Chapter 2187: Sleepless Night

The vast Jing Country East Celestial Master Manor was silent.

When Jiang Wang’s hand rested on his sword, Chen Suan, who had just ascended to the Cave True realm, seen true immortality, and become a contemporary talent at the pinnacle of the Central Empire, instantly became like a pig waiting to be slaughtered.

Everyone at this moment faced two questions.

The first question: Could Chen Suan survive under Jiang Wang’s single sword strike?

In fact, when this question became a question, the answer was already clear.

Jiang Wang’s strength had been repeatedly verified through legendary experiences. As the youngest True Person in history, he hadn’t truly made a move in the world for a long time. What level his current strength had reached, Chen Suan was certainly not enough to test. This was the consensus of everyone.

Now that Jiang Wang said he would only use one sword, no one dared to say with certainty that Chen Suan could withstand it.

The second question: Would Jiang Wang kill Chen Suan?

According to common sense, he should not.

Even though he held high the banner of the human path and wore the tiger skin of Taixu Pavilion, and even though Chen Suan had indeed broken the law, resisted arrest, and given Jiang Wang a reason to act, the price of killing Chen Suan would be heavy.

Jiang Wang should not be so foolish.

But according to common sense, Jiang Wang should not have investigated the world city, much less come to the Great Jing imperial capital!

Could Jiang Wang’s current state be speculated upon using common sense?

Putting aside the gazes of all the spectators, the one truly facing a choice was the newly ascended Cave True realm cultivator, Chen Suan.

At this moment, standing on the Bagua Platform, he finally saw the view from a truly high place, just as he had expected. He had finally squeezed onto the wave of the era… but he had to face the most dazzling talent of the current world, with a single sword strike that concealed no killing intent.

"I once had three opportunities to contend with you. I lost one, and gave up two. I am unwilling."

He carried the Heavenly Mechanism divine ability. In theory, he could calculate all possibilities, and under the grasp of the heavenly mechanism, he would inevitably escape the "one".

But if the gap in strength between the two sides was too large, was the heavenly fate only the word "death," with no other possibilities?

Grasping the heavenly mechanism only meant knowing death in advance!

Chen Suan was a rational person from the beginning, just like when he was first sent as an envoy to the grasslands. Carrying the prestige of Jing Country’s great victory, he originally wanted to make a name for himself and stand firm on the wave of the era. But sitting below and watching the battle, he calculated many times but couldn't find any possibility of victory against Jiang Wang. In the end, he didn't even make an attempt and left quietly.

At this moment, looking at Jiang Wang, with his Cave World True cultivation, he still couldn't see that thread of heavenly mechanism he should have obtained.

Or perhaps, this was the "true" of this world at this time.

Compared to other people’s uncertainty, he knew clearly that facing this single sword strike, he had absolutely no chance of luck.

But he still drew his sword, directly facing the terrifying pressure that Jiang Wang brought, like an abyss or a sea: "To be able to prove my truth with the world-renowned sword, Long Xiang Si—how fortunate is Chen someone!"

Jiang Wang didn’t hesitate in the slightest. He took a step forward and drew his sword on the spot!

The sword was drawn half an inch, and the cold light already filled the sky—

A hand pressed on his sword hilt, pushing his long sword back, and also sending the sky-covering sword light back into its sheath.

Time and space flipped like pages in a book. A kind and benevolent elder, tall and imposing, appeared in front of Jiang Wang just like that, as if he had always been there. In an instant, he calmed the wind, stopped the waves, and brought peaceful years: "Little friend has such great killing intent!"

Chen Suan, who was just now willing to shatter jade and vow to decide life and death, immediately sheathed his sword, descended from the divination platform, bowed his head and saluted: "Master!"

Jiang Wang, who could have chatted politely and communicated patiently with Chen Suan just now, was now filled with intense emotions. He roared, awakened the divine ability light, and forcibly drew his sword!

His eyes were wide with anger, his green robe billowing: "East Celestial Master, are you acting against me and shielding Chen Suan, stopping Taixu Pavilion from enforcing the law?"

