Sword from the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 218 The Mandate of Heaven Records the Changes in the Daoist Tradition
Hou Xibai overheard Zhou Yi's conversation with Ning Sanren, which made him repeatedly fan himself with his beauty fan.

Brother Zhou is even better at calculations than Yuan Tiangang.

Ning Sanren was indeed waiting, and it seemed that there was something wrong with his Taoist practice.

Everything came true.

In Hou's eyes, the Eight Strikes of the Freehand Technique were flawless, but upon hearing Zhou Yi's words and seeing Ning Sanren's obvious expression, he realized that Ning Sanren was planning to reread the Zhuangzi.

What are you calculating?

At the entrance of Todai-ji Temple, the Crow Taoist looked sternly at the short, stout Taoist priest who was counting on his fingers.

"Of course it's about timing. Do you think I can tell fortunes?"

"What time?"

The wooden Taoist switched from his left hand to his right, becoming extremely focused: "The time from when I went to Yongqiu until now."

"Why bother calculating all this?"

"You don't understand. Seven or eight years ago, I was able to hold my own against a Taoist master."

The wooden Taoist spoke with a proud and smug look on his face, clearly showing off: "Judging from the performance in the great battle, Ning Sanren is still several levels below me."

The Crow Taoist squinted: "I don't believe it."

"If you don't believe me, ask yourself."

"No need to ask, go and show me your palm strike now. I never believe what I hear, I only believe what I see."

Upon hearing this, the wooden Taoist's flat, broad face showed considerable displeasure, and he said in a threatening tone:
"Don't ask the Taoist priest to make kitchen utensils for you in the future."

"Don't take it seriously, I was just joking," Crow Taoist said, having been tricked, forcing a smile and putting his arm around Crow Taoist's shoulder. "Who in the martial arts world doesn't know your skills, Master Mu? I admire you very much."

"By the way, when are you going to make me a soup pot for soaking dried abalone, scallops, and other dried goods?"

The wooden Taoist replied lazily, "That stuff is best made with Heavenly Rain Iron. We'll talk about it when we have time to go to the Western Regions."

The two paid no attention to the occasional glances that Shi Long cast at them, and paid no attention to the monks in Todai-ji Temple.

They spoke casually, but their eyes were all fixed on Zhou Yi.

Their mindset was naturally far superior to that of ordinary people; they would only listen to the stories of most masters and renowned figures in the world and then forget about them.

But Zhou Yi holds a completely different meaning for them.

Although we had high hopes for him to become the "number one person in the Taoist school" back then, we also knew that it might be many years later.

It's even possible that he might simply outlive Ning Sanren due to his advanced age.

Who would have thought that "many years later" would pass so quickly.

The Wood Taoist first met Zhou Yi earlier than the Crow Taoist. It was at the Cao family's birthday banquet, and he came to confront Zhou Yi, thinking that the other party was swindling.

Even though he was the one who lost at the birthday banquet.

But Mu Daoren knew perfectly well what level of skill Zhou Yi possessed at that time.

Therefore, when he looks at today, he can't help but count the years on his fingers, and he can't even use both hands to count them all.

It's not that time flies, it's that it's too short!

Imagine if you went back in time and someone told you that the young Taoist priest who performed the ritual at the birthday banquet, whose true energy hadn't even been cultivated yet, would far surpass Ning Sanren in seven or eight years and become the new number one Taoist master. You probably wouldn't believe it even if you were beaten to death.

Thinking of this, the Wood Taoist felt that the light and shadows before his eyes were distorted, and his senses were also confused.

He held his head and shook it.

When he regained his composure, he suddenly noticed that Zhou Yi was looking at him with a smile that was somewhat similar to the one he had worn back then.

From his smile, Mu Daoren couldn't help but recall the scene in Fule City where Zhou Yi and Shan Xiongxin coaxed him into storming the Yingyang Prefecture camp.

Even with his rugged emotions, a number of memories welled up in his heart.

The wooden Taoist tilted his head smugly and stopped looking at Zhou Yi.

However, his wide mouth couldn't help but stretch out in a huge grin.

After listening to Zhou Yi's words, Ning Sanren fell into deep thought, as if recalling the Zhuangzi.

So when the people from Cihang Jingzhai came over from Yuhe Nunnery, Ning Sanren never took his eyes off the sunlight filtering through the trees.

