Please, Young Master, Slay the Demon!
Chapter 580 - 53: Of Course, There Is [Seeking Monthly Pass!] _1

Chapter 580: Chapter 53: Of Course, There Is [Seeking Monthly Pass!] _1

After hearing Yun Chaoxian’s words, everyone tossed their caution aside, hooting and preparing to join him in his rendezvous, eager to see what was so special about "Iron Hammer Girl".

Given Iron Hammer’s talent and fighting prowess, she would seem to stand out amongst the other Immortal Sects. But in Nanyin Square, only those with beauty and talent tend to gain fame, and being a good fighter is not the top criterion. That’s why she’s been in Nanyin Square for years without becoming well known.

Of course, without the full support and nurturing of Nanyin Square, she may not have achieved her current level of training.

Chu Liang had someone cut wood and bamboo to make a small cart, which he sat on while Monk Pu Shan pushed him. He only missed a feather fan in his hand, else, he really would resemble the venerable sleeping dragon.

The whole troop gradually entered the bamboo grove, but there was no one around. It seemed that the disciples from Nanyin Square had sensed their presence in advance and hid.

Yun Chaoxian jumped forward and shouted loudly, "Iron Hammer! Didn’t you agree to wait for me here? Have you run away?"

"Bullshit!" A thunderous rebuke echoed as a powerful woman leaped out, "What if there’s a crowd of you? You may as well all come on!"

"Huh?" Her words left everyone astonished.

Didn’t Yun Chaoxian arrange to meet his beloved here? Could this be the Iron Hammer? Her style was unique, but that wasn’t the main concern, the key was...

"There’s a group fight to look forward to?"

"Why do we need others? As long as it’s a fair fight, beating you will be as easy as turning over my hand!" As he swung his large halberd, Yun Chaoxian’s voice hadn’t even dropped before he’d torn off his clothes.

The spectacle left everyone stunned. Taking off his clothes at the start gave the impression of impulsive desperation, moreover, his method was a bit strange, wasn’t it?

"What the hell did they agree to?" Chu Liang turned to ask Luo Yao.

"They had a fight before. There were a lot of people from Nanyin Square then, so I asked Yun to leave," Luo Yao explained. "He left a message saying he wanted to come back and fight her again."

Very well.

So that’s how it was.

Turns out that Iron Hammer Girl is "special" because she’s particularly good at fighting.

There shouldn’t have been any pink fantasies about such a fierce woman.

Once again an intense battle erupted, as Iron Hammer Girl swung a pair of golden gourds in sync with the beating of a large drum, creating an intimidating atmosphere. Yun Chaoxian wielded his large halberd, causing the mountains and rivers to tremble, and didn’t suffer any disadvantage.

After only a few rounds these two had cleared the surrounding forest. However, with no accompanying music this time, Iron Hammer was noticeably at a disadvantage.

Despite her natural brute strength and significant progress in training, Yun Chaoxian was after all the martial prodigy of the Heavenly Gang Sect, possessing monstrous physical prowess and masterful martial skills.

After several bouts, Iron Hammer started to show signs of weariness.

This still demonstrated the potency of Xue Lingxue’s musical skills. Assisted by her music, Iron Hammer was previously able to suppress Yun Chaoxian.

Seeing Iron Hammer at a disadvantage, her comrades from Nanyin Square couldn’t hold back any longer and a rhythm from a zither began to echo from deep within the bamboo forest. It landed on the two contestants changing the tide of the battle once again.

"Please stop fighting..." On recognizing the familiar melody, Chu Liang immediately shouted, "Miss Xue, please come out and speak in person."

This situation had become absurd. Originally, he had planned to leave without meeting with Nanyin Square’s people. However, due to a misunderstanding about Yun Chaoxian, they ended up here. If he did not meet them now, it might seem impolite.

If they ever thought he came to seize the soul crystal, it would be even worse.

Fortunately, Chu Liang’s appearance was trustworthy. After hearing his words, Yun Chaoxian reined himself in and retracted to his formation, soon after, the three core disciples from Nanyin Square also appeared.

As soon as Xue Lingxue, Yu Xiang’er, and Shen Qingyan appeared, they immediately brightened their surroundings.

"How did you get into this state?" Xue Lingxue asked Chu Liang in surprise.

"Just some minor injuries," Chu Liang responded with a smile. "We didn’t come here to seize the soul crystal, but... we misunderstood and thought Brother Yun made an appointment with Iron Hammer Girl to do something specific. Turns out it was for a fight."

"We also initially intended to leave this place after being discovered, but Iron Hammer insisted on waiting for him to fight again, so we had no choice but to hide in place." Xue Lingxue said with a helpless smile.

Good heavens.

Looking forward to an arranged fight, are we?

Shen Qingyan sized up the motley crew across from her and asked, "Young Hero Chu, have you formed an alliance?"

"Yes, we have," Chu Liang nodded. "We happened upon each other and decided to help one another."

Miss Shen looked thoughtful and asked, "Can Nanyin Square join?"

Shen Qingyan raised this question out of consideration for her own people. While they had collected some soul crystals with a few tricks initially, those tricks were becoming less effective. And as the competition moved into its later stages, sheer strength became the primary factor. Even if one had many soul crystals, one misstep could result in a total loss.

Nanyin Square had not yet collected enough soul crystals to advance. Relying solely on their own power, it was increasingly difficult for them to progress. If they left to hunt for soul crystals, they could very well become the hunted.

So in the past few days, she had been considering forming an alliance. And now, Chu Liang and his group, strong and familiar, appeared. Naturally, she inquired.

Upon hearing her proactively asking, Chu Liang immediately broke into a smile.

As early as when he called out Xue Lingxue, he had made a calculation.

