The Human Emperor c1-2382

by Huangfu Qi (皇甫奇)

  What kind of technique was this?

  Was this a technique that Su Zhengchen had comprehended recently? Was this a secret technique that he had never shown in front of others before?

  “Wait a moment!”

  Suddenly recalling something, a strange light appeared in Wang Chong’s eyes.

  “Art of Life Massacre? Art of God and Demon Obliteration? Life, god, and demon… Could it be that these two techniques are actually one and the same?”

  Remembering the ‘Little Yinyang Art’ and the ‘Great Yinyang Heaven Creation Art’, a new line of thinking formed in his mind. To cultivate the Great Yinyang Heaven Creation Art, one had to start from the Little Yinyang Art. The Little Yinyang Art was the fundamental formula, whereas the Great Yinyang Heaven Creation Art was the enhanced formula, the perfect version.

  Could Art of Demon and God Obliteration be the same as well?

  Thinking so, Wang Chong’s eyes slowly began to glow once more. The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed.

  Art of God and Demon Obliteration and Great Yinyang Heaven Creation Art were top-notch ultimate techniques of the same caliber. If Great Yinyang Heaven Creation Art obeyed such rules, it was highly possible that the Art of God and Demon Obliteration was the same.

  At this point, Wang Chong suddenly recalled something. Remembering his past life, after Su Zhengchen passed away, there was a rumor that stated that Su Zhengchen’s Art of God and Demon Obliteration actually consisted of two different ultimate techniques. In other words, it was a combination of two different ultimate techniques.

  However, the credibility of the rumor was placed in doubt and there wasn’t any evidence to back this theory. Thus, no one believed it back then.

  However, Wang Chong now found himself a believer.

  “There’s no mistake about it. That must be the case! There’s no reason for Elder Su Zhengchen to foist a meaningless technique on me!”

  The more he thought about it, the more certain he felt that his conjecture was correct.

  Wang Chong’s Origin Energy Tier 7 cultivation was still far too lacking, and even though it was decent among his peers, it wasn’t sufficient for him to learn those top-notch techniques.

  Even if Su Zhengchen were to give him the Art of God and Demon Obliteration now, he would be unable to cultivate it. It was just like how his teacher, the Demonic Emperor Old Man, gave him the Little Yinyang Art instead of the Great Yinyang Heaven Creation Art.

  “Great! My effort over the past few months has paid off!”

  Wang Chong thought in delight.

  Even though he had only obtained the foundational version, Art of Life Massacre, it was already a huge harvest. Since Su Zhengchen was willing to impart the Art of Life Massacre, there was a high chance he would willingly impart the Art of God and Demon Obliteration to him as well.

  “However, what would cause Elder Su to change his mind so abruptly?”

  After a moment of celebration, Wang Chong’s expression settled and instead a puzzled look emerged to take it’s place.

  The Art of God and Demon Obliteration was well-known for being nigh impossible to obtain in his previous life. Based on his knowledge, there were many talented and wise men who took on Su Zhengchen’s tests, only to be driven away in disappointment eventually.

  If it was so easy to obtain the Art of God and Demon Obliteration, it wouldn’t have disappeared with Su Zhengchen in his previous life. There wouldn’t be so many imperial offspring, scions, nobles, and martial arts geniuses distressed over it as well.

  Even though Wang Chong had spent several months playing chess with the former marshall, he knew that, compared to the efforts that others had put into coaxing Su Zhengchen, his were nothing at all. There shouldn’t be any reason why Su Zhengchen would make an exception and impart the technique so easily.

  “Could it be due to the regional commanders incident?”

  Thinking about it now, that should be the only possibility by which Su Zhengchen’s heart would be moved, and he would impart the primary formula for the Art of God and Demon Obliteration.

  Su Zhengchen might have suffered great injustices in his life, but his loyalty toward his nation had never faltered. He even gave his life fighting on the battlefield to save the civilians of the country he loved.

  Such a respectable person wouldn’t look just at talent when assessing candidates to determine suitability for being his disciple.

