Upon receiving the news that Lin Qingyi had returned to Pei Xuanjing's residence with his men again, Qian Ning knew that the fish had taken the bait.
Yes, Lin Qingyi only received the news because he had intentionally had it leaked to him.
Otherwise, how could such important news be obtained by Lin Qingyi, a mere new captain? Wouldn't that be too dismissive of the decades Qian Ning has spent in the Brocade Guards?
Since the fish was now in the net, Qian Ning no longer delayed.
He immediately gathered his forces to besiege Pei Xuanjing's residence, prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving. He was prepared to catch both the man and his property in the act, and to accuse Jiang Bin of colluding with the Remnants of Shenxiao.
This time, Qian Ning was well -prepared. He had failed in several consecutive attempts previously.
Therefore, in order to completely kill Pei Xuanjing here, Qian Ning asked not only for a first-grade martial artist from the Brocade Guards to attend, but also spent a lot of money to invite a well -known first-grade expert from the world.
Just for Pei Xuanjing, he was prepared to use two first-grade experts, plus four second-grade experts. This clearly showed how much Qian Ning valued Pei Xuanjing's abilities.
This time, you should be undoubtedly dead!
That's what Qian Ning was thinking.
"Quick, quick, surround this place. Nobody is to enter without orders from Commander. Anyone who violates this order will be killed without question. Do you understand
"Yes!"
The Brocade Guards drove away the inhabitants around Pei Xuanjing's residence and surrounded it tightly, blocking all entrances with strong bows and crossbows.
"This time, the target cannot escape!" King Chujiang, disguised as an ordinary Brocade Guard, stood next to Qian Ning, thinking.
"It seems we have made some miscalculations this time." Pei Xuanjing perceived everything outside his residence and murmured.
Admittedly, even with a simulator that can predict certain future events, the future is truly unpredictable. The simulator can only predict one of the myriad future possibilities.
Each time Pei Xuanjing makes a breakthrough in his strength, it's akin to the flapping of a butterfly's wings causing a ripple effect, causing deviations and changes in his life's simulation.
Like this time, there's already a deviation from the original course from the moment the tour began.
After Pei Xuanjing killed Gong Xingqiu, the Vice Master of the Mire Sect, the emperor did not continue his tour, but came to Xuanfu instead of returning to Tiandu.
The subsequent assassinations by the Ghost Emperor of the Yin Realm and the Black and White Imps, and the fact that Qian Ning, who should have been in Tiandu reflecting on his mistakes, came to Xuanfu to kill him, were not shown in the life simulation.
Nevertheless, it may be due to his high level of skill or his ample strength that Pei Xuanjing is fully confident.
Even knowing that he is being besieged and the danger outside, he remained calm, without the slightest worry or fear.
Hum…
Pei Xuanjing grabbed with his five fingers, and the Shenxiao Sword in the brocade box made a crisp sound. The Shenxiao Sword rose into the air and fell into Pei Xuanjing's hand.
"Brother Pei, hold on, things might not have come to this point yet." Sensing the killing intent hidden in Pei Xuanjing, Lin Qingyi tried to stop him.
Lin Qingyi didn't want to see the current situation. Whether it was for public or private reasons, he didn't want Pei Xuanjing to act under these circumstances.
Although he had absolute confidence in Pei Xuanjing's strength, as a member of the Brocade Guards, he knew better than many others how strong the Great Ming forces were.
Even if Pei Xuanjing could escape from Xuanfu today, what next?
Going forward, he would have no peaceful days. Instead, because his identity as a remnant of
Shenxiao was revealed, he would make more people wary and attract more experts to hunt him down.
Unless he can break out and kill until the rivers run red with blood, till the world is terrified and nobody dares to provoke him, there's only death.
Pei Xuanjing chuckled: "Brother Lin, do you think there's a chance for the situation to turn around at this point?"
"Perhaps… their evidence is insufficient?" Lin Qingyi said with sanguinity. However, halfway through, he himself ceased to believe it.
"Hehe, is evidence useful?" Pei Xuanjing laughed lightly, neither agreeing nor denying.
After all, the evidence is established on a basis of equality between the two parties.
If a rabbit uses evidence to accuse a tiger of the wolf's bullying, the tiger might not only ignore the evidence, but it could also devour the rabbit opportunely.
At this point, only the acting emperor can stop this matter.
But regarding Pei Xuanjing, who is suspected to be a remnant of Shenxiao, and Qian Ning, the commander of the Brocade Guards in service of the Emperor, it is self-evident whose words the emperor would listen to.
In truth, Pei Xuanjing saw the current situation more clearly than Lin Qingyi.
The opposition had gone to great lengths to trace the origins of the Everlasting Observance and label
Pei Xuanjing a remnant of Shenxiao.
