Chapter 2682: A Smile in the Past

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“In the past, a true Dao leader, secretly held a high position, deceived famous teachings. Rampantly committed perverse acts, used great names, eliminated dissenters, great rats guarding the warehouse... caused sorrow to former sages, buried in a black temple. The glory of a hundred generations was stained in one day. Ultimately, lost faith in the world.”

Zong Dezhen was of course already defined by the central empire.

But now it is Jade Capital Mountain that is formally characterizing this former headmaster. They don't recognize his orthodoxy, calling it "stealing," spitting on it as "deceiving," and conveniently pinning all these years of tarnished reputations onto him. Afterward, they lightly advance, like pure, flawless white jade.

“The ancient alliance is obscured in dust. The sorrow of former sages is no longer heard. My heart is also sad... My heart is extremely pained!”

Yu Xi’s handsome face had a kind of youthful indignation, as if his youth and his face had both conquered time.

Like Er Zhu He, his hot blood burned like ice at fourteen years old, not his already more than a thousand years.

“Among contemporary demon slayers, none have merit like Your Excellency.”

He gazed at Zhen River True Monarch, presenting the white-axle jade book in his hand: “Now I present this covenant. I hope you can... restore its glory.”

In the presence of the esteemed Grand Headmaster of Jade Capital Mountain, Jiang True Monarch found it difficult to remain silent.

“How is this...”

“Headmaster Yu, you...”

The preliminary competition of the Yellow River Assembly was in full swing, with heavenly prides from various parts of the world displaying their talents. Today should not have had a bigger matter than this.

Zhen River True Monarch had already put all his energy into this matter, showing unprecedented determination. He had not thought of anything else... Headmaster Yu was truly too surprising.

Instinctively, he started several sentences of refusal, but ultimately did not continue any of them.

With a thousand words and myriad phrases at his mouth, only one sentence remained: “Is this appropriate?”

Yu Xi, this Celestial Master who had accumulated years and was newly appointed headmaster, proved one thing with his actions:

The way of giving gifts, the relationship of giving gifts, is actually not that important.

The reason these aspects are still discussed is only because the gift itself is not enough.

In the past, the ancient Human Emperor Youxiong Clan killed the demon ancestor, exterminated the demon tide, and with demon extermination as his greatest achievement in life, before his death, he still left behind a path: the "Ancient Exterminate Demons Covenant," summoning the human race of the world to jointly eliminate the demon affliction, saying, "If the blade is not towards demons, then one is a thief of the world."

Even setting aside all external things, this "Ancient Exterminate Demons Covenant" will also be the most powerful weapon in the war between Jiang Wang and Seven Hates!

The war against demons, stretching from ancient times to the present, has made every word on this covenant steeped in fresh blood. And its killing power against the demon race can be said to surpass all treasures.

This is a true oath condensed under the will of the Human Emperor.

It is even a name of great righteousness placed in all six directions and passed down!

Although this great righteousness has been corrupted into fragments by the Dao Gate's various hidden matters of borrowing the covenant for private use over the years—when the demon race retreated to the border wilderness and no longer posed an oppressive threat, this kind of thing was bound to happen.

It wasn't until the incident of framing the Yellow River Chief as a demon exploded and the Three Punishments Palace publicly questioned it that widespread unease was caused... This was already the result of Jade Capital Mountain respecting the covenant as much as possible over the years.

After all, the threat of the demon race is already very distant, while the internal threat is still at hand. There is no reason why such a useful sharp blade should not be utilized by people.

But no matter how it is questioned, the Demon Extermination Hall of Jade Capital Mountain still embodies the ideals of many people.

Suppose he raises this covenant and summons people to charge towards the demon race, as long as it is not a situation of immediate death, those pointed out will rarely fail to arrive.

Even to be a bit extreme—if Jiang Wang holds the "Ancient Exterminate Demons Covenant" today and says that Ji Fengzhou has entered the demon path, the people of the world will have a portion of consideration because of the existence of this covenant!

This is the power of a name.

