Chapter 2769: If No One Comes

The infant curled up, its voice trembling in the thunderous plasma. "Though villains abound in the world, few concern me. To dare kill True Person Taiyi and defy the Central Dynasty, it must be either Rakshasa Bright Moon Pure or the Equality Nation!"

"Is that just a guess? I can guess too," Ji Jinglu said, his brow grimly furrowed, but he made no other move.

Ji Jinglu had initially pursued clues about Yan Chunhui to uncover the truth behind Chen Suan's death.

Eradicating all human demons was not his task, nor was it his responsibility whether the Yellow River Meeting was fair.

As the Dai Shan King of Great Jing, his position was rooted in the interests of the Great Jing Empire. Even if he forgot this, the Jing Prime Minister would remind him.

"It's the Equality Nation!" the infant's voice rang out, swift as a thunderous decree. "Only they could have guessed I was on the stage. If Chen Suan's death is connected to me, then it must be their doing—and I especially suspect Prince Zhao!"

"Why do you say that?" Ji Jinglu asked.

The infant stretched its limbs in the thunder pool, adopting a harmless posture.

Its surging, abundant vitality was restrained to the extreme, as if forged into an invisible sword. This sword, if not drawn, would surely claim lives upon its appearance.

"Because Prince Zhao introduced Qian Chou to the Equality Nation, and I had a deal with Qian Chou! I helped him eradicate Yizhen and exact his revenge, and he helped me turn over a new leaf and escape the bitter sea. Thus, he sounded the Nine Palaces at the Celestial Pole, and I fulfill my long-cherished wish at the Yellow River!"

He further asked, "Dare I ask, Dai Shan King, how did you confirm Yan Chunhui is here?"

"With so many eyes on the River-Observing Platform, you dared to ascend the stage so brazenly. Do you truly think there's no one in the world? My Great Jing's Mirror World Platform isn't just for show!" Ji Jinglu sneered, then added, "Moreover, there's a Xiong Wen on stage, bearing the same name as a human demon, who just happened to die on his way back to his country. This King recognized you at a glance!"

In fact, he had suspected Lu Ye, and also Gong Weizhang.

What truly narrowed the scope of suspicion and focused attention on Chen Yanxun was an anomaly discovered in Shangqiu City by a "Man in the Mirror" from the Mirror World Platform, who had risen to a key position in Song. Yin Wenyong of the Yin family, whose qualification to participate had been replaced before the competition, had abandoned his surname, left home, and, after retreating from the Yellow River, secretly returned to Shangqiu! Although Yin Wenhua had driven him away and tried to cover it up, the "Man in the Mirror" still noticed the issue.

As for definitive proof of Chen Yanxun's identity, it was impossible to obtain it beforehand.

If such evidence could truly be obtained, and his plan could have such serious oversights in its early stages, then Yan Chunhui, a master who had stood at the peak for years and represented the sharpest edge of the Flying Sword Era, would not have risked his life to gamble on the stage.

"Dai Shan King sees clearly for ten thousand miles, and the Central Empire asserts its might over all nations. I have always known this!"

The infant said, "Ji State's Xiong Wen—his name, his status, his ascension to the stage, and his death—were all the work of the Equality Nation. It was not the Central Dynasty using him to oppress other nations, nor the Eastern Nation killing him out of spite. It was truly the Equality Nation's plot to bring disaster upon the world, and I am here to attest to the innocence of the greater nations!"

The voice of the fledgling swallow within the 'fist-energy elixir sphere' was clear and spiritual, pleasant to hear. "The Equality Nation invited me to subvert the world, but I refused. They then revealed my identity and obstructed my path to enlightenment, all to stir up the waters of the Yellow River and achieve their ulterior motives."

He looked at Ji Jinglu with sincere, dark, shining eyes: "If you were to fight and kill me, even the slightest harm, or if it implicated Tianjing and shook the overall situation of the Nirvana Sea, it would be exactly what the Equality Nation desires! Your Highness is wise and discerning; how could you gratify your enemies?"

If there was anyone else in the world who knew of the existence of the "Lingxiao Two Poles World-Crossing Method," Luqiu Wenyue could certainly be counted among them.

Although she and Ye Lingxiao had their grievances and almost no communication, they had an unspoken understanding when it came to dealing with the Yizhen Dao.

