Chapter Ninety-Five: The Youth's Unregretted Severing of a Thousand Years, Prime Minister Qin Approaches in Three Strides [Vote Requested]

The grass was thoroughly soaked by the fine drizzle, and the flower branches trembled as the chill of the spring wind lingered.

The evening clouds hung thick and low, and the slender spring rain, fine as ox hair, carried a biting cold as it swayed down from the towering heights, scattering over the mortal world.

Passing through the swaying branches of the willows caressed by the breeze, the raindrops were torn apart before they could fall, shattered by the fierce and intertwined turmoil of the mind, sparking into hazy mists.

Outside the Wanghu Pavilion.

With the arrival of the elder in plain robes, the atmosphere immediately grew tense.

The moment the old man appeared, his presence overwhelmed the minds of many literary officials, as if a razor-sharp sword slicing through the swirling mental energies.

Many of the officials present were advanced in age, their cultivation stalled at bottlenecks with no room for progress. They chose to align themselves with Prime Minister Qin, hoping to ride the tide of political fortune.

They were somewhat familiar with the elder who had just cast aside the shackles restraining Anle, and held a mixture of reverence and unease toward his identity.

Several officials' hearts trembled fiercely—they had never expected such an elder to step forward now in support of Anle.

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court narrowed his eyes. As a third-rank court official, he was a high-ranking figure of notable status, and naturally recognized the elder’s identity, having also heard of his youthful exploits.

This was the man who, wielding a broken bamboo sword, dared to face down the murderous Yuanmeng Emperor.

Wait—broken bamboo sword?

The Chief Justice’s gaze fell upon the two swords hanging at Anle’s waist, one of which was the broken bamboo sword.

It turned out that Anle’s broken bamboo sword was the very blade once wielded by this elder.

The sword that could not be broken even by the mighty Yuanmeng Emperor himself.

To entrust such a weapon to this young man was significant beyond words—it was both a legacy and a trust.

Thus, the elder’s appearance became perfectly reasonable.

The Chief Justice understood well that to truly master the Bamboo Sword Qingshan required not only cultivation but also a certain character.

The sword recognizes the person, and some high-grade swords possess their own spirit. At times, the sword’s choice of its wielder is clearer than human judgment.

“You are Chief Justice Su Qingke, aren’t you? I remember you. Your teacher is Bao Mingjing, an official known for his integrity and fairness. Yet you have not inherited your teacher’s character in the slightest,” Zhao Huangting said coolly, having shattered the shackles imposed on Anle, casting a glance at Su Qingke.

Su Qingke’s expression stiffened, and he exhaled slowly, clasping his fists in salute. “Noble Elder Uncle, your words are heavy. I cannot compare my character to that of my teacher.”

“However, I am merely enforcing the laws of the Great Zhao. Anle committed murder by killing Qin Qianqiu, causing great turmoil. Naturally, I must provide justification to all parties,” Su Qingke replied solemnly.

Zhao Huangting’s long eyebrows fluttered in the wind, wrinkles folding into a sneer. “Enforcing the laws of the Great Zhao, you say?”

“When Qin Qianqiu repeatedly sent assassins after Anle, why did you not step forward and say you were enforcing the law?”

“If I recall correctly, that monk was a demon subduer, forbidden from entering Lin’an Prefecture due to his intense killing aura. Qin Qianqiu brought him in to kill Anle—does that not violate the laws of the Great Zhao? Why no explanation from you?”

The elder’s words pressed hard, leaving Su Qingke visibly displeased and unable to retort. Many officials nearby frowned.

“You all are simply bullies who prey on the weak. Qin Qianqiu has Prime Minister Qin behind him, so naturally you tolerate him. You think Anle has no backing—just the Lin family, a once-great but now declining noble house. In your eyes, they are no match for currying favor with the current prime minister.”

“If Anle were killed today, would you, Su Qingke, come in person? Would Qin Qianqiu receive the punishment he deserves under Great Zhao law? No. Prime Minister Qin’s status would protect him. Even if Qin Qianqiu were imprisoned in the Supreme Court’s prison, he’d be treated well, fed and entertained until the Lin family’s anger subsided, then released to do as he pleases.”

The elder, hands behind his back, bent slightly, shook his head and said calmly, “The Great Zhao has but one Bao Mingjing.”

“Su Qingke, you bring shame upon yourself.”

“The laws of the Great Zhao are merely umbrellas shielding the powerful in this rotten, festering environment.”

“Who can truly be fair? Who can deliver true justice?”

“Five centuries of prosperity have bred nothing but this stench and corruption.”

The elder's words struck through the spring wind and rain, making Su Qingke’s face grow darker, yet he remained silent.

As Chief Justice, he knew the grim truth—the world was no longer just. Beneath Lin’an’s prosperity lay only filth and sores.

