In the empty, quiet room, Pei Xuanjing fondled the page of the Netherworld's Book, which was neither gold nor jade, in his hands.
Bai Xiaosheng walked in with a smile, saying sarcastically, "Indeed, only interests can inspire one's greatest potential."
For Bai Xiaosheng, he had witnessed this scene many times before; it was almost a commonplace sight for him.
However, every time he saw it, Bai Xiaosheng always had a different feeling.
"There is great terror between life and death!" Pei Xuanjing raised his head, pointing at his counterpart and himself, sneering, "Aren't the struggles you and I go through also for the sake of profit?"
"Hahaha. Brother Pei speaks the truth. People hustle and bustle in the world for profit. I was too blind to realize. We are all driven by profit. Why would we look down on others?"
Bai Xiaosheng closed his folding fan with a wry smile.
Pei Xuanjing asked, "Has the prime minister made any response?"
He had come to Tiandu with such a fanfare. Although he had only exposed his intentions to Wang Qiong's party, it was impossible for the prime minister to ignore such a matter during such a sensitive period.
Bai Xiaosheng replied, "Your man has had contact with the prime minister, and although he had not met the prime minister himself, it'S clear that he already knows our intentions."
"Oh?" A flicker of interest appeared in Pei Xuanjing's eyes, "And how did they reply?"
When referring to revealing their intentions, they weren't completely open as they were with Wang Qiong's party and stated their goals directly.
After all, they hadn't had much contact with the prime minister before, and couldn't be as direct as Wang Qiong.
Their excuse for contacting Yang Tinghe was that Pei Xuanjing now had a firm footing in the martial arts world and had managed to recruit many followers, with the intention of reestablishing the Shenxiao Sect.
His purpose of coming to Tiandu this time was to reach a resolution with the royal family and the imperial court of the Great Ming, to dissolve the old resentment, and to reestablish Shenxiao Sect.
Pei Xuanjing wondered whether this excuse could deceive the other party, which was why he wanted to see how the other party responded.
"He did not make a definite response." Bai Xiaosheng gently waved his fan, and then explained the other party's attitude with some profundity, "Yet there was a subtle hint; if you agree to serve him, he might assist you in the future."
"Heh, how presumptuous!" A hint of anger showed on Pei Xuanjing's face. Despite his calm demeanor now, he couldn't help but feel irked by this response.
The so-called serving was merely a euphemism.
In truth, he was asking Pei Xuanjing to become his subordinate, his executioner. In less polite terms, to be his dog.
Even someone as powerful as Pei Xuanjing was considered by them to be nothing more than a brute who only knows the use of brute force. They didn't take him seriously.
In the end, these people have held power for too long. Their sycophants had nearly made them lose sight of who they really were, making them believe that everyone should serve and seek their favor.
If it weren't for Wang Boan's acquaintance with Pei Xuanjing, his knowledge about how strong Pei Xuanjing really was, and the great power he commanded, Wang Qiong probably would not have paid much attention to Pei Xuanjing.
Bai Xiaosheng said somberly, "The long period of peace has made them forget the days when the bones of officials littered the Heavenly Street, and the imperial treasury was burned to ashes." He had long been disenchanted with these people.
Even with a high status in the martial arts world, in the eyes of those people, he was still a martial artist, unworthy of respect.
"Heh." Pei Xuanjing chuckled, speaking calmly, "There's no need to rush. What's meant to come will eventually come."
When the plan succeeds, it will be time for them to settle their scores.
Even if they can't deal with everyone, they can still deal with some.
At least, at this time, even if it's just to appease the people and win the hearts of the world, they should take the heads of some people as tokens.
Bai Xiaosheng also chuckled and nodded, "Indeed. I have been looking forward to that day for a long time."
"Good things come to those who wait, so there's no need to rush." Pei Xuanjing's smile was cold.
Bai Xiaosheng abruptly changed the subject, "Just now, I saw Pang Hong leave. He seemed to be heading into the city."
