Chapter 133: The Moment of Death and the Dissipation of Dao (10,000 Character Update, Please Subscribe)

Yu State City, market street.

An Jing sprinted towards the city outskirts, feeling as if someone was chasing him from behind, his heart leapt to his throat while he simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief.

The mysterious martial expert had followed, ensuring that at least Tan Yun was no longer in danger.

At that moment, a hand gently landed on his shoulder.

That hand seemed to possess a bizarre magical power, appearing gentle yet feeling like a heavy mountain on An Jing’s shoulder, rendering him completely immobile.

Turning his head, he saw an old man with the appearance of a sage, youthful yet with white hair.

Shrinking Ground Skill!

An Jing’s heart tightened, immediately aware of the prowess of the person before him.

With such terrifying speed, the person definitely belonged to the master level.

It was rumored that some top masters could even use the Shrinking Ground Skill over short distances, a technique said to cover hundreds of steps in what appeared to be a single stride.

However, this type of technique consumes True Qi greatly; it’s impractical for travel and mostly used for pursuing enemies.

The person before him was not only a master in cultivation but also a top-tier master,

Jiang Shang spoke dispassionately, “You’re in such a hurry—why not stay and share what’s on your mind with this old man?”

An Jing, maintaining his composure, said, “I do not know you, sir, and we have no grievances or gratitude between us.”

His mind lingered on the Earth Book, and he noticed the indications on it were still present, meaning his identity had not been exposed. So why then would this master want to kill him?

When had he ever provoked a master?

“No debts or ties, yet I actually quite admire you.”

Jiang Shang looked at the doctor before him, feeling a bit regretful, as he hadn’t noticed this uncut jade when he had first arrived in Jiangnan Dao; regrettably, that uncut jade had now turned into mere stone.

Having missed the best period to refine his physical foundation, unless there was an extremely fortunate opportunity, it would be hard for him to make any progress.

Unless those scholars, who harbored a Literary Palace within them, as long as it manifested, they could reach sainthood in a day.

“Admire me?”

An Jing looked at the old man before him, his mind rapidly processing.

“The grand path originates from the same source, all journey toward the same destination,”

Jiang Shang smiled, “I never expected such words to come from a doctor like you.”

“Master Jiang!?”

An Jing’s heart jolted, suddenly realizing something.

This Master Jiang indeed represented his dark opportunity, but why did he want to kill him!?

At this moment, the streets were scarcely populated, as most of the citizens of Yu State City had gone to congratulate the Mu Family.

People occasionally looked at An Jing strangely; they couldn’t comprehend why he was talking to himself as if oblivious to Jiang Shang’s presence.

An Jing’s brow furrowed, facing a person who was a top-tier master.

“That Thousand-year-old Black Python at the bottom of Qinghe Pier; escaping his grasp today is nearly impossible. This is the deadly crisis that Jiang Sanjia took five years to predict.”

With that thought, An Jing felt a cold surge from the soles of his feet, which rushed up to his crown.

“I do quite enjoy chatting about everyday life with you.”

Jiang Shang did not respond to An Jing’s words but turned to watch the bustling, lively Yu State City, “Do you know why I choose to stay in Yu State City?”

An Jing, pondering how to extricate himself, replied evasively, “I don’t know.”

Compared to Jiang Shang’s leisurely disposition, his mind was extremely anxious.

“Searching for the secret of longevity.”

Jiang Shang spoke solemnly, “I have hidden in Great Yan for decades, searched for years, and finally found some clues. There is a type of blood in this world called Undying Blood.”

An Jing’s brow lifted, puzzled, “Undying Blood?”

Longevity? Undying Blood?

Thinking of the secrets of longevity, he recalled the words of the Universal Benefit Bodhisattva, who had mentioned that secrets of longevity were hidden beneath the seal.

An Jing’s pupils slightly dilated, recalling the day he had fought Li Fuzhou on Three Temple Mountain, and it seemed a mysterious master had appeared.

It appeared this person was indeed Master Jiang.

“Yes, Undying Blood, which contains the secrets of eternal life,” Jiang Shang’s tone lifted slightly, his eyes filled with unabashed hope, “Throughout history, how many princes, generals, and grand masters, who oversaw mortal realms, failed not to the hand of enemies but to time itself? Despite their boundless power and top-notch skills, they all turned to dust in the end.”

An Jing was moved; could Undying Blood truly reveal the secrets of immortality? Was this fact or fiction?

