"Haha, Miss Qingxuan, I was just joking. I hope you don't mind. Mr. Lu Miaozzi asked me to send his regards," Daniel Davis said before Shi Qingxuan could respond to his earlier question.
Daniel didn't really believe that Shi Qingxuan and Shi Feixuan were the same person. His earlier question was more out of curiosity and to see how Shi Qingxuan would react. Her stunned and surprised expression had been quite amusing.
Strictly speaking, the Cihang Jingzhai could indeed pull off the kind of manipulation he had speculated about earlier, such as pitting twins against each other. However, this would depend on what the Demonic King, Shi Zhixuan, thought. If Cihang Jingzhai dared to play such games, Shi Zhixuan's retaliation would undoubtedly cause them significant losses.
Even with Ning Daoqi on their side, it wouldn't matter. Ning Daoqi had tried to kill Shi Zhixuan three times, yet Shi Zhixuan was still alive and well. Those attempts were different from his dealings with Kou Zhong; Ning Daoqi had genuinely wanted Shi Zhixuan dead.
Moreover, even if we set aside Shi Zhixuan, Bi Xiuxin might not have been willing to let Shi Qingxuan become a disciple of Cihang Jingzhai. While others might not understand Cihang Jingzhai, Bi Xiuxin, as a former disciple, certainly did. Given Bi Xiuxin's extensive network of friends, many would be willing to act on her behalf, such as the former Tyrant Blade, Yue Shan, Lu Miaozzi, and even Song Que.
In fact, after arriving in the world of "Twin Dragons" and reviewing the information he knew, Daniel began to suspect the true cause of Bi Xiuxin's death. In the original story, it was said that Bi Xiuxin died from the mental strain of deciphering Shi Zhixuan's "Immortal Seal Technique." However, this raised a significant question: why would Bi Xiuxin want to decipher the Immortal Seal Technique in the first place?
First, it was clear that Bi Xiuxin married Shi Zhixuan not to "tame the demon" but because she genuinely loved him. Similarly, Shi Zhixuan's feelings for Bi Xiuxin were genuine. From Shi Qingxuan's recollections of her mother, it was evident that their love was real. The idea of "taming the demon" was merely a way for Cihang Jingzhai to glorify themselves.
Because Bi Xiuxin wanted to see peace in the world, Shi Zhixuan took on the identity of Pei Ju, divided the Turks, managed the empire, and urged Emperor Yang to launch three campaigns against Goguryeo. The likes of Cihang Jingzhai blamed Shi Zhixuan for the fall of the Sui Dynasty, primarily because of these campaigns. They believed that without the three campaigns against Goguryeo, the Sui Dynasty wouldn't have fallen into chaos.
However, the strategy of conquering Goguryeo was sound. In Shi Zhixuan's plan, Goguryeo could have been defeated in a single campaign. The fact that it took three attempts was due to unforeseen circumstances, and the blame shouldn't fall on Shi Zhixuan. If anyone was to blame, it should be the Buddhist sects and the aristocratic families.
There was also the question of where Shi Zhixuan was during the three campaigns. With his martial prowess, even if he wasn't a Grandmaster, he could have held off the Grandmaster Fu Cailin. Yet, Shi Zhixuan didn't act, leading to Emperor Yang's three defeats. This suggested that Shi Zhixuan was in no position to act at the time, and the answer to this question could only come from Shi Zhixuan himself.
Given how deeply in love they were, why would Bi Xiuxin secretly try to decipher the Immortal Seal Technique to use against Shi Zhixuan? Even if she wanted to understand the technique, she could have simply asked Shi Zhixuan directly. Shi Qingxuan herself possessed the Immortal Seal Technique and had even shown it to Shi Feixuan, indicating that Shi Zhixuan didn't place much importance on keeping it secret.
Of course, Cihang Jingzhai had another explanation for Bi Xiuxin's death: that Shi Zhixuan deliberately showed her the Immortal Seal Technique to harm her and complete his demonic cultivation. However, Shi Zhixuan's Immortal Seal Technique wasn't like Pang Ban's "Devil Seed Magic," which required absolute ruthlessness. If that were the case, Shi Zhixuan wouldn't have suffered a mental breakdown and been unable to advance to Grandmaster status for over two decades.
