically falling victim to poisoning by the hacker's innkeeper.

Chen Li smiled and said: "Naturally, it is possible. Speaking of which, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has indeed had a tumultuous fate. Designated as the Crown Prince by His Majesty before his birth, he was a Crown Prince even before he came into the world. Looking through history, there is no other case quite like this. However, after the Crown Prince was born, the Empress fell gravely ill, remaining in a coma for several months before awakening. Upon waking, she lost her sanity, claiming that the Crown Prince was not her son. Without a mother's love and with other princes being born, the Crown Prince has truly experienced the vicissitudes of human emotions within the palace. Even His Majesty has once treated him coldly. Fortunately, he is exceptionally gifted, recognizing a thousand characters at the age of three and composing poetry at the age of five, which earned him the favor of His Majesty.

His enthusiasm is also influenced by his family, as the Chen family is in dire need of powerful warriors. They have courted many martial artists, but each has been swayed by their own interests. Jiang Changsheng is different; being still young, as long as he is provided with adequate resources, he will eventually lean towards the Chen family.

However, it can be assured that there is danger in descending the mountain, while within the temple, as long as Daoist Qingxu is present, no villain dares to act recklessly.

Jiang Changsheng was at a loss for words, yet felt a slight sense of relief in his heart

Chen Li has not come again since the murder case, and Master Qingxu has not met with Jiang Changsheng alone either

Chen Li did not elaborate on the disputes in the court, knowing that Jiang Changsheng had not yet descended the mountain, and he spoke of interesting events in the martial arts world

Chen Li revealed a smile, feeling no sense of mockery; as long as the other party accepted it, that would be a good beginning

He was the top scholar of last year, and due to his background, he has become a topic of public discussion. However, books are the foundation of knowledge, and most are held by the gentry. How can commoners compete with the gentry? This year, the emperor has specially implemented the dual top scholar system, with one for civil and one for military.

Unless one possesses unparalleled martial prowess, Jiang Changsheng would not descend the mountain. Longqi Temple is located within the capital, and those powerful nobles who are spying on him are undoubtedly still watching.