  The only possibility that Wang Chong could think of was the memorial that he submitted. Only this could explain why Su Zhengchen would favor him over all the other candidates.

  “…To think that that single action of mine would bring me the acknowledgement of Su Zhengchen as well!”

  Coming to a realization, Wang Chong was filled with complex emotions.

  Back then, when he sent the memorial, all he had been thinking about was how to prevent a future tragedy from occurring. Su Zhengchen had never been part of his calculations then. Yet, this one action had served as an impetus, earning that great ex-war god’s acknowledgement.

  Without that incident, even another half a year spent accompanying Su Zhenchen probably wouldn’t have accomplished anything noticeable for Wang Chong.

  However, knowing the man’s nature, this probably wasn’t the end of his tests yet. To obtain the complete formula, he would probably have to put in much more effort.

  “Regardless, I have to obtain the complete version of Art of God and Demon Obliteration.”

  Wang Chong swiftly calmed down and closed his hands, grasping the white stone tightly. Subconsciously scanning around the room, he realized that the opposite end was now empty. Su Hanshan had already left the room early in the morning.

  All that remained was the bloodsoaked robe he wore yesterday night.

  “He must be at the cultivation chamber on Kunwu’s main peak.”

  Wang Chong hazarded a guess. On the main peak of Kunwu Training Camp was an inscribed formation that gathered Origin Energy from the surroundings, thus allowing one to cultivate at a much faster pace there.

  It was the most popular location in the entire camp, and there was a high likelihood that Su Hanshan was there as well.

  Chapter 222: Cleaning Up the Aftermath

  Chapter 222: Cleaning Up the Aftermath

  With no one else around to bother him within the room, Wang Chong swiftly calmed his thoughts and began to decipher the hundred-word sutra in his head.

  Art of Life Massacre formed the foundation of a top-notch ultimate technique. Even though it only consisted of a hundred words, the intent and profundity behind it was far superior to all techniques Wang Chong had learned before.

  “Art of Life Massacre, slaying all lives that stand in one’s way… This ultimate technique that Elder Su created is quite domineering. It’s no wonder why he’s careful in imparting it to others.”

  Wang Chong thought.

  This sutra was only the very first layer of the Art of Life Massacre. Judging from the killing intent concealed within the white stone, it was very likely for there to be an even higher level sutra hidden deeper within. However, just the majestic and domineering intent from these first hundred words were sufficient to shock one.

  ‘The heartless heavens view all lifeforms as nothing more than dust’, this is the true essence of the universe.

  And this was the true intent that flowed through the hundred words of Su Zhengchen’s sutra. It carried a majestic aura that viewed all lifeforms as nothing more than dust.

  If this was only the first layer, it was difficult to imagine how powerful one could get by mastering the final layer of the technique, the Art of Demon and God Obliteration.

  It didn’t take long for Wang Chong to reach a state of imperturbability, focusing his entire attention into deciphering and comprehending the technique. The more profound a martial art was, the more difficult it would be to comprehend it. From another perspective, this might be another of Su Zhengchen’s tests.

  Time
creeped by, and a long time later, a surge of exhaustion suddenly overwhelmed his thoughts. Slowly, he opened his eyes.

  “Looks like I’ll have to stop here for the moment. Su Zhengchen’s martial art is simply too taxing on the mind!”

  Wang Chong noted.

  The Art of Life Massacre was different from his teacher’s Little Yinyang Art. It focused less on the technique itself and, instead, delved deeper into the manipulation of one’s origin energy. Such techniques tended to be more profound and, thus, more difficult to cultivate.

  At least, in terms of difficulty, the Art of Life Massacre was way above that of the Little Yinyang Art.

  Meditating on the spot, only when Wang Chong felt as though his spirit had fully recovered did he finally open his eyes once more.

  “Come in!”

  Wang Chong spoke with his gaze directed at the door.

  Huala!