Though he had researched the secrets of immortality, An Jing had never heard of this Undying Blood, let alone the truly elusive immortality.

This Master Jiang was no ordinary master, seeking immortality hidden within Yu State City.

Thinking this, An Jing felt as though he had plunged into an abyss.

Why would such a person want to kill him?

Jiang Shang seemed eager for a heartfelt conversation, saying, “What significance do power, fame, or beauty hold after all?”

As the Hierarch of the Demon Sect, although Jiang Shang had held power and fame for decades, he had never contemplated withdrawing from them.

On the contrary, his desire for fame and power grew even more fierce within his heart.

But he was clear that if a person died, this overwhelming power and fame would turn into smoke and clouds, and to grasp all the power and fame in one’s hands, one had only to achieve eternal life.

An Jing said, “Above this vast sky, there are meteors and stars, and many people like the stars, but I prefer meteors. Although brief, that moment of brilliance is dazzling, unforgettable.”

“Hahaha.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shang couldn’t help but burst out laughing, “Then why not become an eternal meteor?”

Jiang Shang’s expression relaxed, as if he were discussing heartfelt matters with an old friend he hadn’t seen in years.

An Jing’s brows furrowed slightly, sensing the madness and ambition deep in Sir Jiang’s bones from just those few words.

“Doctor An, do you know about this world’s masters?”

Jiang Shang’s smile slightly constricted.

“Yes.”

An Jing glanced at Sir Jiang and nodded, thinking to himself, Aren’t you one?

“All paths originate from the same source, though they may differ, they lead to the same end.”

Jiang Shang’s gaze gradually turned cold, “In my eyes, you and all these myriad beings are just ants in my palm, easily crushed, and your path is the same, dismissible with a wave of my hand.”

“That is the difference between you and me.”

An Jing’s brows tightened, already sensing the undisguised intent to kill in Jiang Shang’s heart.

One moment he was talking and laughing with him, the next he wanted to kill him.

“Why must you kill me?”

“For no reason, just felt like killing someone today.”

Jiang Shang sneered, “Doctor An likes meteors, right? Since that’s the case, I will make you that streak of a meteor, although your radiance has not yet fully shone…”

Saying this, Jiang Shang stepped forward.

Boom!

With just a step, An Jing felt as if his mind had shaken violently, as if there had been a fierce explosion.

That immense pressure descended from the heavens, almost as if to swallow him whole.

Despair!

Terror!

That boundless darkness instantly filled his mind.

Back when he faced the Universal Benefit Bodhisattva, the Bodhisattva was severely wounded and also had to suppress Lin Yiyang’s Sword Qi, so he couldn’t exert much of his strength.

Whereas An Jing, relying on burning the soul of the Thousand-year-old Black Python and using the secret technique Ghost Transformation, had his strength surge and could fight against the Universal Benefit Bodhisattva.

But Sir Jiang before him was much more mysterious and powerful than the Bodhisattva, and it was clear he was not holding back at all.

That terrifying Master pressure and Qi energy converged to a single point, all rushing towards An Jing.

“Boom!” “Boom!”

In the next moment, An Jing felt as if the wind was being funneled into his ears, as though thunder and winds fell before his eyes. Looking up, he saw a huge black Handprint descending from the sky.

It was as if not just a palm, but the sky itself was falling.

The black Handprint, like a primordial mountain descending, came with an overwhelming force, and he stood below it like a small boat swaying in a storm.

“Such terrifying strength.”

An Jing watched the Handprint, knowing even if he exerted all his strength, he couldn’t stop it.

The Thousand-year-old Black Python was too far away, and he couldn’t control it to come, and even if he revealed his strength, there was almost no chance of escaping.

Instead, it would draw Sir Jiang’s complete eradication and even trigger a greater dark fortune.

“No, I absolutely must not reveal my strength.”

His thoughts racing, he knew that even if he revealed his strength, he was undoubtedly doomed.

Boom! Boom!

The huge Handprint that obscured the sun finally descended, making a deafening noise as it shattered An Jing’s eardrums.

It then obliterated An Jing’s entire body within it.

Everything returned to calm, everything returned to nothingness.

On the street, Jiang Shang’s dried palm gently rested on the top of An Jing’s head, and An Jing’s pupils dilated, then lost all their light.

“Doctor An.”

His eyes cold and emotionless, “This is your path and my path.”

Having said that, Jiang Shang slowly withdrew his hand, then turned and walked away into the distance.

“Plunk!”

An Jing’s body, as if losing its support, heavily fell to the ground.

