Chapter Nine: The Struggle for Merit in Fufeng Destroys Schemes, Jiang Heng Upholds Trust and Releases Yuan Zhen

"I won't go out. Am I supposed to hide here for a lifetime?" Jiang Heng said: "If I am this cowardly, what significance is there in your oath to assist me and your loyalty to me?" Mu Tuo had nothing to say.

Chilie and Fumu were greatly astonished, exclaiming that it was unacceptable. Jiang Heng said, "I have already promised him just now, and besides, if it weren't for their mutual assistance earlier, we wouldn't have been able to escape so easily."

The official decree has also forged a new spell, and Mu Tuo cannot seal him for long. While he is still trapped underground, it is best to leave quickly... Yuan Zhen continued to speak with Jiang Heng: "Although the Wind Demon Spell of Fufeng is powerful, it is primarily for defense. If you follow the direction of the wind, you will actually move faster."

Are you threatening me

No problem! It turns out that Mu Tuo has the ability to control trees, so naturally, he can also make the trees absorb moisture from the ground

"Mu Tuo! Stop!" The sound of the wind was too loud, and Jiang Heng raised his voice, shouting: "I do not permit you to wrap me up, do you hear me!"

Jiang Heng concluded that the mist was clearly a kind of illusion conjured by some incantation from the official regulations, intended to conceal Fu Feng. However, as soon as he stepped inside, he couldn't help but shiver. It turned out to be extremely cold inside, with heavy humidity; before long, his clothes were completely soaked and soon began to frost over. He opened his eyes wide and looked around, but the fog was thick and the dew was heavy, leaving him uncertain of his whereabouts.

The first to bear the brunt, Chi Lie and Fu Xi swiftly dodged, while the water column struck directly onto Mu Tuo.

Is it you? Jiang Heng pointed his sword straight at him: "Very well, let us take this opportunity to clarify everything at once"

Jiang Hengxi said: "Excellent! As long as one can maneuver to his back, the wind direction becomes his fatal weakness. Even if he can say to change direction, you are already behind him."

Before he had the chance to be surprised, there was a sudden sound of "splash" as the body of the official suddenly transformed into water, scattering and falling to the ground, forming a puddle of water

"This is not a threat..." Jiang Heng said seriously: "I have stated that this time I owe you one. As long as you help me bring those two out, I will find a way to repay this favor to you."

Before a word could be finished, a loud bang erupted, and a column of fire shot towards the long-haired man in mid-air. Startled, the long-haired man quickly wrapped his cloak around himself. In an instant, the flames danced and splattered, and the fire column was halted just three feet in front of the long-haired man.

"Hey, wait! There are still the two of us!" Fu Feng seemed to be riding the wind, with the ever-rising currents around him securely lifting his body into the air, allowing him to speak leisurely: "Yuan Zhen, aren't you going to make a move?"

I see that Fourth Master seems to be in a bad mood

With the fall of Fufeng, all the winds at the scene suddenly ceased. Everyone was quite astonished to see Jiang Heng knock down Fufeng with a single sword strike, yet only Jiang Heng himself was overjoyed, raising his sword again and shouting, "Pursue the victory!" He swung his sword once more. The crowd initially thought Jiang Heng was finally going to show his might, but although the second sword was indeed swung, it made not the slightest sound.

Fourth Master, are you feeling unwell

Yuan Zhen's words amounted to an admission to Jiang Heng that he was affiliated with the side of the Annihilation Master. Although Jiang Heng had already known this, hearing it directly from Yuan Zhen's own mouth felt distinctly different.

You just need to admit it. Mu Tuo said: "Fourth Emperor, we will take him back to see the Daoist Master."

"Let's get to work. If we keep procrastinating, we might both end up in trouble," said the long-haired man. As he finished speaking, his cloak suddenly fluttered along with the books, and with a loud "bang," he shot up into the air. A fierce wind whipped up around them, raising a cloud of dust.

Then hurry up!" Jiang Heng sighed deeply and said, "I really need a prophet to enlighten me, otherwise I am truly going to go mad!"

It is merely the wind that is strong; I, Jiang Heng, do not believe in such superstition

"Enough with the nonsense, the master hasn't denied you time. The longer this drags on, the more displeased he becomes," the young man with short hair suddenly said.

Jiang Heng, skeptical of the supernatural, continued to wield his third and fourth swords. However, the swords were quite obstinate; when they refused to work, they did so without yielding an inch. Upon witnessing this, Chi Lie and Fu Xi felt no need for further explanation and prepared to rush forward. Suddenly, with a loud splash, a column of water erupted from the ground in front of them, transforming into a cloud of vapor

Ah... Jiang Heng did not know what was peculiar about this water and exclaimed. Mu Tuo said, "It doesn't matter, my whole body has turned into wood now, so it poses no hindrance."

