Chapter 1551: A Youthful Spirit in the Tavern

Emerging from the East Radiance Pavilion,the Dawn Bell of the Star-Gazing Tower began to toll leisurely,shaking awake Jiang Wang's somewhat dazed thoughts.He had truly memorized until his head ached, memorizing with trepidation.Though he usually applied himself diligently,failing to memorize even one piececould be deemed a crime of deceiving the sovereign! The pressure was simply too immense.He had never imaginedthat the Qi Son of Heaven summoning him to the East Radiance Pavilion,spending a full hour,was actually just to randomly test his memorization!At this crucial juncture, poised to launch an invasion against Xia.The entire court of civil and military officials awaited his will.Was this Great Qi Son of Heaven... a little too idle?!But this idleness, this not attending to official matters before a great war,this leisurely mood to even tease a young Viscount before the court assembly,did indeed convey a sense of composure, a sense of confidence...The composure of surveying the world.The confidence of grasping the cosmos!What was the Xia State? What difficulty lay in the game of this world?He, Jiang Xu, merely chatted casually,summoning the young man to his presence to honestly recite texts,casually making a move... and the piece fell, causing mountains to crumble!Accompanied by the Chief Eunuch Qiu Ji, Jiang Wang walked out of the palace city,a sense of ease truly settling in his heart."Duke Jiang, this humble servant will not escort you further.""Eunuch, please stay. I won't get lost in Linzi, after all."Only then did Qiu Ji offer a smile.Yet, still he said nothing else, returning directly to the palace.Before Jiang Wang could ponder whether Qiu Ji had left anything unsaid,he saw a grand sedan chair ahead, its curtain lifted.Chongxuan Sheng waved to him: "Come in!""What happened?" Jiang Wang asked as he settled into the sedan chair.The chair had already lifted, the bearers walking swiftly as if flying.Chongxuan Sheng still squeezed with Fourteen, merely waving a hand:"First tell me what happened to you! Why did the Emperor summon you?""He had me recite some texts," Jiang Wang answered truthfully.Chongxuan Sheng was momentarily stunned,perhaps also not having initially expected the Qi Son of Heaven to be so bored,but immediately said: "It seems today's court assemblywill determine the commander for the invasion of Xia!"Jiang Wang utterly failed to understand how he connected these two matters.But he had long since become accustomed to it.Believing Chongxuan Sheng's conclusion was sufficient, the process of analysis wasn't very important.So he shrugged: "So where are we going now?""Nan Yao," Chongxuan Sheng was likely still contemplating the political situation,somewhat absentmindedly: "A piece that has been in place for a long time;it's time to gather it."Chiyang Commandery, Nan Yao City, the Lian Clan.The foremost clan of weapon refiners in Great Qi.One of the five universally recognized Holy Lands by weapon refiners.Of course, this so-called "Holy Land" was merely a grand title,far from comparable to Holy Lands like Suspended Empty Monastery or Jade Capital Mountain.Just as renowned weapons across the world are attached to people, held in their hands.One never hears of a person becoming powerful because of a certain weapon;only weapons become famous because of the powerful.Weapon refiners also largely exist by attaching themselves to powerful forces,having little presence themselves.And through Jiang Wang's relationship with Lian Que,Chongxuan Sheng had secretly been laying plans in Nan Yao's Lian Clan for a long time.In a crucial war like the invasion of Xia,at the moment of final competition with Chongxuan Zun,he needed to consolidate all his strength.Jiang Wang naturally understood this.So he closed his eyes, preparing to cultivate: "Just call me when we arrive.""No time," Chongxuan Sheng suddenly called out: "Stop the sedan chair!"The sedan chair stopped, and he pushed Jiang Wang:"We have to finish this before the results of the court assembly reach Nan Yao City.There's no time to ride in a sedan chair."Great Qi's military arms are in Chiyang, and Chiyang's military arms are in Nan Yao.The importance of the Lian Clan is undoubtedly clear,and the production of military arms in Nan Yao City is also firmly in the hands of the Qi court.But among the numerous armies departing, which teams should receive the best military arms?Who can be equipped first, and who can receive replenishment