“This gentleman,” a passing scholar saw this and hurriedly crouched down shouting, “What’s the matter? Wake up! Wake up!”

But An Jing lay on the ground, motionless.

“Isn’t this Jishi Hall’s Doctor An?”

“He was a good doctor.”

“What happened to him? Did he overwork himself?”

….

The passersby who saw this quickly gathered around, some recognizing An Jing.

Upon hearing this, the Scholar said, “So this man is the famed doctor from Yu State City.”

In Yu State City, An Jing was a renowned doctor, especially since he saved the people of Baima Town at the end of last year, becoming widely known as the Divine Doctor in Yu State City.

“Quickly check, what happened to Doctor An?” someone urgently asked, “Why do I feel he has no breath…”

“Could he be dead?” another person asked in astonishment.

Hearing this, the Scholar placed his finger under An Jing’s nose to check, then his expression drastically changed.

“What happened?” people around him asked urgently.

“No… no breath.”

The Scholar’s face turned pale, his voice trembling slightly, “He… he’s really… dead.”

The crowd erupted into chaos upon hearing this, as everyone was greatly shocked.

The Divine Doctor of Yu State City had suddenly collapsed and died on the street!?

“Quick, go to Jishi Hall and contact Doctor An’s family!”

Someone regained their composure.

……

Dongluo Tower.

Zhao Qingmei was dressed in plain white attire, her delicate and stunning features resembling a painting. At this moment, she sat at a table, looking through intelligence and confidential letters sent from all over by the Demon Sect.

It was exactly like a whirl of clouds, a thin garment as light as mist, lightly furrowed brows over twin cinnabar moles.

About half an hour later, Zhao Qingmei finally put down her pen and slowly stood up.

With graceful steps, she moved to the window.

Through the window, she could see the busiest market at Dongluo Pass.

At that moment, the market was bustling with carts and horses and crowded with people, noisy and lively.

For some reason, her heart suddenly skipped a beat.

“Hmm!?”

This was not a whim but a draw of the bloodlines, although the feeling quickly faded away.

“The Demon Seal?”

Zhao Qingmei took out a paper doll from her bosom and gently twisted it, but this time it showed no response.

“This time should be the busiest for Jishi Hall.”

Zhao Qingmei chuckled softly, her gaze drifting towards the distant sky, appearing somewhat lost in thought.

“Knock knock!”

“Sect Hierarch!”

Just then, Yu Qiurong’s voice sounded from outside the door.

“Come in.”

Zhao Qingmei said faintly.

Yu Qiurong entered slowly, speaking in a low voice, “Sect Hierarch, the deputy leader of the Golden Eagle Banner has arrived and is in the Great Hall.”

“Oh? Then let’s go meet him.” Zhao Qingmei said.

The Golden Eagle Banner was one of the Thirteen Banners of Houjin, known for its formidable strength. During Houjin’s unification of the great plains under the Holy Master Zongzheng Huachun, the Golden Eagle Banner served as his vanguard.

Just a few days ago, the deputy leader of the Golden Eagle Banner sent a confidential letter requesting a meeting with the Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect. As Zhao Qingmei was in Dongluo Pass, she had Yu Qiurong accept the invitation.

Zhao Qingmei waved her sleeve and then proceeded toward the Great Hall.

Along the way, there were few experts from the Demon Sect, mostly guards.

“Greetings, Sect Hierarch!”

Upon seeing Zhao Qingmei, they all immediately knelt on one knee on the ground and only slowly stood up after Zhao Qingmei had been gone for several moments.

Soon, the two reached the Great Hall.

At that moment, sitting on the left side of the hall was a middle-aged man with resolute features, dressed in Great Yan attire, with several robust men following behind him.

“What a beautiful lady.”

One of the men, around his twenties, lit up as he saw Zhao Qingmei enter, his heart pounding uncontrollably.

“Deputy leader of the Golden Eagle Banner, Wanyan Yue, greets the Sect Hierarch.” The middle-aged man was taken aback and quickly rose to his feet.

Before arriving, Houjin’s intelligence had already revealed that the new Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect was very young, but they had not expected the Sect Hierarch to not only be young but also such an exceptional beauty.

Zhao Qingmei ascended to the high platform and sat down before saying, “No need for formalities, please sit.”

Wanyan Yue sat down and smiled, “I’ve long heard of the Sect Hierarch’s formidable reputation that terrifies the whole world. Seeing you today, indeed you are extraordinary and not an ordinary person.”