"It is not weakness, but nobility..." Chilian Fuxi said with a serious expression, "In case anything happens to the Fourth Prince, I cannot bear the responsibility."

It seems that the one who spoke up is this short-haired gentleman, Jiang Heng thought

Don't run!" shouted Chi Lie Fu Xi.

What a turncoat. Yuan Zhen let out a bitter laugh and turned around. Jiang Heng followed, circling halfway, with the tip of his sword pressed against Yuan Zhen's back. He slowly raised his right hand, holding the Fire Feather Phoenix Pearl high, and declared: "Wildfire spreads across the plains!"

"How great is the reputation of Chilian Fuxi? It seems nothing special to me!" Fufeng sarcastically mocked, while his subordinates did not relent, increasing their wind force and continuously attacking the three. Among the three, only Mutuo was less affected; however, at this moment, he was preoccupied with making the ground sprout flowers, grass, and trees to absorb moisture, leaving him no time to spare.

Hmm ... ... that's right ... ...

But that long-haired man, his interest undiminished, continued: "Oh dear, I forgot, he was originally half a ... ... "

If he were to use this move against ordinary martial artists, it would be akin to a sneak attack. However, none of the events here can be judged by his usual reasoning, so for the moment, he cannot ascertain what actions should be taken and which should not. Especially given the current situation, it resembles a collaboration between Fufeng and the local magistrate to confront Chilian Fuxi alone. Therefore, he decided to act immediately, aiming to catch the opponent off guard.

Protect the Emperor! Chilian Fuxi rushed in front of Jiang Heng, seizing the opportunity to grasp the short dagger firmly in both hands. Jiang Heng stepped back a few paces and said, "Yuan Zhen, I never expected it would be you!"

Yuan Zhen missed the strike, withdrew the firepower, and said resentfully

Do not argue any longer, you two! The official directive states: "Take advantage of the fact that Chilian Fuxi is injured and quickly complete the task!"

I am worried about my lack of understanding of this place, feeling somewhat powerless, especially since my strength is completely beyond my control" Jiang Heng said, glancing at his sword.

With a loud "bang," a beam of blue light struck him squarely, causing him to fall from mid-air.

Someone suddenly said this in Jiang Heng's ear

This is actually the meaning of the Daoist Master. He once instructed that if time permits, I should first take the Fourth Master to meet this senior. Having him say a word to the Fourth Master is more effective than my saying a thousand words. When the Daoist Master encounters matters he does not understand, he also seeks guidance from him

What are you saying? There is no time left, I will take you out, this way please!

At that moment, a gust of sandstorm swept in from https://m.hetushu.com, with fine grains of sand striking against exposed skin, akin to the sharp sting of needles. Before long, the grains grew larger, and stones the size of eggs began to fly in as well. Chilian Fuxi hurriedly positioned himself in front of Jiang Heng, wielding his dual halberds in a rapid and impenetrable dance. In an instant, a cacophony of clanging sounds erupted as the sand and gravel struck against the dual halberds. Chilian Fuxi quickly shielded Jiang Heng, his dual halberds swirling in a dense and impenetrable manner. In a moment, the clattering sounds rang out as the sand and gravel pelted against the dual halberds.

Jiang Heng shook his head and withdrew his sword, saying: "I will let him go. Yuan Zhen, you may leave now"

He was moving swiftly with lightness of foot, his feet barely touching the ground. Carried by the air current, he unexpectedly soared into the air, and instead of moving forward, his body actually retreated backward. Jiang Heng thought to himself, "This is bad!" He hurriedly employed the technique of the thousand-pound drop, but being in mid-air, there was no place to exert force, making it impossible to descend. After struggling a few times, he found himself back beside Chi Lie Fu Xi.

Fufeng's expression changed, and he said, "I will definitely report this matter to the master! Just wait and see!" With both hands forming seals, he extended his arms, and the wind, which had already eased somewhat, intensified once again, nearly blowing everyone’s eyes shut. On the other side, Yuan Zhen remained unfazed and stepped aside.

That person was Yuan Zhen. The heat emitted by the Fire Feather Phoenix Pearl in his hand was just enough to dissipate the icy mist. As soon as he finished speaking, without waiting for Jiang Heng to respond, he immediately turned and left. Jiang Heng hesitated for a moment, then quickly followed.

Yes. He is a recluse, a so-called wise sage. If there is anything that Fourth Master does not understand, feel free to ask him, and I believe he will provide Fourth Master with a satisfactory answer

Chiliev Fuxi nodded and said, "Alright, I will cover you while you attack from behind."