the fastest?Under the grand directives of the court, the Lian Clan also has relative freedom.This power is very important!That's why the Fourteenth Prince Jiang Wuyong had once wished to lay claim to it.Once the court assembly concludes and the commander for the invasion of Xia is decided,the great war will begin immediately.At that time, among those participating, there will be no shortage of people seeking out the Lian Clan.So Chongxuan Sheng said, they had to be fast.Thus, in the streets of Linzi, the three of them soared into the air,flying directly towards Chiyang Commandery.Jiang Wang's fourth-grade green plaque,and Chongxuan Sheng's family background,served a quite clear purpose at this time—hardly anyone would dare to shout loudly.Those who could shout loudly at them were likely still participating in the court assembly in the Purple Extreme Palace!The three flew unhindered,crossing mountains and ridges, traversing commanderies and cities,and within a few hours, they had already arrived at Nan Yao City.Chongxuan Sheng's objective was very clear; they landed directly before the Lian Clan Ancestral Temple.As they had flown so boldly from Linzi all the way to Nan Yao City,and then rushed directly to the Lian Clan Ancestral Temple,the people of the Lian family naturally wouldn't remain ignorant and unaware.Lian Zhuping, the Lian family head,rushed over with several elders, his complexion unnatural,yet he still forced a smile: "Young Master Chongxuan! Duke Jiang!What brings you here today?""This is not the place to talk," he gestured, leading the way:"I have arranged a banquet at the restaurant;please grant us the honor of your presence."Today's Lian Zhuping was vastly different from the past!How arrogant before, how respectful now.Jiang Wang said nothing.Chongxuan Sheng, however, said leisurely:"I don't think it's necessary. Some things should be said in a restaurant,but some things can only be said here!"Lian Zhuping's face darkened: "What do you mean, Young Master Chongxuan?"No matter what, he was the head of a clan, the head of a very reputable family.No matter how noble Chongxuan Sheng's status, he was still so young,and hadn't yet inherited his title...He had already forced a smile, not bothering to mind the other party's reckless demeanor,yet why was he still so aggressive, tearing down the tiles?Chongxuan Sheng was too lazy to pay him any mind,only looking left and right, and shouted loudly: "Where is Lian Que?"Within the time it took to say these few words,many Lian clan members had already gathered before the Lian Clan Ancestral Temple.Lian Que's resolute figure walked from a distance;without saying a word, the crowd automatically parted a path for him.Having refined the world-renowned weapon "Changxiang Si,"and having operated it with Chongxuan Sheng's help for the past few years,his prestige within the Lian Clan had long been incomparable to the past.The path silently parted by this crowd was the embodiment of his honor!Lian Zhuping glared at him fiercely,his gaze like an old king in a wolf pack who smelled the scent of a new king:"Lian Que, what is the meaning of this?Colluding with outsiders today, stirring up trouble,do you wish to disrespect my Lian Clan Ancestral Temple?!"Lian Que's face was not one people were very willing to look at,as it was indeed not very pleasant to behold.But at this moment, people had to look at him.He first nodded to Jiang Wang, then looked at Chongxuan Sheng:"Has the time arrived?"Chongxuan Sheng smiled: "If, even now, we still need a so-called 'time,'then your efforts over these past few years can be said to be in vain!You might as well go back to Qingyang Town and forge iron,and I might as well go there and sell steamed buns!"Lian Que then smiled, of course not beautifully:"I understand the reasoning, but why would you sell steamed buns?"Chongxuan Sheng grinned: "Someone loves to eat them!"Lian Que looked at Fourteen...Then he comforted himself by looking at Jiang Wang.Only then did he look back at Lian Zhuping, and said very calmly:"The position of Head of the Lian Clan, from today onwards, belongs to me."His tone was not impassioned,because he was not declaring war, not about to launch an expedition against anyone.He was merely announcing a fact.Sometimes he also felt a sense of unreality.The difficulties that he once thought were insurmountable,the life he had resolved to change,the belief that he would have to sacrifice everything and struggle his entire life,and he did indeed have the