69novels Chapter 231 Raising Bandits and Sharpening Knives When the Swallows Return
Chapter 231 Raising Bandits and Sharpening Knives When the Swallows Return
Chapter 231 Raising Bandits and Sharpening Knives When the Swallows Return
"Ziwen, why are you still so careless about eating on time?"
Kong Deming put down the detailed design drawings of the Zhuge Divine Crossbow Cannon in his hand, slowly turned his head, and said gently, "It's been a while. What are you kneeling for? Get up."
In order to extricate himself as soon as possible, and also to leave a good impression on Xuan Ziwen for the sake of future defection, the blueprints that Huo Yuhao gave to Xuan Ziwen were naturally genuine. The most original Tang Sect hidden weapon manufacturing information in it made Kong Deming's eyes light up, and he had many new ideas for improving the humanoid soul tool.
What a coincidence! Why would Master Kong suddenly come here? Huo Yuhao just discussed joining the Tang Sect with me not long ago. Could Master Kong be here to clean house?
Xuan Ziwen got up as instructed, cold sweat pouring down his forehead.
He hadn't seen his elusive teacher for at least three years, but whether it was three years ago or three years later, he felt just as insignificant as when he first became Kong Deming's student, unable to muster any thought of resistance.
Especially when he was wavering between Mingdetang and Tangmen not long ago, and he himself was very guilty.
"I remember, your parents were from the Heavenly Soul Empire, right?" After a short silence, Kong Deming's voice came again, this time closer.
"Yes, yes. Back then, my father was persecuted by the nobles of the Heavenly Soul Empire for advocating the widespread application of soul tools. That's why he fled to the Sun Moon Empire. Fortunately, Master Kong took a liking to me and cared for me a lot, which is why I am who I am today."
""
Seeing that Kong Deming didn't seem to be there to interrogate him, Xuan Ziwen felt a bit of hope. As he spoke, his voice gradually calmed down, and he even dared to look up at his teacher.
Compared to a few years ago, the other person not only did not age, but seemed to have become younger. He was still as tall as ever, and his grayish silver hair had regained its luster. His light purple eyes were like the starry sky.
"Yes, it's been so many years in the blink of an eye." Kong Deming sighed softly, his gaze sweeping over the laboratory. "When you first entered Mingde Hall, I was still serving as the hall master. It was in this very room that you told me that you would one day have a laboratory entirely of your own. Later, when you became the chief researcher, the ownership of this laboratory was truly given to you."
Researchers at Mingdetang usually only have the right to use the laboratory. It is extremely rare for a chief researcher like Xuan Ziwen to be granted ownership.
This honor and trust were once Xuan Ziwen's proudest assets.
Kong Deming's words, filled with profound reminiscence, were incredibly moving. Xuan Ziwen could hardly contain his emotion, and his words quickly took on a strong emotional tone: "Yes, it was just a child's joke back then, but I never expected Master Kong to remember it all this time. I am deeply grateful."
""
"Then why are you leaving it now?" Kong Deming's eyes suddenly turned stern.
In an instant, Xuan Ziwen's mind went blank.
In the end, was it discovered? But why did Confucius himself come?
The words had been spoken, and a deeper silence fell between master and disciple. Kong Deming closed his eyes, as if weighing something.
An invisible pressure began to permeate the laboratory filled with blueprints and parts for soul tools, weighing heavily on Xuan Ziwen's heart.
Xuan Ziwen began to tremble uncontrollably. However, under this immense pressure, a desperate, rebellious spirit overcame his fear. He suddenly raised his head and roared with a do-or-die determination, "Master Kong!"
Kong Deming glanced sideways.
"Since you already know, then I'll be frank!" Xuan Ziwen's lips trembled violently as his long-suppressed emotions finally found an outlet. "It was you who taught us that a Soul Guide should take the pursuit of truth as the highest goal, and everything else is external and can even be abandoned! Shrek City, there is the research environment and philosophy for Soul Guides that I yearn for."
"You haven't appeared for a long time. The Sun Moon Empire has changed a lot in the past two years. Jing Hongchen has sided with the Crown Prince. This not only means that the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy will inevitably be involved in this struggle for the throne. Although the Crown Prince's side has always had the upper hand, for some people, the throne is their only goal. They will die trying if they don't succeed. How can they give up easily? The Mingde Hall, which has become a turbulent place, can no longer provide me with a quiet research environment."
"More importantly, the Crown Prince has always been a proponent of war. Once he inherits the throne, a large-scale war will be inevitable in the near future. I am just a soul tool researcher, and I do not want to be involved in war. My research needs stability. I also do not want to be dependent on anyone."
"Furthermore, I also hate applying research to war. You know, my mother died because of war."
""
"I hate politics," Xuan Ziwen's eyes were already red, "and I hate war even more."
"Can you understand me, Master Kong?" His voice already carried a hint of pleading.
"People always think that distant places they've never been are more wonderful, but they're all the same. Do you think that if you go to Shrek, your research won't be subject to politics or applied to war?"