Given Shi Zhixuan's talent, becoming a Grandmaster should have been a natural progression. However, due to Bi Xiuxin's death, he had yet to achieve this. It was hard not to suspect that Bi Xiuxin's death was a conspiracy by Cihang Jingzhai and others to prevent Shi Zhixuan from becoming a Grandmaster. Even without reaching Grandmaster status, Shi Zhixuan was already a match for Ning Daoqi. If he became a Grandmaster, he would undoubtedly surpass Ning Daoqi as the top Grandmaster in the Central Plains.
Even among Grandmasters, there were differences in strength. Given Shi Zhixuan's ability to contend with Ning Daoqi before becoming a Grandmaster, he would undoubtedly be the strongest Grandmaster once he achieved that level. Even with Bi Xiuxin's influence, Cihang Jingzhai might still fear that Shi Zhixuan would reemerge and unify the demonic sects, especially given their "Heaven's Chosen Emperor" plan.
Given Cihang Jingzhai and Jingnian Chanzong's usual behavior, even Shi Zhixuan might not believe that Cihang Jingzhai could be so ruthless, especially since Bi Xiuxin was one of their own. This was likely why Shi Zhixuan, upon hearing of Bi Xiuxin's death, immediately blamed himself, much like how Xu Ziling later unquestioningly believed Shi Feixuan's words.
However, Daniel didn't share this view. To him, Cihang Jingzhai wasn't a righteous sect but a group of political figures. For political figures, anything was possible if it served their interests.
By considering all these factors in light of Cihang Jingzhai's "Heaven's Chosen Emperor" plan, one could deduce many things. Whether it was Li Shimin's rise or the appearance of the Heirloom Seal, it was clear that Cihang Jingzhai had long been planning this.
While Daniel's suspicions about Bi Xiuxin's death were just that—suspicions—even if they were false, he would make them seem true. Just as the Warring States period was accused of being behind human trafficking, Cihang Jingzhai couldn't prove they weren't responsible for Bi Xiuxin's death. That was enough.
In fact, this wasn't even slander, as the possibility genuinely existed.
"Senior Lu Miaozzi?" Shi Qingxuan asked with a puzzled expression after hearing Daniel's words.
"Yes, he told me something about you. Since I happened to meet you today, I thought I'd say hello and help you resolve the trouble you're facing," Daniel said. Gaining Shi Qingxuan's trust wouldn't be easy. In the original story, Xu Ziling had earned her trust because Lu Miaozzi had spoken to her about the Twin Dragons.
"The trouble I'm facing?"
"Indeed, the four disciples of Xiang Yutian."
The Demonic Emperor Xiang Yutian was perhaps the least like a demonic sect member, as he had little interest in the sect's affairs. With his strength, he could have easily unified the demonic sects. If not for the strict rules regarding succession, he might not have even taken disciples.
Xiang Yutian, who practiced the "Devil Seed Magic," had to adhere to the sect's traditions, even if he wasn't particularly invested in them. However, he was clever enough to impose strict constraints on his four disciples.
"Now, the Demonic Emperor's Sacred Relic has been entrusted to me by Mr. Lu Miaozzi. The real relic is in the Yang Treasure," Daniel continued, seeing the lingering doubt in Shi Qingxuan's eyes.
"I see. How is Senior Lu's health?" Shi Qingxuan's expression calmed, as she seemed to believe Daniel's words. After all, only Lu Miaozzi would know that the relic she possessed was fake and that Xiang Yutian's four disciples were pursuing her. Even Shi Zhixuan wasn't aware of this; otherwise, he would have dealt with the four long ago.
Shi Zhixuan cared deeply for his daughter. If not for this, Xu Ziling would have been killed long ago.
"Don't worry, Miss Qingxuan. I've already healed all the injuries Senior Lu sustained from Zhu Yuyan."
"You…" Shi Qingxuan looked at Daniel in astonishment. As a skilled physician, she knew the extent of Lu Miaozzi's injuries. Without intervention, he didn't have long to live.
In truth, there were several people who could have healed Lu Miaozzi, but his pride prevented him from seeking their help. For him, death was preferable to begging for assistance.