The last command of the ancient Human Emperor, ideals that have not been exhausted through several great eras, countless benevolent people who have paid efforts for it, make it possess such heavy power.

So initially, Jade Capital Mountain's cooperation with Zhuang Gaoenv's framing incident was so hateful that it caused such a strong reaction from the Three Punishments Palace.

“What is inappropriate about it?” Yu Xi's expression was very sincere: “Broken Soul Gorge assisted in sealing the 'Exterminate Emotions and Desires Blood Demon Art,' Heaven Punishment Cliff refined and killed the 'Bitter Sea Forever Sink Desires Demon Art,' Diligent Academy assisted in sealing the 'Rites Collapse Music Bad Saint Demon Art'... Jiang True Monarch's contributions on the path of demon extermination, not to mention that no one in the contemporary era can match, even looking at history, can be counted.”

“During Zong Dezhen's tenure, his private heart and evil flourished, acting perversely, damaging public benefit for private gain, greatly losing the expectations of the people. He made this common covenant established by the Human Emperor lose its public credibility, truly a regret of the human race...”

“You already have the name and the power. Why not take responsibility for the world, re-establish the name of demon extermination, pacify the hearts of the world, clear the source of a hundred generations, and correct the foundation of ten thousand eras?!”

With these words said, it was difficult for Jiang Wang not to accept this covenant.

The famous "Ancient Exterminate Demons Covenant," pure like flawless beautiful jade, on which not a single trace of demon qi could be seen, instead it was extremely pure. Even the fleeting vision of a demon ape would dissolve on the jade book.

All external evils and scattered qi scattered like flowing light, truly a sharp weapon for burning demons!

“Receiving this heavy hope, I am ashamed and find it hard to bear.” Jiang Wang moved his gaze away from the vaguely appearing ancient Dao texts, finally ending his upright stance there: “Sir, with this covenant given to me, how can this Jiang repay it?”

Having been slandered as a demon-communicator and then hunted down by the world, of course, he was wronged. But Zhuang Gaoenv, who initiated this matter, is already dead, and Zong Dezhen, who acquiesced to this matter, no longer exists. Should he tear the "Ancient Exterminate Demons Covenant" to pieces?

No. The wrong is not this old covenant. Instead, he admires the condensed will of the former sages with all his heart and respects the years when myriad crowds were united in resisting the demon race.

He did not conceal his need for the "Ancient Exterminate Demons Covenant." Yu Xi gave the gift to his heart.

But whether the price would be too high, he was also uneasy.

Bearing such a heavy duty, giving up this heavy treasure, how could there be no heavy request?

Truly, Jiang Wang only established his transcendent status in the entire contemporary world system in this Yellow River Assembly. Yu Xi also only ascended to the peak of contemporary power not long ago.

But compared to Jiang Wang, this 'new soldier egg,' Yu Xi was perhaps too composed!

Jiang Wang asking him what he could return was truly too thin-skinned. If it were Hong Junyan and the like, they would definitely accept it first and then say. As for returning... what to return?

Hearing these words, he only smiled faintly: “Not for return, but for everlasting good.”

The "Ancient Exterminate Demons Covenant" placed in Jade Capital Mountain no longer had much meaning. What could be gained by borrowing it, Jade Capital Mountain had already gained in the past. And in several great eras after today, few people would still recognize it.

Zhuang Gaoenv, borrowing the influence of Jade Capital Mountain, framed Jiang Wang as a demon-communicator. This matter is already an indelible stain, and this stain is rapidly expanding with Jiang Wang's rise... Today, with Jiang Wang's influence already spread throughout the contemporary world, it has almost dyed the "Ancient Exterminate Demons Covenant" black!

In the past, who the crime of communicating with demons was put on was just a tiny ripple within the big matter of demon extermination. Whether this person communicated with demons or not, they all communicated with demons, there was nothing good to say.

Even framing a Yellow River Chief could quickly dilute the influence. Although the Yellow River Chief is fierce, there are three in every session. But framing "heavenly Jiang Wang"... this is truly an ugly, festering sore that cannot be dug out, and it's rotting right on the face!

Every time Jiang Wang shines a little, this matter will be remembered once.