Therefore, regardless of what is said, this crime has been proven.
Yes, if it'S right, it'S right. If it'S wrong, it'S still right!
That Jiang Bin and Lin Qingyi could merely hear this news and immediately have Lin Qingyi inform him to leave, proves the sensitivity of the remnants of Shenxiao. They didn't have much time to consider its authenticity.
This is substantial proof of the attitude of the royal family, even the entire imperial court of Great Ming, towards this matter.
If it were anyone else, there may be some hope. After all, not too long ago, Pei Xuanjing had performed a royal rescue and gained the favor of the emperor.
But from the history Pei Xuanjing learned in his past life, he remembers a saying: Throughout history, no one is more heartless than the emperor.
Whether it's just one act of rescue or the emperor's confidant who shares the life-and-death struggles of the emperor, if they threaten the power of the emperor, the only path they have is death.
"Brother Pei…" Lin Qingyi's face was bitter, unsure of what to say.
Pei Xuanjing smiled and said, "Brother Lin, the situation is dangerous right now. I'm too preoccupied to look out for you. I can only fight to the death. You should take the opportunity to leave!"
"By the way, if you get a chance, please take care of Pang Hong." Pei Xuanjing added.
In the past, he had no choice. Because his strength was weak, he had to rely on some people and use some people's power, like when he sought the help of Gu Ji in Anping Prefecture.
But now, not to mention Pei Xuanjing's strength is now at one of the peaks of Great Ming, he is facing a high-ranking commander of the Brocade Guards, and even the emperor of Great Ming behind him.
Therefore, now that Qian Ning and the Brocade Guards have surrounded Pei Xuanjing, the truth of the evidence is not that important anymore.
At least Pei Xuanjing doesn't have a chance to justify himself anymore. The only thing he can do is either surrender and leave his life and death in the hands of others, or fight to the death, creating a bloody path and surviving on the strength alone.
Hence, Pei Xuanjing can only rely on himself now. He isn't foolish enough to willingly surrender, nor is he willing to leave his life and death in the hands of others again..
The chilly wind was sharp, stirring up countless dust.
The entire street above was filled with solemnity and silence.
Countless Brocade Guards had thoroughly encircled the residence. They stared fiercely at the house, waiting for Qian Ning's command to capture the traitor inside.
Qian Ning, along with King Chujiang in disguise and several experts, had been standing several dozen yards from the house's front gate since early on. It was strange that he did not order them to get started immediately.
Step!
Step!
Step!
Suddenly, rhythmic footsteps emanated from within the quiet residence, reaching the ears of everyone present.
The footfall was heavy and slow, with each step seemingly imbued with a special will. Though they had yet to see the person behind the footsteps, everybody seemed to be able to feel his thoughts and will, inexplicably drawn to the rhythm.
"Master!"
This was the thought that sprang to the minds of all the Third-grade martial artists present.
The experts that Qian Ning had invited with various methods also gradually withdrew the contempt from their faces.
Indeed, there is a lesson that people never learn: always failing to take heed of warnings.
Even though they had acquired much information about Pei Xuanjing and knew many experts had died under his hands, when these people invited by Ojan Ning saw that so many individuals were gathered just to deal with a single Pei Xuanjing, they could not help but feel he was making a fuss over a trifle, contempt rising within their hearts.
However, at this moment, all the contempt within everyone's hearts disappeared.
They forced themselves to focus, attempting to drive the rhythmic footfall from their minds, fearing to be influenced by the opponent's Martial Dao will.
Meanwhile, as the footsteps gradually approached, they all stared at the house's front door unblinkingly less there be any lapses.
creak!
The hitherto closed front gate emitted a soft noise before slowly opening outwards.
Subsequently, an unremarkable young man appeared. He was dressed in a dark brown robe and his long hair was casually tied back with a hair clasp. A divine weapon hung at his waist, with one hand loosely on the hilt and the other behind his back
Silence.
At this moment, everyone's gaze was focused on this seemingly ordinary young man.
Forget about the others, even the two First-grade Martial Artists invited by Qian Ning were momentarily shocked. No one knew how such profound shock surged up in their hearts.
In Martial Dao cultivation, the ultimate three realms are the Blood and Body Replacement stages, using the Martial Dao True Intention to refine the Blood Qi, constantly condensing the Blood Qi, to reach the Blood Qi Wolf Smoke, Blood Qi smelting furnace, and Blood Qi long river, the three different states.
That's why Pseudo-Great Masters, who can't comprehend the Martial Dao True Intention and are stuck forever in the initial stage of Blood Replacement, can't gather their Blood Qi enough to even form the basic Blood Qi Wolf Smoke.