  Many silhouettes appeared in the formerly empty doorway and entered. Zhao Jingdian, Zhuang Zhengping, Chi Weisi, Xu Qi, Gao Feng, and Chen Burang—all of them had fought at his side last night. Their faces were still a little pale, but after a night of rest, they were in much better condition than before.

  “Gongzi!”

  As soon as they walked in, they hurriedly lowered their heads respectfully. They bowed not just to his prestigious background, but more importantly, to Wang Chong’s performance yesterday. He had won all of their respect.

  Yesterday, as the arrows fell and the ground forces poured in, many panicked. Only Wang Chong managed to maintain his composure, organize everyone, build a defense line, and eventually, launch a counterattack. Only Wang Chong.

  If not for him, who knew how many people would have died last night? It was no exaggeration to say that Wang Chong had saved all of their lives.

  “Sit down!”

  Wang Chong gestured to the space beside him.

  “Chi Weisi, how are your wounds?”

  “I’m still fine. Even though the arrow impaled my shoulder yesterday, I’ve already informed my clan to deliver some bone mould over. As long as I remould the bone, the shoulder should work just fine.”

  Chi Weisi replied. A tinge of gratitude could be heard in his tone. If not for Wang Chong’s idea to build a fortress out of his living quarters, allowing him to rest protected in the center cage, it was truly hard to tell whether he would still be breathing now.

  For this reason, Chi Weisi felt exceptionally grateful to Wang Chong.

  “Can you still endure?”

  “There should be no problem.”

  Chi Weisi hurriedly replied. The Three Great Training Camps were an initiative that the Sage Emperor was watching closely. Should he return home to recuperate right after its opening, it would reflect badly on him and his clan.

  Besides, warriors of the Chi Clan never retreated in the face of adversity. As a Chi Clan member, naturally, Chi Weisi would never allow himself to be a coward either.

  “That’s good.”

  Wang Chong firmly nodded his head.

  The Zhuang Clan and Chi Clan had given him two huge ‘gifts’ yesterday to indicate their intention to stand beside him. Going by the conventional rules of the capital, it was likely that Zhuang Zhengping and Chi Weisi would become his future ‘aides’ on the battlefield, assuming nothing goes wrong. So, it was only right for Wang Chong to show his concern for the latter.

  “Chi Weisi, can you contact your family once more and have them dispatch some of their steel guards over?”

  Wang Chong asked.

  “Gongzi, do you mean that those people will return?”

  Chi Weisi’s expression darkened. His wasn’t the only expression that changed at those words, the faces of the entire group quickly warped as well.

  In truth, the other reason they’d gathered was to pool their information on the major incident that happened yesterday night. Given that Wang Chong’s big uncle was an influential official in the royal court, he was the one most likely to know something.

  But, Wang Chong’s response had caught everyone off guard. Thinking about last night’s attack left shivers running up and down their spines. Those powerful master archers were still way beyond their present strength.

  None of them would be able to take it if another such battle occurred.

  “That’s not what I mean!”

  Wang Chong shook his head grimly.

  “But, as the old adage goes, better safe than sorry. If anyone has available experts in their household, it would be wise to have them stationed here. At the very least, if something were to happen, we wouldn’t be as vulnerable as we were last night. Besides, those people even dared to attack a training camp that’s only a short hop from the capital. Who could guarantee that they won’t attempt it a second time?”

  The future had already changed. So, Wang Chong couldn’t use his prior knowledge to assess the present. The matter yesterday had given Wang Chong a wake-up call. Even if the Kunwu Training Camp had experts all around, he should still make precautions of his own.

  Being careful isn’t a mistake!

  “Steel guards… It shouldn’t be a problem. However, every single steel guard of our clan is highly valued, so I think they would only dispatch two or maybe three at a maximum.”

  Hearing Wang Chong’s reply, Chi Weisi heaved a sigh of relief. A contemplative look slowly emerged on his face.

  The axe-wielding steel guards of the Chi Clan were famous for their bravery on the battlefield. However, it was by no means easy to train one. Every single steel guard was a valuable asset to the clan.

