Chapter 305: Hall of National Protection

fore coming to play the game of Life and Death Chess, they had already left most of their totem power in the Totem Pool at the Fire Altar.It is said that he has repeatedly emphasized the importance of...It's no wonder Jiang Wang was so surprised.

That Cui Zhu was able to walk up to the Taimiao and throw that spear at Emperor Qi, this wasn't something that could be done by any simple faction.

Taking Hell's Gate as an example, nowadays Hell's Gate is considered a renowned assassin organization in the East. However, absolutely no King of Hell would ever have the chance to stand before the Emperor.

Moreover, I didn't even have the chance to get close to Emperor Qi, let alone attempt an assassination.

It is only possible to achieve this level of success after years of hard work in Qi.

Such a force, once it makes a move, must have already thought everything through, from beginning to end, so as not to leave any obvious clues that could be caught so quickly — if it were really that simple, Cui Zhu would have been thrown into prison by the blue badges long ago.

"That's not the case." Chong Xuan shook his head. "Even if there were any progress, before a definitive breakthrough, Beiya wouldn't leak even half a word. This is a big deal that could cost them their heads."

Jiang Wang was a bit puzzled: "Then what do you want to talk about"

"Let me ask you," Chongxuan said, his face solemn. "Before today, have you ever seen Cui Zhu"

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"Where should I go" Jiang Wang shook his head. "I didn't even know this name until I participated in the Master's Ceremony this time."

>

Zhong Xuan sighed in relief: "If you're certain, then it's fine. Otherwise, I'm worried that someone might use Cui Zhu's last words to you as propaganda."

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Jiang Wang didn't ask why someone would write about this.

He might have stopped someone on the road, or simply out of jealousy, there are too many reasons.

He had long realized that in this world, people are different from each other.

As he advised Emperor Qi, "When all are mixed as one, loyalty and treachery always coexist."

And if someone really made a fuss about this, and found evidence that Cui Zhu had met Jiang Wang, they could indeed splash some dirty water on Jiang Wang, saying that Cui Zhu died for him, elevating Jiang Wang one step.

Therefore, Chong Xuan Sheng asked this question. If Jiang had ever met Cui Zhu, where he had met him, Chong Xuan Sheng could have prepared in advance. If he had never met him, then with Chong Xuan Sheng's methods, it would be impossible for someone to have the opportunity to splash this dirty water on him.

But mentioning Cui Zhu...

The seemingly meaningless prick that brought about his demise, the shattering of all his efforts to preserve his body, soul, and life – it's hard not to feel deeply moved when confronted by this scene.

Jiang Wang was the first to react, wielding his sword to cut through the chaos. Afterward, he couldn't help but wonder what kind of reason could drive someone with such a promising future in the military to go mad and commit suicide

"Before Cui Zhu died..." Jiang Wang said, "he had no regrets."

Cui Zhu's words were snuffed out before they could be uttered. Perhaps some powerful individuals might still have caught them, but Chong Xuan clearly hadn't reached that level.

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Upon hearing this, he also paused for a moment.

He couldn't help but discuss: "What do you think, Cui Zhu is from which faction"

This is indeed the most pressing concern for people in Qi today. In terms of attention, it even surpasses the confluence of the Yellow River, although it's not convenient to discuss it openly.

>

When Jiang Wang remonstrated with Emperor Qi, he stated that Cui Zhu's assassination was not a plot by certain domestic figures to usurp the throne. He argued that, looking at all levels of the Qi state, there was currently no one who possessed the capability to overthrow the existing dynasty. The Jiang clan held absolute power firmly in their grasp. Conspiracies of usurpation had no foundation whatsoever.

This viewpoint is naturally persuasive.

But if one wants to trace the origins and find out who was really behind Cui Zhu, it's not something that can be done simply by speculation.

“I don’t know,” Jiang Wang shook his head.

"Could it really be someone from the Xia Kingdom" Chong Xuan asked himself softly.

At that time, when Cui Zhu roared in the square, everyone present heard it. Now, I'm afraid it has spread throughout Linzi.

