The memories of all humanity are awakening, except for mine.

"A person who cultivates the Tao may have the intention to kill, but must not harbor the thought of killing."

Sword Spirit Yao's voice was as cold as ice.

"The desire to kill is the blade that protects the path, but the thought of killing is the root of self-destruction. You already had the thought of killing when you reached the third realm; if you let it grow..."

She looked directly into Jiang Chuan's eyes.

"In the future, you may become the greatest terror in Kyushu."

Suddenly, the cave became completely silent; even the sound of spiritual energy flowing seemed to have disappeared.

Jiang Chuan felt a chill run through his body, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

He never imagined that he was already on such a dangerous edge.

"I understand."

Jiang Chuan loosened his grip on the sword.

"Thank you for the reminder, senior. I will pay attention."

Jian Lingyao stared at him for a moment, as if confirming the truth of his words, and finally nodded gently.

Remember, the stronger a swordsman's killing intent, the stronger their sword, but the stronger their inner demons will also be. Only by severing these inner demons can one attain enlightenment.

Before she finished speaking, her figure vanished like smoke, leaving only a wisp of sword energy lingering around the stone pillar.

Jiang Chuan stared blankly in the direction she disappeared, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

After a long while, he turned his attention back to the nine-syllable mantra on the stone pillar.

He sat cross-legged, formed hand seals, and began to comprehend the secret incantation containing the ultimate principles of heaven and earth.

As he focused his mind, the golden light from the stone pillar gradually enveloped him, forming a cocoon of light.

Meanwhile, the situation in the North is constantly changing.

Seven days after the meeting at Mianchi, the Yan delegation amassed a large force on the border, with the sound of war drums shaking the heavens and the earth.

The Emperor of Yan personally issued an edict declaring that Prince Zhao Weiyuan had been designated as the Crown Prince, but had died tragically in the Liang Prince's mansion in Longhai County of the Great Zhou Dynasty. This was a deliberate act by the Great Zhou Dynasty to provoke war.

"absurd!"

In the Great Zhou court, the Prime Minister slammed his fist on the table in anger.

"It was clearly Zhao Weiyuan who assassinated my uncle first, leading to the death of His Highness Prince Liang! The Yan Kingdom is turning black into white!"

The emperor on the dragon throne had a somber expression, his fingers lightly tapping the armrests.

Has the Cloud Sea Immortal Sect responded?

His Highness remained silent. As the leader of the cultivation world, the Cloud Sea Immortal Sect had always been aloof and detached from worldly affairs, but Zhao Weiyuan was, after all, one of their disciples, and they could not escape blame for this matter.

However, at this moment, the Cloud Sea Immortal Sect was in complete chaos.

"Hall Master Lu and Hall Master Lin still haven't been found?"

Zhuang Yan rubbed her temples, the mountain of files in front of her almost overwhelming her.

As the only person in charge at present, she has not closed her eyes for three days and three nights.

The disciple kneeling below shook his head tremblingly.

The entire Enforcement Hall, including the Hall Master of the Manor, has searched everywhere, but Hall Master Lu and Hall Master Lin seem to have vanished into thin air.

Master Dong remains unconscious, and Master Xue is still at the Cliff of Repentance.

"enough!"

Zhuang Yan suddenly stood up, her sleeves creating a gust of wind.

"Keep searching! Also, send people to investigate who Zhao Weiyuan contacted before his death! The Immortal Sect cannot take the blame for this!"

The disciple hurriedly withdrew, and Zhuang Yan slumped back into her chair, gazing at the darkening sky outside the window.

She always felt that there was an invisible hand controlling everything, and that the storm had only just begun.

Below the Cliff of Contemplation, clouds and mist swirl.

Xue Xing sat cross-legged on the blue stone, his plain white robes fluttering in the mountain wind.

He closed his eyes and concentrated, and the ever-present fierceness between his brows seemed to have faded a bit.

His slender figure was reflected in the cold pool at the bottom of the cliff, like a sharp sword sheathed.

"Wake up."

An old but deep voice came from behind.

Xue Xing opened his eyes, his gaze filled with surprise, then stood up and bowed respectfully.