For Ye Lingxiao to escape the Yizhen Dao's scrutiny, cultivate her immortal body in seclusion, and ally with the divine path, she, as the Central Prime Minister, had also contributed her efforts.

So, upon seeing the infant manifest on stage, she immediately understood the full story.

Killing the current Yan Chunhui didn't seem difficult, but the risks behind it were hard to estimate. Firstly, the Hunyuan Evil Immortal had not yet been dealt with, and secondly, the Equality Nation was still lurking in the shadows.

Jing had indeed made ample preparations, but these were reserved for the threats of the Nirvana Sea and the Equality Nation. It was not advisable to exhaust them prematurely; one always needed to have reserves to ensure complete readiness.

The most crucial matter at present was the Hunyuan.

So, with a single look from her, Ji Jinglu changed his attitude.

Since he wasn't going to go all out, the only option left was to negotiate. The Dai Shan King raised his chin slightly: "What are the ulterior motives of the Equality Nation? Why don't you tell me?"

"Nothing but subverting the current world, overthrowing the existing system, and creating a world that only exists in their delusions!" A clear look of sarcasm appeared on the infant's face. "The bitter sea is boundless; self-salvation has no shore. Those who save others are foolish; those who force salvation are demons. I don't think they're far from death."

"Perhaps you have a deeper understanding of the Equality Nation?" Ji Jinglu asked.

"I have never joined them, so it's impossible for me to fully understand them. Even their three leaders may not know each other's full schemes, let alone the twelve Dao Protectors, each with their own agenda," the infant, floating in the thunder pool, said. "But by observing their various actions, it's not difficult to make some judgments."

Ji Jinglu tapped his palm with his iron fan. "By your tone, you hold a deep resentment towards the Equality Nation..."

"The Equality Nation is a mixed bag; it's hard to distinguish between good and bad, and one cannot generalize. At the very least, Prince Zhao is my sworn enemy! How can I live under the same sky as one who obstructed my path? From now on, it will be a fight to the death!" The infant in the thunder pool declared, "This present age surpasses all ages; what need is there for a false ideal! I will forever support the state system, wishing only for humanity to flourish! Having turned away from the bitter sea today, I shall walk the Dao for the benefit of all, and I am willing to eliminate this great menace for humanity!"

Ji Jinglu stopped tapping his iron fan and said no more.

The infant could have forcefully broken free from Ji Jinglu's suppression but chose to remain in the thunder pool and communicate cautiously. This sense of propriety was the reason Wuhui Valley had long endured.

He offered to deal with the Equality Nation in exchange for Jing's non-interference. He exchanged his clear support for the state system for the current rulers' acceptance.

Ji Jinglu truly had no reason to refuse.

The Nine Dragons Coiling Warrior, poised for action, suppressed its surging thunder.

He lowered his head and glanced at his weapon. With a 'snap,' he opened the slender iron fan and fanned himself, his tone enigmatic: "It looks very much like an iron ruler, but it is, after all, just a fan... it can enjoy spring flowers and autumn moons, and partake in Jing's bounty."

The infant didn't care about his mood; it only needed his attitude.

Having received Jing's tacit approval, it instantly swallowed all the thunderous light, consuming the entire 'fist-energy elixir sphere.' It then gracefully descended, transforming into a tall and handsome youth.

He was like a noble orchid or a jade tree; in the prime of his youth, none could be more vibrant.

The youth smiled at Ji Jinglu, bowing gracefully: "Many thanks, fellow Daoist, for your benevolence!"

He was so vibrant, chanting as he performed a ritual step: "Humans are not mere plants; the universe has its springs and autumns!"

He bowed to everyone present: "I am Chen Yanxun, offering my regards to all."

It was a greeting, and also a way of seeking his path.

Of course, no one welcomed him, but silence was the best attitude.

"Chen Yanxun of Song? Or the Selfless Human Demon, Yan Chunhui?" Ju Kui stood with lowered sleeves, expressionlessly positioning himself before this person.

The newly born youth was radiant and clear. Had it not been for the sight of flesh regenerating and the infant forming from lightning, his smile would likely have captivated many.

"My true self is not attached; external pursuits have their causes. True Monarch Ju, you may see me as Chen Yanxun, or you may think of me as Yan Chunhui, but there is no need to mention the Selfless Human Demon again—"

A smile on his face, he said, "I have changed my path in Yun State; there are no human demons left in the world!"