At this moment, the only one who could appear here and block this sword strike was naturally East Celestial Master, Song Huai.

Or to put it more bluntly, this was why Jiang Wang came to the East Celestial Master Manor to find Chen Suan, and why Chen Suan waited for Jiang Wang at the East Celestial Master Manor. It wasn't planned, but it was a coincident reason.

They were all waiting for the East Celestial Master to appear.

Jiang Wang swaggered into Heavenly Capital City, repeatedly going mad at Jing Country’s bottom line.

The Jing Country side only let out young people like Xu San to respond, just wanting to say this was a matter between the younger generation, to suppress the commotion and make the matter small.

Meanwhile, Jiang Wang went directly to the East Celestial Master Manor, even acquiescing to Chen Suan becoming a True Person before pressing his sword, just wanting to make the matter big, to escalate it!

Killing a God Arriving Realm Chen Suan and killing a Cave True Realm Chen Suan were completely different things.

Song Huai, of course, wouldn't fail to see this clearly, but he couldn't allow it—

No matter who was gambling in this game, how could Chen Suan's life and death be used as a stake?

Chen Suan participated in the blessed land slotting for Jing Country, with no benefit to himself! Being attacked over this matter, Jing Country could only choose silence because they did not have "reason" on their side.

But Chen Suan was about to be killed because of this matter, and that side was still silent!

The person who killed Chen Suan would certainly pay a price afterwards. That price might be very painful. But for the already dead Chen Suan, what was the meaning?

Song Huai stepped out, his expression showing no anger, but instead looking at Jiang Wang with interest, sizing up this world’s foremost talent: "If I say yes?"

Just like Chen Suan’s resistance to arrest in front of Jiang Wang could be seen as a joke, Jiang Wang’s intensity in front of Song Huai could also be completely for show.

The intense emotions on Jiang Wang’s face disappeared in an instant. He calmly met the East Celestial Master’s gaze and said politely: "In that case, please retreat three feet."

"Oh?" Song Huai’s hand was still resting on Jiang Wang’s sword hilt, pressing down on this world’s unmatched sharpness. He just smiled and asked: "Why?"

"Before coming, I promised the various pavilions, and I promised Taixu Dao Master, that on this trip, I must maintain the fairness of the Taixu Illusion Realm. No matter who is involved, I will absolutely not be lenient." Jiang Wang said: "Celestial Master is a model for the world, and Jiang Wang is a shallow junior. However, the heavenly principle is clear, and I bear one sword. This shoulder has responsibility, and there is no way back."

He looked directly at the East Celestial Master, who stood at the pinnacle of Jing Country’s power, with eyes as calm as a deep sea: "If Celestial Master wants to block me, I should also draw my sword and fight. Although I cannot withstand one strike, I will also spill red blood across the sky!"

He raised his head and said: "What’s impossible about letting the people of the world see the true face of Central Great Jing breaking the alliance and abandoning promises with Jiang Wang’s death!"

"Just a joke." The East Celestial Master said kindly: "When Virtual Abyss first constructed the Taixu Illusion Realm, I was the first to express agreement. How could I not support Taixu Pavilion?"

Jiang Wang looked at him quietly: "Jiang someone has not yet made a joke."

"It seems that today, you must kill Chen Suan." Precisely because he personally pressed down on Jiang Wang's sword, Song Huai knew how ruthless this sword strike was.

Jiang Wang had completely left himself no leeway, his killing intent firm. If no one blocked him, he would definitely kill Chen Suan. Just like Chen Suan’s resolute refusal to retreat, only blocking in front of the sword.

Jiang Wang himself walked into a dead end, and also forced Chen Suan into a dead end, then used Chen Suan’s dead end to force the East Celestial Master Manor. He, the East Celestial Master, could not not make a move.

Using Chen Suan to exchange for Jiang Wang might be a profitable deal for Jing Country. But this deal could not be established on Penglai Island’s side.