One of those who could have healed him was Shi Zhixuan. If Shi Qingxuan had asked, Shi Zhixuan would have agreed. However, Lu Miaozzi would never accept help from the man he considered responsible for Bi Xiuxin's death and his romantic rival.
Indeed, Lu Miaozzi and Shi Zhixuan were rivals in love, though Lu Miaozzi's affection was for Zhu Yuyan. In Lu Miaozzi's time, Zhu Yuyan was akin to the current Wan Wan, admired by many.
However, like Wan Wan, Zhu Yuyan had lost to Cihang Jingzhai in matters of the heart.
"Indeed. I forgot to introduce myself properly. I am Daniel Davis of the Hidden Tianzong of the Daoist Sect. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Qingxuan," Daniel said, giving a formal introduction.
"The Hidden Tianzong of the Daoist Sect?" Shi Qingxuan looked puzzled. While her martial arts were among the best in the world, her reclusive nature meant she wasn't well-informed about worldly affairs.
"Miss Qingxuan, is there a way to lure those four here quickly? Resolving this sooner will give you peace of mind."
"There is, but it's too late for today."
"That's fine. I don't mind waiting a few more days."
---
Four days later, on a mountain peak, Daniel and Shi Qingxuan stood quietly. Behind them, four figures blocked the path down the mountain.
The four were members of the Reverse Path Sect, Overlord Valley, Barehand Sect, and Charm Sect—four branches of the demonic sects. Their names were Ding Jiuzhong, Zhou Laotan, Jin Huanzhen, and the infamous You Niaojuan of the Reverse Path Sect. These four sects were, in fact, founded by them, as they were originally disciples of the Demonic Extreme Sect.
The demonic sects weren't limited to the Two Sects and Six Paths; there were many branches and offshoots established by older members of the demonic sects.
"Xiang Yutian really knew how to pick disciples," Daniel muttered, looking at the four. Aside from Jin Huanzhen, who was somewhat attractive, the other three were rather unsightly.
In contrast, disciples of Fu Cailin and Cihang Jingzhai were known for their beauty.
"Hand over the relic, or you and your little lover will die here today," You Niaojuan said, holding a golden one-legged bronze statue. This unique weapon, weighing several hundred pounds, seemed light in his hands, a testament to his strength. Despite being ranked among the Eight Great Demonic Experts two decades ago, he was at the bottom of the list.
Daniel scoffed at the ranking. It was clearly unreliable, with Zhu Yuyan ranked first and Shi Zhixuan second. This ranking hadn't been updated in twenty years, and many younger experts, like Wan Wan, Yang Xuyan, and Hou Xibai, were now on par with You Niaojuan.
Daniel even considered creating a new ranking system, such as a Heaven, Earth, and Human Ranking, to include all experts from the Xiantian level to Grandmasters. Those below Xiantian wouldn't even be worth ranking.
Twenty years was enough for a new generation to rise in the martial world. Experts like Wan Wan, Yang Xuyan, and Hou Xibai were now as strong as You Niaojuan.
"Brother You, they're trapped now. There's no need to rush," Jin Huanzhen said, striking a seductive pose. It was typical of demonic sect members to start infighting before even securing their goal.
"Indeed, we're trapped. But who's the real prey here? Is this what you're after?" Daniel said, holding up a golden crystal.
The four's eyes gleamed with greed. It was ironic that Xiang Yutian's disciples knew less about the Demonic Emperor's Sacred Relic than outsiders like Shi Zhixuan and Zhu Yuyan.
"Sorry, but this is a fake," Daniel said, crushing the crystal into golden dust that scattered in the wind.
Daniel could have used the fake relic to pit the four against each other, as Shi Qingxuan had originally planned. However, he saw no need for such tactics. Shi Qingxuan had initially wanted to lead Daniel to the Demonic Emperor's Temple, where Lu Miaozzi's mechanisms would make it easier to deal with the four. In the original story, Shi Qingxuan and Xu Ziling had used the temple to kill one of the disciples.
But with Daniel's Grandmaster-level strength, Shi Qingxuan abandoned that plan.
"You're dead, pretty boy!" You Niaojuan roared, swinging his one-legged bronze statue at Daniel.
(End of Chapter)
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