"Chen Yanxun is acceptable, Yan Chunhui is not," Ju Kui declared. He spread his feet apart, drawing a line as if to form a prison, splitting a section of the martial arts stage, making him confront the youth alone. "The current Yellow River Meeting of Heavenly Talents is not a gathering for just anyone, or for human demons and malevolent entities."

He intended to pick up what Ji Jinglu had left unfinished. The demon whom Jing had temporarily let go, he refused to release. Truly, this was a thankless task, but ideals guided his direction.

He glanced to the left—

Separated by a single blade's distance on the martial arts stage, Gong Weizhang and Zhuge Zuo were already locked in an intense battle.

"Zhuge Half-Sky," skilled in protracted combat, was advancing fiercely. He manifested his shamanic body, formed constellations of star gods, and relentlessly pursued Gong Weizhang across the stage.

Gong Weizhang, known as "Only Wishes for Swift Dominance," instead maintained his distance. He wove and flew through the unpredictable starlight sorcery, deflecting its edges and retreating.

What a truly good age.

A youth possesses his own youthful spirit.

He turned his head back to look at Chen Yanxun before him: "Although this body of yours is full of vitality, with ample lifespan and fresh flesh and blood, I feel like vomiting when I hear of it, and my heart grows weary when I see it. Even an old man like me, who can't be considered a heavenly talent and is a burden in the Grand Void Pavilion, finds you utterly decrepit. Do you think you should come to the River-Observing Platform to steal a position?"

Chen Yanxun remained unangered, and naturally, even less fearful.

He merely smiled. "Do you represent the Legalists? Or perhaps the Grand Void Pavilion?" He slowly adjusted his collar, which bore some wrinkles from the electric light. "If it's merely a contest of words, I must decline to participate."

He truly understood the word "human" deeply, not just the physical composition of flesh and blood, but also the profound essence of what makes a human being. He had personally witnessed how every human demon throughout history became one.

Their joys and sorrows, their helplessness or contentment—all the moving stories ultimately amounted to nothing more than a lengthy yawn.

In his not-so-disordered memory, only a handful of people would persistently bother him.

One was Gu Shiyi, who had found his way to Wuhui Valley and was almost killed by a wisp of his sword energy, barely escaping death. Had he not forgotten to pursue later, there would have been no path of the Righteous God, nor would the current original Heavenly God have emerged.

Another, even earlier, was Zen Master Zhie, who abhorred evil and was known as the "Evil Bodhisattva." When he was active in the world, he constantly chanted "stop evil with killing," and after killing several human demons, he still wasn't satisfied, repeatedly coming after him...

He unleashed a sword strike outside the mountain gate of Hanging Temple, and that bald monk became quiet.

The last one was Jiang Wang, a few years ago.

This one was also the most disrespectful of martial ethics. As soon as he reached the peak, he teamed up to block the door, even exerting an aura that seemed to exhaust the years, forcing him to abandon the path of human demons.

But ultimately, there was only one Jiang Wang in the world.

Even Jiang Wang had to stay in Yun State at that time, never leaving his side, right? His Dao body sat on Baoxue Mountain, but he never came down.

Everyone has a weakness.

He was more powerful than most people in this world, and also cared less than most.

Naturally, he was freer.

He also understood moderation very well. For example, on this stage, despite being forced to reveal himself by Jing, he first sought an understanding with them. For instance, he repeatedly showed goodwill towards Jiang Wang, and even during Ji Yu's rebirth, he restrained the changes in his primal energy so as not to disturb the ongoing semi-finals...

In his past life, he had always precisely avoided those untouchable lines, which was why he had always been able to live well. Besides these three names, there might have been other existences with an overflowing sense of justice—the world is vast, and there are always those who can't let things go—but they posed too little threat for him to remember.

Ju Kui was also destined to be counted among those he would forget.

This world was vast, capable of accommodating much, not limited to good and evil. There weren't that many instances of people being uncompromising.

Once he ascended to eternity, he would be unbound by past or present, free throughout the universe.

Suddenly, a blade rang out as Dou Zhao's cold eyebrows lifted. "What if he represents the Legalists? And what if he represents the Grand Void Pavilion...?"

"True Monarch Dou! I have always respected Chu, and respected the Dou clan—" Chen Yanxun bowed respectfully. "Please convey my regards to Old Madam Song."

