Chapter 1713: Chapter 987: Yellow Springs Road (Part 2)
After the news of Sword Lord Mo Wentian’s death reached Japan, the anticipated celebration did not occur. Instead, the top Japanese swordsmen, who once were defeated by the Sword Lord, gathered of their own accord to erect a grave in his honor beside Mount Wenhun in the picturesque county of Tosaka.
Inside the grave is a piece of clothing in the Chinese style, a farewell gift from Sword Lord Mo Wentian to the Japanese Sword Saint Miyamoto Musashi of that generation.
Miyamoto Musashi was the only man among Japan’s top swordsmen who was able to swap over two hundred moves with Sword Lord Mo Wentian without losing ground.
Unfortunately, due to a momentary distraction, he met with a narrow defeat under Mo Wentian’s blade.
The two appreciated each other’s talents and, after the battle, Mo Wentian gave his clothes to Miyamoto Musashi as a memento. In return, Musashi removed a jade pendant he had worn for many years as a gift to Mo Wentian. Their gentlemanly friendship became a well-known tale of mutual respect.
"Shun Yu, your mindset has deteriorated again," murmured Jiushan Cangxuan with a frown.
"I have a feeling that the Sword Lord is not the only vengeful spirit residing within that person, nor the strongest one. There’s a particularly unique aura I faintly perceived in my brother’s world, it was that aura that ’awakened’ the Sword Lord," asserted Jiushan Jing Lan sternly, "That guy sensed my presence too and knew everything here was fake, just manifestations in my brother’s spiritual world, which is why... he didn’t take action."
"I didn’t perceive anything." Iaido Slash Jiushan Shun Yu placed a hand on the hilt of his sword, as if calming a beast about to break free from its cage to devour someone.
Jiushan Jing Lan glanced at another person, Jiushan Shuang Jian, who only furrowed his brows, saying nothing.
"What? You don’t believe me?" Jiushan Jing Lan was slightly agitated.
It’s not a matter of disbelief; it’s just that the matter is too bizarre. Even if Yang Xiao is an envoy sent by the General Bureau, it shouldn’t mean he carries so many sinister things.
Moreover, they had some prior understanding of Yang Xiao. He was a person from a small place, from humble origins, one might even say a mud leg, and was only recently promoted to the Jiangbei Province Office, given a nominal role without real authority.
"I admit Yang Xiao is very strong, an outstanding figure among the young generation, but you must understand, it’s nearly impossible for one individual to simultaneously harbor two high-level vengeful spirits. They would repel each other, causing magic artifacts to lose control, ultimately leading to the Angel Envoy’s catastrophic backlash and death."
Jiushan Shuang Jian, who is well-versed in the survival principles of the Angel Envoys, raised his head and regarded Jiushan Jing Lan, known for his spiritual perception, seriously, "This is an ironclad rule, with no exceptions, even if someone as strong as our elder brother. Or do you believe that Yang Xiao’s abilities and talents surpass even our elder brother’s?"
"This Yang Xiao gives me a different feeling. Moreover, have you forgotten? There are very few people who can do this; isn’t that one person proof?" Jiushan Jing Lan argued.
"That person indeed can achieve it, but that’s due to his own strength and that supreme treasure. Does Yang Xiao have power surpassing the Netherworld Realm, or are you suggesting he possesses one of the still-unrevealed two of the Innate Nine Treasures?" Jiushan Shuang Jian reasoned with logical rigor.
Jiushan Shuang Jian is an old relic, speaking only of facts and rules. Besides guarding the shrine, he is also the family’s enforcer of law and discipline, being stern and impartial.
Anyone who errs is treated the same, even if the Family Head, Jiushan Cangxuan, makes a mistake, he too must be punished by kneeling in the family shrine, with Jiushan Shuang Jian personally overseeing it.
These words calmed Jiushan Jing Lan down. Indeed, upon reflection, it seemed a bit far-fetched. Because her apprentice Jiushan Sha Yue was defeated, she indeed lost her composure.
Even considering this, if this person truly possessed an innate supreme treasure, would the Patrol General Bureau send him here, not worrying about him never returning? Yuezhiyuan is not a man of reckless courage.
