novelraw Chapter 773 403: Abbot, Is Su Mou's Reason Valid?_1
Chapter 773 403: Abbot, Is Su Mou's Reason Valid?_1
Xiao Ruoching spoke up for Mo Li. Mo Li subconsciously froze for a moment. Then, looking somewhat surprised, Mo Li glanced at Xiao Ruoching. Seeing no response from her, Mo Li paused briefly, surveyed the people in the courtyard, then took over the conversation and continued,
"The current chaos in the Eastern Country is inseparable from the South Country's instigation. You, Wuhua Palace, as the South Emperor's lapdog, seized the opportunity to join forces with West Wilderness Cultivators! You act arrogantly and haughtily, instigating the three princes to commit acts of violence and chaos—a huge bane to the common people! Now you, Ji Beiwang, muster troops and consider yourself too important, treating Queen Lin of the temporary court in Town Northern City as nothing! Together with Ji Tongzhi and Ji Pingsheng, you have maintained a standoff for a hundred years, causing the people to suffer and citizens to become homeless! You throw the world, human relations, the sovereign and ministers, and the laws of the court into chaos! This is high treason!
"Jinzu Court is fully aware of Wuhua Palace's actions yet willingly conspires with it. Where is your conscience? You, Wuhua Palace! And with Tianji Sect itself being the South Emperor's lapdog, these deeds you've committed..."
Su Bei stared blankly at the two women in the sky. He had never seen them in such a state before and, for a moment, didn't know what expression to wear.
Before Mo Li could finish, Ling Xu suddenly raised his voice, interrupting her,
"You two youngsters! How dare you! What collusion with West Wilderness Cultivators? Am I, Ling Xu, forbidden from going to North Zhi Mountain? Even if someone did see a West Wilderness Cultivator, it has nothing to do with Wuhua Palace! Do you believe you'll be leaving Jinzu Court today!?"
Abbot Wu Ji of Jinzu Court suddenly opened his eyes. Holding his prayer beads, a few strands of golden light burst from his eyes as he spoke solemnly,
"Is it because Sword Sect and Star Moon Sect are allies of Lin Jinyu, and Sword Sect holds an old grudge against Wuhua Palace, that you're forcing this blame onto Wuhua Palace? And because Miss Mo despises Wuhua Palace, you've implicated Jinzu Court as well, out of association? What now! Does Sword Sect also wish to join this turmoil and reap some benefits? Which side does Sword Sect truly support? It's understandable to want a share, but actions in this world require justification. At the very least, one must claim some righteousness, correct? Although Lin Jinyu is still the Empress, the moment Ji Nanjue revealed his identity, her title became meaningless. How could the Eastern Country be ruled by a woman again? I am curious... why are you two so aggressive here today..."
At this, Wu Ji raised his voice sharply,
"On what grounds do you make these claims!?"
BOOM.
In the sky, countless dazzling golden Buddhist lights suddenly erupted, obscuring the entire firmament. All the cultivators shielded their faces, not daring to open their eyes even a fraction. With Jinzu Court as the epicenter, countless pillars of light formed a circle, enclosing the Scripture Forward Hall at its heart.
Ling Xu's aura instantly erupted—majestic, overwhelming, as if he were enthroned between heaven and earth. He looked down upon Mo Li and Xiao Ruoching and spoke slowly, his voice booming like a great bell,
"You two deliberately chose the birthday of the Prince of Town Northern City to make such a high-profile appearance. Surely you must have some backing. Let me see just whose power you rely on!"
THUMP.
Two Tribulation-Crossing Stage auras instantly bore down on the two women. Unable to withstand the pressure, they involuntarily coughed up blood.
Behind Wu Ji, a hundred-zhang-tall golden Buddha materialized, hands clasped. He looked expressionlessly at the two women and said coolly,
"That person... isn't it time you revealed yourself?"
Everyone's heart leaped to their throat. Their eyes, filled with gravity, watched the unfolding scene. No one had expected a simple banquet to escalate like this. Now, Sword Sect had not only fallen out with Wuhua Palace but had also completely torn away all pretense with Jinzu Court. Was the equilibrium maintained by the Great Sects for hundreds of years about to be shattered today?
A cold wind began to blow.
CLANG.
Suddenly, a figure vanished from the crowd, leaving no trace.
The next moment, a familiar yet unfamiliar voice echoed throughout Jinzu Court. It was a voice unheard for a very long time, accompanied by the bitter chill of snowflakes that cut like blades!
"Summon the sword."
BOOM.
The ancient Sword Scabbard materialized from thin air, crashing heavily onto the snowy ground. It flew open and trembled violently. First, strands of green Sword Qi seeped from the Sword Box, casting a jade-green glow on the cultivators' cheeks. Then, a sky full of Sword Qi erupted mightily!
An Immortal Sword slowly rose from the Sword Box.
"The Qingping Sword!"
"Is that the Qingping Sword!?"
"Who is it!?"
The crowd erupted into a tumult, everyone staring intently at this Immortal Sword, which had vanished almost without a trace for nearly three hundred years.
"Could it be Shangguan Wendao gracing us with his presence?"
"How is that possible? Isn't he in Fury Sea City? How could he have time to come here?"
Ling Xu's eyes narrowed gravely as he stared at the Qingping Sword. Abbot Wu Ji's Buddha Eyes pierced the void. Upon seeing the person clearly, his body involuntarily trembled, his expression filled with utter disbelief.
How is this possible?
The snow fell heavier, angrier, as if roaring with fury!
From the vast snowstorm, a figure slowly emerged—unhurried, unperturbed, neither arrogant nor rash.
"By whose authority?"
"By whose authority does Su Mou's disciple act?"
Finally, as the snow lessened, the white-haired man slowly walked toward Ling Xu, gently repeating the question.
From the Sword Box, swords flew out one by one, circling him.
Laughing in the Spring Breeze, Divine Discretion, Missing Departure...
—The swords danced with joy.
"Su Mou greets you all."
Su Bei raised his head, gazed at the cultivators filling the sky, and smiled casually before presenting a sword.
It was as if he had returned to that moment, years ago, when he first held the Qingping Sword: walking on the snowy ground with unsteady steps, arms not fully extended, the longsword unsteady, even trembling slightly at his wrist. No sword technique, no Sword Intent, no sword heart, and certainly no so-called Sword Dao.
Yet, this single, simple sword thrust made all cultivators present feel as if they faced a formidable enemy. They retreated in horror, not daring to meet its edge directly!
The hundred-zhang golden Buddha behind Wu Ji actually developed minute cracks from within.
"Is that... Su Bei?!"
"It's Su Bei!?"
"How could it be him? Didn't he die long ago?"
After Su Bei finished speaking, he lightly stepped on the ground. Suddenly, it was as if a muted drumbeat echoed for ten thousand li. With him at the epicenter, countless cracks spread rapidly outward, and then the entire ground sank with a thunderous collapse!
"Abbot Wu Ji."
Su Bei looked up slightly at Wu Ji.
"You said, Abbot, that to contend for this world, one must at least have a just cause. At the bare minimum, one must stand on the side of righteousness, correct?"
As his voice fell, Su Bei surveyed the entirety of Jinzu Court. Two breaths later, he spoke softly,
"Nan Ji—the one you call Ji Nanjue—is Su Mou's wife. Su Mou is reclaiming the Eastern Country for his late wife. Abbot, this reason of Su Mou's... is it acceptable?"