Chapter 2012: Seeking Defeat
Seeing the Patrol Envoy leave, Xing Yuan's eyes instantly turned cold as he fixed his gaze on Zhang Ruochen.
"Zhang Ruochen, you got lucky this time, but you should know that a person's luck can't last forever. Just wait to bear the wrath of some big shots. Let's go."
Leaving these words behind, Xing Yuan very decisively boarded the war vessel he had arrived on.
Following him, the other strong experts of the Heavenly Realm Faction also boarded the war vessel one after another, their faces all looking extremely unpleasant.
They had mobilized a massive force this time to attack Shengming City and attack the Peacock Mountain Manor, yet the result was that the strong experts left behind at Shengming City were completely annihilated, while at the Peacock Mountain Manor side, they had also gained no advantage. Shang Zi had even been slain by Zhang Ruochen.
Having ended up in such a state, they would likely be ridiculed by all sides.
Watching the Heavenly Realm Faction's war vessel fly away, Zhang Ruochen and the others did not attempt to stop them.
After all, if they made a move at this moment, it would be equivalent to challenging the authority of the Patrol Envoy who had just left, and there would definitely be no good outcome.
Zhang Ruochen's expression was somewhat grave. This time, he had personally killed Shang Zi and also slain the leaders of several major worlds, truly poking a hole in the sky. The troubles to come would probably be even greater.
And to deal with these troubles, he had to make himself stronger.
Just as Xing Yuan had said, he couldn't rely on luck every time. These troubles could only be solved by himself, without expecting others to intervene.
"Zhang Ruochen, what are you thinking about? That beauty over there has left!"
Just as Zhang Ruochen was deep in thought, Xiao Hei's voice suddenly rang out.
Hearing this, Zhang Ruochen couldn't help but turn his head, just in time to see the Heavenly Beginning Fairy leaving with the Butcher and the Simpleton.
By now, the three had already flown a great distance.
Zhang Ruochen hesitated slightly, then performed a Space Displacement, appearing directly in front of the Heavenly Beginning Fairy, blocking the three of them.
"Leaving already?"
Zhang Ruochen's gaze fixed on the Heavenly Beginning Fairy as he asked softly.
The Heavenly Beginning Fairy reached up to gently brush aside a stray strand of hair from her forehead, saying somewhat coldly, "Yes, the Luo River always needs to be guarded."
"Thank you for this," Zhang Ruochen said with a smile.
The Heavenly Beginning Fairy had come all the way from the Eastern Domain's Luo River, not hesitating to make enemies of the Heavenly Realm Faction. This moved Zhang Ruochen deeply, and at the same time, he was curious—curious about what exactly her feelings toward him were.
The situation this time had been extremely dangerous. The Heavenly Beginning Fairy had risked her life to help him. Was it merely to repay a debt of gratitude? Or was there some other sentiment involved?
After a moment's thought, Zhang Ruochen took out a brocade box and handed it to the Heavenly Beginning Fairy. "This is for you. It might be useful."
The Heavenly Beginning Fairy reached out to take the brocade box, a hint of curiosity appearing in her eyes, along with a trace of anticipation.
When the box was opened, a very delicate necklace came into the Heavenly Beginning Fairy's view.
Seeing the necklace, the Heavenly Beginning Fairy couldn't help but show a slight look of surprise.
Zhang Ruochen quickly explained, "This is actually a space treasure. The pendant of the necklace contains a very large space that can be used to store various items. Additionally, inside the pendant's space, there is some Life Spring, just in case you need it."
Hearing this, the Heavenly Beginning Fairy revealed a faint smile and said in a gentle voice, "Thank you. I also have something here that should be helpful to you."
As she spoke, the Heavenly Beginning Fairy took out a piece of extremely moist jade and handed it to Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen was momentarily stunned, then quickly reached out to take the jade.
As he touched the jade, Zhang Ruochen's hand also brushed against the Heavenly Beginning Fairy's slender fingers, a strange feeling rising in his heart.
It wasn't until the Heavenly Beginning Fairy withdrew her hand that Zhang Ruochen snapped back to reality, a look of embarrassment on his face.
But in his heart, he was still savoring that wonderful tactile sensation.
"I should be going now," the Heavenly Beginning Fairy said softly.
Zhang Ruochen looked up, his gaze meeting hers. Just as he was about to say something, the Heavenly Beginning Fairy had already stepped onto a divine rainbow and departed.
"Brother Zhang, until we meet again."
The Butcher and the Simpleton cupped their hands in farewell, then chased after the Heavenly Beginning Fairy.
Zhang Ruochen turned around, watching the Heavenly Beginning Fairy's retreating figure, clutching the jade she had given him tightly in his hand, a slight smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
It wasn't until the Heavenly Beginning Fairy's figure had completely disappeared that Zhang Ruochen returned to Kong Lanyou and the others.
"Zhang Ruochen, we should be going too."
The Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden spoke, but it was Shengshu Cainü's voice that came out.
Zhang Ruochen immediately turned his gaze to the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden, Qing Xiao, and Bu Qianfan. "Why are you all in such a hurry to leave?"
"The court's war situation is urgent. How can we afford to be at ease?" the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden said somewhat helplessly.