Pei Xuanjing didn't conceal anything and said, "My Brother Lin is now a Commanding Officer of the Brocade Guards."
After Jiang Bin assumed the position of the Commanding General of the Brocade Guards, Lin Qingyi, whom he regarded as a confidant, also rose rapidly in rank and fortune.
In less than ten years, he had risen from the position of a thousand households to the position of the Commanding Officer of the Brocade Guards. Plus, relying on the numerous resources and rarities offered by the Brocade Guards, he entered the realm of a second-class martial artist not long ago.
In addition to his special identity in the Brocade Guards, he can be considered a high-ranking official in Tiandu.
"Your intelligence seems a bit outdated." Bai Xiaosheng glanced at Pei Xuanjing, "According to my latest information, it seems that he is likely to be promoted soon."
Not long ago, during the upheaval in Tiandu, although the Brocade Guards suffered some losses, Pang Hong managed to kill several rebellious high -level martial artists and made considerable contributions, emerging unscathed.
It was rumored that because the Brocade Guards lost a Commanding Aide-de-Camp during the recent Tiandu upheaval, Jiang Bin was considering promoting him to this position. If it weren't for the current unstable situation and fear of drawing too much attention, his promotion would have been announced long ago.
"Oh?" Pei Xuanjing understood and said, "It seems I made a good move, didn't I?"
Bai Xiaosheng agreed, "Yes, you did!"
Pei Xuanjing laughed, "Now that everything's ready, all we need is a favorable wind."
Bai Xiaosheng chuckled and nodded, "Now we are just waiting for His Highness to enter Tiandu."
All the preparations had been made, and they were just waiting for His Highness Prince Xing to enter Tiandu.
If Wang Qiong agreed to cooperate, they would jointly support Prince Xing to ascend the throne.
But if Wang Qiong refused, then Pei Xuanjing and his allies would execute their backup plan.
As for the outcome and whether they could bear the consequences, it remained unknown.
Before that, Pei Xuanjing decided to retreat and cultivate in Baiyun Temple, leaving everything to Bai Xiaosheng and his associates.
His custom-made Lightning Rod Framework had been completed, so Pei Xuanjing could take advantage of it to further refine and spiritualize his body.
As Jingzhe arrived, the temperature rose, spring thunder began to rumble, rain increased, and everything sprang back to life.
Normally, the spring thunder during Jingzhe wasn't noteworthy.
However, many people around Baiyun Temple noticed that this year'S spring thunder seemed to last much longer than in previous years.
For half a month, thunder keep booming every day, shaking the sky..
Pei Xuanjing sat atop the mountaintop, surrounded by nine palaces and eight trigrams formed by the magical array designed with the mysterious iron lightning rods.
Continuous spring thunders roared in the sky above, resounding with flashes of lightning. Countless thunder powers struck the long spear made of the mysterious iron.
In an instant, the lightning followed the framework of the mysterious iron, branching into the iron wires, swirling like shining silver snakes before plunging into the earth.
Countless flickering purple-blue lightning exuded a dangerous aura, surging around Pei Xuanjing.
Inside Pei Xuanjing's body, his Innate Thunder Gang Qi rapidly circulated, interweaving with the flickering lightning.
This was Pei Xuanjing's sixteenth day refining his body here.
From the beginning, Pei Xuanjing, much like atop Shenxiao Mountain, was positioned outside the array, using the thunder power to refine and spiritualize his body.
However, he discovered that spring thunder was different from summer thunder, not only was there less destructive power, but it also had more vitality, much more so than the thunder of summertime.
So, after slow and steady attempts, Pei Xuanjing carefully tested and eventually determined this method of refinement.
He sat there, bare-chested, wearing only short pants. His robust physique, forged like precision steel, sporadically faintly glowed with a purple-blue light.
