Chapter 132: Ji Qing’s “step By Step Frozen Ice,” Ferocious Might Shocks The Arena!
“Ling Ling, how is it?”
Ji Qing asked.
But there was no one in front of him.
“Buzz.”
Suddenly, a ray of white light gradually revealed a figure.
It was the spirit of the tool, Ling Ling.
“Mister Ji, the people from the Chen family must have guessed that your identity is different, but they don’t know your specific identity yet…”
Ling Ling told Ji Qing everything she had heard, without omission.
Ji Qing pondered.
Old Master Chen was not foolish; in fact, he was quite shrewd.
This was good. As long as the Chen family didn’t cause trouble, he would protect the Chen family well on their journey to Shangdu.
Ji Qing looked at Ling Ling and waved his hand, and Ling Ling flew into the Storage Jade Pendant.
This could be considered one of Ling Ling’s “uses.”
He hadn’t expected that a spirit of a tool could have such a function, to hide in the shadows, undetectable even by first-rate martial artists.
Only those who had mastered “momentum” or possessed strong spiritual power might be able to detect the existence of a spirit of a tool.
But such people were rare.
With Ling Ling, Ji Qing could “monitor” many people and gather a lot of intelligence without anyone noticing.
On this trip to Shangdu, Ling Ling’s ability might prove very useful.
Thus, the next day, the people of the Chen family set off.
There were many people and many belongings.
They filled several large carriages.
Fortunately, the Chen family had a good number of guards and servants, so there was no shortage of manpower.
The Chen family did not hire an escort agency.
In this current chaotic situation, escort agencies could no longer guarantee safety. Since they had “Li Mu,” a second-rate expert, the Chen family no longer needed to hire an escort agency.
The Chen family’s entourage left An Yang City grandly.
Old Master Chen was very thoughtful and even prepared a carriage for Ji Qing.
Along the way, Old Master Chen was extremely cautious.
They generally traveled from sunrise to sunset, stopping at dusk.
They avoided the wilderness and did not take small roads, sticking to the main roads.
If they encountered any blockages on the main roads, they would rather wait for a few days than take a detour.
However, even with Old Master Chen’s utmost caution, they still encountered trouble.
It was just that with Ji Qing’s intervention, all these troubles were easily resolved.
This made Old Master Chen feel fortunate. If not for “Li Mu,” it was hard to say where their group would have ended up.
After three months of continuous travel, the group finally arrived in Shangdu.
Old Master Chen was filled with emotion.
The journey had been too chaotic and arduous. Only those who had truly traveled far could understand how chaotic the world had become.
Great chaos had arrived!
Fortunately, all the members of the Chen family had arrived in Shangdu together.
They would no longer suffer the hardships of displacement.
The Chen family also had a mansion in Shangdu, and it was not small.
Ji Qing also entered the Chen Manor.
Old Master Chen spoke highly of Ji Qing.
He even hinted that Ji Qing should stay at the Chen Manor.
After all, Old Master Chen had witnessed Ji Qing’s abilities throughout the journey.
Knowing that the world was in chaos and having such a great expert in the manor would greatly enhance its safety.
However, Ji Qing seemed not to understand the hint and gave no response.
Ji Qing also met the true patriarch of the Chen family, Chen Yi, who was reportedly a Fifth-Rank Official in the Ministry of Personnel.
Chen Yi was slightly plump but was adept at social interactions and very astute.
He personally received Ji Qing.
“Great Hero Li, your visit to Shangdu must be for more than just escorting my Chen family, right? Although I am not a person of Jianghu, I have heard that second-rate experts in Jianghu, while not necessarily dominating a region, are certainly not lacking in wealth. Five hundred taels of silver are likely not enough to invite Great Hero Li.”
Chen Yi spoke directly.
“As expected of Lord Chen. Since Lord Chen is so direct, I will also be straightforward. I do have some matters to attend to in Shangdu, and I may require Lord Chen’s assistance.”
“Oh? What matters? Great Hero Li might as well tell me.”
“I wish to request an imperial edict from the court to bestow honors upon the ‘Goddess of Yunmeng River.’ I wonder if Lord Chen can help with this matter?”
Chen Yi’s brow furrowed slightly.
“Deification… This matter is not easy to handle.”
Chen Yi was somewhat surprised.
He had expected Ji Qing to have some grander affair, but it was this?
The matter of deification was, in essence, easy to handle, and also difficult to handle.
It was easy to handle because it required no money or grain from the court, only an imperial decree from the Emperor.
It was difficult to handle because the court was currently in a state of great trouble, with various factions intertwined and wars raging everywhere. Where would they find the time to concern themselves with deification?
