Meanwhile, Qi Fei and Gu Yinzhang were also on their way to Tianchan Temple.

Qi Fei was always in a good mood whenever he was with a beautiful woman, and even walking felt very light and easy.

Cuiwei Mountain, Jinding Mountain, and Yuding Mountain are all very close to each other. Half an hour later, Qi Fei and Gu Yinzhang had already climbed the stone steps of Jinding Mountain.

Jinding Mountain boasts beautiful scenery and is a place of auspicious geomancy. It is a place where the spirits of nature are concentrated, and it is no wonder that the Buddhist patriarch built the Great Zen Temple here. It is truly a place where you can see all the mountains from the top. Standing on the mountain, you can take in the scenery for miles around.

Qi Fei carried the Panlong Sword on his back and held Gu Yinzhang’s hand as they walked along the mountain path. They would occasionally glance at each other, their affection for one another overflowing, and they both felt that life was so beautiful.

Suddenly, Qi Fei faintly heard the sounds of fighting coming from halfway up the mountain. He listened intently for a moment and then exclaimed, “It’s my mother! Oh no, she’s encountered a formidable enemy. That person’s skills are no less than my mother’s!”

Upon learning that Feng Liyao was ahead, Qi Fei couldn’t wait any longer and used his lightness skill to rush towards the end of the mountain path.

“Don’t worry, His Majesty is highly skilled in martial arts and will be fine for a while…” Gu Yinzhang quickly followed, thinking to himself, what kind of formidable enemy could fight Feng Liyao to a draw?

Qi Fei and Feng Liyao were only a few dozen feet apart. After running along the mountain path for a while, the two figures soon appeared in front of Qi Fei. One was in black and the other in yellow, and they were moving back and forth on the mountain path, occasionally exchanging moves. Powerful waves of energy spread around them, destroying the surrounding vegetation and making the stone-paved mountain path full of potholes. Sand and stones flew everywhere, sweeping in all directions.

“Mother, I’m here!” Upon seeing Feng Liyao, Qi Fei didn’t say a word. He immediately patted the Panlong Sword on his back and rushed forward to help her.

Seeing that reinforcements had arrived, Jiang Yuangong forced Feng Liyao back with a single move, then landed on a protruding rock and asked, “Your Majesty, do you intend to continue?”

Feng Liyao glanced at him, then looked at Qi Fei, grabbed him with one hand, and stopped him from going forward.

Qi Fei drew his sword and pointed it directly at Jiang Yuangong, shouting, “Where did this old man come from, daring to lay a hand on my mother? I’ll beat you until you’re crying for your father and mother!”

Jiang Yuangong glanced at Qi Fei and saw that he was a master of the Innate Realm. He was initially unimpressed, but after a few more glances, his expression suddenly changed. The more he looked at him, the more alarmed he became. He couldn’t help but lean forward and say, “So it was you!”

Qi Fei was surprised to hear this: “You old bastard, you recognize me? I’ve never seen you before!”

Jiang Yuangong paused slightly, then suddenly burst into laughter. His aged voice startled countless birds in the forest. He pointed at Qi Fei and said, “That’s right, that’s right! You’ve been crippled… No wonder… With your current strength, how could you possibly contend with my Heavenly Gang Earthly Fiend Demonic Art? What a pity, what a pity…”

Hearing his nonsense, Qi Fei angrily said, “I, Qi the Great Hero, am the best in the world in martial arts. How could I be no match for you? Come on, let’s have a match!”

Jiang Yuangong was not angry, but just laughed and said, “Hero Qi…hehe, you shouldn’t have stood with this woman. She’s the one who ruined you like this.”

Seeing that his words were becoming increasingly absurd, Qi Fei hurriedly said, “Nonsense! How could my mother possibly harm me! If you dare to talk nonsense again, I’ll cut out your tongue!”

Jiang Yuangong looked up at the sky, put his hands behind his back, and said calmly, “In the eyes of ordinary people, a lifetime is no more than a hundred years. But in the eyes of us celestial beings, time has no meaning, because life is eternal. You and I are all eternal. All birth, aging, sickness, and death, and the cycle of all things, are just changes. No matter how they change, they are essentially the same…”

Qi Fei was bewildered by these philosophical words: “This great hero doesn’t understand. Can you speak like a human being?”

Jiang Yuangong smiled slightly, looked at Qi Fei, and said in a calm tone, “Brother Qi, although you have repeatedly crossed us brothers, I hope you can believe me. I have no hatred or malice towards you, because you have only been used by others. I hope you can join our Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiends Demons. I can find a way to help you regain your strength. Let us work together to eliminate evil in the world, create a new era, and build a new world. What do you say?”

