Chapter 70

Chapter 69: Both Sides Suffer

"Very well, Xiao Bao is my disciple, who has been secretly infiltrating the Qing court and has made significant contributions to the Heaven and Earth Society. If it weren't for the current urgent situation, I wouldn't have wanted to expose his identity. I hope Master Yuan will keep this secret for him." This middle-aged scholar was none other than Chen Jinnan, the leader of the Heaven and Earth Society, whose reputation was such that even heroes would be ashamed if they did not know him.

The members of the Heaven and Earth Society were spread across the land, and they had inadvertently discovered that the martial artists of Shandong were plotting to assassinate Wei Xiaobao. Chen Jinnan was shocked upon receiving the news and immediately mobilized various branches to investigate, finally catching up with Yuan Chengzhi and his group.

"Leader Chen, your Heaven and Earth Society aims to overthrow the Qing and restore the Ming. I, too, oppose the Qing, but the former Ming emperor and I have a deep-seated enmity. We are not on the same path," Yuan Chengzhi's words made Chen Jinnan's heart sink. However, he then changed his tone, "But I have always admired Leader Chen's character and demeanor. I don't want to kill each other and give the Manchus an advantage. I can release Wei Xiaobao, but I need to give my subordinates a reason for this mission's failure."

Chen Jinnan understood the other party's dilemma. After such a grand plan, to find out it was all for nothing would naturally cause resentment. He smiled, "I, Chen, am willing to accompany Brother Yuan to Shandong to discuss an alliance between our two organizations. In the future, the Heaven and Earth Society will follow the lead of the Golden Snake Camp in the Shandong region."

Yuan Chengzhi was delighted. Chen Jinnan had a high reputation in the martial world, and if he personally went to Shandong to form an alliance with the Golden Snake Camp, this news would surely boost the morale of all the rebel armies. Not to mention, the Golden Snake Camp would receive intelligence and support from the Heaven and Earth Society, making Wei Xiaobao's capture less significant.

"Since that's the case, I will arrange for someone to secretly rescue Wei Xiaobao to avoid exposing his identity," Yuan Chengzhi suddenly remembered something and frowned, "But there is a difficult matter now..."

"What difficult matter?" Chen Jinnan was startled and quickly asked.

"This time, I am also acting with three top-notch evil sect masters: the Dragon King, the Blood Knife Sect Master, and the first-rate master of the True Word Sect, Sangjie. If they discover our plan and join forces, I might not be able to withstand them..." Yuan Chengzhi thought to himself that fortunately, two of them were injured, and he could barely defeat them.

"Although I, Chen, am not very talented, my martial arts are passable. I have long heard that the Dragon King Hong Antong is a master of martial arts, and I have always wanted to learn from him. If necessary, I can at least hold Hong Antong back. I will follow the orders of the Golden Snake King." Chen Jinnan had recently practiced the Blood Clotting Claw to the point where it could kill without a trace. He felt that even if he couldn't defeat the opponent, he wouldn't be defeated quickly.

"Leader Chen, you are too kind..." Before Yuan Chengzhi could finish, he suddenly heard a惨叫 from outside and quickly used the Divine Speed to rush out of the tent. Chen Jinnan was deeply impressed by his martial arts, knowing that Yuan Chengzhi's skills were probably far superior to his own.

Yuan Chengzhi rushed out of the tent and found the Blood Knife Sect Master holding Wei Xiaobao, having killed two Golden Snake Camp disciples who tried to stop him, and was about to escape down the mountain. He raised his hand, and three Golden Snake Darts flew out from his sleeve, blocking the Blood Knife Sect Master's path. With a leap, Yuan Chengzhi was not far behind the Blood Knife Sect Master.

"Blood Knife Sect Master, what are you doing!" Yuan Chengzhi looked at him with shock and anger.

"Hehe, capturing this little brat was also my contribution. Since you want to kill him anyway, why not let me take him and use him for something?" The Blood Knife Sect Master sneered, gripping the Blood Knife with his right hand, his body brimming with energy, ready to defend himself.

