Chapter Seventeen: The Righteous Path, Yuan Tian Gang

  No one knew where the laughter came from.

  Apart from Yang Zhao himself, there was no one else who could hear this laughter. The evidence is that Jinbiao Ke and Fan Qinghui were focused on listening to the outside movements from start to finish, and they didn't notice anything unusual behind them at all.

  That faint, eerie laughter echoed again, the tone was ominous and seemed to come from nowhere. If it were someone else, they would have been frightened out of their wits, with goosebumps all over. But Yang Zhao was originally a person who was carefree about small matters, but became more calm and composed when faced with big things. At this moment, hearing the mysterious laughter, he somewhat guessed what was going on. His face sank, his eyes stern, and in his heart, he called out: "Friend, your clever move is impressive, Yang is impressed, impressed!"

  "Admire me? Haha, interesting, interesting. I didn't expect you, this little prince, to actually have some insight, not a complete idiot."

  Yang Zhao had just spoken, and immediately had an answer in his mind. The voice was slightly surprised, sounding very young - but after all, it was only 'heard' in the brain, so it wasn't quite accurate either. Yang Zhao smiled faintly in his heart, saying: "Sorry to make you laugh. May I ask where are you now, why not show up and meet?"

  "It's not that we won't meet in person, there will be opportunities, but not now." The voice laughed and said: "I'm still outside right now, helping to deal with those people who came looking for you. How about it, are you very disappointed?"

  That mysterious person was actually an enemy, not a friend. Yang Zhao was indeed a little disappointed. But this disappointment only flashed in his chest and immediately became as if nothing had happened. He said calmly: "Everyone has different positions, each for their own sake, that's all. However, since friends are on the same road with Ning Sanren and Miss Fan, why hide? Is there something unspeakable hidden?"

  "Haha, you little prince, you're quite interesting. Want to stir up trouble? The mysterious person laughed and said: "I'm not afraid to be honest with you. Although I'm on the same path as Ning's family, my least favorite people are those who pretend to understand but don't. Just now, when you scolded Ning's family, haha, it was really well done! You spoke straight to my heart. All day long, they talk about heavenly secrets and heavenly fate, but what do they really understand? When have they ever put their minds to studying the mysteries of the universe? They pretend to know, but are actually just a bunch of charlatans, making fools of themselves and losing face for us."

  Yang Zhaoyue listened more and felt surprised, probing: "Friend, these two sentences of yours... seem to think that the surname Ning said Li's substitution for Yang, Li Shimin will become emperor this inference is not correct?"

  The mysterious man said proudly: "It's both right and wrong, there's another mystery in between. If the Ning surname just focuses on the current Tang Guo Gongfu Li Shimin to play tricks, heh, in the end it will only be a waste of effort, falling into an empty trap. But as for the details, you are also surnamed Yang, so I can't say more."

  The mysterious man's words were ambiguous, and if others had heard them, they would have been as confused as a monk who can't find his head. But Yang Zhao was a traveler from another world, with many advantages of foresight. As soon as he heard this, he immediately understood, but also felt surprised and admired. In his heart, he slowly said: "This is nothing. I always believe that things are done by people. Hmm, after talking for so long, I still don't know who my friend is, which is really impolite. May I ask, what is your honorable surname?"

  The mysterious man smiled and said, "It's okay to tell you this. Remember, my surname is Yuan, my name is Tiangang, I am Zhengyi... Ah, no!" He suddenly whispered in surprise, then completely lost his train of thought. Yang Zhao didn't even have time to think about what was happening outside. Because at that moment, the three words "Yuan Tiangang" had already filled his heart to the brim.

  Their thoughts were still unsettled when they suddenly heard a few extremely heavy muffled sounds coming from above their heads. It seemed as if the large water jar that was pressing down on the stone slab at the entrance of the stone chamber had been pulled open with great force. The guest in brocade was slightly startled and immediately blew out the flame, while he and Fang Qinghui simultaneously employed the Turtle Breath technique. Not only did they stop breathing, but even their heartbeats became almost imperceptible. In the darkness, the two of them truly seemed to have merged into the air itself. Even a master with the most acute spiritual awareness would be unable to detect their presence.

  In the midst of a silence so still that a falling needle could be heard, Yang Zhao faintly heard someone above her call out: "Dig open this stone slab." Immediately following were two loud clanging sounds of metal striking metal, and someone let out a loud, pained cry as they retreated. Right after that, she heard Bai Yun sigh and say: "Lan Si, sister, you really don't recall even half of our old affection, do you have to be so ruthless?"

  The person who spoke earlier also sighed softly and said in a gentle voice: "Sister, you're having a hard time, I know. But does anyone know about my hardship? Let's not mention others for now, he's the son of Openheart after all. Back then, we fought against Emperor Flame together with Openheart, going through thick and thin. This old friendship, sister, have you forgotten?"

