Starting from the Tiger Demon Yaksha, the demon immortality

Chapter 320, 329 Hidden Dragon, Guangyi

"Disciple, you went to work for the Prince of Jin in order to find reinforcements."

“As your master, I should stand behind you to prevent you from being bullied by those soldiers.”

"But right now, for the sake of the people in the city, I'm sorry, Master."

Several bodyguards and Zhiheng were arguing there when Qici quietly came to Li Cunxiao's side and secretly communicated with him.

"What are you saying, Master? We are monks, we are compassionate, what's wrong with that?"

"Of the hundreds of thousands of people in Huayin City, only half survived the ravages of the Demonic Sect. It is often said that saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda. Your merit is enough to build a grove of trees."

"As an apprentice, I should only feel proud; how could I possibly complain about you?"

Li Cunxiao offered kind words of comfort, knowing that it was because Taiyi's "death" had affected the great monk's nerves.

Indeed, now that he has just arrived in Hedong, he has no one to help him.

The "Grandpa Party" and the "Third Grandpa Party" are closely united, and both sides have their own grandmasters.

If Qici could be by his side at this time, then he would also have a grandmaster's helper, making everything more convenient.

On the other hand, the abbot was public-spirited, cold on the outside but warm on the inside, and a rare and proper monk.

There were no righteous wars during the Spring and Autumn Period. While it was understandable that the feudal lords were vying for supremacy, did they really expect their masters to go and conquer cities, getting their hands dirty?

No need.

“Master, your presence alone is a deterrent. It makes no difference whether you're in the military camp or in Huayin. Besides, I'm skilled in alchemy; who would dare to give me attitude?”

“I think Master Zhiheng is a compassionate person. If you want to help me, make friends with him and reduce the unnecessary killing by the Hedong army.”

"It will not go against your principles, and it will also help me gain another ally."

Upon hearing this, Qi Ci was greatly relieved. Meanwhile, the argument between Li Siyuan and Zhiheng had come to an end, and Li Yisheng stepped forward to make the final decision:
"Okay, stop arguing."

"The Grand Protector was acting in the name of the army's conquest, while Master Zhiheng was acting in the name of the people. Neither of them was wrong; both were sincere and devoted."

“And you guys,” he said, pointing at each of the other bodyguards one by one.

"We will soon be heading to the capital. We must act like a royal army and prioritize the well-being of the people and the world."

"From now on, the talk of massacring cities is forbidden. Any killing of innocent people by soldiers to claim credit must be severely punished."

"do you understand?"

His words were laced with a chilling intensity, and the Grandmaster's powerful will was like a towering mountain range, leaving no room for any sense of relief in the hearts of the crowd.

It's hard to imagine that if Li Yisheng were to unleash his fury, everyone present, except for a few grandmasters, would likely be so enraged that they would literally explode with anger.

After everyone responded in unison, Li Yisheng nodded in satisfaction, and the tense atmosphere dissipated.

His words were partly to win people's hearts and establish his authority.

From a regional lord to the ruler of the land, it all boils down to the transformation from "selling one's father's land without a care" to "this is all my money."

People aren't like leeks, they just keep growing back after being cut down. And in these chaotic times, every single person has their use.

Craftsmen, farmers, soldiers—it takes time to become skilled in each profession. If we continue with the old ways of soldiers and bandits, even if we conquer the world, there will be no one to support us. What's the point of being an emperor then?
In this regard, Li Cunxiao, as a true disciple of Louguan Taoism, is undoubtedly a good name.
Thinking of this, Li Yisheng's gaze towards Li Cunxiao softened even more:

"Thirteenth Brother, you're the one who knows this place best. What do you think should be done about the situation in Huayin County?"

Li Cunxiao pondered for a moment, then cupped his hands and said:

"I think it's not enough to just have the two grandmasters stay here."

"Not enough?"

Kang Junli raised an eyebrow and said sarcastically:
"The main army and supplies from Hedong haven't arrived yet. Zhu the bandit might just be planning a counterattack. With manpower and resources so scarce, what more do you want?"

