Please, Young Master, Slay the Demon!
Chapter 803 - 43 I Have My Own Arrangements [Combined]_3

Chapter 803: Chapter 43 I Have My Own Arrangements [Combined]_3

The man, clad in a simple and unadorned Confucian robe, exuded a gentle elegance with bright, intelligent eyes, was none other than the former chief of Ascending Dragon Academy and now a teacher at Yu Mountain Academy, Minister Zhang.

Opposite him was none other than Princess Jingyang of the Yu Dynasty, who ranked sixth among her siblings.

In this generation, there were three individuals born with the Divine Fire Life of dragons: the Second Prince Xia Qi, the Sixth Princess Xia Shu, and the Thirteenth Prince Xia Luo.

The Thirteenth Prince had been killed by Chu Liang in those days, and afterward, the Second Prince had become the Crown Prince. Subsequently, the Sixth Princess had also gotten involved in royal affairs, exhibiting outstanding abilities and earning considerable trust. In fact, she had always been the most talented of this generation’s royal bloodline. Had she not been a daughter, the position of Crown Prince would surely not have eluded her.

Now, standing strong on her own, the Sixth Princess had come to the Yu Mountain Academy.

"This wasn’t meant to be a formal visit, so there’s no need for such ceremony," the Sixth Princess responded indifferently, her eyes clear and luminous as she gazed at Minister Zhang.

Their association could be traced back to when Minister Zhang was the first to reject the Emperor’s decree for marriage, essentially sparking the rumor that she "could not be married off."

Since then, they had encountered each other on several occasions, but today was their first time having a one-on-one discussion.

"Yu Mountain Countryside Academy, a desolate place. Your Highness honors us with your visit; surely you must have important instructions," Minister Zhang always maintained a gentle smile on his face, a constant throughout the years, regardless of place or occasion.

"For this mission to pacify Mang Mountain City, my father entrusted all negotiations to my charge," the Sixth Princess said, including winning over the Ten Earth Sects, which I shall endeavor to manage."

"Your Highness’s brilliance and vast knowledge is well acknowledged, and your valued use is only natural," said Minister Zhang softly.

"These last two days, I have begun to analyze our competitors among the Ten Earth Sects. There are two in particular I find quite strange," remarked the Sixth Princess. "Let’s not mention the Talisman Sect from Shu Mountain; it’s sheer folly and stands no chance... but the second is your Yu Mountain Academy, which isn’t entirely unqualified. Yet as an Immortal Sect, this Academy..."

Her gaze swept over the academy’s interior and exterior, her eyes tinged with amusement.

"Yu Mountain Academy can be indeed be considered an Immortal Sect, as the students here practice dual cultivation of Confucianism and Taoism, with potential seeds for cultivation among them," Minister Zhang responded. "Given time, they are sure to surprise the world."

"But you mentioned it yourself, it requires time," the Sixth Princess furrowed her brows. "Presently, there isn’t even a Seventh Realm cultivator here, is there?"

"There is," replied Minister Zhang, pausing briefly before adding, "Me."

"Oh?" The Sixth Princess appeared slightly surprised. "You have already attained the Way?"

"Recently, I had a minor epiphany and was fortunate enough to grasp a corner of the Great Dao," Minister Zhang said modestly with a smile, releasing a hint of his aura.

The Sixth Princess felt a tremendous surge of righteous Qi emanating from his body, causing his Confucian robe to flutter as it vigorously pulsed.

"Righteous Qi," she recognized its origin.

What Minister Zhang had comprehended was one of the most traditional of Confucian Great Daos, the Righteous Qi Great Dao.

This Dao was exceedingly difficult to practice, focusing on seeking one’s true heart. It was rare for even one person to achieve it over hundreds of years, a path where advancing beyond the Seventh Realm was difficult and reaching the Eighth even more so. Nowadays, neither the dean nor the vice-dean of the Ascending Dragon Academy adopted this practice.

It was unexpected that Minister Zhang had achieved this.

Given his age, the Sixth Princess’s surprise should have been a hundred times greater. Due to the frequent occurrence of prodigies in their generation, however, Minister Zhang was considered somewhat behind, thus diminishing the impact of her astonishment.

After a moment, the Sixth Princess spoke again, "But this is still not enough."

"With numerous great Confucian scholars emerging today, just a call from the dean will assemble many Confucian cultivators here, so there’s no need to worry about that," said Minister Zhang.

The model of Confucian cultivation differed from normal Immortal Sects; although they studied in academies, they ultimately had to travel, experience the world, and make their mark, not simply following the usual sect inheritance.