  With Chi Weisi’s standing, it would be difficult for him to mobilize the steel guards. However, it would be different if Wang Chong was behind him. Given that it was a request from the potential successor of the Wang Clan, they surely wouldn’t reject it. After all, this was aligned with their political strategy.

  Better yet for Chi Weisi, having a few powerful steel guards under his command would also boost his standing in the clan significantly. As such, he was all too eager to support this initiative.

  “Un, even two or three would suffice.”

  Wang Chong didn’t say much. The Chi Clan’s steel guards were incredibly strong, and this wasn’t just limited to their personal strength. They were equipped with the finest armor, crafted fully of Xuan metal. Even a master archer would find it hard to penetrate their defense.

  With them around, Wang Chong and the others would have a few more chips in their hands.

  “Zhuang Zhengping, is it possible for you to mobilize the steel cavalry experts of your clan?”

  Wang Chong asked.

  While there was a limit to the utility of cavalry given the mountainous geographical terrain, the Zhuang Clan’s steel cavalry might prove useful for them in escaping from Kunwu Training Camp.

  One must consider the aftermath of failure, and prepare for it, before considering victory.

  Their usefulness was just severely curtailed in comparison to the Chi Clan’s steel guards.

  “No problem. I’ll make the request to my clan. It shouldn’t an issue.”

  Zhuang Zhengping replied without hesitation. Unlike Chi Weisi, Zhuang Zhengping possessed a significantly higher standing in his clan. After yesterday’s incident, even if Wang Chong didn’t raise the subject, he would probably do so anyway.

  “Right, gongzi! It’s been several hours since the assault by the Turks and Goguryeons. Any news yet on how the royal court intends to deal with the matter?”

  Zhuang Zhengping’s words immediately caused all eyes in the room to focus on Wang Chong in expectation.

  This clearly reflected Wang Chong’s standing among the group.

  With Wang Chong’s prestigious standing and his outstanding performance last night, he had already built his first team of military aides. Though it had barely taken shape and it was still very weak, he was at least on the right track already.

  “Oh, there should be no need to worry about this. The royal court will deal with the matter appro
priately, and the families of those students who died in the tragedy will be allocated suitable compensation.”

  Hualala. A flapping of wings suddenly descended from the sky above everyone’s heads and this immediately drew their attention.

  Lifting their heads, they glimpsed a snow-white pigeon that had appeared in the airspace above Wang Chong’s roof. The room, be it the walls or the roof, was filled with countless holes after the huge battle yesterday night. Wang Chong’s room had been an especially favored target for the enemy master archers.

  The pigeon had no trouble flying in through a gigantic hole left behind by the barrage of wolf fang arrows and landed on Wang Chong’s palm.

  “It’s a carrier pigeon from big uncle.”

  Glancing briefly at the telltale markings on the pigeon’s neck, he stretched out his free hand and removed a neatly-rolled note from its leg.

  Smoothing it out, the handwriting appeared forceful and a hint of authority seemed to radiate from the letter. With just a glance, it was clear that it wasn’t written by someone ordinary. Everyone seemed to have realized that the note contained something important, and they hurriedly turned their gazes over.

  “There’s fresh news on events!”

  After perusing the letter Big Uncle Wang Gen sent over, Wang Chong looked visibly relaxed.

  “There’s been some response from the royal court’s side. Families of students who died will be compensated generously, and direct kin will be granted special grooming. Furthermore, the royal court has decided to dispatch the Imperial Army’s Quill Regiment, stationing fifty master archers on every single peak. Other than that, due to the overwhelming number of casualties, it’s been decided to hold a second round of recruitment!”

  “With regards to the assault from the Eastern and Western Turkic Khaganate and the Goguryeo Empire, the royal court has decided to send Protector-General Zhang Shougui of the Eastern Protectorate Manor as well as the armies of the Southern Protectorate Manor to wage war against them. We’ll punish them for their actions, so as to deter such incidents from occurring again!”