If Qin Qianqiu killed Anle now, Su Qingke would not intervene, nor would he need to.

For Qin Qianqiu killing Anle was a small matter; though backed by the Lin family, Anle was not of Lin lineage. The family might rage, and Huajie Bing might cause a scene, but it would not affect him.

But if Qin Qianqiu were killed, that would be a grave matter. As prime minister and chief official, Qin’s wrath would be fierce. If Su Qingke did nothing, he would be blamed.

Su Qingke sighed. “Noble Elder Uncle, I must enforce the law. Anle did commit murder—he killed Young Master Qin.”

Zhao Huangting sneered, tapping his bamboo staff lightly on the ground. “Good gracious. Have you all forgotten my temper after all this time of silence?”

“Qin Qianqiu deserved to die. He foolishly challenged the genius on the Little Saint List and was killed. In truth, Qin Qianqiu had intended to destroy Anle’s Invincible Formation and hired that demon-subduing monk.”

“Use that as your excuse with Qin Lishi.”

Zhao Huangting’s words caused a stir among the literary officials nearby, many unfamiliar with him showing anger.

“Don’t tell me you think Anle is defenseless? Though I am old and my fame has waned, I still count as a person.”

Zhao Huangting laughed heartily.

Anle felt a warmth in his heart standing behind the elder. His stepping forward was not only due to friendship but also an acknowledgment of Anle’s wielding of Qingshan and his killing of Qin Qianqiu.

Suddenly, sword energy arose from the heavens, like stars scattering.

A figure resembling a scholar descended and landed beside Anle, resting a strong, firm hand on his shoulder.

“Besides Elder Uncle, I, Li You’an, should also count as a person.”

“Anle wishes to learn my Invincible Formation and walk a legendary path. Yet Qin Qianqiu hired a demon subduer two realms above Anle to kill him. This is unreasonable and detestable.”

“When I first formed the Invincible Formation, I faced the same. I killed the one who tried to destroy it with a single sword and also a high-ranking official’s son. After that, none in Lin’an dared arrest me. So why is it different for Anle now?”

Li You’an’s gaze fixed on Su Qingke.

The legendary top scholar Li You’an’s appearance made Su Qingke feel the situation growing thornier and more serious. He knew it was nearly impossible to capture Anle today.

“You all think Anle is easy to bully, but now with Elder Uncle and me supporting him, do you still think so?”

Li You’an spoke softly.

Before his words had even faded—

“General You’an, you’re mistaken. Anle’s backing is not just the two of you. I, Hua Madam, am no pushover either.”

A silver bell-like laugh rang out.

Madam Hua appeared in a flowing black veil dress, elegant and graceful, yet her beautiful eyes shone with heroic spirit.

Her long lashes fluttered, and within her mental aura, each drop of spring rain seemed to carry sharp sword intent.

“Lord Su, the Supreme Court requires evidence to prosecute. Qin Qianqiu has committed many murders in Lin’an. I can present ample proof at any time. Why haven’t you arrested him before? Are you accusing yourself of dereliction of duty?”

Madam Hua said calmly.

Su Qingke pursed his lips, realizing the matter was becoming more difficult.

“Hahaha, don’t forget me. I, Lin Sir, the Prince Consort of Yuanmeng, also support Anle.”

A bloodstained firewood cleaver swung wildly amid a vortex of sword qi. In one hand, Lin Sir held a headless corpse, stepping through the air as a thick stench of blood spread, tinting the spring rain crimson.

The corpse was hurled from the sky, crashing to the ground. Lin Sir landed, dressed in plain clothes, gripping his cleaver, calmly meeting the gazes of Su Qingke and the other officials.

At that moment, a potent killing intent filled the air around Wanghu Pavilion, and the gentle breeze turned grim and cold.

Lin Sir.

Since returning to Lin’an, the Prince Consort of Yuanmeng had kept an extremely low profile due to his sensitive status. But today was different. He had slain a powerful spy sent by Prime Minister Qin to monitor the Lin family and openly declared support for Anle.

“Su Qingke, come on, catch me. I’ve killed too,” Lin Sir said with blazing eyes, wild and unrestrained, like a runaway horse, arrogantly staring at the Chief Justice.

Su Qingke felt as if a huge stone pressed on his chest. Zhao Huangting, Li You’an, Madam Hua, and now Lin Sir—each more formidable and outspoken than the last.

And all with sensitive identities.

Zhao Huangting needed no introduction—he was the old uncle of the Great Zhao dynasty, noble and fierce-tempered.

Li You’an, legendary top scholar and second-rank general, commanded the military along the Canglang River, holding the tiger tally—no mere nominal title.

Madam Hua of the Lin family, the Heart Sword Jade Guanyin, was married to the First Mountain Lord’s wife of the Sacred Mountain and served as one of the abbesses at the Ganye Temple, her strength unfathomable and not to be trifled with.

