Chapter 269

The emperor and his favorite official were playing chess in a side hall of the palace.

Outside the side hall was a garden of considerable size.

Ye Kuhong had looked carefully when he came in secretly, and saw that all the guards and eunuchs were waiting outside the garden for their summons.

He began to feel surprised, and then saw that the emperor and Hamal were affectionate with each other. He then understood that the emperor probably wanted to have a sweet love affair away from prying eyes.

But who knew that he would jump off the roof with such aplomb, and a shout of 鈥淒aring assassin, how dare you trespass in the palace!鈥� resounded in the side hall.

Ye Guhong was extremely shocked. He thought to himself, 鈥淭his side hall is empty, who could have avoided my detection?鈥�

Looking around, he saw a magnificent mural painted with scenes of bliss on the wall, and a high-hat foreign monk surrounded by many young maidens offering sacrifices suddenly 鈥渨alked鈥� off the painting.

The emperor screamed, 鈥淢aster, this person is so bold, don’t kill him easily, capture him alive, I want to toy with him.鈥�

Ye Guhong frowned and looked, and saw that the Buddhist monk was about sixty years old, two zhang tall, extremely thin, but his bones and muscles were like iron. He gathered his spirit and stared intently. He had not moved or spoken before, hiding in the painting, and there was not the slightest movement of his breathing or heartbeat. Otherwise, how could he have fooled Ye Guhong?

At the moment, he stepped down from the painting. Between his breaths, his heartbeat was like a drum, his blood surging like a tide, his vitality was overwhelming. He knew that he must have practiced a very powerful secret technique.

The monk with the high nose and deep eyes, looking half-smiling, nodded and pointed at Ye Guhong, saying, 鈥淵ou young man are blessed with good fortune indeed, having raised such a wonderful child. Unfortunately, you have offended the living Buddha, the current emperor, and committed an infinite evil that cannot be expiated by death. If you know what’s good for you, you will take me as your master, and I will beg the emperor to spare you from suffering in the endless hells and take you to my happy Buddhist country to enjoy freedom.”

Ye Kuhong had offended the emperor to his face, and this old Buddhist monk dared to make a big promise in front of the emperor. The emperor, who was listening nearby, didn’t say a word, and his treatment and favor could be seen.

Ye Guhong could not help but exclaim in amazement: 鈥淚 have long heard that the Tartar court respects Sangpo, the nephew and grandson of Pasipa, as the national teacher. Later, I heard that there was a demon monk named Yang Lianzhenjia, who also became the national teacher. Judging from the manner in which you behave, this Buddhist monk is no small fry. Could it be that you are also some kind of national teacher?鈥�

Upon hearing this, the monk smiled and applauded, nodding and saying, 鈥淵ou are young but have good insight. Let me explain. Living Buddha Sangpo was in charge of the military and political affairs of the former Tubo Kingdom and the affairs of Buddhism in the world. Later, Yang Lian became accomplished in his practice and shared the affairs of Buddhism. However, what they were in charge of were all worldly affairs, while what I was in charge of were heavenly affairs. I, Jialin Zhen, am not called the National Teacher, but the True Teacher of the Emperor. If you join my school, you will be the junior of the current Emperor.”

Ye Kuhong laughed, 鈥業n that case, you are even more powerful than the National Teacher.鈥�

Jialin Zhen thought he was moved, opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue, smiling, 鈥漎oung man, if you sincerely convert, come suck on my pestle and redeem your former sins.鈥�

Ye Guhong’s eyes changed, and he felt as if countless poisonous snakes had crawled across his skin. In an instant, his body was covered in sweat, and all of his hair stood on end. He angrily said, 鈥淥ld dog, how dare you insult me!鈥�

As he raised his hand, an invisible palm force shot out.

Jialinzhen frowned, his feet moved, and he sidestepped.

Ye Guhong drew back his palm, and the force of his palm rapidly turned, and with a pop, an invisible ear-explosion sounded on Jialinzhen’s face. The old monk never expected that his palm force would twist from his heart, and he immediately stumbled.

