NOVEL NEXT Chapter 23)
Though Xu Ziling and I mutually admire each other, we are merely confidant friends, not a romantic couple, and certainly not at the stage of discussing marriage. Village chief, let's not joke about such matters."
As she spoke, her delicate face was raised to meet the moonlight, radiating a sacred glow that discouraged any profane thoughts. With a slight frown, she continued, "As for He's Jade Disc, it is an artifact of the world's fortune, obtainable only by a True Dragon, otherwise, its possessor will suffer backlash. Village chief, are you also coveting this treasure?"
Jiang Dali snorted coldly, his expression turning icy, "What nonsense about backlash and being for a True Dragon only?
This village chief refuses to believe such superstition.
You reject this and reject that, yet still wish for this village chief's help? Is this your habitual scheme of Cihang Jingzhai to catch wolves with bare hands?"
"Miss Shi also petitions for the well-being of the people of Ming Country. Since the Black Wind Village Chief is unwilling to assist, why be so harsh with words?"
A voice suddenly carried over from beyond the deep courtyard walls, clear and distinct to the ear without the need for a loud shout.
Immediately, Jiang Dali felt a surge of momentum akin to Heavenly Human Communication, the power of Daoist natural, swelling forth from beyond the walls.
Almost simultaneously, the silhouette of an elder, dressed in flowing white and majestic as a mountain, appeared suddenly atop the courtyard wall, hands behind his back.
The sight of him, with five long strands of beard lightly fluttering in the wind, an ancient and sincere face with benevolent eyes, draped in a wide and thick brocade robe, wearing a tall hat with broad sashes.
An aura of heaven and earth naturallessly emanated from him, channeling seamlessly from Heavenly Spirit and Yongquan, forming almost a perfect closed loop with nature.
"San Daoist Ning Daoqi?!"
Jiang Dali's eyes gleamed as he assessed the newcomer, suddenly laughing and nodding, "I've heard of Ning Daoqi's reputation too, and now I finally meet you. They say you and Fairy Shi Feixuan are selecting a True Dragon to support in Tang Country, so?
This time, is the old man also here to ask me to deal with Zhu Wushi?"
"Village chief!"
At this moment, Xu Ziling's figure gracefully appeared through the back gate and entered the courtyard, paying respectful respects to Jiang Dali, earnestly pleading.
"Village chief, Feixuan has come this time with utmost sincerity, please don't make things difficult for her. I have never intended to disrespect Feixuan, thank you for your kind understanding."
Jiang Dali snorted coldly, "Xu Ziling, even at this point, you're still siding against me? Ask yourself honestly, does the Holy Daughter of Cihang Jingzhai not move you at all? If not, why are you so concerned?"
Xu Ziling was left speechless.
Jiang Dali chuckled lightly, "This village chief said he would meet Fairy Shi alone, yet you waited outside the wall, afraid perhaps I would harm your beloved? Step aside, this is not your place to interject."
"Hahaha."
Ning Daoqi smiled and shook his head, placing both hands together, his demeanor peaceful as he said, "Master Jiang, the beauty of fulfillment cannot be forced.
It is the nature of the Martial World people to be combative, but like the Way of Heaven, ultimately, only by going with the flow, devoid of desires and seeks, can one achieve true fruition."
"Hmm?"
Jiang Dali snorted coldly, his gaze sharp, sweeping towards Ning Daoqi with a sneer, "I've long heard that you, San Daoist, emphasize being desireless and detached, likened to Zhuang Zhou's grand vision, immersed in the world yet above it, adapting to nature's way.
If that is the case, why then have you strayed towards Buddhism, willing day and night to be used by Cihang Jingzhai as a pawn, helping what dragon?"
Ning Daoqi sighed, "It seems that you, Master Jiang, hold quite a prejudice against me and Cihang Jingzhai. If that's so, there's no need to say more today; matters of Ming Country shall end here."
"Hold on."
Just then, Shi Feixuan interjected, her gaze like a serene autumn moon falling on Jiang Dali, "I can agree to lend you He's Jade Disc temporarily.
As long as you agree to join forces against Zhu Wushi and hand over the Evil Emperor Relics. What say you, village chief?"
"Feixuan!"
Xu Ziling was moved.
He's Jade Disc, a creation of heaven and earth, indeed holds great Qi Fortune.
Shi Feixuan and Ning Daoqi have chosen to bestow He's Jade Disc to the True Dragon.
So the one who obtains He's Jade Disc naturally possesses the Qi Fortune to become the True Dragon Emperor.
It is a rare and precious treasure.
Yet now, there is willingness to lend such a heavy treasure to Jiang Dali, which is indeed a great sacrifice.
"For this village chief to give up the Evil Emperor Relics, only then would you lend He's Jade Disc to this village chief temporarily?"
Jiang Dali snickered, understanding Shi Feixuan's true intent.
Clearly.
The other purpose of this visit by Fairy Shi is to acquire the Evil Emperor Relics from his hands.
The Evil Emperor Relics is a sacred item of the Demon Sect.
The power within it can cultivate a generation of Demon Lords comparable to the Evil King Shi Zhixuan at any time.
If Cihang Jingzhai can take away this relic, it would undoubtedly be a significant blow to the Demon Sect.
Or perhaps, they intend to prevent him, the Black Wind Village Chief, from gaining the power of the Evil Emperor Relics. However, who would have thought, he, Jiang Dali, doesn't care at all.
Shi Feixuan said, "Village chief, your power is profound, and such an evil relic is merely superfluous for you. If you are willing to agree, Feixuan will soon present the He's Jade Disc."
"Alright!"
Jiang Dali's lips curled into a cold smile.
He reached into his bosom and pulled out the Evil Emperor Relics, which emitted a faint, peculiar light and ripple.
This action instantly drew the attention of the three present.
He smiled calmly yet confidently, "The relic is in my hand, but you, Fairy Shi, want to take it away with just lending He's Jade Disc? This deal is not equal in value.
How about this... you and this old Ning Daoqi came together, if you have the ability to take it from this village chief, this village chief will concede.
If you cannot take it, then you must hand over He's Jade Disc. In consideration of He's Jade Disc, this village chief will be willing to cooperate with you in the future, to deal with Zhu Wushi."
"Take the relic from your hands?!"
Shi Feixuan's eyes narrowed, looking towards Ning Daoqi beside her.
Ning Daoqi still held both hands together, but his eyes shone brightly, gazing at Jiang Dali, nodding, "It seems that Master Jiang is indeed very confident in your own strength, but you truly have that confidence. You killed the Evil King and then defeated Song Que, if it were not necessary, I would truly not wish to face you."
"So, you, San Daoist, are now willing to act for Cihang Jingzhai?"
Jiang Dali chuckled lightly, suddenly tossing the Evil Emperor Relics in his hand, directly over the eaves behind.
Shi Feixuan immediately took what seemed like two casual steps forward, instantly unleashing an extremely fierce momentum, enveloping Jiang Dali.
Almost at the same time, Ning Daoqi shot forward, his joined hands pulled apart, seemingly predicting every move Jiang Dali would make.
His posture was like pouncing yet not pouncing, slow yet fast.
The mysterious and unpredictable speed could cause one's head to split in pain, yet it was graceful to behold. Suddenly, he leaped into the air, pouncing down.
It was none other than the renowned martial art skill in the Martial World, Scattering Hand Eight Pounces!
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(Requesting monthly ticket and recommendation ticket! Next update at midnight. Strive for three updates with ten thousand words tomorrow. Requesting end-month monthly tickets!)