Last night, I went to look for Zhou Yi and received his reply, "I will come early."

Therefore, Todai-ji Temple made preparations well in advance.

When Zhou Yi and Hou Xibai passed by Yuhe Temple, they were naturally noticed by the people of Jingnian Temple.

"Heavenly Master."

Fan Qinghui stepped forward to greet him, and Zhou Yi nodded slightly, his gaze then flying to the saintess bathed in the morning light behind Fan Qinghui.

Perhaps it was because the master was nearby.

When Shi Feixuan met his gaze, she quickly looked away, not daring to look at him.

"Master Fanzhai, may I ask what brings you here?"

Fan Qinghui stated frankly:

"I wanted to tell the Celestial Master some secrets, but it's irrelevant now. Just listen to it as a story, Celestial Master."

It was probably what they called "fate," Zhou Yi understood.

Footsteps sounded again at the temple gate.

A thin, elderly monk with a divine light in his eyes stepped forward, followed by many monks from Todai-ji Temple, arranged in two neat rows, a very solemn occasion.

"The presence of the Celestial Master is an honor to our humble temple. The morning breeze outside is dewy; please come inside to speak."

This old monk was none other than Master Huangshan, a master of profound Chan Buddhism.

Todai-ji Temple in Chang'an was similar in nature to the White Horse Temple in Luoyang. Although it was not as grand as the White Horse Temple, it was still a place for the royal family to pray and offer incense.

Master Huangshan is an ascetic and never receives guests.

However, Zhou Yi's identity is special, so after receiving the news last night, the entire temple was making preparations.

Fan Qinghui also raised her hand to invite him to go. Zhou Yi saw that beside Master Huangshan, there were also Master Jiaxiang and Master Zhihui.

Of the four great monks, Master Daoxin and Venerable Dixin are not present.

The Fourth Patriarch returned to the Chan school and stopped caring about worldly affairs. The Venerable Emperor Heart also saw through the illusions of the mortal world and returned to the Huayan school.

Zhou Yi gave a greeting, and all the Buddhist masters, including Master Jiaxiang, bowed and paid their respects to the Buddha.

At the temple gate, only Ning Sanren remained motionless, leaning on his body.

This state is quite rare for martial arts practitioners, as no one disturbs them. Zhou Yi, Hou Xibai, Mu Daoren, and others followed Master Huangshan inward.

Along the way, Zhou Yi asked the question that had just arisen: "Where is the Venerable Emperor Heart?"

Master Jiaxiang chanted a Buddhist prayer: "Excellent, excellent, he has gone to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss."

Then Master Zhihui explained in detail that after Emperor Xin entered the wondrous space where the Temple of War God was located, he used his Great Perfection Staff Technique to fight a great battle with the fish monster, which caused the demonic dragon in the underground lake to target him. Later, he was unable to escape in time and was killed by the demonic dragon at the bottom of the stone steps leading to the Temple of War God.

After a few words of communication, Zhou Yi basically understood the purpose of the Buddhist sect.

Their attitude was similar to that of Liao Kong.

However, compared to the Jingnian Chan Monastery, where the four great monks who had been contributing their efforts resided, the level of luxury in their respective schools, such as the Sanlun School and the Huayan School, was considerably lower.

Seeing that the world was about to be settled.

Zhou Yi received a signal: in the struggle for orthodoxy, although the Buddhist sect did not say it explicitly, it admitted that it had lost.

They will fully comply with the rules of the new dynasty.

With just a few of them, all Buddhist temples in the world can be controlled.

This is undoubtedly beneficial to the stability of the new dynasty.

Zhou Yi did not give up pursuing past grievances, but they were no longer relevant to the present.

Fan Qinghui said she wanted to tell a secret, but perhaps because there were many people around, she didn't speak.

Since it was still early, Master Huangshan invited everyone to have vegetarian tea.

During the discussion, the focus was on the Temple of War.

They talked about topics related to the Treasure Raft for Saving the World and insights into martial arts.

In today's martial arts world, this is almost the norm, because the War God relief is a topic with no end and endless possibilities for exploration.

Whether one is highly skilled or merely novice, everyone is fascinated by this.

A few years ago, there would have been very few martial arts exchange events like this.