The Demon Sect indeed had a fearsome reputation, especially when Jiang Shang served as Sect Hierarch, being notoriously ferocious. However, in Houjin, it was only a matter of sporadic rumors, so most people from Houjin did not regard the Demon Sect with the same fear as those from Great Yan.

Zhao Qingmei’s expression was indifferent, her red lips slightly parting, “No need for further words, I am not one to beat around the bush. Just speak directly about the main issue.”

Her eyebrows arched delicately, like a pool of clear water, combined with a unique heroic aura and her indifferent demeanor, she exuded a unique temperament.

“I from Houjin admire the Sect Hierarch speaking so straightforwardly.”

Upon hearing this, a glint flashed in Wanyan Yue’s eyes as he clasped his fists and inquired, “Does the Sect Hierarch know the current situation in Great Yan?”

“I know.”

Zhao Qingmei said indifferently, seemingly having already guessed Wanyan Yue’s intentions, and her thoughts quickly raced.

With the internal turmoil now a tangled mess, and Houjin, this fierce tiger, having long coveted this, it seemed that they could no longer restrain themselves and wanted to unleash their sharp claws.

“Since the Sect Hierarch is aware, then I won’t beat around the bush either.”

Wanyan Yue took a deep breath and said, “Now that the fate of the Great Yan Emperor is uncertain and the dynastic storm is brewing, the Zhao family has lost its deer; it’s a great opportunity. Our Holy Master of Houjin is preparing to invite the Sect Hierarch to hunt it together.”

A light flickered in Zhao Qingmei’s eyes, “Hunt it together!?”

Wanyan Yue smiled and said, “Yes, besides your sect, our Holy Master has also invited Zhao Country, Southern Barbarians, and many other forces from across the world to encircle Great Yan, aiming to take it down in one fell swoop.”

In his view, all parties were ready to strike, and the Great Yan Dynasty was sure to collapse, which would be a great opportunity for the Demon Sect as well.

Houjin could also formally enter the ancestral lands of the world.

“Indeed, it is a good opportunity.”

Zhao Qingmei nodded slightly.

A tremor went through Wanyan Yue’s heart, “So, what does your sect mean by this?”

Zhao Qingmei indifferently replied, “The Demon Sect is merely one sect, content to stay in one corner; we have no interest in the grand trends of the world.”

As soon as Zhao Qingmei’s words fell, Wanyan Yue and the several Houjin experts behind him all showed expressions of surprise.

The Demon Sect, which had once organized rebellions, was now saying that they only wanted to stay in one corner?

“May I know if your sect has any reservations or concerns?”

At that moment, a young man behind Wanyan Yue stepped forward and spoke.

Zhao Qingmei glanced at Wanyan Yue.

Wanyan Yue’s heart stirred, and he smiled, “This is Chen Kang, the son of the leader of the Golden Eagle Banner; he can fully represent my intentions.”

“No.”

Zhao Qingmei gently picked up the tea on the table and took a sip.

Chen Kang’s brows furrowed, “Then why…?”

“Impudent!”

Yu Qiurong sternly shouted, “Our Sect Hierarch has said, if she will not cooperate with you, she will not. You ask too many questions.”

Chen Kang ignored Yu Qiurong and continued, “This matter is no trivial issue, I can wait here for several days; it’s not too late to make a decision after your sect has considered it well.”

Having said this, Chen Kang couldn’t help but take a few more glances at Zhao Qingmei, the sharpness in his eyes fleeting.

“We don’t welcome outsiders here.”

Zhao Qingmei put down the teacup and said.

“I can be no outsider.”

Chen Kang laughed heartily, speaking quite boldly.

“You are courting death!” Yu Qiurong’s eyes suddenly flashed with cold light, her sword now held across her chest.

Wanyan Yue at the side hesitated to speak but ultimately remained silent.

Zhao Qingmei’s face remained expressionless, serene as still water.

Chen Kang was unconcerned with Yu Qiurong’s threats, asking, “Is this how the Demon Sect treats its guests?”

“No.”

Yu Qiurong said indifferently.

“Then what do you mean?”

Chen Kang’s eyes also carried a hint of chill, “My 110,000 soldiers of the Golden Eagle Banner are not far outside Dongluo Pass, you may want to consider carefully…..”

Wanyan Yue was just about to intervene, but it was already too late.

And Chen Kang’s guards behind him changed their expressions drastically.

“Oh?”

Zhao Qingmei heard and smiled, “110,000, you say?”