His body, which originally was so tough that even the Indomitable Thousand Refinement Divine Weapon would struggle to leave a scratch, was now turned completely red, as if it had been boiled in hot water.
Pei Xuanjing gritted his teeth, enduring the intense pain. Countless strands of True Qi were born, circulated, and dissipated inside his body, continuously tempering and strengthening his muscles, bones, and skin.
Bursts of boiling Blood Qi surged, while atop his head flowed an intimidating Blood Qi long river.
He seemed to have transformed into a bottomless black hole, drawing in the faint Heaven and Earth Essence Qi that permeated the surrounding air.
Pei Xuanjing, having cultivated his Divine Soul, was extremely sensitive to his body's changes. Every strengthening of his muscles, bones, and skin, even the most minute transformation, he could sense.
These subtle changes in his body strength were the motivation that kept Pei Xuanjing going.
With his gathered Soul, he had a strong will beyond mere mortals. Despite the unbearable pain, he still bit his teeth and persevered, showing no impatience. He remained focused and dared not slack off.
No one I-mows how long it took, half an hour, an hour , or two hours, before the thunder finally receded and the lightning concealed itself.
Whew whew whew…
Pei Xuanjing's once robust body, despite continuously nourished by the Innate Thunder Gang Qi, was still left with countless scars, charred all over.
Squirt!
At this moment, Pei Xuanjing's resilient skin suddenly gave off a crisp tearing sound.
A crack about an inch long appeared suddenly on his back, along his spine. However, strangely, not a drop of blood flowed from such a long tear, but it revealed the fair skin underneath.
Squirt, squirt…
Similar crisp tearing sounds echoed from various parts of his body.
Then, his original skin pieces fell from his body like dust, revealing new skin underneath.
It was as white as jade, just like a newborn babe.
In an instant, all the wounds on Pei Xuanjing's body disappeared, his slender and fair body was devoid of any scar, his skin tender as if a newborn baby's.
"This must be what they call reincarnation!" Pei Xuanjing murmurs, deep in thought.
Only now does he understand the true meaning of reincarnation as described by martial artists of the Upper Three Realms.
The term refers to a physical transformation that martial artists in the Upper Three Realms undergo, from ordinary to extraordinary. It is commonly understood as refining the true intent of martial arts and purifying the Blood Qi to achieve this transformation.
Wrong!
Pei Xuanjing knows that reincarnation is not merely refining Blood Qi and tempering flesh and skin.
Literal meaning holds the truth behind reincarnation.
Reincarnation implies shedding the old body, the emergence of the Holy Embryo from the old body.
"I have a hunch, if I could reincarnate two more times, I can truly step into Spirit Realm with my physical cultivation," Pei Xuanjing thought to himself.
At this moment, he has fully enlightened the path going forward, if he could go through two more reincarnations, he could step into the Spirit Realm.
Alas! it seems simple, but it would take time to actually accomplish.
This breakthrough is the culmination of decades of cultivation by Pei Xuanjing.
"To make rapid progress going forward, I would need the help of the simulator," Pei Xuanjing started calculating in his heart.
If he could use time in the simulator to refine his body and then impose it upon himself, he could complete the reincarnation process in a very short time.
A grab into the void with five fingers, pulling on a distant robe and wearing it, Pei Xuanjing looked down at the 'old skin' shed during reincarnation, he slapped it down, countless purple lightning fell and the items were burnt to ashes.
This heavenly and earthly domain is so mysterious, even Pei Xuanjing could not clear its real face, who knows if there are any strange and insidious methods to use these things to harm him, so it's hest to destrnv them
After all this was accomplished, Pei Xuanjing calculated the date, the royal families should have arrived at Tiandu by now!
At the same time, Wang Boan was also praising his interaction with His Highness Prince Xing to Minister Wang Qiong of Ministry of War.
"Despite Prince Xing'S young age, he is extraordinarily wise… Among the royal family, none could stand comparable to him. According to my observations, his succession to the throne is universally desired, and Great Ming will surely welcome a wise ruler. And thus, the aspiration Your Grace harbors, will certainly be answered."
