Peace Order

Chapter 1796 - 80: Legend!

The Fifth Divine General of the world, the Divine Might General Yuwen Lie personally escorts him.

The holder of the White Tiger Dharma Form of the Nine Heavens, a contemporary with no equal, a top figure, sweeping away all those who blocked the path at the forefront with a single White Tiger Heavy Spear, without wasting a word, slaughtering his way to a dignified Great Path.

Countless masters from the great family of the Central State died at the hands of Yuwen Lie.

And according to Yuwen Lie’s words, for these nameless people to die at his hands is something they can take pride in for a lifetime, they should die without regret.

Ji Yanzhong, knowing that Ji Ning’er is safe, finally feels much relieved, though his expression remains complex.

He remains silent for a long time, pondering unknown thoughts.

Meanwhile, before Yuwen Lie sets out.

He Ruoqinhu finally sighs lightly, this experienced, cunning, and ruthless Divine General remains silent, saying nothing more. Jiang Wanxiang dismisses everyone, releasing the commoners, the various noble families and officials each return to their own homes.

The raging flames are about to consume this Nine-story Pagoda.

As if about to tear open the vault of heaven, dyeing the vast sky of Wan Li in red.

Jiang Wanxiang, watching the raging flames on the Nine-story Pagoda, suddenly smiles lightly, burdened with fatigue, yet with a congratulatory tone, says: "Your Majesty, you can rest easy, take a slight respite, for the many matters hereafter will be handled by us."

"The myriad responsibilities, eight hundred years of burdens, you can lay them down now."

Jiang Wanxiang’s arm trembles, placing his right hand over the left, the dark blue Azure Dragon hidden patterns on his sleeve drooping, he performs a grand salute towards this blazing flame, the Chi Xiao Sword, only saying:

"Old minister Jiang Wanxiang."

"Bids farewell to, Your Majesty!"

The voice is aged, yet as firm as iron. Lifting his gaze, the hints of lament and distraction at the decision of the Red Emperor that appear in his eyes are ultimately dispelled by a greater resolve.

"Farewell!"

"Rest in peace, without dreams!"

Jiang Wanxiang bows deeply, slowly rising.

"Old minister, no..."

His voice pauses, then with a calmness of one who has seen the end and the path ahead, he laughs: "The lonely king will probably soon come to seek you, haha."

Jiang Wanxiang laughs to himself a few times, sensing within his body the stark sensation of strength and weakness, he walks away slowly, as Yuwen Lie goes to pursue and intercept Ji Yanzhong and Ji Ning’er, and He Ruoqinhu, crafty, takes charge of quelling the current situation.

Jiang Wanxiang then heads alone to the Academy.

Vast skies lofty, the bells under the eaves shaking, emitting a series of faint sounds.

The Academy of former days, bustling and lively, where the young discussed their aspirations and grand vows, and the elders smiled watching these new flames of youth. Now, however, it is desolate and quiet, with an emptiness and coldness as if people have left and the teapot is cold.

People leave, the tea turns cold.

Before the ancient path of Confucianism, Gongyang Suwang sits calmly and peacefully.

The Qilin crouches beside him.

Among the entire Academy, the once illustrious six Palace Masters of the Academy, all are above the Nine Heavens, having already taken their own exceptional paths, now only Suwang remains here.

Jiang Wanxiang approaches slowly, laughing heartily, "Suwang, what a leisurely air."

"Doing good deeds."

Gongyang Suwang says softly, "Just a scholar studying, doing things, drinking tea."

Jiang Wanxiang sweeps his sleeve, sitting down with ease, takes a seat opposite Gongyang Suwang, looking at the chessboard set on the table, picks up a chess piece, and places it casually. Suwang does not object, and also plays chess with Jiang Wanxiang.

The two initially do not speak, only quietly placing their pieces, with only the low whistling of the wind and the crisp clinking of the board heard, until after finishing a game of chess, Jiang Wanxiang finally speaks, with a touch of sigh, "The world’s grand affairs, chaotic and turbulent, it’s been a long time since I’ve had such leisure, to sit comfortably here, chat idly, drink tea, and play chess."

"In youth, there’s always a feeling of having countless things to do, back then thinking there would always be time afterwards, always more opportunities, no rush to play chess, thus delaying repeatedly, ultimately ending with nothing."

Gongyang Suwang responds blandly, "Emperor Ying’s pursuit of dominance, holding onto desires, cannot be idle."

Jiang Wanxiang laughs, "The heart’s desires, if without them, what’s the point of living?"

"Suwang, being from the Gongyang School, why do you begin echoing the words of the Buddhist Sect?"

Gongyang Suwang places a piece, saying:

"Among the six Palace Masters of the Academy, there are many consultations, the Great Path is singular, merely one’s [self], Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, ultimately have points of convergence. So-called cultivation of self is merely the selection of one’s own from the vast Great Path of heaven."

Jiang Wanxiang places another piece, smiling faintly, "Then dominance, how to cultivate?"

Gongyang Suwang says, "What path did Emperor Ying see in the Red Emperor?"

The two answer questions with more questions, engaging in reciprocal inquiry.

Jiang Wanxiang thinks for a long while, answering, "The Red Emperor, Ji Zichang, I once underestimated him, for truly he lacked the demeanor and means that would capture respect at first glance; but in the end, I admired him, and beyond admiration, I envied him."

Gongyang Suwang raises his eyebrows, "Envy him for being forced to death?"

Jiang Wanxiang says softly, "You know, master, I never intended to drive him to death."

"What the Red Emperor sought, was to find his own haven, a place of tranquility beneath peace, shedding the yoke of eight hundred years of Red Emperor lineage, casting off the expectations of his relatives, the officials, the commoners, the world upon him."

"I gave him that."

"Only in the end, he accomplished something that even I was astonished by."

"If Ji Zichang were merely a mediocre person, he could have had a period of wealth and peace, with leisure and peaceful days after bearing the weight for decades, but unfortunately, Ji Zichang was not a mediocre person."