"It’s not that I cannot tolerate Chen Suan, it’s that the iron rules of Taixu cannot tolerate him, it’s that the common people of the world cannot endure him!" Jiang Wang’s tone was firm, cutting like iron: "Chen Suan has already admitted guilt, yet he openly resisted arrest. How can I retreat? Celestial Master, perhaps today you will kill me, or I will kill Chen Suan. There is probably no third option."

"Good courage, good heroism!" Song Huai praised twice, then sighed: "It’s a pity that even though you are so intense, I see not heroism, but deep hatred."

He looked at Jiang Wang kindly, his eyes full of the look of an elder: "Jiang Wang, ah, you are a member of Taixu Pavilion, bearing responsibility for the world, shouldering ten thousand jun! If you only indulge in old matters and are confined to private hatred, then how can you face the common people of the world?"

"I always respect Celestial Master, but your words, I do not understand. Where do I and Jing Country have private hatred?" Jiang Wang showed a surprised expression: "Although there was the slander of demon possession earlier, later there was also the persecution of the Dao-affiliated emperor Zhuang Gao Xian collaborating with some people in the Dao Gate to deeply enter the demon realm… such and such past events, Jing Country also forgave me later."

"I chatted and laughed with Ban Xia Upper True outside Maple Forest City, and shook hands and talked happily with Fu Dong Xu Tai Shou at Star Moon Plain!"

He counter-asked: "Today, these people, no matter Xiao Lin Zheng, Zhong Zhi Rou, Wang Kun, Chen Suan, we had almost no interaction before. It can be said that there was no old grudge and no recent enmity. Now that I have come to the central domain, everything is official business, proceeding according to law. Where does this talk of private hatred come from?"

Song Huai looked at him meaningfully: "You and the Six Friends of Jing Tian, do you also have no private hatred?"

"I just ate a bowl of closed-door soup at Jing Tian Mansion and was humiliated by them with primordial stones. It’s not worth the word ‘hatred,’ it’s not that serious!" Jiang Wang absolutely did not mention the yellow-faced old monk, only focusing word by word on the investigation of the world city, and slowly said: "It’s just that after all, I am only twenty-seven years old this year, young and vigorous, and cannot stand grievances. This breath in my heart is not released, and I cannot sleep at night."

"Oh, so that’s it!" Song Huai said: "Young people have strong spirits, it's understandable. If it's just a small misunderstanding, why make the scene ugly? I might be able to arrange for you all to meet face to face, resolve it openly, and dissolve the contradiction."

"No, I already went to Jing Tian Mansion and gave them enough face, but they didn’t accept it." Jiang Wang slowly said: "Now it’s not that I want to meet them. It’s that they have to come here, have to come to Heavenly Capital City to see me."

Song Huai released his hand that was pressing down on Long Xiang Si and said leisurely: "The misunderstanding arose because of them. It is right that they should come to explain clearly."

Jiang Wang then said: "Speaking of which, Chen Suan’s crime, although the evidence is conclusive and he openly resisted arrest, if the East Celestial Master upholds justice and captures him personally, then this pavilion does not need to take action. Afterwards, the Ju Kui Pavilion members will review the case, and Taixu Dao Master will supervise. I believe the result will be a punishment that matches the crime."

Song Huai looked at him deeply: "Then just wait here for a bit."

Jiang Wang gave a slight bow: "Thank you for your hospitality. Jiang someone is not picky about tea, Wu Shan Long Yin will do."

Song Huai just waved his hand, and someone went to prepare it.

The East Celestial Master then looked at Chen Suan: "You have just proven Cave True. Find a place to sit quietly for a few years and consolidate your cultivation peacefully. Just stop the miscellaneous affairs of the Imperial Historian Terrace for a while, and give yourself some quiet—what do you think?"

Drilling loopholes in the blessed land and challenging the iron rules of Taixu were undoubtedly serious crimes. But it wasn’t to the extent that Chen Suan would be executed. Being imprisoned for a few years was a relatively fair result.

Chen Suan saluted and said: "As Master arranges."

Song Huai said again: "Later, don’t agree to everything. Think clearly before doing things. Some people only have the win or loss of a chess game in their hearts, and cannot see the life and death of a chess piece. Whether you are lost, damaged, or turned to powder, who cares besides your master?"