Chilie Fuxi hurriedly said: "No, Fourth Master has misunderstood. The reason Chilie Fuxi respects Dao Zun is not due to blind worship, but rather other factors."

Yuan Zhen took a few steps, turned back to glance at Jiang Heng. Jiang Heng guessed what he wanted to say and was about to listen attentively, but he saw Yuan Zhen stand silently for a moment, then turn around and walk away, ultimately disappearing from the sight of the three.

Jiang Heng was truly tired of their incessant chatter about "this Daoist Master" and "that Daoist Master." He waved his hand and said, "Enough, enough, no more talk about Daoist Masters. Even if he were to pass gas, you would still think it fragrant."

Yuan Zhen stood with his back to Jiang Heng, remaining completely still

Jiang Heng was clearly unwilling to accept Yuan Zhen's sentiment, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly, and silently reciting: "Sword, oh sword, you have been consecrated with the blood of the Fourth Prince, why do you not reveal your power? Either awaken early, or remain forever dormant; let us perish together!"

The two were taken aback, clearly unaware that the mist would suddenly dissipate. Jiang Heng was about to call out to them when he heard a voice from mid-air, that of the Bureau's official, saying: "Yuan Zhen, you had better have a foolproof explanation for today’s events. Otherwise, in front of the master, we will have to report you... hm..." The voice grew fainter, indicating that the Bureau's official had already taken Fufeng away.

Jiang Heng possessed profound internal strength and was inherently fearless. However, after a short while, the fog thickened to the point where one could not see their own hand. The temperature continued to drop, and the frost on his body gradually turned to ice, eventually making even breathing difficult.

In the midst of the ongoing work, a sudden flash of red light appeared before my eyes, dispersing the mist.

Although it was not apparent whom he was speaking to, Jiang Heng's thoughts shifted, and he already knew the answer. Amidst the shock, a wave of heartache and sadness took its place.

"Pah! What are you running away for?" Jiang Heng said angrily, "Let me tell you, ever since I completed my training and came down the mountain, in all my matches and fights, the opponent has always been the one to flee in defeat before a winner could be determined. I am not as fragile as you imagine."

In the midst of the conversation, that Chilian Fuxi had already rushed to the side of Ju Ling Dianzhang, swinging his spear in a flurry of strikes. Ju Ling Dianzhang fought while retreating, the water column ebbing and flowing, creating a chaotic scene. Jiang Heng did not understand the power of the water column, tightly gripping the hilt of his sword, and whispered: "Wait for me to charge out, and you immediately revert to your original form, so that if the situation goes awry, I won't have to come back to get you."

Hahaha ... ... The regulations of the bureau, look, our Yuan Zhen has changed, unexpectedly becoming soft-hearted ... ... Hahaha ... ... Truly amusing ... ... "The long-haired man lifted his feet off the ground, his hair flowing like a cape in the wind, laughing in a strange voice.

Throughout the journey, the two of them occasionally and inadvertently discussed the true purpose behind Yuan Zhen's disguise as Dao Zun, aiming to gain Jiang Heng's trust. However, each time they were met with Jiang Heng's indifference, leading to an unresolved conclusion. It was clear to any observant person that Jiang Heng did not wish to bring up that past, so after several attempts, both of them tactfully chose not to mention it again.

Jiang Heng was completely at a loss as to what had happened

Fufeng did not dare to be negligent; his originally outstretched arms drew together, with his palms facing each other, fingers slightly bent, as if embracing Tai Chi, instantly enveloping the ball of white light within his palms. Taking advantage of this moment of distraction, Jiang Heng hurriedly darted forward. However, just as he was about to pass by Fufeng, a strong gust of air surged towards him.

Fufeng has mastered the Wind Demon Spell, which even Chilian Fuxi cannot break. You should still look for an opportunity to escape

Is this how you repay the one who saved you?" Yuan Zhen said lightly, without turning back.

Chilie Fuxi nodded and shouted, "Go!" He crossed the dual halberds in his hands, and with a loud "bang," a burst of white light shot out from the crossed halberds, resembling a meteor with a tail, heading straight towards Fufeng.

Fufeng, if you do not speak, no one will consider you a mute

What if I do not agree

Your Majesty, while it is commendable to keep one's promises, I fear that he may be retreating to advance, harboring ulterior motives. This cannot be overlooked.

"Then do not blame me for turning against you," Jiang Heng said, as he gently thrust his long sword forward, piercing through his clothing

You ... ...

