I just became the Pirate King, and you're telling me I also time-traveled at the same time.

Chapter 211 This is a one-time exception! Shameless!

During the decisive battle at Tianchi, Gu Santong was already a Grandmaster. However, he was imprisoned in a secret dungeon for nearly twenty years, causing his vital energy to decline and his cultivation level to drop again and again.

He was saved by Chu Yang on his deathbed, and his martial arts cultivation was rebuilt from the ashes. He was only one step away from breaking through, and this pill became the opportunity for him to break through.

Grandmaster level!

The pinnacle that countless martial artists dream of!

In this era where immortals and gods are merely legends, grandmasters are deities who stand above all living beings.

"Gu Santong, he broke through?!" Cao Zhengchun stared at Gu Santong in disbelief. He saw that the other party's blood and qi were as thick as a long dragon, swirling around his body, and finally turning into rolling red clouds that were absorbed into Gu Santong's stomach.

"This...this medicine is actually real!"

Zheng Dongliu's hand, gripping his beard, trembled so badly he almost ripped it off. He was past the age of knowing one's destiny and would soon be an old man in his sixties. If he didn't break through his current level, his vital energy would decline year by year.

He was the one who needed to replenish his qi and blood the most among everyone, and he couldn't help but turn to look at Chu Yang, his eyes becoming extremely ardent.

Zheng Dongliu was very confident in his own abilities and believed that as long as he could obtain the elixir, he would definitely become the next Grandmaster.

Gu Santong opened his eyes, and the surging true energy gradually subsided. The light in his eyes became more subdued, with occasional golden afterglow flashing. It seemed that the Golden Light Indestructible Divine Art was undergoing another transformation.

"drink!"

With a tremor of his arms, Gu Santong's entire body flashed with golden light, instantly transforming into a tiny, golden figure, the heartbeat emanating from his chest sounding like a drumbeat.

The drums thundered, reverberating endlessly in everyone's ears.

At this moment, Zhuge Zhengwo's face finally changed color, and he couldn't help but say, "What a magnificent Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill! Brother Gu's physical body is as strong as a demon king..."

Chu Yang nodded. At this moment, Gu Santong's physical strength was perhaps second only to him in the entire Ming Dynasty.

"Calm down, old comrade."

Chu Yang slapped Gu Santong on the shoulder, instantly knocking him back to his original form, and the golden light in the sky vanished in an instant.

I had to take a picture; it was just too glaring, even more annoying than shining a flashlight in my eyes.

Gu Santong, who had been all smiles, quickly froze on his face and fell into deep self-doubt.

Is my Grandmaster made of paper?

How come it can't even withstand a slap...?

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines upon seeing this.

Gu Santong, who had achieved the Grandmaster realm, was thus shattered by a slap from His Majesty.

What level of cultivation does Your Majesty possess?

"We've already tried the elixir, and you've all seen its effects. So, the method of refining elixirs from flesh and blood is feasible, isn't it?"

Chu Yang looked at them with a smile.

Zhuge Shenhou was the first to react. His body trembled with excitement as he cupped his hands and said, "In this way, the human race can finally work together to kill demons, and those martial arts sects can finally go down the mountain to kill demons willingly."

Under normal circumstances, the risk of killing demons is very high, and not every demon's body can be used to forge weapons and armor. Therefore, unless one is forced to encounter a demon, most sects strictly prohibit their disciples from "subduing demons and monsters".

Especially for those disciples with exceptional talent, the elders of the sect must repeatedly give them instructions to prevent them from acting impulsively.

In the eyes of some major sects, the Divine Marquis's Mansion would bear the consequences if the sky were to fall, and any demons that threatened the safety of the common people would be dealt with by the Divine Marquis's Mansion, and had nothing to do with them.

Of course, there are also "rebellious" disciples who cannot stand this kind of behavior and insist on going down the mountain to slay demons and monsters. The result is often death and destruction, becoming a negative example for the sect to educate young disciples.

Even masters from Buddhism and Taoism, the imperial court had to offer them substantial benefits before it could persuade them to help.

Buddhist masters like Master Yunque of Yichan Temple, who were on good terms with Zhuge Zhengwo, were few and far between.

Now that killing demons can be used to refine pills, which can improve cultivation, this matter has become valuable and profitable in the eyes of major sects. They will actively send their disciples into the world to kill demons, which can greatly help alleviate the pressure on the Divine Marquis's Mansion.

Speaking of martial arts sects, Chu Yang's expression turned slightly cold. Great heroes like Yan Nantian and Guo Bujing were ultimately a minority; most were just opportunistic and scheming individuals.

"Those sects should have been disciplined long ago. There are many like Ximen Chuixue and Ye Gucheng who disregard the greater good of humanity and recklessly wage war. Previously, the imperial court was powerless to do so. After dealing with those traitors in the south, we will settle accounts with them properly."

Yu Huatian's face was as cold as frost, and he kept sneering. One of the reasons he was so keen on power was his ambition to suppress all the sects in the world.

"The situation has just begun to improve. It is not the right thing to clash with those sects now. As the Divine Marquis just said, we should work together."

