Chapter 1173: 照与庇

The Imperial Capital of Da Song.

The carriage arrived from the north, swaying in the distance before soon descending to the ground. Monks and common folk, in varying numbers, gathered in the streets and alleys, secretly observing.

“It’s the remnants of Xuan Yue…”“They’ve brought back some surrendered officials… I wonder how they’ll be dealt with…”These whispers, some carried by spiritual energy, others barely audible through murmuring lips, filled the bustling scene. From the front of the carriage, a man stepped out.

He was not tall, but dark-skinned and stout. A treasured sword hung from his waist, and a point of purple light shimmered brightly on his brow, catching the martial light from the heavens above, making his otherwise plain face appear mighty.

As the Chixuan lifted the curtain, the clang of iron chains was heard, and a person stepped out from within. The person was gaunt and skinny, with a hunched figure. Their pale grey skin was speckled, and their eyes were narrowed to mere slits. Dark whiskers and strands of hair clung to their cheeks. It was only when they took a step forward that the dark shackles on their neck became visible. The person in front tugged the chain, a clear jingle sounded, and the shackled individual raised their head, noticing the dense crowd of people in the pavilions.

A young man, clear-featured and splendidly dressed, astride a spirited horse, blocked the road ahead. With one hand, he gripped the reins, a broad smile on his face, while with the other, he drew a whip and simply said:“Congratulations on your victorious return, General Chen!”

The moment he appeared, Chen Wenyao immediately turned, and even while holding the iron chain, knelt down, respectfully saying:“Greetings, Your Royal Highness the Second Prince.”

The man who had halted his horse and wielded the whip was none other than Yang Jiong, the Second Prince of Da Song. Upon hearing the address, Kong Xiashang, still in shackles, did not even lift his eyelids. He stood isolated, listening as the Prince chuckled:“By His Majesty’s command, my elder brother and I were to greet the forces at Xiude and Xuanwu Gates respectively. It’s a happy coincidence that General Chen is leading his troops through this very gate. In that case, please follow me into the palace!”

As soon as these words were spoken, Chen Wenyao’s expression subtly changed. He merely lowered his gaze and affirmed. Yang Jiong, however, was full of zest. He spurred his horse two steps forward, looked at Kong Xiashang, and chuckled:“Who is this old man?”

Kong Xiashang was actually quite young. Had it not been for so many reversals, he would still be a pillar of Xuan Yue. However, the sight of Kong Tingyun and Kong Guxi taking their own lives before his eyes had made him suicidal and severely weakened his spirit, making him appear old and ugly. Upon hearing this, Kong Xiashang finally raised his head. His eyes were serene as he said in a trembling voice:“I am the humble head of the Kong clan, Kong Xiashang.”

Yang Jiong led his horse forward, smiling:“The Kong clan has repeatedly defied the Heavenly Army and refused to pay tribute for years. Today… how have you come to this?”Kong Xiashang remained silent, as if he hadn’t heard.

These words made the monks on both sides chuckle softly, and many mocking glances fell upon the disgraced Kong family members. Still, no answer came. Yang Jiong smiled without speaking, then snapped his whip, striking the shackles with a clang, sending sparks flying.

A flicker of pity crossed Chen Wenyao’s eyes, yet his hand showed no hesitation. He tugged at the iron chain, infusing it with spiritual power:“The Prince is speaking!”

The Kong clan had endured many disasters; their members had once been scattered, and most of their young and strong had perished in calamities. Now, the majority of their surviving descendants had been slowly gathered, consisting mostly of the old and the weak. How could they endure such intimidation? The scattered Kong family members following behind them began to weep, and a faint sound of weeping permeated the air for a time. But Kong Xiashang remained silent.

The smile in Yang Jiong’s eyes faded. Just as he was about to speak, a carriage ahead began to move. A clear, ethereal, and calmly powerful voice emerged:“Your Royal Highness, we are running late.”

Hearing the voice, Yang Jiong’s expression remained unchanged, but he had already turned his horse’s head and chuckled:“No hurry!”A hint of emotion appeared on Kong Xiashang’s deathly still face. He slightly raised his head, following the source of the voice, and saw a golden sedan chair suspended in mid-air, with a young man standing before it.