Even Stone Dragon and Crow Taoist wouldn't mind chatting a bit more with the Buddhists about this matter.

Zhou Yi didn't find it novel, but he didn't spoil their interest either. He would occasionally offer his insights, which always sparked deep thought.

After the morning meal, Master Huangshan had fulfilled his duty as a host.

Fan Qinghui invited Zhou Yi into the inner courtyard.

Zhou Yi had expected the master to personally demonstrate his tea ceremony, but to her surprise, in front of a quiet inner courtyard with a huge ginkgo tree, she paused to give Shi Feixuan a few words of advice before bidding farewell to Zhou Yi and leaving.

"Feixuan, has your master sold you out?"

Zhou Yi sat in a room furnished with tea sets, a chessboard, and numerous books, smiling as he looked at the saintess.

"No, it was my suggestion."

Shi Feixuan sat opposite him, her ethereal voice echoing in the room: "Can you guess what the secret your master mentioned before was?"

"What else could it be but the destiny they keep talking about?"

"Ah."

She responded, but before she could even pour the tea, Zhou Yi had already taken the delicate, small porcelain teapot engraved with lotus patterns into her hands.

"Tell me what's going on."

Shi Feixuan noticed that Zhou Yi was pouring water into the cup in front of her. Gazing at the clear, green tea, she slowly said:
"This is the biggest secret of Jingzhai, and it was left behind by our founder, Dini. The so-called Mandate of Heaven is a prophecy about the future emperor."

"According to the patriarch, the Central Plains is in a state of chaos. Jingzhai should send out its successors to find the true Son of Heaven who can restore order and help them unify the world."

Zhou Yi had anticipated this.

Shi Feixuan's generation was able to choose Li Shimin early on, Yan Jing'an supported Zhu Yuanzhang, and Qin Mengyao supported Zhu Di.

It is precisely because of the so-called 'divine mandate' left behind by the Nini that Cihang Jingzhai has been able to make the right choices every time.

If that's the case, in this chaotic world, it is indeed the most correct choice for the two holy lands to join forces with the four holy monks to support Erfeng, and they have every reason to get involved in the fight.

Firstly, they knew a golden age was coming, and secondly, they couldn't find anyone stronger than Erfeng, after all, she was the strongest creature of this century.

As for himself, he naturally remained outside the prophecy.

"Was it a prophecy from Dini, or did she obtain it from somewhere else?"

Shi Feixuan solemnly said:

"According to the book left by the patriarch, the prophecy about the true Son of Heaven came from the northern pastures."

"Northern pastures?"

Zhou Yi looked at her in confusion, then heard her say, "Have you ever heard of a female teacher?"

A female teacher?

Zhou Yi couldn't remember for a moment.

Seeing his expression, Shi Feixuan knew he couldn't guess, and said directly, "When our ancestor was practicing martial arts, he went to the northern frontier and by chance obtained her letter."

"That female teacher's name is Ji Yanran."

Ji Yanran.
Zhou Yi quickly realized what was going on and understood. Sure enough, it was related to Xiang Shaolong; Ji Yanran was his wife.

Xiang Shaolong had practiced Mozi's swordsmanship and had also read the supplement to Mozi's swordsmanship.

He is associated with the Mohist school, and the Shengji Sect originated from the Mohist school.

Dini was in love with the first generation of the Evil Emperor, which gave her a greater chance of accessing secrets.

After some thought, I managed to piece together a rough idea.

Xiang Shaolong is unreliable and likes to boast, so it's highly unlikely he left behind a prophecy. However, Ji Cai Nu is skilled in planning and extremely calm; she must have carefully noted down some of the things she overheard.

Seeing the strange expression on his face, Shi Feixuan became curious and tentatively asked, "Have you heard of her name?"

"Ah."

"You've really heard of it?"

Zhou Yi responded with only four words: "Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming".

Shi Feixuan's beautiful eyes rose with a hazy, gentle moonlight as she looked at Zhou Yi, sensing a mysterious quality in his eyes.

With her mouth slightly open, her vague curiosity turned into surprise.

"Now you understand, this is what true strength is."

Zhou Yi smiled slightly and handed her the tea.

Shi Feixuan took a small sip, not pressing for details, but a relaxed expression appeared on her face.