What a loyal family dog.

Li Cunxiao curled his lip, ignoring him, and looked at Li Yisheng instead:
"Just now the king said that he would give me the Flying Cavalry to form an army."

“The Flying Cavalry are your personal guards, and I dare not overstep my bounds and give orders.”

"Although the evil aura in this city has been removed, there are still many demons hiding there. I hope you can lend me five hundred flying cavalry to eliminate this hidden danger."

"Once the city is stable, the Flying Cavalry will still accompany you. I only hope that you will allow me to recruit the people of Huayin as soldiers. If the supplies are insufficient, I can provide the food, fodder and weapons myself."

"As for the attack by the Zhu traitor, my brothers, the Grand Protectors, are all fierce generals of our time. They can pursue the fleeing enemy and establish meritorious service."

"I know my cultivation is shallow and I know nothing about military campaigns, so I won't join in the fun."

After he finished speaking, everyone reacted in different ways.

Some thought that Li Cunxiao was afraid, and that with the help of the flying cavalry and the presence of a grandmaster, he was cowering and avoiding battle in Huayin County.

Some believed that Li Cunxiao was deliberately hiding his talents, as he was unwilling to compete for credit with others after just arriving in Hedong, and that being too flamboyant would arouse jealousy.

"Qi saved the lives of a city without taking credit, but his apprentice is not one to suffer losses."

"By using the power of the flying cavalry to sweep away the demons, we can not only win the hearts of the city's people, but also take the opportunity to amass wealth for the city."

"Huayin is close to the capital, and the sons of wealthy families are more skilled in martial arts than farmers and craftsmen."

"Once the city is stable, we can raise the banner and recruit soldiers. With his reputation, he can easily gather several thousand loyal and elite troops."

"What a brilliant plan! What a shrewd scheme!"

"Hiding one's talents and biding one's time—that's truly the essence of Taoism."

Li Siyuan, Li Cunxu, and Li Yisheng, though each with their own thoughts, all secretly praised him and placed even greater importance on him.

In retrospect, Li Cunxiao's suggestion was a thankless task.

But in the long run, it is a very wise decision.

"Since you are so willing, how could I refuse? I grant your request."

Li Cunxiao felt relieved when he heard Li Yisheng give the approval, and bowed to express his gratitude.

What he was thinking was actually pretty much what everyone else had guessed.

The "Old Master Party" and the "Third Master Party" are secretly vying for power, especially now that they are about to enter the capital, which will affect their future status, so open and covert struggles are inevitable.

Right now, all he wants is to cultivate to the level of communion as soon as possible, and then find an opportunity to go out and break through to the Grandmaster level. At that time, whether he tries to revive his mentor or build up his own power, it's all better than this infighting.

The Buddha statue is currently the focus of everyone's attention, so it's best not to make any rash moves. The only way to fill the gap in the malevolent energy is to look for it within the city.

Besides being a demon, it can save people, calm their minds, amass wealth, and elevate one's spiritual realm—achieving four benefits in one fell swoop.

Now that his spiritual manifestations in both Buddhism and Taoism have reached the twelfth level of perfection, before condensing his inner vision, Li Cunxiao wants to further deduce and perfect the supernatural power of "external incarnation".

If his avatar could remain outside his body for a long time, he would have much more leeway in his future endeavors.

"Very well, very well! Now that we have taken in a young talent, and with New Year's Day just around the corner, it's time for a grand feast!"

“Cunxiao, I have heard that your father-in-law is Ye Jingneng, the Duke of Yue. We can invite him to join us at the banquet tonight and tell us about the customs and people of the capital.”

"Otherwise, this camp of crude and uncouth soldiers might make a fool of themselves later."

Li Cunxiao was taken aback upon hearing this, and then he realized that he had brought his wife and younger brothers along, but he had forgotten that his father-in-law, as the military commander, was still in Huayin City.