  Baiyun paused for a moment, then said resolutely: "Although Moye Ye's martial arts are not as good as Yan Emperor's, he is also an ambitious and powerful demon. Not to mention that Zhao Er is not here with me, even if he really was, Baiyun would rather die than let you take him back to the Extreme Joy Sect and be tempted by those heretical evil teachings."

  Lan Si's voice also turned cold, saying: "Whether the Extreme Joy Sect is spreading heresy or not, I don't care. In short, we have searched this place tonight. If we can't find anyone after digging up the stone slab, whether it's beating or killing, I'll let you handle it." Immediately afterwards, only the sound of "clanging" was heard, as if a weapon had been drawn and was ready to be used.

  The atmosphere between the two was tense and heavy, and in an instant, it pierced through the ground and into the stone chamber beneath. Yang Zhao's eyes went dark for a moment, but he couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine. Suddenly, the sound of drums beating echoed from above the stone chamber, seven rapid and heavy beats. Then, White Cloud said: "Using miscellaneous to resolve urgency, the fiery sun shines through? Good!"

  The sound had barely faded when the ground outside shook violently again, and immediately the clear cracking sound of gold and iron shattering was heard, "Ding ding dang" scattered all over the floor. Blue silk also shouted: "With force to overcome complexity, fierce flames break through the sky! Master sister's move is ten times more advanced than it was back then. Come and receive my Flame Frenzy Strike."

  "Halt!" The white cloud seemed to have stopped the blue silk's attack. She sighed, and said helplessly: "Momentum cannot be exhausted, words cannot be spoken to the end. In all things, if one is too extreme, the fate will surely be cut short early. Junior sister, do you really want to be so decisive?"

  Lan Si also seemed to have given up, and said gloomily: "Xing Yu has already been messed up by Master. Eldest Senior Sister, are you really willing to see that child spend his entire life being controlled, only able to be a puppet manipulated at will?"

  The white cloud was silent and speechless. After a long while, she finally let out a sigh and said, "Forget it." The sound of footsteps came, and she finally moved aside. The sound of iron shovels digging followed, and then the sound of hooks pulling the stone slab to the side. Just as escape seemed imminent, Yang Zhao subconsciously glanced in the direction of Jinpao Guest and Fan Qinghui, her heart filled with unease and worry.

  When the dog is driven into a desperate corner, it will make a final and ferocious counterattack. If a fight really breaks out, regardless of who wins or loses, both parties will suffer greatly. But even if one thinks about this, what can be done when one is currently unable to speak or move?

  Before Yang Zhao could think of a good solution, the firelight above his head lit up, and the entrance to the stone room had already been dug open. A woman with a blue gauze dress and sky-blue hair held a torch in her hand, looking down at him with a curious expression.

  The stone room was originally narrow and square, without any recessed corners to hide in, so it should have been possible to see Yang Zhao and the other two people at a glance. But the blue-clothed and blue-haired woman looked surprised, as if she couldn't see anyone inside the stone room. She stared blankly for half a moment before involuntarily calling out, "Master... Master Sister?" White Cloud was baffled by her reaction and also leaned forward to look down. What he saw wasn't the exit of the stone room, but solid earth instead.

  Bai Yun unconsciously covered her mouth and softly exclaimed, "Ah..." She quickly controlled herself, barely holding back what she was about to say next. Calmly, she said, "I already told you before, there's really no one here."

  "No? But..." Lan Si was still filled with disbelief. If it's true that there's really no one here, then why did Bai Yun and I exchange blows? But if you say there is someone, then where are they? All I see is mud! After a moment of stunned silence, she couldn't help but stretch out her leg to stomp on the mud twice, and then crouched down to dig at it with her hands. The feeling was still genuine, it was just a ordinary patch of mud.

  Blue silk was not reconciled, and she made a gesture with her hands, operating the mysterious technique of the I Ching, reciting words as she pointed downwards. The earth on the ground "hissed" out a wisp of smoke, but still there was no reaction. White Cloud didn't understand what was going on, fearing that if Blue Silk continued to mess around, something else would be revealed, so he scowled and stepped in front of her, saying: "Junior sister, have you had enough nonsense? Do you want to tear down this entire temple, then dig three feet into the ground?"

  The two sisters quarreled and fought, but in the end, they gained nothing. Blue Silk felt ashamed and said: "I've disturbed your rest, sister. I'll come back another day to apologize." She stood up, bid farewell, and led her soldiers out of the temple in a file. Before long, the sound of horse hooves faded away as the iron-armored cavalry departed. White Cloud took a deep breath, turned around, and rushed back into the courtyard, calling out: "Sister Fan, Brother Ning? Are you both still here?"

  "The little sisters are here." The elegant and moving voice of Fang Qinghui came from underground. The piece of soil that looked completely normal suddenly changed shape, twisted and quickly faded the color of the soil, turning into a thin membrane like ripples on water. Immediately afterwards, a beautiful figure emerged, just like a lotus flower swaying in the wind, it was none other than Jing Zhan, the successor of the Quiet Chamber, who always looked as if she had descended from heaven.