"Master."

Mingyangzi stood with his hands behind his back, his long gray hair casually tied up with a wooden hairpin.

He looked at the disciple he had raised with a complex expression.

"During your time at the Cliff of Contemplation, have you harbored any resentment towards your master?"

Xue Xing shook his head.

“This disciple has never held a grudge against Master. The solitary cultivation at the Cliff of Repentance has actually helped this disciple understand many things.”

Mingyangzi sighed, and with a flick of his sleeve, the snow on a blue stone at the edge of the cliff instantly melted.

You and Chen'er are both people I've watched grow up. The Sword-Holding Hall and the Law Enforcement Hall are like the two sides of Judgment Peak, neither can be missing.

Xue Xing lowered his eyes, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the hilt of the sword at his waist.

That "Crow" sword has not been drawn for a long time.

"This setback may not be a bad thing."

Mingyangzi gazed at the distant sea of ​​clouds.

"The world is a dangerous place. You are still young and need to experience more trials and tribulations. One day, you will be able to stand on your own."

"Master, you didn't come here today just to enlighten your disciple, did you?"

Xue Xing asked directly.

Mingyangzi's eyes were filled with admiration.

“Smart. The Immortal Sect appears calm on the surface, but undercurrents are surging. After several battles, we have been severely weakened. Our Sect Leader is about to go into seclusion, and the Grandmasters' cultivation is not what it used to be. Among the younger generation, only a handful of people, such as Yun Wanggui and Chen Yang, are capable of shouldering great responsibilities.”

Xue Xing frowned slightly.

"Has the situation become that serious?"

“Worse still.”

Mingyangzi lowered his voice.

"Two months ago, Chen'er and Lin Xiao went to the Qingming Sword Sect to find a way to restore Dong Xiaowan's three corpses to their original positions, but they have not been heard from since."

Xue Xing's pupils contracted.

"Senior Brother Lu, he..."

"I need you to infiltrate the Azure Sword Sect and find out their whereabouts."

Mingyangzi looked directly into Xue Xing's eyes.

"If there is any danger, retreat immediately. The immortal sect cannot afford to lose another true disciple."

A sudden mountain wind arose, scattering the snow accumulated on the cliff top.

Xue Xing remained silent for a moment, then clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"Disciple accepts the order."

Mingyangzi took out a jade slip from his sleeve.

"This is a map of the Azure Sword Sect and recent intelligence. Remember, this journey is dangerous, so be careful in everything you do."

"Master, don't worry."

Xue Xing took the jade slip, feeling a slightly cool touch on his fingertips.

"This disciple will certainly bring back Senior Brother Lu and Junior Sister Lin."

Mingyangzi patted his shoulder, his eyes filled with barely perceptible worry.

"If anything goes wrong, I will take responsibility for you. Go now."

Xue Xing bowed again, then turned and walked towards the edge of the cliff.

He leaped into the sea of ​​clouds.

The pure white figure was quickly swallowed up by the thick fog, like a drop of ink falling into water, disappearing in an instant.

Mingyangzi stood there for a long time, until the sun set, before letting out a sigh.

"What a troubled time"

Meanwhile, in the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty, thousands of miles away.

In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the officials stood solemnly.

The emperor's face was hidden behind the beaded curtain on the dragon throne, but his voice was authoritative without being angry.

"The meeting at Mianchi was crucial to the safety of the border."

"Minister Tang, General of the Lone City, you must be extremely cautious on this journey."

A middle-aged man dressed in a purple and gold official robe stepped forward; he was none other than Tang Shiqi, the current prime minister.

He had a refined appearance, but his eyes held a sharp edge.

"I will live up to your Majesty's trust."

A tall general in black armor clasped his hands in greeting.

"This humble general swears to protect the Prime Minister with his life."

This man was none other than General Gu Cheng, the General Who Guards the West. The scar on his face, which stretched from his brow bone to his chin, looked particularly ferocious in the candlelight.

The emperor nodded slightly.

"The Qi delegation has already departed. Remember, although Mianchi City is small, it is at the junction of three countries. This meeting concerns the border situation for the next ten years."

