Chapter 110: The Martial King's Strategy [Additional Chapter for Alliance Leader Left Severed Hand]

Speaking with a wise man is truly enlightening.

Zhou Yi smiled faintly and stood up. In truth, there was no need to say anything more—the timely return of this Martial King was perfectly fortuitous.

In this world, how many things are truly coincidental?

Ten years ago, when his father the emperor wished to pass the throne to him, did he really not want to accept it?

The answer was certainly no.

At that time, however, the moment was not ripe, there was no support within the court, and his elder brother was still active. Forcefully seizing power would only split the realm in two, inviting the states of Chu and Wei to exploit the divide. It would mean the nation’s imminent collapse.

But things were different now. The ministers were utterly disappointed in Emperor Liang.

In the imperial study, Emperor Liang had nearly slain Chancellor He. If not for restraint, no one would have survived in that room. Could they not sense this?

Those who came to pay respects at the Martial King’s mansion mostly shared this sentiment.

The Martial King’s refusal to see them was out of brotherly affection for his elder brother. But upon discovering Emperor Liang’s absence, he acted decisively to resolve the crisis, always standing on the side of righteousness.

Therefore, Zhou Yi truly smiled now. Even if they had not come today, the Martial King would have acted anyway—but without justification. Today, they were bringing the sleeping man a pillow—a gift upon a gift. Who wouldn’t appreciate that?

“The people of Liang shall all be protected. Though Qingcheng Mountain is nearly diminished, we must continue to guard Liang, for it is the ancestral rule passed down through generations,” said the Martial King as he rose, straightened his robes, and bowed respectfully to Zhou Yi.

“I thank Patriarch Zhou for his righteousness. Qingcheng Mountain is a pillar of our nation in my heart. To stand unwaveringly in times of peril is a noble deed. Please accept my bow in respect!”

Zhou Yi did not evade the bow. It was truly deserved. They risked their lives to stem the spread of demons. If the Underworld Mountain could produce a Black-Robed National Master, why couldn’t there be a second? And how many patriarchs did Qingcheng Mountain still have to sacrifice?

Moreover, Zhou Yi and his group were set to leave. Framing it this way was even better—it at least guaranteed decades of peace for Qingcheng Mountain.

Zhou Yi stepped forward and helped the Martial King to his feet.

“Your Highness, you honor us too much. However, we must indeed depart soon. We need to arrive at Underworld Mountain before Emperor Liang. Since the souls they have found are incomplete, there is still hope. Removing the demonic plague is the foundation for stability among the Three Kingdoms. We take our leave.”

The Martial King’s face showed urgency as he leaned close to Zhou Yi.

“Do you require horses or any provisions from me?”

Zhou Yi shook his head.

“We cultivators have our own methods—instantaneous travel. My lord need not trouble himself. Farewell.”

The Martial King bowed once more. Zhou Yi exited the study, lifted Xu Shiqing’s sash, and with a leap vanished into the night.

The Martial King stood where he was, unmoving, for a long while.

The sound of footsteps approached, and an elderly man came to stand behind him.

“Your Highness, they have gone far.”

The Martial King sighed.

“Fortunately, these people are friends, not foes. Otherwise, the Martial King’s mansion would not have survived this night.”

The old man responded with a hum.

“The late emperor once said Qingcheng Mountain was the most trustworthy. At any time, Your Highness may call upon them for help. Yet I never expected the current emperor to grow restless and seek to purge Qingcheng Mountain.”

The Martial King narrowed his eyes, his killing intent nearly overflowing.

“I can help you become emperor, but colluding with demons to destroy Qingcheng Mountain is utterly intolerable. Patriarch Zhou may seem young, but his magic and abilities far surpass mine. I hope they succeed in eradicating the demon nest in Underworld Mountain.”

The old man sighed, a trace of sorrow in his expression.

“Even if they succeed, I fear there will be no more Qingcheng Mountain left in this world.”

...

On a hill north of Underworld Mountain, Ye Qing crouched behind a rock, carefully watching the opposite side. In the pitch-black night, faint lights outlined the shapes of houses.

