Chapter 074
Chapter 74: Operation Eliminate
Soon, Zhang Song and the others left Li Mu Sheng’s courtyard.
“You two have witnessed it clearly; it isn’t that I, the General, refuse to teach. It’s simply that the Eighth Prince refuses to learn. Farewell!”
General Wu An snorted coldly and turned away without another word.
“Amitabha.”
Master Xuan Yi softly uttered a Buddhist chant, then turned to Zhang Song and said gently, “Lord Zhang, it was merely a misunderstanding regarding martial dao levels. His Highness still has a long journey ahead on the path of martial dao. Such a minor thing shouldn’t anger him enough to drive out humble monks like myself, should it?”
Zhang Song, clad in his official robes, stroked his beard thoughtfully. After a moment’s hesitation, he shook his head and sighed, “I myself think it’s nothing serious, but… it seems the Eighth Prince is truly angered.”
…
At this moment, Li Mu Sheng was beyond angry; he felt completely shattered.
After the three left, he returned to the pavilion expressionlessly, sitting down in silence and staring at the teacup before him for a long while.
[Could it really be true that there is no transcendence in martial dao? Is my current strength truly the highest point of this world?]
[Hmm… could there be another possibility? Although that ‘History of Martial Dao’ appears to be just a storybook, perhaps… it reveals the ultimate truth of martial dao. By some fortunate fate, maybe I happened to see through its hidden truth.]
Li Mu Sheng pondered silently, comforting himself.
If transcendence did not exist, he felt like he’d suddenly lost his purpose. His motivation faded, and strangely, he wanted nothing more than to drift aimlessly.
No!
Just because they say martial dao transcendence doesn’t exist, does that mean it truly doesn’t?
Have they ever reached my level? I haven’t even spoken my piece yet!
Li Mu Sheng suddenly narrowed his eyes and murmured softly, “Whether martial dao transcendence exists, only I am truly qualified to say. Everyone else’s opinions don’t count.”
“The day I personally decide transcendence doesn’t exist—that’s when transcendence truly ceases to be.”
Moreover, he was still young, younger than all previous geniuses who had reached the peak of martial dao. He still had ample time to find out for himself.
At that thought, Li Mu Sheng exhaled softly and raised the cup to sip his tea.
“Knowledge learned from paper always seems shallow. To truly understand something, one must experience it. Why did I even listen to their nonsense?”
Just then, Cang Yin Yue returned cheerfully after applying the ointment.
Earlier, she had looked at herself in the mirror. Though the branded mark on her face was not fully healed, it had already become very faint. By tomorrow, her original beauty would likely be restored, and she would no longer need a veil.
“Your Highness’s kindness is something Yin Yue can never fully repay. From now on, if Your Highness commands it, I shall fulfill it with all my heart,” Cang Yin Yue spoke earnestly, bowing respectfully to Li Mu Sheng.
Li Mu Sheng glanced at her and sensed clearly that her gratitude was now deeper than when he had rescued her the night before.
Truly, a young lady valued her beauty even above her own life. It seemed this was no mere saying. Even someone as strong and independent as Cang Yin Yue was no exception!
Li Mu Sheng raised an eyebrow, responding calmly, “Miss Cang, serve under me from now on.”
Hearing this, Cang Yin Yue gently nodded without hesitation.
She had joined Six Gates and the Shadow Spy Division primarily for revenge. Now that her vengeance was fulfilled, she indeed had no reason to remain there.
However, Li Mu Sheng added, “Naturally, you must still retain your positions in Six Gates and the Shadow Spy Division. Consider yourself a triple spy.”
Cang Yin Yue paused, her eyes revealing slight surprise as she stared at Li Mu Sheng.
Seeing her reaction, Li Mu Sheng suddenly straightened up, an expression of realization crossing his face.
[Is this how those heartless capitalists treat people?]
He had assigned three jobs to Cang Yin Yue alone. Wasn’t this treating her purely as a beast of burden?
Realizing this, Li Mu Sheng suddenly felt ashamed and cleared his throat awkwardly, quickly correcting himself:
“You won’t need to work constantly for me. Your primary task will simply be to locate the keys for opening the Heavenly Revelation Secret Treasury. Apart from that, I have no special requests.”
Cang Yin Yue visibly relaxed.
She could handle triple responsibilities, but who wouldn’t prefer a lighter burden?
Li Mu Sheng then waved his hand gently and said, “Miss Cang, you may return to Six Gates now. Keep an eye on Qing Shan House for me. If you find definite clues about more keys, inform me promptly.”
Cang Yin Yue didn’t ask further. She paused thoughtfully and then said, “Regarding last night’s events at Marquis Cang Yuan’s manor, I have not reported the truth to Six Gates. They’ll likely cover it up. Your Highness’s identity should remain safe.”
However, Li Mu Sheng shook his head. “I already informed them about it.”
Cang Yin Yue showed obvious surprise. Li Mu Sheng calmly looked at her, speaking steadily, “Miss Cang, now that you’re one of mine, remember this clearly: from now on, any problem solvable by martial strength is no problem at all.”
Cang Yin Yue’s eyes glimmered. She studied Li Mu Sheng deeply, finally nodding softly, respectfully excusing herself.
Only after leaving his courtyard did she stop and glance back unconsciously, a faint confusion in her clear, watery eyes.
[Is this how it feels to have someone supporting me? It feels oddly reassuring. For the first time, I feel truly at peace.]
Before, she had always been alone, fighting fiercely within the Shadow Spy Division for revenge—for her mother and brother. But starting today, something felt different…
…
After Cang Yin Yue left, Commander Fu Qi Wen arrived at Li Mu Sheng’s courtyard immediately after.
“Your Highness, I heard you drove General Wu An and the others away earlier. Might I ask what brings you to summon me?”
Fu Qi Wen stood respectfully before Li Mu Sheng, bowing slightly.
Li Mu Sheng glanced at him and raised an eyebrow. “Since Lord Fu has decided on the elimination of Fallen God Peak, when do you plan to act?”
Fu Qi Wen looked up at Li Mu Sheng and narrowed his eyes slightly. Without hiding anything, he answered plainly:
“Since His Majesty approved, I’ve already started preparations.”
He continued, “Last night, I dispatched urgent Thousand Mile messages from the Imperial Capital, calling elite troops from Heavenly Brocade Guards across the provinces. They’re secretly heading to Lan Province, where Fallen God Peak is located.”
“The closest forces should arrive within half a day; the furthest ones within ten days. After handling matters in the Imperial Capital within three days, I myself will leave Shang Yang City for Fallen God Peak.”
Li Mu Sheng nodded gently, praising casually, “Lord Fu acts swiftly indeed.”
Then, leisurely meeting Fu Qi Wen’s gaze, he added with interest, “But tell me, Lord Fu, just how confident are you?”