"Grandpa, you are the one who is useless, and your whole family is useless~" Wei Xiaobao, carried on his shoulder, rolled his eyes and cursed inwardly.

"I have my own use for Wei Xiaobao in Shandong, and I don't need your concern. You killed my camp brothers and want to escape? That's too much to hope for." A flash of gold appeared as the Golden Snake Sword was in his hand.

Seeing the tension, Sangjie hurried over to mediate, "Why do you two have to do this? The Qing army is still chasing us. If you kill each other, you'll only benefit the enemy. And Blood Knife Sect Master, let me tell you, the Seventh Prince asked us to assassinate Wei Xiaobao. Now that you've captured him, what are you going to do?"

As Sangjie spoke, he walked past Yuan Chengzhi, a sharp light appearing in his eyes. He flipped his palm and, using the powerful techniques of the Tibetan Yoga, unleashed the Cloud Secret Great Seal, striking Yuan Chengzhi's side.

Yuan Chengzhi had just learned a shocking secret from Chen Jinnan and discovered that the Blood Knife Sect Master had betrayed the alliance. His emotions were in turmoil, and he was unprepared, being hit squarely by Sangjie's attack, spitting out blood.

Sangjie, having landed a successful hit, quickly retreated, but it was too late. A flash of gold appeared, and Sangjie let out a scream, retreating several yards, looking at his severed arm on the ground, cold sweat pouring down his face, deeply regretting: If he had reached the second realm of the Yoga, the Great Yoga, or even the higher Unsurpassed Yoga, Yuan Chengzhi would have been dead, and he wouldn't have been counterattacked and lost his arm.

As if they had planned it, Hong Antong also charged forward. Among the three, his internal strength was the highest. If he landed a blow, Yuan Chengzhi would likely have met his end.

At this moment, someone darted out and blocked Hong Antong, exchanging blows with him. After several moves, neither had the upper hand.

"Blood Clotting Claw!" Feeling several dark forces coursing up his arm, Hong Antong's heart tightened. He used his internal strength to expel them from his body.

The three had intended to quietly take Wei Xiaobao away but were wary of Yuan Chengzhi's supreme lightness skills, fearing he would chase them. They decided to strike first.

Seeing an equally strong opponent appear, the Blood Knife Sect Master knew it was not good and quickly carried Wei Xiaobao away.

"Leader Chen, I have important matters to attend to today. I will definitely come to Shandong another day," Hong Antong, seeing Yuan Chengzhi's severe injuries, thought their goal had been achieved and did not want to prolong the fight, turning to leave.

Sangjie sealed the major acupoints in his arm and staggered in the opposite direction, fearing that his injuries would make him vulnerable to the other two evil sect masters, so he did not follow them.

Seeing Yuan Chengzhi's injuries, Chen Jinnan had no heart to stop them and quickly came to his side to help him recover.

"Thank you, Leader Chen. I am now fine and will recover in a few days. It's just a pity that Wei Xiaobao was taken by them." Yuan Chengzhi was still shaken. If Chen Jinnan hadn't blocked Hong Antong's sneak attack, he might have been killed by Sangjie's Great Seal, unable to catch his breath.

These evil sect masters, who believed in the supremacy of the strong, had intense internal struggles. They could firmly stand at the top of their respective sects, and their judgment and ability to seize opportunities were not to be underestimated.

"Brother Yuan, you were concerned about your disciple's life, which is why you were ambushed. How could I stand by and watch you fall into danger?" Chen Jinnan withdrew his true energy, stood up, and said, "Since Brother Yuan is now fine, I must go save my disciple. I will definitely visit Shandong afterward."

Song Qingshu, watching the fierce battle from a distance, turned to a Golden Snake Camp soldier passing by and smiled, "Young brother, I see you have a natural talent and a unique physique, a once-in-a-century martial arts genius. I have a great fortune to offer you..."

The soldier was about to turn and curse him, but when he met Song Qingshu's eyes, he felt a dizziness, as if the other's eyes were an endless black hole, and he involuntarily moved closer.

"Young brother, channel your energy to your fingers and tap my Jianjing acupoint..." Song Qingshu's words were filled with a magical power.