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That sentence says: "In the 31st year of Emperor Shenwu, Cui Zhu assassinated Jiang Shu."

The name "Jiang" mentioned in this sentence is the real name of the current emperor of Great Qi.

As the hegemon, the emperor who held supreme power over the world for many years, no one dared to call him by his name.

And Shenwu is the year name of the Xia Kingdom. Since the Daoli calendar 3888, the War between Qi and Xia ended with the Xia Kingdom's complete withdrawal from the eastern region. The defeated Xia Kingdom returned to the southern region and changed its year name to "Shenwu," which continues to this day.

Even if Jiang Wang didn't know what the reign title "Shenwu" meant at the time, he should know now.

He asked in confusion, "But if it were people from the Xia Kingdom, this assassination attempt would be impossible to succeed. What's the point Just a cultivator at the Inner Palace realm couldn't even pass my level, let alone assassinate the emperor"

> “No matter who is behind this. Since this assassination had no chance of success, it means their goal wasn't to successfully assassinate...” Chong Xuan Sheng said: “But rather the act of attempting to assassinate you.”

Even with Zhong Xuan's brilliant intellect, he was unable to grasp the truth when completely devoid of information. But he quickly narrowed down a certain range.

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“So what Was this assassination just to provoke another war between Qi and Xia The assassin wasn't from Xia. Who is the mastermind behind this, hoping to profit from the chaos” Jiang Wang asked.

Whether the assassin was from the Xia Kingdom or not is unimportant...

Zhong Xuan Sheng suddenly shook his head and turned to say, "The important thing is that you might be in trouble. Have you ever thought about why Cui Zhu chose to die today"

He explained: "The army is full of masters, and Qi Jiuzhuo are all elite. Because Wang Yiwu was imprisoned in the death row camp, Cui Zhu was able to win the opportunity to participate in the Grandmaster Ceremony and come to this court martial arts competition."

And your duel with Lei Zhanqian made him realize that you are his superior, and he will definitely not be able to compete against you in the future. He won't even get a spot in the Yellow River Conference.

The time for the meeting of the Yellow River depends on the water level, ranging from ten to fifteen years. There will be no next opportunity.

Therefore, this might be his only chance in recent years to get close to Emperor Qi. It was also the only chance in his lifetime to declare "Cui Zhu assassinated Duke Qi" at such a significant ceremony.

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Jiang Wang had to admit, Chong Xuan's analysis made a lot of sense. It was difficult to say that Cui Zhu's inevitable "party" wouldn't harbor hostility towards him.

After all, if he were not there, Cui Zhu and Lei Zhan would have competed for power. And once Cui Zhu obtained the qualification to attend the meeting at the Yellow River, and performed well at the meeting, it would almost announce his meteoric rise in Qi State in the future. Their plotting would definitely be very beneficial.

Now, however, it stops at the name Jiang Wang. I can only throw myself forward and make a single cry.

“I try to avoid traveling to Linzi these days,” said Jiang Wang.

Given his relationship with Chongxuan, there's no need to act recklessly. Even if he wasn't afraid, those troubles could be avoided.

"Furthermore," Chong Xuan said, "before we head to the Yellow River confluence, you should take some time to visit the Temple of Ancestors again and offer incense to the enshrined heroes and generals. It is customary to do so before any expedition."

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To go to the Yellow River to compete with the world's top talents, Qi State bestowed upon them "the Master's treatment," naturally an extremely grand scale of expedition. As one of the representatives, Jiang Wang offering sacrifices to Qi's renowned generals was also a necessary courtesy. Of course, if Jiang Wang didn't mention these heavy rituals, he wouldn't know about them.

"Do you need to go with those two" Jiang Wang asked.

He was, of course, asking about Ji Zhao-nan and Chong Xuan's compliance.

Zhong Xuan shook his head: "No need, everyone go their separate ways."

>

Jiang Wang thought for a moment: "Then I'll go tomorrow."

He smiled and said, "I'll go in your place!"

As the top aristocratic family in Qi, the first Marquis of Bowang naturally had a place in the Temple of Ancestors within Taimiao.