Lin Sir’s status as Prince Consort of Yuanmeng was unique; in Lin’an, even Prime Minister Qin dared not provoke him lightly.

These figures had gathered to stand behind one young man.

For Su Qingke, a mere Chief Justice, this was a bitter pill—why must he suffer such torment?

Just as Su Qingke thought matters might end here, a massive surge of vital energy, like a blazing sun, stretched across the sky, threatening to burn half the heavens.

A towering, burly figure clad in armor, hair wild, face marked with tattoos, charged in, wielding a crimson greatsword and exuding overwhelming majesty that swept across the land.

Contemporary Martial Champion Di Cang arrived, descending with a roar.

The Wanghu Pavilion trembled as if about to collapse.

Su Qingke felt the pressure mount unbearably.

The literary officials fell silent, afraid to speak.

Deputy Chief Justice Cao Fu gasped, deeply shocked.

Never had they realized that the seemingly unsupported Anle was backed by such powerful and noble figures, forming a force not weaker than the Prime Minister’s household.

Anle stood in snow-white robes, Qingshan and Mo Chi swords at his waist, a gentle smile playing on his face as he looked upon the growing number of supporters behind him.

Su Qingke felt utterly overwhelmed.

Old Uncle, the legendary top scholar, the great general, the Prince Consort of Yuanmeng, the first-rank official, and the contemporary Martial Champion—all towering like mountains, pressing down on him.

“Su boy, we do not wish to trouble you. You understand this matter: Qin Qianqiu sent people to kill Anle first. After so many attempts, Anle’s killing him in self-defense is no crime. If you want to force a charge, call it excessive defense.”

“If you insist on using Great Zhao law against us, we can bear it.”

Zhao Huangting said quietly.

Su Qingke fell silent, trapped like a tiger rider.

Suddenly, his gaze shifted to Anle.

The white-robed youth, smiling warmly, met his eyes, clasped his fists in salute, and spoke softly:

“Lord Su, may I say a few words?”

Pressed by these great figures, Su Qingke exhaled, “Speak.”

Anle scanned the crowd, bowing respectfully to Zhao Huangting, Li You’an, Madam Hua, and the many powerful supporters behind him.

He then said, “I thank all for their support. Qin Qianqiu’s repeated attempts to kill me, his constant schemes and harm, cannot be endured again and again. Though I am but a scholar, I hold a common man’s righteous anger. When wronged, one must seek clarity with the sword in hand.”

“Therefore, I have no regrets killing Qin Qianqiu.”

“I am currently a candidate in the spring imperial examination. The final list has not yet been published. Whether I pass is unknown. If I am among the top three, I may enter the palace examination. According to Great Zhao law, Lord Su has no authority to arrest me during this period.”

“My killing of Qin Qianqiu was provoked, as he struck first. If I reach the top three in the palace exam, I shall be pardoned and deemed innocent.”

“If I do not reach the top three, Lord Su, you may arrest me then.”

Anle’s voice carried reason and dignity.

Su Qingke was stunned, momentarily speechless.

Anle then turned to face Zhao Huangting, Li You’an, and the others, bowing deeply.

“Thanks to all for your strong support. You are all noble figures; do not soil your honor on my behalf, lest others find fault.”

“My killing of Qin Qianqiu was a pursuit of clarity and righteous anger, not blind recklessness. I have left a sliver of hope, willing to fight for it.”

His voice echoed through the long street and along Wanghu Pavilion’s shore.

Madam Hua’s eyes flickered with admiration.

Li You’an and Zhao Huangting smiled with approval. Though surprised by Anle’s decision, they found it unsurprising.

Li You’an said, “Indeed. You are still in the spring exam, with a chance to become the top scholar or even to converse with the Sage Master.”

“Qin Qianqiu killed you; you killed him in return. This is not a grave crime. We can protect you with our power, but if you wish to prove your innocence through the palace exam, so be it.”

“If you gain the chance to converse with the Sage Master, or even become the elusive Seventh Mountain Lord, all sins will be lifted, and you will be at ease.”

Li You’an’s words illuminated a path for Anle’s future.

To converse with the Sage Master or become the Seventh Mountain Lord meant the Sage Master deemed you blameless.

Just as Prime Minister Qin once invoked the literary monument’s righteousness to prove his innocence.

Anle’s eyes brightened slightly. With a bow, he thanked Li You’an for his guidance.

To converse with the Sage Master and contend for the Seventh Mountain Lord’s title.

Li You’an’s words left the assembly speechless—such faith in Anle?

Currently ranked fifteenth on the Little Saint List, the palace exam’s top scholar title seemed a distant dream.

Even mentioning conversations with the Sage Master and vying for the Seventh Mountain Lord was fanciful.