In fact, although he had been using true energy to unblock his acupoints according to the Nine Yin Manual, it was impossible to do so quickly because he had been restrained by several top-notch masters. Seeing that the two sides were engaged in a fierce battle and wouldn't notice him, he knew he had to act quickly. He used the 'Soul Transfer' technique to use the soldier's external force to unblock his acupoints.

Once his acupoints were unblocked, Song Qingshu channeled his energy, breaking the ropes binding him into pieces, and leaped into the air, letting out a long cry, "For the favor you showed me, I will repay you tenfold today. But for the sake of Miss You, I will not take advantage of your weakness and will let Yuan go."

With a loud laugh, Song Qingshu disappeared into the depths of the forest in a few swift movements.

Chen Jinnan looked at the direction where Song Qingshu disappeared, his face changing, "This young man's internal strength is truly rare in the world."

Yuan Chengzhi was also shocked and fearful, thinking that despite being heavily injured from the attack by the three monsters, Song Qingshu had recovered so quickly that he showed no signs of injury. If it were him, he would need at least one or two months to recover.

The Nine Yin Manual and the Divine Light Sutra were both top-notch healing techniques. The Nine Yin focused on internal injuries, while the Divine Light focused on bones and tendons. Together, they created a seamless healing process, which is why Song Qingshu's recovery was so astonishing.

Now, the Blood Knife Sect Master, carrying Wei Xiaobao, was running wildly, feeling that he had escaped danger. He quickly put Wei Xiaobao down and took deep breaths to rest.

"Who are you, old master?" Wei Xiaobao poked him with his little finger, testing him.

"Speak quickly if you have something to say." The Blood Knife Sect Master did not open his eyes, focusing entirely on the Blood Knife Sutra.

"Cut it, I was going to offer you a great fortune, but since you're not interested, forget it." Wei Xiaobao turned away, muttering, but making sure the other could hear.

"What fortune?" The Blood Knife Sect Master opened his eyes, sneering, "Are you trying to buy your freedom with the silver you embezzled?"

"Spit! I'm not a courtesan who needs to be redeemed," Wei Xiaobao looked at him with disdain, "I just want to tell you that taking me back to Mongolia to see the Seventh Prince, while better than watching me be killed, won't bring you the greatest benefit. At most, you'll get a minor generalship."

"Hum! What's wrong with being a general?" The Blood Knife Sect Master glared at him coldly.

"Heh, I'm talking about a fortune that will make you a marquis or a prime minister." Wei Xiaobao's eyes sparkled with cunning. Chapter 70: Smooth Talk

"Are you trying to get me to join your Qing?" The Blood Knife Sect Master sneered, "The Great Mongol Empire is the strongest nation in the world, with a million cavalry. Wherever we go, our enemies flee. Although a few countries are still resisting, they are just barely surviving. Why would I be foolish enough to join the Qing?"

"Old master, you are wise... If I were to suggest you join the Qing, wouldn't that be insulting your intelligence?" Wei Xiaobao waved his hands, "What I mean is to make you a marquis or prime minister in the Mongol Empire."

"Heh, don't you fear your tongue will fall out from such big talk?" The Blood Knife Sect Master sneered, "Not just you, even your Emperor Kangxi doesn't have that kind of power."

"The Emperor is certainly much more capable than I am, but..." Wei Xiaobao deliberately paused.

The Blood Knife Sect Master, curious, asked, "But what?"

"But there are some things the Emperor can't do," Wei Xiaobao pointed to himself, "but I don't have that concern."

"What things?" The Blood Knife Sect Master looked at him with confusion.

"Like... betraying the interests of the Qing Empire." Wei Xiaobao smiled mysteriously.

The Blood Knife Sect Master's heart skipped a beat, thinking it might be possible, and quickly demanded, "Be specific!"

"From what I know, the Great Khan Temujin divided the Mongol Empire's forces into four parts. The most elite troops are led by him and the Fifth Prince Hulagu to conquer the Western countries. The Fourth Prince Kublai was sent to conquer the Jin and Song dynasties, and his nephew, the Prince of Ruyang, was sent to conquer the Western Regions. Finally, your master, the Seventh Prince Alibuka, was left to guard the Mongolian grasslands and plot against the Qing. If I'm not mistaken, the other three routes have been successful, but your master's route is the most difficult." Wei Xiaobao laughed, secretly glad that he had learned about the world's situation from spending time with Xiao Xuanzi.

