Chapter 1806 907: Friends and Foes Alike (Part 2)

"Fusang, Ruo Wood, Jianmu, Xun Wood... all originate from ancient mythology. Whether they truly exist is difficult to determine. Even if they do exist, they might not be the 'trees' we know."

Sha Lifei was putting the firearm parts back together one by one, and upon hearing this, he paused, "I say, scholar, at this point in time, you're still playing riddles and tongue twisters here?"

"We crude folks can't understand! Can't you just speak plainly?"

Kong Shangzhao continued writing without stopping, merely offering a wry smile and shaking his head upon hearing this.

He dipped his brush in ink and continued writing while explaining: "The origins of the other types are still unclear for now, but we know the background of 'Jianmu'."

"Ancient records describe it as 'the center of heaven and earth,' a bridge connecting the Daluo Law Realm and the human world. Later, heaven and earth were disconnected, and this bridge was severed. The 'Jianmu' organization Zhao Changsheng created derives its name from this, with the intention of reopening this pathway."

His pen paused momentarily over the words "Jianmu." "The implication unintentionally revealed by Grandmaster Chen Yuanlu is that if these... things can be gathered, the current chaotic situation with immortal gods descending and the Dharma Realm collapsing might be resolved."

He lifted his head, gazing out the window past the paper: "According to scattered ancient records and extrapolations, Jianmu is at the center, serving as the Celestial Pillar; Fusang in the east, Ruo Wood in the west, supporting the movement of sun and moon; Xun Wood anchors the north, connecting to the Netherworld; and that Flat Peach..."

He paused, furrowing his brow slightly, "very likely holds the key to extending longevity and preserving life, or it may govern the vitality in the south."

"Thus, east, west, south, north, center, all five directions are complete, fully encompassing the five extremes..."

Li Yan had been listening quietly all along, suddenly a spark of insight flashed in his mind:

"They want... to mend the heavens?"

Kong Shangzhao's pen paused, a drop of ink fell onto the paper, slowly spreading.

He nodded slowly: "In terms of structure, it is possible. Imitating Nuwa's old story of refining stones, using Divine Wood as the foundation to redefine order and patch the fissures in the Dharma Realm. But..."

Saying this, he laid down his pen and looked at Li Yan, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes: "If what King Yan said bears any truth, the scope of involvement and the price required for this matter might far exceed our imagination."

"The notion of mending the heavens sounds grand, but how exactly to 'mend,' what to use to 'mend,' and what price must be paid? We aren't even certain if it truly concerns mending the heavens!"

The hall fell silent, with only the faint sound of the burning charcoal in the background.

Li Yan glanced at the faces of those present, seemingly lost in thought.

"Guessing is useless."

He rose and looked out the window: "Whether it's mending the heavens or something else, first we must ascertain it. As for Chen Yuanlu, I'll agree to it."

"The Capital is currently akin to a muddy swamp, its depth unknown, and friend or foe indistinguishable. From today onwards, try not to act alone; make sure to travel in pairs. Everything will wait until we've returned from the Nine Gates Yin Ruins, to figure out what 'Flat Peach' truly is, and then we'll plan our next steps."

Though that is the plan, time now is not to be wasted idly.

Early the next morning, a message came from Chen Yuanlu's side, stating that the special items and path verification required to go to the Nine Gates Yin Ruins would need a few days to prepare, urging Li Yan and his companions to be patient.

Almost simultaneously, Qiankun Academy sent someone, indirectly urging Li Yan to quickly visit the Academy to discuss important matters. But Li Yan simply replied that he needed to linger in the Capital for two more days.

The reason was simple: he had agreed to the competition with Ba Donghai.

This challenge, under the instigation of those interested, quickly fermented.

Even though the court was in national mourning and had strictly prohibited gatherings for entertainment, pugilistic affairs and arena battles were never fully bound by ordinary protocols.

The common folk cared not for the many behind-the-scenes calculations; they knew only that there was excitement to be had.

A young hero whose name had already captivated the world, with stories sung through songbooks, versus a Ba Shu hero who had emerged out of nowhere, winning seventeen consecutive matches, hailed as a "Grandmaster Seed."

Moreover, the backdrop of this year's "Grandmaster Battle" was entirely different.

The black smoke from steam engines shrouded workshops, the roar of new firearms echoed through martial arts arenas, and Flint Wheel cars rolled on iron rails across the ancient city's foundations... It was a year of old and new clashing.

Every change of the Grandmaster title not only shifted the pugilistic world's hierarchy but subtly influenced the flow of time's Qi Fortune.

