Chapter 1292: North Out of the Bamboo Forest

The Wash Moon Nunnery lies to the northeast of the State of Wei,and to the southeast of the Diligent Study Academy.More precisely, it is nestled within an ancient bamboo forest,seldom trod by mortal foot.This bamboo grove is deep, serene, and tranquil,its location rarely marked upon the maps of the various states.Nameless is the grove, yet the world, perhaps,calls it by the name of Wash Moon.

Though both are Buddhist sects of this realm,the Wash Moon Nunnery is unlike the Hanging Temple,which divides its gates into front and back,spreading wide its vast Buddhist lands to shelter the faithful,a single temple akin to a sovereign state.The mountain gate of the Wash Moon Nunnery is concealed,not open to the secular world.In this respect, the Wash Moon Nunnery is more akin to Mount Meru.

At this moment, Jiang Wang stands amidst this bamboo forest,where the gentle breeze whispers through the leaves,his heart somewhat lost regarding the path ahead.Yu Zhen had told him to "scram" on his own,but being within the Wash Moon Nunnery, some discretion was needed.Thus, it was she who personally escorted him out.It was not overly complicated;she merely dressed him in a monk's robe and a cape,then led him swaggeringly out of the mountain gate.They encountered no one along the way,whether due to the Wash Moon Nunnery's sparse population,or perhaps everyone had been sent elsewhere.In any case, it was exceedingly smooth.Clearly, within the Wash Moon Nunnery, Yu Zhen held a position of no small importance.After bringing him to the bamboo grove, she drifted away,leaving not a single word behind.

Jiang Wang pondered in silence for a while,then found a secluded spot.He donned the tattered Ruyi Immortal Robe beneath his outer garment,so that it might absorb strength and slowly recover.Though Yu Zhen scornfully called it a piece of rags,though it had indeed always been in a damaged state...it was truly the finest magic garment he possessed,and he could not afford to despise it himself.

Regarding the path ahead, Jiang Wang was not in a hurry to decide.Instead, he connected to the Grand Illusionary Realm,intending to first understand the situation of the outside world.The Blessed Land had fallen to the forty-seventh rank, Tiger Stream Mountain,this goes without saying.The honor of being the number one Inner Mansion in the Grand Illusionary Realm had also been relinquished.At this time, the first is "Spiritual Peak."It seems Zuo Guangshu had indeed not slacked off during this period,likely also preparing for the Mountain and Sea Realm.Alas, he could no longer go,otherwise, the might of the Heavenly Mansion of the number one Inner Mansion in the worldshould be shown to all...

He had accumulated many paper crane messages.Ning Jianke had three, all asking when he had time to spar.Calculating the time, it was probably after the Mirror World Platform公示 his 通魔 that no more letters came.Zuo Guangshu had five letters, first asking what was happening,then pressing further, then asking Jiang Wang to reply upon seeing the letter,saying he might be able to help in some way...The letters stopped on the day Zhao Xuanyang tracked him to the State of Zhongshan.

Heavier Than Black had accumulated nine letters.There was no extraneous talk in the letters,all were summaries of the current situation,and suggestions for Jiang Wang...The complexity of those suggestions was such that it seemed he had completely lost faith in Jiang Wang's own thinking.For example, the most recent letter—"The Son of Heaven has ordered General Cao Jie to secretly replace Wanyan Xiong Lue,slay Qi Hong, and breach Liyuan City.The world is in turmoil. If you have been saved,it is not advisable to show yourself for now. Continue to hide.After all, your disappearance is very beneficial for our negotiations.If you are still held captive by Zhao Xuanyang,or troubled by something else, quickly report your location to me.If you cannot see this letter... pretend I didn't write it."

Just recovering from injuries for a few days,the world had undergone such dramatic changes, evolving to such a state!It truly felt like a generation had passed!Jiang Wang wrote a reply to Heavier Than Black,the letter containing only nine characters—"Zhao Xuanyang is dead, I am temporarily free."

After waiting for a while, he did not receive a response from Heavier Than Black.He then exited the Grand Illusionary Realm,slightly oriented himself, and set off towards the State of Mu—His first intended destination was actually the Hanging Temple.In Heavier Than Black's letter, he had learned what Ku Jue had done for him,and even now, Ku Jue was still searching for him.So, he had to at least inform Ku Jue of his safety.