Zhongxuan wouldn't even need to think about it, he was bound to go pay respects to his ancestors.

As descendants of the first Marquis of Bowang, they could naturally visit the ancestral shrine at any time. However, to pay respects under the guise of a national expedition was considered an honor.

And Jiang Wang took the place of Chong Xuan, so that he wouldn't lose this honor.

Zhong Xuan also smiled: "It doesn't matter if you visit a few more temples for the sacrifice. Remember to pay respects to the first Duke of Crushing Cities... Your sister Fengyao will be very happy!"

Jiang Wang:

Although he called himself that privately, being reminded of it by Chong Xuan Pang made him a little embarrassed.

>

When a large army set out on campaign, the main general would go to the Taimiao Temple to offer sacrifices. This was a well-established custom. As for which general or minister to sacrifice to, no one cared.

But which famous general's incense burns brighter naturally speaks volumes about the person's ability and achievements, which are more recognized by later generations of military leaders.

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Therefore, Chong Xuan let him worship a few more halls, which could be considered a small favor.

>

Zhong Xuan came in a rush and left just as quickly.

Zhong Xuan had just returned, having pressed down upon the people of Linzi. It was certain that they would not accept a decrease in their standing within the family. In contrast, Zhong Xuan Sheng had far too many things to deal with...

Going to the temple to pay respects is a simple matter. It suffices with sincere reverence, there's nothing much to say.

What Jiang Wang cared about most was still Cui Zhu.

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How much of a stir Cui Zhu's stab would cause is hard to say.

But from Jiang Wang's perspective, Emperor Qi's rule today would not be shaken in the slightest by this assassination attempt.

Of course, Cui Zhu's motivations may have deeper, unknown purposes.

What puzzled Jiang Wang was Cui Zhu's words, "I have no regrets"...

Why should you tell him

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Was it merely because they happened to be fighting at that time

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Besides his daily practice, he devoted the entire day to studying "The Fire Realm".

Just as he had bathed in incense and then spent a whole night practicing.

By daybreak, the framework of the "Fire Boundary" was finally roughly constructed... It's still a long way from being complete.

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At this point, one could already enter the Illusory Realm of Emptiness and utilize the Dao Stage for deduction. Although the energy consumption would inevitably be enormous, it was undoubtedly the simplest method.

>

But Jiang Wang doesn't intend to do that.

One must slowly deduce and refine this killing technique oneself to truly grasp its depths. Just like the Eight Sounds Burning Sea he created, allowing him to control it beforehand, if a top-grade Dao art like [Name of Dao Art] were deduced on the Dao Platform, it might be more perfect. However, he would only be able to learn and use it step by step.

At least wait until the skeleton is strong before using the practice platform to replenish flesh and blood - Jiang Wang wouldn't admit that this choice was also related to the insufficiency of "gong".

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Jiang Wang temporarily stopped his cultivation and pushed open the door. Without bringing any attendants, he went straight to the Imperial Temple.

Before his campaign, he went to the Taimiao Temple to pay homage. This is proper etiquette. Moreover, Jiang Wang was named the country's prodigy in front of the Taimiao Temple just two days ago, so he wasn't stopped.

Two guards stood motionless at the entrance of Taimiao Temple, their eyes fixed straight ahead. Jiang Wang walked over and didn't utter a word.

So he walked quietly into the Temple of Heaven.

This is probably the quietest complex of buildings in Linzi, possibly only surpassed by the desolate Qing Shi Palace.

All the guards standing inside were like the two at the front gate. They stood still as stone statues, not even blinking when someone walked up to them. But from their aura, you could tell they were all skilled fighters.

Whether or not there were top-tier experts stationed here, Jiang Wang didn't know. But he wouldn't be foolish enough to investigate the answer.

In a solemn atmosphere, walk in. Of course, the main hall is off-limits.

Jiang Wang looked far and wide, then walked into the side hall.

The Hall of Divine Mandate and the Hall of Protecting the Nation are the two most prestigious ancillary halls in the Temple of Heaven. One primarily enshrines the merit officials who contributed to establishing the nation, while the other honors those who restored it.

