Chapter 893: Language of Flowers, Daozhen

When the troops at Kuizhen Temple were attacked, Mengyun happened to be in the back hall of the main temple, meeting Hanae from Japan and Daozhen from Korea. The former was a direct disciple of Japan’s Ichidō school, while the latter was a successor to Master Yijian “Fu Cailin,” invited by Mengyun to visit Yipintang. Neither of them had any prior connection with Mengyun; they had come to the Central Plains specifically to meet the region’s top martial artists and see the strength of the best fighters from different countries. The Central Plains wasn’t their first stop, but it was one they must pass through.

To their surprise, after staying in the Central Plains for several days without anyone noticing them, they were both summoned by Mengyun on the same day and invited into his residence. As top representatives and masters from Japan and Korea, each had strong organizational and political backing, so they weren’t worried about Mengyun plotting against them… Moreover, they wanted to know how Mengyun had discovered their whereabouts and identities. As for why Mengyun wanted to see them, they already had an idea.

Although the three spoke different languages, there were no communication barriers in the “Jianghu” world—each could understand the others clearly despite speaking their own language.

“It is said you both enjoy tea ceremonies. Please try our finest Longjing tea from the Central Plains… It’s not something easily available in the game…”

“Although drinking tea in the game isn’t real, it retains many ancient traditions that can’t be replicated in reality, giving it a unique charm…”

Hanae, dressed like an ordinary person from the Central Plains, could easily pass as one, but her strange accent revealed her true identity as soon as she spoke: “Compared to tea ceremonies, I’ve long admired the martial arts of the Central Plains.”

“Huh…” Knowing Hanae liked martial arts, Mengyun subtly changed the subject: “You’ve been in the Central Plains for a few days now. The scenery here is quite nice, isn’t it?”

“Master Mengyun, you didn’t bring us here just for tea and chatting, did you?” Daozhen spoke up.

Since entering, he had remained silent, holding his sword—resembling a Central Plains swordsman—but with a colder, more arrogant demeanor.

“It is said that those who practice the Yijian Dao use the ‘Jiuxuan Heart Method,’ which possesses a natural chill that enhances one’s aura invisibly. Mengyun has long admired it, and today, seeing it up close, I confirm it lives up to its reputation.”

Mengyun’s compliment softened Daozhen’s expression slightly.

“Master Mengyun, there’s an old saying in China: ‘Open the skylight and speak openly.’ Now that we’ve had tea, it’s time to openly discuss why you called us here.”

“Exactly.” Huayu nodded in agreement from the side. “I’ve only heard before that the All-Knowing Man of the Central Plains can use a Heavenly Secret Inkstone to know everything about the Central Plains, but remains ignorant of foreign affairs. It seems that Dream Cloud’s spies are even more capable than the All-Knowing Man.”
“You two are too kind,” Dream Cloud smiled. “In truth, my own strength isn’t that great, but I’ve always paid close attention to the top experts abroad. Although this is the first time we’ve met, I’ve long admired you both, especially those among the top 100 strongest in the world… Now that I finally get the chance to see you in person, I certainly don’t want to miss it. I hope you can forgive my rudeness and inadequate hospitality.”
“…”
Though these words didn’t completely ease Huayu and Daozhen’s concerns, everyone likes to hear flattering words. They also couldn’t bring themselves to offend someone who was smiling—especially since Dream Cloud’s status in the Central Plains was equivalent to that of the leader of their country’s largest guild, and his strength was undeniable, so they didn’t know what to say.
But…
Dream Cloud’s skills were indeed remarkable.
After all that flattery, although they still had reservations, their smiles grew wider—being valued and praised so much in a foreign land made anyone feel good.
“So, the reason you two came to the Central Plains is to challenge its top martial artists?”
As their relationship grew warmer, their speech became more relaxed.
After Huayu revealed his purpose, Daozhen’s eyes widened. “Challenges can only be made by the weak against the strong… Brother Huayu, I disagree with that. I’m here to meet the heroes of the Central Plains and spar with its greatest experts.”
With that, his inherent pride was clearly shown.
Seeing Huayu’s displeasure, Dream Cloud quickly shifted their attention. “You two! Since you’re both here for the Central Plains’ greatest experts, I wonder—what’s your goal? To be Happy, or to become the One Emperor?”
“Of course, to be Happy!”
“The One Emperor!”
Huayu’s answer was completely different from Daozhen’s.
They glared at each other again.
“Brother Daozhen, it’s my turn to talk about you now… Although the One Emperor tops the list of global wonders, that title is given by humans. Based on points alone, it can’t be determined that the One Emperor is the strongest.”
Before Huayu could finish speaking, Daozhen retorted fiercely, “Hmph! Is having a higher realm so impressive? Happy relies on mastering many martial arts, but the One Emperor is different—he specializes in swordsmanship, achieving unity between man and sword. Once he breaks through, Happy, with his mixed skills, can’t compete.”
“You two…” “Happy…” “The One Emperor!”
One turned red with anger, the other’s eyes gleamed coldly! They each stuck to their views, arguing endlessly.

Seeing this, Meng Yun also began to feel a headache. These two were truly natural enemies. Just then, a homing pigeon flew in and landed on Meng Yun’s shoulder under the gaze of Dao Zhen and Hua Yu, putting an end to the argument. “Master Mengtang.” Noticing Meng Yun’s expression changing rapidly, as if flipping through pages of a book—exactly the look of someone enduring something extremely bad while forcing composure—Hua Yu immediately lowered her voice and said carefully, “Your complexion doesn’t look good.” Dao Zhen’s cold gaze also fixed curiously on Meng Yun. What news could possibly make the head of a first-class sect with hundreds of elite fighters lose his composure in front of them? “It’s nothing.” With guests present, Meng Yun managed not to explode on the spot. He took a deep breath but still couldn’t help hesitating inwardly—“To strike now… Is it a vanguard to clear the path, or… It probably isn’t the main force.” With that thought, he quickly sent a message through a homing pigeon, assigning the matter of Kui Town to Xue Yi to handle. Kui Town had been attacked… Over 400 disciples of the first-class sect were killed all at once in a short time. Compared to the arrest and imprisonment incident that had shaken the entire sect some time ago, losing a few hundred people seemed minor. But! This time, the attacked place was the neglected Kui Town, a lifeless town forgotten by the world. All 400 people were wiped out… According to the head of Kui Town’s branch sect, they were ambushed silently while on patrol in the wilderness; none survived, and those who stayed behind in the town also failed to escape. Due to the darkness and limited visibility, little else was known except that it was done by people from the Mu family. Kui Town must have fallen. “Gather intelligence at full speed and order the troops in nearby branches to raise their vigilance… Xue Yi, ask your people about the situation.” Only after sending the message did Meng Yun breathe a sigh of relief: The imperial decree mission wasn’t over yet. It wasn’t time for the main action—this was probably just a scouting mission.