Just as he was getting anxious, Qici stepped forward and said that he had thought of this problem long ago, so he had searched the city specifically and had not found Ye Jingneng's body. He guessed that Ye Jingneng had fled long ago when he saw that things were not going well.

Li Cunxiao finally breathed a sigh of relief. If something had happened to his father-in-law, he really wouldn't know how to explain it to his wife. Upon hearing this, Li Yisheng ordered his men to search everywhere, while at the same time preparing food, slaughtering sheep and chickens, and setting up a banquet.

Li Cunxiao made an excuse that he had hidden his family outside the city. He and his master Qici left the military camp and found a deserted place. After confirming that there was no surveillance, they released Ye Shuyi and the others.

"Well"

The moment Ye Shuyi awoke, the two divine weapons, the Liuxian Skirt and the Shuiyun Sword, simultaneously shone brightly.

The sword flashed, but stopped just before it touched its opponent.

"Sanlang? What's wrong with you? I..."

She looked at Li Mucha and the other two lying on the ground, still unconscious, her eyes full of confusion.

I only remember packing my things at home, and then I lost consciousness.

It didn't feel like being drugged; it felt more like my soul had been hit on the head with a blunt object, only without the pain.

Throughout the entire Louguan sect, at that time, only the Grandmaster Taiyi Zhenren was capable of accomplishing this.
"By the way, where is Uncle-Master Taiyi?"

As soon as she said it, Ye Shuyi regretted it, because she clearly saw Li Cunxiao's eyes dim instantly, and he slowly leaned against the tree trunk and slid down.

Qi Ci sighed, gave her a look, then grabbed the three boys on the ground and left, leaving the two of them alone.

Once the elders left, Ye Shuyi couldn't hold back any longer. She quickly stepped forward and buried her husband's head in her arms.

The latter felt enveloped in warmth and softness, and subconsciously wrapped his arms around his wife's waist, casting aside all thoughts and leaving only a blank mind.

He was so tired.

After a desperate night of rescue efforts, they finally managed to find help, only to face Taiyi's temporary departure, followed by internal power struggles within Hedong.

In just a few days, a series of unexpected events occurred. His body could handle it, and his cultivation level even increased instead of decreasing, but the exhaustion deep in his heart continued to accumulate.

Only now, in the arms of his loved ones, can he release all of this without restraint.

No, it wasn't that he was completely unconcerned. At least, after much deliberation, he decided not to mention that Taiyi was still alive.

Since becoming Taiyi's successor, there has been no book in Louguan Dao's collection that he has not been allowed to read.

Throughout history, there has never been a precedent of a grandmaster who returned to the Dao and lived a second life.

Right now, Qici needs to sit in front of the Buddha statue to dispel the evil energy, but his wife and younger brother are not spiritually advanced enough. What's the point of saying all this except to add to his troubles and increase the risk of being exposed?
"I never expected so many things to happen in just a few days."

"You don't need to worry about my father. I have a life talisman he made using Taoist secret techniques. If something happens to him, I will know immediately, and vice versa."

Ye Shuyi gently stroked her husband's cheek, their foreheads touching.

You must be exhausted.

Upon hearing this, Li Cunxiao simply grasped her slender hands, caressed them for a moment, and then looked up again, his usual composed demeanor restored.

"Don't worry, I'm fine, let's go."

As soon as the couple came out, Ye Chengxiao and the other two, who had already learned the whole story from the contract, immediately surrounded them, their eyes filled with both gratitude and worry.

Li Mucha didn't say much, but stepped forward and gave his older brother a tight hug.

He is now fifteen years old. Thanks to the constant supply of medicinal food and elixirs, he has already mastered the three major techniques in a year and is close to perfection.

He was nearly six feet 1.8 meters tall, with well-proportioned muscles and bones, long arms and a slender waist, and already looked like an adult.

"Now, all the feudal lords under heaven are bound to fight. Wei He and Ye Chengxiao, whether you want to follow me or find a place to escape the chaos, I will not stop you."