resolve to forge iron and burn himself—But in just a few years, it was already within reach.After all, that young man who came from afar to Qihad already grown into the foremost prodigy among the younger generation of Qi.After all, that disciple of the Chongxuan clan, who wasn't much respected back then,could now stand as an equal to Chongxuan Zun,who had "captured all the brilliance of his peers."After all, he himself had not wasted a single day in these past few years.Therefore, the agreement made at the wine shop back then should indeed yield a result today.Lian Zhuping was both surprised and enraged: "Absurd!"He was angry at Lian Que's attitude, and even more terrified by Lian Que's attitude.He pointed at Lian Que and cursed: "You brat, do you think that by climbing onto the high branch of the Chongxuan family,relying on the prestige of the Marquis of Bowang,you can cover the sky with one hand, and even control the position of Head of my Lian family?""You are truly both wicked and foolish!Will the Chiyang Commandery Office allow it? Will the court just stand by and watch?"In his furious roar, meant to conceal his lack of confidence,he also did not forget to strip away the influence of the Chongxuan family,and to build confidence for those who supported him.But Lian Que's expression was strange: "What does this have to do with the Chongxuan family?And why wouldn't the Chiyang Commandery Office allow it?"His calm tone formed a stark contrast with Lian Zhuping's agitation:"This is a decision made by our own Lian clan."Lian Zhuping naturally had some degree of premonition at this point.But he refused to believe it.He had been the clan head for so many years, managing for so long,doing so much for this family... How old was Lian Que, this boy?! How many years had he been famous?"Lian Clan?" He sneered, though he inevitably felt somewhat lacking in confidence,he still exerted his remaining strength and held onto his lingering prestige:"When could the Lian Clan be decided by you?"Lian Que said nothing.And at this moment, among the people surrounding the Lian Clan Ancestral Temple,more than half of them, almost simultaneously,looked up and directed their gaze towards Lian Zhuping!Their gazes at this moment had a tangible weight.Why did Lian Que need to speak?In recent years, through Lian Que's connections, the Lian family had received the support of the Chongxuan family.They were thriving in the military,and every military order received the best conditions.All the past troubles, where things were blocked here and there,as long as Lian Que stepped forward, they all vanished like smoke.The entire Lian family of hundreds of people,and how many people were involved in the weapon refining industry surrounding the Lian Clan, from top to bottom,who did not benefit from this?What is the heart of man? The heart of man is here!Moreover, Lian Que, though not smooth, and his methods not refined,was absolutely a fair person.He would never let those who followed him suffer losses,and would never conceal anyone's benefits.This alone surpassed Lian Zhuping by far!Lian Zhuping might have been a good clan head once,after all, in a situation where the Lian Clan had not refined a renowned weapon for a long time,and had no strong martial backing, he still managed to keep the Lian family business afloat.If not for achievement, then for effort.But he was old!He was already over sixty, yet still hadn't reached the Divine Arrival realm.He relied entirely on spiritual medicine to hold on,preventing his cultivation from beginning to decline.At his age, not yet having reached the Divine Arrival realm,he still hadn't given up!Constantly demanding from the family, constantly occupying various resources,craving the day of achieving Divine Arrival,craving to remain eternally youthful, breaking the limit of lifespan.Why approach the Fourteenth Prince Jiang Wuyong?Why do some things that teetered on the edge of danger?It all stemmed from his unwillingness, his greed.He wanted things he could no longer obtain through normal channels, he wanted more!Perhaps this is also human nature,but the Lian clan members were no longer willing to understand.Because they had a better choice!In the crowd, a rising talent of the Lian Clan, a young man named Lian Shao,was the first to speak: "The affairs of the Lian family are naturally decided by our own Lian family.And I, Lian Shao, fully support Lian Que's leadership of the family.I believe in him, just as I believe the Lian Clan has a more