“Brother Yi knows all this, so I don’t need to explain further. Cihang Jingzhai doesn’t intentionally want to be your enemy; this is what Master wanted me to convey to you.”

Zhou Yi simply listened without replying.

"After the Battle of Luoyang, Master and Zen Master Liaokong were greatly affected. They even doubted that the prophecy left by the Patriarch was wrong."

Such suspicions are naturally related to Erfeng.

Because Erfeng understood the true meaning of life, she avoided taking many detours.

What are your master's plans now?

"Once the world is at peace, the mountain gates will be closed."

"What about you?"

"I?"

A smile graced Shi Feixuan's elegant and beautiful face as she pursed her lips and said, "Naturally, I will also go into seclusion with my master to practice martial arts."

“Alright, then I’ll go to your Zhongnan Mountain gate and settle accounts with Cihang Jingzhai.”

Shi Feixuan immediately brought over a cup of tea, saying, "No, calm down."

Zhou Yi placed the porcelain cup in her hand on the table, and with a casual pull, drew the saintess's soft body into his arms.

"Feixuan, does your master know about us?"

"Ah."

“At that time in Xiji Garden, Master saw me chasing after you,” Shi Feixuan said in a low voice. “When I returned to Chang’an from Yun Shen Xiaolou, she asked me about it, and I confessed everything, including the He Shi Bi.”

"Oh? Master Fan has quite the composure; I didn't see her angry with you today."

"After hearing what I said, my master only sighed and did not get angry."

Shi Feixuan frowned slightly: "Perhaps she was angry, but after I stayed at the Cloud Recesses Pavilion for a few days, her anger has subsided."

“I also mentioned matters related to the cultivation of the sword manual.”

"What did Master Fanzhai say?"

“Even if the patriarch were alive, his martial arts level would not be as high as yours. After much deliberation, my master finally decided to listen to you.”

After hearing this, Zhou Yi felt that Fan Qinghui was more rational and less stubborn than he had imagined.

"Since your master doesn't object, why go back to Zhongnan? Stay by my side."

Shi Feixuan lowered her eyes and asked, "Are you surrounded by beautiful women, yet you still think of Feixuan?"

“What kind of talk is this? If I hadn’t guessed you would be here, even if I had to kowtow myself to death, I would never have come to Todai-ji Temple today.”

Zhou Yi said seriously:
“I was observing your master when she arrived. If Cihang Jingzhai tries to make things difficult for you, I will not allow it.”

Shi Feixuan's gaze was fixed on his face, and she realized that he was not joking. She smiled slightly and said gently, "You are so domineering. My master is not a bad person."

"Feixuan, why did you run out of Yun Shen Xiaolou that morning?"

When Zhou Yi brought this up, a slight blush appeared on her fair cheeks.

She said with a hint of embarrassment and anxiety, "Wanwan and you...you did such a thing to each other, and you didn't stop her, but you even did it to me."

The thought of those scalding hands touching her made her breathless, and she could no longer speak.

Actually, I wanted you to stop her.

Upon hearing this, the saintess gave him an annoyed look, not believing him at all.

"Do you still remember the method of the Dao Embryo that I told you about?"

"Ah."

Shi Feixuan recalled: "You said that on the Three Gorges."

"Correct."

Zhou Yi said mysteriously, "Come closer, I'll teach you."

Shi Feixuan sensed that he was up to no good, but she still leaned in to whisper a few words in her ear, which instantly made her neck turn red.

The saintess spat lightly, her face flushed, and said, "Liar, that's not how you cultivate a Dao Embryo."

"Do not lie to you."

Zhou Yi was very serious, and Han Bai and Qin Mengyao did indeed practice in a similar way.

"In this way, not only can one cultivate the Dao Embryo Sword Heart, but also..."

"Brother Yi, don't say that here."

She reached out and covered Zhou Yi's mouth.

A pleading look appeared on her pure and innocent face. Zhou Yi swallowed the words he had used to tease her. After all, this was Todai-ji Temple, and he had to consider her feelings.

Shi Feixuan felt Zhou Yi's grip loosen, so she looked up and gently kissed him on the cheek. She stood up, composed herself, and handed him the tea again.

Zhou Yi was bringing water to drink.

Suddenly, footsteps came from outside.

The footsteps sounded very familiar, and soon, a white figure moved in like a ghost.

