Chapter 26: Inquiring Into the Play

When Jingri Guming received the news that a master named Xiao Wuming had suddenly appeared in the pugilistic world, he understood that the official plot of the Jin Guang universe was not far away.

Sitting atop the Number One Pavilion of the Heaven Realm Sect, the Dragon Emperor of Wind and Cloud said to Xiong Dada:
"Handle any affairs of the Heaven Realm Sect as you see fit. For matters truly beyond your judgment, wait for my return to resolve them!"

With these words, the Dragon Emperor of Wind and Cloud transformed into a stream of light and vanished from the Heaven Realm Sect.

High atop the Solitary Snow Peak, Qianxue Guming frowned as he witnessed the stream of light soar into the sky from the Heaven Realm Sect.
"What is the Heaven Realm Sect planning?"
Qianxue Guming pondered for a moment. "Judging by that momentum, it is the leader of the Heaven Realm Sect, the Dragon Emperor of Wind and Cloud himself. Could something have gone wrong within the sect?"

Among the strongest individuals in the world today, the Dragon Emperor of Wind and Cloud was undoubtedly counted as one. As one of those who had once besieged the Dragon Emperor, Qianxue Guming still found himself unable to achieve the feats the Dragon Emperor had accomplished back then.

As news of the Dragon Emperor leaving the Heaven Realm Sect spread, various factions closely monitored the sect's every move.

At the Divine Gu Peak, Wenhuang glanced at the intelligence report sent by a friend and casually tossed it aside.
Such a brazen departure meant that tracking him was utterly pointless; given the opponent's terrifying strength, remaining undetected was simply too difficult.

Upon receiving the news, Baili Xiaoxiang merely set the information down in silence.
As the ten-year deadline drew ever closer, Baili Xiaoxiang felt an escalating sense of urgency—how could he possibly spare the time to care about other matters?

Within the Dragon King Palace of Miasma Territory, the Miasma King placed the report aside after reading it. So many years had passed, and the Heaven Realm Sect had never engaged in any overstepping behavior; thus, Haoqiong Guming did not pay excessive attention to them.

The Dragon Emperor of Wind and Cloud headed straight for the Dao Realm, with Qianxue Guming trailing behind at a distance. However, the moment the Dragon Emperor crossed into the Central Plains, Qianxue Guming gave up the pursuit.
No matter what the other party intended, once they entered the Central Plains, it was no longer any business of Miasma Territory—at least, that was how Qianxue Guming saw it.

When Shi Yanwen received the report, he merely gave a brief instruction:
"Unless he initiates hostility, do not provoke him under any circumstances!"

Lately, Shi Yanwen was being driven to frantic desperation by the Masked Mirror Man, forced to flee from pillar to post, wishing he could ascend to the heavens or burrow into the earth just to escape him.
How could he possibly have the leisure to concern himself with the Dragon Emperor of Wind and Cloud? He merely left instructions for a few old friends to keep a watchful eye.

While everyone speculated on the motives behind the Dragon Emperor's actions, he quietly concealed his presence, passing through the Taoyuan Ferry and submerging himself into the Dao Realm via the waterways.

Outside Mingzhao Xi, a poetic chant suddenly echoed through the air:
"Entering the world upon a sudden deliverance, fist, palm, finger, and leg suppress all directions; winds, clouds, frost, and lightning descend from the heavens, the Dragon Emperor wields the Tenfold Strengths of martial arts and supreme authority!"

Though the verse was filled with dominance and overbearing might, the person who spoke was refined and gentle.

"An old friend comes to visit, why is my good friend so reluctant to grant an audience?"

Mingzhao Xi was shrouded by a grand array, and lacking knowledge of the pathways, the Dragon Emperor of Wind and Cloud naturally could not simply walk in.

With a gentle ripple of zither music, a narrow path parted before him, and the Dragon Emperor followed it inward step by step.

"A good friend? How am I worthy of being called a friend by you?"

Without pausing his play, amidst the lingering zither notes, Xiaoyaoyou’s voice was no louder than the instrument, yet every word remained distinct.
"The leader of the Heaven Realm Sect, the Dragon Emperor of Wind and Cloud!"
"Indeed."

Unhurried and unruffled, the Dragon Emperor walked step by step into the pavilion.
"Why must my friend be so preoccupied with mere titles?"

The two had first met during a conflict. The Dragon Emperor had accompanied a commercial firm and an escort agency into the Dao Realm, and coincidentally, that particular cargo contained medicinal herbs urgently needed by Fuzhou Xuhuai, leading to a clash between the two sides.