He said these words without avoiding anyone, not even Jiang Wang. Under his kind expression, it was clear that he was truly angry.

At the end of the Star Moon Plain battle, he personally went to Yu Heng and angrily rebuked the Yu Heng Star Lord for adding star power to Jiang Wang, calling it "unfair" behavior, and strongly stood up for Chen Suan.

This Celestial Master was always willing to protect his shortcomings.

Chen Suan slowly said: "Disciple understands."

"Rest assured." Song Huai patted his shoulder again: "Your freedom is not cheap. No one can make my disciple, Song Huai, sacrifice in vain. When you come back, what should be accounted for will be given to you, not one less."

Chen Suan lowered his head: "Disciple is incompetent and has made Master worry!"

Song Huai just touched the back of his head, as if touching the yellow-mouthed child of that year, and said nothing else.

Jiang Wang quietly sat back to the pavilion, did not disturb this master and disciple, and fell into a solitary wait.

One pot of tea, one sword, one person.

The Six Friends of Jing Tian came very quickly.

Everything today arose because of them. They ignored all of Jiang Wang's actions and sat firmly in Jing Tian Mansion. Yet Wang Kun was beaten until his head was broken and bleeding, and Chen Suan was almost killed.

When the East Celestial Master expressed dissatisfaction, they also needed to come out and clean up their own mess.

Six people in a row filed in, suddenly making the courtyard seem crowded.

"Celestial Master."

"Celestial Master."

No matter their mood, or what they were thinking in their hearts, the first thing the six True Persons did upon entering the Celestial Master Manor was to bow to the East Celestial Master.

Song Huai waved his hand: "This Cabinet Member Jiang, according to what he says, has some misunderstandings with you all. It’s better to resolve enmity than to hold grudges. There is always no harm in chatting face to face—you all chat amongst yourselves."

So the six people turned around at the same time, simultaneously looking towards Jiang Wang in the pavilion.

These intertwined gazes!

Jiang Wang didn’t feel any pressure, but rather a sense of familiarity.

In Ku Jue’s fate, from Ku Jue’s perspective, he had also been looked at by these six people in this way.

"We finally meet." Jiang Wang said.

He seemed to be speaking to the Six Friends of Jing Tian, and also to that yellow-faced old monk.

His voice was very complex.

Cang Shen, the old Daoist, had always had a bad temper and even less patience for Jiang Wang. He pointed a finger and scolded: "Youngster! We have already tolerated you repeatedly, why are you so lost and don’t know when to advance or retreat!"

Enemies meet, particularly red-eyed. Jiang Wang, however, was the calm one: "Daoist Cang Shen, why are you so disrespectful to a member of Taixu Pavilion?"

Ban Xia reached out to stop the furious Cang Shen behind him, looking at Jiang Wang: "How long do you want to keep pulling on Taixu Pavilion’s tiger skin?"

"Uh, I was elected as a member of Taixu Pavilion in September of Dao Calendar 3926…" Jiang Wang calculated seriously and replied: "I can still pull it for twenty-nine years."

He considerately reminded them: "In these twenty-nine years, you all have to be extra careful. Absolutely do not let Jing Tian Mansion get involved in any Taixu affairs—this pavilion is very strict."

Ban Xia frowned: "Jing Tian Mansion let you break in, and we personally came to Heavenly Capital City to see you. We have already given you enough tolerance. Your tantrum should be enough! You are so arrogant, who do you represent? Qi Country? Chu Country? Do you think Jing Country can infinitely tolerate you, and they can infinitely support you?"

"If this pavilion must say who it represents, this pavilion represents the iron rules of Taixu, represents Taixu Dao Master, and also represents a person named 'Jiang Wang'." Jiang Wang said calmly: "Jing Country does not need to tolerate me, and you all do not need to either. Just know to respect the Taixu alliance agreement. Is it that the word 'fair' is too sharp and will stab you all, causing Jing Country to use the word 'tolerate'?"