Zheng Dongliu slowly shook his head, directly refuting Yu Huatian's words; the two had always held conflicting positions.

"Lord Zheng's idea is too naive. If those sects were reliable, the situation in the south wouldn't have deteriorated to this point."

Yu Huatian squinted at Zheng Dongliu, a hint of murderous intent rising in his eyes.

Zheng Dongliu sneered, "The corruption in the South is partly due to the two factories pulling the strings behind the scenes. Don't throw every wad of shit at the major sects, Eunuch Yu!"

Yu Huatian's face turned ugly. He was about to speak in rebuttal when he heard Cao Zhengchun's furious voice.

"Don't make baseless accusations, you surnamed Zheng!"

"When has our family ever harbored any designs on the South? How can we so easily fabricate such a crime that would lead to the extermination of nine generations of one's family?"

"If you have the guts, settle things with us today and let's see who's the real deal!"

"My family is utterly loyal to the Ming Dynasty; I beg Your Majesty to see this clearly!"

It was clear that Eunuch Cao was in a real hurry. He disregarded etiquette and jumped around in front of Chu Yang, as if he wanted to bite Zheng Dongliu to death.

"Alright, I know you're innocent. You can't even manage the capital, how could you have time to reach out to the south?"

Chu Yang waved his hand, looking at Cao Zhengchun with disdain, "If you keep jumping around in front of me, I'll beat you up."

"This servant knows his crime." Cao Zhengchun retreated to the side with a wronged expression, not forgetting to glare fiercely at Zheng Dongliu.

Chu Yang then looked at Zheng Dongliu and said, "Lord Zheng, your words are a bit excessive. Everyone knows that Yu Huatian's methods are ruthless, which is one of the reasons why I took back the power of the two factories."

"If he is truly a person without any bottom line, then it's not as simple as just taking back the power of the two factories."

"I can kill Zhu Wushi, so what is Yu Huatian?"

Hearing Chu Yang's tone gradually turn hostile, Zheng Dongliu trembled and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty, I was momentarily angered and spoke without thinking. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."

Chu Yang still didn't respond, staring at him coldly.

An invisible pressure was spreading; not only Zheng Dongliu, but everyone else was also overwhelmed by Chu Yang's aura.

Zhuge Zhengwo, a grandmaster, was no different from Gu Santong.

Zheng Dongliu's face turned ugly. He gritted his teeth and was about to kneel down and kowtow when he heard Chu Yang's voice.

"Lord Zheng, this will not be allowed to happen again."

As soon as he finished saying "This is the last time," everyone felt the oppressive aura that had been weighing on their hearts disappear. When they looked at Chu Yang again, he had returned to his usual amiable demeanor.

Even so, the group remained silent with their heads down, and even the most unrestrained Lu Xiaofeng dared not joke around as he used to.

"I really hate that kind of partisan politics."

"If you can't do that, at least don't put the conflict in the open."

"Also, as you get older, don't keep bringing up poop and pee all the time, it's disgusting."

Chu Yang spoke casually, but no one present dared to echo him.

Zheng Dongliu was a loyal minister, and as the master who could teach Li Gexiao, he was naturally not bad. However, it was also true that he could not let go of the past, and the conflict between the Imperial Guard and the Imperial Eunuch occupied too much of his life.

Subconsciously resisting Yu Huatian became a kind of "old ailment" for Zheng Dongliu. He hadn't even realized that the other party was no longer the supervisor of the West Depot.

Putting aside personal grudges, Zheng Dongliu actually agreed with Yu Huatian's opinion. The major sects were indeed unreliable, and the current state of the South was inextricably linked to these people.

As the saying goes, "one can retreat into one's own little world and become a unified entity, regardless of spring, summer, autumn, or winter." Those major sects and factions simply hide in their own territories, coldly observing the suffering of the world.

"I know I was wrong."

Zheng Dongliu knew he was in the wrong and willingly admitted his mistake.

"As the saying goes, no one is perfect. It's inevitable that Lord Zheng will feel resentful about some trivial matters from the past. However, the past is the past. Since Lord Zheng has admitted his mistake, Your Majesty should not be angry."

Zhuge Zhengwo felt the atmosphere had eased somewhat and immediately began to offer his advice.

Chu Yang shook his head and said, "I wouldn't say I'm angry, but if things continue like this, even if Lord Zheng gets the pill, he'll have a hard time breaking through to the Grandmaster level."

Zheng Dongliu was startled upon hearing this.

Chu Yang said, "You think it's too easy for Gu Santong to break through? You're underestimating the Grandmaster level. Just piling up your power isn't enough; your mindset is also very important."

Zhuge Zhengwo nodded and said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Only when one's mind is free of flaws can one's true energy circulate smoothly."

Gu Santong then said with a smile, "I have been trapped in a cage for a long time. When I was finally free, I was overjoyed. After I was released, I had a son, which made me even happier. Although my wife is sleeping in the Tianshan Mountains, there is a way to save her. I only need to do my best to help her. So I have no regrets and will move forward without hesitation."