When he stood up, a smile still on his face, he said, "If he wishes to represent the Legalists, then he has lost his rightful standing and, as the Central Prime Minister said, should withdraw from the Pavilion."

"If he represents the Grand Void Pavilion, I have never participated in the Grand Void Illusion, much less violated its rules. How can the Grand Void Pavilion blame me?"

He spread his hands. "Even the Central Empire possesses the virtue of cherishing life. Is the Grand Void Pavilion a nation above nations?"

After the birth of the infant from the sea of thunder, Chen Yanxun's demeanor had changed. He was more assertive and confident, possessing the complete aura of a new life. His words were also soft yet sharp, combining firmness with gentleness.

It also reminded people that over three hundred years ago, he had walked in the Chen court with the appearance of a noble orchid. At that time, he had wanted to follow the path of the state system, but soon recognized the reality, grew disillusioned, and departed.

Dou Zhao paid no heed to such talk; he raised his blade, intending to kill.

It wasn't recklessness, but a clear understanding that entanglement was useless. Many were pretending to be blind; even if Yan Chunhui died, they would continue their pretense.

But suddenly, the Daydream Bridge was pierced with golden light... a golden bridge from the other shore was built to his heart.

He heard his great-grandmother's voice, a single sentence: "The Dou family has always received Chu's emolument; act for Chu's affairs first." Neither life nor death could make him avoid the path, nor could brute force make him sheath his blade. But the weight of kinship and the responsibility of the family name, though he was a heavenly brave, made it difficult to proceed.

It was so for Dou Zhao, and likewise for the various Pavilions.

Ju Kui was never one to rely on others to establish rules, and he deeply understood the position of each person present. Just like at the previous Grand Void Conference, Jiang Wang, who left early, also understood every person present.

But...

But!

He stepped forward.

Yet a sword stood even further ahead of him.

Upright and majestic, the Heavenly Path pointed to the heart. That sword, 'Though the Lord Asks!'

"Grandmaster Gongsun!" Chen Yanxun saluted the one-armed Legalist Grandmaster, still showing full respect: "The last time you besieged me in Wuhui Valley, it was within your legal and moral authority. I had no complaints."

"I haven't disturbed the Three Penalties Palace these past few years."

"Today, the path of human demons has turned, the name Yan Chunhui is severed, evil karma is removed, and my sword embryo is reborn. If the Legalists do not allow people to start anew..."

He grinned. "Then I'll make trouble too."

'Though the Lord Asks' shifted slightly, blocking Ju Kui.

"Grandmaster?" Ju Kui looked over.

Gongsun Buhai, with his ape-like arms and wasp-like waist, a truly heroic figure, at this moment had his brows knotted with worry, his tattered clothes stained with blood, looking incredibly desolate, already possessing a sense of twilight.

He sighed, "My adherence to the law has already harmed Jing's Nirvana Sea strategy. Now that the Hunyuan Evil Immortal is about to descend, you and I cannot act recklessly."

"Oh."

Ju Kui remained expressionless; it was as if he had never known what an expression was.

He brushed aside the broadsword before him and continued to walk forward, as if parting a curtain.

"The Central Prime Minister is right, the Three Penalties Palace indeed does not represent the Legalists, and neither does the Mirror World Platform—I only represent myself."

He stepped three paces before Chen Yanxun, establishing a peak-level battlefield on the martial arts stage!

And then came the sword light, an indescribable radiance that stripped away all perception, shining brilliantly on the high platform!

The light extinguished.

On the stage, no sharp edge was seen, only the youth with an easy smile.

People vaguely forgot what had happened, as if they had not seen any sword light, and certainly no flying swords.

The peerless spectacle of the Flying Sword Era, with a fleeting, missed encounter, thus amazed the world.

The True Monarch, whose face was like cast iron, raised his hand, trying to grasp those indistinct lines... He tried to establish rules, but his rules did not exist.

The successive changes on the River-Observing Platform, the myriad strange things hidden among the contestants...

Reality had long proven that his rules did not exist!

The Yellow River Meeting, once a proud declaration of Dao, an unprecedented human spectacle, had shaken his Dao heart. It made his fists so indecisive, his rules so unclear.

He raised his hand forcefully, but understood that he could grasp nothing.

But in the blurry world, something was swaying.

He seemed to see...

Someone walked forward to him.