“You’re the Heavenly Fiends and Earthly Demons?” Qi Fei glared and said, “What nonsense are you spouting! Aren’t you all evil? Xia Yushu and his gang are evil beings. You should eliminate that kid first!”

Jiang Yuangong sighed, “You don’t understand. You possess brute strength but lack the wisdom to match it; this is truly the biggest joke in the world… Heh, there are many things in this world that are not as simple as people imagine. There are many people you cannot see through. Many people appear upright on the surface but are actually more treacherous than anyone else. Some things seem to be clearly distinguishable between good and evil, but in reality, it is difficult to discern the truth from the falsehood. People are most easily deceived by appearances… In short, I hope you can trust me and stand on my side. This will benefit you, me, and the entire world…”

Qi Fei had no intention of listening to his long-winded explanation; all he could see was his woman. He brandished the Panlong Sword and said, “I’ll believe you if you let me cut off your head!”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuangong chuckled, sighed, and then looked at Feng Liyao, saying, “It’s still the Empress who has done a good job of training us.”

Feng Liyao looked at the sun in the sky and said nonchalantly, “You can tell him everything and see if he will leave me.”

“Brilliant, truly brilliant…” Jiang Yuangong was speechless. He turned around, his figure flickered, and he disappeared from the spot.

As soon as the other person left, Qi Fei felt a sense of relief. He put away the Panlong Sword, turned around and hugged Feng Liyao, saying, “Mom, I missed you so much!”

Feng Liyao patted his head and said gently, “Good boy.”

At this moment, Gu Yinzhang also arrived and stepped forward, saying, “Your Majesty.”

Feng Liyao nodded and was about to lead the two to continue climbing the mountain when suddenly a hissing sound rang out. The three looked up and saw long snakes emerging from the forest, some hanging on the trees and some lying on the ground.

Immediately afterwards, a tall, black figure darted out of the woods, quickly stepped forward, and said, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Qi Fei glanced at her and saw that it was Fang Huaxian. He quickly said, “Sister Fang, what are you doing here? Where are my sisters?”

Fang Huaxian was slightly out of breath. She covered her chest to calm herself before saying, “It’s a long story…”

Soon, Fang Huaxian recounted the whole story.

It turned out that after Feng Jueqing led his men to chase the people of the Tianxia Dynasty and went up to Jinding Mountain, Feng Jueqing and his group did not directly fight them. Instead, they planned to wait for Xia Yushu’s people to have a conflict with Dachan Temple before taking the opportunity to catch them off guard.

Unexpectedly, after entering the Great Zen Temple, Xia Yushu did not clash with the monks at all. Instead, he seemed to mingle with them. Not only that, even the people from the Shaoyue Sect joined the Great Xia Dynasty’s camp.

Upon seeing this, Kazami Haru quickly led the group of experts to withdraw from the area of ​​the Great Zen Temple.

After all, the experts from Dachan Temple and Shaoyue Sect are not to be trifled with. Together they form a formidable force. At most, the group of experts led by Feng Jianqing can only fight Xia Yushu’s forces to a standstill, and that’s about it.

Kazami Haruka and the others discussed it and decided to find a place to set up camp nearby and observe the situation.

After a full day of rest, everyone had recovered to a considerable extent. At the same time, Kazami Sei was basically certain that the Great Zen Temple and the Shaoyue Sect had indeed joined the Great Xia Dynasty.

After saying that, Fang Huaxian added, “Your Majesty, you probably don’t know who the abbot of Tianchan Temple and the leader of Shaoyue Sect are today.”

Qi Fei asked curiously, “Who is it?”

Fanghua Xiandao said, “It’s Bai Bufan and Yuan Fuyao!”

The group was taken aback upon hearing this. Qi Fei said, “I’ve met Yuan Fuyao. Rumors in the martial arts world said he was dead, but I didn’t expect him to still be alive! But Bai Bufan becoming a monk is quite amusing, haha!” He was unaware of the changes in Yuan Fuyao and Bai Bufan and still thought he could manipulate them at will.

Feng Liyao pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, “Besides Bai Bufan and Yuan Fuyao, have you found any other suspicious people at the Dachan Temple and Shaoyue Sect?”

Fang Huaxian said, “Nothing has been found. What does Your Majesty mean?”

Feng Liyao recalled Jiang Yuangong’s words and suspected that there was more than one Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend Demon. Especially after Bai Bufan and Yuan Fuyao took control of the two Jianghu forces, the Great Zen Temple and the Shaoyue Sect, she became even more certain of her conjecture.

