The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror
Chapter 416 - 182: Mountain Bandits and the Heavenly Master Mansion (2nd Update, Please Subscribe)

Chapter 416: Chapter 182: Mountain Bandits and the Heavenly Master Mansion (2nd Update, Please Subscribe)

These two legendary figures, Xu Qing still couldn’t confirm whether they are still alive.

Their whereabouts are also very mysterious.

After all, it’s been more than a Jiazi since they became Martial Arts Grandmasters.

Many details are unverifiable, especially since the court deliberately downplayed their past deeds.

Moreover, Xu Qing doesn’t have their personal letters either. Maybe they don’t even write letters, not everyone is like Yu Yangzi who likes to keep a diary!

If these two Martial Saints were still alive and willing to help the Grand Secretary and the old emperor with reforms, then some matters could be explained.

Xu Qing knew that to make the reforms more thorough, the key was to eliminate the people causing problems.

Hence, throughout history, great chaos leads to great governance.

In other words, it’s like cleaning up the house before inviting guests!

On the other hand, the Heavenly Master Mansion and Yansheng Gong Mansion, representing Daoism and Confucian Academy, could serve as examples to deter others.

Xu Qing understood that for people like the old Emperor and the Grand Secretary, showing the sword without drawing it has the greatest deterrent effect.

Once the sword is drawn, it loses subsequent deterrent power. Therefore, once this sword is drawn, it must draw blood and yield significant benefits.

Actually, this matter is somewhat breaking the rules.

But only by breaking the rules can new rules be established.

Reform itself is about establishing new rules.

After understanding these matters, Xu Qing naturally also planned for his own benefits.

It seems that the peasant revolt in East Mountain Province would end unexpectedly.

Moreover, with the rebellion growing in East Mountain Province, it inadvertently ensnared the Luo Sect Master.

Initially, it was just about starting a fire, well, now it turned into burning oneself, becoming a torch leading the way for the king!

What a poor old fellow!

Xu Qing felt no guilt about entrapping the Luo Sect Master.

Out in the world, everyone chooses their own path.

He didn’t yet know that Red-haired Yan Kong and other demon devils from the Evil Path and Luo Sect Master were eagerly preparing to escalate the situation.

Well, the higher you stand, the harder you fall.

Xu Qing would love to see them fall hard.

"No wonder the Old Heavenly Master invited me so urgently to the Grand Luo Ritual." Xu Qing finally understood the true intentions why the Old Heavenly Master had invited him.

There must be other reasons, but this was definitely a major factor.

Could it be that the Taoist had a premonition that the court would target the Heavenly Master Mansion?

After all, the invitation from Heavenly Master Mansion came before Xu Qing denounced Duke Yan Sheng.

Xu Qing had also surveyed the terrain of Xijiang Province, rich in mountains suitable for hiding troops, crucially bordering both South Zhili and Lingnan.

Xu Qing realized this was an excellent opportunity.

While eradicating bandits, he could also use this opportunity to further develop and strengthen his military power.

On the other hand, the border area between Xijiang Province and Lingnan was extremely suitable for hiding and training troops,

eliminating bandits also made it easy to increase soldiers’ combat experience.

Of course, he was also acting for his own protection.

The more the Grand Secretary and the old emperor used him, the more afraid Xu Qing became.

Historically, those who do the dirty and tiring jobs don’t end up well.

If not for himself, Xu Qing also had to consider his friends and relatives.

Of course, this was also the price for his active involvement in the reform tide. But what could he do? Back then, if he hadn’t gotten involved, he wouldn’t have achieved what he has today.

In the end, without striving forward, a short life was inevitable.

Constantly progressing, increasing strength, and possibly overcoming life’s threats.

"If it really comes to that day, it’s you who forced me!" Xu Qing thought to himself.

Such is the world, helpless.

Then Xu Qing briefly discussed with County Magistrate He about solving the bandit issue, talked a lot of various things, Xu Qing then injected his own agenda into it; which was to first train an elite troop, and with this troop, to eradicate the bandits efficiently.

Xu Gongming values merit over personal relationships.

He endorsed a military officer whose official name is Xu Qing, his uncle, known informally as Li Gongpu. With this man training troops, great achievements can be accomplished.

After all, Old Li will not be suitable to remain in Jiangning Prefecture once he is promoted further.

After all, he’s a local.

Previously, he was a minor official, so these concerns did not matter.

Of course, the families from the General class at the Nine Borders are different. However, these families often don’t reach the highest military positions, as the Court would not grant them such status.

County Magistrate He naturally knows what to do. Without inviting Mr. Li, this matter would not be resolved.

And with Mr. Li involved, wouldn’t Xu Jieyuan be wholehearted in his efforts?

Holding office is also a kind of transaction.

Through this issue, County Magistrate He has entered the Grand Secretary’s vision and established vital connections.

However, whether he can rise dramatically still depends on Xu Jieyuan.

The Grand Secretary might provide the job, but Xu Jieyuan is the one who enables him to thrive.

Once both sides finalized the agreement, both the host and the guest were pleased.

Xu Qing then returned to the inn to rest.

While he rested, his Divine Soul traveled to Su Lianqing’s room.

Su Lianqing’s Divine Soul also emerged.

"Since this matter has come up, there’s no need for you to accompany me to the Heavenly Master Mansion. First, investigate the bandits in Xijiang Province, especially those connected to the Heavenly Master Mansion. This is crucial."

"Certainly."

Xu Qing: "Gathering intelligence is indeed our most vital task. I know these tasks are arduous and taxing. Should you have any requests, just tell me directly."

He understands the importance of intelligence power. Historically, the invincible warrior Han Xin was successful due to his adept use of espionage.

Su Lianqing indeed excels in intelligence work.

She said, "I can manage on my side, but I have a bold suggestion, uncertain if I should speak."

"Please, speak freely."

"I think you should consider taking more concubines."

"Oh, your point makes sense."

Xu Qing certainly understood Su Lianqing’s meaning. He currently has no adult children or siblings, only his wife Feng Wu, which honestly is a disadvantage when uniting forces that are close to him.

Wasn’t Mr. Zhou sending his daughter a reminder?

Marriage alliances are also a form of unspoken contractual security.

By blending your bloodline with that of another family, their recognition and acceptance of you naturally deepens.

Of course, some families’ daughters cannot be made concubines.

But for some powers, taking a concubine is sufficient.

Building the harem is indeed very necessary.

He is currently experiencing cognitive dissonance, limited by modern ways of thinking, not considering this matter.

Feng Wu naturally wouldn’t mention it.

After all, she is a woman.

Su Lianqing certainly wouldn’t consider Feng Wu’s perspective.

Xu Qing contemplated for a while, then said, "I will discuss this with my wife after returning and make a decision. You can start paying attention to potential matches. However, if my wife disagrees, we will drop the matter."

He recognizes the benefits of this approach, but if Feng Wu objects, he will not forcibly pursue it.

After all, this disadvantage can be overcome with effort.

Marriage alliances are a valuable and effective strategy, but they are not irreplaceable.

Following this, Xu Qing’s Divine Soul returned to his body, as usual, absorbing the power of the stars, refining the Xuanwu Star Power into Swords Gang, and storing it in his Hand’s Three Yin Meridians.

This Three Yin Demon Slaying Saber also has a key element – the killing intent of Human Dao.

The stronger the killing intent of Human Dao, the greater the potency of the Three Yin Demon Slaying Saber.

Xu Qing’s continuous engagement and kills within Human Dao also play a crucial role in enhancing the power of this Divine Skill.