However, firstly, if he went directly to Ku Jue,he would easily be discovered by the State of Jing.Secondly, Ku Jue was searching for him throughout the world,his whereabouts uncertain.Without being able to reveal his identity, he might not truly be able to find Ku Jue.Fortunately, the whereabouts of Monk Jing Li were fixed.As Ku Jue's beloved disciple, Jing Li should have a way to contact Ku Jue.Furthermore, after going to the Hanging Temple, returning to Qi would also be easy,a relatively safe choice.

But from the Wash Moon bamboo grove to the Hanging Temple, it was not so simple.The battle of Liyuan City had settled,but it was precisely just the beginning of the war...The war between Mu and Jing!After the State of Mu captured Liyuan City, both Mu and Sheng sides were constantly increasing their troops.The State of Sheng and the State of Jing behind it would never accept the outcome of Liyuan City.And the State of Mu, having finally broken the "dagger's tip" of the State of Sheng,eagerly desiring to drink from the Central Domain, naturally would not yield.What would be the result once the two great hegemonic states clashed head-on?The scorched earth of the river valley plain is perhaps one answer.The vast expanse between the State of Jing and the State of Mu that has spread from this,encompassing the Northern Domain and the Central Domain,could all become battlefields.

Who knows how many pairs of eyes are watching here.For safety's sake, Jiang Wang absolutely did not intend to pass through this area.In this case, circling from the rear of the State of Mu,and entering the Eastern Domain via the State of Qu,was instead the most reliable route.He could not possibly cross the Long River again and go to the Southern Domain,then loop back to the Eastern Domain from the Southern Domain.That would be even farther and more dangerous.Furthermore, by passing through the State of Mu,he could also meet with Little Five to inform him of his safety,lest he worry.

This route, while seemingly complicated at first glance,was the result of Jiang Wang's careful judgment of the situationand thorough consideration.

When Heavier Than Black replied, it was nighttime.At that time, Jiang Wang was wearing a cape and a plain brown linen robe,having already traveled a long distance—the monk's robe Yu Zhen had given him for cover had naturally been changed long ago.It was not some awkward matter like wearing women's clothing;that gray monk's robe was of a neutral design, not differentiated by gender.It was simply that the State of Mu was a country that practiced divine power,and the Cang Tu God was overwhelmingly dominant.They did not have much good impression of monks and Daoists.He was dressed as he was now purely to avoid trouble.

Finding a hidden place, he entered the Grand Illusionary Realm once more,and saw Heavier Than Black's chubby paper crane flying clumsily.Jiang Wang did not look at the letter,and directly activated the Star River Space.Before long, the two met again amidst the dazzling starlight.The Star River stretched across, with a small pavilion erected vertically.The two sat facing each other. There were no tears of joy,only the relief of surviving a calamity.

Heavier Than Black looked at him, his expression strange:"You killed Zhao Xuanyang?"Jiang Wang sighed: "I had no choice."The fat on Heavier Than Black's face wrinkled together:"Can you not exaggerate so much in front of your own brother?"Jiang Wang: ...This time, he really didn't intend to boast.Yes, he truly regretted Zhao Xuanyang's death.But there was no way.Just speaking the truth already sounded like boasting.Whose fault was that?

Jiang Wang could only sigh again:"You don't understand me, I don't blame you.I only blame myself for being too strong,beyond your comprehension.""That's enough of that!" Heavier Than Black slapped the stone table,the fat on his face trembling along with it."Alright." Jiang Wang said helplessly:"Actually, the reason I was able to kill him is because...""Stop!" Heavier Than Black quickly made a gesture to stop him:"I don't want to hear how you killed him.I'm afraid it will ruin the pure image of my brother in my heart."

Although he understood that this was Heavier Than Black's way of not wanting to probe his secrets,these words... how did they sound so strangely off?

Over there, Heavier Than Black had already said:"Let's only discuss the aftermath of this matter now."Jiang Wang thought for a moment, then still said:"I should still tell you the details of what happened,so you don't think all sorts of random things?""Hmm." Heavier Than Black said in surprise:"Since you don't know what I'm thinking,how can you say it's all random?"