What is the method to solve this matter?

It is exactly what Yu Xi is doing now.

The world should know—the Jade Capital Mountain of the Yu Xi era is not the Jade Capital Mountain of the Zong Dezhen era.

Headmaster Yu is truly for demon extermination, not even confined to whose hand this great righteousness is in. This is true great righteousness! While the true thief head Zong Dezhen only borrowed the name of demon extermination to eliminate dissenters.

The two are immediately distinguished by their superiority and inferiority.

The "Ancient Exterminate Demons Covenant," which no longer had much public credibility placed in Jade Capital Mountain, if placed in Jiang Wang's hand, would still be recognized by many people.

Because of Jiang Wang's current reputation, because of his integrity, and also because Jiang Wang truly refines demons and exterminates demons.

Transcendent demons are his opponents, the three great demon arts are his medals. Doesn't the mere sight of this volume, the "Ancient Exterminate Demons Covenant," itself feel extremely close to him? The glorious light of the jade book twists like a flower welcoming the wind!

The conflict between Jiang Wang and Seven Hates is already on the surface. The "Ancient Exterminate Demons Covenant" is something that can concretely help Jiang Wang and assist Jiang Wang in winning this struggle, which undoubtedly conforms to the overall interests of the human race.

Although speaking of this now seems too early... but truly waiting until the day Jiang Wang transcends to send it, that would be too late, right?

Sending charcoal in the snow can make people remember for a lifetime. By then, if Headmaster Yu doesn't keep up, he will still need to honor him with a voice of "Dao Lord," and then talking about emotions may not be relevant.

As for the third point... it is exactly what he is saying now, "forever for good," and it is also the reason he emphasized earlier that Jiang Wang has a "good memory."

What I give you, you will remember. When I need you, presumably you will not refuse either.

Reaching Yu Xi's level, schemes and calculations are only small paths, deceit and utilization are not on the stage. The "giving up" and "gaining" placed on the surface are only methods of doing things.

He has already told Jiang Wang what he needs, and now he is just waiting for Jiang Wang's response.

“Speaking of youthful grievances, Zhuang Gaoenv who framed me as a demon-communicator is already dead, the infamous Zong Dezhen also perished. The matter concluded long ago...” Jiang Wang shook his head: “I truly do not resent Jade Capital Mountain.”

Many past events are only left with a shake of the head and a smile.

Just as Yu Xi truly has a public heart, he also has several points of true nostalgia.

Speaking to here, he also sighed: “Actually, when I studied at the Maple Forest City Dao Academy, I dreamed of one day being able to go to Jade Capital Mountain for advanced studies... Pity that fate played tricks and it mistakenly led to this outcome.”

“But the closeness in my heart to Jade Capital Mountain has always been there.”

“In the previous Yellow River Assembly, your sincere care, I will not forget even more.”

Speaking to here, he truly performed a ritual: “The Yellow River is a great exam of the world. By this, let us discuss... Headmaster is my master, this junior is your disciple!”

Yu Xi hurriedly supported him: “The word 'disciple,' no need to mention it again. On the path of cultivation, seek arrival, not age. Today, you and I are both at the absolute peak, we can be considered of the same sect!”

While placing the "Ancient Exterminate Demons Covenant" into Jiang Wang's embrace, he patted Jiang Wang's arm: “When these matters are finished, there is no harm in returning to Jade Capital Mountain to sit for a while. Jade Capital Mountain treated you unkindly... missed you!”

Whether there was a hint of genuine emotion in these words, Jiang Wang did not know.

The most recent small talk in the prime issue!

But the "Ancient Exterminate Demons Covenant" in his embrace is genuine.

“Headmaster Yu, the past may be missed, but the future is yet to begin. For now, you and I will walk together—” Zhen River True Monarch raised his hand as a guide, smilingly leading the way: “Come, please allow me to introduce you to this session of the Yellow River Assembly.”

Zhang Cuihua and her son Chu Yao hugged their heads and cried bitterly.

Fan Wushu was below the stage.

It was truly strange, the winner cried more sadly than the loser.