Kong Deming glanced at Xuan Ziwen, whose gaze was somewhat dazed, and sneered, "It's nothing but self-deception."
After saying that, Kong Deming slowly extended a hand to Xuan Ziwen.
"It's your choice which path you take, and I won't interfere, but you'll have to bear the consequences yourself."
I never imagined that I would die here.
Xuan Ziwen closed his eyes and offered his neck for execution.
An indescribable silver light exploded within his sea of consciousness. In that light, which even momentarily halted his thoughts, Xuan Ziwen felt destruction—
With space.
Super Douluo, the power of heaven and earth, his martial soul and soul tool are perfectly integrated into one.
Level 10 Soul Master.
With a "thump," Xuan Ziwen's knees buckled again, but this time it was from the depths of his soul that he knelt down in utmost devotion towards Kong Deming.
If we can see the future, why not worship?
To contribute the most powerful soul tools to the most powerful soul masters—this was the path he was meant to take.
"Eat properly." Kong Deming gently placed his hand on Xuan Ziwen's trembling shoulder and patted it.
A still-warm lunchbox had somehow ended up beside him.
Then, he drifted away, leaving Xuan Ziwen standing there with tears streaming down his face, muttering the words "Confucius" over and over again.
"How could I let you get away? Little Mirror's brain has already hardened. Among the young people, you're the only one with any ideas. I'm still waiting for you to reach level nine so you can help me tighten screws."
Unbeknownst to Xuan Ziwen, just outside the door separated by a wall, Master Kong, whom he regarded as a mentor and father, was preparing a work plan for him for the next hundred years.
In high spirits, Kong Deming transformed into a full moon and strolled above the clouds, looking at his Mingde Hall. This first-ever level ten Soul Master smiled slightly: "Now, let's see how far you can go before you can't hold back. This will also determine how many people I will need to keep afterward."
"It is a clean and tidy Mingde Hall, a return to its original aspirations —"
His eyes shimmered with a silvery-purple light, before settling into an unfathomable calm: "It is still a clean and renewed Sun and Moon Empire."
"Master Kong must be very sad."
In Mingdu, outside the imperial city, lies a top-secret underground chamber.
It appeared that only two people were sitting opposite each other. The light from the soul guide lamp was turned down to its lowest setting, barely outlining their silhouettes.
"Your Highness's words sound not at all saddened, but rather rather gloating," said the black-robed man shrouded in shadow.
His voice was strange; you couldn't tell his age, or even whether he was male or female. Yet, it possessed an almost eerie magic that drew your attention to him the moment you heard it.
The joke didn't get the expected response, so Xu Tianran directly exposed the black-robed man's identity: "Why is Sect Leader Zhongli putting on airs? Kong Tianxu is already dead, so there shouldn't be anything for Godmother to hesitate about. I've already set out the boundaries for you, and you can resume your previous lifestyle at any time."
As he spoke, his figure materialized, slightly approaching Zhongli Wu, then immediately turned his head away, smiling sarcastically: "In comparison, the former Zhongli Sect Leader was better, at least he didn't have this—beastly stench."
Zhongli Wu's breathing suddenly became much heavier, and the powerful soul force instantly crushed the two shadows flashing in front of Xu Tianran, blowing up his empty trouser legs.
Xu Tianran remained expressionless, but his eyes grew even colder.
Zhongli Wu forcibly suppressed his anger and hissed, "What is His Majesty's and Kong Deming's attitude?"
"Father only instructed us to appease Elder Kong. The subsequent measures have not yet been approved, but they should be soon. However, Elder Kong's reaction doesn't seem as strong as expected; rather, he appears quite shrewd and calculating in governing the country."
"Alas, what a pity, a rift has already formed—" A fierce glint flashed in Xu Tianran's eyes.
"In that case," Zhongli Wu's tone returned to calm, "I will also appropriately relax the restrictions on some of the followers, allowing them some fresh air. At the same time, let me inform Your Highness of some good news."
"The sun is about to set," Zhongli Wu said unhurriedly.
Xu Tianran's pupils contracted sharply, and he hurriedly asked, "How much longer?"
"It could take two years at most, or as little as one year. Congratulations in advance to Your Majesty."
Xu Tianran's breathing stopped for several breaths.
a long time.
"Not at all, I am the one who should congratulate the Imperial Preceptor. At that time, the Holy Spirit Cult will surely be revered by all people, and a divine position will be opened for you."
"Your Majesty is joking."
"The Imperial Advisor is being modest."
"Heh—hahahahahahaha—!"
Suppressed yet ambitious laughter echoed in the closed, quiet room, lingering for a long time.
The Imperial Palace of the Sun and Moon Empire, Deep Garden.
The once innocent princess, who always had a smile on her face, was now sobbing uncontrollably. Rong Momo, who had served her for many years, tried several times to comfort her, but was silently pushed away each time.
The palace maids carrying exquisite food boxes dared not approach, exchanging bewildered glances.
It wasn't until a tall, blonde figure gradually approached that Rong Momo rushed over as if she had seen a savior.
