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Chapter 390: Encounter with Sword Pride Again

"Report~~~~~~!"

A scout flew in swiftly from a distance.

"Reporting to the Grand Marshal, we have discovered an army of several million ahead. They are in neat formations, awaiting orders under the banner of 'Taizong'," the scout reported immediately.

"Taizong? The Third Prince, King Taizong?" Shui Wuhen exclaimed in slight surprise.

"He's waiting for us?" Lin Xiao asked with a hint of doubt.

"Waiting for us?" Shui Wuhen looked at Lin Xiao, puzzled.

"To be precise, he should be waiting for the Grand Marshal," Lin Xiao replied.

Zhong Shan glanced into the distance, contemplated for a moment, and then said to the scout in front of him, "Lead the way!"

The army advanced slowly towards the so-called King Taizong's camp in the distance.

Soon after, Zhong Shan saw the army of several million spread out on a plain, standing quietly with strict military discipline. In front of the army was a massive palace, which served as King Taizong's command tent.

Standing before the palace, dressed in military attire, was King Taizong himself, accompanied by his closest generals, waiting in a grand and solemn manner.

Zhong Shan approached.

"Your humble servant, Zhong Shan, pays respects to Your Highness and the esteemed generals!" Zhong Shan saluted the group.

"There's no need for such formality, Lord Zhong. It's been a long time since we last met, and you remain as impressive as ever. I originally wanted to invite you to Taizong City for a long talk, but knowing that you have important matters to attend to, I feared delaying your journey. Thus, I moved the palace here to bid you farewell," King Taizong said with a smile as warm as a spring breeze, kindly grabbing Zhong Shan's arm and leading him towards the palace.

Zhong Shan frowned slightly, inwardly praising King Taizong's skill—not in cultivation, but in dealing with people. Such grandeur just to see him off?

"Your Highness is too kind," Zhong Shan said modestly, being led by the arm.

Behind them, Lin Xiao, Shui Wuhen, and Liu Wushuang organized the troops outside, while Mr. Corpse and Zhi Huo followed closely behind.

The palace was filled with a variety of delicacies.

"Lord Zhong, your deeds—like the Wrath of the Heavens, the Heaven Collapsing Plan, and the brilliant debate in the court against Shen Qitian—still fill me with awe. It's rare to meet such a legendary figure in this world," King Taizong praised as he invited Zhong Shan and the others to sit.

"Your Highness overpraises me; I was merely fortunate," Zhong Shan said humbly.

"Fortunate? Haha, how many in the world could be so fortunate? I wonder what kind of sect could produce a talent like you, Lord Zhong?" King Taizong asked, smiling as he looked at Zhong Shan.

Zhong Shan frowned slightly. Did King Taizong not know he was from the Kaiyang Sect?

"Haha, just a small sect, nothing worth mentioning," Zhong Shan replied with a smile, shaking his head.

Seeing Zhong Shan's reluctance to elaborate, King Taizong tactfully changed the subject. Throughout the banquet, King Taizong didn't mention anything about recruiting Zhong Shan. Their conversation was filled with anecdotes and interesting stories, carefully avoiding any political topics. Yet, this very approach showcased King Taizong's brilliance—subtly planting seeds in Zhong Shan's mind for future opportunities.

During the banquet, King Taizong had arranged for some songs and dances. Although they couldn't compare to the unforgettable Golden Sands Dance of old, they were still quite exquisite, with the singers and dancers all being exceptionally talented.

Mr. Corpse and Zhi Huo remained silent throughout, simply enjoying the food. After about an hour, someone came in to report.

"Your Highness, two soldiers from the Alpha Battalion are here with your command token, requesting an audience."

"Oh? My command token?" King Taizong asked, slightly puzzled.

"Cease the music and dance, and invite them in!" King Taizong suddenly seemed to remember and immediately instructed.

"Uh?" Zhong Shan was slightly puzzled. Soldiers? Soldiers under King Taizong? Why such solemnity for these soldiers?

"Yes!" The one who reported quickly left.

Soon, two men walked in from outside the hall.

Both had changed out of their military uniforms into pristine white garments. Each carried a long sword on their back, one walking slightly ahead of the other, resembling a master and servant duo.

The moment they stepped into the hall, Zhong Shan's pupils contracted, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes. He recognized these two from twenty years ago on Tianlang Island.

Jian Ao! The same Jian Ao who had fought Zhong Shan to a draw in the Eight Trigrams Golden Lock Formation. The Jian Ao who sought to defeat all heroes with his single sword! And always by his side, his protector, Chujie!

Jian Ao and Chujie!

Jian Ao stepped into the hall, a subtle breeze seeming to follow him. Upon closer inspection, it was not a breeze but a constant swirl of sword energy, resembling a gentle wind, encircling him.

Chujie remained respectfully behind Jian Ao.

Jian Ao also noticed Zhong Shan as he entered, but merely glanced at him without paying much attention. His eyes were filled with a singular sword intent.

"Jian Ao, why have you come?" King Taizong asked, waving his hand to have his subordinates quickly vacate seats and prepare new dishes.

"Gu Taizong, I have honed my swordsmanship in your camp. Today, I have comprehended all I needed and have come to express my gratitude and to bid you farewell," Jian Ao said solemnly, looking at King Taizong.

