Chapter 729: Chapter 728: Open Card, Someone’s Evil Intentions

On the other side.

A group of scholars, who originally intended to arrest Li Jing and Ye Piaoran, were equally bewildered.

Who is Nalan Mingxue?

As the manager who guards the Little World’s Spatial Passage, she is a top strong one with a well-known name and lineage in the path of Confucianism.

Although she was older, she was doubtlessly as powerful as a Confucianism Holy Emperor.

Why did she suddenly become so respectful after a few words?

Looking at her pale face, it was as if she was facing a great terror...

Ununderstandable.

The scholars present could not understand.

Those who were passing through the Little World’s Spatial Passage and noticed the situation were also baffled.

But it didn’t matter if they couldn’t understand, Nalan Mingxue had no intention of explaining to anyone.

Some secrets happening in the Upper Three Realms were not something that the people present could comprehend. To have some contact, one must at least possess the standard of a 15th Realm Immortal King or a Half-step Saint Emperor.

The Nine Heavy Heavens of the Upper Three Realms were nine different factions.

They have been openly and secretly contending for who knows how many years.

When was it not observing each other?

Who didn’t plant "spies" in other factions?

While ordinary people might still not know about the Heaven Dragon Temple, which controls the Five Heavy Sky in the mortal world and was leveled with a single slap, information dissemination requires time.

But the higher-ups of each major faction actually received first-hand news not long after the incident.

This is the Upper Three Realms, after all.

Not to mention the numerous means of communication, which are very advanced.

The means in the hands of each factions’ "spy" were all top-notch.

During the time Li Jing rushed non-stop to the Five Heavy Sky, the major factions not only received the news of the bald man from the Heaven Dragon Temple, but also conducted a deep study on the Fox Demon Empress Jiu Li.

More than two hundred years ago.

Fox Demon Empress Jiu Li climbed to Nine Heavy Heavens.

She attracted many people’s attention.

However, due to the existence of heavenly dao, they could not interfere too much with the Immortal Realm or probe in detail.

More than two hundred years have passed.

Apart from the Heaven Dragon Temple that harbored resentment toward someone, and Yaochi, which had its good deeds spoiled, everyone else has hardly given it much thought.

Firstly, because the news was too difficult to probe.

Secondly, they didn’t have a direct intersection with the Fox Demon Empress, so it was justified to maintain a watchful attitude without bothering too much.

Thirdly, the flash-in-the-pan Fox Demon Empress herself was not worth much attention.

Ultimately, the reason why people could make it to the Upper Three Realms and deliver a slap to the Heaven Dragon Temple, making those bald guys panic, was because they received the blessing of Heavenly Path through heavenly dao. Her real power was not worth mentioning in the Upper Three Realms.

What truly mattered was the attitude of heavenly dao.

Heavenly will would not interfere with the Upper Three Realms at will, and it was even more impossible to arbitrarily lend power to others.

But more than two hundred years ago, since heavenly dao did so, the high level of Nine Heavy Heavens who were always scheming couldn’t help but pay attention to it.

Yes.

For many years, they’ve been thinking about stirring up trouble, intending to stretch their hands into the Immortal Realm to find the coffin of Cang Tian.

But not even one person wanted to provoke heavenly dao.

Because everyone knew.

Once the will of heaven is provoked, things will surely get out of hand.

It’s true that humans can’t interfere with the Upper Three Realms, but under the premise of confirmed necessity or meeting certain conditions, it would only take a thought to destroy the entire Upper Three Realms.

Therefore, under the premise of not obtaining relevant information about the Fox Demon Empress, the focus of all factions in the past two hundred years has been placed on studying what heavenly will is doing.

Is the human preparing to destroy the Upper Three Realms?

Do they need to pack up and run away?

The end of the world is coming.

This is no joke.

However, today, more than two hundred years later, the reappearance of the Fox Demon Empress in the Upper Three Realms has successfully stimulated everyone’s nerves.

The reason is simple.

In just over two hundred years, people were no longer unconcerned tools of the "Heavenly Path". They had become monsters who could destroy the Heaven Dragon Temple’s place with a wave of their hand, silencing the entire Temple.

Although no one knew how this happened.

Nobody wanted to provoke such a ruthless character...

The ins and outs of this were not something ordinary people could comprehend.

However, as an "older" Saint Emperor, Nalan Mingxue was one of the few who were qualified to understand it.

At this moment, facing Li Jing, Nalan Mingxue was breaking out in cold sweat.

Luckily!

Luckily, Li Jing had Ye Piaoran by his side!

Luckily!

Luckily, as Yaochi’s most outstanding Saintess, Ye Piaoran’s name is so well known that she was once used as a signboard, and Nalan Mingxue had the good fortune to see her once.

Otherwise, who the hell would have guessed that he, who disguised himself as a man, was that terrifying fox demon?

Maintaining her reverent gesture, Nalan Mingxue dared not move.

She had just licked her lips.