"I understand."

Tang Shiqi bowed.

"The war between Zheng and Song is at a stalemate, and the situation has become even more complicated after Qi intervened. We need to take this opportunity to find out the details of all parties involved." The emperor waved his hand.

"Go ahead.

We will depart in three days.

As the two high-ranking officials left the main hall, the setting sun dyed the palace walls blood red.

"I am alone," Gu Cheng said in a low voice.

"Prime Minister, our scouts have reported that the Azure Sword Sect has been making frequent moves recently, which may be related to unusual activity on the border."

Tang Shiqi narrowed his eyes.

"The martial world and the imperial court have always been inextricably intertwined. Tell the secret guards to keep a close eye on the movements of all the major sects, especially the Cloud Sea Immortal Sect."

The northern border, Sishui Pass.

The cold wind howled, whipping up the banners atop the city walls. Beneath the walls lay countless corpses, including blue-armored soldiers from Zheng and black-armored cavalry from Song.

A fierce battle has just ended.

On the city gate tower, a middle-aged man dressed in a Confucian robe stood with his hands behind his back.

His face was lean and his eyes were like lightning; he was none other than Chen Shouren, a great Confucian scholar from the Jixia Academy. His adjutant behind him clasped his hands in greeting.

"My lord, the Song army has retreated again."

This is the seventh attack.

Chen Shouren gazed at the Song army camp in the distance, his brows furrowed.

"Song Zhiwen is a brilliant strategist and will not give up easily. Pass down the order to strengthen night patrols and guard against surprise attacks."

"Yes!"

The lieutenant was about to leave when he suddenly turned back.

"My lord, the Crown Prince's faction has sent a secret letter."

Chen Shouren took the letter, glanced at it, and sneered.

"The civil war is not over, and there are external enemies at hand. They are still fighting for power and profit. Tell the messenger that Qi will only help Zheng in defense and will not interfere in its internal affairs."

The lieutenant hesitated.

"But the princelings control most of the food supply."

"That's why I brought 30,000 elite troops with me."

Chen Shouren said calmly.

"Order the cooks to reduce their rations by 30% starting today. If the soldiers ask, tell them that winter is coming and we need to prepare for the worst."

In the distance, in the Song army camp, a silver-armored general was gazing in the direction of Sishui Pass.

His face was stern, and an ancient longsword hung at his waist. His advisor whispered beside him.

"General, the Qi army's defenses are strong; a direct attack would likely result in heavy losses."

Song Zhiwen sneered.

"Does Chen Shouren think he can stop my 100,000 iron cavalry with only 30,000 troops? Send the order to halt the attack and wait until the first snow falls."

He drew his sword, its blade gleaming coldly.

"I want to turn Sishui Pass into an ice sculpture."

On an autumn evening, the setting sun, like blood, bathed the Zheng Kingdom's palace in a poignant golden-red hue.

Inside the palace walls, the Crown Prince stood with his hands behind his back in front of the hall, gazing at the gradually dying flames in the distance, his solemn expression undiminished.

"Your Highness, the rebels have all surrendered. Lady Yi and the young prince are awaiting their fate in the side hall."

A general in armor knelt on one knee, his voice booming.

The crown prince nodded slightly, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

"Bring them to me."

Before long, a beautiful woman dressed in plain clothes led a child of about ten years old slowly into the main hall.

The woman had a beautiful face but looked haggard; she was Lady Yi, the birth mother of the young prince.

Her hand holding the child trembled slightly, but she straightened her back the moment she saw the crown prince.

"This sinful woman pays her respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Lady Yi bowed gracefully, her voice soft yet firm.

“My son is ignorant and was dragged into this conflict entirely because of the instigation of this sinful woman. Please, Your Highness, have mercy and spare my son’s life.”

The prince's gaze fell on the timid child hiding behind his mother, and a soft spot in his heart was touched.

He stepped forward slowly and reached out to help Madam Yi up.

"As I have already said, I will not hold past grievances against you. From now on, you and your son can live peacefully in the palace."