Looking at this familiar chubby face,his fist also felt familiarly itchy."Change places to talk?""No."

After all, he was a person who had survived a calamity,and looking at the world again, he was much more tolerant...I expect my lords to be mostly fools,and expect my lords to see me as such.

Jiang Wang loosened his fist and smiled magnanimously:"The situation at the time was like this..."And so, he recounted the events in the ancient demon den.Including Zhao Xuanyang receiving the order to kill him,including the Blood Puppet True Demon Song Wanxi,including the Seven Hatred Demonic Art,including that black-clothed demon...Only regarding Yu Zhen, out of some kind of psychology that even he couldn't explain clearly,he only said she was an old acquaintance from the Wash Moon Nunnery.

"You mean, you have a true demon's combat power at your disposal?"Heavier Than Black was dumbfounded.Even though he came from a famous family and was well-informed,he could not help but marvel at Jiang Wang's experiences.Thinking of this, how thrilling the process of Jiang Wang fighting for his lifeunder the game of Zhuang Chengqian and the White Bone Demonic God,and seizing the Blood Puppet True Demon, must have been!

"Currently, I only have the opportunity to summon her within the ancient demon den."Jiang Wang corrected: "And I will not attempt it again unless absolutely necessary.So it can also be said that it is almost as good as not having it."Having already been noticed by that terrifying black-clothed demon,treating the Blood Puppet True Demon as a reliable means would undoubtedly be foolish.

Heavier Than Black suddenly laughed: "Exceedingly interesting!Eight contemporary True Lords, all rushing to the Wuyan Capital Mountains,leaving no trace unchecked,and yet finally arriving at a conclusion completely off the mark!""It's not completely off the mark." Jiang Wang said:"There was indeed a third party force that acted,it's just that the third party was in the Myriad Realms Desolate Tomb.""Yes, yes." Heavier Than Black laughed:"And that old acquaintance of yours who could conceal herself from the eyes of True Lords!"

Saying this, he narrowed his eyes:"How do I feel that this so-called old acquaintance is another Qiao Yanjun?"Jiang Wang only said: "I'm too lazy to quibble with you!"

Heavier Than Black thought for a moment and said:"Then the matter is like this—""Zhao Xuanyang, in order to evade Ku Jue's pursuit,held you captive and hid in the ancient demon den.You stayed in the ancient demon den for a few days,and then, you don't know why, suddenly a true demon crossed realms and arrived.Zhao Xuanyang drew his sword and fought against her.During the battle, you were pierced through your organs by a spear,your Five Mansions Sea was shattered, and you fell into a coma, knowing nothing.When you woke up, you found yourself in a barren mountain.Your injuries had been treated,but you didn't know who saved you,nor did you know what happened in that demon den afterward..."

"I don't know anything at all?" Jiang Wang asked."Of course you don't know." Heavier Than Black said:"Otherwise, how do you explain your Blood Puppet True Demon?""Why not say that Zhao Xuanyang is already dead,and his corpse was also taken to the Myriad Realms Desolate Tomb by the true demon?"Heavier Than Black said coldly: "It is better to leave some suspense about his life and death,lest someone goes mad... and you know nothing!"

"Will others believe it?""The people of Qi will definitely believe it, because you must be innocent!Especially in the current situation." Heavier Than Black retorted:"As for others, does it matter if they believe it or not?After this incident, is there still anyone who can search your soulto prove your innocence?"

Jiang Wang gave a bitter smile:"If there were a method to prove innocence without harming the spirit,I would be willing to try!"Heavier Than Black heard the bitterness in these words.As the entire incident had developed to this point,the most innocent was Jiang Wang himself.But now he had to lie to protect himself,because he had already understood: in this world,it is not that you are truly innocent, you can be innocent!He was falsely accused of collaborating with demons without doing anything wrong,and a Blood Puppet True Demon Song Wanxi was enough to cause him to fall into eternal damnation.