Chen Kang smiled, “Rest assured, Sect Hierarch, as your sect has always been law-abiding. As long as you know how to act according to the situation in the future, our cavalry of Houjin will definitely not enter Dongluo Pass.”

At this moment, beads of cold sweat covered Wanyan Yue’s forehead, seeming to want to explain, but not knowing how.

Zhao Qingmei inquired, “Act according to the situation? Do you mean to treat you with our way of hospitality?”

“Exactly, I could grudgingly assess your sect’s sincerity.”

A smugness appeared on Chen Kang’s face.

The Demon Sect!

Beneath my 100,000 cavalry, one would still have to bow down in submission.”

Zhao Qingmei nodded slightly without a word.

“Swoosh!”

The next moment, a streak of cold light surged forward, too fast to be tracked.

All the experts from Houjin present only felt a piercing chill, causing their hairs to stand on end.

“Gurgling-!”

Chen Kang’s pupils dilated with a hint of disbelief, a line of blood appeared on his neck, and fresh blood continued to flow out, before he thudded to the ground with a crash.

“Chen Kang!”

“Young Banner Master!”

The people of Houjin witnessing this scene were greatly shocked.

Yu Qiurong, holding her longsword, said indifferently, “This is how the Demon Sect treats its guests.”

“You!”

A guard, seeing this, felt a spark of anger in his eyes.

The people of the Demon Sect dared to kill Chen Kang!?

That was the son of the Golden Eagle Banner’s leader.

Wanyan Yue, upon seeing this, a flash of joy passed through his eyes before he masked it with a face full of anger, “What does your sect mean by this? Why resort to murder? Do you want to start a war?”

Yu Qiurong sneered, “Go back and tell your Holy Master, see if he will seek revenge for the son of the Golden Eagle Banner’s leader.”

“Let alone him, even if all of you died today, your Holy Master wouldn’t dare to make a rash move!”

Although Chen Kang’s father held a high position, it didn’t mean he had a very high status in Houjin, and attacking Dongluo Pass for a single Chen Kang was definitely unrealistic.

The words Yu Qiurong spoke were naturally somewhat exaggerated, after all, she didn’t really understand that Holy Master.

Wanyan Yue and the others felt both shocked and angry.

“See them off.”

Zhao Qingmei spoke and then got up and walked towards the inside of the house.

Yu Qiurong’s gaze was icy cold, standing on the high platform, her beautiful eyes sharp as two fierce longswords staring at Wanyan Yue and his entourage.

“Let’s go!”

Wanyan Yue said solemnly.

“Yes!”

The people behind him exchanged glances, helpless but to carry Chen Kang’s body and walk toward the outside of Dongluo Tower.

After all, this place was the main stronghold of the Demon Sect, a place of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, filled with experts. They hadn’t even seen clearly the move made by the chief seat of the Vermilion Bird, not to mention there was an even more fearsome Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect.

Soon, the group had walked out of Dongluo Pass.

“We should hurry, beware of the Demon Sect ambushing us,” Wanyan Yue quickly said after glancing behind them.

“Does the Demon Sect really have such audacity?” The guards of Chen Kang all felt a chill in their hearts.

Wanyan Yue snorted, “You might not be very familiar or understand that Demon Sect, if the Sect Hierarch had made a move today, we truly might not have escaped.”

One of the guards whispered, “The Deputy Banner Master once traveled through Great Yan and understands the style and deeds of the Demon Sect, we better heed his advice and hurry.”

A guard beside him sighed, “Now that the young master is dead, when we return, I fear…”

Wanyan Yue sighed, “The death of Chen Kang is nobody else’s fault, I will report the truth to the Banner Master.”

Regarding the death of Chen Kang, he didn’t feel surprised at all; Chen Kang had always lived in Houjin, and his father was the leader of the Golden Eagle Banner, his arrogance boundless. How could he not be tempted by that peerlessly beautiful Sect Hierarch?

Moreover, before this visit, his own constant insinuations and flattery had clearly completely unhinged him.

Luckily he died, luckily indeed!

Wanyan Yue felt a wild joy inside, but his face still showed a worried expression.

“Thank you, Deputy Banner Master.”

The people, hearing Wanyan Yue’s words, showed gratitude on their faces.

“Enough talk, let’s make haste,” Wanyan Yue mounted his horse and said sharply, “Giddy up!”

……

In Yu State City, at the entrance of Jishi Hall.

The teahouse worker, seeing a group of people rushing towards Jishi Hall, couldn’t help but say, “What’s happening?”

“It’s bad! Doctor An has died!”