The emperor exclaimed in alarm, 鈥淢aster!鈥�

The old foreign monk touched his face, looking a little surprised, and looked up and down at Ye Guhong, saying, 鈥淣o wonder you dared to break into the palace alone, you really are bold with your high level of skill. If you use this skill well, it can rival the intangible sword energy of the Sangpo Living Buddha. Hehe, the Buddha really has been kind to me, sending you to teach me such an extraordinary skill…鈥�

He said, taking out a tambourine from his sleeve, and turned to the emperor and smiled, 鈥淭hanks to the disciple for presenting the teacher with these celestial maidens. Now that the Demon Dance of the Heavens has been perfected, it is just right for subduing the external demons.鈥�

He then struck the tambourine, causing the drumhead to rattle, and the six golden bells around it to chime in unison. Then he saw a surge of colour on the huge mural where he had just appeared, and sixteen young women came down from the painting at the same time.

Ye Guhong had already figured it out by now. The mural was actually full of secrets. The human bodies were hidden on it, supported by various mechanisms, but a layer of colorful, thin sand was floating in front of them, changing the way the light was projected, making the three-dimensional wall behind them appear flat. This was the visual effect of people walking out of the painting.

The sixteen women are all of exquisite figure and beauty, with flowing hair tied in pigtails, wearing ivory Buddhist crowns, long red and gold dresses with tassels, cloud-like shoulders and crane-like sleeves, brocade belts and phoenix shoes. each holding a musical instrument. After descending the wall, they danced and played, their melodious music sounding as if it were coming from the Moon Palace. Their colorful clothes rippled as they danced and sang, scattering flowers, as if celestial maidens were scattering flowers. They surrounded Ye Guhong.

If someone else saw this scene, they would be afraid that the old foreign monk really had amazing supernatural powers.

Ye Guhong, however, was the most knowledgeable person of his time. After just a few moments, he noticed that the women’s expressions were dull, as if they had been drugged and made to act like puppets. Even the music they were playing was dull and boring, as if they were just muddling through. He sighed slightly, thinking: 鈥淭hese women have done nothing wrong. Now they can’t even control themselves, and they look like zombies.

For a moment, the desire to kill flared up in him.

The old monk, Jialin, saw that Ye Guhong was staring at the 鈥渉eavenly maidens鈥� without blinking, and thought that he was enchanted by their beauty. He secretly rejoiced, and played the tambourine harder. In a moment, the sixteen women gradually surrounded Ye Guhong. Ye Guhong’s eyes flickered slightly, and he saw that the heavenly maidens’ bodies were twisting violently, and the faster they played, the sharper the sounds gradually became among the various instruments.

Jialin Zhen’s eyes flashed with murderous intent, and the tambourine produced a continuous series of sharp sounds. The celestial maidens charged at Ye Guhong in unison, each brandishing a sharp blade and aiming to strike at his vital points.

The emperor was delighted by the spectacle and was about to burst out laughing, but then he saw Ye Guhong’s eyes turn, and they were filled with desolation and anger. He shouted in a low voice, 鈥淎ll the evil forces in the world should die as soon as possible!鈥�

He raised his palms, and the air was filled with a dragon-like energy. A loud rumble sounded as a palm wind blew. The slender bodies of the celestial maidens floated up in all directions like withered flowers in the wind. Ye Guhong’s body leaped out, and he slapped Galin Zhen in the face, 鈥淒emon, receive your death!鈥�

Seeing that his palm technique was extremely powerful and he did not dare to hold back, Jialin Zhen let out a low growl and viciously pushed out with a single palm. When the two palm techniques collided, Jialin Zhen felt the opponent’s tremendous power like a tidal wave, pushing him to the point where he could hardly stand firm and constantly flying backwards. In his moment of panic, he suddenly rolled up his left sleeve and swept it towards Ye Guhong’s face.

Ye Guhong’s feet stopped abruptly, and he pushed out with his palm, causing Jialin Zhen to involuntarily take a few steps back. His robe sleeve immediately swept empty, but Ye Guhong did not give him a chance to catch his breath. He leaped again, and flew forward to shoot out a palm and shot out, and before Jialin Zhen could stand firm, he pushed out with both palms, and with a loud bang, Ye Guhong landed firmly, but Jialin Zhen flew backwards, crashing into the doors and windows, which shattered, and the sound carried far away.