“I implore Lord Chen to find a way.”
Ji Qing was completely ignorant of the imperial court, and matters of the court naturally had to be handled by those within the court.
Chen Yi thought for a moment and said, “I truly cannot handle this matter myself. However, if we can get in touch with Elder Zhang, then there will be no problem. For Elder Zhang, issuing a decree for deification from His Majesty would be as easy as lifting a hand.”
“Elder Zhang?”
“Our Great Shang’s Junior Grand Secretary, Lord Zhang Qing!”
Ji Qing saw that Chen Yi mentioned “Elder Zhang,” so it was highly likely that Chen Yi had some connection with Elder Zhang.
“Please ask Lord Chen to introduce me to Elder Zhang.”
“No problem. You escorted my father and wife to Shangdu this time, and my father told me of your merits. Five hundred taels of silver are certainly not enough to express my gratitude. Since Great Hero Li wishes to meet Elder Zhang, I will naturally introduce you.”
“Coincidentally, Elder Zhang has also been recruiting some Jianghu experts recently to guard his estate. As a second-rate expert, Great Hero Li will likely be appreciated by Elder Zhang, and perhaps in the future, you could speak a good word for me to the Elder.”
Ji Qing nodded.
He knew that Chen Yi would not introduce him to Zhang Qing for no reason.
So Zhang Qing was looking for Jianghu experts?
Furthermore, Chen Yi was confident that Ji Qing would be appreciated by Zhang Qing due to his profound martial arts, and hoped that Ji Qing would speak well of him to Zhang Qing in the future.
It could only be said that these court officials, with every word and action, were striving to climb higher.
However, since he needed Chen Yi now, Ji Qing naturally agreed.
That evening, Ji Qing released “Ling Ling” to gather intelligence.
“Ling Ling” was a spirit of a tool, and ordinary people could not see her at all.
She was an expert at gathering information.
However, Ji Qing also instructed “Ling Ling” not to take risks.
An hour later, “Ling Ling” returned.
“Ling Ling” manifested as a woman in a white dress, her complexion was somewhat grim, and her eyes seemed to carry a hint of fear.
“What happened?”
Ji Qing asked.
“Great Hero Ji, this Shangdu is too terrifying. I went out for a bit and felt threats everywhere. Especially in the direction of the Imperial Palace, I only got a little close out of curiosity, and I felt a terrifying aura.”
“There must be a Grandmaster in the Imperial Palace, and a very terrifying Grandmaster at that!”
“As for outside the Imperial Palace, there also seem to be many terrifying powers. I can even faintly sense the aura of some spirits of tools…”
Ling Ling looked as if she had barely escaped.
Ji Qing pondered.
It was normal for the Imperial Palace to be dangerous.
After all, Great Shang had dominated the world for hundreds of years.
How could there be no experts?
The experts outside the Imperial Palace were likely those from prominent families.
There were also some hidden forces.
As for the existence of spirits of tools, since there was Ling Ling and the spirit of the Flying Sword, then other spirits of tools must have also awakened.
Perhaps they had arrived in Shangdu.
Ji Qing even boldly speculated that Shangdu might even have demons, and likely quite a few.
“The waters in Shangdu are indeed deep… Never mind, Ling Ling, I won’t send you out to gather intelligence for a while. Stay by my side.”
“Thank you, Mister Ji.”
Ling Ling also breathed a sigh of relief.
She was not like the spirit of a Flying Sword; she had no combat power herself.
If she encountered danger, she would have no way to resist.
With Ling Ling’s intelligence, Ji Qing suppressed his eagerness.
He patiently waited.
Shangdu was not a place where he could act with impunity.
Unless he could be promoted to Innate…
But Ji Qing still needed to collect Five Elements Spiritual Objects, so he was not in a hurry.
After a few days, Chen Yi finally called Ji Qing.
“Great Hero Li, Elder Zhang is hosting a banquet for his colleagues today, so I will take you along to meet the Elder.”
Ji Qing nodded.
That evening, Ji Qing followed Chen Yi into a horse carriage.
Soon, the carriage arrived at Elder Zhang’s mansion.
Chen Yi and Ji Qing successfully entered the Zhang Manor.
Ji Qing could faintly hear some laughter and conversation.
However, as they were about to enter, Ji Qing was stopped by two guards.
“Weapons are not allowed inside.”
Ji Qing glanced at them.
“I never part with my sword.”
“No matter who you are, if you want to enter, take off your weapon!”
The guards were resolute.
