Chapter 229: Chapter 207: 1
In Jinling, at the Lin Mansion, within a lavishly decorated study.
A tall, fair-skinned figure sat on a plush chair. Her long, jet-black hair was coiled high on her head, and she wore no makeup. But for someone of her cultivation, her immense power gave her a natural radiance that outshone any cosmetic a hundredfold.
Her skin was like jade, her lips red as fire. She had a sharp, high-bridged nose, upward-slanting phoenix eyes, and willow-leaf eyebrows that resembled a pair of blades. In terms of her aura, she bore some resemblance to Hong Luan.
However, compared to Hong Luan, this woman’s gaze burned like a torch. Her sweeping glance felt like the descent of Celestial Fire, scorching the heart and radiating an inviolable majesty.
Her majestic aura and ruthless methods surpassed those of any man.
She was like an empress of old, reigning over the world and striking fear into all living things—a figure rarely seen in a thousand years.
A single glance was enough to make one overlook her gender and beauty.
Or perhaps it was more accurate to say that few in the entire Divine Land had the courage or qualifications to meet her gaze and appraise her features.
Otherwise, how could a mere woman have ascended to her current position?
As she listened to her subordinate’s report on Jinmen, Lin Quelan’s expression remained calm. Subtly, however, the temperature in the study began to skyrocket. The air shimmered and distorted, and her subordinate was now completely drenched in a cold sweat.
A Military Commander was not merely at the apex of power in the Divine Land; each one stood at the pinnacle of individual strength, a perfect union of authority and might.
The saying that a Military Commander’s wrath could make rivers of blood flow was no exaggeration.
After nearly half a minute, the temperature in the room finally began to drop. The trembling subordinate couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief.
"Hundred Beasts Fist Qilin, hmm?"
Lin Quelan’s composure returned.
It was only now that she truly began to take this title seriously.
To single-handedly defeat the successors of the three great Gates, including Hong Luan, and become the key figure who turned the tide in a battle that was supposedly a certain victory in Jinmen... That level of strength was enough to command fear. Even across the entire Divine Land, such individuals were exceedingly rare, almost on par with those at the Harmony realm.
Across the entire Divine Land, with its eight great Warlords and countless factions, how many people had truly reached the Harmony realm?
’Most importantly, there is his age. Given his current strength, if he were to truly break through to the Harmony realm and stand against me, how great of a threat would he become?’
The Jinmen Martial Arts Association was indeed a great hidden danger and threat, but in her eyes, Zhao Xuanqi was an even greater one.
However, the situation in the Divine Land was a powder keg, ready to explode at any moment. After this battle, the momentum of the Jinmen Martial Arts Association was firmly established. To crush it in one fell swoop would require deploying masters at the Harmony realm, but such experts were guarding key locations and could not be mobilized easily. Furthermore, the National Salvation Association had a stake in the matter. Its three great generals had already been deployed and would certainly not stand by and do nothing.
After the defeat at the Martial Arts Association Headquarters in Jinmen, the situation had grown even more complex. The Phoenix Army could not handle this matter alone; the various powers would need to reach a consensus.
Besides, Jinmen was near Kyoto. Yuan Tianhao was likely even more reluctant than she to see the Martial Arts Association grow so powerful.
"Have someone contact the Beidou Army’s high command to discuss this matter jointly."
Lin Quelan said to her subordinate.
’After this battle, it’s going to be very difficult to reverse the tide of the martial world. The Martial Arts Association’s rise is now a reality. All we can do is think of other ways to counter them.’
"Yes, Military Commander. There is one more thing. Young Master Hong is presumed captured. Our people in Jinmen are asking for instructions on how to respond."
"Useless girl. She has utterly disgraced me. The Martial Arts Association won’t kill Hong Luan—they wouldn’t dare. This is nothing more than a negotiation. Send someone to contact the Martial Arts Association and see what price they name."
"And as for that Zhao Xuanqi, I want his every move monitored."
Lin Quelan said, her tone cold.
"Yes."
The subordinate bowed and excused himself.
Lin Quelan sat alone in the vast, empty study, her eyes narrowed slightly.
She was becoming more and more interested in the Hundred Beasts Fist.
’I must make this Fist Technique my own.’
’Perhaps I should find an opportunity, shake off the countless eyes watching me, and personally meet this Hundred Beasts Fist Qilin.’
...
...
「Meanwhile, in Shangjing, at the Yuan Mansion.」
"Hundred Beasts Fist Qilin... A remarkable Hundred Beasts Fist Qilin indeed."
A tall figure muttered to himself. He sat on a chair in his study, where numerous advisors were gathered. Occasionally, one would glance toward the figure, but no one could see him clearly.
The man was right before their eyes, yet his features were impossible to discern, hazy and indistinct, as if shrouded in a layer of Fog. He was like the Son of Heaven of old, his face veiled by the beaded curtain of his crown, not to be seen by the world.
This was the terrifying effect produced when one’s Will of Fist Technique was so powerful that it naturally emanated from their mind, blurring the consciousness of other living beings.
This was a sign that the man’s Martial Dao had reached an unfathomable level. He was like a sovereign who controlled life and death, his face not meant to be seen by mortals.
The number one man in the Divine Land, Military Commander of the Beidou Army, Grand Marshal Yuan Tianhao.
"After this battle, the Jinmen Martial Arts Association will be difficult to contain. If it’s allowed to grow, it will become a great threat to our Beidou Army. Furthermore, this Zhao Xuanqi—his strength, talent, and heritage are all first-rate. Once he breaks through to Harmony, he will likely soar to incredible heights. We must make plans early."
An advisor spoke up.
"Masters at the Harmony realm are difficult to mobilize at will. And considering all the entanglements, we would need at least three to five of them to have any hope of completely resolving the matter in Jinmen. Tying up our experts like that is not a wise move. I suggest we apply military pressure instead and force the Martial Arts Association to compromise."
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