Chapter 47

The Result of Bliss

After most of the high-ranking officers, including General Ma Jishu, left for General Yu Yingzhen's banquet, Guan Zhi meticulously inspected for any potential incidents. Normally, after the daily duties ended, gathering in the barracks to drink was almost a routine, but today, without the presence of the high-ranking officers, he was aware that any unforeseen situation would be difficult to handle. He had promised his subordinates to have a heavy drink the next day and maintained a defensive posture.

The war with the Yao was nearing its end, and the Yao knew well that the expeditionary forces were struggling in a difficult war due to the all-out efforts of the Yao. Perhaps after this rest and resupply, they would be redeployed to the front lines against the Yao. The prolonged war had also made the people restless, and there was a possibility that a rebellion might occur. While standing in front of his tent, lost in thought and gazing at the night sky, a figure appeared before him.

The person was someone Guan Zhi knew. He was a martial artist who could be considered General Yu Yingzhen's bodyguard, possessing excellent sword skills and exceptional talent in covert operations and intelligence, earning the complete trust of General Yu Yingzhen as a loyal servant. He prostrated himself before Guan Zhi and urgently said:

"Something terrible has happened."

"What is it?"

"I saw the Jinyiwei warriors surrounding the General's residence and came to seek help from my lord."

"What? Why the Jinyiwei?"

"Since the new leader of the Jinyiwei was replaced by Yan Sheng's subordinate, it seems there is a black hand behind this. We need to make a quick decision..."

"Arresting a person of the General's caliber is almost impossible. This can only happen with the tacit approval of the Emperor. If we move the troops now, we can save the General, but it will be hard to avoid the charge of treason. On the other hand, ignoring it would be unjust. What should I do..."

"How many Jinyiwei warriors were mobilized?"

"About a thousand."

"A thousand. Then there's no need for us to help. The Jinyiwei's skills are well-known... They can't capture the General. The only question is what decision the General will make. We can only wait."

"However, there were also about ten warriors from the Imperial Guard, including Head of the Imperial Guard, Hai Gonggong... If the Imperial Guard is involved, it might be calculated that if the General doesn't surrender, they will eliminate all the high-ranking officers."

"Is it certain that it was Hai Gonggong and the Imperial Guard?"

"Would I dare to lie about such a serious matter?"

'Hai Gonggong is one of the five great martial artists in the palace. He must know the martial prowess of the General and the Commander. He must have a good chance of success to take action. Then...'

"Meng Jue!"

"Yes, Commander."

"We're going to rescue the General. This isn't an imperial order, so I can't issue a mobilization command. You gather the volunteers."

"Understood!"

"Have the volunteers arm themselves and gather at the training ground."

"Understood!"

'Is this really the right thing to do...'

Guan Zhi led over 4,000 volunteers towards General Yu Yingzhen's residence. The reason he only led 4,000 was that the mission itself was like walking on thin ice. Most of them were martial artists who valued righteousness, and he only chose those whose families would not be affected if they participated. Those with relatives in the government, who could be labeled as traitors and cause their families to be ruined, had to be excluded.

The sight of over 4,000 Black Wind Corps members armed and on the move was impressive, but their advance was inevitably halted by strange figures at the outskirts of the city. Guan Zhi could tell at a glance that the black-clad figures were not ordinary martial artists. A sinister aura emanated from their bodies.

Guoguang, unaware of the chaos outside, was lost in the embrace of a beautiful woman. He didn't know how much time had passed. Gradually regaining his senses, Guoguang instinctively looked around. Next to his naked body lay Xue Yaobi, exhausted from their long night of passion.

'Am I still alive?'

He tried to circulate his qi, but strangely, nothing had changed. His martial power was the same as before, neither lost nor gained.

'Then, did I not learn the Tongzigong? Or did they mistake me for a person named Muxiang... I can't tell.'

As Guoguang got up and started to dress, Xue Yaobi, who had finally regained her senses, saw him and exclaimed in shock:

"Deputy Leader... You, you didn't learn the Tongzigong, did you?"

She didn't seem to care that she was naked, only focusing on Guoguang's condition with an urgent expression, which made him smile. However, he soon turned his gaze slightly and said:

"Well, as I told someone before, I might not be the Deputy Leader. But it's certain that I didn't learn the Tongzigong this time."

Xue Yaobi looked stunned and said:

"That can't be... You are the Deputy Leader. I taught you the techniques. We spent a long time together, so it's impossible not to recognize you."

Guoguang smiled bitterly.

"I see. You taught me the techniques. I wondered..."

Guoguang fastened his sword at his waist and turned to Xue Yaobi.

"Then, can you tell me what happened to me in the past?"

Xue Yaobi sat up and picked up her clothes from the floor.

"If I had known you didn't learn the Tongzigong and had such vigor, I would have approached you long ago... Oh, every part of my body aches."

"It's because of the medicine, not because of my vigor. Stop exaggerating and answer me now."

"Let me put it simply. You were the Deputy Leader of the Devil Sect. Your strength was a burden to the Sect Leader and the other Deputy Leaders, so they decided to eliminate you."

"The other Deputy Leaders?"

"Yes. The Sect Leader, Ling Biji, and Zhang Rengel, all four of them are known as the Four Demon Emperors, the most extreme evil masters. Now that you're gone, the relationship between the Sect Leader and Zhang Rengel has worsened, but as long as you exist, they will definitely unite to eliminate you."

"That's interesting. But I'm not so weak that I can be easily handled by them."

"In the past, that might have been true. But now that you've forgotten all the martial arts you learned in the sect, you can't withstand their combined attack."

"That might be true. But that's then... I'm not foolish enough to seek revenge when I can't even remember what happened to me. But if they try to kill me, I'll have no choice."

After a moment of thought, Guoguang continued:

"First, I don't want to kill you now. Besides, you didn't even use poison on me, so there's no need to kill you. I want to return to my quarters. Is that okay?"

Xue Yaobi smiled and said:

"Thank you for sparing me. Do as you please."

"Do as I please?"

"Yes, there are no high-ranking sect members in this house. They all went to General Yu Yingzhen's residence. So no one can stop you."

"What? Why did they go there?"

"Why? To eliminate General Yu Yingzhen."

"Oh no."

At the same time, Guoguang's figure shot out through the window.