Facing the frenzied attacks of the Hell Realm, the court's forces were already stretched thin. No one in the court was having an easy time.
This time, if not for the agreement of the Dripping Blood Sword's sword spirit, the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden, Qing Xiao, and Bu Qianfan wouldn't have been able to come and help Zhang Ruochen at all.
Qing Xiao nodded. "Yes, there are still too many matters at the court. None of us can afford to delay here too long. Besides, as long as Sixth Junior Brother is safe, I can rest assured."
"Hanxue, come and meet your Senior Grandmaster Uncle," Zhang Ruochen called out to Hanxue.
Hanxue quickly flashed over, bowed respectfully to Qing Xiao, and said, "Hanxue pays respects to Senior Grandmaster Uncle."
"No need for formalities. Sixth Junior Brother, you're truly impressive—not only are you strong yourself, but you've also taken on a formidable disciple. Master truly didn't misjudge you," Qing Xiao said with a laugh and a sigh.
Zhang Ruochen replied, "Although I accepted Hanxue as my disciple, I haven't taught her much. Over the years, she has been by Master's side."
"Is Master doing well?" Qing Xiao quickly asked.
Since the battle between Xuanji Sword Saint and Jiuyou Sword Saint back then, Qing Xiao had never seen Xuanji Sword Saint again. Although he knew that Xuanji Sword Saint had been saved by Zhang Ruochen, he didn't know the specifics of his condition.
Hanxue said, "Senior Grandmaster Uncle, rest assured. Grandmaster is doing well, but there are still some important matters he needs to attend to, so he cannot return for now."
Hearing this, Qing Xiao nodded. As long as he knew Xuanji Sword Saint was fine, there was nothing to worry about.
At this moment, Zhang Ruochen suddenly looked at the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden and said, "There's something I'd like to ask for your help with."
"Speak," the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden said.
Zhang Ruochen waved his hand, and a surge of Saint Qi emerged, quickly forming a chessboard.
On the chessboard was a peculiar game, with black and white stones interwoven.
This chess game was the one Zhang Ruochen had recorded in the Yao Chi, the game played by Ming Emperor and Qing Emperor.
In Zhang Ruochen's view, the playing styles of Ming Emperor and Qing Emperor were very strange, yet he couldn't pinpoint exactly what was strange about them.
Zhang Ruochen knew that Shengshu Cainü had extremely high attainments in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and might be able to see the secrets hidden within.
"Help me see what's strange about this chess game," Zhang Ruochen said seriously.
This chess game might be related to the mystery of Ming Emperor's disappearance, so he had to treat it with gravity.
In fact, even before Zhang Ruochen had spoken, the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden had already turned her gaze to the chessboard and was carefully examining it.
After a moment, the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden said somewhat oddly, "The playing style of this chess game is indeed very strange. Neither side wants to win; instead, they want to lose. That's why their playing style is so unusual. To be able to play a game like this, the two players are both very extraordinary."
Hearing this, Zhang Ruochen's heart shook violently, and he murmured to himself, "How could this be?"
He had personally witnessed Ming Emperor and Qing Emperor play chess three times, and each time the game had been very intense. He had originally thought that both wanted to win, so they had used all their skills.
But now it seemed that wasn't the case at all. The reason Ming Emperor and Qing Emperor played so fiercely was precisely because they both wanted to lose—they were forcing the other to win.
In a sense, this game should have been won by Ming Emperor, because Ming Emperor had been seeking defeat.
But Zhang Ruochen didn't understand why Ming Emperor and Qing Emperor had done this. What was the meaning of this game?
Was Ming Emperor's disappearance related to his success in seeking defeat?
For a moment, even more questions arose in Zhang Ruochen's heart, but he had no idea who to turn to for answers.
Clearly, no matter how talented Shengshu Cainü was, she could only interpret the playing style, not the intentions of the players.
"What's wrong with you?"
The Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden asked softly.
Zhang Ruochen immediately snapped back to reality and said, "It's nothing. I just suddenly thought of some things. Thank you for helping me solve this puzzle that has troubled me for a long time."
As he spoke, Zhang Ruochen waved his hand, causing the chessboard to dissipate.
"It's a small matter. We need to hurry back to the Central Imperial City. Take care of yourself. The Heavenly Realm Faction suffered a great loss this time, and they probably won't let things go easily."
The Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden earnestly advised.
Zhang Ruochen nodded. "I'm well aware of all this. I won't be careless. You all take care. If anything comes up, just send me a message."
The Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden gave a slight nod, then moved her body, ascending into the sky like a peerless goddess.
"Sixth Junior Brother, take care."
"Take care."
Qing Xiao and Bu Qianfan cupped their hands in farewell, then followed the Nine Heavens Mysterious Maiden.
...
From now on, chapters will be changed to 2000 words per chapter. Of course, they will definitely exceed 2000 words, and I'll try to write as much as possible. Next, as everyone can see, I will begin to write about some secrets from eight hundred years ago. Everyone, please look forward to it. While writing the new book, I won't forget the old book. Both books are equally important.
Of course, I still need to make another appeal for the new book. I ask everyone to go to QQ Reading and Chuangshi to support my new book, "The Legend of the Heavenly Emperor." It's full of excitement and won't disappoint you.