Although the interaction was merely for a month, from the perspective of Wang Boan's insight and wisdom, His Highness Prince Xing is indeed reservedly distinguished, he is considered the first amongst the royals.
Wang Qiong was slightly surprised and couldn't help but sigh, "To earn such affirmation from you, Wang Boan, this Prince Xing surely wouldn't be too bad."
Despite strongly supporting Prince Xing's succession to the throne, Wang Qiong had never met Prince Xing in person, he merely had a few interactions with the old Prince Xing, or Xing Xianwang.
As a disciple of Confucianism, Wang Qiong adheres to the principle of the ruler as an archetype.
The so-called archetype refers to the emperor serving as a symbol, and the rest of the chores are handled by them, the officials.
In Wang Qiong's view, looking at the court situation of the current Great Ming Empire, as long as the emperor isn't a fool or arrogant, the officials could ensure the smooth operation of the Great Ming Empire.
In contrast, if there comes a day when the emperor has to handle things personally, it means that they, the full court of officials, are all incompetent.
Wang Boan knew Wang Qiong's thoughts very well, he didn't care about that, instead he asked about another matter: "It seems, Sir, that you have reached an agreement with the Long Life Son?"
Thud…
Bai Xiaosheng removed the note from the messenger eagle's foot, then set it free.
Neither Pei Xuanjing nor Daoist Xuanming, who was beside him, pressured him. Each sat impassively, waiting for the other to speak.
After deciphering the message from the note using the secret code he had memorized, Bai Xiaosheng looked up at the two disinterested men and said mockingly, "You're both rather too relaxed."
Daoist Xuanming replied, "With you managing everything, we could create confusion if we interfere too much."
"The renowned Bai Xiaosheng, who holds everything in the palm of his hand, doesn't need our input," Pei Xuanjing said casually, fooling around with a page of the Netherworld Book in his hand.
"Hmph," Bai Xiaosheng sneered disdainfully at their careless statements.
Then adopting a serious expression, he asked, "Have we received any news from Qingxu? Tomorrow there will be Court Debates on the square outside the Great Ming gate to appoint an emperor."
As a power closely associated with the Great Ming royal family, the True Martial Sect naturally had to attend such an important event.
The head of the True Martial Sect must lead the disciples in paying respects, unless in seclusion.
Furthermore, forces like Dragon Tiger Mountain would certainly send representatives.
While the old Celestial Master didn't attend in person, Yu Yangzi, the confirmed heir and next Celestial Master, arrived in Tiandu with his disciples.
"Then everything will be decided tomorrow," said Daoist Xuanming seriously.
The success or failure of this plan would be decided by the actions taken tomorrow.
"Indeed, everything depends on tomorrow," said Bai Xiaosheng solemnly.
This time he committed everything he had. If he won, there was no need to say more.
If he lost, he feared that his accumulated wealth would incur a significant loss.
"This coming together of all the martial arts masters in Tiandu is truly amazing," said Daoist Xuanming.
All influential forces within the territory of Great Ming that had the qualifications to participate had arrived in Tiandu to witness the inauguration of the new emperor.
From another perspective, this assembly of powers is hardly a pleasant scene. The contest of so many masters gathered here is unknown.
Bai Xiaosheng turned to Pei Xuanjing and said, "As the old Celestial Master is not in Tiandu but looking after the Sky Demon Sect Master, these people will probably rely on you to deal with them."
Among them, people with the power to determine the outcome of this battle were not limited solely to Pei Xuanjing. For instance, Daoist Qingxu was also unfathomably powerful.
However, in terms of their current plan, Pei Xuanjing was undoubtedly the one who had to step forward to address everything.
The ideal situation would be if people like Daoist Qingxu did not have to take action and could manipulate the situation from the shadows.