distant future!I follow him precisely because I still have hope for this family!"Back in the Seven Stars Building Secret Realm, Jiang Wang had saved him once,and later, he completely sided with Lian Que.And at this moment, under his leadership,one after another, the young people of the Lian Clan stepped forward to express their stance."I believe in Lian Que!""If Lian Que doesn't become the family head, the Lian Clan has no future to speak of!"Like a spreading wildfire, it had become a raging inferno."Lian Shao!" Lian Zhuping, driven by exasperation, roared:"Don't forget where your Life Tablet is!"But as soon as the words left his mouth, he realized that he had been blinded by anger and fear,saying something foolish.Some facts could exist, and indeed had existed for a long time,but they should not be spoken aloud.Without time to think about why he was making repeated blunders,those Lian clan members present, including those who had initially remained neutral,all took a step forward.The dense mass of heads, behind Lian Que, surged forward like a tide!The Life Tablet system was the root of the Lian Clan's rigidity,and a set of antiquated rules and bad habits by which a minority of higher-ups exploited the majority of clansmen.Many people were simply afraid to speak, but that didn't mean they didn't hate.Their lives controlled by others, constantly threatened like today when fighting for their own rights...Who could not hate?Lian Zhuping had aroused public anger!Jiang Wang withdrew the Disaster Cauldron Seal that concealed fluctuations,and also quietly dispersed the seal of the Dao art 'Wrath'.Chongxuan Sheng still smiled without speaking, maintaining an appearance of being uninvolved.Lian Zhuping desperately wanted to say something to salvage the situation.And at this moment, behind Lian Zhuping, an elder spoke:"Actually, I also feel...that letting Lian Que be the family head is perhaps indeed a better choice."This person was none other than Lian Luoyue!Who had once served the Fourteenth Prince Jiang Wuyong diligently,actively vying for Changxiang Si.Today, however, he spoke with a solemn expression:"Brother Zhuping, we are all old. Our ideas can't keep up, and our bodies are not as good as before...It's time to hand over the burden to the younger generation."Lian Zhuping's greatest trump card at this moment was the Life Tablet system,which had maintained the stability of the Lian Clan for many years.But there was a fatal flaw—the Life Tablets of the Lian clan memberswere held in the hands of a group of elders.Lian Zhuping turned to look at Lian Luoyue, his eyes filled with sheer panic and helplessness!At the most crucial moment, the person he trusted the most had stabbed him in a vital spot.Immediately after, another elder said:"I also believe Lian Que is very suitable to lead the family.In recent years, the only renowned weapon of our Lian Clan was forged by Lian Que.His mastery of weapon refining is beyond question; he has long surpassed us old folks,and is fully capable of inheriting the ancestral foundation.Moreover, he is so young, his future is limitless!Our family should, of course, be entrusted to someone with a greater future;this is a choice that is personally relevant to each and every one of us!"Lian Zhuping could barely hear the words that followed.Elders kept coming forward to express their stance.He only felt that everything was in chaos, his ears ringing incessantly.He had intended to slap Lian Que, just as he had forced Lian Que to let go of Changxiang Si back then.But his fingers had barely moved when a thread of killing intent fixed itself on his brow.He sobered up in an instant, fully realizing the situation he was in.Inferior in influence, inferior in virtue, inferior in strength, inferior in wisdom!There were still elders who supported him, and not everyone loyal to him had become disloyal.But he said nothing.He turned and walked into the Ancestral Temple alone.The large door of the Ancestral Temple slowly closed.In his eyes, flames ignited. They seemed like furnace fires,like the fervent heat he had also pursued in his youth.Through a large door, faintly from behind, came Lian Que's voice—"From today onwards, the Lian Clan will abolish Life Tablets!No one will be born with shackles, everyone will enjoy the freedom they deserve!"And then came the cheers.Thunderous cheers.Spreading from one manor, one street, to the entire city.Those cheers, it seemed, also existed for him.(End of this chapter)Please read at: m.bqg99.cc