"If you are held back by so many past events and don't face them properly, you will eventually get caught in your own trap."

"Inner demons are the greatest enemy of martial arts."

Zheng Dongliu fell into a long silence. He really found it hard to let go of his hatred for the two factories. The power struggle between the factories and the guards involved too many lives, each one incredibly heavy.

To shake hands and make peace with Yu Huatian and Cao Zhengchun would be tantamount to betraying those who sacrificed their lives.

Zheng Dongliu couldn't do it.

Chu Yang understood his predicament, which is why he advised him not to bring the conflict into the open. If the two hadn't surrendered, it wouldn't have been a big deal; killing them off under any pretext wouldn't have been too difficult.

But since they had knelt down and kowtowed, it would be somewhat unethical for Chu Yang to actually attack them.

Today he can kill Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian who surrendered, and tomorrow he can kill you Zheng Dongliu. Anyway, with Chu Yang's martial arts cultivation, as long as he wants to kill, who in the world can't he kill?

Over time, will Chu Yang still have anyone by his side?

That's what it truly means to be a lonely person.

This was a situation that Chu Yang desperately wanted to avoid. All he could do was to completely erase the two factories from history, keep Cao Zhengchun in the palace as a watchdog, and keep Yu Huatian by his side as a henchman, as a way of giving the Embroidered Uniform Guard an explanation.

If you don't appreciate this, then what else do you, Zheng Dongliu, want?

Or should I give you the throne?

Given Zheng Dongliu's character, if Chu Yang questioned him in this way, he would probably smash his head against a pillar to prove his innocence with his death.

"Take the pills, go home and think it over carefully. If you feel you've overcome your mental hurdle, then swallow them."

Chu Yang tossed a pill made from the flesh and blood of a demon king to Zheng Dongliu. With Zheng Dongliu's more than 20 years of experience at the Grandmaster level, this pill was enough to help him advance.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your kindness. I have no way to repay you and I am ashamed to face Your Majesty."

Zheng Dongliu's eyes welled up with tears. Despite his scolding, Chu Yang still gave him the important thing.

"Your success in becoming a Grandmaster, adding strength to the Ming Dynasty, is the greatest reward to the world."

Chu Yang waved his hand, signaling him to hurry home and go into seclusion.

Zheng Dongliu knelt down to express his gratitude to the emperor, then dragged his heavy figure into the night.

"Your Majesty, I shall also take my leave." Li Gexiao stepped forward and bowed, then whispered to Chu Yang, "I am a little worried about my master, so I will return tonight. I apologize."

"I was hoping to celebrate for you, but it seems I'll have to wait until next time," Chu Yang said helplessly. "When we get back, I'll give Lord Zheng some advice and tell him not to worry about wasting the pills, and to pay attention to his state of mind."

"One should press on with one's might, but the momentum will wane on the second attempt, and exhaust it on the third, at which point inner demons will surely arise."

Li Gexiao nodded, keeping Chu Yang's words in mind.

Before leaving, he suddenly hugged Chu Yang, and Chu Yang patted him on the shoulder in return.

Zhuge Zhengwo shook his head as he watched Zheng Dongliu's departing figure.

Even the most amiable dragon is still a dragon.

Dragons have scales that cannot be touched; to touch them is certain death.

After a minor incident, the area outside the palace fell into silence.

Cao Zhengchun dared not say a word. For some reason, he always felt that His Majesty the Emperor had murderous intent towards him.

Yu Huatian dared not do that either; he was at least half responsible for the huge commotion.

"Master Guo, you should take one pill too."

Chu Yang called out to Guo Bujing in a teasing tone, and then handed him a Demon King Pill.

Guo Bujing did not immediately take the pill, but looked at it deeply, then clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I do not wish to take this pill."

Chu Yang was somewhat surprised. "Why?"

"Since the Divine Marquis was able to break through to the Grandmaster level on his own, I naturally want to try as well." Guo Bujing laughed heartily. He was in his prime and had the confidence and ability to do so.

Zhuge Zhengwo nodded slightly, his eyes filled with admiration for Guo Bujing. If he were younger, he would probably have made the same choice.

"Then I'll keep this pill for you." Chu Yang put away the pill, turned to look at Zhuge Zhengwo, and said, "A pill made from the flesh and blood of a demon king can also be effective for grandmasters. As for whether it can help them break through, and how many they need to take to break through, I haven't tested it yet."

Zhuge Zhengwo stroked his beard and laughed loudly, "This old minister is not as arrogant as a young man. Your Majesty, just give me as many pills as you have. I want to see how effective they are."

Chu Yang rolled his eyes at him and said irritably, "Old man, you're shameless! You keep stuffing as much as you can handle. Can you even eat it all?"

Zhuge Zhengwo didn't care at all about Chu Yang's scolding and said with a smile, "The capable should do more, right? We can't let Gu Santong, who just became a Grandmaster, do the work, can we? That would be a waste of time."

Chu Yang was truly amazed and laughed, "I've never seen such a shameless person before!" (End of Chapter)