Jia Lenzhen, who was known as a master of the Dharma of Joy, had entered the palace through the connections of Hamal. In addition to offering many secret techniques of replenishing one’s energy to win the emperor’s favor, he had also demonstrated martial arts, and no one among the many skilled guards could match him. In the emperor’s mind, he was truly a rare genius of his time.

Ye Guhong, at the age of 18, was able to beat Jialin with just a few moves, leaving him in a sorry state. The emperor was shocked when he saw that the devil’s secret arts were of no avail. He was so frightened that he trembled with fear. He pulled Hamal and fled towards the door.

Ye Kuhong knew that the commotion had become loud, and that the guards would soon arrive. He immediately chased after them, kicked Hamal and the emperor into a pile, and shouted, 鈥淕ive me back my soft armored jacket!鈥�

The emperor cried out, 鈥淭his is a treasure passed down from generation to generation in my family, how can you take it so forcefully?鈥�

Ye Kuhong shouted, 鈥淭he whole world has been taken by you Tartars, and you still have the face to talk to me?鈥�

At this critical moment, Hamal had some courage and shouted, 鈥淒on’t hurt His Majesty, I’ll give you the armor.鈥�

He said, reaching out to take off his inner armor, when there were loud bangs. Ye Guhong turned his head and saw that the front and back garden doors had been broken open, and dozens of strong guards, each with a horrified look in their eyes, rushed over.

Jialin Zhen also stood up from the flowers, drew a short golden pestle from somewhere, with eight treasures inlaid on it, which was extremely magnificent. With a strange roar, he leaped to Ye Guhong’s side and smashed the pestle.

Ye Kuhong parried with his bare hands, dodging a few moves to the left and right. He punched Galin Zhen with his left palm under his right arm, sending him tumbling. At this time, the two guards had already rushed up, swords, knives, whips, and maces in their hands, smashing everything in their way.

Ye Kuhong laughed, 鈥淰ery well, today everyone will make a big mess. I want to see what kind of extravagant people are in the Tartar palace!鈥�

He used a powerful attack to knock over three guards, grabbed an iron whip, and used it like a heavy sword. He saw the whip follow his movements, and in a short time, he smashed five heads and countless arms. He then grabbed a knife and charged left and right, sending up a bloody rain.

When Hamal saw Ye Guhong being trapped, he took a chance and grabbed the emperor’s hand, ready to run. Ye Guhong glanced over and swung out his hand, sending a knife flying that chopped off Hamal’s lower leg. Hamal rolled to the ground, screaming in pain.

The emperor let out a scream and rushed to embrace his lover. Galin Zhen spit out blood from his mouth and, from nowhere, carried the emperor and ran.

Ye Guhong frowned and thought to himself: This emperor is a waste, and it is not appropriate to kill him at this moment.

He simply pretended not to see it, strode over, and ripped Hamal’s coat open. He was wearing an unimpressive vest on his upper body, which looked quite light and soft. There were also many barbs crawling all over it. When he pressed his palm against it and exerted a little force, the barbs immediately raised their heads. He knew he was right, so he forced Hamal to take it off and stuff it behind his waist.

Hamal cried out, 鈥淚’ve already given you my treasure, don’t kill me.鈥�

Ye Guhong laughed and said, 鈥淵ou are such a treacherous minister who has bewitched the emperor, and I love you too much to kill you. I had no choice but to hurt you just now, so don’t mind it. I hope the emperor will not stop loving you just because you are disabled.鈥�

After saying this, he ignored this person and walked out.

At this time, another group of guards charged head-on. Ye Guhong let out a clear whistle, dashed into the crowd, and with a few breaths, killed them all with his palms.

By this time, there was already chaos in the palace, with the sound of horns and orders ringing out all around.

Ye Guhong followed the main road and fought his way out. He had already killed 70 or 80 people. The more people he killed, the more his murderous intent grew. He thought to himself, 鈥淭oday, I’ll simply fight my way out through the front gate of the palace!鈥�

Once he made up his mind, he set off at full speed. The iron whip in his hand bent from the force of the blows, so he discarded it and grabbed a large sword instead. He charged through four or five teams of soldiers in a row, and killed his way straight to the front of the Hall of Great Brightness.