“Make way! Doctor An has died!”

….

A crowd hurried towards Jishi Hall, with Niu Fu at the forefront, carrying the body of An Jing as he strode into the hall.

“What!? Doctor An is dead?”

The teahouse worker, hearing this, froze completely.

“Miss Tan…”

As Niu Fu entered, he saw Tan Yun standing at the counter.

“My daughter-in-law…”

And as Tan Yun saw An Jing behind Niu Fu, it was as if thunder had exploded in her heart, and she stood there completely stunned.

Niu Fu’s eyes were tinged with red, “Dr. An Jing was walking in the street, suddenly… alas, save your tears.”

“Dr. An Jing was really a good man.”

“This world truly spares no good people; someone like him deserves to live a long, healthy life.”

Everyone was clenching their fists, sighing with some holding back tears in their eyes.

“You need to send a letter to your young miss, have her come back soon,” Niu Fu sighed deeply before finally setting An Jing’s body down.

At this moment, Tan Yun’s mind went completely blank; she just stood there, dazed, as if she hadn’t heard Niu Fu’s words.

How could she not know what caused this sudden death?

It must have been Jiang Shang who took his life.

With a top-level master like him taking action, what chance did he stand?

“You all disperse now, disperse,”

Niu Fu, noticing the crowd gathered around, said, “Let Dr. An Jing’s family have some peace.”

The neighbors and bystanders all shook their heads and sighed, then dispersed.

“Niu Fu, I want you to help me with something,”

After a long while, Tan Yun finally spoke.

Niu Fu said, “Just tell me.”

With tears welling up, Tan Yun said in a low voice, “I would like you to go to Fa Xi Temple, ask Jie Se Monk to come to handle the funeral affairs for my son-in-law.”

Niu Fu paused for a moment before sighing, “Alright, I’ll go now.”

The young Miss Zhao had gone to visit her relatives, and it was unknown when she would return; by the time she returned to handle the funeral, it might be too late.

After that, Niu Fu quickly left the house.

“Woof! Woof!”

Just then, Xiao Heizi ran over and licked An Jing, who was lying on the ground.

Tan Yun slowly crouched down, looking at that familiar face.

It was an uncomfortable feeling, just like when her mother had died, leaving her feeling empty inside, as if she had lost everything.

“Son-in-law, you are being too stingy.” “Although I am just a little maid, I still need to speak my mind, you can’t be that stingy in life.”

“Son-in-law, Xiao Yun has a difficult favor to ask, I don’t know if I should speak of it.”

“Son-in-law, then wouldn’t I have worked for you in vain?”

“Son-in-law, I will definitely repay you.”

“I will listen to everything you say, son-in-law.”

“Who says I’m being lazy? I was just going… just going to check on Xiao Heizi, to see if it’s dead…”

“If I lie, may Xiao Heizi be struck by lightning!”

“Son-in-law, what kind of pastries did you bring today?”

…..

Memories from the past flashed before her eyes as if they had only happened yesterday, but soon everything turned into fleeting clouds.

“Son-in-law… you will never be able to buy me pastries again.”

Tan Yun gently held An Jing’s clothes, choking up, “I won’t be lazy anymore, son-in-law.”

No matter what she said, An Jing simply lay on the ground, motionless.

Whenever Tan Yun felt upset or unhappy, she used to seek An Jing out for a talk.

From now on, she would no longer feel this kind of solace. She sat blankly at her doorstep, her arms hugging her curled-up legs, her face frozen with grief and longing. Her normally sparkling eyes became cloudy, and a sour sting hit her nostrils.

A stream of tears burst forth, reaching her mouth—a salty taste. She pursed her lips, unable to restrain herself any longer, as tears flowed fiercely down her cheeks as she covered her face, sobbing.

“Wuuuuu…”

In Jishi Hall, only Tan Yun’s sobbing could be heard.

“Woof! Woof!”

Xiao Heizi kept barking beside her, hopping around before again licking An Jing.

If it had behaved this way before, it would surely have been scolded, but today, nothing happened.

“I cannot cry anymore.”

Tan Yun wiped the tears from the corner of her eye, “I need to hurry and inform the young miss about this, and I also need to leave this place quickly.”

Jiang Shang is an extremely dangerous man, a complete madman, who knows if he will kill her too.

“I need to find my master!”

The first person Tan Yun thought of was not Zhao Qingmei, but Li Fuzhou in Yujing City.

“Yes, I need to find my master.”