Even Madam Hua, Lin Sir, and Martial Champion Di Cang found it overly ambitious.

The contest for the Seventh Mountain Lord was fierce, with contenders from the Great Zhao dynasty, Western Liang Kingdom, Dali Kingdom, and even Yuanmeng Empire.

Though the Yuanmeng Empire was unqualified to contest the Sacred Mountain Lord title, the Great Zhao’s southern migration five centuries ago had ceded vast northern lands along the Canglang River to Yuanmeng, making this contest an opportunity.

Anle nodded solemnly. “I will strive all my might, step by step ascending the mountain’s peak, to see the different scenery.”

Li You’an smiled. “Good.”

Next to them, Su Qingke finally realized it was impossible to take Anle away today.

Even if Prime Minister Qin was enraged, Su Qingke dared not act forcibly with so many powerful and sensitive figures present. He would likely be beaten to death.

Since Anle offered a ladder, Su Qingke would descend it.

“Then I wish Lord Anle success in the palace examination,” Su Qingke said, clasping his fists.

Anle returned the salute.

Su Qingke did not linger, quickly departing with the respectful Cao Fu. The Supreme Court and Black Bureau officers also left; none wished to remain in such a stifling atmosphere.

Those officials who had sought to curry favor with Prime Minister Qin and accuse Anle’s spirit all withdrew, fearing the wrath of those assembled—especially the unrestrained Yuanmeng Prince Consort, whose cleaver still dripped blood.

“Relax, young man. Do not bear too much burden in the palace exam. Even if you fail, I will still protect you. As long as I am here, no one dares harm you. This is my promise to you and to Qingshan,” Zhao Huangting said with a smile.

Warmth blossomed in Anle’s heart. Meanwhile, Madam Hua also spoke softly, “Rest assured, you shall be safe.”

Di Cang nodded appreciatively. “Forming the Invincible Formation for the first time, now killing Qin Qianqiu—your clarity only grows. Your vital energy is alive with mystery. You must have entered the fourth stage of body forging.”

“This talent for forging the body is a shame not to become a general. As always, the Martial Temple is open to you.”

“Even if you fail to enter the top three in the palace exam, do not fear. Come to the Martial Temple; it will protect you. Qin Qianqiu’s hand cannot reach inside.”

Anle felt sincere gratitude for these powerful allies.

Li You’an, dressed as a scholar, looked at Anle. “There are turbulent times in Lin’an. I will take you somewhere to avoid the storm and see a different landscape.”

Anle did not refuse.

“Do you know how to ride a sword?”

Li You’an asked.

Anle smiled and focused his spirit. The Mo Chi surged forth, carrying him upward like a soaring bird.

Li You’an stepped forward, walking beside him.

The two drifted slowly toward the outskirts of Lin’an Prefecture.

Meanwhile—

Qin Lishi, Prime Minister Qin, had just exited the palace with bowed head. The moment he stepped out, bathed in the chilling spring rain, he lifted his face, cold as ice, eyes full of sorrow.

A tremendous aura intertwined around him. One step crossed Jing Street; another crossed West Lake.

With one more step—

He stood blocking the city gate of Lin’an Prefecture.

A solitary figure, cold and unmoving, stood before Li You’an and Anle.

***

“Brother Shen,”

“Hmm.”

Shen Changqing walked along the road, exchanging greetings or nods with acquaintances.

But no matter who they were, every face bore no excess expression, as if indifferent to all things.

Shen Changqing had grown accustomed to this.

For this was the Demon Suppression Division, an institution maintaining Great Qin’s stability, tasked mainly with slaying demons and strange creatures, along with some other duties.

In the Demon Suppression Division, every person’s hands were stained with much blood.

Having witnessed life and death repeatedly, one naturally grows indifferent.

When first arriving in this world, Shen Changqing felt somewhat uneasy, but gradually adapted.

The Demon Suppression Division was vast.

Those who stayed here were formidable experts or had the potential to become such.

Shen Changqing belonged to the latter.

The division comprised two roles: Guardian Envoy and Demon Exterminator.

Everyone entered as a lowly Demon Exterminator, then advanced step by step, with the hope of becoming a Guardian Envoy.

Shen Changqing’s former self had been a trainee Demon Exterminator—the lowest rank.

With memories of his past life, he was well acquainted with the division’s environment.

Soon, he stopped before a pavilion.

Unlike the other grim and blood-soaked places in the division, this pavilion stood serene and distinct.

The pavilion’s door was open, with occasional comings and goings.

Shen Changqing hesitated briefly, then stepped inside.

The atmosphere shifted immediately.

A waft of ink fragrance mixed with faint blood odor hit his face, causing his brow to furrow instinctively before relaxing.

The bloodstains on every person in the division were nearly impossible to wash away.