Of course, the latter's incense was naturally far superior to the former. After all, before Emperor Wu of Qi restored the country, those founding meritorious families, those who rebelled had rebelled, and those who died had died, they had long since disappeared.

Today, most of the top aristocratic families in Qi originated after Emperor Wu's restoration to power.

Jiang Wang's first stop was, of course, the ancestral shrine of the First Duke of Bowang.

Today, the Chongxuan family is Qi State's most prestigious aristocratic family. The position of the first Duke of Bowang has also entered the Hall of Protecting the Nation, but it is slightly behind.

Because the Chongxuan clan was only beginning to emerge during the Wu Emperor era, their status as a top-tier family, inheritable and unbroken, was achieved later than that of the Li clan of Shímen. The Chongxuan clan received the title of Bo望侯, becoming a truly prestigious family for generations.

A meritorious official like the Duke of Crouching Tiger who established the foundation for restoring the country, his spirit shrine would be located at the front of the Temple of National Protection.

The spirit shrine already had Celestial Incense, a kind that was said to carry the Mandate of Heaven. It supposedly allowed those who offered incense and those being offered to, whose spirits resided between heaven and earth, to establish a subtle connection—whether true or not is hard to say. The price, however, was extremely high.

Its aroma itself can nourish the soul, but because it is often used in sacrificial rituals, which is considered inauspicious, few people use it for cultivation.

Jiang Wang took three incense sticks, respectfully performed a ritual, and inserted them into the incense burner.

Judging from the situation in the shrine, Chongxuan Zun should have been here earlier—perhaps that's why Chongxuan Sheng reminded Jiang Wang of this only on the second day, so that he wouldn't have to meet Chongxuan Zun privately.

Looking at the statue of the first Bo Wang Hou in the spirit shrine, Jiang Wang couldn't help but think...

If the one in Qing Shi Palace hadn't been abolished, or if Chong Xuan Fu Tu hadn't stood with that person back then.

Having achieved the feat of eliminating several nations with the Heavy Xuan Floating Diagram, and later constructing a Pure Land within the Illusory Realm, his contributions to the Human Race... It's only right that he should have a place in the Temple's accompanying shrine. Perhaps it wouldn't be impossible to build another spiritual hall dedicated to him.

Jiang Wang did not dwell on his feelings. After paying his respects, he turned and went to the spirit shrine of Hou Cui Cheng.

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Given his relationship with the descendants of the Li family, it is indeed appropriate for him to come and pay respects.

Back then, the Li clan's ancestors shot ten arrows to destroy the city of Xiong, such divine might, that later generations think about it endlessly and are filled with awe.

That was no ordinary city, it was a fortress heavily garrisoned by rebel troops. The first Duke of Destroying Cities laid the groundwork for victory in the war to reclaim the nation with ten arrows.

And the Shimen Li family has continued to this day, its reputation undiminished.

After performing the rituals dutifully, Jiang Wang prepared to leave.

But outside the shrine of Marquis Destroying City, a casual glance revealed another shrine — standing beside that of Marquis Destroying City, but noticeably much colder and less frequented.

This must naturally be the ancestral hall of the first generation of Jiubàn Hóu.

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Although the Fengxian Zhang clan's hereditary title was stripped away, reduced time and again until it faded into obscurity. However, later generations' failings cannot erase the achievements of the first generation, the Marquis Jiu Fan, who saved the country.

Within this temple, the spirit shrine of Marquis Jiufan was never removed.

>

Of course, very few people came here to offer sacrifices. After all, from a long time ago, the descendants of the Zhang clan could not even find a place to settle in Linzi.

However... it seems like someone is performing a ritual inside right now. There's a faint scent of heavenly incense in the air.

Jiang Wang looked around and there was no one else.

>

There were no guards in the Guó pelindung Hall; it was probably just a matter of time before someone came by to sweep and clean.

After thinking it over, he strode inside.

Genius one second: m.173kxsgely silent!He didn't even mention the rumors, nor did he say a word about Wu Ling's death. It was as if Duke An Guo's silence after returning from Yuxian Forest was already the result of that matter....