Tan Yun wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes, then looked at An Jing lying on the ground, “Son-in-law, I’m leaving now, I have to leave this place…”

As Tan Yun spoke, she once again couldn’t help but burst into tears.

She thought she wouldn’t cry anymore, but now she knew that when grief and pain reached their peak, tears would flow involuntarily.

Glancing one last time at the familiar sight of Jishi Hall, the counter, the chairs, every grass and tree…

There was also An Jing on the ground. Tan Yun felt particularly reluctant to leave, feeling as if a piece had been gouged out of his heart.

“Little Blackie, I’m leaving now,”

Tan Yun petted Little Blackie’s head and whispered softly, “If there’s a chance in the future, we might meet again.”

“Woof! Woof!”

Little Blackie kept barking, seemingly sensing that today was out of the ordinary.

“My dear…..”

Tan Yun couldn’t bear to look at An Jing lying on the ground any longer, he turned and said, “I’m going now. I will definitely come back to see you in the future. I can’t take care of your funeral, Han arrest officer will handle your affairs shortly.”

As Tan Yun spoke, he walked towards the outside of the hall.

“Woof woof woof!”

Little Blackie followed as usual.

When Tan Yun reached the doorway, he paused, but couldn’t help turning back to look at An Jing lying on the ground, then took off his coat and covered An Jing with it.

“My dear… my dear… I’m really leaving now. I will definitely come back.”

Tears streamed continuously down Tan Yun’s face, his lips stained with fresh blood.

After he finished speaking, he strode towards the outside of the hall, not daring to look back.

“Woof!” “Woof!”

Little Blackie hurriedly followed, but by the time it ran outside, Tan Yun was already out of sight.

Life is very short, seldomly complete.

….

Fa Xi Temple, Heart-Questioning Hall.

A monk was sweeping with a broom and then wiped the Buddha statue in the Heart-Questioning Hall.

“Hm!?”

Just then, the monk was startled by the Heart-Questioning Cushion, saying, “How come there’s a hole in this Heart-Questioning Cushion?”

He picked up the Heart-Questioning Cushion and saw a hole in the center, as if it had been pierced by something hard.

Just then, a figure quietly prepared to slip into the Heart-Questioning Hall.

“Jie Se, Uncle!”

The monk saw the person and hastily greeted him respectfully.

Everyone in the Fa Xi Temple knew that the person before them was Jie Se, the disciple of Fa Xi Temple’s abbot Fa Wu.

Han Wenxin chuckled twice, “Hui Xin, are you cleaning the Heart-Questioning Hall today?”

“Yes,”

The monk named Hui Xin replied curiously, “I don’t know why, but there’s a hole in this Heart-Questioning Cushion…”

Han Wenxin widened his eyes and took a few looks saying, “This hole is quite big, not bad.”

“Don’t worry, Uncle,”

Hui Xin spoke slowly, “It is not big. Hui Zhong will just fix it tomorrow.”

Han Wenxin’s mouth twitched, then he irritably said, “I heard Jie Chen, your elder brother, seemed to have something to find you for.”

“Me?” Hui Xin looked troubled and said, “But I haven’t finished cleaning here yet… Oh well, I’ll just clean it again later.”

“I’ll clean this up for you,” said Han Wenxin.

“This…how can this be?”

Hui Xin hurriedly said.

“It’s no trouble, I am free anyway. You go quickly, it must be urgent if elder brother Jie Chen is looking for you. It’s not good to be late.”

“Then I’ll trouble you, Uncle Jie Se,”

Hui Xin looked grateful. He hadn’t expected this Jie Se, who had only been there for a short while, to be such a kind-hearted person.

Upon hearing ‘Jie Se,’ Han Wenxin’s face darkened, and he quickly waved his hand saying, “Go on, go on.”

Hui Xin did not dare delay any longer, and hurriedly put down what he was holding and went towards the exit of the hall.

After Hui Xin left, Han Wenxin immediately burst into a relieved and happy expression.

“This broken temple, no fun on normal days, not even allowing me to leave the mountain, once a year is up, I’m definitely returning to secular life… hopefully my firearm won’t have rusted by then.”

Just as Han Wenxin was about to sit on the Heart-Questioning Cushion, a voice came from outside the door.

“Jie Se! Jie Se!”

“Who’s interrupting my joyful time now?”

Han Wenxin muttered, then very reluctantly answered, “What is it?”

Just then Jie Chen hurried in, “Jie Se, do you remember the doctor who came with you?”