The youth who was crying in his embrace already awkwardly lifted his body, quietly wiping away his tears.

Fan Wushu still looked blankly.

Looking at a mother’s pride and happiness.

He recalled that day when his hangover was not yet gone, and he staggered back from the brothel. He had struggled his whole life, struggled to his severely injured, dying father, lying on the bed, hanging on by a thread, who said those four words to him— “Don't learn any technique!”

After finishing that sentence, his father died.

Later, he also "returned from his prodigal ways," he also walked onto the Yellow River Assembly, fought into the main competition, and he also became the pride of the country. Now he is divine and bright, the first in Li Country, eh?

But his father cannot see.

Cannot see anymore.

He truly wished he had been sensible in his youth.

He truly wished his father could also cry for him, smile at him.

But he cannot.

Even the fastest steed cannot chase back the past.

He once for a period thought his father would be forever healthy, forever strong. Later, he only knew... there is no "forever."

He later only understood that it was precisely to let him be carefree, to let him wander willfully, that his father wore armor and helmet, spread his wings, and blocked the wind and rain for him.

But Li Country is this small pond, where a divine dragon dares not pass. The Fan family is this small boat, unable to withstand slightly big waves.

One war, one charge, and the fate of a family changes.

“Master... Why are your eyes also red?” Duan Qifeng, whose tears were not yet dry, suddenly panicked: “Sorry, I... I disappointed you. There is still the loser bracket, I will definitely fight well!”

“Silly child.” Fan Wushu rubbed his head, quickly entering the state of a teacher and elder, giving encouraging words: “Master has never been disappointed in you. One victory or defeat does not prove anything. Your hard work will not betray you. Go, kill your way out of the loser bracket and let the world see the genius of my Li Country!”

This session of the Yellow River Assembly, the preliminary competition was divided into two rounds.

The first three days decided twenty-five winners, forming the winner bracket.

The fourth day was the loser bracket competition, deciding five challenge spots, forming the loser bracket.

The fifth day was the loser bracket challenge day. The five people in the loser bracket could select one person from the winner bracket to challenge. If successful, they would replace that person and enter the winner bracket. If they failed, they would be completely eliminated.

Finally, these twenty-five people, plus the seven people who advanced directly to the main competition spots, formed the final list of thirty-two people for the main competition.

The main competition spot for the Water Tribe's Inner Mansion realm was given to Lü Yun, who possessed the Xiang Lady bloodline.

And the main competition spot for the Country was fixed in the Outer Building realm.

For the unity of the competition, Li Country's main competition spot could only be fixed in the no restriction under thirty years old realm.

Zhen River True Monarch indeed gave face to the Water Tribe, letting Fu Yunqin choose first, and also gave face to the Original Heaven God, giving Hong big brother... respect.

“Today, I, Duan Qifeng, want to win back everything I lost!” The solemnly swearing youth of Li Country, having shaved his head bald to show his determination, stood on the martial stage. His bald head was dazzling, his ambition soaring.

Today is the ninth day of July in Dao Calendar year three nine three three. There are still two days until the main competition of the Yellow River Assembly begins.

He needs to win a challenge spot today, and then on July tenth, the challenge day, choose a suitable opponent and snatch his way into the main competition list.

This year's Yellow River Assembly has greatly expanded the number of participants. For those absolute heavenly prides who suppress all others, it may be irrelevant, but for a player of his small country origin... the competition is overly fierce.

To replicate his master's record of being among the top eight that year is almost impossible.

Just making it into the main competition is a victory.

It's absolutely impossible to not even fight into the main competition, right?

His master is the heavenly pride of a generation, Fan Wushu. Zhong Li Yan, the True Person of Martial Dao in Chu Country, also guided him!

After a while, the young Duan Qifeng saw his opponent—

Cloud sleeves fluttering, as if gathered by the wind.

Skin with starlight, hazy splendor condensed.

This time, holding a sheathed long sword in hand, Star Moon Pearl Jiang Anan, her whole body surrounded by Dao technique cloud qi and flying... murderous intent surged forth!