Upon hearing this, both of them became anxious and were about to express their feelings when Li Cunxiao raised his hand to stop them.

"Life and death are matters of great importance and should not be taken lightly. Once a decision is made, there is no reason to go back on it. I have to attend a banquet later, so we can talk about it again when I return in the evening."

After speaking, everyone returned to camp. Li Cunxiao and Qici were each assigned a large tent by themselves due to their status.

The interior was fully furnished with all kinds of furniture, and when the soldiers were asked, it was indeed Li Yisheng's special order.

Not long after, soldiers led Ye Jingneng, who had disappeared, back. Father and daughter were overjoyed to see each other and almost wept with joy.

After calming down, the old man began to recount his ordeal.

It turned out that when Zhu Quanzhong led his troops to the door, Ye Jingneng sensed something was wrong and made a quick escape through a pre-dug tunnel.

Knowing his cultivation was insufficient, he did not want to hold his daughter and son-in-law back, but he also did not want to abandon his family and flee for his life. So he did not go too far and hid in the nearby mountains.

After a series of fierce battles, with grandmasters taking action, Ye Jingneng dared not act rashly. It wasn't until he saw Li Cunxiao and others moving freely in the Hedong military tent from afar that he dared to come out and meet them.

After meeting the other party, Li Yisheng did not stop them or do anything to take them hostage.

Although he was not fond of this kind of courteous and respectful attitude, Li Cunxiao had to admit that it was no simple matter that the other party had become a powerful figure in the world.

Or, to put it another way, for a grandmaster, once the temple is opened, everything within a hundred meters is in the palm of his hand.

The ability to control everything without taking hostages—that's the confidence that power brings.

The family chatted for a while, and as dusk approached, a messenger came to personally invite Li Cunxiao's family to a banquet.

"My father-in-law and I will go to the banquet. You and Mucha can stay with Master. I'll feel more at ease that way."

"Well, I listen to you."

Li Cunxiao had already witnessed the crudeness of the military men of the regional warlords through the Twelve Protectors.

In comparison, Shi Jingsi was quite polite and well-mannered, so it was hard to expect these people to say anything nice after drinking.

As he expected, apart from Li Siyuan and Li Cunxu, the rest of the group became reckless and spoke without restraint after drinking too much.

In front of the Duke of Yue, they inquired about the treasures in the imperial treasury, the beauties in the palace, and even began to fantasize about how Li Yisheng would reward them after becoming emperor, creating a chaotic and disorderly atmosphere.

While scolding him, Li Yisheng was also quite pleased with himself, and even the relatively honest Shi Jingsi couldn't help but come out to flatter him.

Ye Jing was used to dealing with noble families and had never seen anything like this before. He was both dumbfounded and forced to smile wryly.

After the banquet ended and the father-in-law and son-in-law returned home, Li Cunxiao couldn't help but comfort them:
"Father-in-law, you've had a hard night."

"Tonight?" Ye Jing sighed and shook her head.

"I'm afraid we'll have a lot of trouble once we get to the capital. The remaining noble families and powerful figures in Daxing City are all the type who won't shed a tear until they see the coffin. Never mind, let's not talk about that."

"Your brother is already fifteen. In this day and age, people don't wait until they're twenty to come of age. Have you thought of a name for him yet?"

This reminder prompted Li Cunxiao to reflect on the matter.

Mokcha was just a nickname. The boy from back then has grown up and it's no longer appropriate to use that name.

All the memories of the journey, the imprints of the past, and the expectations for the future flashed through my mind, ultimately condensing into two words.

"How about we name him Guangyi?"

"Li Guangyi? That's a good name."

Ye Jing stroked his beard, seemingly lost in thought.

"Like the sun high in the sky, it shines its light on righteousness throughout the world."

Li Cunxiao gazed at the Flying Tiger Flag fluttering in the north wind; the night sky was shrouded in gloom, with not a single star or moon in sight.

Just like his eyes.

(End of this chapter)