"Farewell? Though you have been in the camp for twenty years, I have not yet had the chance to fully extend my hospitality. Why not come to Taizong City with me to make up for this regret?" King Taizong suggested.

"No, perhaps another time if fate allows. I owe you a debt of gratitude," Jian Ao replied, shaking his head.

Receiving Jian Ao's promise, King Taizong smiled slightly and said, "If that's the case, I won't insist. If you ever need my help in the future, just ask."

Jian Ao gave a slight bow, then turned and left with the silent Chujie following.

Watching Jian Ao depart, King Taizong's brow furrowed slightly, but he showed no outward emotion.

"Your Highness, it's getting late. We must also be on our way," Zhong Shan said, rising to his feet.

"Ah? Very well, I'll see you off!" King Taizong didn't try to detain them, instead cheerfully escorting Zhong Shan.

Outside the hall, he continued to escort them for a hundred miles.

Atop a mountain peak, King Taizong and his subordinates watched the departing Zhong Shan and his army.

"What do you think?" King Taizong asked someone behind him.

"His reputation is well-deserved!" A white-robed strategist behind King Taizong sighed softly.

"What have you found out?" King Taizong asked, his brow furrowing.

"Nothing definitive. Zhong Shan's background traces back to being a guard for Princess Qianyou. Beyond that, there's no trace," the white-robed strategist shook his head.

"No trace at all? That's impossible; it's been thoroughly erased. Who in the Da Luo Celestial Empire could so completely erase Zhong Shan's background that even my Tian Ce Mansion can't find a trace?" King Taizong squinted his eyes.

"The Emperor? Your Highness, are you suggesting the Emperor erased Zhong Shan's background?" the white-robed strategist asked, his pupils shrinking.

"Yes. The Emperor intends to use this person, and has done so thoroughly. Spread my order: withdraw all personnel and cease any further investigations into Zhong Shan," King Taizong commanded.

"Understood!" the white-robed strategist replied immediately.

Zhong Shan led his army, continuing their march northeastward.

Five days later, at night, the army rested in a concealed valley. In the brightly lit central command hall, no guards were allowed within a hundred feet, and sound was isolated by a formation.

This was because the Zhong Family Army had two distinguished guests: Jian Ao and Chujie.

Inside the hall, only some plain tea was prepared.

"Jian Ao, you're not here to challenge me again, are you?" Zhong Shan asked with a smile.

Jian Ao glanced at Zhong Shan and said, "It's not time yet."

"Oh?" Zhong Shan looked at Jian Ao in confusion.

"My swordsmanship is not yet refined, and you are still growing. I need a battle where I can give my all, and that time is not now," Jian Ao replied.

"Have you been honing your sword skills on the battlefield all these years?" Zhong Shan asked directly, knowing Jian Ao preferred straightforwardness.

"Leading the charge, always serving as a common soldier, only for the sake of my swordsmanship, not for cultivation," Jian Ao said.

"I, on the other hand, focus solely on cultivation!" Zhong Shan said with a laugh.

"Then you're progressing too slowly!" Jian Ao suddenly said, shocking everyone.

"Slow?" Zhong Shan was taken aback. Was he really progressing slowly?

"You are only at the third level of the Nascent Soul stage, not much different from the Grand Marshal," Zhihuo, the Flame Wolf General, couldn't help but interject.

"But half a year ago, the young master was only at the first level of the Golden Core stage," Chujie said proudly from the side.

"What?" Zhong Shan was astonished. From the first level of the Golden Core stage to the third level of the Nascent Soul stage in half a year? Was that even humanly possible?

"To hone his swordsmanship, he intentionally suppressed his cultivation until he comprehended what he needed, then rapidly increased his cultivation," Mr. Corpse said, wide-eyed with surprise.

Jian Ao nodded.

Zhong Shan was momentarily speechless, then sighed deeply. Such innate talent was truly a world apart.

"Are you heading to the Pure Land to attend the once-in-a-millennium 'Great Nirvana Assembly'?" Jian Ao suddenly asked.

"The Great Nirvana Assembly?" Zhong Shan raised an eyebrow, suddenly recalling something.

Over nine years ago, the Golden Cicada Buddha had given him a purple cassock and an invitation token, inviting him to attend some grand assembly in the Pure Land ten years later. Yes, it was the Great Nirvana Assembly.

"Are you planning to go to the Pure Land?" Zhong Shan asked.

Jian Ao took out a token identical to Zhong Shan's.

"I received an invitation, but I don't want to go. If you're interested, you can have it," Jian Ao said casually, tossing the token to Zhong Shan.

"Clap."

Catching the token, Zhong Shan took out his own and compared them carefully. They were indeed identical.

"The Pure Land?" Zhong Shan narrowed his eyes, looking at the token.

"These tokens are issued in limited quantities, only eighty-one each time, given to virtuous cultivators in Shenzhou. Each token allows only one person to attend. It's said that each Great Nirvana Assembly is a great opportunity for Buddhist cultivators. Don't you want to go?" Jian Ao asked with a smile.

"I want to go, but I don't know the way," Zhong Shan said, looking at Jian Ao.

(To be continued)