Over the years, the Commercial Hall had grown increasingly powerful, and its core members naturally knew they belonged to the Heaven Realm Sect, with influences spreading across four realms.
Coupled with the recruitment of numerous peripheral personnel, guest retainers, and young chivalrous swordsmen who voluntarily joined the escort agencies over the years, the people of the Commercial Hall had never feared trouble. In fact, they wished to seize this opportunity to make a name for themselves.

Consequently, the dispute escalated. The higher the level of the masters dispatched by both sides, the fiercer the fighting became, until they were finally forced to compromise and negotiate a parley.

As the representative of the commercial alliance for the talks, and Xiaoyaoyou attending as the opposing representative, the two had thus come to know one another.

"What I recognize is Dan Kua, not some Dragon Emperor of Wind and Cloud!"
In the lingering zither music, no joy or anger could be detected.

"Sigh—!"
The Dragon Emperor of Wind and Cloud drew out his tone. "You remain who you are, and I remain who I am! Neither of us will change because of a mere name or alias. Am I wrong, O founder of Fuzhou Xuhuai, Marshal Wuchang, Xiaoyaoyou?"

The zither music came to an abrupt halt. Xiaoyaoyou raised his head and looked at the Dragon Emperor of Wind and Cloud.

"Dan signifies Guming. In ancient times, Kuafu chased the sun, competing with it to shine brightest. Since the Dragon Emperor of Wind and Cloud can be Jingri Guming, why can Xiaoyaoyou not be the founder of Fuzhou Xuhuai?"
Xiaoyaoyou chuckled softly. "Ah, upon arriving at this conclusion, why does this humble king feel not a shred of surprise or joy? Or perhaps... were both you and I simply waiting for the other to tear off their mask?"

Jingri Guming seated himself and poured two cups of tea, picking up his own cup to take a gentle sip.
Just sitting there, one was a Prince Uncle of Miasma Territory—viewed by all as frail and lacking in vitality—while the other was a master of the Dao Realm's Scholastic Sect, seemingly entirely devoid of internal cultivation.

At this moment, merely by sitting there, they harmonized seamlessly with the heaven and earth. This was an exceedingly high realm within martial arts.

"Facing Prince Jing, whose influence spans multiple realms, what is there for Xiaoyaoyou to be surprised about?"
Xiaoyaoyou rose, walked into the pavilion, and picked up his teacup.

Though they outwardly appeared to have not a single trait in common, at this moment, they resembled each other to the absolute extreme.
Both outwardly appeared ignorant of martial arts, yet their personal strength was such that matching opponents were hard to find in their respective realms. Both remained secluded at home, yet secretly commanded vast, formidable forces capable of upending a realm. Both never stepped outside, yet grasped intelligence from multiple realms.

"This humble king almost believed you were confined solely to the Dao Realm!" Jingri Guming gave a dry, mocking laugh.
"You might as well state the purpose of your visit directly. Otherwise..." Xiaoyaoyou cast a sideways glance at the motionless air.

"Since Xiaoyaoyou is Marshal Wuchang, you must surely be well-versed in the arts of drama and performance!"
Jingri Guming’s gaze grew melancholy. "This humble king has obtained two scripts, yet remains uncertain of how they ought to be performed, which is why I have come to seek your guidance!"

Xiaoyaoyou grew interested, casting an amused look at Jingri Guming. "Oh? What kind of scripts are they?"

"One script re-enacts a story from decades ago: the crown prince slays the Miasma King, and the royal uncle acts as an accomplice! The royal uncle of the Miasma King becomes the new Miasma King, hunting down the rebellious Prince Cangyue Guming and his accomplice, Qianxue Guming. How does this script sound?"

Jingri Guming was smiling, but the cold ruthlessness within that smile chilled the heart.

"I have heard that Prince Canglang is benevolent, and Royal Uncle Qianxue Guming is no man of greed for power and position. This play... is far too absurd."
Xiaoyaoyou shook his head, feeling a sudden loss of interest. Such a plot was overly far-fetched; anyone with eyes could tell something was amiss.

"It is indeed absurd. But when one considers that over twenty years ago, Haoqiong Guming personally directed a virtually identical play, and now, more than twenty years later, another such play appears... wouldn't you say that is deeply fascinating?"
Jingri Guming lowered his gaze, softly stating the reason why he had conceived of this script.