When Wanwan stood still, the tea that Zhou Yi had just been drinking was now in her hand.

"The saint's tea is delicious."

The little vixen smiled, took a sip, and looked up at Zhou Yi, who was slightly taken aback: "Brother Yi, come on, have a sip too."

After she finished speaking, she put the saint's tea in her mouth.

With her eyes closed and a seductive expression, she made a gesture as if to feed him something, but before her lips could even touch his, she moved away quickly, laughing as she stepped back.

Zhou Yi naturally didn't get to drink any tea.

"Where's the tea?" he asked. Wanwan ignored him, simply lifting one of his arms and using his sleeve to wipe the few drops of water from the corner of her mouth.

She appeared more composed and natural than usual.

Shi Feixuan looked quietly at Wanwan: "Didn't you go to seek the spirit?"

“Yes,” Wanwan said, “my master is in this temple.”

“Brother Yi, Master and the Evil King have come looking for you. Go and see them. Let me talk to the Holy Maiden here.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yi stood up and pulled Wanwan to sit down in the spot where he had just been sitting.

"Speak properly, don't make a scene."

"Do not worry."

He picked up two cups and filled each of them with more than half a cup of tea. He exchanged glances with each of them before leaving to seek out the Yin Queen and the Evil King.

Zhou Yi initially thought that these two, like Ning Sanren and Master Yijian, had the same goal: to test their skills against him.

Unexpectedly, they brought a 'surprise'.

"he is?"

Zhou Yi looked at the corpse in the temple and felt a vague sense of familiarity, confirming that he had seen it before.

Dongdu's memories suddenly lit up: "Demon General?"

The Queen of the Underworld and the Evil King were slightly surprised: "It seems that Zhao Deyan owes a lot of debts. Even in this state, the Celestial Master can still recognize him."

When Yin Hou spoke, she turned over her withered palm and saw that the knuckles of her five fingers were protruding like sharp blades. This was caused by practicing the Eighteen Claws of Returning Soul.

The moment Zhou Yi saw him, she thought of Huang An:
"Is it the Great Venerable One or Yang Xuyan?"

Empress Yin smiled at the Evil King: "His disciple has made something of himself. Not only did he kill someone, but he also escaped from his grasp."

"The experts who fought you in Dongdu have all gone to the Temple of War God this time."

"Zhao Deyan is known for his wisdom and strategy, but I didn't expect him to be careless. He was ambushed by Yang Xuyan when he left the Temple of War. By the time we caught up, he was already in this state of being drained dry. Even the Great Evil King Shi made a move, but failed to capture his own disciple."

And said:

"There was another monk who died at the hands of the Great Master."

Zhou Yi pondered for a moment: "Is it Zhu Faming?"

"Yes."

Empress Yin's expression turned slightly stern: "These two have mastered an evil martial art, and their methods are the same; they can absorb other people's internal energy."

"but."

"It seems to only work on their style. I tested the Grandmaster's moves a few times, and although his power has increased considerably, he still can't absorb my Heavenly Demon Force."

It sounds similar to raising poisonous insects.

Zhou Yi couldn't help but look at the Evil King: "You know nothing about Yang Xuyan's changes?"

Shi Zhixuan fell into deep thought.

He was dressed like a scholar, exuding an even more refined and scholarly air than usual.

Even when he heard the Empress's sarcastic remarks, he seemed used to it and did not get angry at all.

A person's emotions are connected to their mental state.

No matter how well it's concealed, there will always be subtle fluctuations, which absolutely cannot be hidden from Zhou Yi at this moment.

Therefore, the Evil King's state was more stable than imagined.

“When his father was killed in his early years, I rescued him and taught him the Way of Mending Heaven. Compared to Xiaobai, his personality and talent are more suitable to be my successor.”

Shi Zhixuan remained calm:
"The hatred of killing one's father is irreconcilable, let alone the hatred of having one's country usurped. Of course I understand his little scheme."

"Therefore, I saw some of his tricks, but I didn't interfere. At that time, I was repairing my mental weakness and was absolutely certain that he couldn't escape my grasp. But as Xiaoyan said, this time I failed. I didn't expect him to have the ability to break free from my control."

Seeing that he was in a stable mood, Zhou Yi softened her tone as well:
“After he assassinated Yang Guang, he could no longer be viewed through ordinary eyes.”