Chen Yi naturally knew Elder Zhang’s rules, so he actively persuaded him, “Great Hero Li, this is the Elder’s rule. How can you visit the Elder with a sword? This is not Jianghu; please take off your sword.”
Ji Qing looked at Chen Yi.
He suddenly smiled.
Chen Yi was adept at social interactions and very shrewd.
His previous methods, including promises and favors, were now a form of subtle pressure.
He was telling Ji Qing that this was not Jianghu.
Even if Ji Qing was a Jianghu expert, he had to abide by the rules here.
Chen Yi, deeply understanding the ways of officialdom, believed that with this sequence of actions, he could completely control Ji Qing.
However, Chen Yi was mistaken.
Ji Qing was a martial artist of Jianghu, but not an ordinary one!
He was here to find Zhang Qing, but not to beg him.
On this point, Chen Yi had been wrong from the start!
Ji Qing, too lazy to speak, took a step forward.
He even ignored the two guards.
The expressions of the two guards changed.
Both of them were third-rate martial artists.
Moreover, having served as guards in the Elder’s manor, when had they ever encountered such a reckless person?
With the Elder inside, how could someone dare to charge in with weapons?
“Insolence, you…”
The two guards immediately prepared to draw their swords.
“Hmm?”
The two guards pulled with all their might, using all their strength, yet they were still unable to draw their swords from their scabbards.
“Why can’t I draw my sword?”
“What’s happening?”
“Could it be you…”
The two were shocked.
They had never encountered such a situation.
“In front of me, you still want to draw your swords?”
Ji Qing walked past the two guards and headed towards the hall.
As his steps passed the two guards, a chill spread from under Ji Qing’s feet towards them.
“Crack.”
In the blink of an eye, the two guards were frozen, covered in a thick layer of ice crystals.
Only their heads were not frozen.
“First-rate expert?”
The two trembled.
This was clearly the “mysterious power” that only a first-rate expert could possess after cultivating acupoints.
They never expected the person before them to be a first-rate expert.
But how could someone so young be a first-rate expert?
The two did not utter a sound.
They knew very well that the other party had held back.
If they dared to make a sound, their heads would be frozen in an instant, and they would truly become cold ice sculptures.
Chen Yi was almost scared silly by this sight.
What was “Li Mu” doing?
He actually attacked Elder Zhang’s guards.
Did he think this was the Jianghu?
Disaster!
This was truly a disaster this time!
Chen Yi had originally intended to introduce Ji Qing to Elder Zhang, hoping to gain his favor and be promoted.
But now?
This was not a merit, but a catastrophe from the heavens!
Chen Yi could never have imagined that “Li Mu” would be so audacious.
Are all Jianghu people this reckless?
“Lord Chen, let’s go. I’m still waiting for you to introduce me to Lord Zhang.”
Chen Yi’s face stiffened.
“Great Hero Li… Great Hero Li, what are you doing?”
“Lord Chen, you’re a smart person, don’t ask too many questions.”
Chen Yi dared not ask further.
His feet felt as if they weighed a thousand pounds.
But he had to lift his foot, step over the two guards, grit his teeth, and push open the great door.
“Whoosh…”
The great door opened, and a gust of cold wind poured into the hall.
It was early winter, and Shangdu was in the north, so the weather was already very cold.
Blown by the cold wind, the laughter in the hall suddenly died down.
“Swish.”
All eyes focused on Chen Yi and Ji Qing.
Ji Qing stepped into the hall.
Behind him followed Chen Yi, his face pale.
There were already many officials in the hall.
An elder sitting at the head of the hall, with a long beard, narrowed his eyes slightly.
He had actually seen the state of the two guards outside the door.
Motionless.
Covered in a layer of ice crystals.
And this young man in typical Jianghu attire, who had bypassed Chen Yi, was walking towards him step by step.
His gaze was calm, yet carried a hint of domineering.
Clearly, this person was by no means an ordinary Jianghu person.
And he was certainly not Chen Yi’s guard.
“Stop!”
“Who are you, acting so disrespectfully?”
“Lord Chen, what is going on?”
Not everyone in the hall had Elder Zhang’s keen eyesight.
Many officials had had a few drinks and were already a bit tipsy, so they loudly reprimanded Chen Yi.
With a “thump.”
Chen Yi knelt on the ground.
It was less like kneeling and more like his legs gave out, and he slumped to the ground.
“Elder, this ‘Great Hero Li’ wishes to see you… but this humble official truly doesn’t know why ‘Great Hero Li’ is so ill-mannered. I beg your forgiveness, Elder…”
After speaking, Chen Yi felt sweat pouring down his body.