It was obvious.

She was a bit upset that she had identified him through Ye Piaoran, what kind of mentality was he holding that he didn’t want to be recognized?

Was he planning to hide his identity and blend into the human world?

Nalan Mingxue didn’t think that was the case.

She didn’t know what Li Jing’s goal was.

But if the unqualified Confucian cultivators in the field were allowed to try to "capture" Li Jing, it would be tantamount to handing them an excuse to upset the Confucian order.

On this side.

Li Jing briefly glanced at Nalan Mingxue, seeing that she dared not raise her head in her deferential posture, and more and more people were gathering around to watch, exhaling slightly and waving his hand.

"I’m just passing by, there is no need for so much courtesy."

Upon hearing him speak, Nalan Mingxue dared to straighten up.

With the strange gaze of several Confucian cultivators, she forced a smile.

"The arrival of a senior brightens up the Six Heavens of the mortal world. How long does the senior intend to stay?"

"As I said, I’m just passing by, I won’t stay for long."

Li Jing said casually, then gave a playful smile.

"Of course, if the Saint Emperor of Haoran Righteous Qi Palace wants to meet me, I don’t mind staying a bit longer."

"Ah, this..."

Nalan Mingxue was at a loss for words.

Confucian practitioners were known for being inflexible.

But those who could mix to her level of Saint Emperor, couldn’t afford not to have smooth minds.

If they were dumb people, they wouldn’t have been able to reach her level.

Not to mention, Nalan Mingxue was an "overage" Saint Emperor.

Although she couldn’t compete for the position of Emperor, she had lived long enough and seen enough.

It was clear that Li Jing hinted!

I want to visit the Haoran Righteous Qi Palace, you wouldn’t mind contacting the Saint Emperor, would you?

If it were any normal predecessor.

Nalan Mingxue wouldn’t mind drawing them to the Haoran Righteous Qi Palace.

The problem was, this was the star of disaster who had destroyed the Heaven Dragon Temple not more than half a month ago...

Bringing such a ruthless person to the Haoran Righteous Qi Palace, the Confucianism Holy Emperor and his ancestors wouldn’t let her live a peaceful life.

The key point was that Li Jing’s intent couldn’t be that simple, definitely not just visiting the Haoran Righteous Qi Palace to familiarize faces.

Nalan, oh Nalan!

Why did you have to talk so much?

Nalan Mingxue was tearing up, forced to say something.

"If the senior intends to visit the Haoran Righteous Qi Palace, I will inform the Saint Emperor to prepare a feast."

"That’s very good, lead the way."

With a light smile, Li Jing casually controlled the minds of all the bystanders with a whisper from his Spirit God, erasing their memories.

Seeing those around the passageway stand frozen and senseless, Nalan Mingxue’s heart pounded in her chest.

"Senior, what is this...?"

"Rest assured, I have no intent of drawing too much attention this time, I’ve merely erased the memories of those present," said Li Jing, his smile amicable.

"..."

Nalan Mingxue.

Good heavens!

No wonder the news of Li Jing crossing the Small World and "customizing" his ID didn’t reach the other end of Tongdu -- the man had planned it all along!

She hadn’t thought much of it at first, only considering the potential consequences of a conflict.

But as it turned out...

Li Jing just wanted to provoke a conflict -- what a great pretext to start trouble with Confucianism!

Thinking about the news from the Five Heavens about the Heaven Dragon Temple not only losing thousands of divine items but also being forced to surrender the Karma Secret Method, Nalan Mingxue felt a chill in her limbs.

She finally understood.

Li Jing’s scheming wasn’t really complicated.

But it was definitely dark!

Confucianism never offended him, did it?

Is there...

No rule of law anymore?

Nalan Mingxue came to a realization and so did Ye Piaoran by her side.

The problem was, Li Jing was already playing his hand openly.

"I’m putting my cards on the table. I’m after the good stuff and the Secret Methods of the Haoran Righteous Qi Palace."

In terms of cleverness and wit...

Ye Piaoran was second to none.

Having helped Li Lingyin at Chen Tang City over the years, she’d learned the tricks of the trade dealing with those who wanted both to collaborate with Chen Tang City and to take a larger share.

She simply didn’t know enough about Li Jing’s "style" of plucking feathers from a passing goose...

Honestly...

Knowing this now, Ye Piaoran was speechless.

On the one hand, she never expected the amiable, unpretentious Li Jing to be this sort of man.

On the other, he was trying so hard...

Giving Li Jing a sidelong glance, Ye Piaoran chose to remain silent. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

She would be happy to see Chen Tang City improve.

The good stuff from the Upper Three Realms was indeed not something that Chen Tang City could easily acquire in the Immortal Realm.

Despite someone being a bit shady, and quite overbearing...

If the scheme failed, just lay the cards on the table.

But it was still necessary to collect relevant items under certain conditions.

As Ye Piaoran stayed silent, Nalan Mingxue could only grit her teeth in frustration.