A vague feeling arose in my heart that these two were a menace, and a murderous intent suddenly arose within me:
"Where are they now, the Li clan or the imperial palace?"

"Neither of them are here."

Empress Yin shook her head: "We have searched several times. It seems they are hunting down Changsun Chang, the faceless man, so he is not in the palace."

How did the Queen of the Underworld find out?

"It was Yang Xuyan who said this when he got rid of the Great Evil King Shi. It doesn't sound like a lie. Changsun Chang was the one who helped Wang Shichong disguise himself. He is Changsun Sheng's younger brother and the Demon General's uncle."

Empress Yin asked, "Why do you think Yang Xuyan said these things?"

Without Zhou Yi needing to guess, Shi Zhixuan casually replied:
"He was saying that to me, and I could feel his smugness. After suppressing his feelings for so long, he naturally wanted to talk to me more."

Shi Zhixuan's calmness surprised Zhou Yi: "It seems that the Evil King has gained a lot of insights in the Temple of the God of War."

Shi Zhixuan shook his head:

"Wrong. The War God's Manual is more like a blow to the head. Although I have improved, I am more aware of how difficult the road ahead is. The realm that seems so close is actually ethereal and elusive, and I will never be able to reach it in my lifetime."

His gaze fixed on Zhou Yi:

"Those who can reach that level are extremely rare."

"If you break through the void, don't forget about Xiao Qingxuan."

For the first time, he revealed his concern for his daughter through his words, and this time, even the Empress Dowager showed a different expression.

Zhou Yi straightened his posture and bowed respectfully, saying, "Please rest assured."

Empress Yin shifted her gaze from Shi Zhixuan's face and handed him an ancient book with the three ancient characters "Tianmo Ce" written on it.

Besides the Heavenly Demon Strategy, there is also a secret technique handwritten by the Empress Yin.

This is precisely the method for extracting the essence of relics.

"This"

Zhou Yi is preparing to bring up the matter of exchanging his lifespan.

The Empress Dowager interrupted him and began to speak:

"Back then, Yue Shan and I were husband and wife for a day, and then our daughter Shan Meixian was born. This is the method of severing love and ruthlessness that my Yin Gui School emphasizes. You must find a man that you do not love and that you will never love in the future, so I chose Yue Shan."

“She’s doing very well in the Dongming Sect, so I’m not worried about her.”

"Compared to her, Wan'er grew up by my side since she was little, and is more like my daughter."

"If the Celestial Master remembers that twenty-year extension of life, then use it on Wan'er."

Zhou Yi hadn't expected the Empress Yin to change so drastically: "Why is that? I will take care of Wan'er myself, Sect Master, you don't need to worry."

The Queen smiled intoxicatingly: "The Celestial Master is indeed not being hypocritical."

"However, those twenty years are of little use to me now. If I want to break through to the level of the Evil Emperor with the Heavenly Demon Technique, even a hundred years would not be enough."

Her tone was slightly somber when she said this.

"There's another piece of news you'll hear soon."

"Prince Yang You, who was in the Daxing Palace, died of illness."

Zhou Yi's first reaction was that Xin Naya had poisoned him. Although Li Yuan was good at killing surrendered soldiers, there was no need for him to poison Yang You at this time.

As he pondered, the Evil King of the Underworld prepared to leave.

Where are you two headed?

Empress Yin laughed and said, "Let's stay in Chang'an for now and watch the show, and see how the Celestial Master deals with the hundreds of thousands of troops in the northern desert."

“Okay,” Zhou Yi nodded, “This kind of excitement is definitely not to be missed.”

"in addition."

Zhou Yi suggested, "Once the Nine Provinces are at peace, I plan to give a sermon at the Ziwei Palace in the Eastern Capital. You two are welcome to come and listen; perhaps you will gain some insights."

His words were full of confidence, which moved even the evil king and queen.

As the most senior figure in the martial arts world, it would be a complete reversal of the natural order for a junior like Cai Jie to teach him about martial arts.

But Zhou Yi is too special.

Even after his trip to the Temple of War, he couldn't help but be moved at this moment.

Shi Zhixuan smiled elegantly and cupped his hands slightly: "Alright, I will come to bother you then."

The same applies to the Yin Queen.

Zhou Yi returned the greeting to the two.

