As dawn breaks and the sun rises in the east, the first rays of sunlight break through the darkness.
Cangzhou City.
This originally unknown prefecture became famous throughout the entire Great Xuan Dynasty thanks to Li Ming's name.
As news of Li Ming's appointment as King of Cangzhou spread, numerous forces, large and small, flocked to Cangzhou City, eager to befriend this renowned figure.
It should be noted that granting titles to kings of different surnames was extremely rare throughout history.
This honor is basically reserved for those who made extraordinary contributions during the founding of the People's Republic of China.
With Li Ming's return, the entire city was revitalized, as if the conflicts in the outside world had no effect on this city.
On the official road, pedestrians came and went in an endless stream.
As dawn broke, many people in the city came out to do their work, and the streets and alleys were filled with the sounds of people.
With Li Ming in charge and the Caishen Pavilion operating, many merchant guilds in the city began transporting resources and engaging in trade again.
After some of the original families and gangs in the city withdrew, it seemed that the overall situation in Cangzhou City was much better.
"I knew I hadn't misjudged you!"
Inside the God of Wealth Pavilion, Cai Shisan was very excited. Even though he had grown into a prominent figure, he still slapped his thigh from time to time, praising his own ability to recognize talent.
However, looking back, he realized he had missed out on too much.
I shouldn't have gone to Cangzhou City to develop my career in the first place. Who knew that Li Ming would be able to develop to where he is today by venturing out on his own?
After Li Ming was enfeoffed as a king and held great power, he naturally did not forget his old friend and directly appointed Cai Shisan to manage the finances of Cangzhou.
The benefits of being able to manage the finances of a state are self-evident.
...
"I can't even remember the last time I've seen such a bustling scene."
Looking at the bustling streets with their traffic and crowds, Lin Qiancheng couldn't help but feel a ripple in his heart.
In recent years, natural disasters and man-made calamities have been frequent, and countless demonic sect masters and bandits have appeared. Even Cangzhou City is no longer as bustling as it once was.
Many villains were causing trouble. Although the government kept sending experts to quell the unrest, the people were still in a state of turmoil and morale was low. Many people were thinking of taking the risk of going to a more stable prefecture.
Zhao Xuanwu, standing to the side, also sighed:
"Yes, in the end, martial prowess reigns supreme in this world. Without a powerful figure of sufficient stature to hold the reins, even with the imperial court's authority, it cannot deter those powerful forces."
"I haven't seen this kid in a long time; I didn't expect him to have grown to third on the Heavenly Ranking!"
"He may be leaving Da Xuan soon and completely leaving this place."
Lin Qiancheng nodded and affirmed:
“My disciple is exceptionally talented. I knew from the beginning that he was not destined for mediocrity and would surely transform into a true dragon to roam the heavens. This little Great Mystic can naturally not confine him.”
However, his immense fame is perhaps both a blessing and a curse for him now.
Although Li Ming's victory at Liangzhou Pass shook the world, countless people came to Cangzhou City to seek refuge.
Many martial saint-level warriors have joined the city.
But the danger was not over.
The Blood God Cult is eyeing us covetously, and demons are stirring up trouble in the shadows...
Soon, the two arrived at the Cangzhou Prince's Mansion.
Originally the residence of a prince of the Great Xuan Dynasty, it has now been converted into Li Ming's mansion, which is extremely luxurious and fully befits Li Ming's status.
Upon entering the hall, one is greeted by rows of fine bluestone floorboards, their magnificent patterns forming the shape of a dragon. The walls are adorned with works by renowned calligraphers and painters.
If some paintings and calligraphy in this world are created by martial arts masters, the will contained within them is enough to influence reality and have effects such as calming the mind and enlightenment.
Some people even attained martial arts sainthood by practicing painting.
These master painters may not be strong in combat, but their works, created with great care, are extremely valuable and can fetch high prices.
"This kid..."
The moment Zhao Xuanwu stepped into the front hall, his mind was jolted.
My gaze was drawn to the figure standing beneath the "Great Xuan Landscape Painting".
In his eyes, Li Ming's aura was even more magnificent than the vast landscape depicted in the painting.
"Not simple, not simple at all..."
In that instant, Zhao Xuanwu felt as if he had seen a living god or Buddha, and a sense of awe arose in his heart for no apparent reason.
"Master, Senior Uncle?"
Li Ming looked at the two people who stepped into the hall with some confusion.