Thinking how this had gone beyond what she could handle, she gave a dry smile, pulling out a strangely designed array disc and tossing it to the ground.

The array unfolded, revealing a profound array pattern.

Through his understanding of spatial rules, Li Jing immediately recognized it as a teleportation array and raised his eyebrows.

"You Confucians actually managed to imprint the teleportation array onto disks for easy carriage? That really is convenient."

"A small technique, not worth mentioning."

Nalan Mingxue managed to squeeze out a faint smile before boastfully adding,

"Indeed, this technology does offer a lot of conveniences. In the entire Nine Heavens, only a few master array-smiths in Confucianism can forge such array disks."

As she spoke, she gestured with an inviting hand.

"Senior, Saintess Ye, this array leads directly to the Haoran Righteous Qi Palace. Please follow me there."

Accompanying her words, a curtain of light resembling a spatial passageway entrance appeared above the array.

Seeing this, Li Jing stepped inside.

Ye Piaoran glanced curiously at the array. Then, upon realizing she could make no sense of it, she followed suit.

Back in the day when she was still in the Upper Three Realms, everyone used the transport formation, but none had such convenient means as the Haoran Righteous Qi Palace.

...

The teleportation was completed quickly.

Li Jing and Ye Piaoran successively walked out of a fixed teleportation formation.

Following that,

An immense and majestic palace complex came into their view.

Haoran Righteous Qi Palace.

The human realm’s sixth heaven, the Confucianism base.

Compared with the resplendently brilliant Heaven Dragon Temple, the Haoran Righteous Qi Palace has a unique charm.

While the architectural style is very classical, it’s like a fairytale land among humans which makes one feel relaxed just by looking at it.

An astonishing scholarly aura pervades every corner of the Haoran Righteous Qi Palace.

Coming and going are all scholarly gentlemen with a dust-free temperament, carrying the flavor of famous ancient schools.

Nalan Mingxue walked out of the teleportation formation after the two of them, folding her hands in salute towards them.

"Elder, Saintess Ye, please follow me to the reception hall. I need to notify the Holy Emperor about your arrival as he is occupied with affairs."

"Hmm."

Li Jing nodded.

...

In a short while, under the guidance of Nalan Mingxue, Li Jing and Ye Piaoran arrived at a luxurious hall in the depths of the Haoran Righteous Qi Palace.

The Confucianism really pays attention to detail.

It’s just a place for receiving guests, but the decoration is extremely careful.

Not only that.

The reception hall is permanent residence of a dozen beautiful and courteous Confucianism female disciples, always ready to welcome important guests.

After leading Li Jing and Ye Piaoran into the largest guest room in the reception hall, Nalan Mingxue called over some of the Confucianism female disciples in charge of the reception to give some instructions before excusing herself hurriedly.

The Confucianism female disciples who were called over were not informed about the identity of Li Jing and Ye Piaoran.

But with the instructions and explanations from Nalan Mingxue, they absolutely dare not neglect them.

Delicious food and drinks

Were quickly served up.

These Confucianism female disciples were also very tactful.

Seeing that Li Jing had such a heavenly companion as Ye Piaoran, they did not need their company, one of the Confucianism female disciples spoke out.

"Junior Yin Yan, distinguished guests, if you need anything, you can call me anytime. We will not disturb you for now."

Having said that, she gave Li Jing a polite smile and nod as an apology, and then left with several other Confucianism female disciples, moving lightly like walking on lotuses.

Looking at this scene, Li Jing couldn’t help but admire.

"As expected of Confucianists, the speech and actions of these female disciples in charge of receiving guests are very proper, their generous demeanor makes it very hard for people to be not satisfied."

Ye Piaoran responded with a smile.

"After all, they are disciples receiving guests, and all of them have been specially trained in etiquette. This time, Brother Li, we are as guests, otherwise, we will not be treated with such courtesy."

Having said that, she spoke lightly.

"Confucians are the stinkiest ones, especially enjoying finger-pointing and standing on the moral high ground to criticize others. This stinking problem will never change, no matter how many years pass."

Hearing Ye Piaoran say that, Li Jing shrugged his shoulders.

The issues with Confucianists, there was really nothing good to say about it.

It didn’t matter where they were.

This entire cultivation lineage, almost all of them had this sort of character.

Besides having quite a sharp tongue, there’s really nothing much that they excel at.

Li Jing casually picked up a spirit fruit from a plate on the table and took a bite. He was surprised to find that this spirit fruit is a precious item of the highest quality, almost at the level of a divine object.

Such a high-grade spirit fruit is usually used for medicine refining, and using it to entertain guests is indeed luxurious.

Looking back,

In terms of heavenly treasures, there are very few spirit fruits that can be directly consumed. Regardless of the efficacy, the fact that they can be directly consumed makes them extremely precious.

No wonder they are a power that controls one of the Nine Heavy Heavens...

They’re really rich and dripping with wealth!