At this moment, Bei Wenxuan and Ding Yulong, both First-grade Martial Artists, could distinctly sense the vibrant Blood Qi hidden within this young man.
"Young people are indeed worthy of respect!" Bei Wenxuan could not help but exclaim.
As a member of the Brocade Guards, he wondered if he had secluded himself for too long. Were the youngsters so formidable now?
'What a pity." Ding Yulong's face turned grave.
Compared to Bei Wenxuan, who has already lived for two cycles of 60 years, Ding Yulong was much younger, having lived just over a single cycle of 60 years. He counted among the youth among the First-grade Martial Artists.
However, seeing this young man before him, Ding Yulong felt somewhat humiliated.
It wasn't about the opponent's already demonstrated capability to kill First-grade Martial Artists, but sensing the vibrant Blood Qi within him, he felt that as long as no incidents occurred, this youngster could step into the First-grade within a decade.
They had no friendships, no grudges. His presence here today was simply due to a favor he owed Qian Ning, making his appearance unavoidable.
However, he never expected he would end up witnessing the fall of a genius. Truly a pity.
Qian Ning had no idea what the two experts he had invited thought. He declared loudly, "Pei Xuanjing, as a remnant of Shenxiao, you have been lurking near His Majesty with malicious intent. Now that your identity has been exposed, it'S time for you to surrender!"
Observing the attire of the speaker and the way he was subtly encircled and protected by the people around him, Pei Xuanjing understood his identity.
"Heh heh, if you want to condemn someone, you will always find something to accuse him of." Pei Xuanjing gave a cold laugh.
"Qian Ning, haven't you repeatedly wanted to kill me? Today, I am right here. Why don't you do it yourself!"
He looked around and spoke loudly, his robust voice echoing all around.
The various reactions of the people around him upon hearing his words were all different. Some seemed thoughtful, some looked cold, and some showed a murderous intent on their faces.
"Pei Xuanjing, you refuse to repent. Since you will not surrender, today will be your burial place!" A chill voice from Qian Ning resounded.
Although he had previously bluffed about Pei Xuanjing surrender, having it bluntly exposed by Pei Xuanjing undoubtedly made Qian Ning look bad.
Moreover, after hearing him bring up the past assassination attempts, Qian Ning was naturally unwilling to let him continue, in case it caused his side to panic, or even if the news reached the emperor, it would be bad.
"Shoot!" Qian Ning coldly looked at Pei Xuanjing and spat out two words. No matter how exceptional a genius you are, today you will certainly die here.
Once you are dead, everything will disappear with you.
The moment the words fell, the Brocade Guards archers who had been prepared around him shot at once.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh…
Countless arrows from strong crossbows rained down from all directions, aiming to pierce Pei Xuanjing and transform him into a hedgehog.
Looking at the fierce rain of arrows, Pei Xuanjing's expression remained the same, his eyes deep like an ancient well, not revealing a single ripple within his heart.
"Inferior tricks."
Clang!
The Shenxiao Sword rang out of its sheath, and in an instant, a flash of sword light appeared, like the glow of dawn, illuminating the entire street.
Pei Xuanjing's True Qi circulated, and his Blood Qi boiled over excitedly. The Shenxiao Sword in his hand swung a sword flower in front of him.
Immediately after, countless sword qi crisscrossed and shot out. The seemingly dangerous rain of arrows, upon colliding with the sword qi, was easily cut by it and fell to the ground.
Qian Nings first test, the hefty rain of arrows, did not pose any threat to Pei Xuanjing at all.
Martial Artists from the Upper Three Realms had already transcended the worldly constraints, and could easily command a thousand-men army and were invincible against ten thousand.
As long as their True Qi and Blood Qi had not been exhausted, they could easily resist a thousand men army, let alone a mere rain of arrows.
"Shoot!"
Qian Ning was still persistent. After giving the order, two more waves of arrows rained down.
However, Pei Xuanjing easily blocked them, and when facing the last wave of arrows, he did not directly stop them. Instead, he used the Shenxiao Heaven's Intention tactic to use the enemy's force against them, altering the direction of the arrow rain and sending it back.
This time, although it didn't inflict heavy losses on the Brocade Guards, it did take several lives and injured many.
Even at this moment, Qian Ning didn't dare to recklessly continue ordering the release of the rain of arrows, after all, who knew if the opponent had the ability to do it again.
However, while Qian Ning had some reservations, it didn't mean that Pei Xuanjing would continue to stand there passively waiting for the other side to make a move again.
Not hitting back was not Pei Xuanjing's style.
So, almost in an instant, a strong aura burst from Pei Xuanjing's body as he darted towards Qian Ning.
His sword shone brightly, accompanying by the sound of wind and thunder.
For a moment, the entire room was aghast..