With a thunderous sound, flashes of red light appeared before my eyes. After a while, the mist gradually dissipated, and indeed, Chilian Fuxi and Mu Tuo were still trapped within it.

Chilie Fuxi knew that this was a scheme devised by the official regulations. Without a second thought, he brandished his dual halberds and charged in. Jiang Heng, whose divine sword had malfunctioned, was filled with shame and anger. Seeing Chilie Fuxi step into the mist, he followed suit, drawing his sword and rushing forward.

"No..." Jiang Heng was taken aback and asked, "Why do you ask that?"

He could no longer run. At that moment, Jiang Heng stood there with his sword drawn, observing as the man turned chaotically. With a swift motion, he slashed the sword across the man's waist.

I have heard the Daoist Master say that the Fourth Master has been blessed with celestial fate since childhood, wandering the world. This time, he has just returned from his celestial journey, so it is natural that he is not familiar with worldly matters. Chilian Fuxi said, "I do not understand these matters, but since the Daoist Master holds the Fourth Master in such high regard, there must be a reason for it"

Jiang Heng found the term "Fourth Prince" too harsh, so he asked the two of them to refer to him as "Fourth Master" instead

The officials were indeed taken aback, seemingly completely unaware that Jiang Heng was capable of martial arts. In this moment, they found themselves besieged from all sides, their formation thrown into chaos, and immediately numerous flaws emerged, with the left and right flanks becoming disordered. Suddenly, one of them shouted: "Feng... transform!"

The two individuals appear to be young, yet it is quite difficult to ascertain their age. Perhaps they are between twenty-seven or twenty-eight and forty-five or forty-six

The person on the right is a young man with fair skin and a slender build, his short hair disheveled as if he has just been caught in the rain. He is of average height, neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin. He wears a long white silk robe, covered by a blue cloth overcoat. With his arms crossed in front of his chest, his gaze is as cold as ice

Fufeng did not sense that he had used magic, nor did he expect that his jump could be so high. In surprise, he quickly performed a backflip, landing over ten feet away. However, Jiang Heng could not remain suspended in mid-air like him; after missing his strike, he could only fall back to the ground

In his subconscious, Jiang Heng was inherently reluctant to take action against Yuan Zhen. Seeing him retreat, he felt somewhat relieved. Gathering his internal strength, he said: "Mu Tuo, you continue to keep an eye on the regulations and orders; I will handle the situation!" Without waiting for Mu Tuo's response, he pressed forward against the strong wind.

He had also threatened in this manner last time, but it was not effective then. To be on the safe side, he continued to silently recite: "Fourth Prince, since you have chosen me as your substitute, you must bless me from the heavens, so that I can control this sword soon and fulfill your wishes." After finishing his silent prayer, regardless of the consequences, he raised the sword over his shoulder and shouted: "Part the winds!" With that, he struck down with the sword.

Chilie Fuxi knew he did not believe him, and said: "Let us first meet someone, and then the Fourth Master will naturally understand my meaning and everything will become clear."

Jiang Hengdao: "In summary, you must listen to me." Xindao: "Go ahead, Jiang Heng! It's just a bit of wind and rain, no big deal!" With a clear target in sight, he moved his body and thrust his sword towards the official's regulations.

A strange event occurred. Although Jiang Heng's sword was sharp, it was not intended to take the life of Ju Ling Dian Zhang, so he had already calibrated the force of his strike. ... However, he did not expect that what he thought was merely a light graze would actually pierce through his body, and even more surprisingly, the entire sword continued to plunge into the hilt ... . ... No, even the hilt had passed through his body.

Upon seeing this, Fu Feng coldly laughed and said, "Do you think it is only the wind?" His expression changed, and he shouted in a low voice, "Flying sand and moving stones!" As soon as the words fell, a faint rumbling sound echoed around, as if thousands of troops and horses were charging towards this direction. Jiang Heng angrily shouted, "Come down!" Regardless of what was approaching, he took two steps forward, gathered his energy, leaped up two zhang high, and pointed his long sword, which was perfectly positioned to stab at the opponent's lower abdomen.

Under the leadership of Yuan Zhen, Jiang Heng soon emerged from the mist, but he could not see Mu Tuo and Chi Lie Fu Xi on either side. A thought crossed his mind, and taking advantage of Yuan Zhen not having turned around yet, he swiftly drew his sword and pressed it against his back.

Jiang Hengdao: "Oh?"