"Our prince is Alibuka!" The Blood Knife Sect Master glared at him angrily.

"Alibuka, Alibugha, it's just one character different. It doesn't matter. I didn't call him Alibaba," seeing the Blood Knife Sect Master about to explode, Wei Xiaobao quickly said, "Was my analysis correct?"

"Hum, your Qing Empire is strong, and Emperor Kangxi has many capable ministers and generals. With the Prince of Shengjing and Wu Sangui at Shanhaiguan, they form a strategic triangle. Our prince suffering a temporary setback is not a big deal." The Blood Knife Sect Master said stubbornly, but he knew that the Seventh Prince had achieved nothing in all these years.

Alibuka, every day in his tent, watched the battle reports from the other three routes, becoming increasingly irritable. The Prince of Ruyang was not a concern, as he was destined to not be the next Great Khan. However, the Fourth and Fifth Princes' glorious victories made his own failures even more glaring, making his chances of becoming the next Great Khan increasingly slim...

As one of Alibuka's confidants, the Blood Knife Sect Master was well aware of his master's troubles.

"If I have a way to... Chapter 70: Smooth Talk

"Are you trying to get me to join your Qing?" The Blood Knife Sect Master sneered, "The Great Mongol Empire is the strongest nation in the world, with a million cavalry. Wherever we go, our enemies flee. Although a few countries are still resisting, they are just barely surviving. Why would I be foolish enough to join the Qing?"

"Old master, you are wise... If I were to suggest you join the Qing, wouldn't that be insulting your intelligence?" Wei Xiaobao waved his hands, "What I mean is to make you a marquis or prime minister in the Mongol Empire."

"Heh, don't you fear your tongue will fall out from such big talk?" The Blood Knife Sect Master sneered, "Not just you, even your Emperor Kangxi doesn't have that kind of power."

"The Emperor is certainly much more capable than I am, but..." Wei Xiaobao deliberately paused.

The Blood Knife Sect Master, curious, asked, "But what?"

"But there are some things the Emperor can't do," Wei Xiaobao pointed to himself, "but I don't have that concern."

"What things?" The Blood Knife Sect Master looked at him with confusion.

"Like... betraying the interests of the Qing Empire." Wei Xiaobao smiled mysteriously.

The Blood Knife Sect Master's heart skipped a beat, thinking it might be possible, and quickly demanded, "Be specific!"

"From what I know, the Great Khan Temujin divided the Mongol Empire's forces into four parts. The most elite troops are led by him and the Fifth Prince Hulagu to conquer the Western countries. The Fourth Prince Kublai was sent to conquer the Jin and Song dynasties, and his nephew, the Prince of Ruyang, was sent to conquer the Western Regions. Finally, your master, the Seventh Prince Alibuka, was left to guard the Mongolian grasslands and plot against the Qing. If I'm not mistaken, the other three routes have been successful, but your master's route is the most difficult." Wei Xiaobao laughed, secretly glad that he had learned about the world's situation from spending time with Xiao Xuanzi.

"Our prince is Alibuka!" The Blood Knife Sect Master glared at him angrily.

"Alibuka, Alibugha, it's just one character different. It doesn't matter. I didn't call him Alibaba," seeing the Blood Knife Sect Master about to explode, Wei Xiaobao quickly said, "Was my analysis correct?"

"Hum, your Qing Empire is strong, and Emperor Kangxi has many capable ministers and generals. With the Prince of Shengjing and Wu Sangui at Shanhaiguan, they form a strategic triangle. Our prince suffering a temporary setback is not a big deal." The Blood Knife Sect Master said stubbornly, but he knew that the Seventh Prince had achieved nothing in all these years.

Alibuka, every day in his tent, watched the battle reports from the other three routes, becoming increasingly irritable. The Prince of Ruyang was not a concern, as he was