Since they’ve bumped into each other, why not bring Nanyin Square in? It could have its benefits.

Firstly, Nanyin Square is fairly strong, especially when it comes to support. While their individual fighting power may not be as formidable, in group fights their contribution might very well match that of the Heavenly Gang Sect.

Secondly, they’re only so strong, and once they enter the next stage of the Imperial City battle, having them as opponents would suit him.

Just like when Penglai Upper Sect joined forces with powers like Fuyao Country and Taotie City, they also wanted to use their sizable force to pave the way for the future. The weaker their allies now, the weaker their opponents would be in the next phase of the competition.

Once Nanyin Square also joins...

By then, the Heavenly Gang Sect will serve as warriors, the Sanjue Valley as assassins, Nanyin Square as supporters, and Monk Pu Shan as the cheerleading squad, with himself as the commander...

This power could temporarily sweep through the Void Realm. He was originally worried about the increased number of soul crystals required. However, Nanyin Square has been operating in this area for a long time and should have accumulated some savings, so the deficit wouldn’t be too much. Secondly, he was concerned whether aligning with too many teams would be too conspicuous, but at this point, all he could do was to exercise discretion.

Therefore, in response to Shen Qingyan’s query, he did not hesitate and immediately replied: "That would be best."

...

"Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty!"

The court officials who, as usual, went for a walk on Emperor Qiu Mountain were all startled to see an additional figure at the highest point of the viewing platform. Without exception, they hurried over to pay their respects. The emperor sitting on the high platform would then wave his hand and, with a smile, let the officials amuse themselves.

Clearly, he was in high spirits.

The reason for the emperor’s joy was not without cause.

Although he had not visited the place in the past few days, the news of the competition for supremacy among the hundred doors was promptly delivered to the Night Dragon Palace. Yesterday, he received two pieces of news: one that Daoist Cang Sheng had arrived, and the other that Yang Shenlong had been eliminated.

The relationship between the Imperial Court and the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands has always been one of cooperation and competition, each side hoping to suppress the other. The Penglai Upper Sect, being the first immortal sect in the mortal realm, was the primary target of opposition for the Imperial Court and various immortal sects. While they maintained face in public, covert confrontations never ceased.

For instance, the Penglai Upper Sect’s support for Fuyao Country in the Eastern Sea was a clear act of opposing the Yu Dynasty.

One can imagine how pleased the emperor must have been to receive these two pieces of news.

Chu Liang, Chu Liang, you are indeed my good royal younger brother.

At the time, it was night, and if he were to rush directly to Emperor Qiu Mountain, it would inevitably have been too conspicuous, so he restrained his excitement, and rushed over the next day to witness the ceremony, wanting to see Daoist Cang Sheng’s frustrated expression.

Unfortunately, Daoist Cang Sheng had already left one step ahead.

Well, since he was here, the emperor sat here for a while, enjoying some alone time with his consort.

Not long after, the second prince also arrived.

"Your son pays his respects to father." The second prince moved forward to show his respect and then took his place beside the emperor. Although his gaze was directed towards the light screen, he was continually glancing at the side.

The emperor glanced at him and could roughly guess what was going on.

Clearly, the second prince was here on a mission.

Being seen by others as having come alone to enjoy the spectacle with his consort might give rise to all kinds of rumors. Empress Wu, undoubtedly displeased, modestly refrained from coming in person and sent her own son to keep an eye on them, preventing them from flirting.

The emperor couldn’t help but smile wryly. Having cultivated for so many years, and at his age, how could he have such trifling affections?

In recent years, his favoritism towards his consort stemmed mostly from the princes reaching the age of conferring the title of crown prince. Originally, there should have been no objection to the second prince being named the crown prince, but the thirteenth prince, growing up, gradually exhibited exceptional intelligence and wisdom, causing the emperor to waver slightly.

Empress Wu, understandably, began to feel anxious. Every time they met, their conversation would inevitably turn towards the issue of appointing an heir. The relationship between the emperor and empress was long-standing, and their conversations were not as careful as with others. Even though the emperor would not reprimand Empress Wu, he didn’t like hearing it, and being bothered by her repeatedly naturally led to his unwillingness to go over.

Fortunately, the consort was stunning, gentle, considerate, and understanding... What a good sister she was.

This sadly only highlighted how intolerable the legal wife was.

This delicate moment lasted for a while, with the second prince’s attention suddenly sucked back into the scene on the light screen.

The scene being shown was of the troupe from Nanyin Square.

The emperor couldn’t help but laugh, "The one I recommended to you before, that’s Miss Shen from Nanyin Square, right?"

The second prince gently nodded, "Indeed."

"How is the progress?" the emperor asked again.

Seeing his son’s demeanour, he didn’t even bother to ask him what he thought. He was obviously satisfied.

"It’s going well," said the second prince.

I’ve agreed to it now, so it’s just up to her... he silently added in his heart.

"This young lady is really clever, knowing to take the initiative to align with Chu Liang." The emperor chuckled, "Maybe Nanyin Square could advance to the next round this time."

Ever since Chu Liang took out Yang Shenlong, the emperor found him more and more pleasing to the eye.

"..." With that remark, the expression on the second prince’s face abruptly changed.

After a pause, he grumbled, "This Chu Liang from Shu Mountain is so injured, how much can he really contribute? I think that Miss Shen’s decision to ally with him was a poor move."

"Oh?" The emperor asked, "Does she have a better option than Chu Liang?"

"Of course she does!" The second prince instinctively shouted.

The palace attendants below were startled, wondering why the usually respectful second prince was suddenly irate... and in front of the emperor, no less.

His father’s words were unintentional, he must have been thinking of something else.

The emperor, taken aback by his shout, paused before sternly saying: "Why are you shouting so loudly?"