This hall, also known as the Hall of the Long Dynasty, was where the Yuan court held major ceremonies and was situated on a three-tiered platform. Each tier had white stone railings carved with dragons and phoenixes flying in the clouds. Under each pillar was an outstretched tortoise head. It was truly magnificent, with jade and vermilion everywhere!

When Ye Kuhong arrived here, the imperial guards inside and outside the palace had already been alerted, and there were so many heavily armoured soldiers that there were more than a thousand of them.

Ye Kuhong abandoned his sword, leapt up, grasped the eaves with his hands and flipped upwards, standing proudly on the eaves. Looking down, he saw a group of Yuan army elite soldiers, armed with flaming weapons, closing in from all sides, and the sound of shouting and whistling almost overturned the palace.

At this time, some Yuan soldiers below saw Ye Guhong and pointed at him in alarm. Immediately, countless people looked over at the same time, all saying, 鈥淭he assassin is over there!鈥�

Ye Guhong exerted his inner strength and shouted, 鈥淏ullshit! Who’s the assassin? Listen to me!鈥�

His eyes swept past the majestic palace city, and his voice was like thunder, rolling and spreading: 鈥淎 real man doesn’t change his name when he goes, and doesn’t change his surname when he sits. I am Ye Guhong, the Jade Swordsman of Emei! Two years ago, I passed through Tai’an and killed a traitor. The dog emperor was so bold as to dare to have me captured, saying that whoever captured Ye would be rewarded with 10,000 pieces of gold and be made the general of Huaiyuan. Ye Mou was initially occupied with other matters and had no time to argue with him. Today, I have come here especially to retrieve the Soft Armadillo Armor, the legacy of my martial arts school, and to tell the Tartar emperor face-to-face that Ye Mou is here. Come here!”

His internal strength had already been perfected, and at this moment, standing proudly above the palace, he shouted, and for a while, the echoes of 鈥楥ome here,鈥� 鈥楥ome here,鈥� reverberated through the night sky, almost spreading to half the city.

Ye Guhong let the echoes rouse him, and then said, 鈥淎 gentleman does not kill without teaching. Therefore, I have only kicked the emperor’s buttocks this time I came to the capital. When I come next time, I will officially take the dog emperor’s head. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, hahahaha!鈥�

He laughed loudly, pointing at the growing crowd of soldiers below: 鈥淣ow all you Tartars who want to die are queuing up below, and we’ll see how Ye kills his way out of the palace!鈥�

At that moment, someone shouted from below: 鈥淩elease the arrows!鈥�

The Yuan court was not without its people. While Ye Guhong was speaking, a general had already organised the archers. At the sound of the order, thousands of arrows were fired at once, covering the Hall of Great Brilliance like a dark cloud.

Ye Kuhong, however, was not afraid. He leapt into the air, a purple light suddenly appeared in his hand, and then enveloped his entire body. He then used his unique skill of breaking arrows in midair.

As he pointed the tip of his sword, the arrows flew back one after the other, creating a path through the rain of arrows. The reflected arrows not only knocked away many incoming arrows, but also killed dozens of Yuan soldiers on the ground, as Ye Kuhong landed lightly.

Once he landed, the rain of arrows was useless. As Ye Kuhong pounced into the crowd, blood surged like a tide, heads and arms flying.

Ye Kuhong charged forward with sword in hand, surrounded by fences and steps. The Yuan army could not form a formation, and he charged recklessly like a tiger into a flock of sheep. Some veteran generals who knew how to fight quickly dispatched troops to form a formation in the square below the steps.

Ye Guhong watched without caring. When his formation was about to be set up, he suddenly sheathed his Snake Bone Sword and snatched a halberd from a strongman’s hands. He yelled, jumped into the square, and swung the halberd, sending golden rays of light everywhere. Wherever it went, it smashed the formation to pieces.

At that moment, a shout suddenly came from outside the palace gate: 鈥淜ing Ruyang is here to capture and kill the assassin!鈥�

Ye Guhong laughed heartily on hearing this, and with a burst of internal strength, he shouted with a voice that resounded throughout half the palace, 鈥淲elcome the King of Ruyang to the palace and succeed to the throne!鈥�

I’m going to be late for overtime, so I’ll take a leave of absence!