The three of them left the courtyard of Todai-ji Temple, where Hou Xibai came to greet them. He was no longer as apprehensive as before, and he also sensed that Master Shi had changed, as his voice became much more friendly: "Master."

Shi Zhixuan responded softly and patted his shoulder.

"Xiao Bai, you are luckier than your senior brother, cherish it well."

"Yes, Master."

Hou Xibai had never encountered such a kind stone master before, and the unfamiliarity made him feel a little sad.

Although Master Shi used to be intimidating to him, all his skills were passed down from his master.

I've heard that some people are 'kind and benevolent in their old age'.

Master Shi is getting old, and so is his heart.

"Amitabha."

Master Jiaxiang clasped his hands together. He was quite moved when he saw Shi Zhixuan. He said that Shi Zhixuan was the most outstanding disciple under his tutelage.

"Shi Zhixuan, you have escaped the sea of ​​suffering."

Upon hearing the old monk's voice, Shi Zhixuan half-jokingly said, "Disciple has already attained enlightenment."

Master Jiaxing nodded: "It seems that the Temple of War is the Buddhist kingdom in your heart. If Daoxin could see you like this now, he would be very pleased."

Shi Zhixuan said:

"I will go to the Zen temple to invite the master for a drink."

Master Arakawa of Todai-ji Temple was about to speak, but then stopped.

After all, monks at Todai-ji Temple are not allowed to break their vows by drinking alcohol.

At the same time, everyone noticed an extremely bizarre scene.

The most outstanding figures from Buddhism, Taoism, and the Demonic School gathered together, yet there was no intention of fighting or killing among them.

This is something I never dared to dream of.

Shi Zhixuan and Yin Hou left, and Master Huangshan returned to his meditation room where he usually practiced.

The head monk of the Dharma Hall asked as he sat down in meditation:
"Host, why do you think the debate over the orthodox tradition ended?"

Master Huangshan said solemnly, “The Celestial Master has surpassed the three major lineages; he is the most special emperor.”

Will the struggle over the orthodox tradition end forever?

"will not."

Master Huangshan shook his head decisively: "According to the past pattern, if the Celestial Master does not shatter and depart, there will be a long period of dormancy. After this generation leaves, the struggle will begin again."

"but."

At this point, he suddenly hesitated.

The head monk of the Dharma Hall listened attentively.

Master Huangshan adopted a serious demeanor and continued, "He has already broken the rules, and I don't know what he will do after becoming emperor. I can't answer that question right now."

That evening, Zhou Yi strolled through Chang'an under the cover of night.

Hou Xibai's admiration for him grew stronger and stronger.

He even thought he was hallucinating.

The Holy Maiden of the Holy Land and the Demonic Maiden of the Demonic Sect actually accompanied Zhou Yi on his trip.

At this moment, the sentimental young master was like a novice apprentice meeting a master who had been around for centuries, filled with endless admiration and humility.

"Brother Zhou, how did you do that?"

"Give me five hundred gold coins, and I'll teach you."

Hou Xibai quickened his fanning motion: "It's fine if you don't learn it."

As they approached the tavern on Zhuque Street, Wanwan suddenly suggested, "I heard that Shanglin Garden has invited Shang Xiufang to give pointers on the repertoire. Why don't we go and take a look?"

Shi Feixuan also said, "Shang Dajia is a famous talented woman, just like Qingxuan, and she also loves calligraphy and painting."

The two men's words struck Hou Xibai like thunder.

The Holy Maiden and the Demoness invite Brother Zhou to Shanglin Garden?!
This...this...
Brother Zhou, you are a divine being.

Hou Xibai really wanted to pay to learn it.

"I'll listen to it again next time. I'll go find someone tonight."

Zhou Yi had no interest in such refined pursuits; going to the palace to find someone was the more meaningful option.

After dark, we headed straight for Daxing Palace.

The city's defenses were practically nonexistent for the four.

Yang You's death caused chaos in the palace, but it was quickly quelled. After all, Yang You was merely a puppet of the Li clan in name only, with no real power.

He explored the palace several times.

The ghosts of Yang Xuyan, Dazun, and Li Mi could not be found.

Undeterred, he went to the Li clan.

This time, they didn't find anyone, but they discovered something unusual.

Outside the Li clan's outskirts, there was a strange corpse that looked like it hadn't been dead long.