  The guest in the brocade robe immediately jumped up, grasping Yang Zhao's collar, and patted his chest with one hand, saying: "What a close call! Fortunately, there was a noble person who lent a helping hand in time. Otherwise, this time it would have been unthinkable."

  Bai Yun Qidao: "You've been down there all along? But... how is that possible?"

  Fang Qinghui also smiled wryly and said, "Just now we were all looking down, even the movements and expressions of that foreign woman were clearly visible. I don't know which master is so powerful, able to use such a brilliant Xuanmen technique, it's truly something I've never heard of before."

  Baiyun didn't respond, but suddenly a long laugh was heard from the rooftop. A clear and crisp voice rang out: "I'm flattered by the praise of the venerable immortal, but as a junior, I'm truly overwhelmed with shame."

  As soon as the voice came out, it immediately attracted the attention of everyone present. The brocade guest's sleeves trembled slightly, seemingly wanting to take action, but then pressed down again, frowning and asking: "Who is it? Come down and meet."

  The person on the rooftop respectfully replied, "Yes." Then he flew down and walked slowly towards the crowd. Under the light of the torches, it was revealed that the person was actually a young Taoist priest about 14 or 15 years old.

  His appearance was ordinary, but he had a head full of white hair. His eyebrows and eyes showed an extraordinary temperament, and the corners of his mouth always carried a confident smile. These unique features made it impossible for people to forget him after meeting him for the first time. As he approached within three feet of the crowd, he suddenly bowed deeply and said: "I am Yuan Tianfan, the second-generation disciple of Zhengyi Sect, greeting Ning Shibo, Fan Xianzi, Baiyun Shifu, and this little sister. I apologize for arriving late and startling several seniors, please forgive me."

  Bai Yun Qidao said: "You... are the younger brother of Zhengyi Dao? The spell just now, was it cast by you?" His tone was incredulous. It's worth noting that Lan Si had received the true transmission of the Yi Jing Xuan Jian, and his mastery of mystic arts was extremely high. Compared to Zhuo Bu Fan, the legendary mathematician who shook the Jianghu over a hundred years ago, he might not be inferior at all. This young Daoist in front of him was so young, yet he could surpass Lan Si in mystic arts? If it weren't for witnessing it with his own eyes, who would believe it if he said it out loud?

  Yuan Tianxia smiled, saying: "It's just a trivial 'Dazzling Light Shape-shifting Technique', one of the orthodox schools of the mysterious gates of the world. This kind of petty trick is not worth mentioning."

  "Your master is who? Why didn't I see you when I was at Emei Golden Summit?" asked the guest in brocade.

  Yuan Tian Gang smiled and said: "Our Master is like Hui Zhen Ren, who has always been in charge of Zhengyi Palace. Therefore, this younger brother, you have been cultivating on Zhongnan Mountain, but have never been to Mount Taiyi."

  Brocade guest heard this and couldn't help but be slightly shocked, saying: "What? You're a disciple of Ru Hui Dao brother? This is truly... a great master produces outstanding students."

  Originally, the first generation of the Righteous Path had four disciples. They were Eldest Brother Chao Yang Tian Shi, Second Brother Huan Wang Zi, Third Brother Xuan Ru Gui, and the youngest Fourth Brother. Huan Wang Zi was notorious for his misbehavior, repeatedly violating the sect's rules, and was expelled from the sect early on, seeking refuge with Yang Su, a powerful eunuch of the imperial court. The Fourth Brother had the highest innate talent and martial arts skills among the brothers, but the Brocade Robe Envoy had never seen him, only knowing that his surname was Zhang. He left Central Plains ten years ago, reportedly traveling to the Western Qin (Roman Empire).

  After Chaoyang Tienshi and Mohaye Ye's decisive battle defeat, he closed himself in the Douluo Palace on Mount Emei. The original headquarters of Zhengyi Dao built on Zhongnan Mountain was handed over to his third brother, Xuanru Hui, to preside over the overall situation. However, Xuanru Hui was weak and sickly, and his talent was limited. Among the three realms of the Zhengyi Pure Yang Skill, he only practiced up to the initial stage of the Xuanyang level and stopped there. Therefore, he had a low profile in the martial arts world, and not many people on the imperial court took him seriously. Mohaye Ye didn't kill off all the disciples of Zhengyi Dao probably because she looked down on Xuanru Hui.

  Who would have thought that this mysterious and obscure person would be so astonishing? This time, he sent his disciple Yuan Tian Gang down the mountain, and as soon as he took action, he rescued Jin Pao Ke and others. How could it not surprise people?

  As usual, please collect the red tickets first and ask your friends to do so as well. Then, I'd like to explain the update schedule. Unless otherwise stated, there will be two updates a day: the first one around 1 pm and the second one after dinner. If there's only one update, it'll be after dinner. Please take note, everyone.