"Jiang Wang." Heavier Than Black looked at him and said very seriously:"You are too dazzling. You simply haven't realized how dazzling you are.Wang Yiwu is your defeated subordinate, the Horizon Platform was your stepping stone to fame.After the Yellow River Meeting, you are like the rising sun!Do you know how many eyes are watching you?""Everyone can see you, everyone will see you.As soon as their gaze falls upon you, the influence has already occurred.Goodwill is gentle, malice is glaring.So goodwill is often forgotten as soon as it is seen,while malice will accumulate and be infinitely amplified.""It will make you feel depressed, make you doubt yourself,make you feel wronged, angry.If you feel like you are an enemy of the world,you might as well look around you.There have always been many people who support you,and there have always been many people who believe in you."

He pointed to himself: "At least these few hundred pounds of fat on mewill always stand by you."

He had not expected Heavier Than Black to say such words.Perhaps this pursuit by the Mirror World Platform had also left him with lingering fears?From Zhaohang City to the ancient demon den in the Wuyan Capital Mountains,it was indeed a very difficult journey.The most difficult part was not the powerful opponents or the dangers encountered,but having to simultaneously bear the infamy and endure too much hostility.It was that kind of grievance with nowhere to appeal,that kind of angry resentment of "How can I be so innocent?"Pointed at by a thousand fingers, to die without sickness.Hated by ten thousand people, how can one escape?Hatred, disgust, injustice, either kill a person, or kill his heart.After being battered by these painful negative impacts,often only devastation remains...Even if one lives, they are a completely different person.From this arises anger, resentment, and a hatred of the world...It is truly common.

"A few hundred pounds of fat!" Jiang Wang gasped:"No wonder it's so greasy!""I truly miss the time when I first met you!" Heavier Than Black gritted his teeth.Jiang Wang raised his eyebrows: "At that time, I still indulged you, right?"Heavier Than Black said languidly: "At that time, you still couldn't beat me.""Oh-ho!" Jiang Wang laughed:"So you want to beat me up? Don't say I didn't give you a chance.Let's go for a round on the Sword Discourse Platform?I'll let you have one hand."Letting one hand in combat, his combat power would almost be halved.The fat on Heavier Than Black's face trembled, clearly showing some interest:"Letting go of the hand holding the sword?"Jiang Wang said openly: "I've already told you I'm giving you a chance.You say which hand to let go of, and I'll let go of that hand!"

Heavier Than Black suddenly sneered: "So you've already achieved the Heavenly Mansion!""I wish, how can it be so easy?" Jiang Wang said with an innocent expression.Heavier Than Black burst into laughter:"Originally, I only had a thirty percent chance, but now I have one hundred percent!Good Heavens, you Jiang Wang, looking like a decent person,yet doing nothing proper, playing dirty tricks with me!"Jiang Wang couldn't figure out where he had revealed the truth,and couldn't help but ask: "When did you see through it?"Heavier Than Black's laughter suddenly stopped, and he said coldly: "Now."Jiang Wang: ...This string of deceptions was truly infuriating!

Heavier Than Black asked again: "Since you've already achieved the Heavenly Mansion,have you inscribed your fifth mansion's Dao technique?"Jiang Wang shook his head truthfully: "I haven't even had time for the fourth Inner Mansion.I haven't found a suitable one.""Alright." Heavier Than Black smiled:"Find a place to hide first, conceal your identity.I'll go and demand some benefits for you."Jiang Wang was stunned: "Demand from whom?""You deserve to be short of funds!" Heavier Than Black had a look of disappointment:"Didn't I already tell you? Great Qi is putting pressure on the State of Jingin the name of seeking justice for you.""So?""So you cannot show yourself in front of others for now.You must hide yourself well and play the role of a missing prodigy!""I know." Jiang Wang nodded: "I'm playing it now!"Heavier Than Black sighed deeply:"You are the dignified number one Inner Mansion in the world,Jiang Qingyang, unparalleled in faith and righteousness.Looking up, you are not ashamed before heaven; looking down,you are not ashamed before earth.You are a peerless prodigy, a fine young man of the human world!How can you hide your head and show your tail,allowing the world to mock you?"Jiang Wang didn't take it seriously: "Alas, what does this matter..."Heavier Than Black had already interrupted him very seriously: "Unless you add money!"Jiang Wang instantly sat up straight and replied in an equally serious tone:"You are right, I have indeed sacrificed too much!"