Cang Shen was so angry he laughed: "Boy, do you think you are doing something great? What you are doing today, Li Yi can do, and can do it more absolutely than you!"

"What does that mean? You want to slander Taixu Pavilion member Li Yi, saying he is not fair, does not adhere to the iron rules of Taixu, but is a hound for you all in Jing Country? Did he lie when he swore an oath before Taixu Dao Master? Is his character not worth your respect?" Jiang Wang slapped the table and rose, his angry hair standing on end: "This pavilion cannot hear such slander! If you do not produce evidence today, this pavilion must stand up for Cabinet Member Li Yi!"

Li Yi could of course do the same things. This was precisely the reason why Qin Zhi Zhen cast an opposing vote in the Taixu resolution.

But for Jiang Wang, mutual supervision among the various pavilions, and all adhering to fairness, was precisely what he wished for.

"Cabinet Member Jiang!" Fu Ling, the female crown wearing a plain-colored dao robe, said lightly: "You are so anxious to see us six, just to argue? If so, perhaps we cannot accompany you."

Among the six True Persons, her pupil technique was the strongest, and she was also the most skilled at seizing opportunities—it was precisely she who first injured Ku Jue in the battle. At this moment, it was also she who stepped forward to cut off Jiang Wang's possibility of using a topic to play off.

Jiang Wang looked at her quietly, looking until she felt creepy, and then said: "Let’s go outside and talk. Don’t be noisy here and disturb the quiet of the Celestial Master Manor."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and pressed towards the sky. In an instant, wind rose and clouds surged. An ancient Taixu Pavilion building descended from the void, hanging high under the scorching sun, pouring infinite dignity and startling the six True Persons.

Jiang Wang, however, just said lightly: "Thank you, East Celestial Master, for assisting this pavilion in capturing evil—True Person Chen Suan, please enter!"

Song Huai did not speak again.

Chen Suan also just stepped into Taixu Pavilion, calmly accepting the result.

In a situation where he did not have reason on his side and was crushed by great righteousness today, his thread of heavenly mechanism indeed grasped only "truth".

At this moment, stepping up to become a prisoner was a step where his future was unknown.

Meanwhile, Jiang Wang insisted on settling Chen Suan’s matter first in front of the Six Friends of Jing Tian.

This was the unspoken exchange between him and the East Celestial Master. This also meant that he had one less card to force Jing Country.

But this further proved—

This journey of causing a big disturbance in the Central Empire had reached its final moment.

He held dozens of cases of the world city violating the iron rules of Taixu. No person, no matter, could match Chen Suan’s weight. If he did not succeed today, it would be even more difficult in the future.

Jiang Wang bowed to Song Huai: "Today, I have been rude many times for Taixu affairs. Please forgive me, Celestial Master."

Without waiting for Song Huai to say anything, he turned around and stepped out of the Celestial Master Manor.

He stood on the most prosperous main street in the entire East City, but perhaps Xu San had heeded the advice and evacuated the people ahead. The entire street was empty at this moment, not a single person.

The Six True Persons of Jing Tian gradually fell onto the long street, some under the eaves, some at the street entrance, some on the roof, some face to face with Jiang Wang… vaguely surrounding him.

Jiang Wang let out a "ha" sound: "Looking at all of you, is this posture meant to surround and kill Jiang someone?"

Bai Shu, with an elegant and refined demeanor, dusted off his sleeves and smiled: "You are a member of Taixu Pavilion, how could we kill you? We just want to gather closer and listen to what you exactly want to say to us?"

Jiang Wang nodded: "Alright."

He opened his mouth: "Zhong Zhi Rou, she—"

"Don’t say Zhong Zhi Rou!" Cang Shen impatiently interrupted: "She died very cleanly, absolutely without leaving any traces. If you are not convinced, feel free to investigate. Jing Tian Mansion will let you through for three months! Is three months enough?"

Jiang Wang was surprised: "Originally, suicide by oneself can actually be so clean?"