"Stop arguing. I received some new intelligence about Yang Xiao not long ago, from contacts in the Myanmar-Thailand Zone. This person is not simple." Jiushan Cangxuan tossed a document onto the table, "He escaped from the territory of the Dharma Sect’s White Robe Dharma King, during which a Half-step Nether Realm Magic Teaching City Lord pursuing him went missing."
"You all should have heard of that City Lord, nicknamed the Demon Sect Vajra. Although only possessing Half-step Nether Realm strength, ordinary Netherworld Envoys find it difficult to break through his defenses. He has a very good piece of armor." At this point, Jiushan Cangxuan deliberately paused.
"It’s the armor worn by that puppet of his." Jiushan Shuang Jian mused.
"Yes, that’s probably it, meaning Yang Xiao already had the strength to contend with a Half-step Netherworld Envoy half a year ago. Moreover, he has deep connections with the Esoteric Sect and needed the intervention of the Esoteric Priest Cannibal Buddha to settle the matter. For Yang Xiao, the Cannibal Buddha nearly clashed with the White Robe Dharma King at the border."
"There’s no need to elaborate on the stature of the Esoteric Priest Cannibal Buddha; you could count on one hand the number of people in Japan who can match him. How could the person he favor be a simple one? I believe the weapon of the Sword Lord in Yang Xiao’s hand was gifted by the Cannibal Buddha of the Esoteric Sect." Jiushan Cangxuan gradually pieced together a blurry thread based on various clues and his observations of the magic artifacts on Yang Xiao.
"But why would the Cannibal Buddha help him? And even give away the Sword Lord’s weapon?" Jiushan Jing Lan could not fathom this.
"I’m not sure at the moment, but there’s reason in everything that happens. The Cannibal Buddha must have his reasons, perhaps...perhaps it has something to do with his daughter." Jiushan Cangxuan, after pondering for a moment, continued, "The Esoteric Cannibal Buddha is known as a doting father. His daughter went missing not too long ago. It’s said that the Cannibal Buddha turned over the entire Myanmar and Thailand land but still couldn’t find her, neither alive nor dead. This matter stirred quite a sensation back then. But oddly enough, shortly after the incident involving Yang Xiao, his daughter was recovered."
"Could it be that the Dharma Sect secretly kidnapped the Cannibal Buddha’s daughter and Yang Xiao, by accident, rescued her? To show gratitude, the Cannibal Buddha gave Yang Xiao top-notch equipment. Not just the Sword Lord’s weapon, but also the Demon Sect Vajra’s armor and other valuables, all gifted by the Cannibal Buddha." Jiushan Shun Yu offered his analysis.
"Makes sense! That explains everything. Yang Xiao’s strength only saw substantial growth after returning from the Esoteric Sect. Renowned for their Alchemy, the Esoteric Sect must have provided him with many top-grade elixirs." Jiushan Jing Lan finally found the key point to the whole matter. This way, everything made sense; Yang Xiao had aligned himself with the Cannibal Buddha of the Esoteric Sect. Given their strength and status, gifting a few good magic artifacts was not difficult.
"This means that Yang Xiao is not only a favored figure in the eyes of the Patrol General Bureau but also a valued guest of the Esoteric Cannibal Buddha. His presence is not to be underestimated." Jiushan Jing Lan also realized that excessively probing Yang Xiao was both a foolish and dangerous act.
The Esoteric Cannibal Buddha ranks among the top experts in the world, known for his fierce and violent reputation. Even Jiushan Cangxuan was unsure of surpassing him.
"Because of Shayue, we have already left some negative impressions on Yang Xiao. He is contemplative, though silent, there is discontent within. We must find a way to make amends."
"I have decided to let Yang Xiao participate in the Yellow Springs Road Plan and team up with Shayue and that person to infiltrate the Nightmare World." Jiushan Cangxuan stated solemnly.
"Is that...is that feasible?" Jiushan Shun Yu showed a hint of fear, "That is a secret our Jiushan family has guarded for generations, and besides, the Patrol General Bureau..."
"There’s no reason it can’t be done. I will personally discuss it with Yuezhiyuan, don’t forget..." Jiushan Cangxuan took a deep breath, "Don’t forget that he once participated in this plan alongside me, benefiting greatly."
"There’s no reason it can’t be done. I will personally discuss it with Yuezhiyuan, don’t forget..." Jiushan Cangxuan took a deep breath, "Don’t forget that he once participated in this plan alongside me, benefiting greatly."