"Uncle Master, it's been a long time! You still look as dashing as ever, and your cultivation has improved as well!"
With Li Ming's current strength, he could naturally see Zhao Xuanwu's progress in cultivation at a glance.
Compared to before, he has made a lot of progress.
They are almost at the threshold of the Celestial Realm, and their progress is tremendous compared to when they last met.
“These days, my old master has been traveling around, and the imperial court has bestowed many treasures upon him, so it is only natural that he has made some progress.”
Zhao Xuanwu's words inevitably carried a hint of melancholy:
“But you kid, no, I should call you Prince Li now... in such a short time, you have already surpassed us old guys by so much.”
"You're too kind, Senior Uncle."
Li Ming waved his hand, inviting the two to sit down.
Zhao Xuanwu didn't stand on ceremony; after taking his seat, he explained his purpose:
“While you were in seclusion, something big happened in Da Xuan.”
"Um?"
Upon hearing this, Li Ming was moved. Not long after returning to Cangzhou City, he went into seclusion to refine the essence of the innate Jia wood.
It took him seven days.
He then spent some time absorbing his previous insights, consolidating his cultivation, and perfecting his martial arts.
He has already broken through to the fifth level of the Celestial Realm, which is quite a significant achievement.
Without beating around the bush, Zhao Xuanwu stated directly:
"In Xuandu City, the Demon Lord of the Myriad Demon Path has been born."
"Demon Lord, the one ranked second on the Heavenly Ranking?"
Li Ming thought for a moment and immediately thought of this person:
"It seems he's a celestial being who's been famous for a long time... He hasn't been active for a long time, I even thought he'd left the Great Xuan..."
Zhao Xuanwu replied, "That's right. Demon Lord Zhou Lisheng caused a great disturbance in Xuandu City, even killing a Celestial Being of the Imperial Court, injuring the Crown Prince, and leaving in a carefree manner, and even declaring that he would destroy the Great Xuan."
"That's amazing?"
Li Ming was somewhat surprised.
After all, the Great Xuan Dynasty was a great martial arts dynasty with countless experts in its capital and a powerful array in place, yet it was turned upside down by just one person.
"Does he have a grudge against the Great Xuan royal family?"
Li Ming couldn't help but ask curiously.
Zhao Xuanwu pondered for a moment, then said:
"I found out from the intelligence of the Six Doors that Zhou Lisheng was once a prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty, but he joined the Demonic Sect and cultivated demonic arts, which also saved him from disaster."
A century after the fall of the Great Zhou Dynasty, this person achieved the status of a Celestial Being and became the leader of the great demonic sect, the Myriad Demonic Path. He destroyed many sects and killed several Celestial Being experts. His name as the Demon Lord was renowned throughout the demonic path.
Decades ago, the Six Doors, together with the Sky Patrol Bureau and five top-tier Celestial Realm experts including members of the royal family, launched a joint attack, using their most powerful treasures to surround him, but he still managed to escape, though he was severely injured. Unexpectedly, he suddenly reappeared a few days ago, his strength greatly increased, and many Celestial Realm experts could not stop him..."
The story is quite legendary.
But what does it have to do with them?
Before Li Ming could even ask a question...
Lin Qiancheng spoke:
"If the intelligence is correct, the Ten Thousand Demons Path may have joined forces with the Blood God Cult..."
"I'm afraid they're targeting you."
"Targeting me?"
Li Ming was both amused and exasperated, realizing that his record wasn't enough to intimidate them.
That makes sense.
These old guys all have hundreds of years of cultivation and are already at the peak of the Celestial Realm.
He was just stuck at the Martial God Realm.
Its combat power is naturally incomparable to that of ordinary celestial beings.
Li Ming didn't even bother to think about why he was being targeted, and simply said indifferently:
“Perfect timing. My martial arts have improved, so I’ll take care of those Blood God Cult guys as well.”
He had nothing to be afraid of.
With his strength, he only regarded those below the level of Martial God as stepping stones.
Even if these people don't come, he'll still go to their door and make a fortune.
"Ahem, it's a good thing that young people are confident, but you still need to be careful these days."
Seeing Li Ming's confidence, Zhao Xuanwu did not discourage him.
While the group was talking...
A large number of members of the Demonic Sect appeared within Cangzhou.
Among them are many martial arts masters.
The two leaders possessed extraordinary strength.
They remained extremely respectful towards the two figures.
Clearly, they have a grand scheme in mind!
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