"Boy, you are still young, you have plenty of time to broaden your horizons!" Daoist Chen Pi's ugly face wrinkled exceptionally ugly: "I’m tired of playing games with you! You are throwing a tantrum like a child who cannot get candy, crying and kicking up a fuss to see us. Now that you have seen us, what do you want to do? What can you do?"

"Yes, ah, what can I do?" Jiang Wang raised his head, feigning confusion, but then said "ha" again: "But now I want to ask even more—have you all thought about what you all want to do?"

The young and beautiful Gan Cao had a serious expression: "Why don’t you speak more clearly, what do we want to do?"

"Six Upper True Persons, please listen to my analysis." Jiang Wang said seriously: "You all offended me because of Zhong Zhi Rou’s matter. I am young and vigorous and hold grudges very much. This breath in my heart is not released, always a knot. For you all, I am more or less considered a trouble, right? The youngest True Person in history, still has a long life, still has infinite possibilities… Being remembered by such a person, can you all sleep peacefully? Standing from your perspective, I feel troubled for you all."

"With your analysis, it is indeed a bit troublesome." Ban Xia was the one standing opposite Jiang Wang. At this moment, he looked into Jiang Wang’s eyes: "So, young man, what suggestion do you have?"

"Precisely, I am good at understanding others, precisely… I am now very impulsive." Jiang Wang, in an extremely cold tone, described his impulsiveness: "Now there is an opportunity, given to you all. It can let you all solve the trouble in advance and retire peacefully later—at this moment, we are so close, the weather is also so good, why don’t we each press our swords and end the enmity with death?"

"But you can’t say such joking words!" Bai Shu shook his head and smiled with extreme elegance: "Although you are narrow-minded and your grudges haven’t dissipated, you are a hero of the human race and a member of Taixu Pavilion. How could we seniors be willing to kill you?"

Jiang Wang said calmly: "Let’s sign a life and death contract. With life and death, there are no resentments, and no one can interfere."

"This is too sudden!" Ban Xia’s skin-deep smile didn’t reach his eyes: "Is the contradiction between us not just a small one? Why suddenly want to sign a life and death contract?"

Jiang Wang looked at him and smiled: "I already said, young people are easily impulsive."

"Don’t speak, Cang Shen!" Ban Xia raised a palm, directly stopping Cang Shen's impulsive speech, while he himself looked at Jiang Wang leisurely: "But we are old, I am especially calm. At my age, what’s the point of fighting to the death with you, a young man?"

"It’s not you fighting me." Jiang Wang said word by word: "This life and death contract is for me, one person, against all six of you."

Cang Shen on the roof suddenly leaned forward, eager to try!

"Very confident! Very arrogant! Very interesting!" Ban Xia said "very" three times in succession, then smiled: "But this Poor Dao refuses. Go! The whole world will forgive a young person’s impulsiveness, and we will also forgive you today."

In his smile, there was a kind of abusive pleasure. They all knew why Jiang Wang had come, but they deliberately did not grant his wish.

"Shh—" Jiang Wang stood in the center of the long street, raising an index finger to his lips, extinguishing all sounds in this place, making all sounds silent.

"Don’t speak too soon, Ban Xia Upper True! How can forgiveness be so easy!"

"Just now it was very quiet, and a deeply hidden past event in my heart has always been questioning me, making me madly want to share it with you all—do you all want to listen?"

Who had ever seen Jiang Wang like this at this moment, with such a strange smile?

Almost mad, almost crazy, yet extremely restrained, even his voice was light and slow.

Ban Xia looked at him.

All Six True Persons of Jing Tian, all looked at him coldly.

Jiang Wang slowly said: "That matter, haven’t you all always been asking, always investigating?"

"Yes!"

"For that problem you all always guess, I will now answer you all—yes. As sincere as you all think! But it should be even more thorough than you all think!"

Ban Xia could no longer maintain calm. Bai Shu's hand was already pressing on his sword hilt.

Meanwhile, Jiang Wang was still smiling.

"Want to know the process?"

He lightly tapped his temple with his index finger: "Kill me, open my head, and see for yourselves."

This chapter is 6k, including 2k for the alliance leader "Big Enchanter".