Just as the Crown Prince's fingers were about to touch Lady Yi's sleeve, a faint, putrid odor entered his nostrils.

The crown prince's pupils contracted sharply, and he instinctively wanted to back away, but he saw Lady Yi suddenly raise her head, her eyes filled with madness.

"go to hell!"

Lady Yi screamed and pulled a dagger with a ghostly blue light from her sleeve, stabbing it straight at the prince's abdomen.

"Be careful, Your Highness!"

The general beside her reacted swiftly, drawing his longsword with a flash of cold light, and Lady Yi's arm was severed in response.

However, the dagger had already pierced the prince's abdomen. Although it was blocked by the soft inner armor, the blade still cut through his flesh.

The crown prince staggered backward, clutching his wound, staring at Lady Yi in disbelief.

"Why do you"

Lady Yi fell to the ground, blood gushing from her severed arm, yet she let out a chilling laugh.

"You think I'll believe your promises? Zheng is doomed! The Song army's iron cavalry will trample your corpses!"

Before she could finish speaking, the general's sword had already pierced her chest.

"Quickly summon the imperial physician! The dagger is poisoned!"

The crown prince's face quickly turned pale, and he was helped to sit down by the guards.

Inside the side hall, the young prince witnessed all of this, standing there dumbfounded, his eyes filled with fear and confusion.

The crown prince, enduring the pain, spoke to the guards.

"Take him away. Take good care of him and don't make things difficult for him."

Meanwhile, outside Sishui Pass, at the Song army camp.

One hundred thousand cavalrymen were stationed on the plains in front of the pass, their camps stretching for miles, yet a sense of oppression permeated the air.

Inside the commander's tent, Song Zhiwen stared at the model of Sishui Pass on the sand table, his brows furrowed.

"Report! The Commander-in-Chief has arrived!"

The guards outside the tent announced loudly.

Song Zhiwen's eyes showed displeasure, but he quickly concealed it and turned to face the tent entrance.

A middle-aged man in a brocade robe, with a fair complexion and no beard, walked in slowly, followed by two eunuchs.

This man was none other than Zhang Yan, the Grand Eunuch and Military Inspector sent by the Prince of Song.

"What important matter brings Eunuch Zhang here so late at night?"

Song Zhiwen spoke calmly, but could not hide his wariness.

Zhang Yan smiled slightly, his slender eyes narrowing into slits.

"General Song, I've come to bring you good news."

He clapped his hands, and two eunuchs carried a sandalwood box into the tent.

The box was opened, and inside were neatly stacked scrolls of bamboo slips.

Zhang Yan took out a scroll and handed it to Song Zhiwen.

"His Majesty has issued a secret decree; please review it, General."

Song Zhiwen unfolded the bamboo slips, and his expression grew increasingly grim as he read.

Finally, he slammed the bamboo slip shut, his voice low and deep.

"What does Your Majesty mean by this? Is it a change of general at the last minute?"

Zhang Yan's smile remained unchanged.

"General, you have misunderstood."

The King is only worried that the General is too tired from fighting for days. I will command the upcoming general offensive; the General only needs to stay in the rear.

The flickering candlelight inside the tent illuminated Song Zhiwen's ashen face.

He clenched his fist until his knuckles turned white, but eventually he let go.

"This humble general obeys the order."

Zhang Yan nodded in satisfaction.

“General, you are wise. By the way, you don’t need to worry about the supplies that arrived this evening; I have already sent people to take over them.”

After saying that, he turned and left, his wide robe sleeves fluttering behind him like a venomous snake.

Song Zhiwen stood alone in the tent for a long time, then slammed his fist on the table, causing the teacup to fall to the ground and shatter.

Iron City, a territory occupied by the Song army.

In the darkness of night, a patrol of Song soldiers carried torches as they patrolled the streets.

Under the firelight, most of the houses on both sides of the street had their doors and windows tightly closed, with only a few pairs of hateful eyes peeking out from the cracks.

"I heard they arrested a few more troublemakers who resisted today?"

A young soldier asked in a low voice.

The veteran leading the team gave a cold laugh. (End of Chapter)