“Qing’er did a good job, she didn’t act rashly.” Feng Liyao was very satisfied with Feng Jianqing’s decision. As expected of the girl she had personally trained, she was not comparable to ordinary people.

Fang Huaxian smiled and said, “It’s good that His Majesty has arrived. Right now, all the experts of the Great Xia Dynasty are gathered at the Great Zen Temple. I wonder what they are plotting. Should we wipe them out in one fell swoop?”

Feng Liyao said, “It’s not that easy. Jiang Yuangong has already gone to Da Chanshou, and I suspect that there is more than one Tiangang and Disha demon in the world. The enemy’s strength is greater than we imagined. It would be very dangerous to launch an attack at this time.”

Fang Huaxian asked, “So His Majesty means… to withdraw?”

Feng Liyao nodded and said, “Take me to find Qing’er and the others first, and we’ll talk after we meet up.”

“Come with me.”

Fang Huaxian led the three of them into the depths of the dense forest.

Jinding Mountain is majestic and magnificent, connecting Yuyu Mountain and Cuiwei Mountain. Several mountains are connected together, stretching for hundreds of miles, covering a very wide area. Although Dachan Temple is built on Jinding Mountain, it cannot encompass the entire area of ​​Jinding Mountain.

There are many places in the mountains inhabited by venomous snakes and ferocious beasts. Ordinary martial arts masters dare not venture deep into the mountains, for fear of being poisoned by miasma or attacked by wild beasts and venomous snakes.

However, this environment is extremely advantageous to the people of the Five Immortals Sect, as they can use their unique secret techniques to control all the poisonous creatures in the mountains.

About half an hour later, Qi Fei and his group arrived at a mountain stream. There were waterfalls and springs, shady trees, fragrant flowers, beautiful scenery, and a pleasant environment.

The afternoon sun slanted down and sprinkled into the pool, creating a magnificent seven-colored rainbow.

Qi Fei stood on a large rock and looked towards the spring. He saw a group of laughing beauties dressed in colorful gauze skirts and stockings gathered around a bonfire, enjoying a picnic. The aroma of wild game wafted around them.

These beauties were none other than the top experts from Kun Kingdom: Feng Jianqing, Leng Shuxue, Zuo Meihong, Ye Ruiyun, Li Yuyao, Li Huiyu, Shen Xiangxiang, Mei’er, as well as Yu Youyang and Ji Qiujun, including Granny Honglian.

“What kind of meat are you eating? Is there any for me?” Qi Fei shouted.

“Senior brother, you’re here!” Li Yuyao saw Qi Fei and waved to him with a smile.

The women all stood up and looked over. When they saw Feng Liyao arrive, they all stepped forward to greet her. Only Granny Honglian was somewhat embarrassed; if Zuo Meihong hadn’t been there, she would have left long ago.

Qi Fei leaped down from the large rock and came to the fire. He saw a large wild boar skewered on a rack. The grass was roasted until it was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, but it didn’t look like they had started eating it yet.

Qi Fei couldn’t resist reaching out to grab it, but Li Huiyu quickly reminded him, “Be careful, it’ll burn your hand.”

Feng Liyao glanced around and, seeing that everyone was alright, felt relieved and smiled, “It’s great that everyone is here. Let’s eat first, and chat while we eat.” She then sat down.

The women gathered around, helping to remove pieces of meat from the roast pig and distribute them to everyone. The group enjoyed the roast pork together in a cheerful atmosphere.

Seeing that Grandma Honglian was standing still, Feng Liyao smiled and said, “I have long heard that Grandma Honglian’s ‘Flame Extinguishing Skill’ is famous throughout the world. Did you start this fire, Grandma?”

Grandma Honglian had previously sided with the Gan Dynasty and the Kun Kingdom because of Zuo Meihong’s situation, but now, in order to save Zuo Meihong, she is siding with the Kun Kingdom and the Great Xia Dynasty, putting her in a somewhat awkward position.

Seeing that the dignified Empress Feng Liyao was humble and unpretentious, he felt a bit closer to her and said, “It’s just a trivial skill, how could it possibly catch the Empress’s eye?”

Feng Liyao said, “There are many extraordinary skills in the world, but only you, Grandma, and the Snow Mountain Nun are able to cultivate the essence of water and fire. You are truly admirable.”

“Oh, no, no…” Grandma Honglian blushed a little from the praise. She was over fifty years old, but she was actually a little shy. In addition, she was wearing a red dress and her face was fair and beautiful. She looked like a beautiful mature woman, and her whole body exuded a charming charm.

Feng Liyao said, “Now that the Heavenly Fiends and Earthly Demons are using the Great Xia Dynasty as their base, they want to poison the world. Grandma, with your unique skills, don’t you want to do anything for the common people?”