This person was tall and handsome, with an extraordinary bearing. Dressed in white robes, he held a sword in his arms. A faint blue mark was vertically aligned on his brow, and his dark eyes, bright as stars, shone with vitality. Within his sleeves, spiritual energy of water and fire intertwined, flowing like roaming dragons and dancing phoenixes.‘A Li family member…’

The moment Kong Xiashang gazed upon him, the pressure Yang Jiong had exerted on him vanished. This Prince spurred his horse forward, his gaze fixed keenly on the spiritual sword at the young man’s waist, and chuckled:“Since Fellow Daoist Li has thoughts of interfering in court affairs, why then did you abandon your noble titles and positions?”

Unlike the earlier gloating laughter of the crowd, as soon as these words were uttered, the entire street fell into a deathly silence. The cultivators secretly peering from the pavilions withdrew their gazes, feigning ignorance, while the common folk exchanged fearful glances. Bluntly speaking, while the people of the Imperial Capital might not have seen Yang Jiong, the Second Prince, they had certainly heard of the Sword Immortal who, by imperial decree, entered the court but refused official posts and noble titles—Li Jiangchun. While the North and South were embroiled in fierce conflict, the Imperial Capital was also rife with events. This prodigy of the Li clan had secluded himself upon arriving in the capital, refusing visits from all parties. In the entire Imperial Capital, the only person who could summon him was Emperor Song! Yet, even when Emperor Song personally summoned him to bestow official posts and noble titles, this Sword Immortal from a vassal state dared to refuse each one. Only when he truly could not decline further did he accept a meager stipend, to show his allegiance as a subject. Furthermore, certain rumors made the aristocratic families relish even more: Emperor Song was known for not doting on his descendants. It was said that in the hall, when he had his second son spar with Li Jiangchun, the Sword Immortal, without unleashing his sword intent or even drawing his blade, still managed to cut off Yang Jiong, the Second Prince's, jade crown.‘When these two clash… it’s never good news!’

Yang Jiong’s calm yet forceful words carried a sharp sting, causing Chen Wenyao deep bitterness and lamentation:‘How did I get entangled in such a mess!’

His Chen clan’s spiritual powers had waned, with no successors now. He had been trying to appease both sides: his clan’s elder Zhenren Chen had diligently guarded the Li family’s lake, and he himself was respectful and humble in court, yet he never expected to encounter such an incident!

A faint hint of doubt flashed in the Sword Immortal’s eyes above. Just as he was about to speak, the curtain of the golden sedan chair behind him was lifted, and a middle-aged man leaned out, gently saying:“Imperial grace is profound; how can it be treated lightly? Jiangchun worries for the affairs of the nation; how could that be impermissible? As your humble servant, I am undeservedly stationed in the Xiulian Hall. If Your Highness cannot heed Jiangchun’s words, you must at least listen to the counsel of your servant, the Emissary of True Radiance Cloud.”

This man was of medium build, with a pleasant appearance. His splendid robes, adorned with golden patterns, exuded an aura of noble immortality. Yang Jiong’s expression darkened, and his hand on his sword relaxed. He said with disappointment:“So, it is the Marquis of Anyang.”

Chen Wenyao lowered his head, a bitter taste in his mouth:‘Trouble… someone even more important has arrived.’

This man was indeed Li Jiangchun’s father, Li Zhouluo, the Marquis of Anyang of Da Song! This Marquis of Anyang possessed no extraordinary spiritual powers or unparalleled talent, yet he held the bloodline of both the Li and Yang Emperors. He was the younger brother of the renowned King Wei of Da Song (who was famous throughout the North and South), the grand-nephew of the Great General of Da Song (who suppressed the Martial Temple), and even the three current Li family prodigies who held the Xuan title had to call him uncle! In the current Song court, he was of indescribable nobility; even Emperor Song exempted him from the kneeling ritual! Even Yang Jiong, despite being a prince, dared not act arrogantly in his presence. The atmosphere instantly grew heavy. Kong Xiashang observed this scene and finally lowered his head deeply, saying:“Our Zhenren, under duress from Zhixuan, offended imperial might and has already committed suicide to atone. We, her humble subordinates, traveled south overnight to pledge allegiance to the Imperial Court…”His words diffused the heavy atmosphere. Yang Jiong withdrew his long whip, and Chen Wenyao, as if granted a great pardon, led his people forward, hastening towards the palace. Yang Jiong shook his head in regret, smiled, and moved forward, the sound of hoofbeats gradually fading into the distance.