"Miss Cain, you've finally arrived. The princess has been like this ever since she learned about Prince Tianxu's affair. Even His Majesty's visits are unacceptable, and she refuses to eat. We are truly—"
"It's alright, leave it to me." Cain patted her hand.
To Rong Momo's astonishment, this pretty girl of only seventeen years old, despite still having tears in the corners of her eyes, exuded a magical aura of purity and harmony, which made even an eight-ring Soul Douluo like Rong Momo involuntarily clear her mind and instantly calm down.
When he came to his senses, Cain had already entered the hall, and the door closed behind him. He could only vaguely see Xu Tianzhen buried in the proud figure in front of Cain, wailing and crying.
Rong Momo turned her face away, almost bursting into tears.
Inside the hall.
"Wow, Sister Cain, why are you so late? I'm starving! Pretending to cry is such a skill, I almost burst out laughing and gave myself away."
Taking advantage of Cain's invisibility as cover, Xu Tianzhen quickly took out the food the other party had brought and began to eat heartily.
"I'm sorry to have troubled you. There are many people around you, and Tianxu wanted to test the royal family's attitude, so he had no choice but to do this."
Cain patted her head.
Xu Tianzhen rubbed against him with enjoyment. For some reason, even though it was a very ordinary action, Cain made her feel a sense of superiority.
It was as if a Soul Guidance Master was looking at Little Karami.
Before he could even process what was happening, Cain continued, "I've already spoken to Grandpa Kong. In a few days, I'll go to Tianxu's secluded retreat to be with him. You must take good care of yourself."
Xu Tianzhen's eyes darted around, and she suddenly felt a sense of crisis, but when she thought about how diligently Kong Tianxu cultivated, she felt more at ease.
"It's okay, I've already made a year-long plan for the progression of my emotions, it'll be flawless!"
"But Sister Cain, isn't your mission very demanding? Won't there be some unrest if you leave?" she continued to ask.
Cain paused, and although she appeared unchanged, Xu Tianzhen could clearly sense a terrifying killing intent that penetrated to the soul, briefly revealed with her emotional shift, displaying an unstoppable sharpness.
"Tianxu said they've been too well-behaved lately, so we need to find a reason to kill another batch."
Listening to her cold, emotionless words, Xu Tianzhen swallowed the last piece of pastry in her mouth and murmured, "This way, we can also make those die-hards who are the most secretive and the best at acting completely give up hope, and also test the stability of our base, making it easier for the final—"
"What?" Cain was stunned for a moment, wondering if he had misheard.
However, when you look again, Xu Tianzhen's eyes are now completely empty with sadness, with only a trace of cunning wisdom hidden deep within.
It's like a salted fish being baked in the sun, or like a sun disguised as a salted fish.
"Knock knock knock." Rong Momo's careful knocking on the door rang out at just the right moment, breaking the brief silence in the hall.
The Ordinary Alliance, one of the three major underground forces in Mingdu.
Double agent Ye Guyi was reporting his undercover work within the Holy Spirit Cult to Alliance Leader Shangguan Weier, but intentionally or unintentionally omitted some of the cult's core secrets. However, in Shangguan Weier's sudden sigh, upon hearing that familiar yet unfamiliar name and the corresponding news of death, her expression abruptly became somewhat dazed.
Border of the Sun and Moon Empire.
Tang Ya stared silently at the ominous blue-black color that had reappeared among her Blue Silver Grass. She simply hugged Nan Qiuqiu tightly, who was pouting as if she was about to cry. Listening to the surrounding prayers of "Let the holy light shine on the earth, let the Holy Spirit descend upon the world," she felt a deep sadness.
-
-
That person is dead.
Can the holy light still shine on her?
The death of Kong Tianxu in the Douling Empire caused a stir of great and small waves across the continent.
However, to everyone's surprise, the Sun Moon Empire showed astonishing restraint in this regard. Although they created a few skirmishes, they were far too insignificant compared to Kong Tianxu's importance.
On the surface, there was only a needle-in-a-haystack search, a few perfunctory questions, and the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy prematurely suspending this year's student exchange program, taking all Sun Moon exchange students back immediately.
This unusual calm left many who were waiting to see a clash between the two major powers somewhat bewildered.
But some say this is the calm before the storm.
But the swallows didn't know that they only saw a wooden house on the edge of the Starfall Grassland mountain range, so they found a place they liked to build their nest.
Then they leave, and then they return.
Time flows like water, and the seasons pass quietly in their cycle.
A year has passed since that earth-shattering battle, and Kong Tianxu has also spent a full year in a state of profound enlightenment meditation.
Although his body functions remained perfectly at their peak under the combined nourishment of the rich energy of the Fallen Star Plane and the Gold of Life, there were no problems with his physical functions.
However, the long period of deep seclusion and immersion in consciousness inevitably gave his body a statue-like stillness, and he inevitably became somewhat stiff.
Therefore, in order to keep a close eye on Kong Tianxu's condition and to ensure his absolute safety, the task of watching over him was carried out by Ma Xiaotao and Zhang Lexuan in turns.
,