Chapter Nine, The Northern Beggar

Li Zhichang stated: "In such matters, the more sudden the event, the greater the chance of success. When Jin Emperor Wanyan Jing ascended the throne, he was 'diligent and focused on governance.' Although in recent years he has inevitably relied on powerful relatives and has become increasingly muddled, he still holds supreme prestige within the Jin state. If he were to suddenly die, there would be no one of sufficient prestige among the Jin royal family to manage the situation. At that time, the northern situation would surely deteriorate to an unmanageable state. The most likely scenario would be a repetition of the historical events of the Southern and Northern Dynasties and the Sixteen Kingdoms, which would allow our Han dynasty to endure for another hundred years or so, waiting for a hero to emerge, and perhaps we could restore our territories." The most likely scenario would be a repetition of the historical events of the Southern and Northern Dynasties and the Sixteen Kingdoms, which would allow our Han dynasty to endure for another hundred years or so, waiting for a hero to emerge, and perhaps we could restore our territories.

Before his words had faded, Li Zhichang seemed to vanish into thin air, followed by a sound of metal clashing that pierced the sky

"Killing the Golden Emperor, such a significant matter, why did you not plan ahead, Senior Brother?" Yin Zhiping said with some anger

At this moment, the area around "Yuhua Pond" was illuminated as brightly as day by lanterns and torches. The guards from other palaces received the news and hurried over. Although the two individuals moved swiftly, they could not escape the multitude of eyes; several people had already spotted them and shouted loudly, giving chase. Yin Zhiping inwardly cursed, "You bunch of fools, chasing good people instead of the real culprits."

For a time, Yin Zhiping harbored deep resentment towards Li Zhichang. Fortunately, after being teased by Li Zhichang for a long time, his lightness skill had improved remarkably. Gritting his teeth, he sprinted away, but several highly skilled guards were closing in on him. However, Yin Zhiping was not foolish; he still had a handful of fruit pits in his hand, which he had not discarded earlier, and they were now just what he needed. Suddenly, there were repeated cries of "Ouch" from behind as several people fell. The remaining guards dared not approach, watching helplessly as he leaped over the palace wall and disappeared from sight. After escaping the palace gates, it was pitch dark, and in his panic, he chose a direction to flee.

Li Zhichang could not say that Mongolia would rise and destroy Jin and swallow Song. The unification of the various Mongolian tribes is an inevitable trend, but if given the chance, Li Zhichang would also kill Genghis Khan, delaying the unification of the Mongolian tribes. To kill two emperors with one person, such a feat, if not without precedent, at least has no successors. Li Zhichang was well aware of the historical process, yet he could not bear to see the events of 'after Yashan' repeat, where there would be no more China. He was merely an ordinary man, lacking the ability of Zhu Yuanzhang to eliminate all rivals, and could only resort to the most primitive methods of violence. However, he himself did not know how effective this would be. In fact, even if Qiu Chuji did not send him out this time, he would still find an opportunity to descend the mountain and accomplish this task.

Li Zhi often adopts a posture of lamenting for the suffering of the people: "The prosperity of the people brings suffering, and the demise of the people also brings suffering. This is an unavoidable situation; after all, things cannot get any worse."

Yin Zhiping expressed disbelief: "It is also possible that the situation could worsen, and moreover, with the outbreak of war, it is the common people who will suffer."

Hong Qigong, however, said somewhat oddly: "That young man, his martial arts are indeed impressive, but your senior brother is being watched by the old monster from the palace, and I'm afraid he won't be able to escape for a while."

However, Li Zhichang's sword unexpectedly failed, being blocked by someone, albeit with their body. Yet it was still a block. Little did he know that Li Zhichang was even more astonished in his heart; this sword strike not only possessed incredible speed but also carried the supreme Taoist mystique that could captivate the soul, making it impossible for an ordinary person to react. Who would have thought that this young eunuch could remain unaffected and block it in the blink of an eye

Yin Zhiping saw a flash of white light, followed by the sound of a sword ringing, secretly praising Li Zhichang for this sword strike, which truly was unparalleled in the world. He thought to himself, "I usually haven't seen my senior brother practice swordsmanship much, how is his sword technique so excellent"

Li Zhichang said: "It is just waiting"

Yin Zhiping felt more assured in his heart and uncertainly asked, "Did the senior meet with the leader Hong in person?"