"Leave everything to me," said Pei Xuanjing confidently.
At this moment, he had absolute self-confidence, believing he could subdue anyone.
After gathering his Divine Soul and experiencing a rebirth of his flesh, Pei Xuanjing had no accurate perception of his own strength.
Right now, he was eager to use this opportunity to verify his strength.
Looking at the two of them, Pei Xuanjing said quietly, "So, as long as we suppress everyone else, everything can be accomplished."
"Taoist friend!" Daoist Xuanming's eyes flashed with surprise.
Having spent months together, Pei Xuanjing always had a gentle, approachable character, so he originally thought the rumors about him were exaggerated.
However, upon hearing Pei Xuanjing•s domineering words, Daoist Xuanming exclaimed that his reputation didn't do justice to his actual capability.
A spark flashed in Bai Xiaosheng's eyes as he ventured to ask, "It seems your martial arts have advanced."
"Indeed!" Pei Xuanjing acknowledged candidly.
At this time, revealing one's strength appropriately could enhance one's credibility.
"In the records of my lineage, the speed of your advancement is unprecedented. In the past thousand years, probably only Master Sanfeng, the founder of the True Martial Sect, could compare with you," sighed Bai Xiaosheng.
Pei Xuanjing merely smiled, listening to Bai Xiaosheng continued, "I suspect that even if Heaven and Earth do not awaken, you could break their shackles and ascend to the Spirit Realm." Daoist Xuanming looked at Pei Xuanjing, his eyes filled with shock.
If anyone else had made this claim, he would have brushed it off as nonsense. But when Bai Xiaosheng said it, he didn't dare to dismiss it lightly.
He had some understanding of Bai Xiaosheng's keen eyes and methods — he was not one to exaggerate.
So when he said it, it meant there was a high probability.
"Perhaps!" Pei Xuanjing smiled lightly, neither denying nor confirming.
Boom!
A storm seemed to rage in Bai Xiaosheng•s heart, causing him to lose control.
To him, Pei Xuanjing's words were tantamount to admitting there was a possibility of breakthrough.
Even with the shackles of Heaven and Earth and their lack of awakening, Master Sanfeng, who had the greatest potential, wouldn't dare to claim he had a chance to break through these restraints and advance to the Spirit Realm six hundred years ago.
But now, Pei Xuanjing confessed he might have this chance, a statement that shattered Bai Xiaosheng's understanding.
He knew that if Pei Xuanjing's words were to spread, they would create a stir among the martial arts world that would surpass even the news of an emperor's death.
Hiss!
Daoist Xuanming couldn't help but gasp. At this moment, he abandoned any pretense of being a high-ranking elder, looking at Pei Xuanjing as if watching a monster.
He clearly understood the implications of his words.
Was it possible for someone in this world to possess such a prodigious talent?
The founding patriarch had sought ways to break through, sitting on Mount Zhongnan for decades, but eventually passed away in disappointment without a glimmer of hope.
Could this Taoist, who had just passed the prime of his life, really be sure of breaking the shackles before Heaven and Earth awakened?
Pei Xuanjing looked at them, saying calmly, "I've recently grasped a few little abilities. Would you like to have a look?"
"Sure!"
"Please show us, Taoist friend!"
Both of them quickly agreed.
Seeing Pei Xuanjing's words, they naturally had no reason to refuse.
Pei Xuanjing smiled, then looked at the two – a sharp light suddenly flashed in his eyes as if a sword was thrusting out.
Boom!
The two abruptly unleashed a violent surge of qi, and hastily retreated a few steps before halting. They looked incredulously at Pei Xuanjing, sputtering, "What kind of technique is this!"
Pei Xuanjing laughed and said, "This is a technique I've come to understand, the 'Sword Gaze Technique'. I wonder what your impressions are!"
This was a new technique he created while studying the applications of Divine Souls after gathering his own.
"Terrifying!"
"This technique resembles a rumored divine ability.."