Han Wenxin said, “Yes, he’s my half-brother from different mothers.”

“The doctor has died suddenly.”

“What did you say?”

“The doctor suddenly died out in the street today.”

Han Wenxin waved his hand and laughed, “Impossible, that damned man himself said that he has been focused on nurturing his health for the past ten years. Eating wolfberries, rehmannia, and fu ling like meals. How could he possibly die?”

Others might not understand An Jing, but he was very clear about him. An Jing would usually pay great attention to his health, claiming both his kidneys were made of iron.

Jie Chen folded his hands and said with a stern face, “This matter is true. The doctor suddenly collapsed on the street and stopped breathing. Now, everyone in Yu State City knows about it. A constable allegedly came especially to the temple to tell you this and asked you to make a trip there.”

“You… you’re not joking?”

Han Wenxin saw Jie Chen’s expression and realized that Jie Chen was not someone who joked around on normal days.

“That constable is just outside the door.”

Upon hearing this, Han Wenxin immediately rushed outside quickly.

“Ah.”

Watching Han Wenxin’s sprinting figure, Jie Chen gently shook his head.

…….

Yu State City, Jishi Hall.

Han Wenxin stood with a grim expression beside An Jing’s corpse, “How exactly did brother An die?”

“Others say he died suddenly from a violent death.” Niu Fu sighed and then said strangely, “What about that maid? She was still here a few hours ago.”

By this time, Tan Yun had already disappeared, leaving only a small black dog lying beside An Jing’s body.

Han Wenxin took a deep breath. “Brother An had cultivation in him, and he was a doctor who understood his own body very well. It’s absolutely impossible for him to just suddenly die like this. There must be some enemy…”

Saying this, Han Wenxin’s face turned solemn.

Having worked as a constable in Yu State City for two years, he was naturally very aware of some matters within the Jianghu, and it was absolutely impossible for An Jing to have died suddenly like this.

“A foe!?”

Niu Fu was momentarily stunned.

Han Wenxin continued to analyze, “And that Tan Yun, she might have known some secrets and already met with an accident and died, or fled fearing the enemy.”

Niu Fu opened and closed his mouth, “So, what do we do now?”

He was just an ordinary constable after all.

Han Wenxin sighed deeply, An Jing must have offended a master from the Jianghu, which led to this deadly tragedy. To be able to silently kill someone on the street, this person’s strength must be extremely high.

“Wait for the forensic doctor to examine the body…”

Thinking of this, Han Wenxin clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with a hint of crimson.

“Amitabha!”

Just then, a young voice came from outside the door.

“Master!”

Upon hearing this voice, Han Wenxin was startled and quickly turned around to look.

The person who came was not someone else, but Fa Wu, the abbot of Fa Xi Temple.

“Master, take a look at brother An’s corpse…”

While the forensic doctor is professional in examining bodies, when it comes to the Qi Mechanism of top Jianghu masters, they obviously won’t be able to detect it.

Fa Wu sighed and then glanced at the An Jing lying on the ground, “He is already dead.”

“How did he die?” Han Wenxin gritted his teeth and asked.

“A natural death,” Fa Wu replied after hesitating for a moment.

Being a top-grade master, he could tell that An Jing died from his heart meridian being shattered, but he hesitated for a moment and still did not speak it out.

One must know that to shatter An Jing’s heart meridian without harming his body, this person’s cultivation must certainly not be inferior to his own.

If Han Wenxin truly wanted to seek revenge for this doctor, it would almost certainly lead to certain death.

Jianghu grievances, you kill me, I kill you; an endless vicious cycle of reincarnation.

“I don’t believe it.”

Han Wenxin said breathlessly.

“Young fool, don’t let hatred cloud your vision,” Fa Wu sighed. “You’d better prepare his funeral soon.”

Han Wenxin was in such agony, and naturally, Fa Wu understood, as he had just experienced it himself.

“I’ll wait for the forensic doctor to arrive before deciding,” Han Wenxin said with clenched fists, his fingernails digging into his flesh and oozing blood.

Before long, the three forensic doctors from Yu State City arrived. The three of them studied An Jing’s corpse for a long time but found nothing.

“Constable Han, there is nothing unusual,” the three forensic doctors sighed after looking at each other.

Seeing this, Han Wenxin’s eyes were filled with helplessness.

Niu Fu patted Han Wenxin on the shoulder and said, “We better take care of little Doctor An’s funeral. Miss Zhao isn’t coming back.”

“Ah.”

Han Wenxin looked up then let out a heavy sigh.