With the Impermanence Sword in hand, Li Zhichang entered a state of neither joy nor sorrow, like the moon reflected in a well, illuminating everything around him in his heart. His spiritual perception reached its peak; every blade of grass, every tree, and even the sound of fish bubbling in the pond could not escape his awareness. Suddenly, Li Zhichang and the sword became one, transforming into a beam of white light, as if thunder was rumbling in the heavens above. The guard in front shouted: "Protect the carriage"

Yin Zhiping said: "Well, then the question arises, we do not know where the Golden Emperor is"

Unfortunately, time does not wait for anyone. If we were to wait another three or four years, Li Zhichang would have mastered his skills, making this endeavor more assured. Moreover, once this matter is settled, Li Zhichang does not aspire to return to the Quanzhen Sect. It is important to understand that there are no secrets that are impenetrable in this world. If he were to succeed in the assassination and then swagger back to Chongyang Palace, it would be nothing short of provocation, and no ruler would tolerate such actions.

Li Zhichang remained unafraid in such perilous circumstances, retracting his sword and striking out again, even faster than before. The most terrifying aspect was that this strike seemed to instantaneously transform into three beams of sword light, each intercepting one of the three incoming sword shadows. This was the Daoist supreme sword technique, "One Qi Transforming into Three Purities." This move does not require high internal energy but places a tremendous burden on the body, making it quite strenuous for Li Zhichang to execute even now. After repelling the three opponents, Li Zhichang did not dare to linger in battle and shouted, "Separate and leave." This was the Daoist supreme sword technique, "One Qi Transforming into Three Purities." This move does not require high internal energy but places a tremendous burden on the body, making it quite strenuous for Li Zhichang to execute even now. After repelling the three opponents, Li Zhichang did not dare to linger in battle and shouted, "Separate and leave."

Yin Zhiping said anxiously: "There are still experts in the palace"

Yin Zhiping chuckled and said, "Not at all, my humble skills are hardly worthy of your esteemed attention, Master Hong. May I ask if you are aware of my senior brother's current whereabouts?"

The middle-aged beggar was none other than the Northern Beggar, Hong Qigong. Releasing his hand, he exclaimed in surprise, "I didn't expect you to have some insight, you little rascal"

The young eunuch was clad in inner armor; although the Unchanging Sword was indestructible, it was still momentarily hindered. Subsequently, three ghostly figures sprang forth, drawing their slender swords to stab at him, their speed and the ferocity of their angles of attack exceeding all imagination

At that moment, someone suddenly said from behind: "The kid in front, stop."

Li Zhichang said: "On this scorching summer day, we shall simply wait here."

Yin Zhiping said: "Wait?"

The two waited for almost an hour. At this moment, figures began to surge in the distance. Both individuals had already reached an advanced level in their qi training. While they could not see as clearly as in daylight, it was not far off. They could clearly see that one of the individuals was wearing a dragon robe, which indicated that he was the Emperor of the Jin Dynasty.

Hong Qigong waved his hand and said, "It's nothing. Although that old monster is formidable, he has been injured in his lung meridian by the old beggar and cannot engage in combat for long. It will be quite easy for your senior brother to escape."

It is indeed very respectful. The middle-aged beggar laughed and said: "You two young lads truly have courage, daring to run to the palace of the Jin Dynasty to assassinate the dog emperor."

Yin Zhiping was taken aback, wondering how someone had approached him from behind without his notice. He felt like a startled bird and hurriedly turned around, simultaneously executing a move called "Purple Lightning Piercing the Clouds." However, he found that the person speaking was a middle-aged beggar. Once he had unleashed his move, there was no way to retract it. Fortunately, the newcomer possessed exceptional martial arts skills and swiftly seized his wrist, rendering him unable to move. The man had a long rectangular face with a slight beard beneath his chin, large hands and feet, and his clothes were patched together in various places, yet they were impeccably clean. He held a green bamboo staff that shone like jade. Seeing the man's unusual movements, Yin Zhiping sensed something was amiss and did not dare to be negligent. He forced a smile and said, "I am unaware of what instructions you have for me, senior."

Yin Zhiping let out a sigh of relief in his heart, removed his mask, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and cautiously said: "My senior brother often mentions you to me. Ever since the Grandmaster Chongyang ascended, you have been the most powerful among us."

Hong Qigong laughed and said: "Don't flatter the old beggar too much. By this logic, you two little kids are from the Quanzhen Sect. I didn't expect that apart from the old naughty boy, the Quanzhen Sect has produced other talents. In comparison, the disciples and grandchildren of the old beggar are truly far behind."

Li Zhichang said: "Junior brother, bring the sword."