Thus, from esteemed officials and Mystical Sect Masters to common peddlers and Jianghu Guests, countless eyes were covertly fixed on the area in the West Suburb.

Two days passed swiftly amid the undercurrents.

As the hour neared 5 p.m., winter darkness fell early, and lead-gray clouds pressed low over the West Suburb fields.

Wind swept across the withered grasslands, carrying a biting chill and the scent of smoke from distant coal markets.

The West Suburb Martial Arts Arena was no ordinary training ground; it was an area specifically designated by the court for the "Grandmaster Battle" and arranged by experts.

Around it stood a high brick wall, and the ground inside was not tamped earth but paved with specially made gray-white sandstone, which reportedly could absorb some of the Gang Qi impacts from matches, reducing damage to the venue and preventing far-reaching consequences.

At this moment, the Martial Arts Observation Platform specially set on both sides of the arena was already crowded with people.

Though called "platforms," they were actually raised pavilions a few feet high, furnished with simple tables and chairs.

Those who could obtain invitations to enter here were either rich or noble or prominent leaders and renowned experts in the pugilistic world.

The row with the best northern view had been quietly divided by several parties.

When Li Yan and his group entered from the southern entrance, they immediately attracted numerous gazes.

Today, he wore a neat dark green outfit, draped with a slightly worn indigo cloak, and the Duan Chen Blade was not held in his hand as usual but carried on his back.

Wang Daoxuan, Sha Lifei, Kong Shangzhao, and others followed closely, each with a composed expression but alert eyes scanning their surroundings.

Shortly after they sat down near the front of the pavilion, a mild commotion erupted at the entrance.

There came the steady footsteps of Chen Wenxian, the Crown Prince Mansion's Chief Historian, flanked by two Eastern Palace Guards.

Chen Wenxian was still wearing his slightly old official robe, his face thin and gaunt, but he did not proceed to the front rows crowded with dignitaries. Instead, he went directly to the section where Li Yan and his group was seated, slightly cupping his hands towards Li Yan with a smile: "Young Hero Li, His Highness learned that you would confirm your Martial Arts here today and specially instructed me to come and bolster your presence."

"If there are any trivial matters, you may also dispatch me."

His voice was not loud, but in the relatively quiet pavilion, it was enough to be heard clearly by many.

Though spoken courteously, the implication was clear: Li Yan was a person valued by the Crown Prince Mansion.

After speaking, Chen Wenxian did not linger, finding a seat just behind Li Yan, while the two Eastern Palace Guards stood silently outside the pavilion, hands on their sword hilts.

This display immediately made numerous probing gazes more complex, with murmured conversations spreading.

About half a cup of tea later, a group of people entered from the other side of the martial arts arena.

Leading them was Ba Donghai.

He still wore that faded indigo short outfit, a black cloth belt, thousand-layer sole cloth shoes.

He showed no expression, walking steadily, each step measured accurately as if he had marked the way.

The people following him were sharp and rugged, their eyes keen, clearly skilled in the Primordial Emperor's Law Lineage.

Even more attention-catching were two people accompanying Ba Donghai who were heading toward the front row of the northern Martial Arts Observation Platform.

One wore a purple robe embroidered with circular designs and a python pattern. He had a jade crown on his head, pale complexion, three long whiskers, not yet forty in age, carrying an elegant bearing of one who dwells long in positions of power.

Chen Wenxian's face darkened: "It's King Wu!"

"His fief is in Jiangnan, renowned for immense wealth, yet daring to enter the Capital stealthily without even pretending anymore!"

He pointed to the man beside King Wu.

The man was portly, an elderly figure, wearing a maroon silk robe adorned with blessing character designs, draped with a dark fox shoulder cover, with a large jade thumb ring on his fingers, smiling widely.

Chen Wenxian's eye twitched, "That's Zhou Shirong, the chief manager of the 'Hu-Guang Chamber of Commerce,' known as 'Smiling Buddha.' Initially controlled the salt, iron, and silk business, he later prospered even more with maritime trade."

"Merchants prioritize profit; His Majesty departed just a moment ago, and these people couldn't contain themselves, indeed unreliable!"

Li Yan was also filled with emotions.

The late Emperor Xiao Qixuan loved employing balance tactics the most.

Previously supporting the Chamber of Commerce, balancing against vassal kings, officials, and local forces.

His sudden departure, however, left a vast problem for his successors.

No matter who ascends, they will face the increasingly powerful Chamber of Commerce influence...