Zhou Yi didn't recognize the person.

Shi Feixuan recognized him: "It's Yuwen Shang."

The head of the Yuwen Clan, the father of Yuwen Chengdu and Yuwen Wudi.

He's dead!
This top expert of the Yuwen Clan was completely withered, his face drooping to his bones, his eyes bloodshot, and his crown chakra pierced, leaving a bloodshot eye.

His manner of death was the same as Zhao Deyan's.

"Yuwen Shang had an excellent relationship with Li Yuan, and Li Yuan's ability to control Chang'an was also due to his support."

"He died here, and the Li family didn't notice."

"Judging from the footprints, he was probably killed when he left the house."

They discussed in hushed tones, then entered the Li family mansion to inquire with Li Yuan.

Strangely, Li Yuan was not at his residence in the middle of the night.

Li Shimin was also not there.

Zhou Yi ignored the remaining Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji.

I left the Li family mansion with doubts in my mind.

The next day, Zhou Yi quickly received news that Erfeng had been staying at Chai Shao's residence all along, and that Li Yuan, who had disappeared, had returned to the Li residence.

Bu Tianzhi of the Giant Kun Gang personally delivered two messages.

One reason is that the army is about to arrive in Chang'an, and the other is related to the Xiang family in the city.

"That's strange. Yang Wengan controls a major power in Guanzhong, the Jingzhao Alliance. How did he get involved with the Xiang family?"

"You don't know this, Yang Wengan's original name was Xiang Wengan."

"What?" Hou Xibai exclaimed in surprise.

Zhou Yi said, "Yang Xuyan saw the Xiang family as having value to exploit, so he colluded with Yang Wengan. Li Jiancheng was unaware of this man's true nature and thought he was wholeheartedly supporting him. In reality, he was just a pawn in their game."

Hou Xibai suddenly realized: "My senior brother is quite capable of causing trouble in order to avenge his country and restore his kingdom."

"What are you going to do now?"

“The army has arrived, let’s take over Chang’an first,” Zhou Yi said, then looked north, “and deal with Jieli.”

"As for Yang Xuyan and his group, they will eventually show themselves."

“Once my men arrive, no matter how big Chang’an is, after a thorough investigation, they will definitely not be able to hide.”

Hou Xibai said, "Since this dried sesame seed is useful, I'll go and keep an eye on it."

Zhou Yi smiled and said, "There's no need for you to trouble yourself."

On Doumen Street, east of Chang'an, a pair of eagle eyes were fixed on the burly man in front of them.

Yang Wengan, as the leader of Jingzhaolian, is quite capable.

However, the man in black behind him was incredibly swift and had an exceptional ability to track people. Even when he was several feet away, Yang Wengan couldn't detect him.

……

"Your Majesty, an urgent report from Chang'an!"

"Bring it!"

Inside the Turkic camp, Jieli didn't wait for a report; he directly seized the intelligence, his face ashen. After reading it, he handed it to Tuli the Little Khan.

After reading it, Tuli read the contents aloud.

Besides the movements of the southern army, there was another shocking event.

"A great battle against a demonic dragon?!"

Inside the tent, Emperor Li Gui of Liang, Xue Ju of Western Qin, Liang Shidu, Liu Wuzhou, and many other leaders of the grassland tribes all changed their expressions.

Jieli snorted coldly: "What's there to be afraid of?"

"Compared to our clan's spirit hawks, the demonic dragon is merely a larger beast. You must all understand that the arrow is on the bowstring, and we must release it!"

A ruthless glint appeared in his eyes: "Besides, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

"The city wall of Chang'an, which faces us directly to the west, has been breached with a huge hole. Isn't this like opening the gates to us?!"

Liang Shidu asked guiltily, "Is the Great Khan planning to storm the city directly?"

Jieli sensed their worry, concealed his murderous intent, and calmly explained:

“We will place hundreds of thousands of troops before him, giving him an opportunity to show compassion and keep his promises. If he is not hypocritical and truly cares about the lives of the people of Chang'an, he should agree to a non-aggression pact with us.”

Then this battle won't happen, and you can all go home and sleep peacefully with your women in your arms.

Upon hearing that this was Jieli's idea, everyone echoed in unison, "Good! Let's do as the Great Khan says!"

……

(End of this chapter)