Li Jiangchun turned back into the sedan chair and saw his father with a dark, gloomy face, saying:“This Second Prince… is simply too petty!”

Li Zhouluo had always been extremely low-key, understanding that the disputes between the two princes were sensitive matters. Ordinarily, he was polite and impartial to both, but once Li Jiangchun was involved, his usually gentle and courteous face would immediately cloud over. Even if a Purple Mansion Zhenren were to arrive, Li Zhouluo would still stand his ground! He would rather wrong anyone else than wrong his precious son!

In contrast to his father’s burning anger, Li Jiangchun appeared troubled by doubts. He pondered for a moment and said:“My immortal foundation is the Incense and All-Submerged, a Shaoyin sensitivity. I vaguely sensed that he still intends to contend with me in the way of the sword! If Father hadn't stepped in, he would probably have challenged me to a duel.”

Li Zhouluo scoffed, but said nothing. After a few breaths, he finally frowned and said:“Didn’t the Second Prince… already lose to you once before the hall? Why be so stubborn?”

Yang Jiong’s swordsmanship was not bad; he was extremely devoted to his practice. His sword art derived from the Yang clan’s Taoist Canon, the Sword Canon. Even at a young age, he had reached the Sword Origin realm. However, without breaking through to Sword Intent, contending with Li Jiangchun was nothing short of a fool’s errand!

Li Jiangchun nodded, puzzled:“This also puzzles me. Perhaps he was troubling the Kong clan specifically to provoke me to speak. Yet, I haven’t heard him described as narrow-minded… What he seeks is the Way of the Sword, not to make things difficult for me.”

Li Zhouluo shook his head helplessly. The golden sedan chair had already stopped before the palace gates. Through the window, Kong Xiashang, freed from his shackles, entered the hall. Meanwhile, the numerous Kong clan disciples knelt outside in terror, daring not to weep. Li Zhouluo sighed:“I’ll go deliver the King Wei’s personal letter to offer them some protection.”

This was the very reason for the father and son’s visit to the palace. Li Jiangchun nodded solemnly, watched his father depart from the sedan chair, then half-lifted the sedan’s curtain, subtly observing.

The moonlight was crisp and cold. Calls from within the court rose and fell. White cranes soared across the sky, alighting here and there on the eaves. In Li Jiangchun’s clear pupils, individual cranes, as large as human beings, were reflected.

“Kong Tingyun, the Zhenren of the Kong clan, committed many wicked deeds… yet, recognizing her sin and taking her own life, she still basks in the True Light… Her descendant, Xiashang, resisted evil and upheld righteousness, approaching the Emperor with proper decorum… He is granted dominion over the Southern Frontier, commanded to guard Mount Yi, bestowed the title of Marquis of Abandoned Evil, and permitted to continue the Kong family’s ancestral worship…”

As the melodious proclamation resonated, a touch of emotion appeared in Li Jiangchun’s expression. He listened quietly. Then, a flapping sound came from the sky. A white crane landed on one leg, resting near the Kong clan disciples. It bent its knees, spread its wings, and solemnly and majestically covered them with the shadow beneath its wings. A second, then a third… As the sound of the pardon continued, countless white cranes descended from the sky. The Kong clan disciples, prostrate on the ground before the hall, were completely covered by their feathered wings, creating a scene of pristine white.

Li Jiangchun’s expression subtly shifted. He sheathed his sword, stepped out of the sedan chair, and with sharp eyes, stared at the myriad white cranes densely descending from the sky. A dark spot appeared before his eyes.