Although they could not capture Yuan Zhen, it was still a considerable achievement to have eliminated the danger lurking beside Jiang Heng. Chi Lie, Fu Xi, and Mu Tuo naturally breathed a sigh of relief, and the two of them then protected Jiang Heng as they turned back north

Seeing this, Mu Tuo blocked Jiang Heng's path, crossing his arms and shouting: "Root yourself in place!" It turned out that Mu Tuo was afraid that Jiang Heng would not be able to withstand it, transforming into a tree and standing in front, while simultaneously sprouting seedlings all around.

Jiang Hengyi, upon recognizing that it was Yuan Zhen's voice, turned to look in Yuan Zhen's direction, only to see him with his back turned, making it impossible to discern the expression on his face

Nashir and Mu Tuo were already prepared, standing firm and unmoving. Only Jiang Heng was unaware that there was a wind capable of picking people up, and for a moment, he found it difficult to maintain his balance.

Then we just need to be cautious. Jiang Heng insisted on letting Yuan Zhen go, and neither Chi Lie nor Mu Tuo could do anything about it

Suddenly, a beam of blue light shot forth along the trajectory of the sword, striking towards Fufeng like a flash of lightning. Fufeng was greatly alarmed and had no time to consider anything else, so he instinctively raised both hands to block it

Like Chilian Fuxi, a short-haired young man with a peculiar four-character name said: "What does it matter? Taking care of business is what’s important"

That is the will of heaven! Jiang Heng said with a serious expression: "If I am so easily defeated, then how could I be worthy of your loyalty and service?"

Is this true

Several pairs of eyes exchanged glances on the field, and suddenly there was a moment of silence

Jiang Heng took a closer look at the appearances of the two individuals, and his heart involuntarily skipped a beat. It turned out that the man on the left was a robust and sturdy figure, dressed in a black tight-fitting outfit, with a white silk shoulder wrap and a green cloak. His long hair was unbound and flowed freely in the wind, with strands of a bluish-green hue. Beneath his hair was a rugged and bold facial structure, though his complexion was somewhat incongruously pale.

He was now aware of his panic, but unable to discern the direction, could only widen his eyes and perk up his ears, waiting for the enemy to launch an attack

He turned into a puddle and escaped! Chilian Fuxi observed the direction of the water flow on the ground while explaining it to Jiang Heng. Turning his head, he shouted to Mu Tuo: "Come here and suck up the water from the ground!"

Alright, I will consider this as a favor owed to you this time. I want to rescue Chilian Fuxi and Mu Tuo from their perilous situation

Jiang Hengdao: "Who is so formidable? If I cannot comprehend by directly meeting the Daoist Master, how can meeting him clarify things for me?"

Damn it! This is it! The gap that Chi Lie Fu Xi can create is only this moment. As soon as he finished speaking, with a "bang," the white light he emitted vanished under the palm of Fu Feng.

Appearing quite young, yet exhibiting a demeanor that is rather mature.

Mu Tuo was taken aback and said, "Is the Fourth Prince going to rush out? No, that is too dangerous!"

Jiang Heng leaned over from beside Mu Tuo and heard the official laugh heartily twice. He took out a porcelain bottle from beneath his robe, and with his left hand's index and ring fingers poised at the mouth of the bottle, he suddenly revealed a stream of water that sprayed out from the opening.

Yuan Zhen let out two cold laughs and said, "The two of them are afraid that I will achieve merit, come out to steal my credit, and ruin my grand plans. What good can be said?"

Jiang Heng knew that Chi Lie and Fu Xi were exhausting their strength with such a display of force, and he said softly: "This cannot go on like this. If we do not stop him, he might be able to continue until tomorrow morning"

Upon seeing this, Fufeng spread his arms and shouted, "The wind rises and the clouds surge!" As the last word fell, a loud roar erupted, and a gust of wind suddenly blew from behind Fufeng, heading straight towards Chilian Fuxi, Mutuo, and Jiang Heng, with an exceptionally strong force.

However, you cannot move either, can you

Chilie Fuxi let out a cold laugh and said, "What a dream!" The two halberds suddenly extended, attacking the Bureau Order's regulations. The Bureau Order, seeing the fierce momentum of the two halberds, quickly crouched down to evade, laughing heartily, "Ah ha, so it was just a feigned illness!" Chilie Fuxi did not respond and continued to launch attacks.

Hmph! Aren't you two quite capable? Why do you need me? Yuan Zhen was still fuming about their sudden appearance.

After the official decree and the two individuals from Fufeng left, Chi Lie and Fu Xi returned to Jiang Heng's side. He had not forgotten the matter of the proper name and pointed at Yuan Zhen, saying: "Now, I wonder what you have to say for yourself"

Chilie Fuxi said: "I will first have Mu Tuo come to help hold the fort, and then I will protect His Majesty and leave first"

Mu Tuo was taken aback and said, "Yes."