This was also why Confucian cultivators had historically kept a low profile within the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands.

But now, it seemed they were undergoing some change and beginning to claim more influence.

"But what are the dean’s thoughts?" the Sixth Princess asked again. "It has been a long time since he last entered the palace."

As the leader of the Confucian sect, maintaining an understanding with the Imperial Court was essential. This was indeed the Sixth Princess’s true purpose for visiting Yu Mountain Academy today—to gauge the dean’s attitude.

"The dean’s thoughts..." Minister Zhang glanced into the distance, replying, "It is difficult for a student to know."

Then he inquired, "But I am also curious, does the court have any particular plans for incorporating Mang Mountain City?"

"I can hardly know my father’s thoughts," Sixth Princess directly replied.

That was a small response to Minister Zhang not answering.

Immediately afterward, she asked, "So even if the Imperial Court intervenes, you still do not plan to withdraw, do you?"

"Since we have participated, there naturally is no reason to withdraw," Minister Zhang said with a gentle but firm tone.

"Then be prepared. The competition for the Ten Earth Sects will soon be convened. I’ve heard the Island Master of Town Star Island has already been assassinated. The killing intent has begun—no one will speak of benevolence anymore!" Sixth Princess said.

Minister Zhang nodded.

He also knew that the sects involved in this competition were all arming themselves—no one would back down! Beneath the undercurrents, the bloodshed would be no less than in a war!

...

"Mr. Huan, try the tripe."

"Mr. Huan, have a meatball."

"Having been at Shu Mountain for so long, I haven’t treated you to our local special hotpot, which is really quite rude of us."

"Just dig in—today is all about happiness and joy."

"..."

At Red Moon Square’s second floor, the higher-ups of Red Cotton Peak were present, hosting a victory celebration for the Sect Leader of the Talisman Sect, Huan Leisheng.

Under Chu Liang’s management, the first batch of talismans produced by the Talisman Heavenly Plate had entered the market and yielded substantial profits, paving a stable income stream for Red Cotton Peak.

And all these great achievements were naturally credited to Huan Leisheng.

Today’s gathering was precisely to celebrate Huan Leisheng’s achievements.

"There’s no need for such courtesy, I am truly... overwhelmed by such favor," Huan Leisheng repeatedly waved his hands.

Present were Chu Liang, Wen Yulong, and the Four Tyrants of Shu Mountain, who were all old followers who had started businesses with Chu Liang during the early stage. Although Huan Leisheng’s seniority and cultivation were higher than theirs, his status at Red Cotton Peak was definitely not as high. He knew his place was to work for Chu Liang, so he was always humble.

"Hey hey hey!" Lin Beilang laughed and said, "We’re all brothers here, don’t be startled, just eat your fill."

"It’s your celebration banquet after all; of course, we must compliment you," Shang Ziliang also said.

"These days working with the elder to develop the Talisman Heavenly Plate, I’ve really learned a lot. I must toast to you, elder," Wen Yulong said, raising his glass.

"With the Talisman Heavenly Plate, our pressure has significantly decreased. Elder Huan Leisheng is truly a great benefactor of Red Cotton Peak; I’ll also toast to you," Henchman A said, raising his glass.

"..." Henchman B picked up a few slices of fresh mutton, savoring them with the tribute vegetables.

"Really, there’s no need for this. Since I’m working for Young Hero Chu, it’s only right that I contribute. This makes me feel like an outsider," Huan Leisheng said with a smile. "Besides, in making the Talisman Heavenly Plate successful, it shouldn’t be you thanking me; instead, I should thank Master Chu."

"Ah, I just made a small contribution," Chu Liang also waved his hands and smiled.

"But, Master Chu..." Huan Leisheng then frowned and asked, "I’ve been too busy lately to ask, but the election for the Ten Earth Sects is about to be convened, and we haven’t prepared at all. Is that alright?"

"Heh." Chu Liang laughed when asked, thought for a moment, and then said, "Mr. Huan, our strategy is to respond to every change with constancy."

"It might be okay not to change anything else, but right now, my Talisman Sect doesn’t even have a single disciple," Huan Leisheng hesitated. "Can a sect with just a bare Sect Master really compete in the election for the Ten Earth Sects?"

That’s exactly right.

That’s the effect we want.

Chu Liang smiled slightly and, not wanting to say they were intentionally sending the Talisman Sect to embarrass itself, simply reassured, "Mr. Huan, don’t worry, I have a plan."