Despite the freezing weather, he had broken out in a cold sweat because of Ji Qing.
At this moment, many people began to notice that something was amiss.
A Jianghu martial artist had entered the room with a saber.
This was against the rules!
Looking at Chen Yi trembling all over, his expression clearly showing extreme fear.
Everyone suddenly understood.
This audacious Jianghu person might have sinister intentions!
“Guards…”
There were also some officials in the hall who had brought guards.
These guards were even quite capable, all of them second-rank martial artists.
“Whoosh whoosh whoosh.”
Thus, one guard after another rushed out, blocking Ji Qing.
They had all been disarmed, but martial artists still had fist and foot kung fu, and their strength should not be underestimated.
“Sir, please don’t be foolish. This is Elder Zhang, a high-ranking court official, not the Jianghu. If the Elder has any accident, not only will you die, but your sect, your family, and your relatives will all die!”
A second-rank martial artist spoke.
This was not a threat, but a fact.
The Jianghu and the Imperial Court were two different worlds.
They generally did not interfere with each other.
Why were Jianghu martial artists so skilled, yet they didn’t assassinate officials?
Let alone a high-ranking court official like Zhang Qing.
The reason was simple: it was a red line!
If a Jianghu person dared to cross this line, the imperial court would dispatch experts to hunt down not only the offender but also their relatives and sect.
These second-rank experts were afraid that Ji Qing was a reckless newcomer.
Unaware of the severity of the situation.
But Ji Qing ignored them and continued to walk forward.
“You…”
A trace of anger flashed across the other person’s face.
But before he could react, Ji Qing took a step, and terrifying frost spread.
It quickly spread to the several second-rank experts who were blocking the way.
“Crack.”
These were second-rank experts, and not just one!
And the result?
In an instant, all seven second-rank experts were frozen into ice sculptures.
Ji Qing did not kill them.
He was here to ask Zhang Qing for “help,” not to kill people.
Therefore, he only froze their bodies, leaving their heads intact.
But the faces of the seven second-rank experts changed drastically, and their hearts were filled with extreme terror.
“First-rate expert?”
Someone exclaimed.
“What, a first-rate expert?”
Not only the martial artists were shocked, but the officials present were also astonished.
Although they were officials and had never ventured into the Jianghu.
They knew what a “first-rate expert” meant.
In the Jianghu, a first-rate expert was an overlord.
Definitely not an unknown nobody.
They were renowned, even top experts who shook the Jianghu!
Such experts would not suddenly appear out of nowhere.
There would have to be a reason.
But such top experts would know even better where the “red line” between the Jianghu and the Imperial Court lay. How would they dare to cross it?
Ji Qing walked step by step.
Frost spread with every step beneath his feet.
Ji Qing, “stepping on ice,” walked directly towards Zhang Qing.
“Elder, hurry and leave, this person is very dangerous!”
The guards of the second-rank experts quickly moved to shield Zhang Qing.
Such terrifying ice power.
Such profound internal energy.
They had never heard of anything like it.
Now, they could only fight to the death!
“Whoosh…”
Suddenly, a figure, accompanied by a cold wind, arrived in the great hall.
It was a tall, fair-skinned, beardless swordsman with an elegant aura.
Yes, a swordsman.
The swordsman’s aura was not only elegant but also carried a sharp edge!
Seeing the swordsman, many guards were overjoyed.
“It’s Mister ‘Gentleman Sword’ Wen!”
“Mister Wen was once the formidable ‘Gentleman Sword’ in the Jianghu, a peak first-rate expert! If it weren’t for the Elder’s past acquaintance with Mister Wen, Mister Wen wouldn’t be guarding the mansion.”
“With Mister Wen here, this person would certainly not dare to act recklessly!”
Seeing “Mister Wen,” even Elder Zhang Qing, who was as calm as Mount Tai in the face of collapse, couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
In private, “Wen Qiu” had told Zhang Qing.
Below the Grandmaster level, as long as he was present, no one could harm Zhang Qing!
It was thanks to Wen Qiu that Zhang Qing had avoided many near-death experiences in the past.
Therefore, he had absolute trust in Wen Qiu.
However, after Wen Qiu entered the room, he said to the guards in front of Zhang Qing, “Step aside. If Mr. Ji wants to kill, everyone here, including myself, probably couldn’t stop him with one saber!”
As soon as he spoke, everyone was stunned.
Even Mister Wen couldn’t stop this person with one saber?
What was this person’s background?
Wen Qiu took a deep breath.
Then, he respectfully bowed to Ji Qing, “Wen Qiu greets Mr. ‘Astonishing Swan Saber’ Ji!”