His father, Li Zhouluo, slightly bowed in his black and gold robes, bathed in moonlight, walking through the solemn ranks of armored guards. The flying cranes, as large as humans, startled, leaped up one by one, retracting their wings and scattering, as if a dark track had appeared in the snow. Li Jiangchun watched silently as his father stepped into the corridor, disappearing behind a curtain. Li Zhouluo's face showed both surprise and joy as he quickly entered the carriage, saying:“Chun’er!”

Li Jiangchun lowered his gaze and saw a gleaming golden pendant in his father’s hand.“This is…”“A Spirit Artifact!”

Li Zhouluo said with emotion:“The Emperor’s grace is as vast as mountains; he has set aside past grievances. The entire Kong clan is absolved. Kong Xiashang is bestowed the title of Marquis of Abandoned Evil and is permitted to restore the Kong family’s ancestral worship… Furthermore, the resources of Xuan Yue and Kong Tingyun’s belongings have been returned. He was even made to personally distribute Purple Mansion-level items to the various aristocratic families in court. Many who openly opposed, like Ziyan and Xiukui, received spiritual objects, while others settled their accounts with spiritual resources, signifying that all past grudges are resolved and will not be pursued further!”

“His Majesty is indeed benevolent and kind-hearted.”Li Jiangchun had met Emperor Yang Jian himself and naturally understood his magnanimity. Hearing this, he nodded in approval. Li Zhouluo, however, was very excited, saying:“This Spirit Artifact… it’s what he gave to our Li family! He said it’s called the Profound Earth Treasure Heart Jade, an item from the Tongxuan Daoist lineage. Since all grievances are settled, this object serves to repay past kindnesses!”

Father and son lowered their heads to look. The Spirit Artifact lay quietly in Li Zhouluo’s palm, emitting an enchanting glow, with a faint brown light intertwining within it. Li Zhouluo said with a tremor:“Anything from the Tongxuan Daoist lineage, in this era, is at least a middle-to-high grade Spirit Artifact! I saw everyone in the hall, their eyes were glued to it!”

Li Jiangchun also smiled, remarking:“Unfortunately… our family has no Earth Virtue Zhenren, nor do we favor Earth Virtue. A common Spirit Artifact can usually display sixty or seventy percent of its power, but this one will probably only manage forty or fifty percent…”“Just hand it over to the Zhenren, it will surely find a use!”

Li Zhouluo, beaming with joy, carefully tucked it into his robes. Impatiently, he pulled out a white scroll, preparing to send good news to Tingzhou. Li Jiangchun chuckled to himself, then, with a hint of worry, lifted the sedan curtain.

One by one, the large cranes were descending again, slowly covering the path Li Zhouluo had taken, leaving only faint, broken black marks. Civil and military officials, and cultivators from various aristocratic families, descended from the great hall in groups of three to five, like black specks crawling across the snow.

Li Jiangchun’s eyes clouded over.

This genius Sword Immortal of the Li clan had cultivated a top-tier Daoist lineage, the ‘Shaoyin Xuanjun Water-Fire Record,’ since childhood. He entered the path early, and as he grew older, his mastery deepened. Now, even without fully activating it, he could still conceal water and fire within his sleeves, protecting himself at all times. Such a top-tier Daoist lineage, though it cannot display its full wonders without entering the Purple Mansion realm, nonetheless provides a high vantage point, making him extremely sensitive to the spiritual atmosphere. Everything before him made him feel a sense of unease.

He hesitated, taking a step. This startled Li Zhouluo from his joy, and his father asked him:“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”Li Jiangchun withdrew his foot, nodded to his father as if nothing were amiss, then lowered the hand that had lifted the sedan curtain. He rolled up his sleeves and began to grind ink for him.

‘Martial cultivation does not illuminate… martial cultivation does not protect.’Unbeknownst to himself, a hint of gloom settled between the brows of Da Song’s youngest Sword Immortal:‘It’s not just Tingzhou that martial cultivation neither illuminates nor protects. Apart from Chixuan, it likely also includes me, Father, and from King Wei and Zhaojing Zhenren down to the palace guards, women, and children, indeed every single member of the Li clan…’‘No illumination, thus no added virtue or sin. No protection, thus no regard for life or death.’