Grandma Honglian was also a person who hated evil as much as she wanted. She snorted coldly, “If it really is a demon from three hundred years ago who is causing chaos in the world, as a martial artist, I will naturally rid the people of this scourge!”

Feng Liyao said, “Why don’t you join us, Grandma? I will never treat you unfairly.”

“This…” Grandma Honglian hesitated.

“Join us, Grandma…” Everyone crowded around, pulling at Grandma Honglian and praising her.

Indeed, it is a good thing that Kun Kingdom has gained a master like Granny Honglian to join them. Their strength in fighting against the Great Xia will be increased, and they should try to win her over.

“I… alright…” Grandma Honglian couldn’t resist the crowd’s soft words. She was stern on the outside but soft on the inside, and was quickly persuaded by everyone. She said that she would follow Feng Liyao’s arrangements and fight against Da Xia.

Zuo Meihong was overjoyed; she was finally free from this dilemma.

Feng Liyao glanced at the oldest person present, Granny Honglian, then withdrew her gaze and explained her previous conjecture to everyone. She then said, “Don’t underestimate the Great Xia Dynasty just because it has only recently been restored. The real mastermind behind it is actually the Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend Demons. Those demons are cold-blooded and ruthless, extremely powerful, and numerous. We must not underestimate them.”

Fanghua Xiandao said, “That’s right, Long Zhanye is one of them.”

Feng Liyao said, “I suspect that there are other demons hiding in the shadows, not just him. Therefore, we must be careful in every action we take and must not make any mistakes. I don’t want to lose any of you. Although we are ruler and subject, I actually regard you as sisters or even family.”

Everyone smiled. Although Feng Liyao was the Empress of Kun Kingdom, she was indeed very approachable and did not act superior to her subordinates at all.

In a cheerful atmosphere, everyone finished eating a plump roasted wild boar, and they all felt very full.

Feng Liyao stood up and said, “Everyone, let’s go down the mountain and retreat to Yunzhou City first. If anything happens, I will send you a message by carrier pigeon.”

Ji Qiujun asked, “Doesn’t His Majesty intend to leave with us?”

Feng Liyao said, “I’ll take another look.” She planned to find an opportunity to bring Wang Wanru over.

Everyone knew she possessed unparalleled martial arts skills and extraordinary wisdom, so they weren’t worried about her. Qi Fei, however, said, “That won’t do! I want to stay with Mother too!”

Feng Liyao glanced at him, a faint smile appearing on her lips, and said, “Alright.”

Qi Fei was delighted upon hearing this, rubbing his hands together eagerly, seemingly lost in thought.

At that moment, everyone except Feng Liyao headed down the mountain, intending to leave Jinding Mountain and return to Yunzhou City first.

The mountains were teeming with poisonous creatures, so Fang Huaxian led the way, ensuring the insects would clear a path for them. Feng Jianjing and Li Yuyao brought up the rear, the two sisters hand in hand, traversing the dense forest.

Suddenly, with a “whoosh,” a white shadow leaped across the tree.

Li Yuyao exclaimed, “Look! A snow fox! I never expected to find a snow fox here. It’s so cute!”

Kazami Haru looked up and, sure enough, saw a snow fox leaping back and forth not far away.

She laughed and said, “Sister, watch me catch it for you!” In a flash, she returned to Li Yuyao with a snow fox in her hand. The snow fox had bright eyes and made soft “whimpering” sounds, struggling occasionally.

Li Yuyao took the snow fox from her hand, stroked its fur, and felt its softness and warmth. After playing with it for a while, she said, “It must have parents and children too, so let’s release it…” After saying that, she let go of the snow fox, which immediately leaped from her hand and darted into the dense forest, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

Kazami Haru shook her head. This little girl is good in every way, except that she’s too kind-hearted.

By this time, Fang Huaxian and the others had already disappeared from sight. Feng Jianqing and Li Yuyao quickly followed. After walking a short distance, Feng Jianqing suddenly stopped, touched her clothes, and said, “I think I forgot a gold chain in the mountain stream. I have to go back and get it. You can go down the mountain with them first.”

After saying that, she turned around and went back.

“Ah? I…” Li Yuyao looked at Feng Jianqing who had disappeared into the dense forest, turned around and looked ahead, but there was no one there either. Fang Huaxian and the others had all disappeared.

Birdsong and strange “coo-coo-coo” sounds came from the mountains from time to time, which made Li Yuyao feel a little scared. She mustered her courage and went down the mountain, but unfortunately there was no mountain path and she had no idea where to go. Before long, she got lost and wandered around in the mountains, unable to tell which way was which.

…