Drawing in her body, behind her stood the few remaining disciples of Qingcheng Mountain.

“Uncle Master, shall we wait here?” Ye Qing nodded, opened her pack, and took a bite of dried food.

“Eat quickly, then form groups of three to watch the opposite side. Do not approach, and absolutely do not make a sound. Wait for the Patriarch to arrive.”

An older disciple scoffed, plopping down opposite Ye Qing.

“Coming here is a death sentence. Besides, how could they arrive from the capital so swiftly? Little junior sister, did Master leave any other message before passing?”

Ye Qing glanced at him, her expression darkening. When he tried to light a fire, she kicked the dry wood aside.

“I said eat, then rest here. Do you want the other side to see the fire? Before Master died, he entrusted Qingcheng Mountain to the new Patriarch. This is a command. Are you going to disobey? If so, why even come along? Go live your carefree life alone!”

Her words left him embarrassed.

Having received the message from Flying Crane and returning to Qingcheng Mountain, then coming here to Underworld Mountain, they at least acknowledged their identities. But few truly accepted Zhou Yi. This was not just one or two people’s thoughts.

“Why are you so anxious, little junior sister? I was just saying...”

Ye Qing’s face was stern.

“Don’t talk like that, don’t even think such things. Master chose the Patriarch for a reason. Can you surpass Master’s cultivation? Can you control everything and wipe out the Demon King?”

The man sighed.

“I was rash, I truly did not consider this. It’s just that the Patriarch is so young. We are so few now, and this time we sent everyone. Meanwhile, the Patriarch went to the capital. What are we to do here?”

Before he finished, a voice came from afar, and several figures appeared before them.

“What news? Any unusual activity in Underworld Mountain?”

At the sound of the voice, Ye Qing’s worried heart instantly steadied. She turned and bowed.

“Greetings, Patriarch!”

Those behind her followed suit.

People, when gossiping behind one’s back, are very vocal, but when face to face, they become as timid as rabbits.

The man who had half-joked before was now more obedient than anyone, kneeling quietly. After all, he had not sensed their approach. What did that mean?

The Patriarch and his few companions were not just slightly stronger—they were beyond his reach.

Furthermore, coming from the capital so swiftly and finding their hideout without error proved their strength. Cultivators spoke with power; dissatisfaction and doubt vanished completely.

“Rise. How long have you been here?”

Ye Qing and the others stood, gathering near Zhou Yi. They kept their voices low.

“We arrived at dusk and observed Underworld Mountain. There were guards at the corner towers, but nothing too tense.”

Zhou Yi nodded, glancing northward. There was a ravine here; any carriage or horse entering Underworld Mountain would have to pass through this route.

Emperor Liang and his group had set out long ago, their urgency suggesting nonstop travel. By dawn, they would likely arrive.

“I will investigate inside Underworld Mountain shortly. Ye Qing, Cheng Zhi, and Fatty each take a group to watch the ravine and report any movement. I estimate Emperor Liang’s party will arrive between dawn and evening tomorrow.”

All answered promptly.

Zhou Yi glanced at Fatty, who understood he was to inform them about the situation in the capital so no one would think they were idle.

Fatty waved his hand, and everyone gathered close. His eloquence needed no doubt as he recounted the acquaintance between Emperor Liang and the National Master, the near execution of loyal ministers, and the pact with the Martial King.

Zhou Yi exchanged a look with Sophia, and the two of them leapt silently toward Underworld Mountain like two birds.

Just before leaping, Zhou Yi sensed the absence of vultures overhead. It seemed not just any bird could serve as a mount and messenger—this required intelligence.

They clung to the southern slope’s cliff, moving steadily upward.

Upon reaching a rooftop, Sophia was about to stand when Zhou Yi pressed her head down, pinning her beneath him.

“Don’t move. There’s someone guarding the corner tower.”

Sophia lay half-turned beneath the eaves. Zhou Yi’s eyes fixed on the tower, yet the pleasant scent near his nose made him exhale in relief.

Suddenly, his footing slipped, and he fell backward over the cliff’s edge.